I’m sorry I have been so absent. Things have been hectic, what with starting to sell things on cons and fairs and such. I left my volunteer gig and started on graphic design classes, which are awesome but are taking up a lot of my time and energy. I’m also working on my daily schedules, and above all, on resting a lot! And it doesn’t help that most the work I’ve done can’t be shown >.<
If you’re interested in keeping up with me i’ve been far more active on instagramandtwitter!
We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus.
Attention towards details is on the increase, with a tendency to fault-finding, cleanliness and neatness. It is a good time to undertake routine, painstaking work, and to search for and correct errors. Your body may be more intolerant of low-grade food and harmful substances, and this is a good day to begin a diet.
The Moon in Virgo generally favors mental pursuits, work, routines and any activities that would benefit from tending to details.
This is a Full Moon Blessing I use on every full moon occurrence! Blessed be witches
Hello my fellow Christian witches, and my fellow pagan witches out there, I come to you with this post because I figured : “ hey! there are many witches out there and they all identify themselves with different forms like Sea Witch, Storm Witch, Swamp Witch, and the like. So why not introduce the types of magic that are really common and practiced among all of us witches out there!”
So here are the 5 Types of Magic, and I hope that no one feels offended, or feels like what is this asshole talking about? These types are so common, and are categorized according to the source of energy rather than the way!
Blessed be to all!
Types of Magic: Magic has two components: intention and amplification. The following 5 classifications are based on that second component. I divided all the different types of magic according to the source of energy rather than on the way of doing it. On a side note, I did not include divination because it is NOT a form of magick. Divination is a way to gain insight: you can’t use it to manifest things (unless you use it as a magical tool). So, without further ado, here are the 5 basic types of magic.
1. NATURAL MAGIC This is probably the most common form of magic. Any magic that deals with the forces of nature falls under that category. Natural magic incorporates all four natural elements (Earth, Air, Water and Fire) but also Sea, Weather, Crystals, and much more. Natural magic is also called folk magic or low magic because it does not require a lot of preparation and tools to perform. You can practice it anywhere, intuitively, using what you have on hand. Casting a sacred circle isn’t even necessary! It’s been practiced since the dawn of time by shamans, healers, medicine women, druids, and other traditional witches around the world. Potions, talismans and amulets are typical examples of natural magic (but you are not limited to these of course!).
2. PLANETARY MAGIC Planetary magic draws its energy from heavenly bodies such as the Sun, the Moon, and the planets of our solar system. This kind of magic is based from the age-old tradition of astrology. Lunar and solar magic also falls under this category. In their simplest form, Full Moon rituals are a mix of natural and planetary magic. To perform planetary magic, you need a good knowledge of astrology and astronomy. This kind of magic requires more planning than natural magic because you have to carefully select the perfect time and material corresponding to your goal and to the planet that you will work with.
3. CHAOS MAGIC In Chaos magic, you draw your energy from your own psyche. To charge their spells, chaos magic practicionners need to be in a gnosis, or altered state of consciousness. This state can be attained in various ways such as meditation, drumming, dance, intense physical effort and even sexual intercourse. It’s only when you’ve reached this specific mental state that you can charge your spell with your own energy. It’s as if you were programming the Universe AND your own subconscious at the same time. For this reason, chaos magic doesn’t require a lot of preparation or theorical knowledge. If you know how to attain gnosis, you can practice it anywhere, using what you’ve got on hand. You don’t need to cast a sacred circle either. Of course, the most popular form of chaos magic is sigil crafting. However, there are many other ways to practice chaos magic such as the cut-up technique, linking sigils, and servitors. Since there are no rules in chaos magic, be creative and feel free to experiment. Keep in mind that anything that uses symbols can be used as a support for chaos magic, even tarot cards. However, be very careful what you wish for! Chaos magic is very neutral and unfiltered, so you might be surprised by the results of your spells.
4. CEREMONIAL MAGIC Ceremonial magic is also called High Magic by some. It is an ancient form of magic that uses complicated sets of rules, rituals, symbols and tools. Its probably the most “occult” form of magic. The magic from all initiatic orders falls under this category (such as the Institute of Hermetic Studies, the Society of the Inner Light, O.T.O., Rosicrucians, Templars, Golden Dawn, Freemasonry, etc). Besides, you need to be initiated by a member in order to practice it. Here, the energy source is the egregor of each specific tradition. Since a lot of these traditions are highly philosophical, their spells and rituals need a lot of prior knowledge and planning. Since I’m not a member of any initiatic order, I don’t know much about it. All I know is that a lot of ceremonial magic is based on the Kabballah and alchemy.
5. SUMMONING MAGIC Summoning magic draws its energy from entities of other planes of consciousness such as gods and goddesses, faeries, spirit animals, angels, and even demons and “ancestors,” for Dark Magic practitioners. Therefore, this category incorporates all rituals and spells requiring the summoning of an entity. Here, the practitioner does not act on their own. Instead, spells and rituals are performed in the name of the entity that has been summoned. This form of magic is practiced in all devotional magical traditions such as Wicca and other neopagan religions. Summoning magic requires knowledge, planning and dedication in the long run. Working with a spiritual guide of any kind is the most powerful form of summoning magic.
For my Christian witches, I do not recommend the Summoning magic, although it is frequently used, because it is too easy for an evil entity to impersonate an angel of light, your dead ancestor, etc. It is quite dangerous, however popular it is. I do recommend praying to God. As for my pagan witches who prefer dealing with such entities, please be careful and keep protected! If ever visited by any evil entity do perform a banishment spell under any circumstances!
Wanted to share this for others to see! Since we don’t encourage labeling witches much! Here is an old post on types of magic we witches practice ❤️ love and light to all of you!
Imbolc and Candlemas occur this week, and I love this holiday of light. However, as I have been scouring the internet and reading articles, looking for good ideas for what to post here that would be helpful to you guys, I have seen something that really concerns me.
What is it about humans that we have to rush things? Children are in such a hurry to grow up. Then we are in a hurry to finish school and get on with our lives. And then we begin to want more and more things, and we want them right now, and thus the invention of the credit card.
I am seeing article upon article about Imbolc being the hope of spring. It is. But these articles are also spouting about how we need to let the seeds of growth begin blooming in us, and how we need to let go and start cleaning out the old, etc. You get the idea. But those are things that happen in SPRING! This is WINTER! This is our time to rest, to heal, to take time apart for self-healing and learning. To curl up with a good book and a nice hot cup of tea or coffee or cocoa. Why in the world would anyone be in a hurry to rush through this comforting and healing time to start spring early? Be patient!
King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, says this:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man (Ecclesiastes 3).
We are in the middle of winter. We are sowing the seeds that will begin to grow in spring and bloom in summer. Don’t be in a hurry. We are healing and storing up energy that we will use in the other three seasons of the year. Don’t be in a hurry. We are learning new things and making plans that we will implement in the spring. Don’t be in a hurry. Let them grow and develop in your mind and don’t fly off “half-cocked.” This is a time for feasting and enjoying the fruit of our spring, summer, and harvest time labors. Don’t be in a hurry! This is a time to sit back and enjoy the reemergence of the light!
YES, celebrate Imbolc and Candlemas! Celebrate life and the returning of light! Celebrate the Light of the World! Take the time to actually celebrate and meditate on these things. Don’t be in such a hurry.
Brightest Candlemas Blessings to you, my family! Sending you so much love on your journey. <3
Simply put, aspects are the relationships made between planets. It’s how their energies interact with one another mathematically. Aspects (geometrically) are the slices of our Natal wheel, the Zodiac Circle. This circle adds up to 360 degrees. Half of the circle will give you 180 degrees, or an opposition. Dividing this circle into four equal parts will give you 90 degrees, or a square.
The Conjunction:
Conjunctions are planets that are very close together falling 0-10 degrees away from each other. Conjunctions can be described as easy as well as hard aspects depending on which planets are involved in the conjunction. A conjunction is the integration of two planetary energies. For instance, a Sun conjunct Venus aspect would indicate the Sun’s ego blends well with Venus’s grace and charm making for an optimistic, social individual on a surface level. This would be considered an “easy” conjunction. However, Mars conjunct Saturn would be a more difficult conjunction as Mars may feel restricted under Saturn’s rules and regulations, expressing themselves could seem harder, or center their energy on success and work while desensitizing them to emotion. Conjunctions typically fall under the same sign but there are still Out-of-Sign Conjunctions which are planets 0-10 degrees away from each other but occupying different signs.
