Witchcraft

The Pentacle or Pentagram, a five pointed star is a very common symbol throughout Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism. Adding a Pentacle to the play scene adds another Witchy flavour to the fun.

Needle play is a technique enjoyed by both tops and subs. It involves inserting a fine needle just under the skin and for about half to three-quarters of an inch. Often a series of needles are inserted and a ribbon wrapped around them to form a pleasing pattern. A pentacle can be just such a pattern.

Try this:

You will need:

5 sterile hypodermic needles about 1.1/2 inches long, 21 gauge is good.

Sterile gloves,

Sterile swobs

Sterile cotton wool wipes.

Approximately 6 feet of coloured ribbon, about 1/2 inch wide (Colour of your choice, black or red is good)

Antiseptic ointment

All the above are easily available on-line.

What to do:

Firstly remember that you are piercing the skin so attention to cleanliness is essential.

With the submissive laying face up (tied is good) imagine a circle about 10 to 12 inches in diameter on the belly of the sub centred around the naval. Make five marks equidistant around the circle starting at the base of the breast bone.  Using a sterile swab to clean the area around the insertion point, Insert a needle just below the skin, at each of the five points around the circle, with the point towards the centre of the circle (naval). Insertion may bleed a little and should only be minorly painful wipe away any blood with a sterile swob. Once inserted a small piece of electrical sleeving over the point of the needle will prevent further accidental puncturing.

With the five needles inserted wrap the ribbon, starting at the needle at the base of the breast bone (call this one North if you like). From North run the ribbon down and around the lower right hand needle (the sub's right) (call this one South West), Now take the ribbon up and around the upper left needle (North East). Then across to the upper right needle (North West). Next down and around the lower left (South East) and finally back to the starting point at North. Tie the two ends of the ribbon close to the North point. (Snip off the spare to keep things tidy, or leave it long if you want to use it again)

You now have the pentacle laid out on the submissive's belly.

In the magical world the points of the pentacle correspond to the four elements, with the fifth representing the Spirit World. North is the Spirit World with the colour purple, North East is Air, with the colour yellow, North West is Earth with the colour green, South West is fire, colour orange and South East is Water with the colour blue. For and added touch, in the triangle forming each of the points of the star, drip hot wax onto the skin in the appropriate colour and using white of the centre section. 

As an alternative to hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles or surgical staples can be used.

This post describes setting up a pentacle on the submissive's belly. Of course a pentacle can be placed in other areas of the body. Move it down a little and centre it around the gentiles, move it up to the chest and maybe even use the nipples for the North West and East points. Turn the sub over and place it on the back or on the buttocks. In the latter case a good spanking to turn the sub's bottom nice and pink and tender, can enhance the torture/tease aspect. Adding the hot wax further increases the fun/pain.

Use your imagination and enjoy.

I have touched on this subject in an earlier post, here is more about it.

Picture a submissive laying stretched out. Naked, with head, upper body, arms, hips, legs, ankles and feet firmly bound. Perhaps also with blindfold and gag. Fully restrained, unable to move and totally helpless, under the complete control of the top who has placed him/her there. Maybe you are that sub, or maybe you are the top, whichever, the trust between the two is so much that the submissive can relinquish them-self fully into the care of the top and enjoy the feel of the bondage around their body. An ideal opportunity for the sub to slip away into that delicious and wonderful mental place called "Sub-splace". A mental state likened to the Zen meditative trance, and much loved by many subs.

All is well, or is it. In the above scenario the submissive is very vulnerable to attack (not from the top, we assume that there is no danger from that direction) from negative energy. Protection is needed.

Magical energy is all around us, everywhere in our lives, including our play space, be it a dungeon, a playroom or just a bedroom. At playtime, emotions in the special place run high and effect the quality of play. Magical energy can be both positive and negative and it is the latter that is most likely to spoil the fun and reduce the pleasure for both top and sub. The restrained submissive is especially vulnerable to negative energy, more so when he/she is in or moving towards sub-space. Driving out negativity and preventing it's further intrusion is a job of magic.

Starting with the space, a magical practice known as 'Smudging' is useful here. This involves burning certain herbs and allowing the smoke to cleanse the atmosphere. There is plenty of information about Smudging on-line. Smudging can include all equipment that is in the space and even yourself and your sub.

