A Wiccan's Walk In Oz: Perspectives From The Southern Hemisphere

By Caithe Cameron and Rebecca Major

Are you ready to explore Wicca Down Under? To walk gently and explore the unique landscape around you? Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, A Wiccan's Walk In Oz will further your connection and individual journey.

Living in the Southern Hemisphere as a Wiccan can certainly be confusing. 

Combined, Caithe Cameron and Rebecca Major have walked the Wiccan walk for over seventy years as Solitary Practitioners. Using their experience and research, they have created a collection to guide and develop your commitment and dedication to the Wiccan walk.

Learn about Sacred Space, Circle Casting, Deities, Energetic Realms, Indigenous Australian Pantheons and the magick of Australian animals and plants.

You will discover:

• What is Wicca and it's history?
• Writing your own rede.
• How do I design a ritual?
• Quarters? Directions? Energies? Help!
• Preparation, tools and protection.
• Sabbats and Esbats for the Southern Hemisphere.
• Moon Magick.

With the inclusion of correspondences, activities and sample ceremonies, you will be inspired to explore your magickal abilities and enhance your ritual workings.

Caithe Cameron and Rebecca Major are Solitary Practitioners of Wicca. With their respective families, they live in South-East Queensland. This compilation evolved from numerous workshops, discussions and podcasts. 

In perfect love and perfect trust. Blessed be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celticai Studio
• Release date: Dec 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9780987398161

Book preview

About the Authors

Rebecca Major is a Certified Reiki Master in Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki and a Practitioner of Usui Reiki Ryoho. A lightworker since childhood, she is a proud Wiccan/Witch.

Rebecca believes in Freedom of Religion, Marriage/Equality for all and has the utmost loving respect for The Goddess and her creatures. As a Solitary Practitioner, Rebecca finds great joy and blessings in her wonderful group of Witchy–poo friends and their get–togethers over coffee.

Rebecca was gifted the Aboriginal name, Mulingah, in 2015. It means ‘Morning Star’.

Ps. she is a self-confessed Yule nut!

Caithe Cameron, The Celtic Mystic, not only senses energy, auras and other things to make you go Oooh, she has been reading palms since the age of seven.

As a teaching Reiki Master and Solitary Wiccan Practitioner, her connection with nature has helped her to self–heal and embrace her ‘luna–tick’ tendencies fully.

She regularly broadcasts on Mixlr with weekly energetic clearings and online meditation circles. Every six weeks, Caithe broadcasts a Wheel of the Year program with Leonore Newson.

When not outside in her garden, moon–bathing or writing, Caithe plays drums in a Celtic fusion band, writes inspirational poetry and breaks glass at ten paces with her singing.

Caithe was gifted the Aboriginal name of ‘Poniflu’ in 2015. It means Willie Wagtail.

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Foreword by Leonore Newson

THIS HAS BEEN a real pleasure and privilege to be asked to read this book. I particularly enjoyed learning about the Australian deities.

It has been well written and researched by the authors who know their craft. Such a wealth of inspiration for the safe and ethical practice for beginners finding their path and for those more experienced. It allows for individual development as each path is unique to the seeker of knowledge. No two paths are identical.

It is when you have studied, believing you have reached the end of the study period, you really find out you have only just begun.

With much love and respect to Caithe and Rebecca for sharing their wealth of knowledge in such a practical and easily understood manner.

Leonore Newson

Trustee and Membership Co-ordinator of the Druid Network; Hospital Ministry Manager for The Pagan Federation, England

Wheel of the Year co–host on Mixlr: www.mixlr.com/the–celtic–mystic/

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Leonore is of Scottish descent but lives in the South West of England with her three cats and her husband, close to the ancient landscapes of Dartmoor. She was born from a long line of Spaewives and is a hereditary, solitary Hedgewitch. Later in life, she trained as a Druid with the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Leonore finds both these paths are complementary and interwoven. She enjoys celebrating the festivals of the Wheel of the Year with friends.

She is a grandmother and a registered nurse who believes we are the bridge between the ancestors and those yet to come. Leonore tries to pass on the knowledge and respect for our Sacred Nature which is all around us by encouraging everyone to tread lightly on this our Mother Earth and go gently as we do so.

