Magick of basic geometric shapes

In this article I’ll be discussing some basic symbolism behind circle, square and triangle , as well as their  practical  use in spiritual work and magick.  Are those not basic geometry stuff ? Yes and no, for they are both older, and carry more value, than   their “geometric doppelganger” images. These are the patterns present in nature probably since creation, shapes  that came to be cornerstones of, other , more complex shapes.  Circles, Squares and Triangles form cubes, pyramids , spheres, and so much more.  They unite the vertexes, while constraining and limiting the space within, which in magickal sense then becomes  transcending area. One that surpasses physical limitations, and interacts with  more planes of existence at once.  They make one of the first ideograms , as well as pictograms in some cases ( for example  circle representing  the sun ).

Circle

It would be presumptuous and  plainly, silly of me, or anyone else   for that matter, to  say that they  can explain the nature of the circle completely, and all the meaning it encompasses. For they are, much like the Circle itself, limitless in a way.

Circle is a well known shape, and  possibly one of the oldest ideograms, which had been, along with  spirals, engraved and carve into stones, bones and cave walls during Paleolithic era [1]  Circle  is without beginning and end, and thus represents wholeness, absolute, perfection,  sky, cosmos, eternity.  It’s all-inclusive and it illustrates the infinite nature of things  on various planes. 

Each circle may be seen as sacred, but certain places, all over the globe are considered to be   powerful thresholds of magickal energy, and are more often than not circular. Such as Stonehenge, and various stone circles across the England, Ireland and Scotland, Germany, Italy  and other  places. Some of them are ancestral heritage and places were the ancient powers reemerge.

Circle  symbolizes the path which Sun takes across the  sky   during the year- time, and also symbolizes the Sun itself , or the Full Moon. The circle is ideogram of Sun in astrology, and gold , sun and sometimes soul in Alchemy. Medicine wheel of Native American Indians is essentially a circle, and according to some beliefs of Native American people ,  spiritual forces  that come into this world ( physical plane ) act and spread in circles.

 In fact according to some sources , among Native American’s circle is believed to  be an embodiment of spiritual energy [2]  It’s also symbolic of repetitive time cycles, hence being base for the clock/s . In China it is representative of the Heavens. In Christianity Circle is a symbol of wholeness, Sanctity ( Halo ) and eternal life. Sometimes also symbolizes chastity and innocence, in Christian art.  Concentric circles in Christianity represent hierarchies of kind ( such as angelic hierarchies ), or like in Dante’s Inferno,  hierarchy in organization ( the 9 circles of He*l ) .

It also stresses the symbols and images that are drawn within, and beacons the focus of both the observer  or  desired force, for example in magick. Talismans, often limited with a circle are a fine example  of utilization of it’s beaconing and focusing power, so is the opening of the circle, of the Ceremonial (  High, also Higher ) magick. 

Also Circles are symbols or unity and equality. Images of people sitting around some kind of fire, or flame in circle or  Arthurian Round table come in mind, as illustrative examples of  this quality.  A circle of  equals , If You will J  Crown is a circle  that represents the perfection of the ring and the  continuous loop.  Crown of Thorns originally mocking crown, had become a symbol of sacrifice and consecration.

It may be combined with other symbols , lines, it can be “full” , or “empty”, or two or more circles can c cross or interlace,  and depending on this may have additional meanings. Some examples are given bellow:

·         Circle halved with a line ( horizontally ) that extends beyond it’s perimeters ( both ends exceed circle diameter ),  is an old ideogram found  on pictures carved into Stones in the middle of Sahara. In modern interpretation may mean: open(ed)

·         Circle halved with a line ( “diagonally” )   that extends beyond it’s perimeters ( both ends exceed circle’s diameter  ), is a symbol for a Greek letter Phi, and represents a diameter of the circle.

·         Circle crossed with Equal Armed Cross that extends beyond it’s perimeters ( both ends exceed  circle’s  diameter   ) is  an alchemical symbol  of/for oil or wax. In music it means : repeat

·         Circle halved with  horizontal line, inside the circle’s perimeter only, not crossing the border, represents Greek letter theta , and Sun in early Chinese calligraphic writings

·         Circle  “hanging” , or touching a vertical line,  in Ancient Greek was a sign for Aphrodite, in Alchemy representing nighttime

·         Circle with a Cross inscribed inside, inside the circle’s perimeter only, not crossing the border, or circumference ,   represents Earth, and/or union of four elements in which case is known as Cross of Elements. Also a symbol of Fiat  brand

·         Three Circles crossing and forming a Triqutrea In the centre , represents The Holy Trinity in Christian Art. In occultism, the symbols is belied to possess  protective and enchanting   qualities

·         Double ( one smaller, and inside  other, forming thus a relatively narrow ring )  or   a “ringed “ circle is a symbol of charisma in Buddhism , and Halo in Christianity. In Talismanic magick it’s a common motif, where the words ( text ) or symbols are inscribed in  the ring appearing betwing the two circles

·         Five fold Circle  is Celtic symbol created by interlacing five circles, equidistantly, thus forming a Quatretra in the centre, around which a Circle is drawn, and it  represents the union of the four elements with the central element which is the Spirit element [3]

·         Circle crossed  with a “diagonal” Cross, inside it’s perimeter only, not crossing the border, is  a symbol of some neutralizing quality. If it has small circles touching the circle boundary  on four spots where the Cross arms end, it’s a seal of Jupiter.

