Wicca Down Under

I am an Australian Witch, following a what is basically a Celtic path. Although my path is based on the old traditions, certain modifications have to be made to take local conditions into account.

I first became interested in Witchcraft, as a solitary practitioner, about 7 years ago, but found it difficult to find information specific to the southern hemisphere. Therefore I hope this page will be of assistance to other interested southerners.

The Sabbats

At present, I am operating on the system of the four greater and four lesser sabbats. Although the Australian climate allows for up to six distinct seasons, as opposed to four in most parts of Britain and Europe, I prefer to base the sabbats on the traditional ones, celebrating the sabbats as follows: (all dates are approximate)

Imbolg/Oimelc/Candlemas/Brigid- 2 August
Vernal (Spring) Equinox/Ostara/Eostar - 21 September
Bealtaine - 31 October
Midsummer/Summer Solstice/Litha - 22 December
Lughnasadh/Lammas - 31 January
Autumnal Equinox/Mabon - 21 March
Samhain/Hallowe'en - 30 April
Yule/Winter Solstice - 22 June

At the moment I am presuming you already know the meanings of the sabbats, however, soon I will be giving more details.... *fingers crossed*

The Circle

The forces of nature dictate that the quarters are placed differently in the Southern Hemisphere. As the Equator is to the North, Fire is situated in the North. Earth, and the Altar, are placed in the south. Water is in the East and Air in the West. This is only my recommendation for the East Coast of Australia. But do whatever makes you comfortable. Wicca is our own religion to adapt as we wish, but we must keep in mind the laws of nature.

The circle is conducted Deosil, however, Deosil (meaning the direction of the sun) in the Southern Hemisphere is anti-clockwise. Just as the water goes down the drain the opposite way, the circle is conducted in the opposite direction. Some find this difficult when all the rites and rituals handed down are conducted clockwise, so again, find out what works best for you. You may have to experiment a little to find the most effective way for you to practise ritual magick in order to gain the desired results.

Aside from those quite obvious differences, ritual magick is conducted in the same way as it is in the Northlands. Of course, Australia has it's own herbs etc; I've just made a new page extolling the virtues of Eucalypus & Tea Tree Oil here.

Above all magick is in everything, and everyone. We are all a part of this remarkable planet and should treat eachother and the earth with the appropriate respect.

If you have any comments, questions, or criticisms, please feel free to email me.

30/5/98

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