bohemiablackmagic

[bohemiablackmagic]

To EVERYBODY and all that has followed, liked, and disliked this post: I want to thank you for your attention, following this page, and the criticism towards this. It’s been a very long time(4.5 years to be exact) but as time goes on, things change, and people learn.

I have learned and the biggest thing we need to learn and accept is when we are wrong. I was wrong.

In my ventures and practices, I have learned so much over the years and during my hiatus that I can’t wait to return to you all with Truth and facts.

Please do not be discouraged, Bohemian Witchery is still wicked, witchy, and here for my witches and other macabre mommas, daddies, and inside and out.

HOWEVER, I deserve to provide facts and separate the fiction from reality that is witchcraft to the scientific minds. The minds and outsiders that deserve better than what I provided 4.5 years ago.

I will not be retracting everything I’ve ever posted on this article. I will be rewriting this in the same style of breakdown of Witchcraft in a Scientific perspective and method while leaving out the pseudoscientific ideas that should have never entered this domain.

I will be providing actual facts associated with what Atheistic Witchcraft truly is to my scientific community that is interested and to those that have known where I was wrong in places such as energies, crystals, mentioning a of fictional characters/beings, etc.

This Witch is BACK and will be providing to new content and crafts to the dark, the eclectic, scientific, history loving, and the wicked!

Stay Tuned within this week for this new revision as I am excited to share my growth and corrections! Keep an eye out for all new wicked content to come too with more history on our Witchcraft and Occult cultures!

As always my wicked followers and amazing critics,

Stay Wicked,

-Bohemian Witchery.

“Atheistic Science to Witchcraft’s, Magick”

Atheism is the lack of belief in hailing unproven supernatural entities and the disregard of higher beings created by organized religious groups. With a better understanding shown through examination, studies, and tests we all call, Science! Whether it be physical, psychological, or sociological. The biggest summarization for atheism is: FACTS! Without fact, it is only questionable and unsupported!

Atheists do not assume every question in life has been answered, but can be, through growing progression of science, which has in fact, advanced society in every possible way for the better and has helped unify civilization for the past couple hundred years.

If one presently walked on the oceans and changed my Dasani into wine, that’s proof. Someone saying it happened thousands of years ago with nothing to support or back it up, doesn’t make it fact. Fact is important to realistic ideals of Atheists.

Witchcraft broadly means the practice of, and belief, in the skills of magick. Not to be confused with the Illusionary art and enjoyable entertainment, provided by Chris Angel and other magicians. These practises have existed since the beginning of humanity’s advantages taken for uses of medicine, for centuries. This is the use of rituals, symbolism, gestures, and language believed to manipulate universal or natural forces. Most consider this to be used for a sense of personal and spiritual growth. Witchcraft is a complex and general concept that varies culturally and societally. A major function of this practice is the acknowledgment and general understanding of nature, and compounds of it that are used.

Both, atheism and Witchcraft, have something in common: Science.

While many forms of Witchcraft have been practiced in the name of many spirits among cultures, I will not be going over this. Through the empathy of people who rely strictly on facts, I will be breaking down general aspects scientifically.

Herbology: Medicinal practices are very commonly known in the practices of Witchcraft. Herbs can be studied and are implemented for healing sickneses, symptoms, and injuries. This practice was normal in societies and most witches were also considered healers, commonly called, Wise Ones. These practices have evolved immensely over centuries, that it has developed into our medical advancements we have today.

Now for the fun stuff, Ritualistic Items: Science explains everything has a vibration and frequency because everything is made up of atoms. Atoms are electrons that orbit the nucleus of protons and neutrons, with mostly space in between. Even the most solid and dense objects are vibrating at different frequencies, because those super tiny atoms are moving very fast and close together constantly. By everything, that’s including everything living as well.

With this knowledge, items like crystals, an important aspect and influence of Witchcraft and pagan practices, have individual geometric formation because of their structure of atoms. Like everything else in the world, they also emit certain frequencies. These crystals hold their own indivual properties that most witches will constantly push you to use for rituals and “spells”.

