Cyber Cauldron

Where Magick come to life

Witchcraft for Beginners – The Basics of the Art

Do you like watching or doing magic? If you do, there are possibilities that you are inclined towards magic as well as witchcraft. No wonder Harry Potter has become so popular! If you do have that inclination towards this sort of entertainment, it simply means that you might want to learn witchcraft. Witchcraft, in the very initial stage, is called witchcraft for beginners and is one of the most basic steps for anyone who wishes to learn the art of witch crafting.

There is a common misconception among people who are very religious and also some people who do not know much about witchcrafts. However, this has to be taken in mind that witchcraft is also an art and most of the witches or people who are practicing witchcraft for beginners are good at heart and do not constantly nurture cruel intentions.

However, before you take upon yourself to learn witchcraft, you must have the inner strength within yourself. This is of utmost significance since you can use this to your own advantage even while in the learning process, and also once you have mastered the art of witchcraft. One of the best ways to do is to meditate. Meditation is one of the most effective and trusted ways to keep yourself in sync with your inner self. Witchcraft requires you to commit yourself to the art completely, and this also means that if you wish to desire the use all the benefits of witchcraft, you will have to dedicate yourself to the demands of the art.

If you are beginner in witchcraft, the first thing that you need to do is to gain all the information about it. This must include even the minutest details. It is necessary to do so since this will give you an idea about what witchcraft really are; it’s requirements, benefits and even its disadvantages. Buy some books or put the internet to its use to find information about the topic. After you think you have the preliminary knowledge, you can move on to some advanced topics like chanting mantras, casting spells, healing, meditation and also astrology.

Spell casting can be done in a number of ways. You can either use a spell that has originally been written by someone else, or you can just make up one of your own. However, it must be mentioned that your own spells will work better for you than the ones created by someone other than you. Writing a spell in not a very difficult task, and this is true even if you are only a beginner in witch crafting.

Witchcraft also requires you to learn about a variety of other topics. These include the importance of the various colors of candles, crystals, oils, incenses and also herbs. The information that you gain hereafter can be helpful when you are about to create a spell.

Witchcraft for beginners might seem slightly difficult, however, meditation and practicing will help you gain perfection at it. The only thing that you must always keep in mind is that you should always have good intentions when learning the art, and never think of using it to harm other people.

Author: April Swanson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Excise Tax

Originally posted 2011-08-15 22:58:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Safe Travel Spell

casting a spell 150x1502 Safe Travel Spell You will need:

  • 2 white candles anointed with sandalwood oil.
  • 1 purple candle anointed with sandalwood oil.
  • Photo or personal articles of the person the spell is for
  • “Personality ” candle, appropriate to the recipient of the spell
  • Sandalwood incense

Altar should be arranged as below:

_____________________________________________________________________ | | | O (white candle) O (Personality candle) O (purple candle | | (1) (3) (4) | | | | O (white candle) Photos or personal object O (incense) | | (2) (5) | | | _____________________________________________________________________ 

Light white candles (1& 2)light personality candle (3) light purple candle (4), light incense (5).Repeat the following invocation:

“Hail Mother of the World!
Nanna, Isis, Astarte, Selene, Holy Sin (pronounced Sheen).
See me, look upon me
See me, look upon me
See me, look upon me
Protect me and my people tonight.
Send your white light around me.
Send your protective light around ______________
That they may be protected
As they travel and as they dream.
Send only good and lucid energies their way.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.

You can either let the candles burn out by themselves, or snuff them in reverse order and let them burn a little each night if the person will be on an extended trip. On the last night let them burn down on their own. NEVER blow our or pinch out the candles. This destroys the luck.

BB Rowan Moonstone

 Safe Travel Spell

Originally posted 2011-05-18 09:07:12. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Paraphernalia

Pagan 150x1502 ParaphernaliaI can remember when I was first starting that I wanted all the best tools but money was an issues so I used to troll around car boot sales, charity shops and flea market trying to find things that I could use for my alter. You will quite surprised on what you can pick up for just a few quid.

Over the years I have replaced all my second had stuff with brand new stuff and some of it is more pretty that practical (who does not have a chalice with a loose liner) but it makes me think what tools do you really need? To be really honest you don’t really need any tools, fingers can replace wands and athames and a chalice can be replaced by cup etc.

You can spend thousands of pounds buying robes; alter statues, wands, athames, Chalices, Crystals to dress your altar,pots and dishes and  cauldrons  and pointless things like hand bound virgin parchment paper leather bound book of shadows but having expensive tools does not make you a good witch or even a competent witch. When building your tools worry more about what feels like than what it looks like, just remember to cleanse second hand items full before use.

So what do you need for a basic alter from my point of view a candle and a joss stick works fine but if want to add more to that then you can. Here are some ideas for low cost replacements to expensive altar equipment.

Equipment Replacement
God/dess statues
  1. Stones or Pebbles with the goddess and god symbol drawn on
  2. Paper circles with deities name on it
  3. A picture of the god/dess
  4. [wikipedia]Tarot[/wikipedia] / [wikipedia]rune[/wikipedia] stone that represents god/dess
  5. I have even heard of Barbie and Ken dolls dressed to resemble the deity
Wands
  1. Drumstick
  2. Pencil / Paintbrush
  3. Decorated stick or copper tube

You can use whatever you comfortable with musicians my find the drumsticks work perfect for them just remember to only use it for rituals

Athame
  1. Your Index finger
  2. A kitchen knife
  3. letter opener
Altar Bowls
  1. A saucer
  2. Ramekin
  3. egg cups
Chalice
  1. Cup
  2. Glass
  3. Goblet
Censer Charcoal & Incense
  1. Joss sticks
  2. Incense cones
  3. Oil Burner
Altar Pentacle
  1. Symbol drawn on paper
  2. Ceramic tile painted with symbols
  3. wooden disc like a cheese board with symbols drawn or painted on
Book Of shadows
  1. Note pad / book
  2. Dairy
  3. Ring Binder
  4. Net book for the cyber minded
Candles No substitute use tea lights

I have found that I have better rituals with altar equipment that I have created myself they may not be the prettiest but they have all the energy that I poured into them when made them.

A good idea is to join a pottery class and make what you need. Remember that no one has the right to tell you should not put something on your alter create what you feel is right for yourself.

When your first trying out a pagan path there are two very good reasons why you should create your own personal tools rather than buy direct from a catalogue or internet shop, the first is it will help you empower the items with greater ease due to your personal connection the second is paganism is not for everyone and why spend a fortune on something your not going to continue.

There is one thing that never seems to get mentioned in regards to altars and that a tape deck MP3 Player or CD player as music is important in raising energy I will chat about music in rituals in next posting, but insure what ever technology you use to play your music just make sure it is ease to control and that you can pause and play with out to much trouble.

 Paraphernalia

Originally posted 2011-05-12 16:40:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Basic Set of Tables of Correspondence

witch spells 291x300 Basic Set of Tables of CorrespondenceWhen it comes to Magicks and Witch Craft a good set of Correspondences are important, but like all things in magick personal input will help you create a set of correspondence that are personal to you improving your magickal skills.

Below is a set of basic correspondences the days of the week, the planets and astrological influences i have also included the planetary hours which can be a little confusing but the easiest way to understand it is the number in the hour column relates to the hour after sunrise in day planet hours and the hour after sunset in night planet hours. Her is an example if you want the hour of mars on a monday and sunrise is 6.45 you can see that mars is in the 4th hour so add 4 hours to sunrise time for the start of the hour of mars (the hour would start at 10.45am) you do the same with night hours using sunset as your starting time.

