The Dark Moon circle, known as the Inner Realm Of Ynys Witrin, is a group of dedicated seekers from Spheres Of Light who are embarking upon a journey of discovery to know themselves and to experience new realities. The Dark Moon circle is held during the dark moon of each month. This is a period of time when the moon cannot be seen due to the shadow of the earth. This is a time when one can walk between the worlds, a time when one can face the shadow and look into the depths of their soul to find the hidden self.
Ynys Witrin is the ancient Celtic name for the Isle of Avalon. Ynys Witrin means the Isle of Glass or the Isle of Seeing and is the entrance to the Otherworld, a place of magic and mystery. This magical place acts as a mirror, which, when you look into it, shows your soul, your deepest self.
Our activities are focused on integrating and adapting ancient teachings and shamanic techniques into our own perspective of contemporary Witchcraft. Each member brings to this Circle their own unique skills, knowledge and qualities, which help to make the experience of the Circle a valuable resource of learning.
We are based in Australia, and our circles are held in the Sydney / Illawarra area of NSW.
Membership to the Inner Realm of Ynys Witrin is by invitation only. It is a working circle where people can work on their inner self and develop their individual abilities. It is a centre for our spiritual growth and rebirth and for more formal or advanced teachings. It is also the core circle where we develop our group mind by working strongly and regularly together. The group mind is a powerful tool that takes a lot of time, hard work and practice to achieve, thus dedication and regular attendance is important. Members may click on the image below to enter the inner realm.
From its inception Spheres Of Light has had a strong connection to the mysteries of Avalon. The following material on the Keepers of Avalon & other Dark Moon exercise are samples of the work that is currently being undertaken, researched and incorporated into the Dark Moon Circle activities and its Book of Shadows.
Each member of the Dark Moon circle embarks on the "Shaman's Journey". This is a journey where we learn to walk between the worlds at will. We learn to face our shadow self and in the process find healing for ourselves. We learn to connect to our ancestors and underworld guides and we incorporate shape shifting techniques to assist us to bring about change in our lives and also to add power to our rituals. The Shaman's Journey is a program that assists us to connect and live in harmony with nature and with the seasons and cycles of life.
Our circle is based on friendly and open communication, where everyone's belief system is respected and valued. It does not matter what pantheon that you work with because each person within that path will have their own unique experiences based on their own perceptions and relationship to spirit. These unique experiences and knowledge become valuable resources that we can share with each other.
In Circles/Covens, open communication can become quite complex, as several perspectives may co-exist in the group about 'appropriate behaviour'. Ground rules have therefore been established for SOL members which are offered to assist in developing open and friendlier communication.
Ground Rules for Open Communication
"Ground rules" are statements that reflect people's best intentions regarding how they wish to treat one another in civil dialogue. They tend to be present in many positive social relationships, and they are reflected in ethical codes and "the golden rule". In conflictive, challenging relationships, ground rules are necessary; in part because there is often an implicit assumption that one person's belief or opinion overrides that of another. The following ground rules are offered to assist in open and friendly communication.
- We will make a sincere commitment to listen to one another, to try to understand the other person's point of view before responding.
- What we discuss together will be kept in confidence, unless there is explicit agreement regarding who needs to know further information.
- We agree to talk directly with the person with whom there are concerns, and not seek to involve others in "gossip" or "alliance building."
- We agree to try our hardest and trust that others are doing the same within the group.
- We agree to deal with the issues, not the people with whom we disagree.
More information on the ground rules can be found here.
There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. ~ William Shakespeare
Intuition has to do with the path by which you arrive at an idea -- without conscious reasons. Perception has to do with the importance of the idea in remaking or restructuring to the way you see things. Therefore perception often has no base in reality and can be driven or distorted by ego and personality.
Intuition is our emotional intelligence, and when we are functioning purely from intuition it can be the driving factor in what makes people succeed in life. It will draw people to each other in positive relationships and it transforms our perception and makes us the best humane and compassionate people we can be; both personally and professionally. The major issue that surrounds intuition and developing intuition is not so much that we don't instinctively have intuition; it's the fact that we don't listen to it, or know how to listen to it, abide by it or develop it and that's when we end up getting ourselves in a pickle. Intuition, like any other learning module, must be fine-tuned to deliver the best results; whether you use it effectively, is entirely up to you.
Our perceptions without intuition becomes a lower self 'what is in it for me' approach whereas our perceptions with intuition becomes a higher self 'what is good for all' orientation.
The group mind is an intermediate step between our individual minds and the universal mind. The group mind is a stepping stone that we can use to perceive higher knowledge through the group's over soul. It allows us to go beyond ourselves and see ourselves in relation to SOL's higher purpose. We can merge our individual minds with the group mind by opening our minds, allowing our sense of identity, our ego, to be diminished.
The term "Over-soul" in relationship to the group is understood to be the collective Soul of Spheres Of Light, of which all individual's 'Higher Self' and spiritual guides are included under the umbrella of a higher order of beings assigned to the group which has a vision and purpose imprinted in it's structure.