Practitioners keep certain crystals with or on them because their frequencies can effect them constantly. The same goes with certain metals, burning incense, and other objects that have been considered “protection”. Some witches identify bad ‘spirits’ as general negativity. These protective items have higher frequencies that influence positivity on the body and mind . The higher the frequency, the more positive effects it has on the human body. This can be considered cleansing of negative mojo and spirits. Vice versa for hexes and curses, which consist of putting items with low frequencies on or around the intended.

Spells: We use energy to bring about change. Most spells over courses of time always enforce concentration and visualization in its practice. The amount of concentration is influential among yourself and everything around you, and goes back to our brain waves.

Science has shown we have five different kinds of brain waves:

Gamma: These waves are associated with cognitive functions, memory, and learning. Mentally challenged indivuals are shown to have lower gamma activity.

Beta: These brain waves are emitted while actively solving problems. Such as solving mathematic and scientific equations, or constructive thinking, and physical tasks.

Alpha: These brain waves are emitted when we are relaxed and calm. Alcohol and Marijuana influence Alpha wave activity.

Delta: These brainwaves are active when we are in deep sleep and dreaming. They help regulate bodily functions while sleeping for restoration as well.

Theta: These emit through relaxation and deep visualizations and intentions and are highly influential with interaction. Motivational speaking with emotional focus and intent can inspire others because these waves that are emitted effect others’.

Deep visualization and intentions are so important to casting a spell, because if you are not doing these, you’re not emitting the proper influential Theta waves that are detrimental to performing these, “spells”.

Ritualistic casting with incantations and tools support an individual to being more focused and inspired, to increase the chances of the emission of Theta waves. Scientific study also leans towards the idea that paranormal and spiritual activity is measured by electromagnetic frequencies. Who’s to say previous necromancer haven’t reached the dead by the change of energy around them?

Book of Shadows: The scientific method is used to find proof and explain the undiscovered. Through series of hypothesis, tests, and analysis are we able to come closer to any conclusion or explaination.

Most witches have a grimoire, or Book of Shadows, that is used for personal use in practices to record notes, spells, songs, or other practicing knowledge.

Witches will set a goal to effect themselves or others and find materials and knowledge that fit the circumstance(ask a question, do background research). They use these books to document desires from their practice(Hypothesize), preform rituals and spells(test), and write their results and add any changes necessary for succession(conclusion).

From my discovery, Science has everything to do with practice of casting in Witchcraft. Over time, practices that led to discovery were often considered magic, before implemented in society.

Ex. Herbology, medince, alchemy, chemistry, etc.

Even new age philosophies acknowledge the effects of intention and magick through example and personal enlightenment. Luciferianism and Satanism are Atheistic philosophies, but some followers practice the influences of the mind and sending curses and hexes, through bad intention to those deserved. Some present day Pagan and Witchcraft practitioners don’t designate themselves to any specific deities, but the example of nature. Goddesses were nurturing, fertile, and offered life, much like nature or women, historically revered, themselves.

When it comes to idolizing specific and well known spirits (gods and goddesses), it has yet to be proven among society as a whole. Who is to say these aren’t also examples of humanity in nature used in practice? Or simply something we have yet to discover personally?

If curiosity seems compelling, grab a crystal, light a candle, and send a spell or hex one’s way.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to send them to me. This is a page of open mindedness and curiosity among the explained and unexplained. That sense of respect is included to its’ followers as well.

Stay wicked.

- Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

As the sun falls to slumber, and night veils its sky, the moon makes its place, and the wicked come to rise. Stay Wicked, -Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

Tricks and Treats!

Hello my wicked followers! We’re reaching the 100th post on Bohemian Witchery soon, a blog dedicated to educate and entertain those interested in magickal arts, the macabre, and its history that you have all supported for so long! We almost have over 5 THOUSAND wicked followers and I absolutely love stalking all of your pages to see all the different people who have supported Bohemian Witchery! In celebration to sharing everything that’s wicked, knowledgeable, macabre, and “dark”, I’m giving you the chance to receive free goodies! Details are coming soon this weekend, to find out how you can win yourself protective stones and crystals, cauldrons, assorted spell herbs, personally designed sigils and spells for your craft or assortment of macabre decor, that I incorporate into my practices in my daily life. Thank you all for supporting Bohemian Witchery and whether you’re a practitioner of magick or connoisseur of the creepy, it’s important through times like these that we stick together and not allow ourselves to be demonized anymore than we already have been. My focus of practice has always been about protection against negative energies and redirecting those energies. So I would be honored to have a part of my practice given to you to protect your individuality and freedom of expression. So from my wicked altar top to your homes, stay tuned for some fun! As always, Stay wicked! -Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

I’d rather be a bad witch! Stay Wicked. -Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

W is for Witch!

