The Sabbat of Ostara: The Origins of the Easter Egg Hunt

The annual hunt for hidden eggs has become a popular spring activity in many cultures around the world. Popularized by Abraham Lincoln in the late 1800s, Easter egg hunts are now anticipated each year by children all across the globe. However, many people are unaware of just how ancient this tradition truly is.

The Ancient Origins of the Easter Egg Hunt

Egg hunting, in some form or another, has existed for at least 2,000 years. Hunting for hidden eggs in the spring was a common practice in Asia and India. It was symbolic of the belief that we are all responsible for our own actions, and that each of us must find a way to renew our own life. The egg was seen as representing reincarnation, so the annual egg hunt was a time to reflect on our own inner balance and decide how best to improve our position in the next life.

The egg hunt also had a deeper meaning, particularly in the East. Searching for eggs was a symbolic representation of the soul’s eternal quest for renewed life. It was thought that the soul might have the opportunity to perfect itself, and so reach the ultimate goal — union with the divine.

Both Germany and Scandinavia had their own egg traditions. Eggs were offered to the Goddess in exchange for blessings or wishes. As Christianity gained power, and Pagan practices were declared illegal, these egg offerings had to be hidden so that the authorities could not find them. An ‘egg hunt’ ensued as those in power sought to find these eggs. This eventually became a game for children.

Historic Egg Hunts in the United States

It was First Lady Dolley Madison who hosted the first ‘egg roll’ on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. She did this in 1812 in an attempt to garner support for her unpopular husband, President James Madison.

In 1862, while the horrendous Civil War was ravaging the South, President Abraham Lincoln tapped into the ancient and archetypal symbol of the egg, a real-life representation of new life and hope. He ordered decorated eggs and festive treats to be hidden on the White House lawn. President Lincoln then invited the children of Washington, D.C. to come and search them out on Easter morning. This practice has been upheld by most American presidents, and the tradition was quickly picked up my the rest of the nation.

Egg hunts, with the Easter Bunny, are an ancient and respected practice that was been adopted by many different religions and cultures around the world. Today, many Wiccans and Pagans enjoy the practice of the egg hunt each and every year around the time of the Spring Equinox.

The Sabbat of Ostara: The Legend of the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny has become a staple of the Christian holiday of Easter. However, few realize that this legend has its roots in the Pagan practices of the Anglo-Saxon people. Their celebration of the goddess Eostre gave rise to the modern legend of the Eostre of Ostara Bunny, also called the Easter Bunny.

The Origins of the Easter Bunny Legend

Eostre was the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. Her festival was the Spring Equinox, and it was around this time that many of the local animals gave birth or entered their reproductive cycles (called ‘estrus’ periods in honor of Eostre). The woodland animals, devotees of Eostre, would bask in the warmth of spring and feast on the season’s bounty of spring greens.

Among these animals was a small hare who wished to present his goddess with a gift, but he had nothing of value to offer. One day while foraging for food, the hare came upon an egg. He much desired to eat this egg, for it had been some time since he had feasted on anything better than grass. Just before he cracked the small object, the hare thought that the egg might make a nice gift for the goddess Eostre.

Upon reflection, however, he realized that, as a goddess, she could have eggs any time she wished. His egg was nothing special. It was not fit for a goddess. The hare took his egg home, determined to make it beautiful. He began to decorate it, painting it in Eostre’s colors and adding symbols sacred to her and to spring. When he was satisfied, he presented his creation to the goddess.

Eostre was so impressed by this small gift that she wanted to share it with the children of the world. Children were the greatest symbol of new life, and so of spring, so she felt it was only appropriate that they be the ones to share in her gift. She ordered her hares and rabbits to deliver decorated eggs to the world’s children every spring. Eostre’s Bunnies, as they came to be called, did this with joy.

The Enduring Legacy of Eostre

Today, children around the world decorate Eostre’s Eggs, or some variation thereof. Many followers of the world’s Christian religions create Easter Eggs to celebrate the resurrection of their savior, Jesus Christ. Wiccan and Pagan children decorate Ostara Eggs to welcome warmth back to the earth. There are dozens of other similar traditions around the world.