I have also included a table for spell craft correspondences no the tables below are nowhere nearly close to the number of different tables of correspondences but they are a starting point

 

Table of Planetary Powers
Sun Power, riches, glory, success, honour
Moon Maternal love, nurturing, female mysteries, travel
Mars Courage, war, fighting, power, beating of enemies, men’s mysteries
Mercury Healing, intelligence, divination, business
Jupiter Money, prosperity, honours, male virility, grandeur
Venus Love, romance, sex, friendship, beauty, money, art
Saturn Bindings, hexes, psychic defence, spiritualism, ageing

 

 

Table of Planetary Attributes

 

 

PLANET DAY COLOUR NUMBER
Sun Sunday Gold 1, 6
Moon Monday Silver 3, 9
Mars Tuesday Red 3
Mercury Wednesday Orange 4
Jupiter Thursday Green 5
Venus Friday Pink 7
Saturn Sataurday Grey 10

 

Table of Planetary Daylight Hours

Day hours – from sunrise to sunset

Hour Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn
2 Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter
3 Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars
4 Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Sataurn Sun
5 Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus
6 Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury
7 Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon
8 Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn
9 Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter
10 Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars
11 Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun
12 Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus

 

Table of Planetary Night Hours

Night hours – from sunset to sunrise

Hour Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat
1 Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury
2 Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon
3 Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn
4 Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter
5 Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars
6 Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun
7 Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus
8 Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury
9 Mars Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon
10 Sun Moon Mars Mercury < td> Venus Saturn
11 Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars Mercury Jupiter
12 Mercury Jupiter Venus Saturn Sun Moon Mars

Table Of Correspondences for Spellwork

Working Colors Herbs Stones

Astral Projection

Yellow, Blue Dittany of Crete, Mugwort, Poplar Quartz Crystal

Banishing

Black Basil, Yarrow Salt

Beauty

White Avocado, Catnip, Flax, Ginseng, Maidenhair, Yerba Santa Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Tigers Eye

Business Success

Green Violet Benzoin, Bladderwrack, Dock, Vertivert Bloodstone

Centering

Yellow Vervain Calcite, Herkimer Diamond

Chastity

White Cactus, Camphor, Coconut, Cucumber, Fleabane, Hawthorne, Lavender, Pineapple, Sweetpea, Vervain, Witch Hazel Jasper

Childbirth

Blue, Red Corn Geodes

Courage

Red Borage, Black Cohosh, Columbine, Masterwort, Mullein, Poke, Ragweed, Sweetpea, Tea, Thyme, Tonka, Wahoo, Yarrow Amethyst, Bloodstone, Herkimer Diamond, Tigers Eye

Death

Black Yew Fossils

Dieting

White, Black Basil Moonstone, Jet

Divination

Yellow Broom, Camphor, Cherry, Dandelion, Fig, Goldenrod, Ground Ivy, Hibiscus, Meadowsweet, Orange, Orris, Pomegranate Hematite, Moonstone, Tigers Eye, Clear Crystals with occlusions

Dreams

Yellow Mistletoe Amethyst

Employment

Green Devils Shoestring, Lucky Hand, Pecan Tigers Eye

Exorcism

Black Angelica, Arbutus, Asafetida, Avens, Basil, Beans, Birch, Boneset, Buckthorn, Clove, Clover, Cumin, Devils Bit, Dragons Blood, Elder, Fern, Fleabane, Frankincense, Fumitory, Garlic, Heliotrope, Horehound, Horseradish, Juniper, Leek, Lilac, Mallow, Mint, Mistletoe, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettle, Onion, Peach, Peony, Pepper Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sagebrush, Sandalwood, Sloe, Snapdragon, Tamarisk, Thistle, Witch Grass, Yarrow Bloodstone, Jasper

Fertility

Green Agaric, Banana, Bistort, Bodhi, Carrot, Cuckoo-Flower, Cucumber, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Dock, Fig, Geranium, Grape, Hawthorn, Hazel, Horsetail, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Mustard, Myrtle, Nuts, Oak, Olive, Date Palm, Patchouly, Peach, Pine, Pomegranate, Poppy, Rice, Sunflower, Wheat Geodes

Fidelity

Pink Chickweed, Chili Pepper, Clover, Cumin, Elder, Licorice, Magnolia, Nutmeg, Rhubarb, Rye, Skullcap, Spikenard, Giant Vetch, Yerba Mate Amethyst, Herkimer Diamonds

Friendship

Pink Lemon, Love Seed, Passion Flower, Sweetpea Aventurine

Gambling

Green Angelica, Chamomile, Devils Shoestring Aventurine, Tigers Eye

Gardening

Green Apples Herkimer Diamond, Jasper

Grounding

Yellow Vervain Hematite, Moonstone, Salt, Malachite

Happiness

Blue, Pink Catnip, Celandine, Cyclamen, Hawthorn, High John the Conqueror, Hyacinth, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Morning Glory, Purslane, Quince, Saffron, St. Johns Wort, Witch Grass Amethyst, Aventurine, Herkimer Diamond

Healing/Health

Green, Violet, Brown, Blue Adders Tongue, Allspice, Amaranth, Angelica, Balm of Lemon, Balm of Gilead, Barley, Bay, Bittersweet, Blackberry, Bracken, Burdock, Calamus, Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Citron, Cowslip, Cucumber, Dock, Elder, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Figwort, Flax, Gardenia, Garlic, Ginseng, Goats Rue, Golden Seal, Groundsel, Heliotrope, Hemp, Henna, Hops, Horehound, Horse Chestnut, Ivy, Jobs Tears, Life Everlasting, Lime, Mesquite, Mint, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nettle, Oak, Olive, Onion, Peppermint, Pepper Tree, Persimmon, Pine, Plantain, Potato, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Rue, Saffron, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Thistle, Thyme, Ti, Tobacco, Vervain, Violet, Wild Plum, Willow, Wintergreen, Wood Sorrel, Yerba Santa Amethyst, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Calcite, Carnelian, Quartz Crystal, Hematite, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Tigers Eye

Invisibility

White Amaranth, Chicory, Edelweiss, fern, Heliotrope, mistletoe, poppy, Wolfs Bane Bloodstone, Tigers Eye

Legal Matters

Green, Brown Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Celandine, Hickory marigold, Skunk Cabbage Amethyst, Bloodstone

Longevity

Green Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Life-Everlasting, Maple, Peach, Sage, Tansy Fossils, Jasper

Love

Red

Pink

Adam and Eve, Aloe, Apple, Apricot, Aster, Avens, Avocado, Bachelors Buttons, Balm of Lemon, Balm of Gilead, Barley, Basil, Beans, Bedstraw, Beet, Betony, Bleeding Heart, Bloodroot, Brazil Nut, Caper, Cardamon, Catnip, Chamomile, Cherry, Chestnut, Chickweed, Chili Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Cohosh, Coltsfoot, Columbine, Copal, Coriander, Crocus, Cubeb, Cuckoo-Flower, Daffodil, Daisy, Damiana, Devils Bit, Dill, Dogbane, Dragons Blood, Dutchmans Breeches, Elecampane, Elm, Endive, Eryngo, Fig, Fuzzy Weed, Gardenia, Gentian, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hemp, Hibiscus, High John the Conqueror, Houseleek, Hyacinth, Indian Paint Brush, Jasmine, Joe-Pye Weed, Juniper, Kava-Kava, Lady’s Mantle, Lavender, Leek, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Licorice, Lime, Linden, Liverwort, Lobelia, Lotus, Lovage, Love Seed, Maidenhair, Male Fern, Mallow, Mandrake, Maple, Marjoram, Mastic, Meadow Rue, Meadowsweet, Mimosa, Mistletoe, Moonwort, Myrtle, Nuts, Oleander, Orange, Orchid, Pansy, Papaya, Pea, Peach, Pear, Peppermint Periwinkle, Pimento, Plum, Plumeria, Poppy, Prickly Ash, Primrose, Purslane, Quassia, Quince, Raspberry, Rose, Rosemary, Rue, Rye, Saffron, Sarsaparilla, Skullcap, Senna, Snakeroot, Southernwood, Spearmint, Spiderwort, Strawberry, Sugar Cane, Sumbul, Tamarind, Thyme, Tomato, Tonka, Tormentil, Trillium, Tulip, Valerian, Vanilla, Venus Flytrap, Vervain, Vertivert, Violet, Willow, Witchgrass, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yerba Mate, Yohimbe Amethyst, Calcite, Jasper, Lepidolite, Moonstone