These are just  few examples to illustrate the complexity of the Circle symbolism there are  many more, that could on their own fill pages of a large book , hence can not be discussed here more  thoroughly and comprehensively

 

In occultism, as mentioned above Circle has protective, and sometimes compelling and restrictive powers, as well as power to tie two or more planes of existence. Technically speaking, when a practitioner  opens a circle they create a direct column of energy , that causes ethereal and physical plane to collide in  the  very perimeter/ area, [4] hence create  something like “sacred space” or sacred circle.  The benefit of such work is that  this perimeter is strictly limited and hence influence during the ritual is channeled somewhat faster and more precise, although not more effective than any spell/ritual done without a circle.  Furthermore, if the spell is desired to take swift effect on physical plane, affecting more targets at once ( living and/or  inanimate ) ritual in circles can be less proficient in terms of result. 

The really important role of the ritual circle is protection. In Higher or Cemremonial magick , circle is actually required, for without it the practitioner would easily fall prey to attack of the spirits they invoke, particularly  if they are of malevolent nature.  Hence the circle represents the boundary  that evil can not pass, nor can spread it’s hazardous effect in area limited by    it,  and this is why the summoner/conjurer  remains in the circle’s perimeter.

 The Square

According to Plato , alongside the circle,  square represents beauty and perfection, and for Pythagoreans, the square represented soul.  For  the Ancient Egyptian’s   it was an “emblem “ of success. In Islam square is the  shape used to represent human heart, because the faible human heart is susceptible to four influences, being : human, Celestial, Divine and Infernal, while the heart of prophets in Islamic artwork, was  depicted as triangle, for it was believed to be immune of the last influence listed.  In abstract sense  squares  are symbolic of physical plane and existence, stability, foundation, immutability, home, often represents the Earth, and sometimes the Cosmos.

As opposed to the infinity of the Circles and spirals, Squares come with limitations, which can   even be seen from   not-so-positive perspective, hence the phrase “blocked”.  The limiting and constricting power though, really refers to secluded, separated or isolated spaces, such as camps, altars,   temples or castles. Squares  also represent basic blueprints, or cornerstones, building blocks, and that is very justifying of their association with   stability and foundations.

Squares also represent:

·         The four elements,  four seasons four quarters/corners / cardinal directions

·         Four phases of human life

·         Four basic cosmic elements ( Suns, Moons, Planets, Stars )

·         May represent four Archangels ( Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel )

Combined with lines, inscribed into other symbols such as circle, or combined with them squares get additional meanings, for example:

·         Square inside circle, touching the rim in four cardinal points, which also make  corners ( vertexes ) of the square is a Chinese symbol representing Earth temple, frequently seen in Baying. In occultism , a common pattern in magickal grimoires in talismanic arts

·         Square divided pn quarters with a  cross , inscribed in it, whose line do not exceed the perimeter of the square ( inscribed in the square ) is a Chinese symbol, ideogram  for field, ground or area

·         Square with  containing a dot in the centre ( where the diagonals cross  ) is a Chinese ideogram  representing village. In meteorology the same symbols represents damp soil, and in Alchemy  urine

·         Double square, somewhat smaller square drawn inside and parallel to the larger ( much like double circle or concentric circles ) is s modern symbol indicating need for restraining, incarceration, captivation, guard , or may indicate the same.

 

Furthermore,  equal - sided  rhomb can be considered  another form of square, if the diagonales are  equa l,   for the differences regarding the spiritual uses of the two are minute and neglectable, If there are any worth of mentioning, at all.  Eye of fire, an old German/Nordic symbol , is example of such,  being  essentially an rhomb divided on quarters with one vertical and one horizontal line. 

Square can be combined with another symbol , to form a new one, which would bear  different meaning. Sometimes the two symbols may merge, and as a  good example we have octagon, which many feel  is sort of “hybrid” between  the square and the circle.

In magick and occultism square is  used in money conjurations ( see example later in the text ), legal matters , home and consequently harmony, as well as  limiting someone, although for such, a block, as a 3D structure, that combines 6 squares is used.

In magick also prominent are palindrome squares consisting of numbers , or letters, that give equal sum or word in rows and lines. Such example is Sator square , or for example  various planetary squares called kameas , for example that of Saturn, I used in Freezer spell, in another article.

Triangle

The triangle is  particularly sacred symbol in Religion,  magick,  and  alchemy. It makes either a base or sides of a pyramid, but is essential for building one nevertheless.  It’s meaning and symbolism may, though vary depending on the position of the triangle’s apex, or  the length of the edges  ,  and consequently the angles. Equilateral Triangle is a symbol of The Most Holy Trinity in the Christianity, and If it contains an eye in the centre, it’s called “The Eye of Providence” and in such ( exact ) form is purely a Christian symbol that holds no negative connotations of or in itself . Regardless of what some silly and misinformed people with paranoid tendencies will say/claim.  More on this particular symbol , hopefully on another occasion. In Islamic artwork triangle is used to depict the heart of the Saints and/or prophets, as well as human(s) consciousness , and  the principle  of harmony.