All of these have a common theme — the celebration of life, death, and rebirth. Eostre and her Bunnies , as well as the Easter egg hunt, have become a part of spring throughout the world, sometimes even for those who do not realize it.

Techniques for Meditation

Many people fail at meditation because they lack the proper technique. Outside the meditation itself, there are several that affect the success of a meditation session. These include focus, posture, surroundings, and the time of day.

Focus During Meditation

Many masters of meditation suggest that focus and concentration during meditation should focus on the third eye chakra, located on the forehead. By focusing on this location and its energies, it is possible to become aware of the higher self, to leave physical and mental difficulties behind. With the attention focused on the third eye, both conscious and subconscious cares can fall away.

Focusing on the third eye has the effect of drawing the eyes upward. This is important during meditation, since eye position does have some effect on the state of mind. When the eyes are pointed downward, the focus is on the subconscious. When the eyes are straight, the conscious mind is the focus. However, when the eyes are drawn upward, a connection to the higher self is much easier to establish.

By focusing on the third eye during meditation, the higher self becomes active. This technique is called the third eye meditation technique, and it simply uses the natural tendencies of the body to shift the mind’s state of consciousness.

Posture During Meditation

There are many different opinions when it comes to the proper posture for meditation. Most of them are right in some respect. Very few are wrong, unless they are painful or uncomfortable.

Meditation should feel comfortable and secure. Any position that meets these requirements is fine, as long as the spine is kept straight. In other words, no slouching. A popular position is to sit cross-legged on the floor, or to kneel, with the spine straight as an arrow. These positions, well fine, are not good for those who are less limber.

An alternative is to sit in a chair that has a straight back, feel flat on the floor. For additional comfort, the chair should have arms. Meditation can also be performed while standing or lying down (though this can lead to sleep). The chair, ground, or other surface should be soft and comfortable, but still allow the back to remain straight.

Surroundings During Meditation

On of the largest mistakes made regarding meditation is the place in which meditation is performed. The space must be quiet, free from outside distractions, such as the phone, children playing, or the dog barking.

From a ceremonial and ritualistic standpoint, the best place for meditation is in a cleansed and consecrated area, such as a church, temple, or circle. Some practitioners will insist that facing the east is critically important. While this may make some slight difference, it is more important to be comfortable.

Before meditating, it is important to take a look around the room and anticipate what, if any, sounds may be distracting. Unplug the phone, feed the dog, or whatever. Nothing interrupts meditation like a sudden sound. Some people like to use headphones, playing soft music to drown out any potential distractions.

The Best Time of Day to Meditate

From a metaphysical standpoint, there are several ways to decide what time of day is best for meditation. There has been some evidence to suggest that the hour closest to a person’s time of birth is the best. And astrological influences are always important, and should be taken into account.

However, for some, these times may simply not work. Ultimately, the time chosen must work in some fashion. Early morning before everyone awakens, or late evening once everyone is asleep. For some, those who are home during the day, afternoon may work well, since no one has come home yet, including those potentially noisy neighbors.

In the end, the key to successful meditation is consistency. The place and time of day should be the same or similar every day. A minimum of fifteen minutes once a day is required to really see the benefit of meditation, but twice a day is better. Without persistence and consistency, the benefits of meditation cannot be fully realized.

How to Find Your Animal Totem

Animal totems have existed in many cultures throughout the world. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in totems and their meaning, and their popularity only continues to increase. Today, many people are searching out their totem animals in the hope of deepening their understanding of self.

What is a Totem Animal?

In essence, animal totems are symbolic objects that are generally used to get in touch with certain qualities that you may already possess, but are hidden. These qualities are found within the particular totem animal, and often, you will feel a specific affinity for the animal totem, but this is not always the case.

It is possible to have several animal totems at different points in your life, as there are several types of totems. Totem animals will come into your life when you need them, and then be replaced when their assistance is no longer required. The direction your life takes will determine which totem animals you attract. These ‘animal guides’ will instruct and protect you, and will guide you back to your natural state of being. That is, they will help you to find the person you were meant to be. However, before they can do this, you must know who your totem animal is.

How Can I Discover My Animal Guide?

