witchy-dabblings

[witchy-dabblings]

banishing (how to do it)

yeah this is like all UPG but it works good for me, take what you will and leave the rest behind.

if your response to this is "but most people never ever have to deal with unwanted spirit problems so you're probably wrong if you think it's a spirit! do shadow work and touch grass!" please let me invite you to just not interact with this post at all.

Don't cleanse. Like please don't, why do people do this??

"I am confident an unwanted spirit is in my home and I cleansed but nothing happened."

Okay, an unwanted guest is in your home and you did a bit of vacuuming and washing the dishes, so why are they still there??

Why WOULDN'T they be there?! It's nicer now??? It's better for them to stay?!?!?!

"I want to break up with my boyfriend so I did his laundry but he's still texting me :/"

Cleansing =/= banishing and cleansing should be saved for cleaning up after an unwanted spirit after they are banished, which again, is not accomplished by cleansing.

Stop raising wards that trap the spirit inside.

"I cleansed and put up a protection but that only made the problem worse!"

Yes you did a wash up and locked the spirit inside with you, of course it's pissed off. It's trapped.

If you feel the need for immediate protection when dealing with a spirit problem, craft an amulet that serves as a personal protection for you. NOT one that seals off the entrances to your home.

Once the spirit problem is taken care of and you are confident its presence has been removed, feel free to raise up those wards sky high.

Also, if you are heavy-handed with the warding, spirits can sometimes just get trapped inside regardless. Learn how to temporarily "switch off" wards when you need to so things can leave.

Put your fucking foot down and tell the spirit to leave.

This will solve a surprising number of unwanted spirit problems. Not all of them, and come on, please stop telling people they never need to learn actual banishing skills just because telling spirits to leave works most of the time.

But you gotta do it. And I mean you don't have to be an asshole about it. You don't have to jump right into screaming in the spirit's general direction and threatening all such harm on it.

And there's plenty of good reasons to start with this step, especially if you want to be a spirit worker, but that's neither here nor there. Just tell them to leave.

Go to an area where you think the spirit is, or go where its private and speak with the intent that the spirit will hear you.

(You may also sign or write; would generally not recommend doing this operation entirely mentally)

"Hey, Dude. I know you're here, and I want you to know that you must leave. It is no longer an option for you to stay. I request that you leave immediately, and I request that you do not come back to this place. Leave now and we part ways in peace."

Do not go belly up and beg the spirit. It benefits you to behave with authority and dignity.

DO NOT try to "soften the blow" by twisting your words into something that is no longer a demand that the spirit depart. "Hey, if it's okay with you, I'm hoping you'll leave soon, or as soon as you're able... I don't feel comfortable with you here, and I'd prefer if you went." Great, now the spirit knows how you feel. So what?

Banish the spirit (or human, or whatever).

Presumably we're at this step because the prior step ("bro, seriously just leave and never come back") did not work.

Obtain correspondences heavily associated with banishing, use them to enchant a candle, burn the candle.

Can't use a candle? Try a simmer pot.

No fire at all, including incense? Try a floor wash (test carpets to ensure there will not be staining).

Can't burn things or clean the house? Try a sigil you visualize being imprinted on all the walls of your home.

Can't visualize? Consecrate something to represent the spirit, drop it in a jar of water along with banishing correspondences, swirl it around like a whirlpool, chant about the spirit being washed away.

No waterproof containers? Consecrate something to represent the spirit, stand on the edge of your property, throw it off the edge of the property.

You get my drift -- do magic. Do magic. Do magic that banishes. Use magic specifically to banish. Not to cleanse the vibrations or whatever. Specifically magic intended to yeet a spirit.

At this point, do not try to ignore the problem or keep talking it out. Do not just try to meditate or whatever. Do magic. Do magic that banishes.

Here's a banishing spell if you need it:

Basil, cloves, red pepper

Candle (ideally, red)

Paper and ink

Small offering

Draw the planetary seal of mars and the planetary square on a piece of paper, ideally in red. Dress a candle in oil (*burning your house down is an effective way to banish a spirit but perhaps too heavy-handed; dress with care) and include either one or three dried, powdered herbal correspondences to it.

Dedicate the candle to Mars. ("Planet Mars, someone on the internet told me you'd help me if I asked - I'm asking now. I give this candle to you. It belongs to you now.")

Put the candle near the paper.

Evoke Mars. ("Planet Mars, where your symbol exists so you exist. Where your planetary square exists, so do you exist. The space has been made welcoming to you through the presence of these Martian correspondences.") The martian correspondences are the basil/cloves/peppers, btw ("I ask you to bring your attention now to me. I ask you to dwell fully in this space.")

Read the Orphic hymn to Ares if you'd like a little extra elbow grease behind your evocation.

Petition Mars. ("So please get rid of this spirit, it seriously sucks so bad.")

Offer payment. ("In exchange for this help I know you will provide, I give you this candle and also this [small offering].")

Seal the deal. No, you do not need to be able to receive psychic confirmation from a planet or whatever, but do not proceed if you feel any gut-level bad feelings or suddenly get a ton of anxiety. If that happens, be like, "Mars, buddy, never mind - I get a bad feeling about this, so I'm noping out. Thanks for listening while you did. Leave in peace."

But if you feel fine about moving ahead, just be like, "now I give you Mars this offering, and I light your candle, with full and total assuredness that this spirit will be permanently banished from my space, my life, and my home."

[Light the candle, give the offering]

Cleanse

The spirit should be gone before you put up wards

Residual ickyness can make you feel the spirit is still nearby even if its been banished

Cleanse your space and see if the symptoms of the spirit return.

If symptoms return, the spirit has not been banished.

If they don't return,

Put up wards.

Ya got haunted because ya didn't have a fence up to stop random cows from wandering into the garden of your life and trampling all your hard work. Put up the wards.

Oh, but maybe the banishment didn't work, in which case:

Mitigate symptoms.

I mean yeah, maybe try at least a few more types of magical banishing, call in a priest even. But!

Not every spirit can be banished. That's just the long and short of it.

As humans we have the capacity to intertwine our lives, intentionally or otherwise, with forces that cannot be immediately removed from our presence.

Like if the grand spirit of a forest hates all humans and you build a house in the forest, you're not going to be able to banish the forest from the forest, you feel me?

Sometimes, banishing isn't the solution.

As rare as it is, it happens. Make personal protections, use mirror or other illusory wards to hide from its attention, make reparations if possible, avoid attracting attention, and get on with your life.

[witchy-dabblings]

Bacteria do have souls, but binary fission doesn’t produce new souls 99% of the time, so most single celled organisms share these sprawling souls that just get bigger every time they divide. Over time they compact down into these big mats of soul get compacted into geological layers that gradually accrete to the world soul. Sexual reproduction creates new souls but they’re much shorter lived as a result, and rarely make it into the bedrock, so most of the world spirit is from the Proterozoic.

[witchy-dabblings]

Observation:

Salt cleanses spiritual energy and also causes soil to become inhospitible to plant life

Hypothesis:

You can grow spirits in pots

The Experiment:

Using some sort of spirit "seed," I am going to attempt to grow spirits like plants in pots throughout the month of October. As the "seeds" break down from watering, I will be noting any strange happenstances that occur relating to the pots in question.

The seeds I will be using are five (5) sigils randomly drawn using untreated paper and graphene. I will be placing each in a pot that either: has nothing growing in it (1), has plant seeds started in it (2), or has a fully established plant in it (2).

In addition to observing any affect on plant growth, I will also be using divination at the end of October to establish whether or not any spirit seeds have sprouted and are growing.

The Sigils:

The Subjects:

1. Empty Mushroom Pot

2. Herb (Chives, Basil, Oregano) seed pot

3. Capsicum Flexuosum Seed Starters

4. Sad Baby Pawpaw Tree

5. Happy Blueberry Bush

[witchy-dabblings]

Wanna learn energy work? Wanna keep yourself on your toes? Get a rock.

Legit any rock, bonus points if it's got personal meaning. Put it in your hands or in a space where you can see it. Connect to something, like the sun, the moon, a spirit, the earth... Create a circuit, energy goes into you and energy goes out of you. You're not the proprietor of the world, you sustain it and it sustains you.

Find your center point, find the source's center point... Now find the stone's center point. Continue with the circuit. Energy comes into you, leaves you and enters the stone, leaves the stone and back into you, and then back into the source.

The stone becomes more affected and resonant by exposure, now pump it with energy. Give it its own circuit (it takes in energy and sends out energy, sustaining itself) and repeat constantly to just build up the muscle.

[witchy-dabblings]

Modern Magic: Maintenance of Nemetons and Natural Altars.

The careful maintenance of areas used for interacting with nature and the energies of the natural world, is equally important as to what offerings are made to the Gods and Goddesses of the forest and the earth. Maintaining these areas such as Nemetons, Moon Gardens, and Wind Gardens, is vital to not only the physical health of the area and the inhabitants, including you, but to also help the flow of natural energies and vibrations.