Acknowledgement of Country

Today we stand in footsteps millennia old. May we acknowledge the traditional custodians whose cultures and customs have nurtured, and continue to nurture, this land, since men and women awoke from the great dream.

We honour the presence of these ancestors who reside in the imagination of this land and whose irrepressible spirituality flows through all creation.

Written by Jonathan Hill (Hill J. , 2013)

Foreword by Minnie Mace

I FEEL BLESSED to have been born with a foot firmly planted in two worlds, although this blessing was not embraced by me until I was in my 30s. My Mother, Hazel, was a proud Indigenous Woman respected by all who knew her. My Father, Lindsay, was a white man whose family arrived in Australia mid 1800s and settled in Tasmania.

My parents met in Brisbane during the Second World War, where Dad was based during his naval career. I only met a few members of the white side late in life. The reason for this may be attributed to one of my earliest childhood memories of my mother stating, We are not going to Tasmania because they ran our people off the cliffs down there. This was later repeated by my father, at a huge Mace Clan Gathering, when my mother travelled down to meet Dad’s family, in the late 80s. Mum, when retelling the event, said You could’ve heard a pin drop. Suffice to say, Dad’s family may not have seen the humour intended.

My name is Minnie Mace and I am an Elderly Member of the Koa/Goa Tribe of South East Queensland (Butterfly is our Dreaming) and the Twin Eagle Hawk Brothers are our country’s Creator Spirits.

I feel very strongly that Divine Intervention brought two very enlightened women into my life in October 2014, with a request to review a book that they had researched and co-authored over four years.

I also take this opportunity to give the reader an insight into our Cultural and Spiritual Heritage as handed down in its pure unpolluted form since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The Indigenous People of Australia, identify Baiame as the Spirit Father over all. His title is Benewah and his totem is Maroochy, the black swan. His four brothers preside over the individual Elements of Earth, Water, Air and Spirit. Hence Earth – Karoara – Bandicoot; Water – Mung Gnour – Giant Goanna; Air – Bunjil – Eagle Hawk; Spirit – Noorilee – Possum. These supreme Ancestral Spirits are not widely familiar outside of Indigenous Knowledge Circles. As academics have been perpetuating the myth that they are different names for the same Creator Being, which led to misunderstandings and continued ignorance.

Pamanyungan as Australia was called, had many visitors to our shores over many thousands of years. These outside visitors contributed to the continuing evolution of culture in the Ancient Land in the different places where contact was made. Due to thousands of years of contributing outside influence, our culture evolved and was shared during tri-annual Trade Gatherings throughout the land. Through Ceremony, Dance and Storytelling, this new knowledge was shared despite the constrictions of 600 dialects.

While the white tribes of the Western World were evolving technologically due to industrial and scientific revolution, their spiritual evolution began to wane. Due mainly to the purging of the knowledge of the Old Ways, by religious theories, wars and such like. The God Kings of Egypt began the pollution of the Divine Belief System. To research beyond their arrival reveals a common global belief embraced by all of the planet’s First Nations People, with the same spiritual hierarchy at the top of the Tree of Humanity, whose names became hidden until now due to the priests of ancient time closing their sacred books.

The white tribes arrived on our shores bringing with them many gifts and food to enrich this impoverished land. The gift of the English Language has united us as a people, the length, width and breadth of this timeless land. This book is a strong bridge between this lands First People and the newcomers, who had become spiritually weak but strong in their religious views, thus condemning the witches to death so that the Old Ways, new religions would replace. Our Elders passed on a wealth of knowledge which remains unpolluted and has been collected and held in trust by Elders of the planet’s First People for the children of the future.

Mulingah (Rebecca) and Poniflu (Caithe) are names that were given to me for them from The Dreaming. They, as the authors of this book, have put the reader on a path of wondrous learning and an understanding of the Old Ways, the Right Ways.

A respect for oneself, a respect of others and a respect for the environment is a respect for our Creator. In concluding, our conscience is our link to the Supreme Beings and communication is strengthened during Ceremony. As dance transcends language barriers, storytelling brings the listener to the brink of understanding. Wisdom is shared when the listener passes that brink.

I am forever grateful that they have entered our lives. Friendships based in deep respect for learning have now been forged into love and becoming a part of one family. I am proud of these strong women and the information found in this book.

