The Sacred Seven:

A Magickal Path of Personal

Development

Introduction

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |2

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |3
The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |4
 Welcome

Greetings Magick Maker!

I developed The Sacred Seven almost a decade ago after I started teaching
workshops mixing magick with modern personal development strategies. I loved being
able to bring my two worlds of witchcraft and psychology together. Now it’s a decade
later and time to bring The Sacred Seven to a larger audience. I am so excited about this
opportunity to present the course this way. I am honored to do the work that is Keeping
Her Keys of which The Sacred Seven is a vital part.

This is a course in Applied Modern Witchcraft. The emphasis is on using magick

to create an abundant, meaningful life that reflects your True Self. In this program,
you’ll find lots of techniques and exercises designed to help you do just that.

The only requirement for this course is a belief in magick. More specifically, you
need to believe that you are a powerful force for making magick and that you can use it
and other strategies for the real work of creating a life you love. Since you’re here
reading this, you’ve probably already reached this conclusion. So, let’s begin! We’ve got
magickal work to do!

Yours in magick,

Cyndi Brannen, PhD

Developer of The Sacred Seven
Founder of Keeping Her Keys

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |5

Important Dates

The course is self-directed – you complete it at your own pace. However, I send out the
lessons on a schedule. You can contact me for guidance at any time.

Date Event
April 22 Last day to register for free intro class
April 22 Prequel sent to registered students
April 29 Last day to register for course
April 29 Lesson 1: Healing
May 13 Lesson 2: Energy
May 27 Lesson 3: Sovereignty
June 10 Lesson 4: Growth
June 24 Lesson 5: Connection
July 8 Lesson 6: Abundance
July 22 Lesson 7: Unity

The Power of the Call.

Do you hear the inner call?
It is a call to rebirth,
To returning,
To renewal.
It is the call to living a magickal life.

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |6

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |7
Contents
Welcome .............................................................................................................................. 5

Important Dates .................................................................................................................. 6

About This Course .............................................................................................................. 11

Course Timeline .............................................................................................................. 11

Content ........................................................................................................................... 11

Exercises ........................................................................................................................ 12

The Witches’ Hour of Power.......................................................................................... 12

The Sacred Seven............................................................................................................... 12

The Septagram................................................................................................................... 13

Curriculum ........................................................................................................................ 13

Lesson 1: Healing ........................................................................................................... 13

Lesson 2: Energy............................................................................................................ 14

Lesson 3: Sovereignty .................................................................................................... 15

Lesson 4: Growth ........................................................................................................... 15

Lesson 5: Connection..................................................................................................... 16

Lesson 6: Abundance ......................................................................................................17

Lesson 7: Unity ...............................................................................................................17

Lessons of The Sacred Seven............................................................................................. 18

Core Concepts of The Sacred Seven .................................................................................. 19

The Three Selves ............................................................................................................ 19

The Lower Self ............................................................................................................... 19

The Higher Self .............................................................................................................. 19

The Middle Self .............................................................................................................. 20

The True Self and Shadow ............................................................................................. 20

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |8

 The Voice of Others ....................................................................................................... 21

Spirit .............................................................................................................................. 21

The Three Realms.............................................................................................................. 21

The Liminal Realm ............................................................................................................ 22

Force and Form ................................................................................................................. 22

The Three Dominions........................................................................................................ 22

The Directions and Elements ............................................................................................ 22

Correspondences ............................................................................................................... 23

Correspondences of The Sacred Seven.......................................................................... 23

Symbols ............................................................................................................................. 23

Tools .................................................................................................................................. 24

Tools of The Sacred Seven ............................................................................................. 24

Magickal Techniques ......................................................................................................... 24

Types of Magick ................................................................................................................. 25

Energy Sources .................................................................................................................. 25

Parts of Magick .................................................................................................................. 25

The Sacred Seven: Exercises ............................................................................................. 25

Your Sacred Seven Journal............................................................................................ 26

Book of Shadows ............................................................................................................... 26

Seven Rayed Star Altar ...................................................................................................... 27

Exercise: Course Commitment Ritual .............................................................................. 28

Going Deeper: Guidelines for Writing Intentions ........................................................ 28

Steps for Developing a Great Intention ..................................................................... 29

Practice: Course Commitment Ritual ........................................................................... 29

Requirements ............................................................................................................. 30

The Sacred Seven Introduction Page |9

 Directions ................................................................................................................... 30

Incantation ................................................................................................................. 30

Seven-Rayed Star Template .............................................................................................. 33

Instructions for Making a Seven-Rayed Star Portable Altar ............................................ 34

Inspiration ......................................................................................................................... 36

Course Commitment Ritual Work Sheet .......................................................................... 38

Notes .................................................................................................................................. 39

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 10

About This Course

Within each lesson, you’ll find many activities and exercises. You can use
them as presented, adapt them to suit yourself, or as a source of
inspiration to make up your own activities based on the principles you’ve
learned in the lessons. Always feel free to contact me for help with the
lessons.