Firstly debris is moved to maintain a clean ritual area, free from ticks and other dangerous insects(wildlife). The debris is not to be removed from the area, but to be separated into piles and left to mulch, this mulch will be used in later seasons to decorate the grove. Pathways are to be cleared of debris as well, and if desired natural oils such as mint may be used to further deter pests.

The altar, and altar area, are to be kept tidy and decoration kept minimal as this area's energy will change with each ritual. The Nemeton itself, or the center of your personal grove, is to be decorated with ornaments created from natural materials, preferably from items found within the grove or crafted from local materials. This decor should welcome and honour the spirits of the grove, as well as any spirits or deities one wishes to invoke commonly; tree dresses and effigies are encouraged additions to decor as they convey respect.

Certain ritual items, specifically those of the grove, are to be kept within the grove close to the Nemeton to maintain energetic balance. These items may include natural incense, beeswax candles, small idols or stones, and twine or cord for binding/unbinding ceremonies.

Authors note: Incense sticks, cones, salt, and paraffin wax candles can be harmful to the environment and the ecosystem of the grove and are not to be stored within the area.

[witchy-dabblings]

Types of Protective Magick:

Apotropaic: Usually in the form of amulets, written charms; used to turn away an undesired force. Examples include the Gorgoneion, a holy scripture (such as the Bible, Quran, Havamal, the Bhagavad Gita or the Devi Gita), Iron or Iron-Based Items.

Decoy: Instead of the Malefic Force hitting the practitioner, it gets distracted with an item or representation. Like a poppet, piece of meat.

Spirit Trap: The Malefic Force is given a distraction that prevents it from hurting the practitioner. Can include a layered plant like onion. Some make use of grains of sand, salt or rice which supposedly forces the spirit to count it rather than enter the house.

Offering: An item that is desirable is placed outside the house, the spirit partakes of that rather than entering the home. Especially suited for the Deipnon.

Warding (Spatial): Items are placed around the space that set up a protective barrier. Can become an issue when filtering, make sure to set the intent that malefic is kept out and benefic is allowed in.

Guardians: Statues can be infused to keep watch, allowing good in and evil is warded off. Some animals are very lucky and can be used for magnetizing and pacifying (reducing negative qualities and instilling positive ones in the home)

Floor Washing: Particular herbs or items are noted for their protective qualities. Might not mix Fire Herbs with Water, but it also depends on the space. Martial Herbs might be preferred outside but not in the living space where relaxation and peace is sought. Most basic is basil or salt.

Door Guarding: An item is placed over the door to ward off evil forces, horseshoes, iron, signs with sacred scripture, chalking and so on. A plant can be kept by the front door.

Binding: More active form of pacifying, enemy or force is stopped and blocked by methods. Prevents movement and action being taken against the practitioner. Useful for spirits, a spirit may be bound to a tree or item to prevent it from doing harm until it is decided or mediated. Can be used to help with illnesses and fevers.

Bodily Warding: Amulets worn on the body, strengthens spiritual connection in some cases while preventing unwanted forces from interacting. Veiling is common. St. Cards, Spiritual Scriptures and others can be kept or recited over the self. Useful before rituals.

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[witchy-dabblings]

What if spells radiate in all directions in time, so the reason that it seems like things were destined to work out well even before you cast, is because the spell was working backwards from the point when you cast it.

[witchy-dabblings]

The Little Gods: Spirits of Place in Modern Paganism

In a previous post, we talked about gods, goddesses, and the many ways they can be worshiped in a modern pagan practice. However, the gods are not the only group of spiritual beings honored by modern pagans. While building relationships with deities makes up the bulk of practice for many people, a lot of pagans work with other groups of spirits as well, or may even work more closely with these “smaller” spirits than with the gods. One of these groups is the ancestors, the spirits of deceased humans who are part of our lineage — we’ll talk about them in a future post.

The other group of minor spirits commonly honored by modern pagans, and the topic of today’s post, are what I like to call the Spirits of Place. This is a broad category that includes land spirits, spirits of natural objects like trees and rivers, and spirits of man-made locations like a house or office building. Depending on your personal beliefs, it may also include animal guides, spirits of inanimate objects, and/or spirits honored in specific cultures like the fairies or the elves.

The idea that the world around us is spiritually alive and aware is present in some form in almost every culture and religion, and the worship of these Spirits of Place is well-documented in most historic pagan religions. For example, much of Irish folk spirituality revolves around appeasing the fairies, which we can understand as a special type of land spirit — this continued long after the conversion period, even after the worship of the Irish gods had faded into obscurity. Many Norse pagans honor the landvaettir (land spirits) and husvaettir (house spirits), which have survived in more recent Nordic folklore in the form of spirits like the Danish nisse or Swedish tomte, who are still honored at Christmas in some parts of Scandinavia. In Roman paganism, the lares, who are both land spirits and the guardians of man-made homes and are closely connected to the ancestors, are given a place of honor. Eclectic pagans may pull from one or more of these practices, or may honor their local spirits in their own unique way.

Honoring the Spirits of Place is not exclusive to pagan faiths. Practitioners of New Orleans Voodoo honor the ashe, the sacred energy, of the Mississipi River, one of their most prominent local landmarks. In Shinto, places and objects are said to have their own kami, which can be understood as gods or as spirits. Even in Christianity’s strictly monotheist system, God is often understood to be physically present in the world around us, a philosophy known as panentheism. I offer these non-pagan examples not because I think pagans should copy these other religions, but because I want to make a point about how pervasive the belief in Spirits of Place really is.

Connecting with the Spirits of Place can help us to engage more mindfully and in more meaningful ways with the world around us. When we accept that every plant, animal, rock, and building has its own spirit or soul, we interact with those objects in a more intentional way. We learn to think about our home not just as a place where we live, but as a spiritual entity that we have an active relationship with. We learn to think of our gardens not as a plot of dirt filled with plants, but as a community of land spirits and plant spirits all working together to provide us with nourishment. We learn to think of our cities not as concrete jungles, but as huge collections of spirits as diverse and fascinating as their human inhabitants. When we open our eyes to the spiritual world that exists alongside our own, we begin to see how the spiritual permeates every aspect of human life.

Keep reading

[witchy-dabblings]

[witchy-dabblings]

We smokin' that empyrean. That Akiva OG. That firmament-cracker kush. Shit so blitzed off that Chaldean snake-blaster we touchin' tips with Metatron. We smokin kykeon in the krater hermetis. Opps can't even see me. So trounced off the flowing light we Lingua Incognito. That Beatrice got me abandoning all hope. We smokin' that deep-dirt shit, that telluric, that chthonic chronic. Dick her so deep call it katabasis. I'm Eurydice. I'm gone forever. [1][1b][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

I'm hotboxing the accumulator, so twisted off that Willhelm Reich I'm gonna live forever. My girl a desert. So bricked up on orgone they call me cloudbuster. We smokin' Phlogiston. We smokin' Vril. We smokin' scalar waves. So fucked off sophic salt and six emerald tablets, call me the sun the way that pussy devouring me. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

We smokin' that lemurian crystal surgery crud. That atlantean akashic Koot Hoomi kush. Master so ascended I got my tulpa's tulpa blazed. We on that Nebraskan shaman. We on that Caucasian voodoo. We on that Yakubian private reserve. We smokin' perdurabo in the great pyramid of Giza. Call my dick Bethlehem the way my girl slouching towards it. [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]

WORKS CITED:

[1]: The Empyrean Heaven [1b]: Rabbi Akiva Ben Joseph and the Sepher Yetzirah [2] The Firmament [3] Ancient Near-Eastern Magic [4] Metatron, Enochic Mysticism [5] Kykeon and the Eleusinian Mysteries [6] Ludovico Lazzarelli and neohermeticism [7] Mechthild of Magdeberg [8] Hildegard of Bingen and Lingua Ignota [9] Dante, Canto III [10] Telluric Current [11] The Chthonic World [12] Orphism and Katabasis [13] Willhelm Reich and Orgone Accumulators [14] Orgone theory and weather [15] Antoine Lavoisier and Phlogithon theory [16] Vril energy and Theosophy [17a] Scalar Wave Theory [17b] Failed CIA experiments into Scalar Wave Theory [18] Paracelsus, Sophic Salt, and the Tria Prima [19] The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus [20] Splendor Solis, The Green Lion Devouring the Sun [21] The Lost Continent of Lemuria and the New Age [22] Koot Hoomi, Theosophy, and the Ascended Masters [23] The Besantine Tulpa [24] Neoshamanism [25] Yakub, The Nation of Islam [26] Perdurabo [27] The Second Coming, [28] Yeats and Alistair Crowley

[witchy-dabblings]

I wish online witches and pagans would gravitate away from being afraid to be wrong and more into a “fuck it we ball” attitude about their practice. Religion should be fun and impowering, and not a prison or a box to confine yourself in. The world puts us all in little boxes all the time, and your religion should be the hammer to smash that shit open. 