The Opposition:
In case you didn’t get an inkling by it’s name, this is a hard aspect.Like mentioned above, oppositions are 180 degrees apart, meaning planets that are in opposition to one another are directly across each other on the wheel.Forexample the 1st house opposes the 7th house, the 2nd house opposes the 8th. Oppositions are like two energies on a seesaw, one goes up the other goes down. These two energies need balancing as they can swing from extreme to extreme. For instance, someone with moon opposite Pluto would struggle with integrating their emotional needs and comfort with their desire for power, control and strength. Creating a “ticking time bomb” like individual, due to suppressing (Pluto) their emotions (moon) for long periods of time till it all bubbles up to the surface resulting in explosions and outbursts. Oppositions are not a death sentence and can be remedied. In fact, oppositions are quite complimentary energies to one another, as the saying goes “Opposites attract.” (Determine what Signs Oppose each other here.)
The Square:
Squares are formed by 90 degree angles and for the most part can be found by counting three houses away from each other. Squares are also regarded as difficult aspects as the planetary energies here are having difficulty blending together. I usually describe a square between two planets as the planets are having a consistent argument between each other. They’re fighting. Squares highlight our inner conflicts and where we are challenged.Sun square moon would highlight where our emotional nature conflicts with our ego and outer persona. Squares lead to the most growth as they cause the most stress. Here is where we are challenged again and again until we get it right. Knowing the source of these conflicts give us a better handle on them and more control. (Determine what Signs Square each otherhere.)
The Trine:
Trines are formed by 120 degree angles, mathematically found by dividing the Zodiac circle by three. Trines are very easy aspects as the two planetary energies integrate harmoniously without any effort. Trines are the talents that come naturally to us, without a second thought. Here are the things that “fall into our lap.” At times these energies flow so easily through us we don’t even notice them, so a lot of times our trines are overlooked and taken for granted. For example, Moon trine Neptune can indicate a natural empathic and intuitive nature, easily picking up on energies of their environment and others. However, these individuals can have a tendency to ignore/distrust their inner voice and intuition telling them that someone is giving off a bad vibe. (Determine what Signs Trine each other here.)
The Sextile:
If you divide the Zodiac Circle by six you’d end up with a 60 degree angle, which is half a trine, or in other words a Sextile. The Sextile functions a lot like the trine except that it requires a bit of effort. These energies reflect our potential gifts and talents that we have to tap into. Unlike the trine, these energies are more apparent to us. For instance, Venus sextile Neptune can point to potential artistic abilities, the individual may have always had a quiet yearning to indulge in the arts. It’s not until they pick up a paintbrush and discover that they’re a Picasso incarnate. This is a harmonious aspect as the planetary energies here work together as friends. The Sextile points to gifts and skills we can access with ease. We work fluently and efficiently with ourselves here. (Determine what Signs Sextile each other here.)
There are so many times where you’re either having a bad day, have a lot on your mind, or you just aren’t feeling up to par. How do you tackle these ailments so that you can move freely throughout the day?
WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL BATH?
So what exactly is a spiritual bath?
A spiritual bath is nothing more than a cleansing session where you take the necessary time to yourself to cleanse the physical body, your aura and you mind.
There is no set way to take a spiritual bath, your ritual is completely up to you. We’ll go over some examples of what you can use and how you should proceed with the bath later in this post.
Now I bet you’re wondering, “Why should I take these baths? How do I benefit from them?” Let’s start by saying that there are no negatives to indulging in a spiritual bath. Many of you already bathe in the tub anyway, so why not take an extra step to heal yourself and your mind? Along with cleansing, relaxing, and attracting positive things into your life, the baths aid in grounding the soul. Listed below are some of the possible steps and tools you can implement when you begin to take your much needed spiritual baths.
PREPARING FOR YOUR BATH AND SETTING INTENT
One of the first and most important steps you should take before taking your spiritual bath is setting your intent. Setting your intent is basically figuring out and knowing the reason why your doing something. I find that it helps to write it out on paper as I say it out loud. That way I am using multiple senses. I am using touch (writing), sight (reading), and hearing (my voice as I read).
You can draw your bath and expect healing results without knowing where to direct the healing energy. To get the best and most effective results, be sure to cleanse your space. Remove the clutter, get rid of any trash, and open the windows to let in fresh air. It may also be a great idea to shower before the bath, to be sure your body is open to new energy.
GATHERING YOUR NECESSITIES AND SETTING THE MOOD
The items you bring into the bathroom with you should all be there to support the intention you are focusing on. There are not set rules on what you should have or use during your spiritual baths.
One way to set the mood is by utilizing candles. Candles are great because they serve so many roles. They can be used in place of inorganic light, the aromas are extremely therapeutic, and create an ambience like no other.
You may also want to incorporate herbs and essential oils. You can choose ones for health or relaxation or that correspond to the intention you choose to set. There are tons of herbs you can use, it’s just the matter of picking the ones that suit your needs. In The Grimoire for the Green Witch, Ann Moura lists several herb blends to incorporate in your herbal spiritual baths:
FOR COMFORTING: Calendula (Marigold), Chamomile, Lavender, Mint, Raspberry Leaves, Rosemary.
FOR ENERGY: Heather, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Savory.
FOR PEACE: Chamomile, Hops, Lavender, Peppermint, Rose.
FOR RELAXATION: Chamomile, Dianthus, Heather, Jasmine Flower, Lemon Balm.
FOR STRESS RELIEF: Chamomile, Dianthus, Lemon Balm.
Music is another component that I believe could really help bring in wanted energy. You could listen to meditation music, nature sounds, or your favorite songs. You can also use white noise machines, which are pretty unique on their own. Of course, be sure to keep all electronics away from the water because you can’t go into a spiritual bath creating additional problems for yourself.
Sea salt is another must have in my opinion. Sea salt is used to help draw out the impurities in the body, such as bacteria and other debris. When choosing you salts, be sure to pick the best quality, unprocessed salts. Normal table salt should be avoided because it takes out needed minerals, instead of drawing them in. 100% natural, raw and unrefined Himalayan Pink Sea Salt is wonderful.
COMBINING IT ALL AND DIVING IN DEEP
Now that you’ve cleansed your space, and gathered your intent and tools, it’s time to combine it all together. Step into the water filled with lovely scented herbs, sit down and begin to take that mental dive into the world of relaxation. If you are tense, this bath just won’t work for you. As the water rushes around the tub, imagine all of the negative energy being pulled from your body and your intentions being manifested. When you are settled in, take some time to pray and then be still and listen for God’s response. When your bath is complete, release the water down the drain and envision all of that unwanted energy flowing away, and thank the universe for all it has done and will do for you.
This lesson was loosely adapted from an article by Star Wolf’s Den.
Shadow work has become a hot topic in witchy circles lately. What is “shadow work” and is it something we should be doing?
WHAT IS SHADOW WORK?
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In Jungian psychology, Carl Jung theorized that the shadow (also known as id, shadow aspect, or shadow archetype) is either an unconscious aspect of the personality that the conscious ego does not identify in itself; or the entirety of the unconscious, i.e., everything of which a person is not fully conscious. In short, the shadow is the unknown side.
From one perspective, the shadow “is roughly equivalent to the whole of the Freudian unconscious;”[1] and Carl Jung himself asserted that “the result of the Freudian method of elucidation is a minute elaboration of man’s shadow-side unexampled in any previous age.”[2] Contrary to a Freudian definition of shadow, however, the Jungian shadow can include everything outside the light of consciousness and may be positive or negative. Because one tends to reject or remain ignorant of the least desirable aspects of one’s personality, the shadow is largely negative. There are, however, believed by some, positive aspects that may also remain hidden in one’s shadow (especially in people with low self-esteem, anxieties, and false beliefs).[3] “Everyone carries a shadow,” Jung wrote, “and the less it is embodied in the individual’s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is.”[4] Jung theorized that it may be, in part, one’s link to more primitive animal instincts,[5] which are superseded during early childhood by the conscious mind. According to Jung, the shadow, in being instinctive and irrational, is prone to psychological projection, in which a perceived personal inferiority is recognized as a perceived moral deficiency in someone else. Jung writes that if these projections remain hidden, “the projection making factor (the Shadow archetype) then has a free hand and can realize its object—if it has one—or bring about some other situation characteristic of its power.”[6] These projections insulate and harm individuals by acting as a constantly thickening veil of illusion between the ego and the real world.