Course Timeline

This course should commence on the first day of the lunar cycle, the
astrological New Moon. This gives you time to work through this
introduction and the “prequel” so that you are prepared for the first
lesson. The course is entirely self-directed in terms of schedule. I’ve
designed it to take about four months. Keep in mind that there are workings in each of
the lessons that utilize the energy of the moon at different points in the cycle. I
recommend that you look through the entire lesson when you begin, so you can plan the
lunar-based activities. Get in touch with me for help with planning.

Content

The content of The Sacred Seven was developed from many sources. It can
be considered a magickal path of personal development using Applied
Modern Witchcraft because of the focus on using different techniques for
working with the natural energies of the earth, including the elements and
various correspondences. You can also see it as spiritual development. How you classify
the course is entirely up to you.

The skills you’ll develop extend beyond those that can be considered magical to modern
strategies of personal development, including skills for changing emotions, thoughts
and actions.

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 11

Exercises

The exercises for this course are designed to help you learn the concepts
presented so you can create a magickal life that works for you. They focus
on skills development while the practice activities are about applying
these techniques. The journaling prompts are there to guide you with
processing what you’re learning, but you should write down thoughts as they occur to
you during this course and make notes as you go along. Write as much or as little as you
need to complete any exercise, journal prompt, etc. Feel free to use point form, charts,
tables, bulleted lists, or long paragraphs – whatever works for you. There are sections
entitled “Going Deeper” which entail taking your skills and practice to a new level.

The Witches’ Hour of Power

The practices taught in The Sacred Seven classes comprise what I call The
Magick Hour of Power or The Witch’s Hour of Power depending on your
perspective. By dedicating one hour per day to spiritually-based personal
development, you can achieve the meaningful life you seek. The seven practices include:

1. Affirmations
2. Divination Work
3. Energy Work
4. Journaling
5. Knowledge Building
6. Meditation
7. Ritual

The Sacred Seven

Seven as a sacred number is found across magical traditions and mystical

paths. The seven lessons of The Sacred Seven draw from several different
perspectives to form a framework that offers the essential teachings shared
between the different approaches. The seven energetic centers are explored using the
chakra framework. The seven Hermetic principles are incorporated as are concepts from
Theosophy. From our contemporary time, the concepts of Reiki find their place in our
affirmations work. There are elements from ancient mystical traditions, particularly

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 12

Ancient Greece. All these things combine to make The Sacred Seven a path of Applied
Modern Witchcraft.

We have seven ways in which we relate

to ourselves, the world and the
mysteries. These categories overlap with
each other in many ways. These are the
lessons of The Sacred Seven.

The Septagram

The seven-rayed star is a symbol of enlightenment and metaphysical concepts

found in many different paths. In Ancient Greece, this star was linked to the “seven
wandering stars” which we now refer to as planets. In each of the lessons, a different
planetary energy is explored. You’ll also work with the points of the star as they
correspond to different herbs, stones and other correspondences. In addition, the seven
rays represent the amalgamation of the four directions and the three dominions.

Curriculum

Here’s a summary of the content for each of the seven lessons. Note that I may
change things up slightly based on mystical forces – this is a magick course, after all.

Lesson 1: Healing

Focus: Emotional healing and the energy of the lower self using the magick of
purification.
Energies:
Under World
Sea
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Ginger (ground) and Yarrow (flowers)

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 13

 Stone: Black Obsidian
Color: Black

Symbols:
Lunar Phase: Waning
Concepts: Emotional magick – acceptance and distress tolerance
Learning: The energy of acceptance
Technique: Removal magick
Practice: Purification
Ritual: Ritual bathing
Explore: Emotional healing through ritual bathing
Understand: Grounding

Lesson 2: Energy
Focus: Using energy for protection from others.
Energies:
Under World
Air
East
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Sage (leaf), Ash/poplar/rowan (branch)
Stone: Yellow Citrine
Color: Yellow