Luck

Green, Orange Allspice, Aloe, Bamboo, Banyan, Be-Still, Bluebell, Cabbage, Calamus, China Berry, Cinchona, Cotton, Daffodil, Devils Bit, Fern, Grains of Paradise, Hazel, Heather, Holly, Houseleek, Huckleberry, Irish Moss, Jobs Tears, Linden, Lucky Hand, Male Fern, Moss, Nutmeg, Oak, Orange, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Poppy, Purslane, Rose, Snakeroot, Star Anise, Straw, Strawberry, Sumbul, Vertivert, Violet, Wood Rose Aventurine, Lepidolite, Tigers Eye

Magickal Power

Violet Cinnamon, Club Moss Bloodstone, Crystal Quartz

Meditation

Blue Bodhi, Gotu Kola Amethyst, Geodes

Mental Powers

Yellow Caraway, Celery, Eyebright, Grape, Horehound, Lily of the Valley Aventurine, Herkimer Diamond

Money, Wealth, Prosperity, Riches

Green Alfalfa, Allspice, Almond, Basil, Bergamot, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Blue Flag, Briony, Bromelaid, Buckwheat, Calamus, Camellia, Cascara Sagrada, Cashew, Cedar, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Comfrey, Cowslip, Dill, Dock, Elder, Fenugreek, Fern, Flax, Fumitory, Galangal, Ginger, Goldenrod, Golden Seal, Gorse, Grapes of Paradise, Grape, Heliotrope, High John the Conqueror, Honesty, Honeysuckle, Horse Chestnut, Irish Moss, Jasmine, Lucky Hand, Mandrake, Maple, Marjoram, May Apple, Mint, Moonwort, Moss, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Oak, Oats, Onion, Orange, Oregon Grape, Patchouli, Pea, Periwinkle, Pine, Pineapple, Pipsissewa, Pomegranate, Poplar, Poppy, Rattlesnake Root, Rice, Snapdragon, Sassafras, Sesame, Snakeroot, Squill, Tea, Tonka, Trillium, Vervain Amethyst, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Salt, Tigers Eye

Nightmares, Banishing

Black Betony, Cedar Lepidolite

Peace

White Dulse, Eryngo, Gardenia, Lavender, Loosestrife, Meadowsweet, Morning Glory, Myrtle, Olive, Passion Flower, Pennyroyal, Skullcap, Vervain, Violet Amethyst, Aventurine, Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Lepidolite

Physical Energy

Red Carnation Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Tigers Eye

Physical Strength

Red Carnation Bloodstone, Herkimer Diamond

Protection

White Acacia, African Violet, Agrimony, Ague Root, Aloe, Althea, Alyssum, Amaranth, Anemone, Angelica, Anise, Arbutus, Asafetida, Ash, Balm Of Gilead, Bamboo, Barley, Basil, Bay, Bean, Betony, Birch, Bittersweet, Blackberry, Bladderwrack, Bloodroot, Blueberry, Bodhi, Boneset, Briony, Bromeliad, Broom, Buckthorn, Burdock, Cactus, Calamus, Caraway, Cohosh, Cotton, Cumin, Curry, Cyclamen, Cypress, Datura, Devils Bit, Devils Shoestring, Dill, Dogwood, Dragons Blood, Ebony, Elder, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Euphoria, Fennel, Fern, Feverwort, Figwort, Flax, Fleabane, Foxglove, Frankincense, Galangal, Garlic, Geranium, Ginseng, Gorse, Gourd, Grain, Grass, Hazel, Heather, Holly, Honeysuckle, Horehound, Houseleek, Hyacinth, Hyssop, Irish Moss, Ivy, Juniper, KavaKava, Lady’s Slipper, Larch, Larkspur, Lavender, Leek, Lettuce, Lilac, Lily, Lime, Linden, Liquid Amber, Loosestrife, Lotus, Lucky Hand, Mallow, Mandrake, Marigold, Masterwort, Meadow Rue, Mimosa, Mint, Mistletoe, Molluka, Mugwort, Mulberry, Mullein, Mustard, Myrrh, Nettle, Norfolk Island Pine, Oak, Olive, Onion, Orris, Papaya, Papyrus, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peony, Pepper, Peppertree, Periwinkle, Pilot Weed, Pimpernel, Pine, Plantain, Plum, Primrose, Purslane, Quince, Radish, Ragwort, Raspberry, Rattlesnake Root, Rhubarb, Rice, Roots, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Sage, St. Johns Wort, Sandalwood, Sloe, Snapdragon, Southernwood, Spanish Moss, Squill, Tamarisk, Thistle, Ti, Toadflax, Tomato, Tormentil, Tulip, Valerian, Venus Flytrap, Vervain, Violet, Wax Plant, Willow, Wintergreen, Witch Hazel, Wolfs Bane, Woodruff, Wormwood, Yerba Santa, Yucca Aventurine, Calcite, Crystal Quartz, Fossils, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Lepidolite, Moonstone, Salt, Tigers Eye

Psychism

Yellow Acacia, Althea, Bay, Bladderwrack, Borage, Buchu, Celery, Cinnamon, Citron, Elecampane, Eyebright, Flax, Galangal, Grass, Honeysuckle, Lemongrass, Mace, Marigold, Mastic, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rose, Rowan, Saffron, Star Anise, Stillengia, Sumbul, Thyme, Uva Ursa, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yerba Santa Amethyst, Crystal Quartz

Purification

White Alkanet, Anise, Arable, Asafetida, Avens, Bay, Benzoin, Betony, Bloodwort, Broom, Cedar, Chamomile, Coconut, Copal, Euphorbia, Fennel, Horseradish, Hyssop, Iris, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Mimosa, Parsley, Peppermint, Pepper Tree, Rosemary, Sagebrush, Shallot, Thistle, Thyme, Tobacco, Turmeric, Valerian, Vervain, Yucca Calcite, salt

Reconciliation

Orange Beans Calcite, Herkimer Diamond

Sexual Energy

Red Banana, Beans, Caper, Cohosh, Dragons Blood, Oak, Olive Herkimer Diamond, Jasper

Sleep

Blue Agrimony, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, Datura, Elder, Hops, Lavender, Lettuce, Linden, Passion Flower, Peppermint, Purslane, Rosemary, Thyme, Valerian, Vervain Moonstone

Spirituality

White African Violet, Aloe, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Gardenia, Myrrh, Sandalwood Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Lepidolite

Success

Green Cinnamon, Clover, Ginger, High John the Conqueror, Rowan, Wahoo, Winters Bark Aventurine

Travel

Brown Mint Herkimer Diamond

Wisdom

Yellow Bodhi, Iris, Peach, Sage, Sunflower Jasper

Originally posted 2011-02-28 13:10:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Stand Up and Be Counted

pagan20pride 150x1502 Stand Up and Be Counted With the announcement From the MoD that there are 100 pagans and 30 Wiccan’s or Druids in the British Armed Forces.

Many Pagan groups are saying that this number is does not truly reflect that actual number of Pagans in the armed forces.

Phil Ryder of the British Druid Network said there are likely more pagans in the armed forces than the figures indicate.

“Druids and followers of Wicca tend not to publicize their beliefs for fear of discrimination. In some areas it’s seen as odd,” he said.

It amazes me that today we are still ashamed of whom we are, and that are afraid of repercussions for being true to ourselves.

I have done it myself put religion nil or just spiritual for the fear of being seen as wacky.

I have also felt the pressure of working in a Christian organisation each and everyday someone trying to make me believe in Jesus Christ sad thing is I think he was a good guy Circle of 13 and performed magick you tell me who has the right view?

So why do we hide our pagan selves are we really ashamed of what we believe or live in fear of what others may do.

I think the true reason is that we don’t have any public role models and we are viewed in the media very badly and often linked with Devil Worship.

School children are still taught that witches are evil or good, not humans practicing a religion.

It about time we changed the view of the pagan, witch and druid at one time we where the centre of the community then we lived on the outsides of the community where we would be visit for help and healing then we where persecuted, murdered and forced into hiding. Its 2010 it about time we stopped hiding and come out of the broom closet.

