Fabulous Folklore: Phallus Worship

This sculpture of a toadstool shaped in the form of genitalia is an exhibit at the Museum of Witchcraft & Magic; which used to be displayed in the window in Cecil Williamson’s day.

I can’t remember what the purpose of this exact artefact was, but phallic worship has been present around the world since the beginning of time. Phallic symbols have been found by archaeological expeditions all over the world.

One of the oldest phallic representations is the Hohle phallus, a 28,000 year old siltstone piece which was discovered in the Hohle Fels cave in Germany. As well as being used as a representation for genitalia, this artefact is also believed to have been used for knapping flints - a very practical dual purpose!

The phallus represents fertility, procreation and potential. Worship of the reproductive powers of nature is common in many cultures, and is often symbolised by this organ. In some cultures it was a protective symbol, and helped to avert the evil eye. In Bhutan, for example, wooden phalluses, with white ribbons emerging from the tip, deter evil spirits when hung from the doorways of houses.

Phalluses play a big part (excusing the pun!) in classical antiquity. They appear a lot in ancient Greek, Roman and Indian mythology; usually in relation to fertility.

Do you use a phallic symbol in your practice? Have you seen any good examples of phallic worship on your travels? 

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Word Magick: Invocation to Pan

Invocation to Pan ~ by Helen Bantock

Pan, god of the unfettered wild!

Come from thy secret dwelling,

Where mighty mountains sleep, and, undefiled,

The waters sweet are welling,

O, fearless, swift! O fierce and free!

God of the forests! God of liberty!

Pan, sing we a paean! Pan, we call on thee!

Pan, god of the unfettered mind,

Of faith and will unshaken,

Come, piping loud and wild upon the wind

Till sluggard worlds awaken.

Healer divine! Heart of the free!

Spirit of music! Soul of ecstasy!

Priest of delight! Thou laughter gay- all hail!

Twy-horned, goat-footed, lord of revelry!

The sweet singer, the light dancer, the wild piper - clear and shrill!

The keen hunter, the swift pursuer, the lord of fear - and deathless will!

Pan, to thee we raise our voices, Pan, great Pan, all hail!

Image taken at The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscastle, Cornwall.

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Simple Magick: Sex Magick

In “Spells & How They Work” by Janet & Stewart Farrar it is written:

“Sex magic should be used only by a couple to whom sex is a normal part of their loving relationship - in other words, by husband and wife or established lovers - and always in private. It should be used within a Magic Circle, even if it has ‘only’ been cast mentally around the bed.”

Whilst I don’t agree that Sex Magic has to happen between a man and a woman for it to be successful (I believe polarity can be found in other ways, and I don’t wish to get into the debate of gender here), I think there is definitely something in the statements that the couple should be established, and in private.

Orgasm is the point at which the built up energy from visualisation is released, and whilst this energy can be harnessed and used for magical aim with any type of partner (casual or otherwise), I’ve been thinking about the depth of established relationships, and how they relate to this sort of magickal act.

When I think of my husband and the very many years we’ve spent together, I think of the deep knowing and understanding we have of each other. This is an extremely powerful thing. Without looking at him, I can tell immediately how he might feel about something just seen or heard, and we can pass information to each other with just a glance. I can tell when he’s not far away from home, and he can tell I’m upset before I am. Throw in all the trials and tribulations the years throw at you, and the commitment to each other. Then there is the physical relationship built up over many years. That’s an extremely potent energy to apply to working towards a common goal. 

I’m not saying that established relationships ARE better for Sex Magick, but there’s no denying they’re certainly very powerful. As for carrying out the act in private, it’s a bit like any other type of spellwork. In keeping it hidden, it does not become diluted by other people’s energy, will or intent, and is more likely to be successful.

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