A Wiccan’s Walk in Oz is a book for the future generations.

Minnie Mace

Contents

About the Authors

Foreword by Leonore Newson

Foreword by Minnie Mace

Before You Begin

My Country

One: Merry Meet

Two: History of Mystery

Three: Myths and Mayhem

Four: Your Starting Point

Five: The Rede

Six: Sacred Space

Seven: Who do you Call?

Eight: Australia – a Land of Diversity

Nine: Tools of Magick

Ten: Energy Work – Casting the Circle

Eleven: Energies of the Realms

Twelve: Correspondences

Thirteen: The Turning of the Wheel

Fourteen: Activities for Wee Wiccans

Fifteen: Designing your Rituals

Sixteen: Dedication and Initiation

Seventeen: The Moon and Magick

Fare thee well

Appendices

Index

Further Reading on the Web

Other Titles from Celticai Publishing

Before You Begin

BEFORE THE EUROPEANS settled in Australia, this beautiful land was inhabited by the Australian Aborigines and the Torres Strait Islanders. Their cultures, so rich in knowledge and stories, have been and will continue to be a source of inspiration for those who follow the Old Ways in a ‘new’ land.

Imagine being a European settler in the 1800s; travelling to a new space with your intricate knowledge of your own land. You arrive in a land known for its heat and vast spaces; encountering strange animals and plants. Many may have persisted with what they knew from their original homeland. Others endeavoured to learn from the local Aboriginal population and their own observations.

Whether you choose to follow the traditions of your ancestors or connect with the complexity found within the Australian landscape and climate patterns, your Wiccan Walk will be as unique as yourself. Speak with your family members, learn about the ways your family adjusted to their new country. This information is priceless.

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We give our gratitude, honour and respect to local Koa Elder, Auntie Minnie Mace for her willingness to share her knowledge and experiences with us. Due to our location in South-East Queensland, this manual focuses on the Aboriginal culture. It is not our intention to diminish the importance of the culture or the stories of the Torres Strait Islanders. If you live in Far North Queensland or the Northern Territory, you are blessed with having two rich sources of natural knowledge and ceremony.

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Much of the Aboriginal culture is sacred to their people. We do not wish to intrude nor misrepresent their diversity. Within this collection of information, we have endeavoured to outline a basic introduction. We encourage you to know your local Elders. Talk with them in mutual respect as being followers of the Old Ways.

Throughout the manual, you will find tips and interesting information in boxes marked with the snake. The spiral snake is our representation of the land where we live. The local town is named Caboolture (Kabultur) – meaning carpet snake.

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This publication is a collection of our own experiences, research and intuitively received information. Add your own notes and research to create YOUR individual Book of Shadows and Light.

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A special mention about the word Magic. As we researched, compared and wrote, we discussed whether to use ‘magic’ or ‘magick’. We discovered many reasons for using either spelling as a preference. Which one was more practical for our intention? Which one spoke to us about the beauty of connection? We chose to use ‘magick’. Discover your own preference and use what works best for you.

Our use of capital letters – capital letters are not normally used for common nouns. Therefore, we have not capitalised the common names of crystals, animals, herbs or trees. We have endeavoured to use capital letters to describe a sacred object or experience. For example: Today, I will create a Moon Magick Ritual.

We are all visitors to this time, this place.

We are just passing through.

Our purpose here is to observe,

to learn,

to grow,

to love

and then we return home.

(Unknown source; Aboriginal Australian Proverb)

The poem by Dorothy Mackellar, ‘My Country’ can be found on the next page. It conveys an opportunity to see into the heart of your own land. Although, Australian plants and animals have been listed throughout A Wiccan’s Walk in Oz, it will be your own observations of your local area’s weather, fauna and flora which will provide the deepest connections with the land on which you live.

We are taught there are four seasons traditionally. Across Australia, there are thirty-seven different ecoregions. An ecoregion is a geographical area containing its own distinct flora, fauna and environmental conditions. Therefore, the traditional four seasons or even the eight Sabbats of The Wheel of the Year may not apply specifically to your local area.

Please use all information as a starting point for your own observations.