 Stand Up and Be Counted

Originally posted 2011-05-28 10:41:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Physics and the Basic Principle of Visualization Magick

1312087 f520 300x2242 Physics and the Basic Principle of Visualization MagickIntroduction:

For starters, I would like to say a few things about myself to set the record straight. I have a Masters degree in Quantum Field Theory, am working on my PhD in the same, and am a practicing, if tyro, shaman. I have read in several places that the best way to start in magick is to read read read read, and I have noticed several articles using Physics to explain magickal arguments. Unfortunately, many of these articles either do not explain the Physics very well or are just plain wrong. I am not disrespecting these people: after all, not everyone can be a Physicist! I thought I would write a brief article to clear up a few issues on the nature of probability in Physics as well as how probability might play a role in magick.

The following article is essentially a short paper on the Metaphysics behind what I call “visualization magick.” I am not going to footnote: all of the Physics arguments are well known and documented and can be found in any introductory text on Quantum Mechanics. As for my magickal arguments, well, they are as correct as I can make them. Naturally, I accept responsibility for any errors contained in this article.

The Nature of Investigation:

Most of the science done today is based on a problem solving technique called the “Scientific Method.” The Scientific Method is a well-established way to start from the basic principles behind a problem and develop an experimentally based explanation of a given phenomenon. It has been used successfully for centuries. There is one problem with this method, though: it can be very difficult to incorporate any newly discovered facts that do not fit the structure of the current scientific theory. This point has been raised repeatedly when scientists try to discover the nature of ghosts, ESP, etc.

I think it is natural to take the viewpoint that any axiomatic structure, such as the sciences, can only explain certain types of phenomena. Other systems, such as magick, can explain other phenomena. It is interesting that these different axiomatic structures can overlap: they can explain the same types of phenomena, but they explain them in different ways. One might call different axiomatic systems as “paradigms,” or “representations.” Whatever you call them, it is important not to mix the different systems, because the any term defined in one representation are not likely to have the same meaning in another. For example, anyone trying to explain a magickal phenomenon in terms of Physics needs to be careful of how the word “energy” is used. Energy in magick will not necessarily mean the same thing as it does in Physics. (Incidentally, energy is not a well-defined concept in Physics!)

In the remainder of this article I am going to discuss the Physics representation known as the Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Physics (CI) and, within that representation, provide an explain of visualization magick.

Schrodinger’s Cat and Quantum Reality:

When most people think of Physics, they think of equations, math, and all sorts of difficult problems. In actuality, Physics is based on very simple arguments and can often be put in the form of puzzles that illustrate the basic principles. For instance, Classical Physics can usually be put into the form of some little guy (or person, for you extreme liberalists) firing a cannon over a ravine. Classical Physics describes what we see and touch in everyday life. We are familiar with it and it is the representation that makes the most sense to us. Another representation, which is more basic, is that of Quantum Reality. Classical Reality is fully contained within Quantum Reality, but Quantum Reality contains more phenomena, much of it things we do not see in day-to-day life. Not really accepting Quantum Reality for what it is, Erwin Schrodinger devised a thought experiment to show the odd nature of what Quantum Physics implies. He was essentially trying to ridicule the interpretation of the science he was helping to develop. The thought experiment is known as “Schrodinger’s Cat.”

We start with building a switch device based on quantum principles. We are going to take an atom of a radioactive material and place it inside a detector. The detector sends a signal to a switch if the atom decays. Now, all atoms decay eventually, and the amount of time it takes for half the amount of a radioactive material to decay is called the “half-life” of the material. So the chance our one atom will decay in one half-life is 50%. Thus, after one half-life, our switch has an equal chance of being “on” or “off.” We now connect a vial of the deadliest poison to the switch; if the switch is “off” then the poison vial is closed, if the switch is “on” then the poison vial is open and any creature in contact with the poison will die instantly. Now place the quantum switch and vial of poison along side a cat in a sealed box. The question is after one half-life has elapsed, is the cat alive or is it dead?

Since there is a 50% chance that the atom has decayed in one half-life, our “logical” answer must be that the cat has a 50% chance of being alive or dead. No other answer in our (Classical Reality) experience makes any sense. We cannot say with certainty if the cat is either alive or dead.

However, we are asking a question that requires a specific answer. Is the cat alive, or is it dead? Quantum Reality gives us a third, and actually the only valid, answer to this problem. The cat is in a mixed quantum state of both alive and dead as far as anyone outside the sealed box is concerned. That is, the cat is only in a specific state of alive or dead when someone called a “quantum observer” looks inside the box to determine the state of the cat. This leads us to all sorts of metaphysical problems about the cat as well as the problem of what defines a quantum observer.

The Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Reality:

The Quantum Reality representation of the result of the Schrodinger’s cat experiment does not make any sense as far as Classical Reality is concerned. Nevertheless, it has good basis in Physics. Many of the top Physicists of the time (around the 1930′s I believe) met in Copenhagen to discuss Quantum Mechanics. Several topics were on the board there and eventually a consensus was made as to the nature of a quantum system: if a system is not measured it exists in a superposition of all possible quantum states. When the system is measured, it falls into one specific state. (For you Physics buffs, this is the concept behind the Born interpretation of the wave function.) This representation has become known as the “Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Physics.” (CI) According to the CI, Schrodinger’s cat is both alive and dead until someone opens the box to look.

There is one other way to look at Quantum reality, but you pay a severe price. The representation, called the “Many Worlds Theory,” states that every time a quantum level decision is made, the Universe splits into two or more copies, one for each outcome of the decisions. The Many Worlds interpretation of Schrodinger’s cat states that the Universe splits into two copies: one with a dead cat and the other with a live cat. When we open the box we find out which Universe we are in. Personally, I find this representation to be a bit ridiculous, but you may feel free to choose which one you like the most. Both the Many Worlds and the CI make exactly the same predictions and we cannot tell which one is correct (if either!).

The Double Slit Experiment:

The Schrodinger’s Cat thought experiment does not really tell us anything about the real world unless we can prove it. Obviously, we are not going to learn anything from killing cats (and why would we want to anyway?) so we need to turn to another experiment to give us some facts. The Young’s double slit experiment does just that and is almost as simple as Schrodinger’s Cat. First though we need to talk about light.

When Sir Isaac Newton was doing his experimentation on light he decided, based on his experiments on reflection, refraction, and the sharpness of shadows, that light was made of little particles, which he dubbed “corpuscles.” (We now call corpuscles photons.) Later on, interference experiments (such as the Young double slit) showed that light was made of waves, not particles. Was the great Sir Isaac wrong?? Not entirely. In the early 1900s, a man named DeBroglie showed that electrons, which are “obviously” particles, could be thought to have a wavelike character. Eventually scientists realized that all subatomic particles have both wave and particle properties…subatomic “particles” are neither particles nor waves, but are something else which we have come to call by the badly punned name of “wavicles.” (If you are a John Gribbon fan, as I am, then you may like to call subatomic particles “slivey toves.”) When we run an experiment that assumes light is a particle, light behaves as if it were made of particles; when we run an experiment that assumes light is a wave, light behaves as if it were a wave.

Young’s double slit experiment assumes light is going to behave as a wave. We start with a monochromatic (single colored) light source and pass it through a slit so that we obtain a set of equally spaced wave fronts. We pass these wave fronts through a wall that has two tiny holes in it, equally spaced from the center point. Beyond the wall is our “detector:” essentially a TV that records the wave pattern striking the screen. A diagram of the double slit experiment may be found in any introductory Physics text, just look under the term “interference” in the index.

When we turn the light source on, we see a pattern of light and dark areas on the TV screen. This is the expected result since light is a wave and the two slits create an interference pattern: the peaks and troughs of the wave cancel out in different regions on the TV screen. This is entirely due to the fact of those two little holes in the wall…if there was only one tiny hole in the wall then we would only see one point of light on the TV screen and no interference. The one hole experiment is more like treating light as a particle rather than a wave, and we get no interference from it since particles do not interfere with themselves.