Some people know instinctively which animal is their totem without any guidance. Most people do not. If you fall into the latter category, there are several questions you can ask yourself to determine which animal might be your guide at this moment. Remember that your animal guide can change, so revisit these questions whenever you feel the need to.

• Which animal do you feel most resonates with you? In other words, which animal are you most drawn to?
• When you go to your local zoo, which animal do you always insist on seeing?
• Is there an animal that you frequently see in your life with no logical reason? For example, do you see a squirrel every time you turn around?
• If you could only research a single animal, which animal would you choose to research?
• Is there any animal that you find particularly frightening or intriguing?
• When you dream, does the same animal seem to present itself?

Search Yourself For Clues to Your Animal Totem

The answers to these questions may not yield any particular results. For some people, the answers will lead them to believe that they have several totem animals. For example, it is possible that you feel attracted to cats, want to see the monkeys at the zoo, see many squirrels around your house, love to research bears, and are terrified of spiders. Maybe you are also intrigued by horses, and see tigers in your dreams.

It is unlikely that all of these will be your totems all at the same time (though it is possible that they will all eventually have their parts to play). In this case, you’ll want to do some additional searching to find your totem animal. There are some exercises you can do to help you discover your animal guide, but you must never try to force an animal guide to come. They will sense this and avoid you.

This exercise takes patience, but it does eventually work for most people. Start by considering your answers to the pervious questions. Make a list of the animals on that list, and add any animal that has played a significant role in your life at any point. Look around your personal space and see if you have pictures or carvings of specific animals around you.

Start an animal journal. In this journal, record any animal that shows up in your life more than once. Your pet cat doesn’t count, because the cat will obviously be in your life. See if a stray cat sits outside your door frequently. Perhaps ravens gather outside your window. Maybe that hawk just will not get out of your dreams. Add these animals to your list.

Sit quietly and meditate upon your list. Ask that your true totem animal be revealed to you. If you feel the need, use incense, candles, or any other tools you feel comfortable with. Take your time and commit yourself to finding your totem animal.

Be patient when attempting to connect to your animal guide. There are many different types of totems out there, so it may take a while for your own totem to make itself known. Repeat your meditation over and over again until you are successful.

When you do eventually find your animal totem, make sure you honor the animal in question. Fill your space with pictures, paintings, of sculptures of your animal. Perhaps wear a pendant representing your totem. You might even want to have the animal itself in your home, assuming that your totem isn’t something exotic. Your animal totem should be respected as a friend, teacher, and guide.

Magickal Ethics: Sex and Sacred Sex

When studying many magickal systems, Wicca included, the idea of sacred sex eventually arises. Often the term isn’t properly explained to new seekers, perhaps due to modern society’s view of sex in general. This can lead to a great deal of confusion, especially for young people new to the Craft. The most important thing to realize about sacred sex is that magickal ethics apply just as they do to any other magickal practice.

What is Sacred Sex?

There are as many differences between sex and sacred sex as there are between a cat and a dog. Both animals are cute, intelligent, and make excellent house pets. But you couldn’t exchange a cat for a dog and expect that no one would notice.

The same principle applies to sex. Sex can be a sacred thing, but sex isn’t always a sacrament. It is also important to realize that just because Wiccan and Paganism are accepting of all sexual lifestyles doesn’t mean you can freely engage in dangerous behavior or take advantage of others. There are few firm rules in Wicca, but the most universal is the Wiccan Rede: “An ye harm none, do as ye will.”

This means that it is important to act responsibility, both towards yourself and others. Magickal ethics operate on the principle that the energy you send out comes back to you. Therefore, it is in your own best interests to treat yourself and others with respect.

So how do you know if sex is sacred? Usually, if sex has a higher purpose than procreation or fun, it can be considered sacred sex. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have sex for fun or to get pregnant. You can, but that isn’t sacred sex. Sacred sex would be sex that both parties agree to with one or more of the following purposes:

• To honor the Goddess and the God; or
• To raise energy for a spell or ritual.

These goals can, of course, have many different expressions. It is the intention that defines sacred sex and sex magick, not the exact form.

