Speaking To The Spirits

You can use this spell to ask the spirts anything you wish.

Light four white tea candles while you chant the words

Ancient spirits, friends of mine.
Hear the words as we light the ceremonial twine.

As we say these words comedown onto thee,

hear our first and of these plea's (say three times, on the fourth time say hear our last and final plea)

Pour onto you our questions we know,

That you will show us which way to go.

Write your question down on a piece of blue paper and stick it over the flame until it burns,then put the flame out. Splatter anointed oil on your forehead. while you chant the next verse

sacred oil bless our minds tell the Shepard of your sheep that the ancient spirits thrive and wander to answer our questions while we sleep

SPIRIT CABINETS

Communicating with the Spirits


Spirit cabinets appeared during the heyday of Spiritualism and were used by mediums as part of the trappings of the physical séance. The "cabinets" as they were called were often either actual pieces of furniture, a curtained off corner of a room or even a doorway. They became the physical medium's work space and its purpose was to "attract and conserve spiritual forces". Paranormal researcher Hereward Carrington referred to a spirit cabinet as a "spiritual storage battery."


A famous photo showing a spirit materializing outside of a spirit cabinet at Camp Chesterfield, Indiana. The photo has been around for years but questions remains as to its authenticity.
Although spirit cabinets later became the standard for mediums, it was first introduced into the American Spiritualist movement by the Davenport Brothers in the middle 1850's. None of the earlier mediums in the movement, including Spiritualism's founders, the Fox Sisters, ever used such a device. The idea behind the cabinet was so be able to section off the medium from the sitters so that they would be out of direct view when producing strange phenomena. This would prove to be both popular and astounding to audiences as the mediums were generally bound hand and foot in the cabinet while seemingly impossible phenomena manifested around them.

The Davenport Brothers, Ira and William, first got the idea for such a cabinet thanks to a suggestion from an audience member. This person asked if they could produce their phenomena in a sealed container to prevent any sort of collusion by accomplices. The Davenport's, realizing the benefits to working in secret, quickly agreed and even went so far as to create a myth as to how they realized the dimensions needed for their cabinet. According to their publicity, they contacted their family spirit guide, a ghost named John King (see sidebar), who had already provided them with useful information, and he instructed them as to the size and dimensions of the cabinet.

The wooden cabinet soon became an essential part of their séances and it would be widely imitated for many, many years to come. The Davenport's cabinet was seven feet high, six feet wide and two feet deep. It was always located on sawhorses that kept it about 18 inches off the floor. A hole was cut into the middle door for air (and for spirit hands to protrude). Behind the doors, the Davenport's were bound hand and foot by audience members and musical instruments were often placed on the floor. Once the audience was satisfied that the Davenport's could not move about, the doors were closed.


Within moments, spirit hands of men, women and children appeared in the hole in the door, the musical instruments began to play and musical sounds were heard coming from within. When the doors were opened though, the brothers would still be found tied up.

The act was an immediate sensation and soon no practicing medium could continue his or her séances without a similar cabinet. Many of them just hung curtains over an alcove or a section of the séance room. The mediums were usually tied up but mysterious faces continued to appear through the curtains, hands twisted about, musical instruments played and even full-form apparitions materialized.

Spiritualists hailed the Davenport Brothers, and many that followed, as genuine practitioners of spirit phenomena but critics merely regarded them as simple stage magicians. Interestingly, neither of the brothers ever claimed to be a medium, leaving that up to the audience to decide. They did bill their act as a "séance" and most Spiritualists believed their manifestations to be authentic. It should be noted however that one of their employees was once a young man named Harry Kellar -- who later went on to become a famous magician and escape artist.

For fraudulent mediums, the spirit cabinet was a great gift. With only a limited amount of skill as an "escape artist", the medium could now amaze their sitters while hidden away behind curtains and wooden doors. Ropes could be easily shed and then an assortment of "spirit phenomena" could be produced. In most cases, the sitters would be invited to inspect the cabinet ahead of time so that they would be satisfied that no secret entrances or trap doors were present. (Note: Secret entrances were usually located elsewhere in the room and accomplices would simply slip through the room in the darkness).

The medium would then enter the cabinet and be seated in a single chair, where they would often be tied up to "prevent fraud". After slipping their bonds, the phenomena would begin. There were several ways for the mediums to collect their materials for the hoax as well. Often, "spirit forms" would appear and they would usually be made up of soft cloth or chiffon, which is very compressible.
THE SPIRITED JOHN KING
Although various mediums came and went throughout the Spiritualist era, the spirit of John King endured for decades. He was said to be the spirit form of the Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan, who died in 1688. King made his first séance appearance in 1852 and became a popular fixture at the seances of the Davenport Brothers and Euspasia Palladino, although these were not King's first appearances on the Spiritualist scene.

