Why do witches wear pointy hats?
I'm asked that question quite often.
I don't know any witches who wear them on a daily basis,
But some of the symbolism behind this iconic cone-shaped hat is believed by some to be symbolic of the practice of raising a cone of power.
The cone of power is energy that is raised by a group or coven during a ritual setting and directed as the practitioners see fit.
This is usually accomplished by members holding hands,
Their chants growing louder and stronger as the energy or power builds.
They might also dance as part of this process.
Raising energy can also be accomplished by visualization.
This power is then released and directed as the working calls for,
Be it healing,
Protection,
Blessings and so forth.
Power or energy is the key to this part of Wiccan practice.
What we do physically is an external of raising power because our intentions are the true driving force behind any magical working.
Having said that,
Physical acts performed during raising the cone of power tend to completely engage the senses of the practitioner.
This is quite similar to attending a sporting event in person.
Fans will clap and cheer,
Becoming louder and louder as more people join in.
The energy to perform magic exists in all of us,
And I would suggest that a football coven is engaged in doing so just as much as any group of Wiccans.
The cone of power doesn't exist solely in group settings.
I'm a solitary Wiccan,
So I will typically raise energy through visualization when practicing alone.
During the times when I am able to participate in a group circle,
I will often lead the ritual in chanting as we build energy together.
One method isn't more effective than the other,
They are just different,
And I enjoy both equally.
The most effective method is the one that works best for you.
The more comfortable you are,
The better able you will be to direct your intentions within your workings.
A great way of practicing raising energy is through visualization during chakra meditations.
Once you are in a relaxed meditative state,
You can practice sensing energy from the earth entering your body through your root chakra and traveling to your crown chakra,
Noting its presence at each chakra along the way.
Another exercise for sensing and raising energy is to hold your open palms facing each other at a distance of about 10 inches apart.
A short time into it,
You should be able to feel a ball of energy balanced between your hands.
Practice shifting that energy back and forth,
Up and down.
As you advance,
Increase the distance between your palms.
Activities such as running,
Drumming,
And singing can mimic the act of raising energy as a group through chant and dance.
As with most practices in Wicca,
My best advice is you do you.
As long as your intention is pure and has your complete focus,
You won't fail.
Blessed Be.