[witchy-dabblings]

[Title]: Spellcasting At an Intermediate Level

Related Reading (*Highly recommended)

Basics of Spellcasting Intermediate Gnosis* Energy Work Fundamentals Intermediate Energy Work Advanced Energy Work Energetic Constructs Anchors Basics of Astral Projection Non-Sympathetic Magic (Patreon Exclusive) Threshold Theory Correspondences* Visualization: Effective Implementation* Spell Logs* Taglocks Bias in Witchcraft Magical Potency*

Introduction

So you’ve mastered the basics, Congratulations! Intermediate witchcraft represents a transformative phase in a practitioner's journey, where foundational knowledge is expanded and refined through deeper engagement with esoteric principles. Here, practitioners gain an enhanced understanding of gnosis—the direct, experiential knowledge of magical and spiritual truths—and learn to navigate the intricacies of circumstance, aligning their practices with environmental, social, astrological, and energetic influences. Daily rituals become more nuanced, incorporating diverse components such as consistent mindfulness and complex energy work. New methods of spellcasting emerge, emphasizing the importance of precise spell dictation and meticulous record keeping to track efficacy and refine techniques. Continuous learning is vital, as practitioners explore new magical theories and methods while actively participating in their community. This dynamic interplay of personal development and communal exchange fosters a richer, more sophisticated approach to witchcraft, facilitating both individual growth and collective wisdom.

Gnosis & Circumstance

Gnosis

Gnosis, in the context of magical practice, refers to a profound state of experiential knowledge that transcends ordinary cognition. It is not merely intellectual understanding but a deep, intuitive grasp of the underlying currents that shape reality. Gnosis allows the practitioner to perceive and interact with the subtle energies that permeate the world, enabling the manipulation of these energies for specific outcomes. This state is often achieved through altered states of consciousness, wherein the mind operates differently than the mundane, everyday awareness.

Altered states of consciousness are essential for the acquisition and application of gnosis. These states can be described as a spectrum of mental conditions where normal cognitive processes are suspended, allowing access to layers of reality that are usually obscured by ordinary perception. These states can range from light trances to deep, immersive experiences where the boundaries between the self and the environment dissolve. Such states are not merely a psychological phenomenon but are understood as a means of attuning the practitioner's mind to the frequencies that govern the subtle aspects of existence. The deeper the state of consciousness, the more profound the level of gnosis achieved, and thus, the more potent the magical workings can become. 

However, a state of gnosis can be aimed and corralled into a more specific subset of conceptualizations. This technique involves the deliberate construction of intricate thought patterns and networks of ideas that are imbued with the practitioner’s will. These mental networks function as a framework upon which the energies of the spell can be organized and directed.

This practice requires a high level of mental discipline and clarity, as the constructs must be maintained with precision. Any lapse in focus can disrupt the integrity of the mental network, weakening the spell's effectiveness. The process of conceptualization is, therefore, both a mental and energetic act, where the practitioner not only organizes their thoughts but also aligns their energies with the desired outcome. 

Circumstance

Circumstance refers to the external factors and conditions that can influence the effectiveness of magical workings. While gnosis is an internal state, circumstance encompasses the external environment, the emotional and energetic states of those involved, and the alignment of time and space. A deep understanding of circumstance allows the practitioner to harmonize their workings with the natural flow of the natural world, enhancing the potency of their magic.

External factors serve as amplifiers or dampeners of the energy that the practitioner seeks to manipulate. When the circumstances align favorably, the energies flow more smoothly, and the desired outcome is more likely to manifest. Conversely, if the circumstances are in opposition to the desired outcome, the practitioner may encounter resistance, making the working less effective or even entirely ineffectual. Several elements constitute the circumstantial factors that can influence magical workings. These include environmental conditions, the emotional and energetic states of those involved, and temporal and celestial alignments.

The environment in which a spell is cast can have a profound impact on its success. Factors such as weather, temperature, and the presence of natural elements can either support or hinder the flow of energy. For instance, a spell cast during a storm may harness the chaotic and powerful energies of the weather, amplifying its effect. On the other hand, trying to cast a spell in a stifling, oppressive environment may drain the practitioner’s energy, reducing the spell’s potency.

The emotional and energetic states of both the practitioner and those nearby are critical components of circumstance. Emotions can generate powerful energetic fields that may influence the outcome of a spell, either positively or negatively. A practitioner in a state of calm, focused determination is more likely to channel energy effectively than one who is distracted or agitated. Similarly, the emotional states of others in the vicinity can also impact the spell. If those nearby are supportive and aligned with the spell’s purpose, their energies can contribute to its success. Conversely, if they are skeptical, fearful, or antagonistic, their negative energies can interfere with the spell, weakening its effect.

Timing is a crucial element in determining the efficacy of spellwork, with astrological alignments and aspects playing a significant role. The positions and interactions of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, planets, and stars are believed to influence the energies available at any given moment, thereby impacting the success of a spell. 

For instance, a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter might be seen as particularly auspicious for rituals involving love and prosperity, as the energies of these planets synergize to amplify such intentions. In contrast, a square aspect between Mars and Saturn might introduce obstacles or resistance, making it an inopportune time for initiating new ventures. Similarly, certain planetary transits, like Mercury retrograde, are often viewed as periods for reflection and review rather than action.

Combining Gnosis and Circumstance for Effective Spellcasting

Combining gnosis and circumstance is essential for effective spellcasting. While gnosis provides the practitioner with the internal focus and control needed to direct subtle energies, circumstance ensures that these energies are aligned with the natural flow of the world. The integration of these two aspects allows the practitioner to cast spells that are both powerful and harmonious with the surrounding environment. The most effective spells are those where gnosis and circumstance are perfectly aligned. In such workings, the practitioner’s internal state is in harmony with the external environment, creating a synergistic effect that amplifies the power of the spell.

To achieve this, the practitioner must carefully prepare both internally and externally. Internally, they must reach a state of gnosis through techniques such as meditation, breathwork, and mental networking. Externally, they must assess and, if necessary, modify the circumstances to align with the desired outcome. This might involve choosing the right time and place for the spell, ensuring that the emotional and energetic states of all involved are aligned, and selecting an environment that supports the working.

The integration of gnosis and circumstance is not a passive process but requires active engagement and awareness. The practitioner must be attuned to both their internal state and the external environment, constantly assessing and adjusting as necessary to ensure optimal alignment. This might involve making small adjustments, such as altering the timing of the spell or choosing a different location, or more significant changes, such as working to shift the emotional or energetic states of those involved in the working. The difficulty lies in the potential to disrupt the state of gnosis by becoming too rigid, or by allowing the mind to wander too far. Oftentimes, gnosis is broken for simple reasons such as: not having incantations memorized, not knowing exactly where tools or objects are located at the time they are to be used, and being interrupted by another person in person or through cell phone notification(s).

In more complex workings, where multiple practitioners are involved, the importance of aligning gnosis and circumstance becomes even more pronounced. Each practitioner must not only achieve their own state of gnosis but must also harmonize their energies with those of the other participants. This requires a high degree of coordination and communication, ensuring that all involved are in a similar state of awareness and that the external circumstances are conducive to the collective working. The coordination of group magic might involve shared meditative practices, synchronized breathwork, or collective rituals that align the energies of all participants. The external circumstances must also be carefully managed, ensuring that the timing, location, and emotional environment are supportive of the collective intention. When all these elements are in alignment, the combined energies of the group can create a powerful and unified force, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of the spell.

Daily Practices

Integrating spellcraft and spellcasting into daily life is a practice that not only elevates mundane routines but also deepens the practitioner's connection with the underlying forces that shape their existence. By weaving magical practices into everyday activities, one can cultivate a continuous awareness of the subtle currents of energy that permeate all aspects of life. This approach to spellcraft emphasizes the importance of consistent engagement and intentional living, enabling practitioners to harness and direct these energies with precision and purpose.

Incorporating simple rituals and spells into daily life does not require elaborate preparations or rarefied tools; instead, it hinges on the practitioner's ability to imbue routine actions with deeper significance. These daily rituals can be as simple as lighting a candle in the morning, stirring a cup of tea, or walking barefoot on the earth. Each of these actions can be transformed into a magical practice through conscious focus, gnosis, and an understanding of the symbolic and energetic dimensions of the act.

Mindfulness & Energy Work

Magical mindfulness involves cultivating a heightened awareness of the present moment, with an emphasis on the subtle energies that surround and influence us. By integrating this awareness into daily activities, practitioners can transform routine tasks into opportunities for magical work.

One way to incorporate magical mindfulness into daily life is through breathwork. Breath is the most immediate and accessible form of life force, and by consciously controlling the breath, practitioners can influence their own energetic state. A simple practice is to take a few moments each day to focus on the breath, breathing deeply and evenly. This can be done during any mundane activity—such as washing dishes, commuting, or walking. By synchronizing the breath with the rhythm of the activity, the practitioner creates a harmonic resonance between their internal and external environments. This practice not only calms the mind and body but also enhances the practitioner’s ability to channel and direct energy.

Another practice that embodies magical mindfulness is the art of visualization through sensory engagement. As the practitioner goes about their day, they can focus on the sensory experiences of their surroundings—textures, colors, sounds, and scents—using these as focal points for meditation and magical work. For example, while washing hands, the practitioner might focus on the sensation of the water flowing over their skin, envisioning it as a cleansing force that washes away negativity. By engaging the senses in this way, the practitioner deepens their connection to the present moment and harnesses the power of sensory perception in their magical practice.