Symbols:
Lunar Phase: Dark
Concepts: Boundaries – ethics and protection
Learning: Protection magick
Technique: Creating sacred space
Ritual: Circle casting
Practice: Establishing and maintaining boundaries
Explore: Creating a protection amulet
Understand: Being an ethical witch

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 14

Lesson 3: Sovereignty

Focus: Personal agency and power

Energies:
Four Elements
Four Cardinal Points
Under World
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Frankincense (oil), Birch (bark)
Stone: Amethyst
Color: Purple

Symbols:
Lunar Phase: Waxing
Concepts: Self-awareness, self-discipline and magick
Learning: “Know thyself” through meditation; transmutation
Technique: Sigil development
Ritual: Drawing in elemental energies
Practice: Daily Tarot
Explore: True Self Trance Work
Understand: Balance

Lesson 4: Growth

Focus: Using the energy of actions, the power of the Middle Self, for personal
and magickal growth.
Energies:
Balanced – Middle Word
Land
Fire
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Chamomile/Orange (flowers, peel), Olive (oil)
Stone: Red jasper
Color: Red

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 15

 Symbols:
Lunar Phase: Full
Concepts: Accountability, the energy of actions
Learning: Creation and destruction magick
Technique: Form into force
Ritual: Fire scrying
Practice: Centering
Explore: The power of behavior change
Understand: The meaning of the Middle Self

Lesson 5: Connection
Focus: Connecting to energetic forces and the power of communication
Energies:
Upper World
Liminal Realm/Other World
Mercury
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Mugwort (leaf), Oak (essence)
Stone: Blue Agate
Color: Blue

Symbol:
Lunar Phase: Waning
Concepts: The power of words, connecting with non-verbal energies,
connecting with the Liminal Realm.
Learning: The energy of connection
Technique: Words of Power
Ritual: Plant or stone spirit working
Practice: Intentional lucid dreaming
Explore: Animal spirit totems
Understand: The connections between the three functions (actions, feelings
and thoughts).

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 16

Lesson 6: Abundance

Focus: Creating abundance and manifesting a magickal life

Energies:
Upper World
Earth
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Bay Laurel (leaf), Pine (cone)
Stone: Aventurine
Color: Green

Symbol:
Lunar Phase: Waxing Moon
Concepts: True self, abundance, attraction magick
Learning: Aligning the Three Functions to manifest your magickal life.
Technique: Crafting an effective spell
Ritual: Prosperity working
Practice: Affirmation magick
Explore: Magickal Life Envisioning Project
Understand: The energy of prosperity

Lesson 7: Unity
Focus: Unification of the Sacred Seven, unity with the Higher Self and Upper
World
Energies:
Upper World
Sky
Correspondences:
Botanicals: Myrrh (resin), Elm (bark)
Stone: Moonstone
Color: White

Symbol:
Lunar Phase: Full

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 17

 Concepts: Aligning the Three Selves; the power of Intellect
Learning: death and rebirth
Technique: Making a magickal talisman
Ritual: Sacred Seven Rebirth Ritual
Practice: Third Eye Work
Explore: Mystical Starry Road Journey
Understand

Lessons of The Sacred Seven

Lesson Focus Principle Energy Center Affirmation

Healing Emotions All things have Root: Under I feel
receptive and World, the past
projective
qualities.
Energy Others All things are Sacral: I love
energetic. Possessions
and
relationships
Sovereignty Self All things have Solar plexus: I am
a natural order Self concept
and path.
Growth Actions All things have Heart: actions; I do
an opposite. Middle World

Connection Correspondence All things work Throat: I speak

together. Communicating
Abundance Experiences All things have 3rd Eye: I see
a cause and wisdom,
effect. intellect,
intuition
Unity Spirit All things are Crown: The I understand
projections. divine
within/without

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 18

Core Concepts of The Sacred Seven

The Three Selves

Our external self is the result of the combination of our three internal
selves. The lower self is the realm of emotions, while the middle self is the
land of actions, and the higher self is the place of intellect. These three
combined make us into the unique creations that we are. Our internal voice is a
compilation of the three selves.

The Lower Self

While some may perceive that the Under World as a foreboding place, it is deep
within our own beings that emotions dwell. You can think of our emotions as roots that
extend down into the soil of the Under World pulling up the nutrients necessary to fuel
both our actions and our intellect. It is our emotions that can lead us into a destructive
version of the Under World – we can be anxious, depressed or suffer from significant
distress. We use the metaphor of the “dark night of the soul” to describe difficult times
in our lives. The primary sensation associated with these painful experiences can be
found in our emotional responses. Thus, the lower self is seen as the realm of emotions.
The energetic location of the lower self is from the pelvis down to the bottom of your
feet. This energy extends deep roots down into the earth. We can release our pain into
the ground and find rebirth. Through this approach, we can learn to quell our fear-based
emotions.

