Witches' Sabbat by Arthur Rackham
Welcome October! I began the month by joining my Witch-kin for an evening of movie watching and dinner. We watched two movies before dinner, the original The Wicker Man, followed by The Wicker Tree. There was pop corn, chips, dip, and salsa while we watched. After the movies, we ate dinner. I prepared baked ziti and there was garlic bread to go with it followed by cannoli for dessert. Everything was delicious, the company wonderful, and the discussion stimulating.
Of course the original Wicker Man is a cult favorite and we all enjoyed it very much. All but one of us, I believe, have seen it before. We discussed sacrifice and how it has changed over the centuries. The Wicker Tree... well, I have to be honest, it was more of a horror movie. Yes, there were elements of the Old Ways, but it just didn't do much for me.
It is interesting how sacrifice, animal, human, and the usual food and beverages, were so much a part of Pagan religions, as well as the Abrahamic religions, long ago. Now, Pagans tend to distance themselves from animal, and most especially human, sacrifice. I made mention that I didn't think there was one person in the room who would perform any type of blood sacrifice, with the exception of offering one's own blood. There was only one person who said that if her goddesses required it of her, she would do it. None of us, though, has been called upon to do such sacrifice.
My own practice includes some blood sorcery, but it is my own blood that I use. This is the most powerful of offerings, gaining us the most potent results. It is not for everyone, and certainly not for every working; it would not be a good idea to feed the spirits one's own rich life elixir more than once in a while. I am sure there will be those that disagree with me and may, in fact, be horrified; by all means, you are free to believe and feel what you wish. However, I can say from experience, I know this to be true. Make of it what you will.
And so begins my daily posts with an image, poem, or what have I, for the season of Hallows. I didn't plan to discuss this blood, it just happened.
Blessings nine!
I haven't been called to make blood sacrifice, but it often happens that I've been doing a chicken or pig slaughter around the major holy days. Regardless, I always make the offerings of the blood to my gods, because I believe it's the right thing to do when taking a life. :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Allyson. Thank you for sharing this. It can be a touchy subject.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a great night, with wonderful company, and great conversation. Thanks for bringing up this taboo subject amongst many but it is a sacred offering that in my opinion must be done if called upon by your particular God/Goddess. Not everyone's cup of tea but then again the Craft isn't either...
ReplyDeleteWell said, Betty, it is not everyone's cup of tea. Agree, it was a good night!
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