   It’s common knowledge among most Witches and Neo-Pagans that when it comes to recording data for spells, tools, and craft work, it’s usually hidden in a code or language that only that practitioner or it’s Coven/group can read.    However, is there a language out there that exists now for all Witches to use, to write in code and communicate with if they so desired? Throughout morbid times of Witch-hunts towards the Pagan following over the centuries, was there a universal language left for all Witches alike to communicate in their attempts of survival?    Let us dive head first into only one of the Hell’s of cultural enlightenment!    Well, to answer the first question: Yes! There is currently a universal writing that Witches can use to communicate to each other or use in their practices if they so desired. Thanks to social media and the lack of Witch hunts/raised acceptance of diversity in religious practices, we have the Theban Alphabet, also known as the Witches Alphabet! (As shown Below:)

   There is actually a large amount of codes, runes, writings, and languages that can-be/is used to log practices or is exclusive to certain practitioners of Magick within their groups or work.    This one however is a very common one used among Witches today from all corners of philosophy and practice, yet isn’t very known about. Let’s find out why!    I say currently because it was only very recently in the last two centuries that this language had anything to do with Witchcraft or Pagan practices. You see, this language doesn’t have much of its history known nor does it have any accuracy to its origin that is published. It has no associated language that follows it as well and is a one-to-one translation to the old Latin alphabet(ex: A=1, B=2, c=3, etc.).    It emerged in the Medieval period when Alchemy, Demonology, and Occultism studies were prominent in the practices of European magicians. There is no published record of the origins of the Theban Alphabet though some writers and philosophers merely mention that it was Honorius of Thebes who had created it. There is no proof or references at all in any of the books published in regards to the writing in earlier times that support this statement.     English writers in the 19th century then reproduced the alphabet in publications of mysticism. This gave attention to occult organizations like the Golden Order of the 19th century to use this language for their practices of mysticism. Other covens and practitioners of Wicca and certain followers of Witchcraft have stated that the language has deep connections and history for their faith, but then we go back to the facts that show absolutely no proof of this at all, as well.    The entire purpose of the script when published was to be used to be abstract from anyone’s native language, making it unfamiliar to anyone who wasn’t involved in any of the practices it was used by. So respectfully, it was more used as a code for practitioners for their craft than to use as a form of communication ‘underground’.       The Theban Alphabet is an interesting coding that has a beauty of its own that is now commonly used among witches of all kinds in their craft, such as writings in their Grimoires , Books of Shadows, and spell work. Because the alphabet wasn’t constructed like most languages with single or minimal stroked writing, it’s not commonly used for basic communication. Some characters within it can’t be written easily with single strokes, which causes anyone writing it to concentrate primarily on the inscription and the task it’s used for in practice. For the Second Question:    Contrary to popular belief, the answer is actually... NO!     Ancient practitioners followed their mysticism through their culture’s faith in their pantheon of Gods. These were times where people were still barbaric. Pillaging through cities, having wars back and fourth, and trying to take over everyone’s land. The mystic practitioners of these tribes didn’t stand back during these times. They stood with them following their warriors with approval of their Gods! Though different countries and cultures could act civilly with one another, it didn’t mean that they felt belief systems were respected equally. In modern society, there are still conflicts through the Abrahamic beliefs of who has the better god, when they’re all believing in the same toothfairy in the sky. If modern society can’t respect the same gods they follow now, then it’s safe to say that the different followers of different Pantheons didn’t sit down and say, “Well maybe your God is better than mine.” So most of these different cultures that accepted their mysticism among their societies would usually use their native language for their work.    Witchcraft now-a-days is such an umbrella term. We have the tools to communicate and differentiate the variety of ways people practice making it easier to come together. Back then, it didn’t happen. At all. Do you think the Norse Vikings had a code to use with the Native American shamans to communicate? Uh, no. That’s not realistic, and even if that was the case, I doubt they were spending time putting away their weapons for pillaging and sitting down for maze.     So to answer the question briefly again, No. There wasn’t a common code for all witches to use to identify with each other of who they were. It was a personal responsibility left to those trying to survive through times of conversion and execution.    On a more personal note in regards to to this, is that I’m always asked questions like this last question. Some genuinely want to know but in most cases, they’re from people who find a way to place themselves on a pedestal to stand out from others, or feel others are doing so to them. People are wondering if there’s a universal language that Witches HAVE to already know to be considered a witch. if there’s a SIGN that is given to show they must practice Witchcraft or have a higher purpose. Or that they’re telekinetic/have some sort of supernatural ability, no one else is like them at all(and no one else can be), and that they’re a true witch looking to find their place. These are the only questions, that I can honestly tell my followers, that are complete bullshit(mostly directed to the last example provided).     You don’t have to do anything for anyone or anything to consider yourself a witch. If you’re practicing a form of Witchcraft and you feel comfortable identifying as a Witch or anything that has anything to with your craft, you go right ahead! Other people are not practicing your craft. You are!     As for those that come to me that they have these “extraordinary abilities”: I don’t know if you’re bored or looking to find a creative outlet of expression, but I don’t typically find much respect or belief for these questions.    It’s cute and imaginative, but until I have proof, or tangible evidence that these events are happening, I can’t answer your questions or give the respected amount of attention to what you’re asking when I have people who are seriously interested in information for guidance from this blog.    Please, write it down, draw it out, make a movie, design a character, etc. of these supernatural topics. It’s interesting and would make a good movie or TV show, but I will respectfully ask that you please do not waste my follower’s time and question space with these highly exaggerated hallucinations of questions.    When it comes to the practices of Witchcraft, I don’t believe any individual is stronger than the other based on a level of “witch-yness” nor do I believe specific individuals have been discriminated by “fate” or cherry picked at birth to receive supernatural anything. I do see people who are more determined or put more time and effort into their craft lifestyle but that doesn’t make them better than those who don’t, can’t, or aren’t even Witches. So if you come to me telling me you’re the Vampire Queen of the Damned and the only real Witch in the world, I won’t answer your comments or questions. I will just leave you with my realistic followers so they can deal with you any way they desire, for wasting their time. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the weird, wicked, and witchy, feel free to slap me on my Ask. As usual, Stay Wicked -Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