SO IS THAT TRUE?
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Despite the current popularity with the topic, Freud himself has been largely debunked by modern psychology and serious scholars and psychologists and other medical professionals do not take his work seriously. Jung has a larger following and many good theories which we do still appreciate today. But was he right about the supposed need for us to to delve into our “shadow?”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
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“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” 1 John 1:5.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” John 8:12.
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” John 12:46.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8.
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness” 1 Thessalonians 5:5.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:5.
It is a common misconception among witches, and among people in general, that light and dark are opposites, just like left and right, up and down, empty and full, yin and yang. It’s a concept that was popularized with things like the movie Star Wars where the good guys use the “light” side of the force and the bad guys use the “dark” side. But the truth that Jung and most people today fail to realize is that light and dark are actually NOT scientifically opposites at all, like the other pairs. You see, darkness cannot exist in the light, but light CAN exist without darkness. They are not “opposite” sides of the same coin. And that is scientific fact. So all that stuff that you read about how you can’t be a light witch and be balanced, that you must embrace your dark side, and all that, is poppycock.
There is no darkness in God, and there is no darkness in heaven. Heaven is a perfect place, without sorrow, sickness, pain, or death. A place without selfishness, lying, hatred or fear. This is our ultimate goal.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” Matthew 5:14.
SO SHOULD WE DO “SHADOW WORK”?
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I believe in and practice positive psychology (and positive and love-based parenting) in my counseling. Positive psychology’s focus is on what is going right with an individual. A love based approach reacts to negative behaviors or negative occurrences in positive, kind and loving ways. I do not believe that there is benefit in going back into the darkness (revisiting traumatic experiences, shadow work, etc). We can’t change the past and there is great benefit in looking forward to a positive future. The light dispels the darkness and the shadows and we should always search for the light. It is well known that there is power in thoughts and words and actions and we should always follow God’s example and think and speak and act positively.
Just as there can be no healing when a person is still in an abusive or traumatic situation, there can be no healing if a person is looking backwards to or is stuck in that experience mentally and emotionally, even if they have removed themselves from the situation physically. Staying in or returning to the situation - physically, mentally and/or emotionally - results in a cessation of healing and often even a reversal of healing. In fact, this is pretty much the definition of PTSD.
We cannot find healing in the shadows and darkness. We must move into the light.
So the question was, do we need to do shadow work. My answer is NO. Fly towards the light, my witches. Let the past go. Let the darkness go. Let the light of our God of love illuminate you and heal you.
REFERENCES
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1. Anthony Stevens, “On Jung.” (London 1990) p. 43
2. Jung, C. G. “The Practice of Psychotherapy.” (London, 1993).
3. Young-Eisendrath, P. and T. Dawson. “The Cambridge Companion to Jung.” (Cambridge University Press, 1996) p. 319.
4. Jung, C.G. “Psychology and Religion.” In Psychology and Religion: West and East, (Collected Works of C.G. Jung 11, 1938) p. 131.
5. Jung, C.G. “Answer to Job.” In Psychology and Religion: West and East, (Collected Works of C.G. Jung 11, 1952) p. 12.
6. Jung, C.G. “Phenomenology of the Self.” In The Portable Jung, 1957) p. 147.
By definition, divination is the practice of seeing the future and answering questions by supernatural means. This definition is correct, but it leaves out the fact the word divination has the word divine as its main syllable. Divination also means to receive messages or to communicate with the divine (God, the Universe, Source). Divination is practice at receiving the Divine’s messages and learning lessons along the way. Divine messages are answers to questions about life, love, the past, the future, and more. Because really the Divine knows all, there is no limit to the questions that can be asked through DIVINation. Learn the basics of divination for beginners here.
Divination for Beginners: The Three Pillars
Because of the lack of simple instructions for divination for beginners, I came up with the concept of Three Pillars of Divination. This is a concept that will help the beginner learn how to divine, step by step. Focus on one pillar at a time and take your time learning each. This is an ongoing process. The more you learn about divination, the more you will apply these learned concepts to your practice. And if things get confusing, you can always return to the basics. The Three Pillars of Divination are: Observation, Symbolism, and Intuition. If you are studying divination for beginners seriously, I suggest writing these down in a journal or notebook.
1st Pillar: Observation
The first pillar, and probably the most important, is Observation. You can’t receive a message if you’re not listening, right? You can’t interpret a sign if you’re not paying attention. Observation is about being open-minded and mindful at the same time. You are open-minded to any and all messages or images you receive from the Divine through divination, which means you are willing to receive messages in whatever form they come to you. This also means you don’t allow the “logical” side of your brain to completely block out the intuitive (we will get more into this later). It is my belief and experience the majority of people walk around on a daily basis, totally oblivious to their surroundings, totally oblivious to the fact that God is trying to speak to them in different ways. By being mindful of your surroundings and by being in the present moment, you are allowing God to speak to you in whatever form that might be (through nature, symbolism on TV, random conversations, etc). People wonder why they can’t hear God or speak to God, and yet they truly aren’t listening. Observation, mindful observation, is key to hearing the Divine speak to you.
How to be Observant
When learning divination for beginners, be observant. If outside and awaiting a sign from the Divine through nature, be open to whatever appears. Take in the world around you—the environment, the sounds, sights, smells, and sensations. Be observant of yourself—your emotions, your physical sensations, etc. By being present in the moment, you are being mindful of what messages the Divine sends you. This is the same if you are using tarot cards, crystal balls, runes, scrying mirrors, etc. First observe before moving on to symbolism and interpretation.
2nd Pillar: Symbolism
The 2nd Pillar of Divination is Symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent concepts or ideas. Symbolism is used in many ways: in mainstream media, literature, religion, politics, etc. The human brain uses symbolism without even realizing. Symbolism is so ingrained in our way of thinking and living. For this reason, symbolism is a big part of divination. The Divine uses symbolism to speak to us. It is an inherent part of divination and should be in the forefront of your mind when you are Divining.
Symbolism in Divination
Symbolism is seen in all forms of divination: tarot, oracle, the Elder runes, the Ogham, numerology, astrology, and more. For example, if we take a look at the runes, the rune Algiz is a symbol (or letter) that represents the concept of protection. This is symbolism in its simplest terms. In oracle, we are presented with various images that each represent a moral or concept of some kind. For example, in the Goddess oracle, the card with the goddess Baba Yaga represents wild freedom. And on and on these symbols go. The point is, whatever form of divination you choose, dedicate time to studying and learning the symbolism therein. As you become more experienced in divination, you will realize many of these symbols carry over to other forms of divination. At this point, divination will become easier for you to perform.
3rd Pillar: Intuition
The Third Pillar of Divination is Intuition. Often when we are beginning to learn divination we’re told to use our intuition. But what does this mean, exactly? Intuition is defined as something one knows immediately without conscious reasoning. You know that feeling you get before walking into a place that tells you not to go in? Or that feeling when you meet someone and your gut tells you not to trust them? Your logical mind will say this is illogical. But this initial feeling is your intuition, your god-given instinct, that will keep you safe in many situations.
How to Use Your Intuition in Divination
Use this instinct, your intuition, when practicing divination. It’s as easy as drawing an oracle card, and letting your first initial thought or feeling serve as the divine message. Practice this so that it becomes natural, as your conscious brain will try to shrug off your intuition at first. Be aware intuition comes to us in different ways. For example, when I divine and use my oracle cards, I will draw a card and look at the image. Typically I get a “flash” of an image or scenery in my mind, this is how I use my intuition. But you might draw an oracle card and hear a word in your mind. Or you might get a particular emotion. These are all forms of intuition, and depending on the person will be different. With practice, you’ll learn how your intuition speaks to you. Each time you practice using your intuition, write down your experience. Did you let your intuition speak to you and show you the answer? Did your conscious mind try to block? Were there symbols or images in your mind? What words did you hear? Did you feel any emotions?