Now let us play with the experiment a bit. We are going to presume that light is made of particles and install detectors in both holes in the wall to see which hole the photon goes through. What kind of pattern do we get on the TV screen now? According to Classical Reality it had better be an interference pattern again. Nope. We get two little points of light on the TV screen. Why? Because we are thinking of light as particles we detected the particles, so they cannot interfere with each other. Let’s play with this again. We are going to take the original double slit experiment and this time put the photon detector right in front of the light source and then we are going to run the double slit experiment only letting one photon through at a time. Obviously, we only get a point of light on the TV screen each time a photon passes through. However, let us record where each photon hits and run a bunch of single photons through the experiment. What do we get on the TV screen? We might expect to see two little points of light on the screen, but we do not. We now get a full-fledged interference pattern! Remember, this is a composite pattern made up of individual photons going through the experiment, not a bunch of waves. This is truly weird.

There are only two ways to explain this last result, neither of them comfortable. Consider a photon passing through hole #1 as a photon in state 1 and a photon going through hole #2 as a photon in state 2. The only way we can get an interference pattern is if we have something going through BOTH holes at the same time. This implies that the photon is traveling through the double slit apparatus in both states at the same time. Remember we are not trying to detect which state the photon is in as it goes through the holes, so the CI predicts that the photon is in both states, just as the results say it must be. (We can make a similar argument for the Many Worlds case as well). This is hard experimental evidence for the CI and has not been contradicted in the last 70 years or so. Just the opposite…other experiments have lent validity to the CI. (By the way, this same experiment has been done with electrons and, I believe, neutrons as well.)

The Extreme Copenhagen Interpretation and Your Quantum Universe:

What follows is my personal interpretation of the Physics mentioned above.

Let us go back to Schrodinger’s Cat since it is the simpler experiment. We need to discuss what makes a quantum observer again, because it is a tricky point. A quantum observer is some nebulous thing that takes a measurement of a system. What is it that creates the measurement process? Presumably, we have two systems to consider: the first is the actual experiment that we want to measure, and the second is the system that does the measuring. Therefore, if we take the measurement process to its most basic level, a measurement is the process by which the experimental system “gives” information to the observer’s system. This information exchange is mediated by photons (or W, Z, gluons, etc. Basically any boson you wish. That’s another topic.) To make a long story short, the observer gets information from the experiment by absorbing a photon. This means that an electron can serve as a quantum observer since a absorbing a photon will alter the electron’s state. A quantum observer does not actually need to have an intelligence to function; it merely needs to respond to the experiment in some way.

So. Let us go back to Schrodinger’s Cat. According to the scientist running the experiment the cat is both alive and dead until the box is opened. Say that he opens the box and knows the state of the cat. Now look at the people in the next room who are waiting to hear from the scientist in the room with the cat. According to them, the cat is STILL in that odd alive and dead mixed state. We can go further and state that the whole lab we ran the experiment in is in an undetermined state since the scientist in the lab might take different actions depending on the state of the cat. No one outside the lab can possibly know what is going on in the lab. Now look at the people in the next room beyond that, etc. What we have is a nested set of “Schrodinger’s Cats.” Until the information is passed between different rooms, the set of rooms inside exists in a mixed state.

We can take this argument to an (I feel logical) extreme. Since the individual particles in our bodies act as quantum observers the only pertinent information we have about the state of the Universe at large is what we perceive through our senses. Therefore, anything that we do not perceive through our senses exists in a mixed state similar to Schrodinger’s alive/dead cat: nothing exists in a definite state unless we are sensing it. This is what I call the “Extreme Copenhagen Interpretation.” (ECI) What this implies, then, is that each of us exists in our own personal universes and everything exterior to that universe exists in an undetermined state until we sense it. Note: I am going to ignore the question of other people existing…I will assume other people exist and our knowledge of their reality comes from the “interference” of these multiple universes. To give a quick example consider the question: “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to see it fall, does it make any noise?” The ECI states that since no one was around, the tree is in a mixed state of existance/non-existance. Furthermore it has fallen/not fallen, much less made any noise/silence. Since the tree does not directly influence your universe, you cannot say anything definite about it even existing, even though you may have seen the tree an hour ago.

The Basic Principle of Visualization Magick:

The ECI tells us that what we sense is what is contained in our universe. In order to do magick we need (at least) one more principle. When we do visualization magick, we actually feel what it is that we visualize. The ECI says that what we feel makes up our reality. Combining these two statements, we have what I call the “Basic Principle of Visualization Magick.” What we visualize becomes real in our universe. This principle can be demonstrated by a simple spell, which I call an “empowering” spell. First, enter a light meditative state. (This first step may also be achieved by casting a circle.) Next visualize a blanket of white fire surrounding you, starting at your feet and working its way up to encompass your whole body. Hold this visualization until you can actually feel the fire surrounding you, cleansing your spirit and not letting any darkness penetrate your being. Now visualize your hands held outward from your body and let a globe of white fire come into being between your hands. Hold the globe there until you can feel it. This globe of fire represents your inner strength and the longer you hold it the more in touch with your strength you will be. The result of this spell is that you will feel empowered and more able to cope with the challenges of your life.

Is this magick, physics, or psychology? Remember, how we view our universe depends on the representation we use. In this case, the empowering spell may be viewed in any one of these representations. Using the ECI to describe the spell what we are doing is literally bringing up our inner strength as a concrete object and physically contacting it. We know it is there because we can feel it, therefore according to the ECI it has an actual existence. A similar argument holds for essentially any magick that has its basis in visualization or feelings.

The ECI explains how magick can affect our own universe, what about someone else’s? After all many witches (warlocks, sorcerers, etc.) will claim that their magick affects other people, not just their own universe. We can use visualization magick to show how this might work, so there is not necessarily any conflict here. You (presumably) put some clothes on today so anyone that sees you will see those clothes and all of them will be able to describe the same set of clothing. You know you are wearing a certain set of clothes, and your best friend came up to you and mentioned something about the outfit, so you know she saw them. Both of you agree on the set of clothes because both of your universes came into contact, i.e. the two universes interfere because they both contain quantum observers. Now, can your best friend say anything about what you are wearing three hours after you parted? No, because you might have changed clothes. (Or Heck, you might be skinny-dipping in the local watering hole!) Once the universes are out of contact they no longer interfere.

To continue the analogy, if you feel something in your universe then it is real in your universe and thus, because your universe interferes with other universes the effect may well be real in someone else’s universe. Say you know a spell to create a rainstorm. It will happen in your universe. Whether or not it happens in someone else’s universe depends on the strength of the interference between your universe and theirs. I would suppose that the strength of the interference depends on the strength of your belief (and that of others) that you can make it rain. Taking things at face value, I would say that it would take a tremendously powerful mage to create an effect in someone else’s universe seeing how difficult it is to create a magickal effect in our own universe. Note: I am aware the rain spell probably has nothing to do with visualization magick. I am also aware that other magickal principles could come into play here. Remember that I am using a representation, the ECI, to explain an effect. The ECI is probably not a good representation to discuss a rainmaking spell!

Summary:

The way we explain an effect depends on the representation we use. The rules for which a representation is a good representation to explain an effect are not known, though we may certainly use common sense to guide us. The CI is a well-established representation that is used in modern day Physics. A logical extension to the CI is the ECI, which states that we all live in our own individual universe and that the Universe is composed of the interference of these personal universes. The ECI provides a way for Physics to explain the phenomenon of visualization magick by stating that what we feel is what is real in our universe.

by Dan

 Physics and the Basic Principle of Visualization Magick

Originally posted 2011-02-28 11:06:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Models Of Magic

Pentagram of Solomon 300x300 Models Of MagicIn the course of exploring the possibilities of new, more efficient techniques of magic I was struck by the fact that a structuralist view of the history of magic to date might prove helpful.  After all, magicians have always aspired to restate the theory and practice of magic in the language of their times i.e. in different models pertaining to current world views.

There is, however, some risk involved in such an approach: models do not really   explain   anything, they   are   only illustrations of processes, albeit rather useful ones.  What’s more, over-systematisation tends to obfuscate more than it clarifies and one should not mistake the map for the landscape anyway, a fallacy a great many kabbalists seem to be prone to.

Thus, the following five (or rather: four plus one) models of magic should be seen as a means of understanding the practical possibilities   of   various   magical systems rather than as definitive theories and/or explanations of the way magic works.