So could you be an Agnostic Witch? Is that possible or would it be called something else?

Or you could just be a Witch.Whether you believe in an incorporeal being, absolutely nothing, maybe something else yourself, the nature/elements around you, and etc. it’s all a practice of Magicks and Craft and could put you under the category of a Witch.Don’t worry so much as to what others consider your title. They’re not the one’s practicing your craft.

[bohemiablackmagic]

Two questions. One I want to practice my craft freely meaning that I want to do what I want even if it's considered black magick. Should I? And second do I have to invoke a godly figure.

Two answers:One, You can practice your craft freely as you desire. If you consider anything black and white, your perception on it becomes black and white in itself when the spectrum of morals with magick is so subjective and colorful. So go right ahead! Get as clean and/or dirty as you desire with your crafts!Two, you can try invoking anyone you may. I personally, don’t have a deity or figment-er I mean figure of my imagination-er I mean divinity that I invoke.My power comes from me. It’s fueled by my inspiration, and is as effective as I am focused and determined. I don’t need or believe in a deity to hail or beg for power when I know that very determination and power is within everyone.

[bohemiablackmagic]

Greetings, friend :) I'm here 'cuz I have a question that you might answer, please. Do yo know where or how learn about the white magicks? For the moment I don't want to go into the black ones, just the whites. Thanks in advance

I’d be more than happy to assist you any way that I can.I actually covered this topic earlier in my blog’s “career” informing the history of White and Black Magicks generalization and it’s differentiation with my personal opinions.Here’s the link if it’s informative to you at all, with my opinion on both as well:http://bohemiablackmagic.tumblr.com/post/130481471043/white-witches-suck

[bohemiablackmagic]

“Dear Diary,”

    Book of Shadows, Grimoire, and WItch’s Journal. What’s the difference, what’s correct, and why does it matter?

