The 4 directions: How to use it in spells and rituals

[LadyAngell]

Hi I'm still working out about my own profile so I will post something in the introductions section soon.

Meanwhile, my burning question would be about the 4 directions. How does one use the 4 directions in spells and rituals? I've tried writing like "benign guardians of the 4 directions of the North, South, East and West" before. I'm scared that there might be dark forces that guard the 4 directions too which who knows I might invoke accidentally by calling for the 4 directions guardians.

In my meditation whilst I was doing an honor ritual to offer candle and herb and sea salt offerings to my patron deities of the Roman pantheon, I think the 4 directions guardians spoke. They said if the 4 directions were corrupted, then who would trust in any direction anymore?

Anyone has any experiences, insights or knowledge on this? I'd be really grateful.

Thanks in advance!
LadyAngell

[Heartsong]

In my experience, the only dark forces that are associated with the four directions are those that the practitioner invokes. Typically, the four directions (or Quarters) are called on to act as both protection for the circle during spells and rituals, and as aids that can lend their energy. To my knowledge, there aren't any malevolent spirits attached to the four directions, and those spirits or energies that are, are here to help, not harm. In theory, you could summon "darker" aspects to act as the Quarters if you desired, but most Wiccans that I know of tend to stick with calling on the elements.

Out of curiosity, could you explain more about what you mean about the directions being corrupted?

[Shub Niggurath]

In my experience, the only dark forces that are associated with the four directions are those that the practitioner invokes.

Exactly.
If you're scared of accidentally invoking any dark forces you need to make sure that it's not you who might cause it in the first place. Take a ritual cleansing bath before a ritual or do anything that will ensure you that your mind and spirit is pure. When you feel pure you also feel empower and certain that you're only going to invoke what you want to invoke - nothing more, nothing less.


As for the four directions they're commonly associated with the four elements and four archangels.

• Uriel, Cardinal Angel of the Northern Corner, Elemental Angel of Earth
  Gabriel, Cardinal Angel of the Western Corner, Elemental Angel of Water
  Raphael. Cardinal Angel of the Eastern Corner, Elemental Angel of Air
  Michael: Cardinal Angel of the Southern Corner, Elemental Angel of Fire

If you're interested in the "corrupted guardians" you might want to check this out: Click. Especially the "Watchers in Enoch" part.

[Echo_of_shadows]

We have an older post that you may find helpful. http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum ... 25490.html

[LadyAngell]

We have an older post that you may find helpful. http://everythingunderthemoon.net/forum ... 25490.html

Thanks Echo that's very helpful the link you gave me here is very useful.

[LadyAngell]

In my experience, the only dark forces that are associated with the four directions are those that the practitioner invokes.

Exactly.
If you're scared of accidentally invoking any dark forces you need to make sure that it's not you who might cause it in the first place. Take a ritual cleansing bath before a ritual or do anything that will ensure you that your mind and spirit is pure. When you feel pure you also feel empower and certain that you're only going to invoke what you want to invoke - nothing more, nothing less.


As for the four directions they're commonly associated with the four elements and four archangels.

• Uriel, Cardinal Angel of the Northern Corner, Elemental Angel of Earth
  Gabriel, Cardinal Angel of the Western Corner, Elemental Angel of Water
  Raphael. Cardinal Angel of the Eastern Corner, Elemental Angel of Air
  Michael: Cardinal Angel of the Southern Corner, Elemental Angel of Fire

If you're interested in the "corrupted guardians" you might want to check this out: Click. Especially the "Watchers in Enoch" part.

Hi I didn't dare look at the link but I find it interesting about the four archangels and the four directions.

[LadyAngell]

In my experience, the only dark forces that are associated with the four directions are those that the practitioner invokes. Typically, the four directions (or Quarters) are called on to act as both protection for the circle during spells and rituals, and as aids that can lend their energy. To my knowledge, there aren't any malevolent spirits attached to the four directions, and those spirits or energies that are, are here to help, not harm. In theory, you could summon "darker" aspects to act as the Quarters if you desired, but most Wiccans that I know of tend to stick with calling on the elements.

Out of curiosity, could you explain more about what you mean about the directions being corrupted?

"If the four directions were corrupted, who would believe in any directions anymore?" was spoken by someone I saw in meditation. Not sure who but someone said it in the meditation scene where I was astralling.

[SnowCat]

You pose a question that I'd never thought of. Specifying benign guardians can't hurt. The more exact the wording and intent of a working is, the less chance there tends to be of something going wrong.

Of course in the horror stories, someone always makes one tiny mistake that leads to all kinds of a big bloody mess. And why do they always go running to the attic? I don't get it.

Snow

[random417]

The line "hail to the guardians of the WATCHTOWERS of the (direction) comes from ceremonial magic, and more specifically Enochian. They're specifically angels. Not exactly sweetness and light, but the "guardians of the watchtowers" do refer to specific beings. I wouldn't worry about it, if that's the passing you're using