Ramblings of a Witch: Struck by Lightning!
By: Lady Morgan Moonstone
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Scott Cunningham describes storms as this: Electrical storms are times of great energy. The electrical energy of lightning mixes with the magnetic forces of water (rain), thus creating an extrememly powerful magical brew. All spells cast during storms will be empowered by them, and may prove to be more effective. Protection rituals are ideal at these times.

Patricia Telesco talks of Thunderstorms in her book, Folkways. She states that an old wives tale says that thunder is caused by clouds bumping, and that it can cause milk to turn sour and unborn children to die. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all believed that thunder and lightning were the wrath of the Gods. For Greeks, lightning was the weapon of Zeus, the father of all Gods. Romans revered any spot where lightning hit and often built temples to Jupiter at the site.

Edain McCoy states in her book, Making Magick: What it is and how it works, that Magickally speaking, the storm provides us a balance and a blending of the four elements: fire as lightning, water as rain, air as wind, all pounding the earth.

According to some things I have read, it is considered good luck to use wood that was brought down from lightning for making drumsticks, however, another belief is never to use wood brought down by lightning in building a home or barn because it could attract another lightning strike - but they do say lightning never strikes twice in the same place, so wouldn't the opposite be true?

A Bay bush planted by the house is supposed to protect you from being struck by lightning. The stone Jacinth is said to protect a home of lightning when its embedded in a part of the home. Other herbs/trees listed as protection against lightning include Mistletoe, Hawthorn, Hazel, Thistle (Throw it into a fire). Standing underneath a Elder tree is said to also protect you from being struck.

Now that I have all of that, Ive looked over countless books and not a word about what it means if you are struck by lightning! Just a few days ago, I was outside under an awning on a camper during a powerful thunder and lightning storm. When the lightning struck, it either hit the back of my leg and traveled up to my knee before I could jump into the camper or struck the ground where I was and I felt it from that. Either way, there is no doubt I was "hit" and thank the Gods it wasnt strong enough to hurt me but I do think it meant something.

Maybe I was somewhere I shouldn't have been. Maybe the Gods were trying to tell me to get away from there. I wasn't at my home when this happened and had just been very upset over an arguement. I had stepped outside of the camper to leave and was stopped by the person I had been arguing with. I turned around to answer and Boom! It happened... Maybe it was just a sign to say: Hey! Pay Attention! It cetainly got my attention and has been on my mind for a week now...

This article is not complete, I want to do more research and some dream magick on this situation. Will add to this as I do. If you have anything to add, please Email me - Thanks!

Further Reading (Sources) on Lightning Storms and Magick

  • Earth Power and Magical Herbalism - Scott Cunningham
  • Folkways: Reclaiming the Magic and Wisdom - Patricia Telesco
  • Making Magick: What it is and How it Works - Edain McCoy

    Outside Links About Lightning

  • Struck by Lightning.Org

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    Last Updated: 5-15-04 | morgan@witchs-brew.org
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