Putting it All Together
Applying intuition to the other Two Pillars of Divination: you will observe, apply the learned symbolism, and use your intuition. Intuition and symbolism will eventually mix together cohesively, and sometimes you might not know where your intuition and symbolism separate. That is the beauty of divination and receiving messages from the Divine. Keep in mind it will take time to get in tune with your intuition…sometimes it can take years to fully connect. Be patient and keep practicing.
Choosing a Form of Divination for Beginners
With the Three Pillars of Divination in mind, choose a form of divination to study. By focusing on one form, you can apply the three pillars and hone in on your divination skills before moving on to another form of divination. For beginners, I recommend using nature to learn divination. This could mean interpreting the cloud patterns in the sky, going for a walk and allowing certain birds or insects to come to you then interpreting those signs, or scrying with fire or water. These may seem very basic, but you will find it isn’t always easy. However, learning how to read patterns and symbols in nature will teach you mindfulness (observation), as well as symbolism and how to use your intuition flawlessly. Then you can move on to other forms of divination that take even more study and time such as tarot or the runes.
Study One Form for One Year
I recommend studying one form of divination for at least a year. You can’t fully connect with that form of divination unless you’ve given it considerable time and study. Spending a month on the runes or tarot will not do. The same goes for other all divination. These forms of divination have been used by our ancestors for hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years and thus have developed their own personalities. You will give honor to your ancestors and to those forms of divination by putting in the time and effort to really connect. Divination for beginners isn’t as difficult as it may seem – it just takes time and practice.
Thoughts by ~ Otherworldly Oracle
Psalms 119: 30~38 THE Remedy Bible
I have chosen the way of truth;
I am committed to your design for life.
I hold fast to your methods, O Lord,
and I am not ashamed.
I eagerly live in harmony with your design,
for you have healed my heart, enabling me to do so.
Teach me, O Lord, the way you have designed life to operate,
so that I might conform and be transformed.
Enable me to understand, and I will practice your principles
and live out your methods with all my heart.
Lead me to live according to your ways,
because it brings me health and happiness.
Transform my heart to desire your methods of love
and hate selfish gain.
Turn my interest away from all worthless things;
recreate me to live according to your way.
Establish your promise within your servant,
so that you may be worshipped and admired.
I’ve said this quite sometime! If you are pagan or wiccan, take what resonates with this teaching! I post as a Christian Witch, but feel free to take this lesson! Learning is for everyone, and knowledge is power!
We’ve taken a look at the history and it’s actually the perfect day for a few behaviours
Whether or not you believe in the superstition of Friday 13th, it’s still a date that can send a shiver through your plans thanks to the attention and hype the ancient ‘unlucky’ date has built-up over the years.
But should we approach it with fear, or should we use it to our advantage and make a few different decisions? Country Living took a look at the history and have come up with five detoxing and rather enjoyable things which are best done on Friday 13th.
WHY IS FRIDAY 13TH CONSIDERED UNLUCKY?
The superstition dates back to the urban legends of the 1600s and, to understand it properly, we need to look at the day Friday and the number 13 separately.
So, why Friday? Steve Roud, author of The Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland (£2.96, Amazon), explained to the BBC:
“Because Friday was the day of the crucifixion, Fridays were always regarded as a day of penance and abstinence,” he says.
“This religious belief spilled over into a general dislike of starting anything - or doing anything important - on a Friday.”
AND WHAT ABOUT THE NUMBER 13?
Well, back in the 1690s, an urban legend began to bubble that it was unlucky to have 13 people sat around a dinner table as this was the amount of people present at the Last Supper. It was also believed to be the number of witches needed to officially make a coven.
How did the two come together? “The Victorians who were intrigued by folklore put Friday and 13 together and created a doubly unlucky day,” by the author of the Country Wisdom and Folklore Diary.
5 things we should do on Friday 13th
1. Disregard the 'unlucky’ part
When legends like this circulate, it’s easy to blame anything negative that happens on that day on the ideas. If your car won’t start today or you put salt instead of sugar in your tea, blame coincidence.
2. Have an alcohol-free day
In the spirit of abstinence, and the fact that Christmas is soon approaching and will bring with it platefuls of indulgence, why not have a day without your favourite tipple. Instead, enjoy a soft alternative or hygge-inspired hot chocolate.
3. Write a list
We love a list - normally of the shopping to to-do variety – but, on a day when people were originally not meant to start something new, let’s use this time to sit back, relax, and think about things we would like to start in the future.
Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try? A place you’ve always wanted to travel to? Or simply a walk you haven’t trodden yet? Make a bucket list, stick it on the fridge and commit to ticking them off when you can. Just because we shouldn’t do, doesn’t mean we can’t plan.
4. Take a moment to feel grateful
While you relax, soft drink in hand, thinking about the exciting activities you plan to do, also take a moment to appreciate what you have already done and the smile-inducing things in your life. Not having to worry about witches and penance should probably be top of the list…
5. Procrastinate
It’s probably not a behaviour we are used to but, on a day when urban legend tells us not to do anything important, let’s give it a go. Clean the oven tomorrow, sort out the post on Sunday and save the hoovering for the morning. Just sit, relax and be mindful.
If you’ve got kids at home, try celebrating Samhain with some of these family-friendly and kid-appropriate ideas.
1- Honor your ancestors
In many cultures, ancestor veneration is an important part of the season. Depending on how old your children are, you may want to use this time of year as an opportunity to introduce your kids to the people whose blood runs through their veins.
Study Genealogy: All of us came from somewhere, so why not figure out what that place might have been? Get your kids involved in learning about their forbears, even if it’s just something as simple as asking Grandma what it was like to live when she was a child. Take the information you learn, and fill out a family tree chart — if you’re feeling really crafty, use that info to make an ancestor altar cloth!
Got photos and family heirlooms? Set up an ancestor altar in a place of honor in your home. Is your child — or are you — adopted? That’s okay, you can still honor your kinfolk, you just have to go about it a slightly different way. Consider celebrating archetypes that represent your ethnic or cultural background.
2- Family Friendly Ritual
Let’s face it, sometimes ritual is hard to get through when you’re little. The trick to keeping young children involved is to keep them occupied – that means rethinking ritual ideas so that it can fun as well as spiritual. This ritual is designed to celebrate Samhain with younger kids.
Obviously, if your children are older, or you have younger kids who are very focused and mature, you may not need a “kids ritual.” However, for those of you that do, this is a rite you can complete, from start to finish, in about twenty minutes. Also, keep in mind that you are the best judge of what your child is ready for. If he wants to paint his face, bang a drum and chant, let him do so — but if he’d rather participate silently, that’s okay too!
Use a basic altar setup for this ritual. If your kids are old enough to not burn the house (or themselves) down when near an open flame, you can use candles, but they’re not required for this ritual. A nice alternative is the small LED tealights, which can go on your altar safely.
In addition to your Samhain decorations, place photos of deceased family members on the altar. If you have other mementos, such as jewelry or small heirlooms, feel free to add those.
Finally, have a cup with a drink in it that the family can share — milk, cider (always a great option in the fall), or whatever you may prefer. Obviously, if someone is sporting a cold or runny nose, you might wish to use individual cups.
Gather your family around the altar, and ask each child to stand quietly for a moment to take a few minutes to think about the different family members that have passed away.. If your child is too young to know anyone who has passed away they can simply think about the family they have now, and all the living people who are important to them.
After everyone has taken a moment to think about their ancestors, and before anyone starts to fidget, begin the ritual.
Parent: Tonight we are celebrating Samhain, which is a time when we celebrate the lives of the people we have loved and lost. We are going to honor our ancestors so that they will live on in our hearts and memories.
Tonight, we honor [name], and [name].
Go through the list of specific people you wish to honor. If someone has died recently, start with them and work your way back. You don’t have to unleash the names of every single person in your family tree (because it could be Yule before you finish), but it’s important to mention the people who have had the most impact on your life. If you want, to help the kids understand who everyone was, you can go into more detail as you name the ancestors off:
“Tonight we honor Uncle Bob, who used to tell me funny stories when I was a kid. We honor Grandma, who lived in a cabin in Kentucky where she learned to make the best biscuits I’ve ever had. We honor cousin Adam, who served in the Army and then bravely fought cancer before he crossed over…”
Once you’ve named off all of the ancestors, pass the cup around the circle. As you pass it, you can say, “I drink in honor of my family, of the Holy Trinity, and of the bonds of kinship.” Take a sip, and pass it to the next person, saying, “I share this with you in the name of our ancestors.”