The Higher Self

At the other end is our intellect, the dominant energy of the High Self. If our
Lower Self energy gives us roots into the earth, then our Higher Self is our branches
reaching up to the heavens. This is the realm of thoughts. Our thoughts are the one part
of our Functions that we truly have dominion over. No matter what the situation, we can
change our thoughts to better manage what’s going on. We can release harmful thought
patterns up to the skies above to find healing. Our positive thoughts create a powerful
force within ourselves and the world. The Higher Self is in the land of intellect, when we
are in control of our destructive thought patterns, we are naturally highly motivated to

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 19

seek out knowledge and further our personal development. The energetic location for
the Higher Self is the crown of our head.

The Middle Self

In between the Lower Self and the Higher Self is the Middle World self. The
primary energy of the Middle Self is the action that arises from the combined energies of
our intellect and emotions. The energetic core of the Middle Self is at our heart center.
Thus, wisdom is gained through the activities of the Middle World self or we hurt others
and our behaviors if we are being controlled by our Shadow Self.

The True Self and Shadow

When we are born, we bring with us into this life a self that is true and essential.
This self is our combined experience from previous lives, infused in our very DNA. It is
who we are. The True Self can also be understood as the soul or the Higher Self. The
True Self is our connection to the mysteries and to metaphysical forces, including
entities and deities. The True Self is the combination of our Three Selves.

However, many of us experience people, ideas, and events that teach us that our
True Self is wrong. When we are very young, our brains don’t have the capacity to accept
when others negatively judge us, but around the age of 5 we begin to develop the
capacity to examine our thoughts and feelings. We develop a sense of self and a concept
of “others.” If we are validated, then our True Self continues to be the self that we
present to the world. When there is invalidation or trauma, the True Self can become
hidden, not only from others but from ourselves.

A protective wall can develop around the True Self. Think of this wall as a
strategy of self-protection. The wall contains all our hurts, fears and pain. This wall is
the Shadow Self. The Shadow Self functions in each of the Three Selves. What was
whole, meaning the connection between our True Self and the energetic forces, becomes
fractured due to the imposition of this barrier by the Shadow Self. We can no longer
directly connect to the Divine, the energy source, because of this wall. While we live as
our shadow, we often feel empty and distressed. In addition, we can’t seem to

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 20

accomplish the things that are important to us. The Sacred Seven enables you to remove
the power of the Shadow Self and reconnect with your True Self.

The Voice of Others

When we were very young, we acted and spoke as we felt. Sometime
around when we started school, we internalized the collection of
maladaptive voices of what others thought about us. The Voice of Others
is a powerful dictator over our desires, thoughts, and actions. The Voice of
Others is directly connected to the Shadow Self, so that when we turn away from one the
other begins to weaken. The Sacred Seven will give you the skills to stop seeking external
validation.

Spirit
The Sacred Seven doesn’t focus on specific deities or entities. If you work
with these beings, then you can freely incorporate them into the program
when appropriate. In addition, the energetic currents of the directions,
elements and other correspondences are part of the larger metaphysical
world that we can connect with when we are operating from the position of our True
Self. To keep it simple, the term “spirit” is used to reflect the energy currents and
entities as you understand them.

The Three Realms

The same basic energies at work on the individual level also function on
the grand energetic scale as represented by the Three Realms. Each of
these Realms are worked with throughout The Sacred Seven. The
primary focus of the Under World is emotions, the key role of the Upper
World is intellect, and the Middle World is the land of action. Think of it this way – the
Middle World represents our everyday lives. It is the realm on which we are having this
current human experience. The Upper World is the realm of higher consciousness, the
place where our unborn souls eternally reside, while the under world is the deep dive

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 21

into the realm of life and death. Under World energy is heavy and dense and that of the
Upper World is light and refined. At the depths of the Under World, the experience is
overwhelming because we can’t see anything. We can’t breathe because the air is too
heavy. At the heights of the Upper World, we are overwhelmed because we can perceive
everything. It’s like standing on top of a mountain on a cold, clear day. It’s difficult to
breathe because the air is so light. Thus, in our human form, we must remain in or near
the Middle World, although we can experience brief sojourns into the fringes of the
other two realms. But, their depths and heights are not places for humans.