My Country

The love of field and coppice

Of green and shaded lanes,

Of ordered woods and gardens

Is running in your veins.

Strong love of grey–blue distance,

Brown streams and soft, dim skies

I know, but cannot share it,

My love is otherwise.

I love a sunburnt country,

A land of sweeping plains,

Of ragged mountain ranges,

Of droughts and flooding rains.

I love her far horizons,

I love her jewel–sea,

Her beauty and her terror

The wide brown land for me!

The stark white ring–barked forests,

All tragic to the moon,

The sapphire–misted mountains,

The hot gold hush of noon,

Green tangle of the brushes

Where lithe lianas coil,

And orchids deck the tree–tops,

And ferns the warm dark soil.

Core of my heart, my country!

Her pitiless blue sky,

When, sick at heart, around us

We see the cattle die

But then the grey clouds gather,

And we can bless again

The drumming of an army,

The steady soaking rain.

Core of my heart, my country!

Land of the rainbow gold,

For flood and fire and famine

She pays us back threefold.

Over the thirsty paddocks,

Watch, after many days,

The filmy veil of greenness

That thickens as we gaze...

An opal–hearted country,

A wilful, lavish land

All you who have not loved her,

You will not understand

Though Earth holds many splendours,

Wherever I may die,

I know to what brown country

My homing thoughts will fly.

Dorothea Mackeller (Written 1909)

One: Merry Meet

The wind sends its breath across my body – my mind – my soul

Standing amidst these immortal mountains,

I’m sensitized... energized... alive, wild and free.

My heartbeat accelerates

I tremble and shiver in responsive anticipation.

To be at one with the Earth Spirit swirling around me

Surrounded yet alone, connected – at peace.

A perfect moment in time.

Whether you are reading this out of sheer curiosity or whether you are ready to acknowledge your long–felt and deep connection with Mother Earth…

Welcome to A Wiccan’s Walk in Oz!

The image of a journey has been chosen deliberately and for a number of reasons. It is a reminder to follow your ‘nose’ and seek out pathways with a sense of adventure. Each step is a journey within itself. Sometimes, the path is muddy and difficult to follow. At other times, it is a path of ease. Wherever the path leads, you are connected with Nature – through towns, gardens, deserts, suburbs, bushlands, swamps, jungles, mountain tops, valleys and meadows. No particular Path is considered to be wrong. Each of the detours, rest stops and feelings of being ‘lost’ are part of the journey. It is a journey for the Self and of the Self. Gathering with like–minded souls can provide the push and momentum to journey further than ever before.

Living and breathing each step

Our intention for writing this book was to compile our collected information and share this in an easy-to-read manner. Neither of us professes to be the ultimate source of information regarding Wicca and The Old Ways. Both of us grew up in Christian households. From a young age, we each felt our individual connection with Mother Earth keenly. We both came to following the Wiccan’s Walk through a desire to heal ourselves. Our desire is to learn and keep learning.

[Wicca’s] not a religion, it’s a choice on how to live your life.

(Scott Cunningham)

Conscious Co–Creators

Magick. It’s a word often thrown around insignificantly. We believe magick is the power each of us holds as a conscious co-creator with the Divine. It is your choice how you create your day and your life. Your emotional spectrum becomes your cauldron; your mind becomes your wand. The magick? Well, the magick is seen in every part of your life as living, conscious and expansive possibilities. Caithe’s favourite phrase is: Make a Magickal Day!

Guideposts and Guidelines

We hope to assist you out of the broom closet and explore the Wiccan Walk. It is such a joy to see people who display their belief – either through crystals, pentagrams, clothes or their everyday speech and action. May you also discover ways to proclaim your beliefs as you walk your chosen Path.

Whether, you live in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere, we hope you find this guide a thought–provoking guidepost.

As in any good journey, be prepared! Every day, you should have with you:

water for hydration

protective clothing and actions (psychic protection)

a working compass you trust (developed intuition)

a sense of adventure

We encourage you to test all things, at all times, against your inner truth and voice.

To paraphrase Shakespeare: Walk on, MacDuff!

Two: History of Mystery

TRYING TO FIND your way on the Wiccan Walk is certainly a journey filled with mystery. It can become confusing, disconcerting and frustrating just working out the terms. For the purposes of our research, we devised the following summary to help clear up any initial misunderstanding:

Pagan – someone who believes in multiple deities and chooses to follow the ‘Old Ways’.