Tribe “Pueblo” from Southwestern States, see upward pointing Triangle as  a symbol  of Sacred mountain, whereas the downward pointing one represents clouds. [5] In general occult thought , upward pointed triangle represents male principle, element of fire and success.  With it’s  point upwards,  symbolically aspireing  to reach the Heavens, it’s  also the symbol of ambition.

Also , it’s  connected to arrowheads , as they are triangles themselves and thus  represents  spiritual journeys and  spiritual searching.

In a way “opposed” to it , is the downward pointing triangle,  associated with the female principle, water, introspection, meditation and drawing something inward.

Another special  geometrical, or rather, image for is that formed by ten dots that are arranged  in four  rows ,  each having one less dot than the previous, hence the  last row having four and the first only one dot.  

This image is called  Tetractys or Triad, and it was sacred to the  Phytagoreans  which can be noted by it’s appearance in certain  their prayer and oath , referred to as “Mystic Tetrad” in these [6]

Similar figure, is found in   Kabala,  where instead the dots, which represented the four first numbers, thus giving the summation of ten ( unity of a higher order, for Pythagoreans , also called the Dekad )  , letters of Tetragrammaton were used. Some  occult authors claim that the units ( monad, dyad, triad, tetrad ) are associated with the  four top spheres of Tree of Life yet such claim is very  loose and debatable.  The Tetractys  arrangement had even spawned  a specific  Tarot card spreading method.

In occultism, certain magick words such as Oknotinos, for example were “waved” into charms, by writing them in a form of decreasing, or growing triangle ( starting with word, ending with single letter or otherwise ) depending on the purpose. The Oknotinos charm ( see example latter  ) is used to decrease the fewer.

Akin to the circle and the square,   triangle too gains 

Even more symbolic meanings and attributes , If and when combined with lines, dots or other figures. Or even when merged with them, or oneself. Let’s go through few examples:

·         Equilateral Triangle pointed upwards represents the element of fire

·         Equilateral Triangle pointed downwards represents the element of water

·         Equilateral Triangle pointed  upwards crossed with a line that exceeds the perimeter of it is a  symbol of Air

·         Equilateral  sided Triangle pointed downwards  crossed with a line that exceeds the perimeter of it is a  symbol of  Earth

·         Triangle with one 90’ angle  ( a and a dot  near the very angle, is an old apothecary symbol for lead ( metal )

·         A triangle, whose base halves a circle ( whose diameter is approximately 1/3  of the triangle ‘s base length  ) is a Alchemical symbol of Salty water

·         Triangle with all sides of different length  and one 90’ angle ( a is not equal to the b nor c, “right triangle”  ) is s classic Pythagorean   triangle emblem

·         Equilateral , downward pointed triangles with altitudes meeting in orthocenter , but not expanding  from it to the edges is called “Eye of the Dragon” or “Dragon’s eye” and  is an old Germanic  ( and Nordic ) ideogram representing danger

 

Hexagram or the Star of David, symbol of Judaic faith, as well as prominent occult symbol,   can be formed by combining the  upward and downward pointing triangle.  If inscribed into circle, it’s s symbol for alchemy, or a magickal pentacle for invocation, evocation, banishment, exorcism  and protection.

Money symbol spell

Draw the  square symbol given at right in sand, near the sea. Place Your palms over it and say:

"I only seek that what I need, 

some prosperity, send my way

Spirits and Sea hear my plead

send me some money,  my debts to pay"

You can use Your own words or power . As the  waves wash awa y the symbol, the spell is done. Prefferably done when the Moon waxes.

Triangular  charm healing spell

When the Moon is on the last day of waning cycle,  day before it shall start to wax again, do the following;
On 4 pieces of paper , preferably old, but clean , or that thorn up from a brown grocery paper bag, write the word: morbus in decreasing triangle fashion, meaning start with the whole word, then remove one letter in each row, starting from the last one
"morbus
orbus
rbus
bus
us
s"
As You write it down say: "Morbus ( ego ) occidam tibi !"

Burn one paper saying: "Illness, may the fire consume You" , drop another in the river or sea ( or even flush down the toilet If nothing else is available ) saying: "Illness may the water drown You", shred the third and release it in the winds ( or from some high place, such as top of the building, mountain etc. but try and plan to do this when there is some wind ) saying: "Illness may the winds blow and scatter You away" , and bury the final piece saying: "Illness, may the Earth decompose You"

On the first night of the waxing phase of the Moon ( New Moon ) take a single white or natural beeswax candle, place it atop of piece of paper on which You have written "sanitas" in growing Triangle fashion, starting with  one letter and finishing with the whole word ( s, as, tas, itas,...Sanitas ) , dress the candle with some healing oil If You have any, then light the candle and say:

Dei ego precor
Morbus evanescit,
Dolorem sistit
Sanitas restituendus sit.

When the candle burns all the way down, take the charm and the wax remaining and bury it all in Your yard,  in a  flower pot,  with  some long lasting plant , or in the forest. Under an Olive, Oak or Pine tree would be most suited If possible.