It has proved effective in practice to view magic under the following categories:

  • THE SPIRIT MODEL
  • THE ENERGY MODEL
  • THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL
  • THE INFORMATION MODEL
  • THE META-MODEL

THE SPIRIT MODEL

This is purportedly the oldest model of magic though it may very well have come into existence after or simultaneously with the energy model.  We can find it worldwide in shamanic cultures as well as in many religions.  Its basic premise is the existence of an other world inhabited by more or less autonomous entities such as spirits, angels, demons, gods etc.  The shaman or magician is someone who can enter this other world at will, who has travelled widely in it, knows its language and customs and has made friends, smitten enemies and/or acquired allies and servitors there.  This is important as all magic is of these entities’ making. The modern German word for witch, “Hexe” (f.) illustrates this rather neatly if we take a closer look at its etymology.  It derives from Old High German  “hagazussa” which translates as “fence rider”.  The hagazussa is riding the “fence between the worlds” i.e. she is at home in the world of everyday life as well as in the magical other world of spirits.

In the spirit model magic is seen as being effected by these entities that are usually invisible, at least to the average punter, and it is the shaman’s or magician’s task to make them put his will into effect. This may be done by prayer, by barter, by cajoling or even  – vide medieval demon magic  – by the application of magical force, threats and pressure.

The other world may have its own geography but it is usually considered to coexist with the world of everyday life. The key to entering it is an altered state of consciousness, controlled trance or ecstasy of which the shaman is an expert.

The spirit model has prevailed in traditionalist or Dogmatic magic until today, some of its most noted exponents being Franz Bardon and, at least to a great extent, Aleister Crowley.

THE ENERGY MODEL

The rise of the energy model in the West is marked primarily by the appearance of Mesmerism towards the end of the 18th century. Anton Mesmer, who was not an occultist but who was on the other hand regarded by his contemporaries to be a “miracle worker” of sorts, rediscovered amongst other things the ancient healing disciplines of hypnosis and magnetism.  He popularised his theory of  “animal magnetism” which he saw as a subtle force inherent in organisms, but he also made heavy use of metal magnets for healing purposes.

While the French Revolution put a temporary end to Mesmer’s movement, his ideas were not lost. They were taken up by a number of others, primarily occultists, who drew on them while developing their own theories of magic. One of the first to do so was Bulwer Lytton of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA), who postulated the existence of a subtle energy, which he termed Vril, possibly deriving from Latin virilitas or “force, power, strength”. (This was actually the model for the naming of Bovril, from Latin “bovis” or “ox”, and Vril or “life force”.)  We can observe interesting parallels to this concept in the vitalist theories of biology, which emerged around the same time.  Other exponents of the energy model of magic (not then so termed) were Richenbach with his concept of Od, Eliphas Levi and his Astral Light and Mme. Blavatsky, who adopted the theories of Prana from Yoga physiology.  This was also the time when anthropology and ethnology discovered the Polynesian concept of Mana and Asiatic scholars began to concern themselves with the Chinese principle of Ki or Ch’i (Chi).  The latter two go to show, of course, that the idea of subtle energies utilized by magic is far older than the 18th century.  In fact, we can observe it already in early shamanic cultures.  Shamanic magic is very frequently a mixture between spirit and energy model, e.g. the shaman may call upon his spirits or gods to give him “power” or he may, vice versa, use his power to extort favours from them.

In its pure form, however, the shaman or magician is not in need of spirits and other entities.  The world is viewed as being “vitalized” by subtle forces or energies and his primary task consists in mastering the art of perceiving and manipulating them.  As all phenomena are basically energetic in nature, the existence of an other world is not strictly required.  Thus, the magician is more of an “energy dancer” than a “fence rider” or go-between. But even here the key to the perception, charging and general utilization of these forces is again the magical trance or, as Chaos Magic terms it, gnosis.

Theories and practices pertaining to the energy model can be found with many magical authors but it has seen its real, large scale popularity only since the seventies of our century when the general influx of Eastern thinking  (pace the Hippie movement) made concepts such as chakra and kundalini work a mainstay of most occult disciplines. Strong energy model elements can also be found in Franz Bardon’s system of  “electromagnetic fluids”, “condensators” etc.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL

Sigmund Freud’s theory of the subconscious revolutionized Western thinking in general and psychology (which he did not, as some people are wont to believe, invent all by himself) in particular. Suddenly, man was seen as a being, which was only partially conscious, and in control of itself.  While psychology is still fighting for its academical recognition as a science, it has stamped its mark on therapeutic disciplines – and on magic.

The psychological model of magic does not purport to explain how magic works, its only premise is that the subconscious (or, as Carl Jung later retagged it, the unconscious) will do the job if it is properly addressed and/or conditioned.  This again is achieved by magical trance, suggestion and the use of symbols (i.e. selective sensory input) as tools of association and as a means of communication between the magician’s conscious will and his subconscious faculty responsible for putting it into effect.

Aleister Crowley dabbled a great deal in the psychological model, which comes as no surprise as he not only tried to keep up with all major academic disciplines of his time but also thought himself to be the world’s greatest psychologist into the bargain. But all considered he remained a traditionalist exponent of the spirit   model: after all Aiwass was, in his belief, a praeternatural entity.  Nevertheless he did have a knack of explaining magic in psychological terms to make it sound sensible to the sceptics of his time.

A more radical approach was taken by Austin Osman Spare whose sigil magic rests on the basic tenets of the psychological model.  Spare’s brilliant system is in principle an inversion of Freud’s theory of complexes: by actively suppressing his will in the form of a graphical sigil and forgetting it, the magician creates an artificial “complex” which then starts to work on similar lines just as suppressed, subconscious traumas will cause neurotic behaviour etc.

The psychological magician is a programmer of symbols and different states of consciousness.  He is not necessarily in need of a transcendent other world or even subtle energies, though in practice he will usually work on the assumption that one or the other  (or both) do in fact exist and can be utilized by his subconscious.

Authors such as Israel Regardie, Dion Fortune, William Butler, Francis King, William Gray and to some extent Pete Carroll subscribe to the psychological model which seems to be the primary domain of the English speaking world of magic and which has become the prevailing paradigm ever since the seventies of this century.

THE INFORMATION MODEL

The information model of magic is being developed since about 1987 and there is still considerable debate about the direction it shall ultimately take.  Its basic premises to date are as follows:

a) Energy as such is “dumb”: it needs information on what to do; this can be so called laws of nature or direct commands.

b) Information does not have mass or energy. Thus, it is faster than light and not bound by the restrictions of the Einsteinian space-time continuum. It can therefore be transmitted or tapped at all times and at all places. In analogy (but of course only as such!) it may be likened to    quantum   phenomena   rather   than   relativistic mass-energy. It can, however, attach itself to a medium e.g. an organism or any other memory storage device.

At the start of the theoretical debate it was still believed that the postulation of morphic (or, more precisely, morphogenetic) fields as hypothesized by Rupert Sheldrake had to be an essential factor by way of explaining the mode of actual information transmittance.  This, however, while still being discussed, does not appear to be strictly prerogative though it cannot be not ruled out that an act of information magic may create such fields. It does seem more probable, though, that the concept of information matrices will prove to be the most promising theory in the long run.

The application of the as yet evolving information model has led to the discipline   I   have   termed   Cybermagic   (from “cybernetics” or the “science of control systems”).  Contrary to the other models described above, Cybermagic does not rely on magical trance to achieve its effects.  Rather, the Cyber magician activates either his own main memory banks, namely brain and spine  (the Golf-club chakra, so-called because of its shape reminiscent of a golf-club) or those of the target person.  The desired information is then called up and transmitted quite similarly to a copy command on an MS-DOS computer.  The copy command analogy holds good insofar as the information (not having mass) is not actually “lost” in the process (as energy would be) but rather is duplicated. This is an important point as it allows for the magician to perform his magic even in a state of very low physical power, possibly even when almost completely intoxicated, as long as his basic  “life support systems” are still functional and the command syntax is employed correctly.