Energy work, too, can be seamlessly integrated into daily life. Practices such as grounding, centering, and warding can be performed at any time, allowing the practitioner to maintain a balanced and protected energy field. But of all the ways to implement energy work into your daily routine, is by practicing each aspect of basic energy work. Below, I’ve listed each of the basic 7 aspects of energy work. This practice is detailed, multi-layered, and sequential in its approach, suggesting that each aspect builds upon the mastery of the previous one. Let us explore each aspect in detail, considering practical implications. It is recommended that each step is done daily, up to what is feasible.

[These practices are further detailed in my Energy Work Fundamentals and Intermediate Energy Work articles.] (See: Related Reading)

1st Aspect: The Act of Resealing

Concept and Practice:

The first aspect involves a technique of energy reclamation and reintegration. When one experiences intense emotions or sensations (such as joy, awe, fear, anger, or beauty), there is a natural release of energy, often physically felt as "goosebumps" or a tingling sensation. This practice instructs the practitioner to become aware of this released energy and to gather it back into their body. The process described involves feeling for external energies, which should feel similar to smoke or fog, which is then drawn back into the body and stored in the Wellsource. 

Significance:

The act of resealing is significant because it emphasizes the importance of energy conservation and control. By reclaiming and reintegrating energy, one ensures that their energy is not dissipated into the environment but rather retained for personal use. This practice could be seen as foundational, ensuring that the practitioner maintains a stable and contained energetic field.

Mastery:

Able to absorb energy from any given location on the body.

Able to absorb through an area of any possible given size.

Able to absorb at any given rate of flow

2nd Aspect: The Act of Expansion

Concept and Practice:

This aspect focuses on the expansion of one's energy field beyond the physical body. The practitioner is instructed to first become acutely aware of their skin and the sensations across it. Then, by breathing into their wellsource, they are to expand this energy field outward, extending their awareness beyond their physical form. The exercise is essentially an act of growing one's energetic influence and awareness to encompass the space around them. 

Significance:

The release and expansion of energy is crucial for those who wish to interact with the external world on an energetic level. By releasing energy, you can consciously feed projections and constructs into spells or spells into constructs. By expanding one's energy, the practitioner can project their awareness and influence into their surroundings, potentially affecting and interacting with external energies and entities. This practice lays the groundwork for more advanced forms of energetic manipulation.

Mastery:

Able to release energy from any given location on the body.

Able to release through an area of any possible given size.

Able to release at any given rate of flow

Able to expand energetic field and energetic awareness by extension

3rd Aspect: The Act of Form

Concept and Practice:

The third aspect introduces the concept of shaping energy into specific forms. The practitioner is instructed to draw energy from their wellsource into their hands and shape it into a sphere through minute manipulations of their energetic field in tandem with energy being released from their palms, and then into a more complex geometric shape like an octahedron. This exercise involves not just the visualization of the shape as a mould but also the tangible feeling of the energy as it takes form and becomes a distinct entity separate from the practitioner's body or field.

Significance:

Forming energy into shapes is a method of giving structure to one's energetic output. It is a step towards more precise and intentional energy work, where the practitioner can create and manipulate energetic constructs. The ability to give energy form implies control over its properties and purpose, which is vital in any advanced magical practice. Without being able to form energy, a practitioner would be unable to generate energetic constructs.

Mastery:

Able to create and maintain a sphere, octahedron, dodecahedron, tetrahedron, cube, and torus for any given amount of time.

Able to modify the form, but not size, of an object without losing or gaining energy.

4th Aspect: The Act of Density

Concept and Practice:

Here, the practitioner learns to condense their energy into a smaller, denser form. The exercise begins with a sphere of energy, which is then filled with more energy without increasing its size. Eventually, the sphere is condensed to the smallest possible point, concentrating its energy to an extreme degree.

Significance:

Density in energy work is akin to intensity or potency. By mastering this aspect, the practitioner gains the ability to concentrate vast amounts of energy into a small, powerful form. This could have numerous applications, from creating more effective energetic tools or shields to enhancing the impact of energetic or magical work. It also teaches the practitioner the importance of not just quantity of energy, but quality and concentration.

Mastery:

Able to create a form and manipulate its energetic density to any given degree without altering its size or form.

Able to generate hyper-dense energetic constructs at an infinitesimally small size.

5th Aspect: The Act of Precision

Concept and Practice:

Precision involves directing one's energy with pinpoint accuracy. The practitioner starts with their dense, microscopic sphere of energy and transforms it into a sliver, which is then directed toward a specific target. The sliver can be expanded or contracted as needed, but the focus is on the ability to direct this energy with extreme precision.

Significance:

Precision is vital in energy work, especially in applications that require targeted effects, such as healing, protective wards, or the manipulation of specific aspects of reality. By mastering precision, the practitioner ensures that their energy reaches exactly where it is intended, without waste or unintended side effects. This also involves a heightened level of control over one’s energy.

Mastery:

Able to control minute but hyper dense quanta of energy with precision without losing concentration

6th Aspect: The Act of Mitosis

Concept and Practice:

The act of mitosis involves the division of one's energy into multiple identical forms. The practitioner begins with a single sphere of energy, which is then divided into two, and then these two are divided again, continuing until the forms are innumerable. The challenge here is to maintain the energy in each form without losing any of its potency or control.

Significance:

This aspect symbolizes the ability to replicate and distribute one's energy without loss of power or coherence. It could be seen as a metaphor for creating multiple points of influence or for multitasking on an energetic level. The ability to maintain many identical forms of energy suggests a mastery of control and a deep understanding of the nature of energy itself. This skill could be essential in complex rituals, where multiple energetic tasks must be performed simultaneously.

Mastery:

Able to create a simple form and then split it into a minimum of 32 individual units, each with unique paths through space with unique velocities while maintaining size, form, and density of each form. 

7th Aspect: The Act of Frequency

Concept and Practice:

The final aspect involves the alteration of the vibrational frequency of one's own energy. The practitioner first creates a spherical form of energy and observes its natural color and vibration. Then, through intent and breath, the practitioner alters this form, changing its color and vibrational quality. The practitioner is encouraged to notice the effects of these changes on their own body and surroundings.

Significance:

Frequency in this context relates to the vibrational quality of energy, which can influence how it interacts with other energies and matter. By mastering frequency, the practitioner can fine-tune their energy to resonate with or counteract other frequencies. This skill is crucial for advanced energy work, where the practitioner needs to align their energy with specific outcomes or harmonize with external forces. This final aspect suggests a culmination of all previous skills, where the practitioner not only controls and shapes their energy but also tunes it to the desired frequency for precise and effective results.

Mastery:

Able to manipulate the qualities of any given quanta of energy to any other desired qualities, without using outside interference to accomplish it.

Integrating the Seven Aspects

The Seven Aspects together form a comprehensive system of energy mastery. Each aspect builds upon the last, leading the practitioner from basic energy reclamation to advanced manipulation of frequency. The journey through the aspects is one of increasing control, precision, and understanding of one's energy and its interaction with the world.

This system emphasizes not just the technical aspects of energy work but also the importance of awareness and intent. Each exercise requires the practitioner to be fully present and conscious of their actions, reinforcing the idea that energy work is not just about power but about mindfulness and deliberate action.

In a broader spiritual or esoteric context, mastering the Seven Aspects could be seen as a path to self-mastery, where control over one's energy equates to control over one's life force, emotions, and interactions with the universe. This path could lead to a heightened state of being, where the practitioner is in harmony with their own energy and the energies of the world around them.

Exploring New Casting Methods

Understanding the Flow and Manipulation of Energy

Energetic magic represents one of the most fundamental aspects of magical practice, revolving around the ability to perceive, harness, and manipulate the subtle currents of energy that permeate all things. At its core, this practice demands sensitivity to these energies, allowing the practitioner to tap into these forces and mold them according to their will. Doing so expands the means through which practitioners can cast spells.

To cast purely energetic magic, one must first recognize that energy is not confined to physical forms or measurable quantities. It exists in a spectrum that ranges from the dense, tangible energies found in material objects to the more elusive, subtle forces that underlie space. This energy can be found in the natural world, within the human body, and even in the abstract connections between entities and ideas. Practitioners of energetic magic learn to perceive these flows, sensing the way energy moves, accumulates, and disperses. This heightened awareness is crucial, as the manipulation of these forces requires a delicate balance of precision and strength.

Astral Magic

Astral magic involves the exploration and manipulation of spatial and non-physical dimensions of existence. Central to this practice is the concept of astral projection, wherein the practitioner consciously separates their awareness from their physical body, enabling them to navigate these unseen realms.

In this state, the practitioner navigates expansive realms of consciousness and environments that elude the physical senses. These experiences are often characterized as intensely vivid and beyond the scope of ordinary reality, with perceptions that surpass conventional sensory limitations. Importantly, such experiences are independent of physical senses, and relying on practices like visualization can actually obstruct the practitioner's efforts. The sensory experience of these non-physical planes defies easy description, leading many practitioners to resort to analogies. While vision might serve as a metaphor for certain energetic perceptions, it falls short in capturing essential elements like dimensionality and scale. Moreover, though spirits may traverse planes accessible to the practitioner, they do not reside within these realms. A key marker of a genuine non-physical experience is the absence of interaction with spirits, particularly the lack of any structured spirit society. The presence of such a concept should immediately raise suspicion, as it suggests personal narrative rather than authentic experience.