    It’s very common for anyone inside and outside of any magickal practice that we see a witch using some sort of book of spells, or some kind of magickal tomb. What are these items, what are they for, and what differences do they have from one another?

    The most common book that we know and have heard of in present day practices is the Book of Shadows.

    This book having a very dramatic and mystical name is commonly seen in media and present day practices. However, it’s the youngest title of most tombs yet is the most popular.

    The Book of Shadows publicity came about in  the 1940′s by the pioneer of Wicca,

Gerald Gardner

. It was admitted the the concept of the Book of Shadows was inspired through the general ancient practices of keeping a text/record of practices and spellcraft and the name inspired from a reading of an ancient text said to reveal one’s future of the length of their shadows.           During this time in the late 19th and early 20th century, it was common that specifically, the Book of Shadows, that one copy of the book was kept by a High Priest or High Priestess within the covens of Wicca’s practice. This was a time when Wicca’s confident public coming out was still dominated by Covens. It was more common to being part of a Coven than to being an open solitary practitioner in Wicca until the religions growth would break records in its expansion throughout the 60′s and 70′s to present day.

    This book is primarily used in the practice of Wicca. Though it’s not a religious text in terms of how to practice the faith of WIcca, but more of a journal used to record magickal and religious ceremonies and practices. Many “conservative” Wiccans feel as though these books should be hand written to transfer the personal energy of one’s self to the text to hold greater significance. However, it’s now more common among newer generations to use a computer to record and create Books of Shadows within the practice of Wicca.These books can either be an individual or Coven based text.

     Some Wiccans don’t use the Book of Shadows as full witch’s journal as some use it only to store spells while their experiences and thoughts on their works would be recorded in a separate book, called the Book of Mirrors or Book of Lite.

    Both of these books are considered sacred to the path of Wicca and are consecrated with the rest of the magickal tools that are held with great significance through the practice and may often be cleansed ceremoniously of possible impurities or negative energies in some timely manner.

    The Grimoire, is a text book, work book, or tomb for magickal practice among solitary Witches and Magicians or followers of a specific occult sect. The word Grimoire derives from the French word Grammaire, literally meaning books written in Latin or Latin grammar. It wasn’t until the 18th century the word Grimoire was used to describe generally books of magic(k).

    These books, often used in present-day eclectic practices outside of Wicca are often mistaken as Books of Shadows

. The grimoire generally comes from many culture’s in the history of Witchcraft and are most likely what any atheistic, non-theological/non-Wiccan witch uses when recording their work.

    These books are commonly used like journals as well to record spells, tools, and the results similar to the late Book of Shadows, but may also include summoning incantations or simply are more informative than personal through information on talismans and mystical objects used in practice. Completely depending on the originating practitioner who writes the book.

    The entire book is hand written by the practitioner and may be copied by followers.     A most common part of a grimoire may be its use of code or language that it is written in so it may not be read by those who are uninitiated by any particular group the text may be written towards. Another way of hiding the secrets of a grimoire for the past practitioners who had written them, was destroying them in times of death. For those who practiced any form of mysticism or witchcraft would burn their Grimoires to hide the truth of their practice when penalties of death were common for Witchcraft among European and American societies.

     Some argue that a Witch’s Journal isn’t considered a grimoire at all until a lifetime of experience has passed. With this idea, some believe that while you record your book and its process of creation, it’s only considered a journal or Book of Shadows and once you have filled the book and have experienced and practiced fully and diligently, that the book could earn the title of Grimoire and be set for passing down or onto new generations or followers.

    Now living in a time where it’s not as nearly enough of taboo to practice a form of Witchcraft, these titles seem versatile to use and you don’t find too much correction for the usage of either/or. Personally, I keep my own records in my Grimoire. Some who do not follow Wicca use to title BOS(Book of Shadows) but not much argument is made since they all derive from the same ancient practices of recording one’s experiences. The image below is an example of my Grimoire that I currently use. The language of the text written is actually a code I created at a very young age. For any questions, comments, or concerns over the weird, wicked, and witchy, feel free to slap me on my Ask! As usual, Stay Wicked! -Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

first, i love your blog! i'm addicted. second, what do you think about horoscopes?