When the submissive is bound and at his/her most vulnerable, burning a spell candle with an invocation to the magical deity can be a good way to protect the person. The candle should of course be previously prepared (I have already spoken about this in an earlier post) and the  invocation can be one written by either yourself or someone else (there are lots on-line). A White candle is suitable and a Black candle can also be most effective. The candle should be allowed to be completely burned down and the remains discarded not for further use. Other candles can be burned at the same time, for example a Red candle to promote sexuality, excitement and arousal.

I like to place the candle at the head of the bound sub (giving due attention to safety of course). If I am burning incense in the playroom, which I like to do, I tend not to use a scented candle unless I'm sure that the two perfumes will not clash.

The protective candle should continue to burn after the submissive is released from bondage and throughout the 'After-care' time.

Never forget to give After-care...

Make it so!

For many Witches, the moon plays a huge part in their craft. Even if you don't believe in magic, take as look out on a clear night at the silver moonlight washing over a woodland scene and try to tell my that it isn't magic. (Don't bother, I wont believe you).

The moon has been a constant companion to our home since long before we were born and will go on to honour us with it's energy " 'till It Doth Wax and Wane No More"

The moon is a symbol of the Triple Goddess and her silvery light corresponds to the Silver that is the ascribed to the feminine half of the great deity. The moon gives us so much, but this post is not really about the moon, (that for another time perhaps) it is about how to use the moon's energy in our craft and play.

I have spoken already about candles and the need to cleanse and charge them for use in magic. Moonlight is a most excellent magical medium for removing negativity and energising our candles with good and positive power. Placing candles in direct moonlight for a time, will prepare them for use in our craft. Of course, if a candle is to be used for a particular spell or ritual then further preparation may be needed, but the moonlight treatment is always a good place to start. 

The potency of the energy that the moon sends to us in her light, is according to her phase. Rising from the "Dark of the Moon" to a peak at the "Full Moon". Cleansing and charging your candles can be done at any phase of the moon, except perhaps at the Dark Time before the New Moon.

Quite how you achieve the Cleansing and Charging is very much up to you and your unique and chosen rede. You may be part of a Coven who have an agreed ritual for work with candles or you may have your own ideas. You are free to choose for yourself.

I am a solo Witch and this is what I do:

On my deck outside my house I have a place where the moonlight falls. On the evening of a full moon, I make a pentacle on the ground and draw a magic circle around it marked out with stones. Before closing the circle I place my candles in the centre and ask the Goddess to cleanse and charge them for me. I have a special silver tray on which I place my candles. I then close the circle and leave it overnight.  The following morning I re-open the circle and recover my newly cleansed and charged candles.

A full moon is due in a few days time and I am already beginning to gather together the candles that are to be cleansed and charged. I have a special Silver candle that I shall burn during the Full Moon in honour of the Goddess.

 "If you think you know magic, then you don't really know magic"

With thanks to Richard Feinmann

When you mislay something it is usually irritating. Here is a short spell for finding something that is lost...

Think about the item that you have lost, picturing it in your mind.

Say the following:

Magical keeper of all items mislaid.

Help me to find the thing that I need,

In Air or in Water, in Earth or in Flame,

Reveal to my eye the thing safely again.

The above little dit is a bit crass, by all means replace it with your own, Remember to acknowledge the Keeper the Magic and the Elements. By all means replace the word thing with your own object.

Lost love in another matter and there are many other spells on line for finding the that 

I'm sorry Ladies, Lost Virginity is gone for ever....

Candles are everywhere - especially in Witchcraft, so also then in BDSM Witchcraft. 

Candles give illuminate the playroom, they take part in play, and for those who use them, form an important part in spellwork and magic. 

Observe or experience the tantalising affect of Candle wax play, where hot wax from lit candles is dripped onto those oh so sensitive parts of the submissives body, delicious!

The warm, soft flickering glow of a candle illuminated play room of dungeon in juxtaposition to the toying teasing torture of a submissive body under the domination of the master!

When casting spells in the playroom, candles play a big part in the magic.

