Wind Magick
Invoking the winds is an ancient practice that dates back to the Ancient Greeks and possibly earlier. In Mycenaean Greece a Priestess of the Winds is named on a tablet found at Knossos. That such a function existed is proof that a Cult of the Winds played an important role in magic and deities associated with the Winds were prelevant and worshipped.
Wind magick utilises the forces of the four winds to create changes and the power of the wind can give a tremedous intensity to spellwork. Each of the winds is associated with certain aspects and depending on which wind is blowing, the vibrations on the earth will differ. When invoking the winds for spellwork, it is best to be outside.
"Heed the North wind's mighty gale: lock the door and trim the sail. When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you the on the mouth. When the Moor wind blows from the West, departed spirits have no rest. When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. "
[Extract from The Wiccan Rede by Doreen Valiente]
The North Wind: Ruled by the God Boreas or Ophion
The Wind of Death and Change. Boreas is known to bring destruction and "cold", sudden, or unexpected change. This generally brings an unfavorable result of varying degrees, that must be worked through. Pagans attribute the power of the elimination of bad habits to this wind, and associate it with the color black, and the hour of midnight. These winds are associated with level headedness. So use this time to practice spellwork for financial management, and organization.
Spellwork:
Body, growth, material gain, money, creativity, birth, death, silence. Rocks, standing stones, crystals, jewels, metal, rich, treasures, grounding. Mystery, industry, possesions, prosperity, wisdom, runes, teaching, practical wisdom. Actions associated with this wind might include; burying, planting, or making images in earth or sand.
The East Wind: Ruled by the God Euros
Wind of Renewed life and intellect. Eurus, the bringer of rain. Because rain is thought to generally bring favorable change, this wind is symbolic of improvements. Pagans attribute the power of dramatic improvements to this wind, and also use it for anything to do with the intellect. In Pagan lore, this wind is associated with the color white, and the hour of dawn.
Winds that blow from the East are associated with transformation, and new beginnings. When the easterly winds blow, use this time to practice spellwork involving all things new. Actions associated with wind might include writing a new spells, creating a new ritual, or finding new avenues in your chosen path.
Spellwork:
Spells for new beginnings and creation. The mind, all mental, intuitive and psychic work. Knowledge, abstract learning, wind and breath. Inspiration, hearing, harmony, herbal knowledge, plant growth, finding lost things, telepathy, memory, contact the Angels. To know, understand, unlock secrets of the dead, Zen meditation, brainstorms, beginnings.
The South Wind: Ruled by the God Notus
Hot Firey Wind. This wind in particular is noted for bringing negative works to fruition, and is associated with cursing, or acts of deception. Paganss attribute purification to this wind, and claim it to be useful for all types of spellwork. In Pagan lore, this wind is associated with the color yellow, and the hour of noon. Winds that blow from the south are commonly associated with spells for love, lust and passion. South winds give us vitality, and spellwork for banishing jealousy and selfishness from the self should be performed during this time.
Spellwork:
Use to add power to spells. Energy, spirit, heat, flame. Blood, healing, candle flames, sun eruptions, freedom, change, perceptions. Sexuality, love, passion, learning, authority, strength, work, physycal exercise, arts, creativity, faith, power.
The West Wind: Ruled by the God Zephyrus
Wind of love and fertility. Zephyrus is associated with fertility and love; and interestingly, many old tales depict him as bi-sexual. This is a useful aspect when dealing with dualities in situations. Wiccans attribute fertility, persuasiveness, healing, and love to this wind, and associate it with the color blue, and the hour of twillight.
Winds that blow from the west are associated with healing. During these winds practice cleansing and healing rituals. Intuition in the natural Witch is strong during these winds, so take advantage of this and practice spellwork, which involves using your inner strength to its capacity.
Spellwork:
Spells for love, fertility, healing and cleansing. Emotions, love, courage, daring, sorrow, intuition, fertility, plants smell, pleasure, friendship, marriage, happiness, sleep, dreams. Reflection, power to dare and cleanse things. Security.
The Minor Winds
Four other Winds are attributed to Minor Deities; Apeliotus - was the southeast wind, who brought a light refreshing rain as did his brother, Lips or Livos - the southwest wind. The northeast wind was called by the Athenians Skeiron and was according to Pausanias it was an intellegent wind. Kaikias was the god of the northwest wind, this wind had a bad name in Greece as the bearer of snow, coldness and blizzards.
To see all the images of the Wind-Gods together, we have to look to the so called Tower of the Winds in Athens. The tower was built as a horologion (time-clock) in the first century BCE by the Syrian architect Andronicus Cyrrhestes. The reliefs of the eight personifications of the winds can be found decorating the fries, in which from every pertinent side a specific wind-god with his name is represented. |