Once everyone has had their turn, replace the cup on the altar. Ask everyone to join hands and close their eyes for a moment.
Take a moment for quiet reflection, and then end the rite in whatever way works best for your family.
Adapted from
Wigington, Patti. “Celebrating Samhain With Kids.” Learn Religions
DETECTING AND REMOVING NEGATIVE ENERGY IN YOUR BODY AND IN YOUR HOME
Keeping your space and yourself free of negative energies is essential to living a magical life. Want to know how to cleanse your house and body of bad vibes?
* Cleansing/Saining/Smudging with Sage and other herbs such as Rosemary,
* Frankincense and other incense,
* Essential oils (in cleansing products and diffusers),
* Cleansing sprays (with herbs or essential oils),
* Salt,
* Sound,
* Nature Sounds, and of course,
* Crystals!
You will find some specific lessons on these in our unit called HEARTH & HOME. Also there is a lesson called GETTING RID OF NEGATIVE SPIRITS in our unit called ADVANCED BIBLE STUDIES!
When you make energy cleansing a part of your daily wellness routine, the extra effort will be worth it, especially when you’re radiating with light and love. Clearing and purifying your space also helps boost the healing energy of crystals, which act as energy amplifiers.
You don’t have to be a Zen master to notice if the energy feels stagnant and stuck in your home. Simply take a moment to notice if you or your environment feels heavy. In the hectic pace of the modern world, it’s not uncommon to come home from a long day at work feeling overwhelmed. Also, any time you or someone in your home has an argument, the bad energy often accumulates in different pockets of a room. The same goes for the healing process. If you or a loved one is fighting an illness, it’s time for a quick space cleansing ritual.
We know what you’re probably thinking. Here’s yet another chore to add to your list of to-dos. But all it takes is 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a week to truly transform your life. A pure and cleansed environment is also vital for enhancing the healing energy of your crystals. Before you bring crystals into your home, purify your space first so that it amplifies the energy that’s already there. And always be sure to cleanse your crystals before placing them in your collections or using them! (More on that in our unit called CRYSTALS, GEMSTONES, METALS & STONES).
Negative energy seeps into our space constantly so it’s important to keep a positive flow throughout your environment with house cleansing rituals. When your home is purified, it restores balance and harmony to your life, which is essential for giving you and your family a happy and healthy place for deep healing and rejuvenating the spirit. When you make energy cleansing a part of your everyday routine, it’s the perfect remedy for easing the stress and anxiety that comes from the demands of modern living.
A sage, herb or incense cleansing/saining/smudging ritual also gives you the chance to cleanse your crystal collection. While letting the smoke envelop the crystals, take this moment to reinforce and program them for your intention. Remember, the clearer your purpose for each gemstone, the stronger and more effective their healing powers. For instance, ask Rose Quartz to bring unconditional love into your life, Citrine to boost happiness and success, Peacock Ore to enhance pure joy, or any of your favorite gemstones that resonate with your spirit.
Crystals are big-time energy amplifiers, so it’s important to cleanse your crystals and cleanse them often! Healing crystals are constantly transmuting and absorbing negativity, so keep them cleansed and activated by cleansing and charging them regularly. If you’re overcoming an illness, it’s a good idea to cleanse them on a daily basis, especially for crystals used for their healing and energizing effects.
HOW TO GET RID OF NEGATIVE ENERGY IN YOUR BODY
When it comes to ridding the body of toxic energy, healthy eating is a good place to start but sometimes it takes more than organic salads and vitamins to tackle your inner demons. If you’re feeling particularly heavy in the energy department, try these cleansing techniques and free yourself of bad thoughts that are holding you back from your true potential.
FOREST BATHING – If you’ve got a case of the blues, it’s time to get back to nature with forest bathing. Instead of walking the path in order to get from Point A to Point B, take your time to breathe in the incredible healing energy of the forest and its abundance of oxygen permeating the air. Bring along your favorite crystals – we recommend Tree Agate and Aventurine – and wander along the trail at your own pace, taking the time to notice the incredible miracle of life that surrounds you.
CONSCIOUS BREATHING – If you feel stressed or anxious, deep breathing is a simple and easy way to restore your mind-body-spirit to a place of peace and tranquility. Inhale positivity and exhale negativity. It’s that easy!
MUSIC – When it hits you, you feel no pain. That’s the magic of music. Even after cleansing rituals, bad thoughts can still persist, so put them to rest with a collection of your favorite songs. Playing an instrument is also an excellent way to stay in the present moment because when you’re concentrating on notes and chords, you don’t have time for any negative thoughts to get in the way.
DANCE – Even if you have two left feet, play your favorite dance jams, turn up the volume, and dance like no one is watching. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to shake off a case of the blues. Plus, it’s cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun!
PURIFYING BATH – Water is incredibly healing on its own, so when you add the powerful cleansing and rejuvenating powers of Himalayan sea salt, it makes your bath ever more restorative. Add 2-4 pieces of Himalayan salt rocks to your bath, a few drops of your favorite essential oils, and healing crystals like Amethyst, Aventurine, and Rose Quartz.
During the Fall Equinox, we enter a true time of balance as the sun moves into the sign of Libra (approximately September 21st). An intellectual Air element, Libra is refined with the grace of the balance between head and heart. Now we transition into the shorter days and longer nights of the fall season, where we are called to bring our light indoors and tend to hearth and home.
Balancing of Light and Darkness
The Autumnal Equinox begins when the Sun enters the Sign of Libra, the scales. Libra represents balance and temperance, and the reconciling of opposing forces. The integration of life and death, fire and water, solar and lunar energies. It is a social Sign, ruling partnerships of all kinds and the individual contributions one makes to a group. This Air Sign is a Sign of communication and intellect-of justice and discernment. Its position on the zodiac is the halfway point between the completion of the Sun’s transit through the zodiac. The astrological year is initiated by the fires of Aries the Ram, the Vernal Equinox. This places Libra at the horizon of the descendant, marking the movement of the Sun through the outer realm of the ego and its material environment into the realms of the unconscious and the emotions. Libra is the fulcrum point marking the division between the light and dark halves of the year.
Just as the festival dates we celebrate can be slightly different depending on your interpretation (astronomical or secular), there is also conflicting information about when the exact start of the seasons is. Unlike modern calendars that define the start of a season on a Solstice or Equinox, the Celts perceived Solstices and Equinoxes as events occurring mid-season, with the seasons actually beginning and ending on the Cross Quarters.
For a modern interpretation, I bet on the definition provided by the Old Farmers Almanac. Briefly, they explain each season has both an astronomical start and a meteorological start. The astronomical start date is based on the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth, while the meteorological start date is based on the 12-month calendar and the annual temperature cycle.
The Wheel of the Year
The modern system of solar festivals, known as Sabbats, developed slowly since the 1950’s, and since then has been adapted and adopted by many traditions of The “Wheel of the Year” cycle is a MODERN construct. We can just stop debating whether or not any one ancient civilization celebrated all eight equidistant solar holidays, because we know for a fact that wasn’t true.
Fall and Autumn are both used for this wonderful season, with “Fall” being more common in America. It’s marked by the Sun going into the astrological sign Libra, to be followed by Scorpio and Sagittarius. So it’s the start of this trio of relational signs—we grow in understanding through our social and intimate connections. The Sun is waning (in the Northern Hemisphere), but this begins the season of reaching out. The Sun into Libra motivates us to build bridges, create a balance of give and take. It’s ideal for sharing your bounty with a neighbor, to make that connection, or attend community festivities.
If we see Fall Equinox as a time of refining the creative intentions of Spring Equinox, we take into account “the Other.” It’s adapting your goals, as they meet the contributions or demands of your extended social circle. Sometimes Fall brings up melancholy moods. Is it the reminder that all things diminish (die).
Libra is a time for harmonizing with the significant people in our lives—from business partners to friends we’ve lost touch with over the crazy-busy summer! It’s time for slow food dinner parties with kindred spirits, and new friends.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every [a]purpose under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
The Autumnal Equinox is the time of year when daylight and nighttime are equal. After the Autumnal Equinox, the darkness will begin to win the battle, gaining an extra minute or so every day as we progress towards winter. Now is the time when nature begins to slow and the harvests become less plentiful. Though the autumn equinox can arrive as early as September 20th or 21st depending on solar patterns, this year it falls on September 22nd. So get ready to celebrate!