He was first reported at the home of Jonathan Koons in Athens County, Ohio. Koons and his family, who performed frequent seances, hosted not only King but 50 of his relatives, including daughter Katie. The Koons family, whose reputation was dubious at best, soon faded away but John and Katie went on to greater fame in America and abroad. Katie gained her greatest fame as the spirit guide of medium Florence Cook.

An alleged spirit photo with John King


As for her spectral father John, he made literally hundreds of appearances with different mediums, but as best known for his manifestations with the Davenports. Legend has it that he even dictated the size of the spirit cabinet that brought the brothers greatest popularity.


It would easily be secreted in the clothing and when unwrapped (or draped over the medium for a full materialization) would appear "ghostly" in the dim light. The cloth could also double for ectoplasm as well, a spirit substance that allegedly exuded from the medium's body. If the medium allowed himself or herself to be searched prior to the séance, the materials could also be smuggled in by the "cabinet attendant", who acts as the medium's bodyguard. Spiritualists say that this person is present to protect malicious intruders from touching the medium's ectoplasm (which could cause injury or death) but in reality, they were merely accomplices in the fraud.

The medium would be dressed completely in black and when they emerged from the cabinet with the "ghostly" cloth, it would appear to be moving on its own. The ball of material would be slowly unwound and in the near total darkness, would be eerily convincing. The medium could also drape his body in the material and then, while standing in front of the cabinet and moving the black curtains back and forth, he could create the illusion that the spirit form was moving sideways and up and down. Combined with music and chilling dramatics, it is no wonder that so many were convinced of the reality of the spirit cabinet séances.


by Troy Taylor

Spell to Contact Your Spirit Guide

To meet your spirit guide:
Items needed:

Alter Candle

Day candle (whichever color for the day you be will doing your spell)
(Monday-white Tuesday-red Wednesday-purple Thursday-blue Friday-green Saturday-black Sunday-yellow)

Offertory Candles - 3 Violet candles, 3 White candles

Tools: Athame to inscribe candles

Props: Crystal ball or clear glass of water

Incense: anise, cardamon, and coriander

Oil: jasmine, lemon, rose, and sandalwood

Bathing Herbs: cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, and sandalwood

Timing: Best done during the Mercury hour of the day, although any hour should work. Any moon phase is appropriate.

Preparation:
Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you. While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your spirit guide when you make contact.

Ritual:
Enter the circle in the Hour of Mercury. Light the incense. With the oil, dress the Altar Candle and the Day Candle while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light your Altar candle and your Day candle and state your intent:

"I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide, and to acknowledge him or her"

With your Athame, inscribe Violet Candle #1 with the word "Spirit". Dress it with oil.
Light the Violet candle #1, direct your energies into it, and say:

"Here do I light the first Lamp of Spirit. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit into which we will eventually enter"

Take your censer or incense wand and swing in around censing the whole area around the altar, while rhythmically repeating the word "Merge" and building up energy to focus.

Replace the censer and pick up Violet candle #2. Inscribe it with the word "Spirit" and dress it with the oil. Put it back on the altar, light it, direct your energy into it, and say:

"Here do I light the second Lamp of Spirit. May it's light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds."

Again, take the censer or incense wand and cense the entire area around the altar while chanting the word "Merge" Build up your energy to focus. Take violet candle #3, inscribe with the word "Spirit", dress with oil, charge with your energy, light it and say:

"Here do I light the third Lamp of Spirit.
May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May the light from these three lamps blend and grow, dispelling all darkness and lighting the way that my Spirit Guide may come to me and speak with me here today."

Inscribe the 3 white candles with the word "Truth" and anoint each candle with oil. Light the 3 white candles in order of 1, 2, 3, and say:

"Here do I build Truth. As these candles burn throughout this ritual, their power generates nothing but truth in all that transpires between this world and the next. Through these candles there is truth in all communications that come to me".

Again, cense the entire altar area while chanting the word "Merge".
Replace the censer and continue chanting. Sit comfortably while chanting, and gaze into the crystal ball, or the clear glass of water. Continue chanting until you feel it is right to let the chant taper off. Continue to quietly look into the crystal ball or glass, not trying to picture anything. Keep your mind blank, so whatever comes will appear will come in it's own free will. Gaze into the center of the crystal, there is no need to try not to blink. Look into the crystal and blink naturally. Try not to notice anything in your peripheral vision, just the center of the crystal. Eventually a face or figure will appear. This may take a long time, or it may appear almost immediately. If it doesn't come at all within approximately 20 minutes, abandon this attempt, extinguish the candles in the order in which they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try this ritual again in three days. You should have results within a month at most.