I appreciate that! This blog loves you as well.I think horoscopes are very entertaining. I’m apathetic to what the star’s opinions are of my life and find it very generalizing to discriminate one’s personality and fate based entirely on what month they were born. Then again, I’m a Leo and my stubbornness is argument enough to those who don’t agree with me to counter my side of (dis)belief, apparently.They’re cute, but that’s about it to me.

[bohemiablackmagic]

meditation. Do you do it and what are your thoughts on it? Does it have a history in witchcraft or any pagan practices?

I do. I think it’s very beneficial to the mind and body and I find it very serene. Meditation did not hold much, or any at all, relevance to Witchcraft in ancient times. Previous Pagan cultures did hold some practice of focus when it came to their practices and rituals, but not specifically considered what we know as Meditation.However, in present day practices, I think meditation is a very good tool to use in strengthening your mind. As it influences circumstances through craft, meditation strengthens and keeps a sense of calm inner perspective that I personally find beneficial. Someone may think differently. 

[bohemiablackmagic]

You on Snapchat?

Not anymore. My snaps never included any of my craft work anyways. It was more humorous or pertaining to specific instances in general.

[bohemiablackmagic]

Could it be possible to kill a person with a curse?

Yes and no. To most practitioners of Magick, it’s commonly known that any spellwork is beneficial to help manipulate a circumstance to your, well, benefit. Do I think if you make a voodoo doll or perform a hex that someone will instantly die? No, not necessarily. However, I do believe that if you project enough influence through your craft, you can slowly bend the circumstances to lead to such a situation to possibly occur. Magick and spellwork isn’t instantaneous and will not work without the effort provided, for any instance.

[bohemiablackmagic]

Sorry for the Hiatus wicked followers! A lot has transpired lately and has taken a lot of time and consumed my time as well, but I have not forgotten you! I will be relocating to Los Angeles in the States by the end of the summer while working on my album and I am extremely excited to see the wicked community out there! I will be answering all of the questions I have received from you all, with more Bohemian Witchery historic articles, and more to come as well! I hope you enjoyed this past Summer Solstice and Honey Moon for this generation. As usual!.. Stay Wicked! -Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

If you dont mind me asking, if Satanism is based on being your own god and doesnt focus on literally worshipping Satan, then what is the belief that the Devil is a deity to be worshipped? (Sorry if i worded that in a bad way)

Devil Worshiping. Surprisingly simplistic, eh?Some people like to consider it Theistic Satanism or Theistic Luciferianism to make it sound sophisticated but the idea of believing that the Devil itself is an incorporeal being is no different than some alternative form of Christianity. The popular idea of the Devil are aspects of monsters and previous Gods and entities that people have interwoven into an example of a character representing what they’ve been told is bad. To specifically believe in the idea of the Devil existing would mean those who worship he/she/it are still supporting the ideas of the Judeo-Christian God or Jesus, who as well as these ideas are other forms of beings that have simply shifted, revised, and changed to fit a belief copied in time from many cultures prior.If you have anymore questions, comments, or concerns about the weird, wicked, and witchy, feel free to slap me on my Ask. As usual,Stay Wicked-Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

Hello, after exhausting every google resource I could think of, and asking many on the dark path who have ignored my query, I am attempting once more. What are the significant differences between Satanism and Luciferianism? Thank you for your time and knowledge.