Sacred Sex and Teenagers

More young adults and teenagers than ever are exploring Pagan religions, including Wicca. Though many of these people are bright and responsible, growing up isn’t easy. Things are moving faster than ever before, and we, as a society, are expecting more of young people than we have in the past.

The decision to become sexually active is on of the most difficult choices facing young people today. Teenagers of all religions and walks of life experience pressure to have sex. This is an intensely personal choice that can only be made after much personal reflection. However, it is generally accepted that teenagers should not participate in literal sacred sex. This act takes far more emotional maturity and control than most teenagers are capable of.

That does not mean that teenagers must be excluded from the sacred union of the divine. The Great Rite, which is a celebration of the union of the masculine and the feminine, can be experienced symbolically as well as literally. A teenager who understands Pagan spirituality and recognizes the sacred meaning of sex might be better off incorporating the lowering of the athame into the chalice as a representation of the divine union of the Goddess and the God.

Sex is a very powerful thing, and its connection to Paganism stretches back through the ages. From the sexual nature of Ostara to the use of sex for magick, sacred sex is an act that requires a thorough knowledge of yourself, your partner, and your goal. It should only be engaged in by fully consenting adults.

The Principles of Wiccan Belief

In 1974, the Council of American Witches came together in an attempt to define Wiccan beliefs. This was a monumental task. Wicca is, bu its very nature, a vibrant and flexible religion. It doesn't fit well inside a box. That being the case, the Principles are deliberately vague. It was hoped that they could encompass all traditions of Wicca while giving the public a basic understanding of Wicca. Though the Council disbanded the same year it was formed, the Principles of Wiccan Belief have lived on and are still referenced today.

Introduction

In seeking to be inclusive, we do not wish to open ourselves to the destruction of our group by those on self-serving power trips, or to philosophies and practices contradictory to those principles. In seeking to exclude those whose ways are contradictory to ours, we do not want to deny participation with us to any who are sincerely interested in our knowledge and beliefs, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or cultural origins, or sexual preference.

Principles of the Wiccan Belief

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility towards our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity — as masculine and feminine — and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer and inner, or psychological, worlds — sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. — and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it — a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch — but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way," and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the origins of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being. 

Ostara is Coming

Ostara fast approaches, and many Wiccans and Pagans are turning their minds towards celebrating the Spring Equinox. This is the season of new life and rebirth, so any activity that venerates these things is appropriate.

The colors of spring are the colors of birth. Consider light pastels, such as pinks, blues, yellows, or greens. These colors can be work in ritual, used to decorate your space, or even in the foods you cook on this day.

Eggs are a common symbols of Ostara, so consider a meal that includes omlettes or perhaps a quiche. You could decorate Ostara Eggs, or perhaps share the lore of Eostre's Bunnies, maybe even planning an egg hunt.

Spend some time outdoors, basking in the warmth of spring. Meditate on all that spring means to you. Try to take a walk in a wooded area, if you can, and search for signs that life has indeed returned to the earth.

These are only some suggestions for celebrating the Vernal Equinox. Get creative with your gestivities and truly make this season your own.

Celebrating Imbolc

Well, Imbolc has passed now and warmth is slowly returning to the earth in the Northern Hemisphere. Our celebration was low-key this year, just a few close friends and family. Still, we managed to enjoy ourselves.

We started the day by lighting white candles to encourage the arrival of spring. The time of repose had officially ended, so we made plans for what we would like to initiate this year. Then it was time to begin preparation of our Imbolc meal. We went very untraditional this year. Homemade pizza, salad, and pasta, along with a vegetable tray, served as our feast. Before eating, we said a prayer to Bridget, the goddess of creativity and inspiration, asking for her blessings and guidance during this season.

Our form of divination this year was fire scrying. It seemed particularly appropriate, given the theme of this Sabbat. We also spent time in meditation.

We had two people to initiate this year, and they both were ready and willing. As Imbolc is a good time to for initiations, we performed their rituals before we began our Imbolc ceremony.

Finally, it came time to don our robes for the Imbolc ritual. There were eight of us this year, four in white, four in red, representing the innocence of the Bride and the blood of life. The ritual area was decorated in shades of red, white, and silver, and was lit entirely by candles.