Over the course of the Shaman's Journey the Dark Moon group will be developing its knowledge base and inspiration through its journey into the massive reservoir of information called the Collective Unconscious. According to Carl Jung the collective unconscious contains the wisdom of the human race and the cosmos. All ideas, philosophies, concepts every thought ever conceived are contained within this reservoir. And it is being added to constantly by every new thought and idea. Nothing is hidden in this dimension of reality. It is so vast and complex that it defies our normal understanding of what is real, and yet each of us is connected to it and can access it.
Jung's psychology sets forth the supposition that there are three levels ("layers") to the mind. Consciousness is the state of being aware, and Jung defines this function of the mind as an active principle that sustains the relation of the psychic contents with ego consciousness. This would be the analytical mind built upon the evidence of the senses.
The second level of the mind the "personal unconscious". This is the submerged portion, which is the storehouse of our memories of past events (of this life) and of all repressed emotional content of a personal nature. This implies that this part of the mind bears the imprints of the events and emotions pertaining to the personality, the unit of incarnation.
Collective, or impersonal Unconscious This "layer" of the mind, has been known under the label "The Astral World where it is divided into many planes and sub-planes. Dr. Jung refers to these as layers of the Collective Unconscious. Here in Jung's system we find the common source, the archetypes of experience which are drawn upon by fantasy, dream imagery and symbolism.
Jung defines the Collective Unconscious as the sum total of all the concepts, the hopes and wishes and desires (for good or ill) which Man as a whole has ever had. This agrees with the Akashic Records: an ether that is a sort of substrate of matter that serves as the superstructure for the material world, and which holds the records of history, sort of a picture-library from which can be "read" the events of the past, present and of the future.
Circle work begins and ends with the intention of listening to the voice of the centre, the voice of spirit-or, the voice of our own deepest wisdom, of which the centre is the universal symbol. Circle work deepens our receptivity and strengthens our connection to spirit. Like a giant ear, or like a satellite dish, the circle helps us tune in to vast resources of healing, wisdom and guidance.
In the twentieth century, Carl Jung was the first to acknowledge the power of the circle as an archetype of wholeness and integration. As he pointed out, the centre of a circle is an ancient and universally understood symbol of God, Spirit, the Source, and the One.
Casting a circle is a redefinition of reality. In essence, we create a space that we designate as the only true reality, and then assign directions to this space: north, south, east, west, up, down, in, out. The circle is neither entirely in the world of form, nor in the world of spirit. Instead, it is intermediate between the two, acting as a bridge connecting the planes of being. It acts as common ground where those of form may meet with those of spirit directly. Because the circle acts as a bridge between the worlds, it allows us to take advantage of the omnipresent now, or principle of nonlinear time, while allowing us to remain in the linear time to which we are accustomed.
The circle forces us to reexamine our selves as well as our true Selves, we come to the realization of our abilities and limitations, and through that realization can attempt to expand and overcome them. The circle therefore can become a catalyst for redefining the Self.
For future full moon circles only the Dark Moon group will be doing quarter calls and invoking the Gods & Goddesses. This should strengthen our magical abilities as a group. One of the problems in conducting open full moon circles that do not have attendance requirements is sporadic attendance. This means that participant numbers can vary widely from meeting to meeting. This also means that levels of knowledge & experience will vary and as some people will not have worked together before, it can be hard to achieve any kind of group mind or fully participatory rituals. It is therefore important that our core group should attend regularly and build up a good system for working and holding the energy together. When this happens it presents a good solid base for newcomers, who may attend regularly if the group appears stable. One should also dress appropriately to reflect the unity of the circle and the sanctity and importance of the ritual. Following is a basic step by step process for performing our rituals:
Purify - Sage, saltwater, sounding or incense are used to cleanse your body and mind, and the space where the ritual is performed. As you travel around the circle, visualize energy blasting from the instrument (or your fingers) down towards the circle like a flame. This flame continues to flicker on the out line of the circle like fire as you continue around with the circle.
Ground - Meditation, drumming, breathing, sound, ringing of bells, opening of chakras. Anything that allows you to let go of distractions or stressors that keep one from fully participating in sacred space. Connect to the earth's energy.
Cast the Circle - Use an athame, crystal, finger to define sacred space and help to focus energy. Once the circle has been cast no one should enter or leave the circle without cutting and closing a doorway. This is to ensure that the sacred space stays intact and is not breached by unwanted energies.
Vibratory Formula - This is a method by which quarter calls, invoking deity and divine names intoned forcefully and with authority in a "vibration." Properly performed, the vibration should be felt throughout the entire body and imagined to be vibrated throughout the universe. The voice should be strong, in a manner that is suitable for summoning.
Opening Quarters - In each direction, either project a complete pentagram or draw an invoking pentagram in the air. It is important that however the quarters are opened it is done in meaningful and rich in symbolism appropriate to the invoked element. Also visualize the element with as much imagination as possible, hear the hissing of the flames of fire, feel the coolness of water etc.
Please note members conducting Quarters should be notified in advance so they have an opportunity to get fully into the energy of that quarter.
