The Scourge.

I would say that probably no other tool in Witchcraft or Wicca is more controversial than the Ceremonial Scourge, which I might add is the symbol of power and domination. If you go back to Egyptian times, all the Pharoah Priest Kings, held a Flail (Scourge) as a symbol of Power, domination and as a Law Giver.

But since its ancient use of purification and enlightenment, it has lead to accusations of sexual perversions by ignorant minds both within and without the Craft, and in some cases possibly with a great of validity. As its prime importance is not the gaining of sight through flagellation, but as I said to cause Purification and Enlightenment.

Still today, it remains in many of the older and more Traditional Covens as a most potent tool, especially in Initiations and Wiccaning's. There are in fact very few covens that retain the traditional use of the Scourge. The Scourge should be made by the person or persons who will be using it. You must take a piese of seasoned wood, in the Northern Hemisphere they prefer Birch, but here in Australia the best Majikal wood to use for this is either Sheoak or Blackboy. It should be 15 inches long, and you must collect it at midnight from the said tree with just one blow or cut. Whatever happens it must not touch the ground. It should not see sunlight and should be immediately wrapped in silk ribbons of black and white, both going the same direction, each should overlap by half its width.

The thongs should be made of silk cord, each thirty inches long, 4 black and 4 white cords. Each should be measured properly and knotted five times each, that is forty in all. the Scourge should then be Consecrated and Purifies by the Elemental Ritual like such:

Hold over the Pentacle and say:

"I call on earth to bond my spell."

Cense with the Turible:

"Air speed its travel well."

Pass through the flame:

"Fire give it spirit from above."

Wash with Consecrated water:

"Water cleanse my scouge with love."

Then hold it to the Full Moon and Consecrate it saying:

"Handle wrapped and eight cords knotted,

Scourge of power and truths forgotten.

Made in darkness wrought with might,

Made to show the way to sight."

Now wrap the Scourge in Black silk and then put away until used in ritual.

This is not a toy, and I have been witness to many jokes about the use of this Scourge,, but it is a Sacred Tool and should be respected as such. Remember if you do not give your tools due respect how will they give you due respect back. In my Coven we do retain the Scouge as a Ceremonial Tool for blessing and cleansing, but also for discipline!©