The Liminal Realm

The Liminal Realm is also known as The Other World. This is the space where the
Three Realms meet. This is also the energetic home of many deities and entities and is
the location of the Dream World and the Astral Plane. These concepts are explored in
the Lessons of The Sacred Seven.

Force and Form

The Realms represent the world of force while the Dominions function at the
level of form. Our Three Selves and Functions (actions, feelings and behaviors) operate
in a similar manner. The energetic world of force and form are intrinsically linked, so
that they each influence the other. This is the reason that The Sacred Seven incorporate
energy work – the world of force – with skills building – the world of form.

The Three Dominions

The Three Energetic Realms are reflected in the energy of the Three Dominions
of the Earth – land, sea and sky. The liminal spaces where these dominions meet are
important energetic locations for workings.

The Directions and Elements

The four compass directions and the elements of Air, Earth, Fire and Water are
worked with throughout this course. These combine with the three-part aspects

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 22

previously discuss (the Three Selves, Realms and Dominions) to complete the Seven-
Rayed Star.

Correspondences

In each lesson, there are correspondences presented that will help with your work
on that topic. The correspondences include colors, botanicals (herbs, plants and trees)
and stones and crystals. The table below has some of the correspondences that are
worked with in The Sacred Seven. I’ve included trees to represent botanicals. Herbal
correspondences will be introduced in each lesson. You can use various parts of any
botanical, unless otherwise indicated. For the Seven Sacred Trees of The Sacred Seven,
you can use bark, branches, essences, flowers, leaves, oils or seeds. In a pinch, a picture
will work as well. Another technique is to write the name of the tree on paper. It’s the
energy of the botanical that matters most. While having the actual tree works best, the
other techniques can work just fine. I’ve also included the Seven Sacred Stones that are
part of the course. Now is a good time to obtain them so you have them on hand when
the time comes to use them. The botanical correspondences are covered in the “Prequel”
workbook that you’ll receive after registration.

Correspondences of The Sacred Seven

Lesson Color Botanicals Crystals and Element/Realm

Stones
Healing Black Yarrow Obsidian Under World/Sea
Energy Yellow Rowan/Ash/Poplar Citrine Air
Sovereignty Purple Maple Amethyst Four Cardinal Points
Growth Red Olive Red Jasper Middle World/Land
Connection Blue Oak Blue Agate Liminal/Upper
Abundance Green Pine Aventurine Earth/Upper
Unity White Elm Clear Quartz Upper World/Sky

Symbols

The Sacred Seven incorporates many different symbols in addition to the Seven-
Rayed Star, including ones for each lesson, the moon phases and the planets. Symbols

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 23

are powerful conveyers of magick, so there are several opportunities for you to work
with – including making – your own.

Tools

The tools used in The Sacred Seven are the feather, the blade and the wand. If
you don’t already have these on hand, now is a good time to get them. These tools are
associated with the Selves, Functions, Realms and Dominions as follows:

Tools of The Sacred Seven

Realm Dominion Self Function Tools

Under World Sea Lower Emotions Wand
Middle World Land Middle Action Blade
Upper World Sky Higher Thought Feather

Magickal Techniques

In each Lesson, a different type of magick is utilized that matches with the focus
of each one. The Sacred Seven begins with various forms of removal magick towards
attraction workings. The course begins with a purification ritual as a means of emotional
healing. In the Second Lesson the power of the sacred circle is explored as a mechanism
of protection. The type of magick utilized is protection. In Sovereignty, the Third
Lesson, the magickal emphasis is on the technique of transmutation with the focus on
self-acceptance. In the following Lesson, a mixed method combining both removal and
attraction magick is used to facilitate your understanding of Growth. The last three
Lessons are devoted exclusively to attraction magick. In Connection, the Fifth Lesson,
communication with non-verbal entities is explored, while in Abundance spellwork is
applied to fully activate your creation of a meaningful life. Finally, in Unity,
development of psychic abilities is explored.

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 24

Types of Magick

In The Sacred Seven, seven different types of magickal workings are included: circle,
amulet, charm, sigil, spell, talisman and grid.

Energy Sources

The seven energetic currents featured in The Sacred Seven are: The Three Selves, The
Three Functions, The Three Realms, the Three Dominions, the four directions, the four
elements, and the seven original planets.