Like most Sabbats that are celebrated later in the year, the autumn equinox is about reflection and letting go of that which does not serve us any longer. It’s a chance to slough off the old and prepare for rest. We clean out that which piled up during the business of summer and store up that which we will need for our winter rest. The colors of the Autumn Equinox are just as rich and warming as the colors of autumn—deep crimson, vibrant orange, lustrous gold, and earthy brown. If you’re planning a feast, make sure to include all the fall bounties as well as late summer fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin, squash, berries, nuts, and corn are all fantastic inclusions. Looking for specific ideas on how to celebrate the Autumn Equinox without costing a mint? You’ve come to the right place! Here are 10 wonderful ways to celebrate for free or for little cost!
MAKE POPCORN
What’s more cozy than snuggling under a blanket with a big bowl of buttered popcorn? Of course, you could always watch a movie, but why not take your treat outside to watch nature instead? Inhale that fragrant autumn air. Really take a few moments to appreciate the breathtaking hues of the trees. Watch the birds and squirrels as they prepare for winter. Simply take in the magnificence of the season. And if you’re in a generous mood, leave a few un-buttered pieces of popcorn for the critters.
BALANCE YOUR CHAKRAS
The Autumn Equinox is a time to find balance in your life. But while we tend to immediately think of time constraints as a place to find balance (work versus family time, family time versus self-care), when was the last time you balanced your spiritual centers?If you’re not familiar, chakras are points of energy on the body that have spiritual as well as physical impact. When they are balanced, life is good. When they are imbalanced, we have unwanted manifestations, such as illness and financial troubles. The good news is balancing them is as simple as taking a few minutes for visualization! Like any visualization, chakra balancing gets easier with practice, so don’t feel discouraged if you have trouble focusing during your first go around or two. A nice, simple chakra meditation can be found on YouTube. Get a blanket, find a quiet spot under a tree, and take some time to balance your chakras this Mabon! You’ll be glad you did. Bonus points if you plant your feet in the soil and get your earthing on!
HAVE A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Admittedly, this suggestion is a little self-benefiting. But what’s autumn without a warm drink laced with cinnamon and nutmeg? You can certainly buy one at your favorite coffee shop, but why not make one? I’m betting you already have the ingredients on hand. Take the time to really savor the process. Inhale the nutty aroma of the coffee before you brew it. Watch as the creamer turns your drink into a rich caramel color. Savor the first sip without scarfing down the entire drink. Life is a lot more pleasurable when we take time to relish the things we enjoy. Sit outside with your homemade brew, breathe deep inhalations of that luscious autumn air, and simply BE.
FOCUS ON GRATITUDE AND THANKSGIVING
With Autumn Equinox being a time of reflection and balance, what better way to celebrate than to make a list for all that you are thankful for? Take a notebook to the park and make a list of everything you appreciate—from big things, like your family or health, to small things, like hot cocoa and fuzzy slipper socks. Feeling crafty? Make a gratitude tree! Simply find a funky fallen twig that has lots of little branchy offshoots to hold your leaves. Place the twig (or twigs) in a pot of stones so it’s standing upright, like a miniature dead tree. Collect fallen leaves or cut your own from construction paper. Write something you’re grateful for on each leaf. Tape on a loop of string or thread, and hang the leaves from your twig! Beauty and function— my favorite!And remember, crafts don’t need to be limited to children. Our children are grown and gone, yet we make a gratitude tree every year for Thanksgiving by adding one leaf a day for each day in November leading up to the big feast! Festiveness isn’t just reserved for those too young to drive. Embrace life! Live it with all you’ve got! And don’t forget to be grateful!
BRING IN SOME NATURE
If you’re anything like me, you’re just itching to get something decorative in your home this fall. We don’t really get in to decorating for Halloween with ghosts and goblins because we don’t celebrate the way that most people in America do. We celebrate it the Christian way, not the pagan way. Why not take a nature walk and collect whatever beautiful, natural treasures you stumble upon? Colored leaves. Acorns. Gnarled twigs. Pine cones. Cool rocks. Bring a bag and collect whatever catches your eye. Arrange it on a table or counter top when you get home, throw in a candle or two (maybe gold and red) and you’ve got yourself an instant natural Mabon altar! You can even leave your natural masterpiece up for a few weeks as a spectacular (and FREE!) fall decoration!
WELCOME IN THE DARKNESS
As the sun sets on the Autumn Equinox, we welcome in the darkness of the coming season. Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and allow yourself to be fully in the moment as the sun sets this equinox. Once the orange globe has dipped below the horizon, breathe in the darkness of fall and honor the tranquil introspection this season inspires. With tea, of course!
BRING ON THE COZY
Having spent most of my life in Texas, what I miss most about autumn is the coziness. Soft sweaters. Knitted throws. Hot drinks. Crisp morning air. Chilly noses on rainy days. Envelop yourself in the coziness of autumn, even if, like here in Texas, you are still running the air conditioner and suffering in 90 degree weather. Whether that means decorating your home in autumnal flare, lighting a pumpkin-spice candle, or baking a cinnamon-scented apple pie, do something special that puts you in that autumn state of mind.
TAKE IT IN
The best part of autumn is undoubtedly the simplicity. Life seems to slow down just a little, following the graceful dance of nature herself. Take the time to slowdown alongside her. Treat yourself to a pumpkin latte, head over to your favorite park or even your own backyard, and just exist. Watch the passersby as you sip your drink. Observe the colors of autumn, the slight crisp that’s beginning to blossom in the air, the chatter of birds as they prepare for winter. Breathe deep. Slow your mind. Just exist. It’s something we don’t do often enough, but fall is most definitely the time for it!
FIND BALANCE
Whether autumnal or vernal, equinoxes are the perfect opportunity to find balance, just like nature! If you’ve been doing a little too much of anything—eating, working, worrying, whatever!—now is the time to take a step back and evaluate how to change your behavior in favor of a more healthy approach. Remember, anything in excess is damaging. Even drinking too much water will kill you.I know! Crazy, right?!If you find it difficult to disconnect from work. If your vice is copious amounts of sugar. If exercise has become obsessive. If spending has exceeded income, take the time to make positive changes. NOT to belittle and berate yourself. NOT to feel guilty and swim among the self-loathing waters. Objectively look at the situation, find a reasonable solution, and make changes. Shame doesn’t fix the problem. It’s a warning bell that alerts us to the need for change. Nothing more. Take a deep breath of that fresh autumn air and start again. You’ve got this!
CINNAMON FLAMES
Autumn seems to bring out the craving for bonfires and campfires. If you’re lighting one up this Autumn Equinox, toss in a couple of cinnamon sticks for good luck in the coming season. Plus your backyard will smell heavenly!
Whether you use this time to reflect or to indulge, I hope you have a spectacular Autumn Equinox celebration filled with love, coziness, and an extra dash of magic! BLESSED BE!
Divination is a magical process which utilizes various tools to provide glimpses of the future. The use of tarot cards is a form of divination, as is watching clouds pass overhead or gazing at the patterns caused by tea leaves in a cup.
For those who are unable to be consciously psychic when the need arises, divination is the next best thing, although the ability to intuitively divine is also a gift that is not given to everyone, despite what modern paganism would have you believe, it is something that anyone can do in prayer while trying to discern God’s will in their own lives.
While performing this magic, we focus our conscious mind on the symbols presented to us and allow them to contact our psychic mind. The symbols – coins, rune stones, raindrops on a window – are simple keys which enable us to unlock our psychic awareness or messages from our higher selves or more importantly from God.
There are thousands of forms of divination. It has been practiced in all cultures throughout history. Sometimes these rites were performed by the individual, sometimes by priestesses, priests or shamans. It was practiced by God’s people in the Bible, including by Jesus’ own disciples. The quest for knowledge of possible future events is still alive today. What was banned in the Bible was practicing divination for selfish reasons, for reasons that might cause harm to other people, or gaining information by using demonic spirits.
I said, “possible future events” above because nothing is carved in stone. The future isn’t mapped out in advance. Our choices change our futures. The story of Jonah was one of those examples. We are creating our futures every second of every day. Our lives are the results of our decisions. Divination can help us make those choices.