Hope You find this little bit of info  on symbolism and  and the practical application of same in magick   interesting   and helpful too

Many Blessings, lot of luv, Shadow  :)


NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself , should You wish to use any part of it elswhere  online, You may,  but add credits  Shadow of Shadow's magick  place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND RERENCES:

[1] According to “Illustrated Encyclopedia of  signs and symbols” by Mark O’Connell and Raje Airey 

[2] As stated on this wonderful and informational website :   http://www.whats-your-sign.com/circle-symbol-meaning.html

[3] According to, and for more information; http://www.whats-your-sign.com/five-fold-celtic-meanings.html

[4] According to Western Occult though,  discussed in works of Israel Regardie, as well as Franz  Bardo n

[5] According to the source listed under [1]

[6] According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetractys where both  the prayer and the oath are listed, for the reader’s convenience

IMAGE CREDITS: All the artwork and images is/are created by myself

 

Snow and Ice magick

I dedicate this post to my dear friend Eissy , who intoduced me to the Jotun, and was
very inspirational and helpful in writing this post, many Blessings dear !

Judging by the cloudy Imbolc, and ephemeral flowers that already started blooming here ( Geraniums, Daisies , Buttercups…)  winter should not last longer than what is calendar-ly  due to it J  If You compare the winter snowfalls and  spring  sceneries, many will pick up the second, while the first will be described as cold, lifeless , bland. While this may be true from purely biological perspective,  snow filled fields are magickaly valuable and a great source  much like the colorful and vivid spring sceneries. And so is Ice. For  at the bottom line , snow is granulated ice.

So physically speaking snow is a precipitation that occurs, when the colder air front meets the low-pressure ( atmospheric ) systems ,while moving within or upward the system.  So the snowflakes, a frozen - water crystalline patters form and fall from the clouds.  

The very phenomenon is ever so magickal and enticing for me, and  it’s safe  to say many other people  in this world. Although taken for granted,  by people who are overly “grounded” and concerned with but most pragmatic life aspects ( such as work, money, and so on ) both snow and ice are terrible forces, that can affect life , and do affect life  on this planet greatly. From vegetation  and animal , to humans , we all adopt to the weather and the obstacles that it may put in front of us. 

Now which people always knew how to tap into nature, however ferocious and threatenin’, from time to time she gets , and use what she send s in their own advantage ? Witch people, indeed J  Living as  a practitioner means being resourceful, cunning and perceiving, grasping what nature sends our way, and using  it our benefit. So the snow and ice, that normally inhibit and cool , can be used to inhibit or cool something, even to make it vanish, or If need be hinder someone in particular, diminish and delay negative things  and many other.  Also attune to the spirits, creatures and even cultures that linger, dwell and persist in snow  wrapped areas, or in times of Winter.  Gives us chance to attune to Creatures such as Wendigo, Yuki – onna , Etin(s) and so on. 

Spirits of Snow and Ice

Here are some spirits associated with snow and ice, either by such surroundings  being their own habitat, birthplace,  or the mentioned elements are under their dominion

·         Snow Queen is  a  actually a fictional character in the Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, but is certainly based  either on a single deity, or few Pagan deities that share similar characteristics.

“The snow-flakes grew larger and larger, till at last they looked just like great white fowls. Suddenly they flew on one side; the large sledge stopped, and the person who drove rose up. It was a lady; her cloak and cap were of snow. She was tall and of slender figure, and of a dazzling whiteness. It was the Snow Queen. “[1]   is a description given in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale “Snow Queen”

Most of the authors claim the character of  The Snow Queen to be based on the Norse Jotun deity Skadi,  which was considered a goddess* of winter .  She was said to have been a formidable warrior, hunter, and born in the house of Asgard.   If we look more carefully into Snow Queen’s psychology and even appearance, we will see that if infact she was based solely on the Skadi goddess of Norse, the “basing” was pretty loose, at best. Skadi , though  vindictive   and with strong temperament, was also reasonable and just when needed, and  had stoically fulfilled   her agreement to marry  someone chosen solely upon inspecting their feet.  All of which Snow Queen is not , she is cold, often emotionless, impassive ,  uninterested in romantic partner,  cruel without real need, and certainly  far from wearing huntress’ clothes . By temperament she resembles more the Slavic deity Morana – goddess of winter, death and snow, who enjoyed the  cruelty, puzzles, snow , ice and lifelessness, and was very bland in regards of emotions.  She reportedly wears long black robes,  with black cape, and sometimes has pitch black eyes, although of very fair appearance otherwise, with a pale snowy skin.

I think we can safely conclude that Snow Queen is more an embodiment of Winter, and possible mixture of various pagan deities associated with snow, rathe r than being simply based on a single Norse goddess. She’s also a skilled and powerful sorceress, who likes giving a touch of ice on everything she is able , and would love to see the whole world covered in snow and ice, if only she wa s able to do such.  She is beautiful and stylish, of firm , resistant, but still very admirable, classy and beautifu l  appearance, much like ice  and crystal.