During astral projection, a practitioner retains the ability to cast spells with full efficacy. This approach is particularly effective for performing non-sympathetic magic, which does not depend on the use of a taglock or the principles of sympathetic magic. Unlike sympathetic magic, which often requires a physical link to the target, non-sympathetic magic operates independently of such connections. However, it is important to note that this form of spellcasting is most efficiently conducted within our standard spatial dimension, rather than in any extradimensional spaces. The reason for this is that the practitioner needs direct access to their intended target, something that is best achieved within the confines of the physical world. 

Attempting to cast in an extradimensional context can introduce complexities that may diminish the spell's effectiveness, as the practitioner's connection to the target becomes less direct and more abstract. While astral projection offers a unique vantage point and can provide valuable insights, the mechanics of casting often require the practitioner to be firmly anchored in their native spatial reality. This ensures that the magical energy is channeled precisely and reaches its intended target without unnecessary distortion or delay. Thus, while astral projection can complement and enhance spellwork, it is most effective when combined with the physical presence required for non-sympathetic magic. 

[This practice is further detailed in my Non-Sympathetic Magic article on Patreon.] (See: Related Reading)

Fate Magic

Fate magic, a branch of occult practice that deals with the manipulation of destiny, operates on the belief that the threads of one's life are not entirely fixed, but can be influenced or redirected through magical means. This concept is rooted in the idea that fate is not a singular, unchangeable force, but rather a complex web of possibilities and probabilities, each interconnected and subject to change. This type of working becomes easier to conceptualize if these strings of fate are thought of as having an energetic make up. 

In fate magic, the practitioner seeks to understand the underlying patterns and forces that shape their own life and the lives of others. This involves a deep exploration of the concept of destiny, recognizing that while some aspects of life may be predestined or inevitable, others remain fluid and open to influence. The practitioner learns to identify the key moments or decisions that hold the greatest potential for altering the course of fate, and through their magical work, they seek to nudge these moments in the desired direction.

Fate magic opens an interesting discussion of the philosophy of self-determination vs. predetermination, or free-will vs. predetermined action. In my personal experience working with fate in magical practice, I have found that some arguments of both stances resonate true. Especially when multiverse theory is considered. 

Techniques for Influencing and Altering Fate

The practitioner must first gain a clear understanding of the current trajectory of events, often through direct experience, visions derived from dreams, and divinatory practices such as cartomancy, cleromancy, or scrying. These methods provide glimpses into the possible futures that lie ahead, allowing the practitioner to identify the points of greatest influence as well as potential paths of least resistance.

Once the practitioner has identified the target, they can employ a variety of techniques to influence fate. One common method involves the use of sympathetic magic, where the practitioner creates a symbolic representation of the desired outcome and then enacts a series of ritual actions designed to bring it into reality. This may involve the use of candles, herbs, or other ritual tools, each chosen for their specific correspondences to the desired outcome.

Another technique involves the direct manipulation of fate strings. In this practice, the practitioner seeks to alter the flow of energy through these strings, either consciously or by severing them through a cord-cutting ritual. The energies within fate strings are complex and difficult to transmute as a whole, but can be gradually adjusted by introducing various energetic compounds. The rate of flow through fate strings is easier to accomplish, however. These practices can be done using visualization as a tool, but not as the practice. Rather, the practitioner needs to affect the string through its connecting point at the Wellsource.

Common examples of Fate-Altering Spells and Rituals

Fate-altering spells and rituals can take many forms, depending on the specific goals and circumstances of the practitioner. Here are a few examples that illustrate the diversity and complexity of fate magic:

- The Web of Fate Ritual (European Paganism): This sympathetic ritual involves creating a physical representation of the interconnectedness of events and choices. The practitioner constructs a web-like structure using threads or cords, each strand symbolizing a different aspect of fate. At the center of the web lies the practitioner’s goal or desired outcome. As the ritual progresses, the practitioner methodically manipulates the strands, symbolically altering the connections between different aspects of fate to guide the overall outcome towards the center. This ritual is particularly useful for complex situations where multiple factors need to be influenced simultaneously.

The Crossroads Spell (African Diaspora): Drawing from traditions that associate crossroads as places of power, this spell seeks to influence a pivotal decision or moment in the practitioner's life. The crossroads are symbolically represented, and the practitioner must meditate on the different paths available to them. Offerings are made to the forces that govern fate, asking for guidance or intervention to ensure that the chosen path leads to the desired outcome. This spell emphasizes the importance of choice and the critical moments that can determine the course of one's life.

The Turning of the Wheel (Wiccan): This spell is designed to influence the cycles and phases of life, often used when the practitioner seeks to end a period of difficulty or initiate a new phase of growth. The "wheel" represents the cycles of time and fate, and the ritual involves the physical turning of a wheel-like object, such as a disk or stone. As the wheel turns, the practitioner focuses on the transition from one phase to another, directing energy to bring about the desired change. This spell is particularly potent during natural transitions, such as solstices, equinoxes, or significant personal milestones.

Evocation, Invocation, and Spirit Contracts

It should be noted that most easily accessible information regarding Invocations and Evocations are from Ceremonial Magick sources, such as Order of The Golden Dawn, Rosicrucianism, and Thelema (Crowley). While these practices exist across many diasporas, these sources are far more published in writing since most other traditions require initiation and/or are passed down orally. These readily available sources derive most of their practices through the gradual evolution of ideas taken from Jewish, Taoist, Arab diasporic, Kemetic, and Hindu traditions combined with interpretations of medieval texts and Gnosticism. 

Evocation is the practice of calling forth spirits, deities, or other non-physical entities into the presence of the practitioner. Unlike invocation, which involves inviting an entity to enter the practitioner’s body or consciousness, evocation keeps the entity external, allowing for interaction without direct possession. This distinction is crucial, as it delineates the boundaries of influence and control in the ritual.

The purpose of evocation varies widely, ranging from seeking knowledge or guidance to requesting assistance in magical workings. The practitioner must possess a thorough understanding of the nature of the entity they intend to summon, including its attributes, strengths, weaknesses, and any historical or mythological context that might influence its behavior. This knowledge is essential not only for successful evocation but also for ensuring the safety and efficacy of the ritual.

Preparing for and Conducting Evocation

Preparation for evocation involves several key steps, each designed to create the optimal conditions for summoning the entity and ensuring a controlled interaction. The first step is the purification of the ritual space, which may involve cleansing with incense, salt, or other purifying substances. This process serves to clear any unwanted energies or influences, creating a neutral environment where the entity can manifest without interference.

Next, the practitioner must construct a protective barrier, often in the form of a circle or triangle, to contain the summoned entity and prevent it from acting beyond the confines of the ritual. This barrier is typically created using a combination of symbols, words of power, and energetic techniques, each chosen for their effectiveness in controlling the specific type of entity being evoked. The practitioner must also prepare offerings or sacrifices, depending on the nature of the entity, as a sign of respect and as a means of appeasement.

The actual process of evocation begins with the recitation of a summoning incantation, which may be drawn from traditional grimoires or composed by the practitioner. The incantation serves as a focal point for the practitioner’s will, calling the entity forth from its domain into the physical or mental plane. During this process, the practitioner must maintain a state of heightened awareness and control, as the entity may resist or challenge the summoning. Once the entity has been successfully evoked, the practitioner must engage in dialogue or negotiation, clearly stating their purpose and intentions while being mindful of the entity’s nature and potential responses.

Building Relationships with Entities

While evocation isn't necessary to interact with spirits, successful evocation often leads to ongoing relationships with the summoned entities, particularly if the practitioner intends to work with them regularly. Building a strong relationship with an entity involves mutual respect, trust, and a deep understanding of each other’s needs and capabilities.

One of the primary ways to build such a relationship is through regular offerings and rituals that honor the entity. These acts of devotion demonstrate the practitioner’s commitment and respect, fostering goodwill and cooperation. The practitioner may also seek to learn more about the entity’s preferences, attributes, and history, using this knowledge to tailor their rituals and interactions in ways that are pleasing to the entity.

In some cases, the relationship may evolve into a form of mentorship, where the entity provides the practitioner with guidance, knowledge, or power in exchange for continued offerings or services. These relationships can be highly beneficial, but they require careful management to ensure that the balance of power remains equitable and that the practitioner does not become overly reliant on the entity.

Contractual Considerations and Safety Measures

When working with powerful entities, particularly those of a more complex or dangerous nature, it is often common and necessary to establish formal agreements or contracts. These contracts outline the terms of the relationship, including what the entity will provide, what the practitioner will offer in return, and any limitations or boundaries that must be observed.