Just as we determine our futures, other persons can influence our lives as well if we allow them to. Universal forces ebb and flow, adding their energy to the shape of tomorrow. The factors that are at work here are incomprehensible.
Fortunately, we needn’t understand these processes to gain a glimpse of the future. All we need do is choose our tools and use them ritually to contact the spiritual guidance that is available to us all.
Stone divination is an excellent form of this ancient art. When you need guidance regarding an important decision, look to God and use the stones for help. If fear grips you when you think about an upcoming event, look to God and use the stones. If you;re unsure whether or magical rite you’re about to perform is designed for your goal, use a stone divination to bring all sharply into focus.
This can easily become a crutch. The man or woman who won’t leave the house without consulting a psychic is a cliche, but it is too often true. Divination isn’t a necessity for daily living; it is a tool which we pick up and use when needed, then set down. Divination can help us make decisions, warn us of possible dangers or ill-health, and provide another perspective on a problem.
It may be exciting to perform a divination, but it should never be done “just for fun” or out of boredom. Like magic, divination is used when it is necessary.
Most divinatory systems contain some sort of element of ‘chance.’ This determines which tools – in this case, stones – will be available to help us unlock the secrets of tomorrow. Pulling a stone at random from a bag, opening our Bibles randomly for a verse, shuffling tarot cards, or tossing I Ching stalks or coins brings chance into the divination.
Always pray before doing any form of divination. Ask for God to show you what They need for you to know for your quest.
Other forms of divination rely on more direct communication with the subconscious mind. The pendulum, for example, is a tool which is set in motion by minuscule movements of the arm and hand that hold it. These movements are caused by the conscious or sub-conscious mind, and are interpreted to gain an answer. These are less likely to be supernaturally influenced and there is a larger margin for error because our minds may know what we WANT to hear and will influence our movements to provide that answer, even if that is not the answer that we NEED to hear. I, personally, can make a pendulum give whatever answer I want it to give without anyone else seeing any movement at all. This is nothing more than slight of hand and can be dangerous when asking for God’s will.
If you’re consciously psychic at will, you won’t need divination. If not, you may want to begin working with one of the systems outlined in this chapter. In doing so, remember these things:
It may take a few sessions for you to properly work the divination, to approach it with the correct frame of mind, and to use the symbols presented to you to unfold your psychic awareness.
The future isn’t predetermined. If you see something that bothers you, you can change it through your choices and through prayer, intention, and magic! If an unreasonably rosy picture is presented to you, you might question yourself: Am I reading my desires into this? Am I properly utilizing the system? Is this system appropriate for me? (In other words, does it speak to my psychic mind?). I have found that it is rare for one person to be “gifted” in more than one or two forms of divination. Like I am very gifted in Tarot and do well with Runes but not really with any other form of divination. In fact, I am honestly afraid to use my pendulum because I CONSISTENTLY get the answers I want to receive so that I do not feel safe in basing choices and life decisions on it unless it is something that needs an answer from my own subconscious mind and not from a higher source. It is wise to acknowledge this and take steps to develop my true gifts instead of trying to force a divination form that does not work well for me. Everyone has gifts and one gift is not better or worse than any other gift.
That is my advice to you. Everyone has different God-given gifts. Not everyone has “witchy” gifts but their gifts are no less important. And those who DO have “witchy” gifts do not all have the same ones. Just because you think Trelawny is amazing and you want to be like her does not mean that you will ever have the gift of reading tea leaves or crystal balls. Be sure to pray to God and ask Them to show you what your God-given gifts are, and then be honest with yourself when you see that one gift, even if you wanted that gift, is not for you. And be sure to use your intuition always!
If you DO find that you have a gift for divination, remember this: Divination is performed out of necessity. If an honest conversation, a few phone calls or letters, or a few moments of concentration will successfully clear up your questions, try these things first. If not, work with your divinatory gift.
STONE SCRYING
Scrying is gazing into or contemplating a shining, luminous or reflective surface.
Stone scrying is probably the best known form of divination. Highly polished, reflective stones have been used for thousands of years in developing psychic awareness.
Most people have heard of the ubiquitous 'crystal ball.’ This magical tool is simply a sphere of quartz crystal. Large, clear quartz spheres can cost $1,000 to $10,000; but smaller ones an inch or less in size are available for about $20. The six-inch variety seen in cheap movies are made of glass or plastic. The six-inch quartz spheres are more rare and more costly but, fortunately, aren’t necessary.
Quartz isn’t the only stone chosen for scrying. A multitude of other stones are also used for forms of scrying. Flat, square pieces of obsidian were favored in ancient Mexico and beryl spheres or eggs were the stones of choice during the Renaissance, but the crystal sphere captured the popular imagination long ago.
This is a guide for those interested in scrying with quartz crystal spheres. Remember, this is a GUIDE only! As with everything in magic, listen to your intuition!
After obtaining your scrying stone, wash it in water. Dry and wrap it in a soft, dark cloth.
Traditionally, stones used for scrying are never exposed to sunlight, as this is thought to hinder its ability to contact the psychic mind. Perhaps it would if you believed it would.
However, moonlight is used to purify crystal or gemstone spheres. The Full Moon is an ideal time to cleanse and 'charge’ a crystal or gemstone with your magical intent – in this case, successful scrying. Take the wrapped stone out into the moonlight. Unwrap it, and, with both hands, hold it up to the moon. Feel its cool light raining down on you. See it (through visualization) flooding the stone, attuning it with your energy. Then visualize yourself successfully scrying with the stone. Don’t forget to pray to God, consecrating the stone to God’s service. After a few moments, wrap it up again. It is done.
As for the scrying itself, here are a few pointers:
Scrying is best done at night. Symbolism is certainly at work here: night rules the psychic mind. Also, there is probably less chance of interruption.
Find a quiet spot. Sit comfortably. Place the crystal on a stand on a table or hold it in your hands.
Candlelight can be conducive to scrying. Through some say that reflections of the flames in the crystal are disturbing, for others this is exactly what helps them achieve the proper state.
Experiment to see what works best for you. You might place white or yellow candles behind your back at first, then move them to either side of you, and finally ring the crystal itself itself with the candles.
Once you, the crystal and the candles are all situated, relax. Breathe deeply for a few moments with your eyes closed. Forget the worries of the day, the stresses, the problems. Relax your body. Relax your mind.
Then open your eyes and hold the crystal in your hands until it is warm. Some magicians say that stones won’t work in magic unless this is done. As your hands warm the stone, your body is releasing personal power into the stone. Visualize your area of inquiry during this process.
Now replace the stone on the stand or continue holding it, whichever you feel comfortable with.
Continue to relax; gaze into the crystal. Don’t stare unblinkingly into its depths, simply gaze. Blink your eyes if you wish. You must be calm and relaxed during scrying.
The crystal is a symbol of psychism, of water (the psychic element), of your need to divine the future. Hold these things in mind as you gaze into the sphere.
Now take time to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your efforts and to communicate the Divine will to you regarding your query. Then open your eyes and begin to gaze into the crystal.
If the operation is successful, you will contact your psychic mind and communication will take place.
Will you see pictures? Probably not – the crystal isn’t a movie screen. You may see wisps of smoke swirling within the sphere – this is common. But few see images within it.
If anywhere, you’ll see them in your mind. Images seen during scrying are often symbolic; they aren’t psychic news footage of future events. Interpret the symbolism as best you can.
If you see no pictures, unbidden thoughts may come into your mind instead. Words, phrases or complete sentences may 'pop up’ out of your psychic mind.
Whatever you see or think – either images within the sphere or in your mind, or words or phrases – try to relate them to your question or your area of inquiry.
Words are simple enough. Think about them. Do they mean anything to you? Are they ambiguous or direct?
Symbols are more difficult. For example, if you were asking if it would be a positive action to move into a new home, and you saw images of bats flying above slithering snakes, then interpret these symbols.
To some, snakes are related to wisdom and bats to luck. For such a person, the move would seem to be favorable. However, if you fear snakes and find bats disgusting, your symbols are suggesting the opposite.
See how it works? Symbols are the language of the subconscious mind, and, while we may all speak the same language, we use different dialects. Thus, the psychic mind uses a personal language which may mean nothing to others.