Parts of Magick

In each Lesson, there is a different type of magick discussed. However, regardless of

type, all magick has seven factors that contribute to it’s success:

1. Belief
2. Motivation
3. Skill
4. Intention
5. Incantation
6. Energy
7. Correspondences

Each of these parts of the “recipe” for successful magick will be discussed in the Lessons.

The Sacred Seven: Exercises

Now that the introduction to The Sacred Seven is over, it’s time to get
busy preparing for the course. I called this program “The Sacred Seven”
because it is the work of our lives to live as our True Self and create a
magickal life we love. That’s what matters. So, it would be more
appropriately called “Your Real Work.” Since this is you creating the life that’s most
meaningful for you, the emphasis in the course is on, well, work! For this introduction,
the activities include getting your journal and Book of Shadows ready, starting your

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 25

Sacred Seven altar and doing a simple commitment ritual. The practice focus is learning
to write great intentions, the heart of any magick. The descriptions of these activities are
below, and the work sheets associated with them can be found after – to make it easier
for you to print off those pages.

Your Sacred Seven Journal

Start by picking a notebook that’s easy to use and durable. I recommend a hard-
back spiral bound one, but there are so many options to choose from. Whatever you
select, make sure it’s easy to carry with you since you’ll be keeping it with you during
spells and rituals. You might also want to take it everywhere, so you can record your
thoughts about the content and the exercises when they come to you. I’m a big believer
in keeping journals. You should have a dedicated journal just for your Sacred Seven
work. I like to use those easy stick tabs that can be written on to make it easy to find the
different Lessons. You can use these tabs to mark passages of the course you want to
keep track of, too. I like using different colored pens for different types of writing.

Book of Shadows

A witch’s Book of Shadows is their record of their magickal workings. There are
countless ways to make your Book of Shadows, so I’m not going to get too much into the
details about what it should look like. You may already have an established one. If that’s
the case, then I recommend continuing with it, unless you feel strongly that you need to
start fresh. It can be a regular notebook (my usual), a binder or a hand-crafted
masterpiece. Pinterest is a great place to look for ideas. I use fancy spiral-bound hard
cover notebooks. I prefer these – I’ve used lots of different types – because they are easy
to hold onto during workings.

I keep a Book of Shadows that is separate from my personal journal, like your
Sacred Seven one. I highly recommend that you do the same because the energy of our
personal journals can be quite intense, especially if we are doing deep healing work. We
want the energy of the Book of Shadows to be balanced. Furthermore, we want a degree
of separation between our innermost thoughts and our Book of Shadows. The journal is
your place to let it all out, while the Book of Shadows is a more organized and structured

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 26

account of your magickal workings. Speaking of organization, I like to use the pages with
the pockets on them for keeping important reference materials in. I make cards of the
lunar phases, important dates, correspondences, etc. My Book of Shadows extends to
my laptop where I keep documents, e-books, lists of things and the many databases that
I create. A witch’s Book of Shadows can be whatever you want it to be. The only thing it
needs to be is easy to use in a way that makes sense to you.

I usually arrange mine in chronological order, although many others sort theirs
using different categories. I use those little stick on tabs to highlight different things. I
also use different colored inks to indicate the various topics. It’s such a personal creation
that I don’t want to give too much away about my own approach! Typical contents of a
Book of Shadows includes information about deities, prayers, meditations, rituals,
sacred space, correspondences, herbs, divination work, and spells (of course). We’ll be
discussing these topics as we move through this course.

On the first page of your Book of Shadows you can make a cover page with
designs, symbols and other magickal images. You can draw them or use existing
pictures. Be creative. As you construct your title page, concentrate on the intention for
your Book. When the title page is finished, I recommend doing a dedication ritual. It’s
doesn’t have to be elaborate. Add a statement of commitment for using the book for the
highest good and end with, “My intention is true and my will is strong.”

Septagram Altar

The altar is the focal point of energy workings during this course. It is the
location for the correspondences associated with each lesson and where you’ll be doing
rituals. It is also the starting point for creating sacred space. Your altar should be in a
quiet space, free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As you progress through The Sacred Seven, you’ll add to the altar. To begin, a
Seven-Rayed Star is made to form the foundation of the altar. This star can be as simple
as printing or copying the figure included at the end of this chapter, or you can make
your own. Tracing the star included onto heavy construction paper or artist board is one
way create your own. Another is to trace the star onto a picture frame. This creates a

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 27

portable altar that can really be useful. The instructions for making the Seven-Rayed
Star portable altar are at the end of this chapter.