Crafting a spirit contract requires precision and clarity. The terms must be explicit and unambiguous, leaving no room for misinterpretation or exploitation. This often involves the use of traditional legalistic language or the incorporation of specific magical terms that bind the entity to the agreement. The contract may be inscribed on parchment, sealed with specific symbols or sigils, and consecrated through ritual actions to ensure its validity.

Safety measures are paramount when engaging in spirit contracts or any form of evocation. The practitioner must be aware of the potential risks, including the possibility of deception, coercion, or retaliation from the entity. Protective measures, such as the use of wards, protective talismans, or the invocation of higher powers for protection, are essential to safeguarding the practitioner and maintaining control over the ritual.

Additionally, the practitioner must be prepared for the possibility that the entity may not honor the terms of the contract or may attempt to renegotiate or alter the agreement. In such cases, the practitioner must remain firm and assertive, using the terms of the contract and their own magical authority to enforce compliance. If necessary, the practitioner should be prepared to banish the entity, using whatever means are appropriate to sever the connection and end the relationship.

Compounding Multiple Elements into a Single Spell

The principle of synergy in magical practices involves the interplay of various energetic elements to achieve a unified effect. This harmony arises when distinct components of a spell complement each other, creating a more potent and cohesive outcome. When diverse elements, such as symbols, actions, or materials, are combined, they interact in a manner that amplifies their collective influence. This can be likened to how a well-orchestrated symphony produces a richer auditory experience than individual instruments played in isolation.

The integration of various methodologies and components into a single spell demands a comprehensive understanding of their individual properties and how they interact. Multidisciplinary integration involves aligning disparate elements, each with its own specific energetic qualities and functions, into a singular operational framework. This process requires an adept grasp of how different magical practices, symbols, or rituals can be interwoven to create a cohesive spell structure. 

The psychological and emotional states of the practitioner play a significant role in the efficacy of compounded spells. Emotional resonance and mental clarity can greatly influence how well different components coalesce. For instance, a practitioner’s emotional state might affect how well they can focus and channel their energies. Emotional intensity and psychological readiness can either enhance or hinder the integration of multiple spell elements, making the practitioner’s internal state a crucial factor in the spell’s success.

While harmony is often emphasized, the strategic use of dissonance can also be valuable. Dissonance between components can create dynamic tensions that drive change or transformation. For example, contrasting elements may interact in a way that generates a powerful catalytic effect. This can be seen in situations where opposing energies or conflicting symbols are used deliberately to provoke a desired outcome or to facilitate a significant shift. The key lies in understanding how to manage and direct these tensions to achieve a productive result.

Streamlining Elements into a Unified Conceptualization

A coherent magical framework is essential for the successful execution of a spell involving multiple elements. This framework serves as a blueprint, guiding how each component fits into the overall design. It involves outlining the purpose of each element, determining how they will interact, and establishing a clear sequence of actions. The goal is to ensure that all components work together harmoniously, with each part contributing to the intended outcome without causing conflicts or redundancies. Balancing diverse energies involves ensuring that the various components of a spell do not overshadow each other or cause imbalances. This requires a careful assessment of each element’s energetic properties and how they align with one another. Techniques such as adjustment of proportions, sequencing of actions, and modulation of intensity can help achieve this balance. The aim is to create a spell where the combined energies enhance each other, rather than compete or interfere with one another.

Conflicts and inconsistencies between spell components can undermine the spell’s effectiveness. Identifying and resolving these issues involves analyzing the potential sources of discord, such as conflicting symbolic meanings or contradictory energies. Practitioners must be adept at making adjustments, whether through reconfiguration of components or through the implementation of harmonizing techniques, to ensure that all elements work towards a common goal without causing detrimental effects.

The Benefits and Challenges of Complex Spellwork

Multi-element spells often exhibit enhanced effectiveness due to the combined potency of various components. Each element contributes its unique properties, potentially amplifying the overall impact. The precision of such spells can also be improved as different aspects address specific facets of the intended outcome, allowing for a more targeted approach. The use of multiple elements expands the scope of spellwork, allowing practitioners to address a wider range of issues or goals. This flexibility enables the adaptation of spells to different contexts or requirements, making them more versatile and applicable in diverse situations. By incorporating various techniques and materials, practitioners can tailor their spells to more precisely fit their needs.

One of the primary risks of complex spellwork is overcomplication, which can lead to energy dilution. When too many elements are incorporated without careful planning, the spell may become convoluted, with the energies becoming scattered rather than focused. This can result in diminished effectiveness or even failure of the spell.

The complexity of multi-element spells introduces a higher risk of unintended consequences. The interaction of various components can produce unexpected results, particularly if the energies are not properly balanced or if there are conflicts between elements. Practitioners must be vigilant in anticipating and managing these potential issues to avoid adverse outcomes.

Compounding multiple elements into a spell necessitates a high level of skill and knowledge. Practitioners must possess a deep understanding of each component’s properties and how they interact. This requires advanced training and experience, as well as the ability to manage complex energetic dynamics effectively.

Planning and Preparation

Each component of a spell possesses distinct properties and associations that influence its role within the spell. Assessing these properties involves understanding how each element contributes to the overall energetic structure. This includes evaluating the symbolic meanings, energetic qualities, and practical applications of each component.

Evaluating the purpose and alignment of spell components involves ensuring that each element serves the intended function and aligns with the overall goal. This includes assessing how components will interact with each other and how their properties contribute to the desired outcome. Consistency in purpose and alignment is crucial for achieving a coherent and effective spell.

Structuring a Multi-Faceted Spell

Developing a structured plan involves identifying and establishing the core components of the spell. These components form the foundation of the spell’s structure and include the primary elements that will drive its effectiveness. Each core component must be carefully selected based on its role and contribution to the overall goal.

The sequence and timing of spell components are critical to the spell’s success. Determining how and when each element will be introduced or activated ensures that the spell progresses in a coherent and orderly manner. Proper sequencing helps maintain focus and alignment, preventing disruptions or conflicts.

Integrating multiple techniques involves blending various magical systems or methodologies to create a unified approach. This may include combining different ritual practices, symbolic systems, or energetic techniques. The challenge lies in harmonizing these systems so that they complement rather than contradict each other.

Utilizing varied ritual actions involves incorporating diverse techniques and actions into the spell. This may include a combination of physical actions, verbal invocations, and mental focus. The goal is to create a dynamic and multi-faceted approach that enhances the spell’s effectiveness through diverse means.

Designing the ritual space and atmosphere involves creating an environment conducive to the spell’s success. This includes setting up physical space, arranging ritual tools, and establishing the desired ambiance. A well-designed ritual space supports the practitioner’s focus and facilitates the flow of energy.

Coordinating multiple ritual elements involves ensuring that all aspects of the ritual work together harmoniously. This includes synchronizing the timing, actions, and focus of each element to maintain a cohesive and effective ritual process. Coordination helps prevent disruptions and ensures that the spell’s components function in concert.

Execution and Follow-Up

Preparing the ritual space involves arranging the physical environment to support the spell’s execution. This includes setting up the ritual tools, creating a clean and organized space, and ensuring that the area is free from distractions or disruptions. The physical setup should reflect the nature of the spell and facilitate the practitioner’s focus and engagement.

Creating energetic boundaries involves establishing a protective and supportive field around the ritual space. This can be achieved through various methods, such as casting a circle, invoking protective forces, or using symbolic barriers. Energetic boundaries help contain the spell’s energies, prevent interference, and create a focused environment for the ritual.

Grounding and centering are preliminary rituals that prepare the practitioner for effective spellcasting. Grounding involves establishing a connection with the earth to draw stability and balance, while centering focuses on aligning the practitioner’s internal energies. These practices help the practitioner achieve a state of readiness, enhancing their ability to direct their energies and maintain focus during the spell.

Invoking protective and empowering forces involves calling upon energies or entities that support and safeguard the spell. This can include invoking deities, spirits, or elemental forces, depending on the practitioner’s tradition and preferences. The purpose is to create a supportive and secure environment that enhances the spell’s effectiveness and protects against potential negative influences.

Following the pre-defined sequence involves executing the spell according to the established plan and timing. This includes performing each action or step in the prescribed order to ensure that the energies and components interact as intended. Adhering to the sequence helps maintain the integrity of the spell and ensures that all elements contribute to the desired outcome.

Monitoring energy flow involves observing the dynamic interactions of the spell’s components and making any necessary adjustments. This may include adjusting the intensity, direction, or focus of the energies as needed. Being attuned to the flow of energy allows the practitioner to respond to any changes or issues that arise during the spellcasting process.

Observing immediate outcomes involves paying attention to any changes or reactions that occur as a result of the spell. This includes noting any shifts in energy, alterations in circumstances, or responses from individuals or entities involved. Recording these observations helps assess the initial impact of the spell and provides insights into its effectiveness.

Recording sensory and emotional responses involves documenting the practitioner’s experiences and feelings during and after the spell. This can provide valuable information about the spell’s impact and effectiveness. Sensory responses, such as changes in temperature or perception, as well as emotional reactions, can offer clues about the spell’s success and any adjustments that may be needed.