The ritual itself was simple, yet powerful. We all left the Circle feeling refreshed, energized, and excited for the season to come.

The Wheel of the Year turns, the cycle moves forward, and Ostara approaches.

How Does Meditation Work?

Meditation is a powerful tool for spirituality and discipline, but how and why it works is sometimes a mystery to even its most advanced practitioners. To begin to understand how meditation works, it is important to first consider the belief that humans are not just physical beings, but spiritual beings as well.

The Spiritual Body as a Key to Meditation

The spiritual body, the part of the human body that cannot be seen with the naked eye, is connected to the physical body at certain vital centers. These centers are called chakras. There are seven major chakra centers, located from the groin up to the top of the head. During meditation, a powerful psychic force begins to flow along these chakras, as each is opened in succession.

The root chakra, located roughly at the groin (the exact position differs according to gender), is the first chakra to open. This is followed by the spleen, solar plexus, heart, throat, and third eye chakras. Finally, the crown chakra, located at the very top of the head, is opened. The exact method by which this occurs is beyond the scope of this article. It is enough to say that this flow of energy is what allows a connection to the divine, and the many benefits that meditation can afford.

The Conscious, Subconscious, and Superconscious Mind in Relation to Meditation

The mind can be divided into three sections, for the purpose of studying meditation: the conscious, the superconscious, and the subconscious. The conscious mind is the part of the mind concerned with the mundane. It is the part that is awake and alert to the physical well-being of the body.

The superconscious mind is also called the higher-self. This higher consciousness is concerned with the spiritual well-being of the soul, and also retains a connection to the divine. The superconscious mind and the conscious mind do not tend to interact, at least for most people. In order for these two disparate parts of the mind to connect, a bridge is needed.

This bridge is the subconscious mind. It is the largely passive part of the mind that is usually subordinate to the conscious mind. The subconscious mind rules the involuntary functions of the body and mind such as reflexes and instinct. It is also the part of the mind that bridges the gap between the conscious mind and the superconscious mind, and it can become truly active during meditation.

The Subconscious Mind During Meditation

During proper meditation, energy begins to flow in an upward direction, through the chakras, awakening the subconscious mind. This energy acts as a calming and relaxing force on the body and the mind. As the chakras continue to open, an awareness of life begins to flow continually. A new sense of energy and well-being is often the result.

The subconscious mind begins to clear, and negative or undesired patterns of thoughts and feelings can be put to rest. The superconscious and conscious minds become actively linked, and a connection with the divine is possible, though the power of the superconscious mind, and with the direct control of the conscious mind.

At the same time, the now-active subconscious mind allows the conscious mind to become calm and open. This allows the conscious mind to solve problems and discipline the body, and brings forth the other benefits of meditation. The conscious mind can also, in a sense, reprogram the subconscious mind, allowing it to become more than simply subordinate to the conscious mind. The subconscious mind can become a channel to the higher self, through the power of meditation.

The spiritual body can be brought to life through the power of meditation. And through the chakras, which connect the spiritual to the physical, the physical body can achieve a sense of calm, relaxed well-being.

What is Meditation?

Meditation comes out of Eastern cultures, at least in its present and most popular form. For many centuries, Eastern people have known of the advantages of meditation, when it is performed on a regular basis. Though the years, meditation has become a practice which can control the mind, gain knowledge, develop psychic abilities, banish sickness, and separate the mind from the body.

Meditation in Today’s World

Meditation, in one form or another, is present throughout much, if not all, of Western society. The modern world has embraced the idea of meditation, and its many benefits. Throughout the Western world, classes and groups are readily available in many different forms of meditation. Yoga, meditation classes, transcendental meditation, and even Silva Mind Control are growing in popularity.

Meditation is no longer confined to use by Pagans and occultists, but is now a part of everyday life for many people. Hospitals and some workplaces routinely offer meditation and yoga classes, as do most universities. A walk through a local park may turn up a group practicing meditation any day of the week. Even doctors will prescribe meditation as a method to calm the mind and quiet the body. Meditation is now available to the masses.

What is Meditation?

Despite its widespread popularity, there is still much confusion regarding meditation, both in its definition and practice. In its simplest form, meditation may be said to be the highest form of listening. Listening to the inner self. Listening to the creative force within. Perhaps even listening to the gods.

Meditation is incredibly versatile, with many different purposes. When done properly, meditation is the most effective method of individual growth, psychic advancement, and spiritual enlightenment. It can be a tool for personal advancement as well, and may be practiced alone or in groups.

The now-deceased psychic, Edgar Cayce, once defined meditation as: “…emptying self of all that hinders the creative forces rising along the natural channels of the physical man to be disseminated through those centers and source that create the activities of the physical, mental, and spiritual man …”

Edward Cayce may have used a lot of words, but essentially what he meant was this: meditation is a method by which the physical, mental, and spiritual selves can be improved. Meditation can do all this and much more.

Meditation, though once an abstract Eastern discipline, is now available to everyone. In today’s modern world, everyone has the ability to solve problems, overcome most illnesses, control the mind, and discipline the body through meditation.

Exploring Voodoo: Myths and Magick of Vodou

For many people, the word “voodoo” conjures up some rather odd images – curses involving bones and pins stuck in dolls; secret societies making sacrifices to their demonic gods; and evil priests raising zombies from the grave. In reality, none of these commonly misconceptions actually reflect true Vodou practice.

Myths in Vodou

Media has created a sensational but unrealistic view of the Vodoun religion. Although some of these are mildly accurate (sacrifice, animal bones and voodoo dolls, for example) they are but a small part of the religion that is practiced today.

Just as in Wicca and many other religions, the Vodoun make charms and create spells for money, health, and prosperity, among other things. Although many believe the Vodoun are strictly in it for self-gain, that’s not true. According to Vodou belief, magick shouldn’t be employed for selfish gain, especially if it would hurt someone else.

As in every religion, there are a few who use it for wrong or self-serving purposes. Although legitimate priests and priestesses are taught both the good and the bad, they take an oath upon initiation, vowing to avoid causing harm to others.

Magick in Vodou

Legitimate vodoun priests and priestesses can perform a wide range of services. This is generally done for a fee, as they must make a living as well.

These services would include:

• divination;
• healing;
• mixing herbal powders, teas and other recipes;
• constructing charms, ounga, or pakets Kongo;
• consulting on your spiritual life;
• giving luck baths;
• administering the lave te’t ritual;
• casting spells or making magickal potions; and
• officiating over private ceremonies, such as marriage to the Lwa (spirits).

Black Magick in Vodou

Sometimes, those who use magick for the wrong reason are considered to be practicing ‘black magick.’ While this term isn’t really accurate, it is one with which most people are familiar, and so will be used here.

The Lwa most likely to assist in black magick are: Kalfou, Ezili Danto, Marinette, Bosou, Ti-jean-petio, Maman Brijit, Ge’de-Nibo, and Baron Krimine’l.

Once a priest/priestess begins to practice black magick, they are known as a bo’ko. A bo’ko has no temple or devotees and performs all of his/her rituals in secret. Bo’ko are said to serve the Lwa with both hands because they practice both white and black magick.

When a bo’ko buys the powers of one of the dark Lwa, he/she must pay a high price, usually life-long service to the Lwa. This pact between the Lwa and the bo’ko is called an angajan. An angajan is like a shortcut intended to quickly harness the powerful forces of the Lwa. Sadly, it's believed that a majority of the time, the bo’ko becomes the Lwa’s slave and has to be at the beck and call of the Lwa.

There are four types of black magick spells:

• An air spell (kou le) is the weakest of the black magick spells, usually causing a mild illness or a little bad luck;
• A powder spell (kou poud) is a powerful magickal powder that causes extreme illness or death;
• A soul spell (kou nanm) enables the sorcerer to capture the soul of a person; the bo’ko can then use the soul for evil deeds while the soulless body slowly dies; and
• Sending the dead (voye lamo) is the bo’ko most powerful spell; he/she sends dead spirits to inhabit the victim, causing the victim to go insane or die horribly.

Magick is an important component to Vodou practice, and should not be overlooked. Legitimate practitioners of this religion would never use their magick to cause harm to another, despite the rumors that the media often spreads to the contrary.