Spirit Flame

In the Aridian tradition, from which much of the Stregheria is said to have come from and be influence by, the focal point of the altar is called the Spirit Flame.

A bowl is placed on the center of the altar and is filled with a special liquid that will burn a blue flame. Many strega use an Italian liquore called Strega Liquore but rubbing alchohol works as well, as well any good quality cologne. The blue flame represents the pressence of Divinity.

Aradia associated flame as the "soul" of the Old Religion. Among her followers the Spirit Flame becasme a symbol of the Old Ways. Even today it may appear as a sacred symbol for the religion.

It is an essential part of setting up the altar and geustres and words of evocation are used to empower it as a vessel of the Divine. Tradditionally the bowl which would bear the flame is placed upon a symbole of the pentacle. The four elemental tools are placed around it at each of the cardinal posistions. Than the altar candles, one for the Goddess and one for the God are set to the far left and far right coners of the altar. Togehter with the spirit flame a triangle will be formed.

To experince the flame for yourself, obtain some good quality cologne, Strega Liquore, or if you cannot get either of these, as clogogne cane be expenssive, then rubbing alchohol will work. Pour into a small bottle preferably of green glass and set it under the light of the full moon for about three hours or more. Be sure the bottle is sealed. When you bring it back in pour out the contents into a small fire resisteint bowl, filling it about halfway. Extinguish all lights.

Trace over the liquid a crescent using a ritual knife and say:

"In the name of Tana, and by this sacred sign, by thy essence of magick"

Now the fluid is ready to ignite. preform a gesure of power, holding in one hand your ritual dagger, and in your other hand a lighted candle, and streach out your arms and say:

"I call now upon the Source of All Things, amd pray thee impart thy essence into this most sacred flame!"

Now light the liquid and watch as a blue flame will gently appear and dance upon the surface of the liquid. Look upon the flame and do not extinquish it, but allow it to go out on its own.

You may want to meditate upon the flame.