The Ritual of the Heptagram
We (David Rankine & myself) created this ritual some years ago for use in a magickal group we were facilitating at the time for use in a series of planetary workings. We felt that the Hexagram Ritual of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn which is usually recommended for planetary workings was inadequate for our purposes. Through regular work the ritual has undergone refinements over the years and the version we present here is one we found most effective for solitary or small group workings. It was first published in our book “Practical Planetary

Dancing at the Crossroads : Interview with Karagan at WitchTalk Radio
A few months ago I had the honour of being a guest on Karagan’s WitchTalk podcast – it was a great experience and Karagan invited me back to continue our chat.  This Sunday (8/Nov/09) we will be chatting about the Goddess Hekate, the work and research I have done on her, but also about Artemis and Aphrodite, some of the other Greek Gods, my views on Magic, Ceremony, Trance and Ritual Dancing.  All things I am passionate about, so its going to be great! Information can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/witchtalk/2009/11/08/Dancing-at-the-Crossroads

Kyphi
A few months ago I was honoured by a gift of handmade Kyphi from a friend and Priestess who works extensively with the Egyptian Gods.  She prepared the Kyphi in the traditional manner, the result of which are tiny pellets of incense which are then burnt on charcoal.  The process is long and very labour intensive and one which does not just involve throwing a few ingredients together. Kyphi is possibly the oldest known incense compound which has been recorded, amongst other things, as one of the items which will provide pleasure to kings in the afterlife.  Lists of ingredients and instructions were recorded on the walls of temples at Edfu and Dendera.  Incense played a very ess

The Beauty of Apollo
Then I arise, and climbing Heaven’s blue dome, I walk over the mountains and the waves, Leaving my robe upon the ocean foam; My footsteps pave the clouds with fire; the caves Are filled with my bright presence, and the air Leaves the green Earth to my embraces bare. [Shelley, Hymn of Apollo] Amongst the Gods, Apollo is one of my beloved Gods without a doubt.  Leto’s son and Artemis’ brother, Apollo is beautiful and graceful.  He represents organised beauty and perfection, music and prophesy, eternal youth and so much more.

To the Moon
TO THE MOON (The FUMIGATION from AROMATICS.) [The Hymns of Orpheus] HEAR, Goddess queen, diffusing silver light, Bull-horn’d and wand’ring thro’ the gloom of Night. With stars surrounded, and with circuit wide Night’s torch extending, thro’ the heav’ns you ride: Female and Male with borrow’d rays you shine, And now full-orb’d, now tending to decline. Mother of ages, fruit-producing Moon, Whose amber orb makes Night’s reflected noon: Lover of horses, splendid, queen of Night, All-seeing pow’r bedeck’d with starry light.