Analyzing Long-Term Effects

Analyzing long-term effects involves assessing the spell’s success in achieving its intended goals. This includes evaluating the overall impact, comparing the results with the desired outcomes, and determining whether the spell met its objectives. Long-term evaluation helps gauge the effectiveness of the spell and provides insights for future practices.

Identifying patterns and trends involves analyzing any recurring effects or outcomes that emerge over time. This can include observing consistent results, noting any trends in the spell’s effectiveness, or recognizing patterns in the response to different components. Identifying these patterns helps refine future spellwork and enhance overall efficacy.

Gathering feedback through self-reflection involves evaluating the practitioner’s own experiences and insights regarding the spell. This includes analyzing personal observations, feelings, and reactions to the spell’s outcomes. Self-reflection helps the practitioner understand their role in the spell’s success and identify areas for improvement.

Seeking external perspectives involves obtaining feedback from others who may have been involved in or observed the spell. This can include consulting with fellow practitioners, mentors, or individuals affected by the spell. External perspectives can provide additional insights and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the spell’s impact.

Adjusting and Refining Techniques for Future Spells

Analyzing challenges and failures involves reviewing any difficulties or shortcomings encountered during the spell. Identifying areas of improvement requires assessing what went wrong, understanding the causes of any issues, and determining how to address these problems in future practices. This process helps enhance the practitioner’s skills and refine their techniques.

Learning from mistakes and successes involves reflecting on both positive and negative outcomes to gain insights and knowledge. Understanding what contributed to the spell’s success or failure provides valuable lessons that can be applied to future spellwork. This continuous learning process helps improve the effectiveness of magical practices over time.

Refining methods and approaches involves updating ritual techniques based on the insights gained from previous experiences. This may include adjusting specific actions, modifying the sequence of steps, or incorporating new practices to enhance effectiveness. Regular updates and refinements ensure that the practitioner’s techniques remain relevant and effective.

Enhancing elemental integration involves improving how different components and energies are combined within a spell. This includes optimizing the alignment of various elements, refining the balance between them, and ensuring that they work together harmoniously. Enhanced integration leads to more effective and cohesive spellwork.

Keeping a magical journal involves documenting detailed records of each spell, including the components used, the process followed, and the outcomes observed. A well-maintained journal serves as a valuable resource for tracking progress, identifying trends, and making informed adjustments to future practices.

Revising ritual frameworks and techniques involves periodically reviewing and updating the methods and approaches used in spellwork. This includes making adjustments based on documented experiences, feedback, and new insights. Regular revisions ensure that the practitioner’s practices remain effective and aligned with their goals.

Troubleshooting and Refining Your Practice

In the practice of magic, encountering instances where desired outcomes are not achieved is a common occurrence. Analyzing these failures is crucial to improving one's craft. Several factors may contribute to the ineffectiveness of magical operations, and understanding these can provide pathways to enhancement.

One prevalent reason for the failure of magical workings is a misalignment between the practitioner's energy and the specific nature of the spell. This misalignment may arise from insufficient preparation or a lack of synchronization between the practitioner's focus and the intended outcome. For instance, if a practitioner’s mental state is fragmented or their energy is dispersed, the spell's efficacy may be compromised.

Another common issue is the improper use or placement of symbolic elements. In magical practices, the symbolic representation of objects plays a significant role. If the chosen symbols or materials are not appropriately connected to the intended effect, the spell's potency can be diminished. This misalignment could be due to a misunderstanding of the properties or significance of the objects used. Inadequate ritual structure is another factor that may contribute to unsuccessful magical operations. Rituals often involve complex steps that must be meticulously followed. Omitting or inaccurately performing key elements of the ritual can lead to a lack of coherence and, consequently, a failure to manifest the desired result.

Environmental factors also play a crucial role in the success of magical workings. Factors such as ambient energy, environmental disturbances, or conflicting energies can impede the effectiveness of a spell. Practitioners must consider these elements and ensure that their environment is conducive to their magical efforts.

Techniques for Diagnosing and Correcting Issues

To address the issues causing spell failures, practitioners can employ several diagnostic and corrective techniques. One effective method is to perform a thorough post-operation analysis. This involves reviewing each step of the spell, from preparation through execution, to identify any deviations or discrepancies. Reflecting on the process helps pinpoint areas that may need adjustment.

Another technique is to engage in self-assessment and introspection. Practitioners should evaluate their mental and emotional states during the spellcasting process. Ensuring that one’s focus is unwavering and that emotional disturbances are minimized can significantly impact the outcome. Techniques such as meditation or grounding exercises may help stabilize one's energy and enhance concentration. Additionally, reviewing and refining the use of symbolic elements is essential. Practitioners should reassess the significance of the objects and symbols used in the spell. Ensuring that these elements are correctly aligned with the intended outcome can enhance their efficacy. Adjustments might involve selecting different symbols or materials that more accurately represent the desired effect.

Environmental considerations are also crucial. Practitioners should assess the surroundings for any factors that might interfere with the spell, such as external noise or disruptions. Creating a controlled and harmonious environment can help mitigate these issues and support the spell's success.

Adjusting Your Techniques

Experience is a valuable teacher in magical practices. As practitioners accumulate knowledge and insights from their experiences, they should continuously adapt and refine their techniques. This iterative process involves adjusting methods based on observed results and integrating new understanding into practice.

Adapting techniques requires flexibility and openness to change. Practitioners should be willing to experiment with different approaches and adjust their rituals and methods accordingly. This may involve altering the components of a spell, modifying the ritual structure, or employing new techniques for energy manipulation. By experimenting and observing the outcomes, practitioners can discover more effective methods tailored to their individual practices.

Refining techniques also involves incorporating lessons learned from both successful and unsuccessful spells. Analyzing what worked well and what did not provides valuable insights for future practices. Practitioners should document their experiences and outcomes to build a comprehensive understanding of their methods and refine their approach over time.

Learning from successes and failures is integral to the development of magical proficiency. Successes provide valuable feedback on what elements and techniques were effective. Practitioners should analyze successful spells to identify the factors that contributed to their efficacy. This includes evaluating the preparation, execution, and symbolic elements involved. Failures, while often discouraging, offer equally important lessons. Analyzing unsuccessful spells helps practitioners understand what went wrong and what changes need to be made. It is crucial to approach failures with a constructive mindset, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. By examining the causes of failure and making necessary adjustments, practitioners can enhance their skills and increase the likelihood of future successes.

Building a Knowledge Base

Building a knowledge base involves gathering and synthesizing information from a variety of sources. Practitioners should engage in continuous learning to expand their understanding of magical principles and techniques. This can include studying historical practices, exploring different cultural approaches, and learning from contemporary sources. Practitioners may also benefit from developing a personal compendium of insights gained from their experiences. This may involve keeping detailed records of spells, rituals, and their outcomes. By reviewing and analyzing this compendium, practitioners can track their progress, identify patterns, and refine their methods.

Finding trusted mentors and seeking peer support can greatly enhance a practitioner’s development. Mentors, with their experience and expertise, can provide valuable guidance and feedback. They can help practitioners navigate challenges, refine techniques, and broaden their understanding of magical practices. Internet mentorships within the witchcraft community can present significant dangers, particularly the potential for predatory power structures. The anonymity and lack of accountability inherent in online interactions can enable manipulative individuals to exploit newcomers' vulnerabilities. These so-called mentors may position themselves as gatekeepers of esoteric knowledge, using their perceived authority to control, coerce, or even abuse those seeking guidance. Without the safeguards of face-to-face interactions and established communal oversight, it becomes challenging to discern the intentions of such mentors. Additionally, the rapid spread of misinformation and dogma, often presented as ancient wisdom, can lead to harmful practices and unhealthy dynamics. The power imbalance between a mentor and a mentee can foster dependency, stifling personal growth and autonomy. Thus, it is crucial for practitioners to approach online mentorships with caution, seek multiple perspectives, and prioritize their own discernment and well-being over blind adherence to any one figure's teachings.

Peer support is also beneficial. Engaging with a community of practitioners allows for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights. This collaborative environment fosters learning and growth, as practitioners can share their successes, failures, and techniques. Participation in discussions, workshops, and group practices can provide additional perspectives and support.

Books, online forums, and workshops are valuable resources for practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge and refine their practices. Books offer in-depth exploration of magical principles, techniques, and historical contexts. They can provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding and practice. Online forums and communities provide platforms for discussion, exchange of ideas, and feedback. Practitioners can connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences. Engaging in these forums can provide practical advice, support, and alternative perspectives. Workshops and seminars offer opportunities for hands-on learning and direct instruction. It must also be said that written media, regardless of source is guaranteed to have some bias, mostly found throughout the publisher. Be sure to bear biases in mind when using books or online media as a reference and take active notes on it. Attending workshops allows practitioners to learn from experienced teachers, engage in practical exercises, and gain new insights. Workshops also facilitate networking and collaboration with other practitioners.