    I personally think where people are curious of their contrasts is where their comparisons takes place. A lot of people instantly associate Satanism and Luciferianism because of the word/names Satan and Lucifer and the one entity associated in popular belief.    Satanism is the self preserved atheistic philosophy that pushes the idea of being your own God, with an understanding and separation of indulgences and compulsions. Satanists hold a strict code of admonishments against harming others, until someone hurts you. Satanists don’t waste time worrying over what happens after death. They put respect towards proven fact. Heaven and Hell aren’t actual places to Satanists but they’re here and now, and depending on how you decide to live your life depends on whether you’re in Heaven or Hell, again metaphorically speaking. The word or name “Satan” meaning ‘to oppose’ is where the name comes from in Satanism. To question and oppose blind faith. Typically Satanists will have an elitist view over the ignorance and stupidity still present in society.You’re able to realistically expand past imaginary restriction while not having to demonize animalistic and carnal materialism that comes natural to humanity.    In the Satanic Bible, by Anton Lavey, it goes back to understanding that the idea of the devil, Satan, or any horrid entity that we were conditioned to fear came from cultures and traditions prior. They were natural examples of humanity and were demonized when one belief was taking over another or used as a power over people. Instead of hailing an entity, the ideas of what the Devil tried to do are considered virtuous examples. Similar ideas are like the seven deadly sins, which were used to oppress people and inhibited them, are actually natural and positive aspects that could motivate people for the better to the average Satanist.   Luciferianism is similar to Satanism with an athetistic following and self-god structure, but instead of recognizing the general demonizing traits over time that lead to where it is now, Luciferians hold high regard in the example of Lucifer the Light Bringer. To Luciferians, Lucifer is often viewed similarly as an angel of balance and a positive ideal while Satan is a materialistic or carnal aspect separate from Lucifer. Luciferians don’t acknowledge Lucifer as an entity but respect him as a motivation, inspiration, and symbol for personal spirituality. Spirituality is a broad concept and that greatly differs between the two as Satanists don’t generally hold an internal connection to find a personal meaning of life, because their purpose is made how they’d like or live by and they don’t need to seek what they already have control over.   Luciferianism’s ideology will refer to Venus or the Morning Star prior to Christianity as a beacon of knowledge among people and also uses references to the falling of Lucifer in the New Testament of the Christian Bible as the example of questioning circumstances to move forward, as well. Where Satanism is very self focused, Luciferians are not encouraged to have anyone convert, but to spread their knowledge to try and advance humanity as a whole.    Both philosophies encourage the ideas of using your mind and intention to change outcomes, AKA Magic(k).   From a Theistic side, anyone believing in these entities are more Christian supportive Devil worshipers. For example, a popular faith like Christianity, has many cultures and parts of different beliefs that are taken and interwoven into what it is now for its’ mythological characters. Anyone to worship the Devil or Fallen Lucifer would be no different as this/these character(istics) are bits and pieces of demonized remnants of multiple culture’s pasts and pushed more by Christianity.This was a very brief description of the two philosophies and some differences. For anymore information regarding the two, feel free to message me and I’d be more than capable to guide you to any sources. For any other questions over the weird, wicked, and witchy, slap me on my Ask! As usual, stay wicked.-Bohemian Witchery

[bohemiablackmagic]

Nevermore - Flying through the Raven’s and Crow’s Past.