In witchcraft, the colour of the candle is important. Different colours have a different effect on the spells. Red candles enhance the sexual excitement  and build up arousal. Black candles, protect the vulnerable submissive when under the control of the master and having surrendered everything to the person who is in charge, from any dark or negative spirits who may try to intrude and spoil the fun.

Candles with colours throughout the rainbow each have their own uses both in and out of the playroom some who lend themselves to the play and some less so. 

If for no other reason than aesthetics, try burning candles in your next session.....

I have mentioned that I cast spells when I am active in BDSM (as in fact I do in all other areas of my life) but I have not really gone into any detail about the spells that I use. That is deliberate, and it is not that I have any problem with others using my spells. I write my own spells and rituals, which is the best way to perform magic in my opinion. My own spells have the element of me in them and are much more likely to be effective because I know what they are meant to achieve. Much better than using the spells that others have composed. 

Those of you who are already into Witchcraft will I'm sure have your own list of spells and do not need any instruction from me. Those of you who are not into Witchcraft do not use spells, and those of you who would like to get into the craft will begin to learn and discover for yourselves what spells you need along the way. Look on the internet and begin to learn about this most fascinating craft, take up what resonates with you and ignore or put to one side that that does not.

Spells comprise several stages.

Intent - this is most important and great care should be taken to clarify in your mind what it is you want to achieve with magic. Take into account the possible side effects of the spell when it is successful and try to eliminate the negatives that might occur. A carelessly thought out spell can have disastrous results, cause harm and damage, or just not work.

Construction - Once the intent is clear in your mind, write it out to further clarify what you are trying to do. Use proper language and read it through at least once. (you don't need to write it out every time you cast the spell, but the first time is helpful). Design any ritual or ceremony that you intend to use in casting and activating the spell.

Assembly - Bring together all the elements that you will need, equipment, people (maybe just in name only), consumables (eg. candles, fluids ingredients etc.) and anything else that you need to make the spell work.

State of Mind - Before starting to cast the spell, spend a little time getting yourself into a relaxed state of mind.

Cast the spell - Perform and ritual of ceremony that you have designed and activate the spell.

The above is just my ideas about spell casting, feel free to disagree and use whatever works for you. There is no set way or right or wrong, it is not "written".

I use spells to cleanse negative energy and charge with positive energy. This applies to the place where I am operating, the items that I will use, the people who will be affected and of course, myself. I use cleansing spells, charging spells, protection spells, grounding spells, binding spells and many more, and I always thank the deity (for me that is the Goddess and the God as one) for their help and for their magic. My intent always includes the enhancement of the pleasure of the person or people with whom I am playing, weather that is giving pleasure or pain, and of course, my own enjoyment...

Make it so...

First I have to say a thank you to those of you who have liked my posts, it's very gratifying to know that I have met your approval.

I love to work with my hands and make things. I have good DIY skills over a broad range of areas; wood and metal working, sewing and clothes making, leather work, and of course rope work. If I see something that I like I will 'have a go" and often (though not always) it turns out successfully. This backed up by and imaginative and innovative mind.

So it is with BDSM furniture. I live in a hour with two young children so care and discretion is essential. My smaller items are all conscientiously locked away when not in use, (with a spell guarding the lock). The larger items that cannot be stored out of sight are all designed to look neutral and innocuous. I don't want to "raise and eyebrow" about what something is used for.

Within Witchcraft a strong symbol is the Pentagram which represents Earth, Air, Fire, Water and the Spirit World at it's points. To those of you who don't know this symbol, it is a five pointed star inside a circle. The star comprises five straight lines, the ends of which join with the end of another line. This is very common within the Witchy, Pagan, Wicca world.

In the past I built a St Andrew's Cross for someone else and it occurred to me that a large size pentagram would serve a similar purpose. I envisaged five bars each seven feet in length and a wooden circle about six feet in diameter. The whole lashed together with my beloved rope. I made the bars out of thick bamboo canes bound together with the circle made of split cane bent into a ring and wrapped with paracord. The star lashed together at it's points and where the bars cross each other with the circle lashed to each arm where it crosses. Altogether it forms a very stable and strong structure, easily able to support the weight of a person tied to it. With the horizontal bar below the apex made extra strong. The Pentagram, when assemble does not readily give any clue to what it might be used for, and it is easily disassembled for storage.