When a figure does appear, ask if he/she is your Spirit Guide. You will hear an answer. You may not hear it out loud, or even see the figures lips move, but you will be aware of the answer. This is how most of your conversation will proceed. You will ask your questions mentally (or out loud) and the answers will be clear inside your mind.

Ask if you have more than one spirit guide. If yes, ask them to appear also. You may ask anything you wish to know, but it is suggested to establish a connection first where your Spirit Guide may appear to you at any time, or at specific times, so that you can converse with other spirits through him/her. When you have finished speaking with your Guide, thank him/her, then sit for a moment with your eyes closed, meditating on all that you have learned. Extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the circle.

Spell to Conjure Spirits

Two tall purple candles

Two tall green candles

A purple Amethyst Green Jade or Agate - in center of altar

Sandalwood & Lavender Incense

Sandalwood & Willow Bark Incense

Spirit Candle

Witches' Bowl - a bowl or tray 13" or more in diameter, marked for divination.

Three casting stones

Cast a triple circle. Conjuring of Spirits is always done in hours of darkness, not necessary to be midnight, but preferred. After you have performed your primary ritual, cast the incense into your burner, Place the Spirit Candle into the center of the altar and say:

(turn slowly deosil as you speak)
"Spirit of good will, I bid thee enter
The Outer Circle.
The Second Circle.
The Inner Circle.
I am protected by this Pentacle upon my breast.
Which bears the name of (your Spirit Guide)
I bid thee, Spirit, Reveal thy Earthly name!

Repeat this conjuration three times.
Perform a nine card Tarot Divination for the Spirit's name, unless the Spirit replies in some other manner.
Ask: Have you a message for me?
Perform a Tarot Divination or use the Witches' Bowl to ask questions.
Spirit, is it true that....?
Deal gently with the friendly Spirits and they will lead you to the Greater Mysteries.
During your questioning, observe the Spirit Candle.
If it wavers or rises and falls, or flickers unevenly, use the Tarot to see if the Spirit has a message.
You may ask 3 questions, after that you must ask:
May I seek further guidance?
Ask only 3 more questions.
Bid the Spirit depart, saying:
(Name), Good Spirit,
Thou hast diligently answered my questions and I do thank thee. I hereby give thee license to depart. Depart, thrice - blessed Spirit, and be thou willing to return when next I conjure thee. By the sound of this bell (Use your Witch's Bell), do I bid thee leave. Depart, Depart. Depart!

A Spell to See Spirits

To see spirits, old European grimoires recommend mixing together aloe, pepper, musk, Vervain, and saffron and burning this in a cemetery. You can adapt this for other locations (like those in which the spirit lived) by adding a bit of sweet grass or tobacco to a specially prepared incense. Create the incense on the anniversary of the death of the individual you wish to contact. This is then burned at 11 am, in the safety of a magic circle that also holds symbolic items to connect you to the entity. An incantation to encourage the spirit's presence is

"Guardians of the Spirit realm, hear and guide my plea.
When the witching hour rings true, bring my friend (loved one, etc.) ____ to me.
Other souls who hear my call are not welcome in this place.
Only the one known as _____ may enter sacred space."

Repeat the request three times, twenty minutes apart, then wait quietly for indications of a presence. Signs include the scent of flowers or a favored cologne, a cool wind, movement of curtains, and candles going out or twitching erratically.

Once you feel sure the spirit is with you, do not make it tarry overly long. Take care of your business, say farewell, and thank the guardians for their assistance.

Incense Magic

When incense is burned prior to magical workings, fragrant smoke also purifies the altar and the surrounding area of negative, disturbing vibrations. Though such a purification isn't usually necessary, it, once again, helps create the appropriate mental state necessary for the successful practice of Magic. When the incense is smoldered in a ritual setting it undergoes a transformation. The vibrations, no longer trapped in their physical form, are released into the environment. Their energies, mixing with those who use them, speed out to effect the changes necessary to the manifestation of the Magickal goal.
You needn't limit incense use to ritual, but avoid burning healing incense just for the smell, or to freshen up your stale house. Burning magickally constructed and empowered incenses when they're not needed is a waste of energy. If you wish to burn a pleasant-smelling incense, compound a household mixture for this purpose.