Witch – someone who uses magickal tools and spells to create change (i.e. practices witchcraft).

Wiccan – someone who ceremonially observes the cycles of the seasons and the sky to increase their connection with Mother Earth.

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Something to remember

Not all Witches are Wiccan; not all Witches are Pagans. Just to be even more confusing, not all Pagans are Witches.

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Paganism

The origins of Paganism reach back to the beginnings of humanity. The term Paganism actually covers all nature based spiritual paths (e.g. Druidism, Wicca and Witchcraft). Originally, Pagan meant country dweller. As time passed, anyone following the Old Ways was labelled a Pagan. This became an insult meaning ‘un-enlightened one’ and ‘dullard’. Not particularly respectful!

The ways of Paganism are obscured by the mists of a powerful and ancient history combined with modern twists, superstitions, myths, hearsay and un–truths. Generally, being Pagan means a belief in religious tolerance, equality for all and a respect for every path leading to enlightenment. (ps. You don’t see Pagans standing on corners handing out flyers or trying to convert others.)

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Why put ‘Neo’ on the front?

You may hear believers calling themselves Neo Pagans or Neo Wiccans. The term refers to modern attempts to reconnect with nature by adjusting past belief systems to the needs of today. The terminology can be confusing as it covers so many paths. We use the term Pagan and Wiccan for simplicity.

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Ancient practices and rituals have been passed down through generations. Unfortunately, so have many superstitions regarding these noble and healing paths. Many misunderstandings are based in fear, magnified by ignorance and perpetuated over time.

Paganism is an eternal, spiritual path. One of manifesting and creating energy channels for positive change within yourself and for helping Mother Earth. It is not about interfering with another creature’s free will.

By our own definition, we are Pagans with Wiccan beliefs. Let’s touch on some of the differences between Wicca and Witchcraft and the origins of the modern ways.

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Did you know?

In many countries, witchcraft is still illegal. However, the practice of Wicca is legal in every Australian state and territory. Queensland only changed their laws at the start of 2001. Until then it had still been illegal to practise Witchcraft in any way, shape or form.

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Witch

Witches are the healers and followers of the Old Ways. Commonly, they are the Herbalists, Midwives and Worshippers (male and female) of Nature and the Source/Divine. Reaching far back into history, the core of witchcraft contains:

the respectful use and knowledge of nature – including the seasons, living creatures and herbal lore

understanding and interpreting the night sky

ceremonial ritual and

strong morals.

Since the beginning of human culture and society, Witches were highly sought after and deeply respected members of communities. Groups of followers would join together to increase the strength of their Magick. These gatherings are known as a coven or a circle. Solitary or in groups, Witches used different tools and seasonal practices to help the world around them.

Fast forwarding through time, Christianity spread across the world. Beliefs changed. People were encouraged (and forced) to focus on a single male God rather than a range of Goddesses and Gods. While some healers were converted, others hid their true calling for fear of punishment. Fear of the Old Ways escalated in the 16th and 17th centuries, with the infamous ‘Witch Trials’ across Europe and the Americas.

An estimated 40,000 to 100,000 people were killed by hanging, torture and, in some cases, burnt alive at the stake. Neither sex nor age made any difference. Any person could be accused of Witchcraft. Accusations were founded on the superstitions of neighbours, friends and even relatives.

These accusations were based on a person’s physical deformations, healing practices, mental health issues and even medical complications (e.g. seizures). Outright lies based on jealousy, anger, greed and hate were also the motivation for labelling someone a ‘witch’. Grotesque and torturous tests were devised to check whether the accusations were true.

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Were you burnt in a previous life?

Contrary to popular belief, most Witches were hung or drowned during the Witch Trials (or Burning Times). Most of the burnings occurred in the United Kingdom. In the Witch Trial records, there is even evidence of a dog being trialled!

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Each victim was accused of worshipping the devil, hexing others, destroying crops and animals, changing the seasons, blasphemy of the Church and even absurd claims of eating children.

You can explore the Myths and Mayhem of Wicca further in Chapter Three.

Rich in History

Historical