·         Jotun ( or Etin/s ) are giants in Norse mythology, thought to precede Aesir deities, and sworn enemies of the same ( even though several Aesir deities consorts  are actually Jotun-ic ) who live in places wrapped in snow and ice, isolated, cruel and non- supportive of any physical living being survival.  Since these are often remote  freezing mountain tips, they are often described as “mountain spirits” as well. Here is a description of them, by a  respectable occult author: 

 

“Jotuns are wild, nocturnal beings identified with ice, stone and hailstorms” [2]  In modern  witchcraft, more so that based on Heathenry, they might be seen as Elementals of Ice ( Water ) sometimes even as Watchtowers of the North, such as in given example:

“…Inscribe in the air to Symbolic North a symbol of ice. Visualize an

ice elemental (rime-etin) positioned there and say:

Spirit and Power of the Snow,

King and Queen of the Rime-Etins,

Spirit of the Ice-Wand,

Defend and Witness this Rite,

Guard and Shield this Sacred Space,…” [3]

An online source though, states how Etins , are not the same as Jotus, furthermore, that the earlier are, unlike the latter, friendly to the  Heathen ruling deities . Same source later states: “Those inhabiting icy Niflheim were known as frost giants”  [4]

·         Yuki Onna , is a Japanese “bakemono” type of spirit,  that has great deal of power in controlling snow, ice, blizzards and snowflakes. It is regarded as  highly unfriendly,    ranging   to  extremely malevolent spirit depending on regional lore difference/s.  She is referred also as  “Lady of The Snow”, or  “Snow Princess”. She appears in midst of the raging snowstorms, wearing but a thin white kimono, or nothing at all sometimes , gliding over snow, as she misses feet, or even riding a large white snow wolf. Sometimes she will appear carrying a baby in her hand, which she seeks to be held  for a moment, by the people she meets stuck in the storm, which upon taking the baby in their hand become instantaneously  frozen. She may simply decide to freeze someone with her breath or conjure the amount of snowflakes that will suffocate and/or freeze the victim, if the extremely  strong cold winds don’t rip the victim apart prior to it. Occasionally, she is even said to enter  the dwellings and gives and icy kiss to those sleeping,  which is lethal,  though compared to her other methods of killing, rather  merciful.  She mostly reveals to those trapped in the snowstorms, and  has  become a part of both works of classic Japanese literature and popular fiction literature and media all over the world.  There are records that speak of her acts of mercy too, where she either spares someone life or even  help those lost in storms to find their way out, which is the opposite of what she normally does, misleads people so they get lost and die in the storm.

“More malevolent legends  sugges that Yuki Onna does not  appear just when it snows, she actually creates blizzards trapping  people in them” [5]

·         Windigo , also known as Wendigo, is a cannibalistic monster/spirit appearing in ( northern  ) Native American legends. The very name means: “evil spirit that devours mankind/humans”, which reflects Wendigo’s horrific  insatiable hunger for human flesh, which he so gladly consumes in great amounts. Judika Illes, in her brilliant work “Encyclopedia of Spirits”  clearly distinct spirit and human Windigo, the latter being  a human possessed with Windigo spirit or overtaken by same, often as a result of either human’s cannibalism or  , their misfortune to be struck with Wendigo fever, a curse that may either kill of turn into another Windigo. Windigo can allegedly be harmed or killed by using silver bullets or knifes, or “shattering it’s icy heart” [6]

I added Windigo to this list of spirits, as it’s among other things believed to  be accustomed to cold , snowy and icy  weather and environment. Also,   sudden and very strong snow storms  ( strange , unexpected ) are often believed to accompany them, and announce their arrival

“Since the Wendigo constantly hungers for human flesh, it wreaks destruction in its pursuit of its chosen prey. It crashes through the forests, all the while uprooting trees, causing game animals to stampede, and causing whirlwinds. The monster is often thought to be the cause of ice storms, tornadoes, and violent winds. All of these weather-related phenomena are believed to signal the Wendigo’s presence.” [7]

So not only that Windigos are not affected by cold, but they get their strength from in , in fact,  they are reputed to fear hot and  fire element in general.

“Windigos are spirit of ice, snow and winter” [8]   “Windigos experience the opposite of hibernation; they become more active during  winter. [9]

Various protective charms, even generic ones   are very efficient in  repelling  them, more so  If they are in spiritual form.

·         Morana   was the Slavic goddess of winter and death.  All the winter disasters, snow, and death were believed to come from her.  Three principal attributes associated with her were: death, snow and darkness [10]  She was feared, and unpopular among Slavic people, which was understandable considering  the circumstances  Slavic people were faced with in those times  ( they lived from agriculture mostly, climate was harsh and winters cold and long ) ,  which is to attribute for her notoriety really. Midelage Christian source ( “Mater Verborum”    )  compare Morana to Hecate and associate her with sorcery .   [11] She was seen as very tall and gracious,  extremely pale, with black hair,   embellished with crystal and icicles , which in some tales embellish her black  dress. Fangs and long icy fingernails ( in some stories even claws ) were the only things ruining her cold, but dazzling beauty. To me these things are quite resembling to the description of Hans  Christian Andersen’s  “Snow Queen”.  The opposed force of Morana, was Vesna, goddess of spring, fertility, vegetation, life and nature. Near the end of winter,  varying in exact date, among different groups of Slavic people, festivities were held   to celebrate the winter’s end, when Morana’s effigy was burnt at public ceremonies, ritually, in order to help the spring come faster.

 

·         Jack Frost , is a personification of the Winter,  frost, cold weather , possibly just being another  face of Old man Winter,  which was an  mythological character in England , based on  deity Wooden.  He is sometimes depicted as mischievous spirits,   though he is mostly seen as careless,  playful spirit that leaves frosty fern like looking patterns and shapes on windows in the morning.  Anyhow, Jack frost is another sprits with some power over  frost , snow and in some versions , ice   too

“Jack Frost is friendly but if provoked, he will kill his victims by covering them with snow.” [12]

Frost on the window

Some people associate them with Frost Thurses, which are essentially frost- Etin ( rime-Etin ) , as discussed earlier in  the article, but I personally don’t  see the connection, because for one Jack Frost is not an giant, nor  does his behavior or character resembles to those of Etin.