Exercise: Course Commitment Ritual

In this ritual, you’ll be making a personal commitment to completing this course,

for using your learning for your own development and for the best interests of others.
Any ritual is an extension of an intention. Indeed, all magick is based on the notion that
the intention is the most important part of any working. Perhaps you are already
familiar with this idea. Setting intentions is a vital part of magick, so it’s fitting that you
begin your journey by setting your intentions this course now. At the end of this chapter
you’ll find a work sheet to help organize your Commitment Ritual.

Going Deeper: Guidelines for Writing Intentions

I talk a lot about the importance of well developed intentions throughout this
course. A strong intention needs to be very specific and use as few words as possible. An
intention is a way of summarizing our desired outcome. By going through the process of
thinking about what we hope to achieve, we can narrow our focus to exactly what we
want. The more precise an intention, the more effective the spell. Broad spells that ask
for generic things are likely to fail because there is too much ambiguity. Whether we are
manipulating natural energy or petitioning Spirit for assistance, the clearer we are with
our intention, the more likely we are to use energy to our advantage or to receive help.
The best example of how an imprecise spell can lead to undesirable results comes from a
student of mine. She desperately wanted a position as a veterinary assistant, so she did a
spell to manifest a job working with cats. She got a job alright – working at a discount
store with a giant tiger for its logo! Her desire did not match her magical intention.
Don’t let this happen to you.

In addition to their magical proficiency, specific intentions help to activate our

behaviors, thoughts, and emotions towards manifesting our desired outcome. We’ll be
motivated to do all we can to manifest our goal. Thus, a great intention brings into
alignment our magic, actions, feelings, and thoughts. With this powerful combination,
how can our spells fail?

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 28

Steps for Developing a Great Intention
• Write down all your initial ideas using a word web.

• Once you’ve got them all down, study them for common themes. Connect the themes
using lines or circles. Whatever makes sense to you.

• Next, use these common themes to identify the main intention. Be as precise as
possible. Be very specific and use as few words as possible. Write your intention on
the work sheet.

• Copy your intention on a separate piece of paper. You may want to write your
intention on a piece of durable paper since you’ll be posting it somewhere to remind
you of the intention while you work your way through this course. If you’re so
inclined, you can use decorative paper or decorate a plain sheet using symbols
important to you, especially the seven-rayed star. While I’m making the symbols, I
concentrate on my intention and develop the words for the rituals and make an
action plan.

• Here are some suggestions that may be helpful in determining your intention for this
course, keeping in mind that The Sacred Seven is a magickal path of personal
development:

o What do I hope to learn from this course?

o How will I be transformed by this course?

o How will I use what I learn from this course?

Practice: Course Commitment Ritual

Once you’ve written your intention, it’s time to do a simple commitment ritual.
For this ritual, you’ll need a candle of some sort, preferably white. It’s fine if its battery
operated – not everyone can have an open flame in their homes. You can print the
seven-rayed star at the end of this chapter or make your own. You’ll also need a single
sheet of paper to write your intention on. If you work with Spirit, you can have
representations of the elements, entities or correspondences that are meaningful to you
as well.

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 29

Requirements
o Your intention written on a single sheet of paper

o White candle

o Seven-rayed Star Portable Altar or a septagram image on your altar

Directions
• Set up your altar using the Seven-Rayed Star.

• Wash up before beginning.

• Set your candle, intention, and star near each other in a clean space. Place the candle
in the center of the septagram if possible.

Incantation
• Light the candle. Say, “I light this candle to activate my intention for this course.”

• Envision the Seven-Rayed Star growing so that it surrounds you. Three points
represent the Dominions of Land, Sea and Sky and your Three Selves. Four points
represent the directions and elements. As you say each line of the incantation, see
the star being filled with the energy of your intention.

• While holding your intention in both hands, hold it towards the sky and say, “Sky
above, may my intellect work to realize this intention.” Now point your hands
towards the ground and say, “Sea below, may my emotions work to realize this
intention.” Finally, hold your hands over your heart center and say, “Land on which I
stand, may my actions work to realize this intention.” You have completed the first
three points of the star.

• Call upon the directions and the elements to strengthen your intention. You can use
a compass app on your phone to find them.

o Turn to the North and say, “Energy of the North and Element of Earth, may
the roots of my intention be deep.”

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 30

 o To the East: “Energy of the East and Element of Air, may your winds blow
away all that stands between me and my intention.”

o To the South: “Energy of the South and Element of Fire, may you fan the
flames of my intention.”

o To the West: “Energy of the West and Element of Water, clear the way for my
intention.”

o You have completed the final four points of the star.

