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Myth, Metaphor and Meaning
An introduction to the metaphor and meaning to rituals and tools of the Vinum Sabbati Witch Camp
Posted by Tim Hartridge
There are a few simple, but essential magickal tools you'll need to prepare and bring with you to the Vinum Sabbati Witch Camp. These are four tools that will play an important and useful part in your magickal work at the retreat. They will also be helpful to you in any ongoing practices. These four tools are: a canari jar; a robe and a cord; and finally a book.
I'll explain to you what each of these items are and how you'll use them in the following section – 'materia'. You will need to obtain them before the Camp. I also want to emphasize that these things are neither expensive, nor difficult to obtain; you may already have some of them.
I also want to point out that they don't have to be brand new; in fact I have a personal preference for old things. In my estimation, anything that is well-used is full of a life-time of energy and will give your tools character - a psychic-patina.
Before I describe these Tools and their use I want to address the metaphoric language I employ.
Metaphor and Meaning
In my experience as a witch I have used and incorporated a number of approaches that, in the strict sense of the word, are outside the practices of European Witchcraft and Wicca. These alternatives — such as Jungian psychology — have provided me with another layer of depth and objectivity to my magickal work.
Subsequently, I've found I need to explain this approach to Witchcraft so that we can share this metaphoric and symbolic treatment. Typically, if there's to be a problem in me being understood it is where people only read my material and approach it in a very literal way without exploring other layers of metaphor. The problem of a too literal approach is that it has a short-circuiting effect, and the student stops searching, thinking they have the answer. If the object is substituted for subject we will miss the point of a deeper and richer understanding of Witchcraft.
My challenge to you is to consider the underlying metaphors. By asking questions of everything we do at the Witch Camp we'll address the bigger question of "What is it that we are really doing?"
If all this discussed so far sounds a bit abstract that will soon change, and will be replaced by your own personal insights and psychic experiences. The Witch Camp is designed as an enjoyable and exciting journey, but it will also have it's challenges for you.
Vodoun in my practices of contemporary Witchcraft
I have sometimes used Haitian-Vodoun rituals and incorporated it's cultural objects into my magickal work. Of course, Vodoun is only one among many other magickal practices I use in my expression of contemporary Witchcraft/Wicca. Since Wicca's reemergence in the mid-20th century. It's adherents have collectively added many layers of ideas from a variety of occult schools. These include Ceremonial Magic, Qaballah/Cabala, Hermeticism, Shamanism, Astrology, Alchemy, Tarot and even Reiki, among others; and to these I've added Vodoun.
The form of Vodoun I use is focused around magickal and mystical practices, rather than the religion. As with other occult work I make particular use of a metaphoric and symbolic expression of Vodoun customs.
So by way of that rather convoluted explanation we will move on to deal with the ritual tools. These are four ritual tools I'd like you to find or acquire and bring with you to the Witch Camp. Go to the Materia.