   ·         Cailleach and Granny Martha – Callieach ,   also known as the Cailleach Bheur , is a Celtic ( Irish, and  Scottish mostly )   deity,  or an chtonic ( possibly ancestral too  ) spirit , associated with Winter and excerting some sort of “dominion” over nature during  winter months from  Samhain to the Beltaine.  She “fights” arrival of the spring, and If she goes  out from her house on Imboloc to get  wood for  her  fireplace, it is said that the winter shall be long ( longer than due according to the calendar ) and severe. If Callieach does go out for the wood , the Imboloc will be sunny, hence  cloudy Imboloc, foretells swift Spring arrival.

“The Cailleach displays several traits befitting the personification of Winter: she herds deer, she fights Spring, and her staff freezes the ground” **

Granny Martha – is a Slavic, more precise Serbian and Montenegrin ( sometimes found in Bosnia and Croatia too ) folklore character, a sprit, of  cold and tricky  weather, which opposed to the natural climate of the given period. Namely late March, hence the name***  In most of the areas , it is believed that the  unpredictable spring climate and weather “incidents” that occur due to it , are to attribute to this sprit, who was once a human.  She was an old  lady that lived in the mountains, and one Marth she went , along with 40 lambs. Even though the weather had been fair for days, warm,  the  hasty and unpredictable side of it  was show, and a  terrible blizzard started entrapping the poor old lady and her lambs, freezing them to death. Though a terrible faith, it resulted In elevating the poor granny to a “higher” level of existence giving her certain authority and power over elements.  It’s believed ( here ) that ever since,   as of late March and forty  days onward , she causes weather swings, so You can have rain, wind, snow, warm and sunny all in one day. Don’t know If Granny Martha’s playing tricks or what, but indeed  ever after  15^th of March, up to somewhere late April here,  the weather is terribly unpredictable and prone to abrupt changes.  Old folks   upon commenting on weather in late March often say ( even nowadays )  : “it’s Granny Martha , and her 40 lambs”.  That’s also why such weather is said to last for 40 days.

 The Symbolism and magickal power of snow and ice

Snow is mentioned around 23 times in Bible ,  mostly as a mean of comparison. In The Old Testament it’s pale white color is often compared to leprosy  symptoms, or as  another miracle Lord used to  communicate with his children,  for example, as stated in Job 37: 5-7, so that people may know his power too:

 ⁵ “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
⁶ He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
⁷ So that everyone he has made may know his work,
he stops all people from their labor” [13]

Snow is also ( along with frost and ice ) regarded as powerful and formidable  weather to be feared, that can  be inflicted upon humans  as a punishment for their sins

 “  ¹⁵ He sends his command to the earth;
his word runs swiftly.
¹⁶ He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.
¹⁷ He hurls down his hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand his icy blast?”  [14]

In David’s Psalm, as well as in New Testament snow is a symbol of purity and wool like tenderness , also a precipitation that feeds that Earth and thus enables fruitful yields . Clothes of Archangel that rolled back and  sat on the rock placed on Christ’s tomb place was described  to had appeared    as  an lightning,  with clothes white as snow (Matthew 28:2-4 )

“¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.^[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good things of the land; “ [15]

Ice is described as produced by G’d breath , that freezes  the waters,   much like the moisture with which the G’d   empowers the  clouds and cold winds he sends  , all  illustrating Lord’s dominion over elements and nature ( Job 37:9-11 )

Snow is in occultism created from  the interaction  of  two elements, being Water and Air,   so is ice , even   though some  authors  view ice  as  Water and   Earth combination,  due to its firmness, durability and crystalline   structure.  Snow embodies spiritual tranquility, serenity, purity as well as glamour.
Dreaming of snow is indicative of various things, depending on appearance of the  snow in our dream.  So, dreaming of the filthy snow indicates that the dreamer feels how some  aspect of their personality was tainted some way.  Dreaming of watching the snow fall is indicative of new chances, beginnings , peace and tranquility. Playing in the snow is indicative of chance, that  must be seized swiftly, before  it vanishes.  Dreaming of snow sceneries  implies that  the dreame r is inhibited in some way, or rather self-inhibited , locking up inside some emotions  that should be released, set free. It may also be  reflective  of personal frigidity,  possibly blandness of a kind too.   Discovering things in snow, finding items,   means You either have, or will soon tap onto some hidden potential of Yours, or talent, or skill.
Dreaming of snowstorm  suggest one feels left out, isolated , or shuts away on purpose , from other people. Snowflake  represents individualism , and chance ,  also success.

Ice  or  Nifl is one of  two primordial elements ( along with fire ) in Heathenry, that colliding with fire, caused creation in general, created Ymir, primordial Jotun, who was  frosty in nature.