Invoke Goddess and God - Pick an aspect of the Goddess and/or God that suits the work for the night. Invocation can be through spoken word (perhaps using the God & Goddess positions shown below), silent meditation, dance, song or any other way you choose to invite deity into your sacred circle.
The Goddess Position: Spread your arms up above your head with palms up, move your legs apart slightly and tip your head back a bit. The body shape in this position represents the cup or chalice.
The God Position: Stand with your feet together and cross your arms over your chest, right over left. This is called the Osiris position, named after Egyptian practises. The body shape in this position is phallic.
Intent - Every ritual should have an intent. World peace, personal healing, spells work, celebration of a holiday or moon phase, meditation, initiation, etc. This section of the ritual can take the form of a craft, a meditation, or a poem/written statement.
Raise the Cone of Power - Drum, dance, sing, and visualize energy to energize the ritual work. Focus the energy towards an outcome to turn the intent into a reality.
Close circle - Make sure to thank and send away the energies that you invite. Generally done in the reverse order that you invoke, i.e., thank and dismiss God, Goddess, elements, open circle. Ground surplus energy back into the earth or send it somewhere for healing.
Eat - It's very important to eat something after ritual to help you ground. No one should leave without grounding.
To invoke an element, draw the pentagram starting from its opposite point on the pentagram. To banish an element, draw the pentagram starting from its point on the pentagram. Invoke towards and banish away from the element you're working with. See the pictures below.
Different colours can be used. Air pentagram can be visualized as yellow, a Fire pentagram red, a Water pentagram blue, and an Earth pentagram green. You can also visualise a flaming blue pentagram in its entirety and project it from your raised projective hand.
In order to meet the cost of rental and all the other ancillary costs there is a $10 attendance fee per circle. Of course if people are experiencing hardships they can discuss the situation with Janine and some prior arrangement can be made. There is also an option of a discount if all fees are paid up front. All fees will be collected before commencement of circle.
There is an expectation that the Dark Moon members will attend dark moon & full moon on a regular basis. Of course family, work commitments and special events must always come first. However at this level of advancement I do not expect non attendance due to receiving a better social offer. In the event that a person is unable to attend circle, adequate notice to the group is necessary.
Duties will be assigned in order that there is an equal distribution of responsibilities. These duties are:
- set up & pack up circle
- smudging hall to remove negative vibrations
- cleaning hall and assisting in the washing up of dishes etc
- everyone is expected to contribute to supper
AIR
WATCHERS OF THE EAST
I CALL ON YOU TO WITNESS THIS RITE
LEND US YOUR POWER
PROTECT US THIS NIGHT
(draw invoking pentagram)
SO MOTE IT BE
FIRE
WATCHERS OF THE NORTH
I CALL ON YOU TO WITNESS THIS RITE
LEND US YOUR POWER
PROTECT US THIS NIGHT
(draw invoking pentagram)
SO MOTE IT BE
WATER
WATCHERS OF THE WEST
I CALL ON YOU TO WITNESS THIS RITE
LEND US YOUR POWER
PROTECT US THIS NIGHT
(draw invoking pentagram)
SO MOTE IT BE
EARTH
WATCHERS OF THE SOUTH
I CALL ON YOU TO WITNESS THIS RITE
LEND US YOUR POWER
PROTECT US THIS NIGHT
(draw invoking pentagram)
SO MOTE IT BE
GODDESS
(arms held up high in "Goddess pose")
OH GREAT MOTHER
CREATOR AND WEAVER OF LIFE, THE GREAT TEACHER,
PROTECTOR AND MOTHER OF ALL CREATION.
COME TO US NOW
GOD
(arms across chest in "God pose")
OH GREAT SUN GOD WHOSE GOLDEN BEAM PENETRATES OUR BEING.
BRING FORTH YOUR INSIGHTS.
COME TO US NOW
CLOSING
GODDESS
(arms held up high in "Goddess pose")
OH GREAT MOTHER
CREATOR AND WEAVER OF LIFE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE TONIGHT
HAIL & FAREWELL
GOD
(arms across chest in "God pose")
OH GREAT SUN GOD WHOSE GOLDEN BEAM PENETRATES OUR BEING.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENCE TONIGHT.
HAIL & FAREWELL
EARTH
WATCHERS OF THE SOUTH
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR POWER & PROTECTION
(draw banishing pentagram)
HAIL & FAREWELL
WATER
WATCHERS OF THE WEST
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR POWER & PROTECTION
(draw banishing pentagram)
HAIL & FAREWELL
FIRE
WATCHERS OF THE NORTH
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR POWER & PROTECTION
(draw banishing pentagram)
HAIL & FAREWELL
AIR
WATCHERS OF THE EAST
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR POWER & PROTECTION
(draw banishing pentagram)
HAIL & FAREWELL
References
http://www.cit.gu.edu.au/~davidt/tao/opening_the_mind.htm
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/collective%20unconscious
http://mysticalkeys.com/library/LaDage/Ch5_collective.htm
http://www.crystalinks.com/day8circlemagic.html
http://www.jwmt.org/v1n5/vibratoryform.html
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/The_Difference_Between_Intuition_And_False_Thinking.html
http://witchonthego.com/structure.html