If you can’t find or afford a crystal or gemstone sphere, or don’t wish to use one, there are several other methods of stone scrying. Any naturally reflective stone, most crystals, and those which see to possess inner movement can be used as 'mirrors of the psychic mind.’ These last stones include cat’s-eye, moonstone, sunstone, tiger’s-eye, star ruby, opal and many others.
Take the stone out into sunlight or moonlight, or hold it near a candle. Still your conscious mind. Move the stone slowly in your hands while visualizing your area of inquiry.
Do this for several minutes. Don’t WILL anything to happen; simply wait until the strange movements in the stone and the hypnotic movements of your hands break your conscious mind’s hold on psychic input.
Again, interpret any symbols or words that come to you.
FIFTY-STONE DIVINATION
This is an entirely different form of stone divination. Though I’d love to have fifty emeralds to use for this ritual, the type of stone used isn’t important. If financially practical, select psychism-inducing stones such as amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, quartz crystal, moonstone, in any combination. Or use whatever you have. Since God provides the answers to your inquiry, there are no symbols to interpret. Yes, this divination is limited but it just may provide the answers you need.
Fill a bag or a box with 50 stones of approximately the same size. Think of your question and reach into the bag and grab a handful of stones. Place these on a flat surface before you and count the number of stones you have randomly chosen. Odd numbers indicate favorable conditions, a positive answer, success. Even numbers presage the reverse.
BLACK AND WHITE STONE DIVINATION
This is the most simple form of divination. According to the Bible, the Urim and Thummim were two large stones of great brilliancy that were worn by the High Priest of ancient Israel in the Old Testament on the Ephod, one to the left and one to the right of the breastplate. According to extra-Biblical and inspired sources, when questions were brought for decision before the Lord in prayer, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of Divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation. They are most often pictured as black and white but no reliably known source actually tells us the color. The stones were lost in the Babylonian invasion during the time of Daniel. It would be wonderful if we could still, today, ask God a question and have a sign light up that said yes or no. But we don’t. The closer we get to God during study, prayer and meditation, the more clear Their answers will become to us, by whatever form of communication God chooses to use. But we can do what is essentially “drawing lots” when asking God for a special yes or no question. It is chancy, and therefore in my mind risky, but many people do this.
Take a black stone and a white stone of the same size and shape, such as a marble, and put it in a black bag. Prayerfully ask your question and then pull one stone from the bag. Make sure that you have decided which stone means yes and which stone means no before doing this. Most people use white as a positive answer and black as a negative answer. The stone you pull will serve as an answer to your question.
RAINBOW STONE DIVINATION
This divination uses the colors of stones to provide clues regarding the future. You’ll need seven stones, one of each color, all approximately the same size and shape. Place these in a soft cloth bag, and, when you need guidance, select a stone at random from the bag. It may answer your questions. If not, take another stone and 'read’ or interpret them together.
Here is a list of suggested divinatory meanings by color. If this doesn’t speak to you, make your own list.
• RED: Symbolizes anger or other destructive or negative emotions, birth, change, sex, passion, endings, energy, and confrontations.
• PINK: Symbolizes love, friendship, relationships, family, interchange, the heart.
• ORANGE: Symbolizes illumination, personal power, energy, movement, travel, exchange.
• YELLOW: Symbolizes communication, happiness, joy and other positive emotions, light work, protection.
• GREEN: Symbolizes growth, money, grounding, health and healing, fertility, business, transactions.
• PURPLE: Symbolizes spirituality, mysticism, expansion or growth in the previous, royalty.
How do you interpret these stones? I’ll give an example:
Say I’m wondering what’s causing me to be so depressed lately. I’ve been down for weeks and can’t figure out why. So I still my mind, and then get my bag of stones and reach inside. I pull out a green stone. The first thing that flashes into my mind is money. Wanting more input, I pull out a red stone. 'Energy’ is my next thought. Money and energy. But I asked about depression.
Could I have been depressed all this time because I wasn’t making enough money? No, not that. Could it be that I haven’t been putting enough energy (work) into making the money I earn? That could be it. I analyze it, and it seems right.
I’ve found a possible reason for my depression. Now what do I do?
Use choice, prayer, intention and magic to change my condition. Transform a negative into a positive. Working more will help, but using magic will help even more. I might wish to carry or wear green and red stones to push me further toward what I should be doing.
See?
It isn’t always this simple, but try it out. Work with this or any system to receive its greatest gifts!
This lesson was adapted from Scott Cunningham’s book Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic.
It’s a common thing to hear someone say that there’s a difference between their magical lives and their mundane lives. Rituals become the monthly or yearly gatherings (think High days and Holidays). In reality, we have the ability to step into ritual each and every day. And each and every day is sacred and its own ritual, if you make it so. Here are a few simple suggestions for marking each day as sacred.
WAKING RITUALS
When you first awaken, connect with one or all of the Trinity. Give thanks for a new day and for Their love and care. Do this first thing upon waking every morning and you will begin to notice that you are more aware of their presence throughout the day.
As you wake, stretch your body. Give thanks to yourself for what you can do with your body today (Leave the judgments, aches and pains for another ritual!).
Connect with your breath and know that whatever comes your way this day, you can return to your breath.
After joining your family, tell yourself, a partner, a child, a pet, or the plants in your home what they mean to you. “Good morning ____. I love spending Sabbath mornings with you” can become a lovely ritual all by itself.
And don’t forget to stir positive intentions into your morning coffee or tea!
MEAL TIMES
Preparing a meal, for me, is a sacred time of the day. A simple ritual you can create while prepping a meal is to visualize love and health flowing from you into the food, whether it is for your family or for yourself.
Another thing I like to do is to light a candle when I begin prepping, and send a prayer up to God for the health of my family. When the food is ready, I snuff out the candle and thank God for their health.
While eating, I enjoy the taste of my food and thank God for the food. I like to ask for God’s blessing before the meal, and I like to say thank you to God at the end of the meal. Most people do not even bother to ask God’s blessing upon the meal at the beginning of the meal, much less give thanks for the meal at the end of the meal, but if you will try these traditions, you will find that they can really make a difference in your outlook and on the meal itself. If you are at home, or even if you are in public if it does not make you uncomfortable, try holding your hands out in a cupped position as you ask God for Their blessing. This, too, can make more of an impact on you than you might think.
CLEANSING RITUAL
At the end of each day, give yourself the luxury of cleansing away the day. Whether in a shower, a bath or just by sprinkling yourself with aromatic water – gently wash away the day looking back at the challenges, joys, people and mysterious ones that participated in life with you.
ALTAR RITUAL
Take a few moments each day to sit with your altar. Take a few minutes to calm yourself and connect with God during this time. This is an absolute necessity!
What messages does your altar have for you? Does it need tending in some way? Is there something calling to be added or something that is being called to be removed?
This might also be a good time to practice your meditation!
PLEASURE RITUAL
Give yourself the gift of pleasure each day. This might be that 30 minutes devoted to reading an engaging book, having a delicious cup of tea, listening to your favorite playlist, singing in the shower – Something that speaks to you of pure pleasure for the sake of pleasing yourself. (Note: use good judgment here – the “17 shots of tequila” ritual may have unintended consequences and might not be in your best interests!)
JUST BEFORE SLEEP RITUAL
Use relaxation techniques and deep breathing techniques and stretching to relax your body when you first lie down. Do not play a video game or do something that might stimulate your mind. Read a chapter in a book or something else that is relaxing. Make sure that the lights are dim.
Immediately after turning out the light and closing your eyes, take several deep breaths and calm and clear your mind. Tell one or all of the members of the Trinity goodnight and thank them for Their blessings and care and protection throughout your day. Ask them to bring you and your loved ones safely through the night. Contrary to popular depiction, this is NOT the time to start praying for your problems and your entire prayer list. This is a time to connect with God. Take a few moments to LISTEN for God’s response. FEEL God’s arms wrapped around you, Their love flowing around you, comforting you, embracing you. Drift off to sleep secure in the knowledge that They hold you safe in Their arms and that you are loved and cherished and treasured.
Rituals can be wonderfully complicated, requiring tools and incantations and over the top locations and they can be the incredibly, deliciously understated. The important thing, at least for me, is to recognize and engage with ritual practices daily.
Note: you may notice God a lot, I’m a Christian Witch, so don’t get offended or feel wrong! Take what resonates with this teaching as it fits your practices