Ice bears similar meaning in dreams, it’s indicative of  temporary lackage of ideas, thoughts  or can also be  sign that the dreamer is taking  unnecessary and hazardous risks. Falling through ice in dreams predicts emotional “crash” ( trauma , breakdown, stress, lack of control ), and dreaming of ice cubes can suggest self inhibition , as well as need to cool off, or control some excessive emotions , for example  unbalanced anger. Seeing someone frozen or in an ice cube indicates that You have reserved feelings and are closed to this person or vice versa. 

Now some examples, of snow and ice magick

Vanishing snow spell

The idea comes from Cunningham’s work on  Natural magick [16],   to use snow infused with something You wish to banish, vanquish or make disappear. The concept is simple, we transfer some  of the energy  of the condition to snow, then sprinkle it with salt. Such snow will act like an effigy in a way, and as it melts so will the negative condition.
So You need to get a bowl of snow, finely packed , full almost to the rim. Then when You take it inside , You are to place Your palms over it and say something along the lines:

The aches and pains, and habits bad,
Thoughts that make, one angry or sad,
Take now snow, within yourself
Absorb  impure, and bring me health

( adopt the words to Your need )

Then sprinkle half a handful of rock salt over it and say something along the lines:
“Evil contained within the snow

You shall not thrive, You shall not grow

By my side You shall no longer dwell

This spell bids You forever farewell”

( again adopt by need this is merely my suggestion )

Let the snow melts, if need be You may evaporate any remaining, or pour  down the drains. Cunningham suggest  ritual like this to be done for 9 consecutive nights.

Hinder someone dangerous

Fashion a poppet  to represent the target. Name , “baptize” and consecrate the poppet, than place it outside just before snowfall or even better, blizzard. If there’s already some snow, make sure that the poppet protrudes at least  from waist above from snow. While placing it You may say something along  these lines ( various times ):

“Snow and Ice, shall cross Your path

Keep You still, and of short breath”

When You wish to release    the  person of the spell , simply remove the poppet from the snow, say : “I release You” and burn the poppet.

Cooling  and Uncrossing snow baths

This bath is used to reduce fever and lust, it’s a chastity bath. Take a bowl of snow and ad few drops of Lavender oil and Camphor or Coconut oil, and pray over it  to help You  cool You off and reduce fever,  or lust.  Then add it to the hot tab water and  bathe.
The following bath is used to remove and negate crossings, particularly hot footing and foot poisoning .

Add Hyssop leaves or Hyssop essential oil  to a bowl filled with fresh, clean white snow, and also add a piece of silver, preferably broken chain , although any Silver will do.  Pray over it, David’s Psalm  ( 51^st ) then also 91^st   , and Exodus  6:6-7  , Psalm 37^th   ; 14-15 , and let it stay overnight. Next day add this to some vessel large enough to place Your feet in, add enough boiling water to which a pinch of blessed salt and spoon of Holy water was added ( enough to make a warm bath )  and place Your  feet in.  Soaking Your feet, or rubbing them say:
 
“Lord, I  cry to You for help! Deliver me from wicked snares of evil people and evil spirits! From poison that comes through feet, or mouth, from fire caused by evil. Deliver me , oh Lord for I have no other refuge than You, and You are my Creator and my Savior. Make me as pure as new , fresh snow, which extinguishes fire of evil. And as the snow melts and vanishes with spring, may all evil sorceries, tricks, fascinations , poisons  vanish from me, and my house. Take  them away Lord and set me free, I implore You!  Have mercy upon me Lord, and save me from evil. Amen!”

Freezer Ice binding spell

This is a simple, popular binding spell, that requires little and does wonders, for preventing people from harming someone.

It’s no more than my personal variation of this  very popular spell, and it goes something like this J :

Saturn's kamea ( planetary
square )

On one side of the paper  draw Satun’s kamea . On the other side of the paper  write   the name of the person who You wish to bind or stop from harming You on a piece of paper, nine times , If You have some personal concern/s of the person or a photo, add that too. Place it on the bottom of some container. Then pour water over it, or  If the person is really  nasty, You may pour   Knotgrass infusion.  Place in the freezer, in the  frozen products compartment.

As long as   it remains frozen, You should be safe from the harm that person could devise towards Yourself, however, If   they pose threat no more, release them by placing the ice to melt outside ( I do it on the crossroads ) saying something along the lines:

“I release You from this binding, with harm to none, and for benefit of all !”

 Cunningham’s Ice magick  Money spell

This is a spell by Sir Scott Cunningham, as given in his work “Earth, Air, Fire & water”  , which I warmly recommend to read for anyone into Natural magick , and Elements magick.  It calls for materializing , conjuring power of the ice, with symbolically freezing money in some ice cubes which are latter used in bath. In essence this is a magickal bath. Here is the description of the spell in short, paraphrased:
For the spell You will need five  ice cubes tray ( one that makes them at least an inch square ),  five quarters or other smaller demonination depending on the type of currency used  where You live. And You are to place  one by one, in five cube forms.   Then , the reader is suggested  to place the hands , palms down over the ice cube tray and visualize money coming their way. Then  it’s left to freeze, inside or outside, depending on circumstances, and conditions.   When one is about to take a bath, they  are to remove the ice cubes from the tray, and place them in a bowl or  on a plate.  Removing the clothes ,  practitioner is suggested to sit before the tab, holding the cubes and saying:

“Hot and cold,
Mix well for me,
Help me win
Prosperity” [17] 

Finally , the cubes are tossed into the  bathwater , and one bathes “absorbing” the transformative powers of ice and   luck and money drawing powers of the coins.