   As the raven and crow in modern culture is often feared in superstition, it is viewed as a bird of bad omens. Seeing the graceful black silhouette’s murder and call towards one another instills fear over some while grace and genius to others. The crow and raven often related in cultural depiction, are mostly seen as sneaky, thieving, and an impending omen of one’s end. To the cultures and traditions of the witches and shamans in all corners of the world, the raven and crow are of great importance. Here I’ll inform you how the birds were viewed in cultures and practices and what importance they hold in even today’s science and practice. Grab your broomsticks as we fly through the past of admiration and fear surrounding ravens and crows in time.     To the ancient Romans and Greeks, Augury was a common practice for divination. Augury was the practice of interpreting omens from the flight patterns and behaviors of birds.  One common divination was when a crow was flying in from the east or south was considered a sign of good to come. Low flying flocks(or also known as a ‘murder’ of crows started in the 15th century.) were a sign of sickness to come. If a crow flies over your home and calls three times, impending death was to come.    Another common action among the Romans was if a crow or raven was killed on accident, you were to bury the bird while adorning black clothing, or horrible luck would come over you. This kind of mourning was common among the Roman’s for their funerals and would stay common all the way through the Renaissance, when Christianity was at a peek in it’s time in Europe. Though many Greco-Roman cultures, like many, were taken and changed or diminished in time, black adorning funerals would remain and would spread to the western world where it is still common now.    Even as Christianity “adopted” the culture and thought crows to be unclean in the New Testament, their Old Testament, or as thei predecessors the Jews would call it, the Tanakh, the raven was revered in its knowledge. The first bird used to find land sent by Noah was a raven. In the Hebrew Talmud, the Raven was given credit by showing mankind how to deal with death. When Cain slew Abel, a raven showed Adam and Eve how to bury the body, because they had never done so before. In the Qur’an’s version of the story of Cain and Abel, a raven is mentioned as the creature who taught Cain how to bury his murdered brother, in Al-Ma-ida.    European Pagans hold the raven and crow as a noble figure in practice and belief in many practices of the continent. To the Irish Wiccans, the Morrigan is the symbol of fate and doom for the battlegrounds. The Morrigan is primarily associated to her worshipers and followers with fate, along with fertility, wealth, and especially with her association of death in battle. She flies over the battlefield as the crow and helps ascend the dead of the fallen, like the also much revered Valkyries for the Norse following.    Nordic Wiccans, who respect the chief of their Pantheon, who is named Odin. Odin had two raven’s that would accompany him that would fly all over the world, named Huginn(meaning “thought” in old norse) and Muninn(meaning “memory” in old norse). These two ravens would fly around Midgard, and bring Odin information. Nordic Pagans often view the raven as messengers. In some Nordic poetry it said that Odin was afraid his two ravens would never return. “Huginn and Muninn fly each day,  over the spacious earth. I fear for Huginn, that he come not back, yet more anxious am I for Muninn.”    This is often associated with age or becoming demented as he is afraid to lose his thought, or more anxiously, losing his precious memories.    Some Native American tribes tell of the crow originally being white until burned after captured and feet tied by a tribe member for his anger towards the bird for warning the buffalo of the hunters. The crow’s ties around his feet burned and broke after thrown in the fire and was then released by another tribesman in council. The crow flew away promising not to warn the buffalo ever again, but forever then was charred black. Some tribes also look to the raven as a key to unlocking many treasures and knowledge of life and hold respect for the bird, but also are weary as some believe the raven was a creator of light, it was for itself and not for mankind. For that he is recognized as a trickster figure as well.    Witches, Wizards, and others accused of ‘demonic magic’ practicing in Medieval times were often thought of turning into Crows or Ravens during the night or times of emergency so they could avoid being taken for trial. Some were also accused of having them as familiars that would fly with them by moon light, along with owls and bats.    In Craft, crow and raven feathers are often used as grounding magick and surfacing strong emotions, such as common black crystals and stones used in magick practice as well ie. Obsidian and Onyx. Black is usually associated, adorned, or is in magickal tools for strong practice in color magick. While specific colors on the spectrum often surface particular emotions or senses, black is an absorbing color that is more often able to surface these easier and project them as well for witches.    Ancient practitioners associate the natural energies we cannot see but try to manipulate, into what they call an afterlife or nether/underworld which is why common animals symbolized for representations of death are also symbols of strong magick. The crow was believed to have strong association with magick of the mind as it was black and naturally could absorb energies which is why some believe it is a strong symbol of psychics/divination in the past. Modern Scientific or Atheistic witches also see this representation not as a sign of psychic energies, which is commonly associated with the mind, but the manipulation of magick in general through focused intent.    With modern science, scientists study the sociology of crows and the use they could have with their strong ability of recognition and communication among others. Crows have the ability to remember a face distinctively for up to two years, even within a heavily crowded area. They’re able to recognize whether the face poses a threat or not and communicate it towards others near them. Though the parrot has the largest brain of the entire bird kingdom, the Crow and Raven are among the most socially evolved. Where danger lurks, they can change a migration pattern to avoid it. If threats are posed near nesting places, scientists study the birds ability to pass on recognizing danger to next generations. Scientists are hoping to discover more of the crow’s social understanding and recognition to find and point out missing criminals hidden among the crowds.    In some practice, crows and ravens are strong signs of death, mystery, secrets, and magic(k). Whether it be a flock cawing by in a murder or a calling from the rooftops and trees, they hold strong sentiment to the human mind and past. Whether you fear it as a sneak or an omen or value it for its knowledge and survival skills, the crow and raven are strong images to the culture of both Witchcraft and Paganism. Next time you think of bothering them, be sure to remember, they will all remember you. As usual, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the weird, witchy, and wicked, go ahead and slap me on the Ask! My page is discrimination-free! Whether your messages are approving, neutral, or against any of the topics on my page, you will NOT be attacked and respectfully welcomed and considered! As always: Stay wicked. -Bohemian Witchery