It is, however, obvious that this technique demands a fair control of what used to be termed kundalini effects and practice has shown ever and again that a good amount of Yoga and meditation experience is a great help in achieving to Cybermagic.

Unfortunately, the full theory and practice of Cybermagic cannot be described here due to lack of space and will thus have to be the subject of a separate article to be published later. To date the main experimental research work is being done within the Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT) and some quite astounding results have already been achieved, especially in the field of language and knowledge transfer as well as magical healing.

In spite of its very modern, untraditionalist outlook the basic principles of Cybermagic may in truth well be the oldest form of magic extant. For we can, for example, find a number of reports in the East to the effect of a guru transferring all his knowledge to his successor before his death, which is usually achieved by an act of long, mutual meditation. This goes to show that magic as a whole has always existed in many, coexisting models.  What has changed, however, is the stress laid on one model or the other in the course of time.

THE META-MODEL

The meta-model of magic is not a model as such but rather an instruction on the use of the others.  For its only advice to the magician is:  “Always use the model most adequate to your aims.” This may sound a bit trite but we will see that it is not quite as self evident amongst magicians as one might expect.  It is rooted in Chaos magic’s assertion “Nothing is true. Everything is permitted”, which   ultimately   boils   down   to   pragmatic utilitarianism.  Before this aspect is enlarged upon, though, let us look at an example of the models presented here as applied in practice.

We shall take the situation of magical healing to demonstrate how these models differ from each other.

In the spirit model healing is regarded as an exorcism: illness is caused by “evil” or, at least, undesired entities, which have to be neutralized and removed by the shaman or magician.  In the case of a patient with a heart condition the shaman may, for example,  “see” a green lizard in the vicinity of the heart, which must be removed.  To achieve this the shaman will usually call upon the help of his own spirits who will then handle the matter. Properly exorcised, the patient has been freed from the cause of his ailment and can recuperate.

In the energy model ailments are seen to be caused by energetic imbalance.  Thus, our heart patient may have too much (or too little) “fire energy” in his heart chakra, and the magician’s task consists of restoring that balance of energies commonly defined as “health”. This he may do by lying on hands, by using crystals and precious stones, by magnetism or chakra massage etc. The balance having been restored, the patient is regarded as having been healed.

In the psychological model illness is considered to be basically psychosomatic in nature.  The magician will, therefore, either do a ritual work with the patient, who enhances his stamina and resolves his troubles  (e.g. a Saturn ritual to cope with “Saturnian challenges” the patient is seen to have avoided by becoming ill) or he will charge a sigil for the patient’s health. Preferably he will instruct the patient to construct and charge his own sigil.

In the information model the Cyber magician will transmit an informational  “healing matrix” into the patient’s system (or somehow create a “morphic field” of health and self-healing) and let the patient’s energies take it from they’re to do the job of their own accord i.e. automatically. This rests on the assumption that the energies are still powerful enough to get the work done; otherwise he wills either jump back into the energy model to provide the patient with the additional energies required or install another information matrix to create an influx of the power desired.

Following the meta-model the magician will decide beforehand in which paradigm he will begin his operation.  This must not necessarily exclude the possibility of shifting the paradigms in midwork or have blending them, of course. Usually, the decision is taken on the lines of expediency, efficiency and personal preference.  Thus, I personally find healing work with patients easier within the spirit or energy model, while I do seem to get better   results   with   self-healing   employing   either    the psychological or the information model.  Then again, cyber magical work tends to take up to two days to show noticeable effects so that it may be more expedient to go for lying on hands when pain is very acute.

Another important point is the time factor.  While traditionalist rituals in the spirit model may take from half a day to weeks and even months, operations in the energy model seldomly take much longer than a few hours at the most.  If we take Spare’s sigil magic as an example for a very fast technique within the psychological model, the operation can be over and done with within five to ten minutes. Information magical operations on the other hand only take up about three quarters of a second, a time span   that   can   be   cut even shorter by an experienced Cyber magician.

Self-evident as the meta-model may seem, in practice many people seem to feel somewhat uncomfortable with its inherent relativism. This is very much the case with beginners in magic.  A typical dialogue on the subject might run on the following lines:

  • “Are there spirits?”
  • “In the spirit model, yes.”
  • “And in the energy model?”
  • “In the energy model there are subtle energy forms.”
  • “And what about the psychological model?”
  • “Well, in the psychological model we are dealing with
  • Projections of the subconscious.”
  • “What happens in the information model, then?”
  • “In the information model there are information clusters.”
  • “Yes, but are there spirits now or not?”
  • “In the spirit model, yes.”

This logical loop is, of course, usually experienced as a pretty frustrating exercise; but while the asker claims that the magician is trying to avoid the issue he is at the same time overlooking the fact that he himself is basically only restating the old yen for absolute,  “objective” truths  – not really a quantum magical approach, to say the least. However, the aspiring cyberpunk magician of today cannot expect to be spared the pains of coming to terms with the notion that freedom and dogma are mutually exclusive.

     UBIQUE DAEMON.’ UBIQUE DEUS.’

(c) Copyright 1991 by Frater U.’D.’ All rights reserved.

Frater U.’D.’ one of Germany’s leading exponents of contemporary magic, is the author of “PRACTICAL SIGIL MAGIC” and “SECRETS OF THE GERMAN SEX MAGICIANS” (forthcoming). The essay above will be part of his next book, “DANCE OF THE PARADIGMS.

 A CHAOS MAGICK PRIMER.”

 (All books: LLEWELLYN’s PUBLICATIONS, St. Paul, Minn.)

 * Origin: ChaosBox: Nichts ist wahr, Alles ist erlaubt. (2:243/2)

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Originally posted 2011-03-24 09:23:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Witchcraft Traditionalism & Wicca – Different Magical Traditions

Traditional Witchcraft in Britain and Wicca are not the same thing. Traditional Witchcraft, or “Trad Witchcraft,” is the historic form of witchcraft that dates back into Britain’s historic past. Wicca was created in 1954 and includes many beliefs and practices that are alien to Britain.

It is said that “Wiccans spend most of their time preparing for ritual and magic, while Traditional Witches spend most of their time doing ritual and magic.” That could very well be true. Compared to Wiccan ritualism and formality, rituals in many traditions in Trad Witchcraft could be considered downright casual. Certainly, there is little use of props such as correspondences, unless they happen to be handy.

The Trad Witch will usually use only one or two white candles for both ritual and spellwork. Wiccans use a wide range of colors, each color for a specific “magickal” reason not based on any tradition in witchcraft.

Wiccans will always use a “circle” for ritual and spellwork because they believe they need to create a “sacred space.” But in Traditional Witchcraft, land and air are innately sacred, which means that all space is sacred. Therefore, most Trad Witches will not create a circle, or “compass round,” because there is no need. However, a seeker, one in training, will be instructed to use a compass as an aid to their concentration. Of course, a compass will also be used if there is a very special need, especially a group meeting; again to help concentration and not to create a sacred space.

The location of rituals is another matter of little concern to the Trad Witch. Again, because all space is sacred, there is no preferred location where rituals should take place. Of course, on a beautiful, warm day, there is no reason why a ritual should not be held in the woods or an isolated location in the countryside. However, all things equal, location is irrelevant. As British weather tends to be very chilly and rainy, Trad Witches have always preferred to do spellwork and rituals indoors.

An important exception to this general rule are ancient circles and other ancient sacred places located across Britain. If possible, it is always good to visit such wonderful places and to absorb the energy. However, care must be taken as rituals and spellwork must never be observed by strangers.

In Trad Witchcraft rites and spellwork, it is the tradition of many to ask for the assistance of friendly spirits, including Land Spirits, Spirit Guides and other spirits. In some traditions, when a compass is drawn, the Land Spirits, the Spirits of the Four Kingdoms (or the Elementals or Directionals), will be asked to attend and uphold the compasses (the four directions).

Spirits are always treated in a respectful manner. Their invocation is always worded as a request. Spirits would never be “commanded” to attend as in Wicca.

A ritual fire such as a small campfire or hearth fire is used during rituals, if possible. If a fire is not possible, then one or two white candles are used indoors, or a lantern is used out-of-doors.