• Now turn to the star while holding the paper near the flame, saying, “I release this
intention into the energy of the Seven-Rayed Star, may you guide my thoughts,
feelings, and actions so that I manifest my desired outcome.”

• Pause for a few moments so you can contemplate your intention being released into
the Star. You may receive a message at this point. If one does come forward, make
sure you write about the experience in your journal.

• Once you complete releasing your intention, release the elements, directions and
realms. Begin with the last energy summoned – in this case it’s water. Visualize the
energy of your energy being sent out into the world as each of the points is released.
Say for each of the seven points:

o To the West and the Element of Water, Hail and Farewell.

o To the South and the Element of Fire, Hail and Farewell.

o To the East and the Element of Air, Hail and Farewell.

o To the North and the Element of Earth, Hail and Farewell.

o To the Land, Hail and Farewell.

o To the Sky, Hail and Farewell.

o To the Sea, Hail and Farewell.

• Write about your experience during this ritual in your journal.

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 31

• Keep the intention in a spot where you’ll see it several times a day – like on your
bedroom mirror or bulletin board near your workspace.

• You can adapt this ritual for any type of manifestation work.

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 32

Septagram Template

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 33

Instructions for Making a Septagram Portable Altar

Making a septagram as the foundation for your Sacred Seven Altar is a great way to
focus your energy starting out. While there are many ways to create your own Seven-
Rayed Star, you can also print out the template on the following page if you’re not
creatively inclined. You can color or trace around the rays the hues of each of the
Lessons. Below are the instructions for making a portable altar using a picture frame.
Add whatever symbols feel right for you. You can use the ones I’ve included in the
Course Curriculum section if you like.

Supplies

Portable altar
• 1 frame or tray – note the sides should be high enough so you can carry it like a
tray.
• Paint pens, alcohol-based markers or paint – black, yellow, purple, red, blue,
green and white.

Seven candles
Either in the appropriate colors or rendered with the hues and symbols by painting or
marking. When you begin each Lesson, you can add the candle to your altar.

Seven candle holders

You can purchase the small ritual candles and holders, or you can make your own out of
polymer clay. This clay can be purchased at any craft store. It is very easy to work with.
Shape the candle holders around the size candle you’ll be using. Make the opening a bit
bigger than the size of the candle. Once the clay is baked, it’s difficult to make the
openings bigger, but they can be made smaller quiet easily. You can also purchase small
votive holders. The seven candle holders should represent each of the Lessons using the
different colors. You can paint them or draw a symbol on them.

Other supplies
• You’ll need to print off the template or draw a septagram
• A small tool to scoop out the candle holders
• Fine paintbrushes if you’re using paint

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 34

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Start by assembling the supplies you’ll need. Consecrate all them using whatever
method you typically use. I usually smoke everything I am going to use in a
project while saying a blessing over them. Purifying yourself – even if it’s just
washing up – is also a good idea before starting magickal crafting.
• Take the frame apart. Clean the glass.
• Secure the septagram template at the end of this document to the underside of
the glass. Alternatively, you can print the septagram and draw or paint on it and
then secure it to the glass.
• Taking your paints or markers, carefully trace the septagram using the template
as your guide. The septagram arms arm drawn left to right, the parts of the outer
circle are drawn right to left. This should make sense when you look at Figure 1.
• Once you’re finished drawing the septagram, you can glue the glass into the
frame if you like.

Polymer Clay Candleholders

• These are so simple to make and solve the problem of finding great candleholders
for those small ritual candles.
• Purchase polymer clay in the colors of the five fires. If you can’t get all five colors,
you can paint the polymer clay before you put it in the oven.
• Shaping the candleholders:
o Start by rolling seven balls of the same size.
o Then using a sculpting tool of some sort, scoop out the center by pushing
the clay to the sides.
o Insert the candle and make the hole the right size.
• Bake according to instructions.
• You can use other types of clay, or even make salt dough yourself. There’s lots of
recipes on Pinterest.
Now you’re ready to do the Commitment Ritual.

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 35

 Inspiration

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 36

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 37
 Course Commitment Ritual Work Sheet

Focus: To create optimal magickal conditions for completing the course.

To learn the basic technique for using a septagram in a magickal working.

Word Web:

Intention:

Date, Lunar Phase and Astrological Considerations:

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 38

 Notes

The Sacred Seven Introduction P a g e | 39