The star is supported (upright) from four points along the horizontal tied with up-lines to a fixed support beam above. My play space has a suspension beam attached to the ceiling. The suspension has block and tackle so the whole including the sub ties to it, can then be lifted off the ground. It can of course be laid flat on the floor for use.

The pentagram works very much like a St Andrew's cross, with the sub tied spread-eagle to it, facing either backwards of forwards. Hands/wrists are tied to the ends of the horizontal beam with additional bonds around this and the arms to give good support to the body. Feet/ankles are tied to the lower points of the star, with additional ties around knees and or thighs, thus the legs are spread giving access to genitals. A hip harness gives extra support if the sub is on the heavier side, as does a chest harness.If facing forward buttocks protrude through the space in the centre of the star for access. If facing backwards, breasts and nipples can be accessed through the spaces between the bars. The head can be tied to the apex point of the star, I never tie around the neck and throat.

Securely restrained, spread-eagled, gagged and blindfolded, with access to all areas of the body, the sub is fully under control for whatever delights I have takes my fancy. Pain and pleasure.....

I am Nawashi ("One who uses rope") I do not call myself a rigger (though many would do so). I am not Bakushi ("Master of rope"). Rope will always be my master, there is always something new to learn.

The central theme in my BDSM activities is Shibari/Kinbaku (Japanese Rope Bondage) The terms Shibari and Kinbaku are Japanese and have similar meanings: "To tie tightly with rope", and in general they are interchangeable. I greatly enjoy working with rope and not all my ropework involves BDSM, though all of it involves Witchcraft.

I use rope of all thicknesses, both twisted and braided, manmade and natural fibre. For tying people, I use cotton rope in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm thickness.

I buy my rope in bulk and cut it down to appropriate lengths and tie a whipping on the ends. The rope when it arrives is neutral in colour and being cotton it easily takes dye. I love colours, so I dye my rope hanks. My favourites are red, yellow and black, though I have many other colours as well.

Once the rope is cut, whipped and dyed it is almost ready for use. Having been dyed it has been through the washing machine so it is physically clean. The final process is to magically cleanse the rope of all negative energy and charge it with positive energy according to it's intended use. The most important aspect any spell is the "Intent" (what the spell is meant to achieve). With my Shibari rope, the intent is always that the rope should wrap around the submissive safely and effectively, whether used to restrain, or for purely decorative purposes.

When restrained, the submissive should feel safe and comfortable so that he/she is able to let go of responsibility for them-self and pass control over to me. Safety, firstly means that the rope should not do any physical harm to the body from restricted blood flow, nerve transmission or breathing, this also involves knowledge and skill on my part. Secondly, when restrained the submissive should feel safe from any harm that might come from what I do to him or her when under my control. This involves a trust that I will stick to the pre-negotiated ground rules. Trust is essential in all my BDSM activities.

Shibari is considered to be an art-form and the visual effect of the tied body is an important part of the activity, and to this end I always attempt to make the tie look good. There are a group knots used to fasten the rope that are required achieve the tie. These will hold the rope in place, preventing it from slipping or coming untied. They are not intended to be decorative (though a number of them are). Most of these knots can be replaced with knots that are both functional and decorative, and I like to use them when I can.

Each knot, as it is tied carries with it a Witchcraft 'blessing" to support it's use, that it will be properly formed, and remain in place until it is untied (A good knot should be easy to untie, another safety aspect). As I tie I think carefully about the knot and invoke magic to watch over it.

As I begin to wrap rope around my submissive I think carefully about what I am doing and Invoke the magical powers to help and support the tie and to watch over the whole process.

Tying can be a complicated business, and above all things it meant to be fun. 

Make it so.

Last night was a Blue moon, I did manage to catch a glimpse of it through the mist and mirk. A full moon is a magical time for witches and a blue moon especially so. Good for spells. It was also Halloween and Samhain (A Pagan/Witchy Esbat) also good for spell casting.

I talk about being a witch and a Pagan and about magic and casting spells. I would love to hear from any of you who are similarly inclined. I am a solo witch but I would like to make friends with others. If, you're just interested and have questions, I'm happy to answer them, or just correspond...