Because the earth is sacred, an altar is considered redundant and would only be used for the sake of convenience. Inside the home, any near-by table can be used. Outside, the earth is often used.

The ritual tools used can vary widely. One or more of the following might be used: a stang (staff with two prongs), staff, dagger or a simple kitchen or workshop knife, mirror, bowl, besom, cauldron, some stones, or a “horn” (usually a glass or cup).

For ritual and spellwork, Trad Witches are usually clothed in street cloths or occasionally in robes. Being “skyclad”, or being naked in the Wiccan manner, is thought to be insulting to the spirits and the gods. Thus, it is never done.

The most important ritual observances are the Full Moon celebrations, outside of Trad Witchcraft called the esbat. The term “esbat” is certainly not traditional. The Full Moon is special because magical energies are enhanced during that time of the month.

The Festival celebrations are of secondary importance and they are not universally celebrated. Many Trad Witches celebrate the solstices and equinoxes of the moon because they are closely associated with the seasons, with sacred Nature. Other Trad Witches observe the four Celtic Festivals instead. Of course, there are some that keep all the Festivals. But traditions vary quite widely. The god/goddess narrative story is not followed as it is in Neo-Pagan and Wiccan celebrations.

It should be noted that this information is a generalization as traditions within Trad Witchcraft can vary.

Adrian Eglinton is a writer, author, and practitioner of witchcraft for over 29 years. He is dedicated to the spread of the natural and eternal truths of this most precious spiritual path. Read an article about Witchcraft or take a FREE Magic Mini-Course which is an introduction to Traditional Magic.

Author: Adrian Eglinton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Originally posted 2011-08-17 22:58:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Spell to stop a bully

630px Pentagram circle interlaced svg 150x150 Spell to stop a bullyAlthough you should not cast spells on people to change them i see this spell as more of a protection spell that also will help someone become a better person.

As I look through the note in my [wikipedia] Book of Shadows[/wikipedia]  it usage is for:-

Stopping bullies or people that are upsetting you so that you will hopefully become friends or at least come to an understanding.

The Equipment and Ingredients

1 Large glass bowl

1 pinch of sugar

Blossom petal

4 drops of Olive Oil

The Words

Let (insert persons name) be,

Rid of evil

Rid of sin

Rid of jealousy and the hatred within.

Let (insert persons name)

Learn to live and work with other.

Especially me

Go Spirits you are free

May (insert persons name) be guided by nature

[wikipedia] Chant[/wikipedia]  the words over the water 4 times each time add one drop of oil on to the water (thinking about the idea of pouring oil on troubled waters” [wikipedia]  idiom[/wikipedia]”)

Place the blossom on the surface so it floats.

Add the sugar to sweeten the offering.

Visualise / [wikipedia] Meditate[/wikipedia]  or just thing about having a day where no bullying happens

Then take the blossom outside and place on ground then take the water pour the water over the blossom repeating the word one last ending with So Mote It Be.

Adaptations

If you happen to live in a flat place the blossom to one side funnel water into a bottle take the blossom to the park and finish the spell their.

If you cant finds a blossom then take a walk with the intent to find a flower a long the way and the right one will be their even if you have to pay for it.

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Originally posted 2010-09-25 05:37:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Crystal Magick the easy way

Stones and crystals have continuously fascinated us these mysterious jewels buried deep inside the earth have been used to embellish and decorate almost everything. Stones and crystals have been valued not just for the beauty but also for the rarity.
Stones and crystals have also been used as symbols of power and status, as payment, for divination, in technologies and in magicks. Stones and crystals are some of the rarest and most common structures on the planet and in the universe.
Stones and crystals are very easy to acquire now a days and prices range from a few pennies to Hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on their size and how rare they are. Every house will have few stones and crystals hanging around (whither you’re a pagan or not) in jewelery, in (or as an) ornaments or even glued to a birthday card, making them a part of our daily lives.
But Stones and crystals also have magickal and healing properties which is simple to perform and relatively low cost. When you purchase or find your stones and crystals the first thing you will need to clean your stones and crystals of negative energy.
Cleaning Stones
Stones and crystals are thousands if not millions of years old and have their own energies and spirits, some may contain other spirits or guardians so before rushing to cleanse them it is advisable to spend some time listening to the crystal to see if it needs cleansing and what way is best to cleanse them.
There are a number of ways to cleanse a crystal of any past influences or negativities.
Cleansing Methods
1. Run stones and crystals under cold running water, where possible use a stream but a garden hose or kitchen tap will do.
2. Bury the stones and crystals in ground earth a clay pot full of soil will do, length of time depend on your own feelings (3 days, part or full lunar cycle etc)
3. Sun or moon cleansing leave in direct moonlight or sunlight for 3 to 7 days.
4. Rubbing or encasing in sea salt
5. Pass through associated incense or smudge stick
Once the stones and crystals have been cleansed they will need charge or empower the crystal to a desired purpose. Each crystal will have a number of correspondences and it is possible enchant a crystal with a desired purpose such as a charm or talisman but always choose the correct crystal for the desired out come.
Charging and directing your stones and crystals.
Hold the crystal between your palms and connect with the energy of the crystal and fill the crystal with energy empowering the crystal with life energy think about the energy of the crystal what is its purpose. Match the crystal of the crystal as you fill once it as been filled you will feel its pulse allow your energy and the stones and crystals energy to mix this helps personalize the crystal to your energy helping you access it energy when needed.
When directing your stones and crystals to a desire out come you will need realize that a crystal works in two basic ways it either attracts or projects energy holding the crystal in the appropriate hand (if you are right handed your right hand will project while you left hand attracts (reverse if left handed).
In the case of a charm or talisman the crystal is set to attract like energy and the over flow of energy is imbued with like energy set to attract a goal , such as luck or love etc. or even in healing as a way of drawing off excess negative energies.
In other magicks and healing stones and crystals are used to direct energy into an object, person or higher plane. This projection can be used to either fill with energy or expel energies
Magical uses of stones and crystals
Place stones and crystals in bags wallets or pockets wrapped in cloth (white or associated colour)
Astral Projection – Quartz, Amethyst, Tourmalated quartz , Carnelian, opal, Peridot, Fluorite
Business Success – Aventurine Bloodstone, malachite, Green tourmaline, yellow zircon Tiger Eye,jade
Dieting – Moonstone, Topaz
Dreams – Amethyst, Azurite, Peridot, Fluorite
Gambling – Amazonite, aventurine, cat’s eye
Happiness – Amethyst, chrysoprase, yellow zircon
Healing/Health – Agate, amber, amethyst, aventurine, azurite, bloodstone, calcite, carnelian, cat’s – eye, celestite, chrysoprase, coral, quartz diamond, flint, garnet, hematite, holey stones, jade, jasper, jet, lapis lazuli, peridot, petrified wood, sapphire, sodalite, staurolite, sugilite, sulfur, sunstone, topaz, turquoise, red zircon
Love – Agate, alexandrite, amber, amethyst, beryl, calcite, chrysocolla, emerald, jade, lapis lazuli, lepidolite, malachite, moonstone, olivine, pearl, rhodocrosite, sapphire, sard, topaz, pink tourmaline, turquoise
Money, Wealth, Prosperity, Riches – Aventurine, bloodstone, calcite, cat’s-eye, chrysoprase, coal, emerald, jade, mother-of-pearl, olivine, opal, pearl, peridot, ruby, salt, sapphire, spinel, staurolite, tiger’s-eye, topaz, green tourmaline, brown-green-red zircon
Physical Energy – Beryl, calcite, rhodocrosite, selenite, spinel, sunstone, tiger’s-eye, red tourmaline, red zircon
Reconciliation – Diamond, selenite
Sexual Energy – Carnelian, sunstone, yellow zircon
Sleep – Moonstone, peridot, blue tourmaline
Success – Amazonite, chrysoprase, marble
Travel – Chalcedony, orange zircon
Wisdom – Chrysocolla, coral, jade, sodalite, sugilite

Originally posted 2011-04-03 10:38:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter