 |
Magic comes forth from the hair. Ancient legend tells again of the
enchantress who sings as she brushes her hair by moonlight, weaving a
powerful spell as she does so. In Central Europe and in the Germanic
lands, this theme recours often. One small but excuisite example which I
cannot resist quoting, is a passage from Heinrich Heine's rendering of
archaic legend in "The Lorelei":
".... The air is cool and twilight
Flows down in the quiet Rhine;
A mountain alone in the high light
Catches the faltering shine.
One rosy peak half gleaming
Reveals, enthroned in air,
A goddess, lost in dreaming,
Who combs her golden hair.
With a golden comb she is combing
Her hair, as she sings a song;
Heard through the gloaming,
It hurries the night along.
The boatman has heard what has bound him
In throes of a strange, wild love,
He is blind to the reefs that surround him,
Who sees but the vision above......"
THE SPELL of the Comb and Mirror
At such time as a woman feels that for pleasure, rest, or for magical
need she wishes to draw power and strength to herself, she shall draw it to
her by the brushing of combing of her hair. If brush, comb, and mirror of
silver be available, she should use them, though it is of importance
primarily that her implements be closely linked with her.
She shall dress in a manner which is auspicious to this spell, and sit
comfortably alone, dimming the lights of her chamber. A single candle
should be lit, of a colour fitted to her goal, along with a sweet incense.
For the space of thirteen heartbeats or for several minutes or more as she
feels proper, she should meditate and become quiet within herself. Then
take up a comb, or brush, saying aloud or within herself with each stroke:
O Lady of shimmering beauty,
For whom the stars are shining jewels,
And the universe Her creation and plaything,
Weaver of destinies
And protrectress of things wild and free.
Make me now, I do ask
To be thy sister.
Make me one with thee
And grant me thy far-flung power.
Grant to this, Witch and Sorceress
Strength within and without
As eternal as the boundless sea;
The calm assurance of my powers
To make any do my bidding
And the winds, waters, and fires,
The hills themselves
Lend willingly themselves to me,
Give to me, who am of thy ancient Craft
The wisdom of the ages, the lore of eons
Knowledge of light, knowledge of dark.
Grant me beauty ever more perfect
That I may reflect thee better.
Build magic within me,
Build power within me.
Power be drawn, and power come,
And make me one with thee
Make me greater, make me better.
Grant me strength and grant me power.
O Goddess who is my friend and sister,
I give you love and thanks
O Beautiful One
May the magic I have summoned
Return the stronger when I have need of it.
May wisdom, strength, and comeliness
Remain with me, growing ever finer.
So mote it be!
She shall continue brishing her hair in silence, meditating on what she has
spoken or thought, feeling power flow into her with every stroke while
every fiber of her body is made vital and strong. She may wish to hum some
song of beauty and strength which means much to her.
If she has magic to work she shall think on it at this time, and state
it in her own words as she continues to use her comb and mirror. She may
prefer simply to strengthen and develop her own capabilities. The singing
or humming should be continued. Finally she should say:
The spell is ended.
She should kiss her hand towards some nearby image of the Goddess or
towards the moon, and should continue brushing or combing until she feels
that any excess energy has been sent forth. Then the candle is put out and
she says:
The Rite is closed.
From "Magical Rites from the Crystal Well" by Ed Fitch
Copyright remains with the original author
|