Dream of One Who Has Passed Through the Veil

1 white candle
A picture of the deceased
A pentagram
Bag of Lavender in natural bag (cotton, muslin)
Light the white candle and stare at the flame for a few minutes. Then put the picture at eye level and say:

"You are gone forever;
But through this spell,
My dreams to which
you will come."

Place the picture under your pillow. let the candle burn to a stub, extinguish & place it in the bag of Lavender. Sleep with these items under your pillow for three nights to receive the dream you want

~ Barbara Morris 2ooo

A séance

 A séance is an event that can either be fantastic, or a real mess. Which one it is will depend on how much preparation goes into it. With a little bit of planning and thought ahead of time, you can pave the way for your séance to go smoothly. Certainly, it's a good idea to expect the unexpected -- after all, the dead are hardly predictable -- but by setting yourself a few guidelines in advance, you can make sure that everyone has the best experience possible.


Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varied
Here's How:
1.Plan your guest list: Figure out how many people you're going to have -- and make sure the space you're using will allow them all. If your living room only seats eight people comfortably, don't invite fifteen! Also, be sure that everyone attending is open-minded to the spirit world. People who are adamantly "non-believers" bring a certain amount of negative energy, and this can be disruptive. You may also find that it adversely effects your communication with the spirits during your séance.


2.Create a Spirit-Friendly Atmosphere: Most people like to conduct a séance at a round or oval table, but if neither is available, don't worry. Drape the table with fabric or sheets -- some people prefer light colors to attract "friendly" spirits, but it's a matter or personal preference. If you use incense, be sure that no one in your group is allergic to it. Place incense somewhere away from the table, rather than on the table itself. Candles are a nice addition as well -- not only do they provide some visibility, but there's a school of thought that believes spirits are attracted to heat and light sources.


3.Common Sense: Help everyone get comfortable by offering refreshments before you begin. Make sure that guests will be respectful of the spirits, and of other guests. Turn off all cell phones. If anyone needs to go to the bathroom or have a smoke, do so before you begin. Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature -- remember that spirit activity can cause some fluctuation in levels of cold or heat. Once everyone is seated, you can help everyone relax by doing a short guided mediation, offering a prayer, or casting a protective circle, if your tradition requires you to do so.


4.During the Seance: Although many people like to do this, you don't have to hold hands to raise energy. In fact, if a séance goes on too long, it can get downright uncomfortable. Whoever is acting as the leader of the séance -- the medium -- should ask the spirits to join the group. If there is a specific spirit you are trying to contact, ask for them by name. For example, now would be the time to say, "Dear Auntie Gertrude, we respectfully ask that you honor us with your presence this evening." In some séances, spirits are summoned by chanting -- this will be up to your medium to decide on.


5.As long as the spirits seem willing to reply, you can carry on a question and answer session with them. Bear in mind that spirits respond in many different ways. Sometimes there will be a tangible reaction -- a tap, a thump, a soft breeze. Other times -- particularly if you have a room full of very psychically gifted people -- the spirit may choose to respond through another person. This may be the medium, or any other guest. The individual may simply "get a message" to pass along, which they would then share, such as, "Your Auntie Gertrude wants you to know she isn't in pain any more."


6.Party Time: Sometimes, particularly if you have a group of psychically gifted individuals as guests, you may get several spirits arriving all at once, chattering away. This is not cause for alarm, but it does take some managing, because they've all got something to say. Treat it like you would any other conversation with a large group of people -- let each spirit get their turn to deliver the message they came with, and then move on to the next one. Also, bear in mind that not all spirits are from departed humans -- deceased pets may also have a message to pass along.


7.Unwanted Entities: Just like at any other party, sometimes a séance will bring an uninvited guest. In this case, when you have a spirit that seems malevolent or mischievous, someone needs to let them know they're unwelcome. Typically, this will be the medium who is leading the séance, who will usually say something like, "You are not wanted here, but we thank you for your presence. Now it is time for you to move on."


If an entity arrives that seems angry or hostile and will not leave, no matter what you do, end the séance. Chances are good that it's been attracted to someone in your group who is dysfunctional.


8.Closing the Door: When you're done with the séance, it's important that guests thank the spirits for coming to visit. After all, you would do so if you had living guests drop in!


If one of your attendees seems to have slipped into a trance or a sleep-like state during the séance, allow them to return gradually, on their own. Do NOT shake them awake. Chances are they'll have a message for someone once they're back among the group.