Preserving beauty spells

I came up with these simple spells, to  help preserve the beauty  and youthful appearance, evoking preserving and resistance qualities that ice naturally possess.
·         Make an infusion of the Lemon balm ( Melissa ) , Rosemary and Basil. Pour  the into an ice tray and use the ice when the moon is Waxing or better yet Full,  either in bath, or rub over parts of the body You wish to make more beautiful, If You can stand it.
·         Take a Rose that bloomed on Beltaine, preferably one that still retains morning dew, and is  whole, undamaged and beautiful. Place  it in some vessel, and pour some water over it, saying : As this Rose will remain whole and beautiful  in this ice, much longer that it’s  due, so shall I , through this charm retain power to remain young and beautiful. So mote it be!  Replace  each Beltaine.
·         Place some of Your personal concerns on a paper ( like nails and hair ) with Ouroboros symbol, and place it all on the bottom of some small container. Pour some Green blood of the Earth over it  and say :

Regenerate, refresh, then last for long
Beautiful body, and spirit strong
Resist the age, and   harsh of  time
Be always fair and always shine !

Let it freeze, and then left it frozen for one Lunar cycle, beginning and ending  on the Full Moon. Afterwards,   pour it all under some long lasting tree, such as Olive for example, or Pine.

Snow calling spell

Most of the weather spells are unpredictable, and snow “conjuring” spells even more,  If  for nothing else, then because of the fact that no one really needs snow. Rain may be necessity, or even stopping the rain  can, be so can invoking and banishing the winds,  but when it comes to snow,  there is no real need for it.  However If You decided You still  want to try and invoke the snow,  try this simple ritual:
Prepare a small Jade or Ametrine  crystal ( If neither are available, You may try with Quartz ) and inscribe it with following runes:

Laguz, Hagalaz, Isa ( If You feel so inclined You can use Hagalaz alone )

You can combine them into a bindrune If  You are skilled in such.



Example of possible bindrune to be used in this spell

Take a small glass bowl , or alternatively dig a small hole in the Earth.   Fill it with water, and You may add some ice scrapes, or ice cubes. Now Hold the stone in Your hand ,  picture the snow falling, extended  the hand  towards the  sky while saying:

Cold and white,  though soft as wool
Snow I need,  now here to fall
Sylphs and Undines, Air and Water
Hear my plea, and converse together,
Raise the water and air, then release them low
Make them cover land in ( the ) form of snow      !

Then place the crystal in the water. Remove  after awhile , and pour the water on  earth, or if it was in the hole, sprinkle some around.

Hope this was an interesting read, many blessing , Shadow :)

NOTES: This  article was written and composed by me, so If  You wish to use any part of it eslwhere online, feel free, but add credits  ; Shadow of Shadow's magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post.
CREDITS AND  REFERENCES:
[1] The description of the Snow Queen is  retrieved from : http://www.online-literature.com/hans_christian_andersen/972/

[2]  Quoted from Judika Illes’ “The Encyclopedia of Spirits”  ( 532^nd page )

[3]Excerpt  from Norse elemental calling spell, retrieved from : http://www.ladyoftheearth.com/elements/calling-norse.txt
[4] According to:  Etins , in Norse mythology dictionary;  http://www.terrapsych.com/gods2.html
[5] Same as under [2], from  page 1026^th here
[6] According   to http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Wendigo
[7] Quoted from the source given  under [6], for explanatory and  illustrative purpose here, no ill will 
[8] Source as under [2] , page  1009^th
[9] Source as under [2] , page 1010^th
[10] According to “Slovenska mitologija” (  transl. “Slavic mythology” )  , 65^th page, by Nenad Gajic , publisher Laguna, 2011^th
[11] as stated on here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marzanna
[12] Quoted from :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Frost on Jack Frost

[13]  Retrieved from : http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+37:5-7&version=NIV
[14]  Retrieved from : http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+147:15-17&version=NIV
[15]   Retrieved from: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+1:17-19&version=NIV
[16] Cunningham Scott, “Earth, Air, Fire,    & Water”, Llewellyn publications, Woodbury , Minnesota

[17] Cunningham Scott, “Earth, Air, Fire, & Water” page 132^nd  , Llewellyn publications, Woodbury , Minnesota

IMAGE CREDITS: Winter's landscape depicted at the  top ( begining  ) of the article is a generic image that came with my cellphone, and alas I have no idea who to credit, but all credits to the creator , of course. It was used here for illustrative and explanatory purposes without ill will.  Winter Queen image is  a photography depicting part of illustration from a very old, Croatian edition,  of collection of Fairytales, consisting of four volumes. The edition is older than  40 ages, and was never repreinted ( it was a single edition ), and the photography shows  just a section of image, which  is  edited by myself, and used here  without any ill will.

 Frosty window  ( illustrating Jack Frost   entry and description ) Image : http://claudiarohling.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/06_011_4.jpg  ; Saturn’s square image: http://altreligion.about.com/od/westernocculttradition/ig/Planetary-Magical-Squares/Magic-Square-of-Saturn.htm Both used for illustrative and explanatory purposes  , and without ill will

The Bindrune image , with explanation is my own work