9.Close the séance by telling the spirits farewell, thanking them, and asking them to move along. You may want to offer a small blessing or prayer as a way of ending the formal séance, but bear in mind that some spirits like to hang around after the séance has officially finished. If they do, it's okay. They're probably just curious, and they may return to visit you later in the evening during a dream sequence.


Tips:
1.Before you begin your seance, smudge the area with sage or sweetgrass for ritual cleansing.


2.Make sure you've eliminated potential distractions, such as children or ringing telephones. Interestingly, many pets seem to come and go through spirit activity without causing any disruption. Cats in particular tend to be very curious about what's going on.


3.Your guests may wish to bring an object that belonged to a deceased person, as a way of strengthening the connection. Photographs are also good links to the dead.


http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Hold_Seance.htm

How to Communicate With the Dead

 
Learning to communicate with the dead takes a lot of patience, practice and a little luck. For centuries, people have always attempted to communicate with the dead for a variety of reasons. Many of these reasons have to do with not having the chance to say "goodbye" or "I love you" while the person was still alive. Another major reason is wanting to know how and why the person died. This is especially true of murder victims and those who just suddenly drop dead for no apparent reason. Whatever the reason is that you want to learn how to communicate with the dead, you only need to have the genuine desire and belief to do it. The steps here will help you to communicate with your dead loved ones.
.Difficulty: ChallengingInstructions.Things You'll Need:
•Something that belonged to the deceased
Step
1Go to an area of your home where you will be able to concentrate without distractions. Sit down comfortably.


Step
2Hold the item that belonged to or had some kind of connection with the deceased person with whom you are trying to communicate. You can hold it in your hands or place it against your heart or your head. Do whatever will help you to feel comfortable and help your concentration.


Step
3Think about the person you are trying to reach. Picture them in your mind and concentrate on the way they looked, talked, walked and smelled. Review every other aspect of them you have stored in your memory.


Step
4With your eyes closed, try to feel what it felt like to have that person with you. Pretend that person is really sitting there with you, and concentrate on how that feels.


Step
5Begin to call out the deceased name as if they were right next to you. Tell them that you need to speak to them. Ask if they are able to let you know in some way whether they are there or not.


Step
6Stay focused on them and try to feel their presence. Be aware of any movements or wind in the room. Watch for any movement of objects, or feelings of being touched. Even the slightest of feelings could be them trying to communicate with you.


Step
7Talk to them but don't count on an audible answer. Sometimes, at least at first you may only catch a feeling from them, or if you're lucky, you'll see an image of them.


Step
8When you get tired or have been at it for a prolonged period of time, say good-bye and tell them you will talk to them again.




http://www.ehow.com/how_4464516_communicate-dead.html

How to Talk to the Dead Through Mirror Gazing

How to Talk to the Dead Through Mirror Gazing.Mirror gazing as a way to connect with the dearly departed is not new. Throughout history there are examples of people attempting to communicate with the dead using a mirror as a medium. Remember, every unknown involves risk and although the chances of something happening are slim, always be prepared for the unexpected.
.Difficulty: ChallengingInstructions.Things You'll Need:
•Mirror
•Artifacts
•Candle
Step
1Choose a mirror for gazing, considering your goal and your location. For example, if you wish to talk to a loved one and have possession of their mirror, it would be the ideal one to use. An old or antique mirror offers not only charm but history although a modern new mirror is always an acceptable option.


Step
2Prepare yourself for gazing by getting comfortable and finding a quiet place. Wear loose clothing, no jewelry or watch and eliminate distractions such as phones and other people.


Step
3Consider evoking the departed spirit with personal objects and conversation. Talking out loud about the dead and having their personal artifacts, photographs and mementos around you helps set the mood for the gazing. If the dead are listening, it will be clear to them whom you wish to communicate with.


Step
4Light a candle and place it safely behind you as you sit in front of the mirror at dusk. The candle should be the only light source in your quiet space. Be sure to put it far enough behind you that there is no chance of it catching on your hair or clothing.


Step
5Relax your mind and body as you gaze into the mirror. The technique is based on looking through the mirror rather than at it.


Step
6Wait for the mirror to darken or cloud over. After a while of staring into and through the mirror, your vision alters as you relax and the mirror will seemingly change depth and hue. This is expected so just stay relaxed and keep gazing.


Step
7Look into the mirror and calmly embrace what you find there. You cannot guide the images and visions that appear so don't try to. Let the experience unfold naturally keeping relevant questions and emotions in your mind.
.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2316023_talk-dead-through-mirror-gazing.html