Maintaining Efficacy Standards

As practitioners progress to more advanced levels of spellcasting, maintaining high efficacy standards becomes increasingly important. Advanced spellcasting involves complex techniques, nuanced understanding of energy dynamics, and precise execution. Practitioners must ensure that their methods are refined and that they adhere to rigorous standards of practice. Considerations for advanced spellcasting include a deep understanding of the interplay between different magical components. Practitioners must be adept at manipulating various forms of energy and integrating them effectively. This requires not only technical skill but also a heightened level of awareness and control. Ethical considerations also play a significant role in advanced spellcasting. Practitioners must be mindful of the potential consequences of their actions and ensure that their practices are aligned with responsible and ethical standards. This includes respecting the autonomy of others, avoiding harmful effects, and practicing with integrity. Responsible and effective practice is fundamental to the success and integrity of magical work. Practitioners should approach their work with a sense of responsibility, ensuring that their actions are well-considered and that they respect the broader implications of their practices.

Effective practice involves maintaining clarity of purpose, rigorous preparation, and precise execution. Practitioners should continuously refine their techniques and strive for excellence in their work. This includes regularly reviewing and updating their methods, seeking feedback, and remaining open to learning and growth. Responsible practice also entails maintaining a balanced perspective and avoiding over-reliance on magical techniques. Practitioners should integrate their magical work with practical actions and consider the broader context in which they operate. This holistic approach ensures that magical practices are grounded in a comprehensive and ethical framework.

Expanding Your Magical Horizons

Expanding one's understanding of magic necessitates an examination of practices across a variety of cultures. To this end, conducting thorough research is essential. This involves immersing oneself in the historical and contemporary contexts of different traditions. Each culture offers a unique perspective on magical practices, reflecting its values, cosmology, and societal norms. Engaging with primary sources such as ancient texts, folklore, and anthropological studies provides a foundational understanding. Secondary sources, including academic papers and interpretations by contemporary scholars, further contextualize these practices.

Incorporating elements from diverse traditions involves more than superficial adoption. It requires a nuanced approach, respecting the integrity and origins of each practice. For instance, the integration of practices from Indigenous cultures necessitates an awareness of the cultural significance and historical context behind them. Misappropriation, where elements are taken out of context or used without understanding, can undermine the tradition and disrespect its practitioners. Effective integration involves adapting these practices in a manner that aligns with one's existing framework of magical practice. This means translating principles and techniques in ways that harmonize with one's own methodologies while honoring their original contexts. Practitioners must be attentive to the ethical dimensions of this integration, ensuring that their approach does not trivialize or commercialize sacred traditions.

Continuous Learning and Development

The field of magical practice is dynamic and constantly evolving. Staying informed about the latest developments is essential for maintaining a relevant and effective practice. This involves regularly reading recent publications, attending conferences, and participating in online forums or discussion groups. Keeping abreast of new research and discoveries allows practitioners to incorporate contemporary insights into their work. Innovations in magical theory, advancements in ritual techniques, and emerging cultural influences can all impact and enhance one’s practice. Engaging with current literature and scholarship ensures that one’s practice remains vibrant and responsive to new ideas. Additionally, staying updated involves critically evaluating new information and integrating it thoughtfully. Not every development will be applicable or beneficial, so discernment is necessary to determine which insights align with one's goals and methodologies. This ongoing evaluation helps in refining and evolving one's magical practice over time.

A commitment to lifelong learning is fundamental for continuous growth as a practitioner. This dedication involves embracing the idea that magical practice is an evolving journey rather than a static destination. Regularly setting aside time for study, reflection, and experimentation fosters ongoing development. Participating in advanced training, mentorship programs, or specialized courses can further enhance one's skills and knowledge. Seeking guidance from experienced practitioners and engaging in mentorship relationships provide opportunities for personalized growth and deeper understanding. Lifelong learning also entails cultivating an attitude of curiosity and openness. Exploring new areas of study, experimenting with unfamiliar techniques, and challenging one’s assumptions contribute to a richer and more nuanced practice. This proactive approach to learning ensures that one remains engaged and inspired throughout their magical journey.

Recording and Reflecting on Your Journey

Keeping a detailed journal is a valuable practice for documenting one's magical journey. A journal serves as a repository for insights, observations, and progress, providing a record of experiences and lessons learned. Regular entries can track the evolution of one’s practice, highlight successful techniques, and identify areas for improvement. Documenting rituals, spells, and magical work allows practitioners to analyze their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Notes on personal reactions, environmental factors, and outcomes contribute to a deeper understanding of how different elements influence magical practices. Over time, this accumulated knowledge can lead to more refined and effective approaches. Additionally, a magical journal can serve as a tool for reflection and growth. Reviewing past entries helps practitioners recognize patterns, assess their development, and set future goals. This reflective process enhances self-awareness and facilitates the ongoing refinement of one’s practice.

Reflection is a critical component of personal and professional growth in magical practice. Regularly assessing one’s experiences, successes, and challenges provides valuable insights into one’s progress and areas for development. This introspective process helps practitioners understand how their practices align with their goals and values. Evolving as a practitioner involves integrating these reflections into one’s ongoing work. This means adapting practices based on insights gained, experimenting with new techniques, and continually striving for improvement. Embracing change and flexibility ensures that one’s practice remains dynamic and responsive to personal growth.

Engaging in reflective practices also fosters a deeper connection with one’s magical work. By understanding the broader implications of their practices and their impact on personal development, practitioners can cultivate a more meaningful and purposeful approach to magic. This ongoing process of reflection and evolution is key to achieving long-term success and fulfillment in the magical arts.

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[witchy-dabblings]

Title: Psychic Abilities & Mental Illness

Suggested Reading

Bias in Witchcraft Dualities Finding Balance Personal Narratives Pt. I Psychic Abilities: First Steps

Disclaimer: I am not a medical or psychological professional. If you need or want help, there are services and aids listed at the end of the article! The content provided aims to approach a complex topic with care and respect. It is not intended to invalidate or undermine any individual's beliefs or experiences, or insinuate that those who may have psychic abilities are mentally ill. Instead, the objective is to shed light on the subject matter in an informative and sensitive manner. Readers are encouraged to approach the content with an open mind and to respect the diverse perspectives and beliefs of others. 

Those with mental illness are not any less human or deserving of love and respect. Understanding Psychic Abilities

Psychic abilities, a term frequently utilized to describe a vast array of non-ordinary sensory and cognitive skills, have been a topic of interest and skepticism throughout history. These faculties are believed by many to enable individuals to perceive, understand, or respond to information that is not accessible through standard human senses. Here, we'll delve into some of the common types:

Telepathy: Often described as mind-to-mind communication, telepathy pertains to the transfer of thoughts, emotions, or information directly from one individual's mind to another's without the use of traditional sensory channels or external means.

Empathy: This refers to the ability to psychically tune into the emotional experiences of another individual. Unlike common emotional empathy that many humans naturally experience, psychic empathy suggests a deeper, intuitive understanding of another's feelings.

Precognition: Precognition involves gaining knowledge of an event before it occurs. Often associated with premonitory dreams or feelings, it's the perceived ability to foresee potential future outcomes.

Clairvoyance: Derived from the French words "clair" (clear) and "voir" (to see), clairvoyance is the alleged capability to gain information about objects, people, locations, or events through means other than the human senses. It's often referred to as "second sight."

Clairsentience: Meaning "clear feeling", this ability involves acquiring psychic knowledge through feelings or physical sensations. A clairsentient might, for instance, feel physical symptoms of another or sense the history of an object they touch.

Claircognizance: Literally "clear knowing", claircognizance refers to the intuitive ability where individuals just "know" something to be true, without any rationale or evidence.

Psychometry: A subset of clairsentience, psychometry involves reading the energy of objects. By holding or touching an object, individuals with this ability claim to perceive information about its history or the emotions of its previous owners.

Scientific Studies on Psychic Phenomena

The scientific community's approach to psychic phenomena has, understandably, been one of caution and rigorous scrutiny. While some studies suggest statistical anomalies that might indicate the presence of psychic phenomena, the results often lack consistency or replicability. This inconsistency makes it challenging for the scientific community to universally accept or validate psychic phenomena.

For instance, the Ganzfeld experiments, conducted in the latter half of the 20th century, aimed to test telepathy under controlled environments. Participants were subjected to sensory deprivation, while another individual tried to mentally send them an image. Initial results indicated a higher-than-chance level of accuracy in the received images, though these findings have been critiqued for methodological flaws.

Furthermore, the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Lab conducted numerous studies on psychokinesis (the ability to influence physical systems with the mind) and found statistical evidence in favor of the phenomenon. However, many in the scientific community question the robustness and validity of these experiments.

Societal Perception of Psychic Abilities

Psychic abilities, with their enigmatic nature, have evoked mixed reactions from society. Throughout history, those claiming psychic skills have been revered, feared, ridiculed, or sought for counsel. In ancient civilizations, oracles and seers played vital roles in decision-making processes, often influencing the course of significant events.

In contemporary culture, the portrayal of psychic abilities ranges from revered spiritual guides to entertainment figures, like TV mediums or characters in fiction. This spectrum of representation often leads to a dichotomized public opinion: some individuals hold a deep respect and belief in psychic phenomena, seeking guidance or validation from those who claim such abilities, while others view it with skepticism, attributing such claims to fraud, delusion, or cognitive biases.

Psychic Abilities: Personal Experiences

The rich tapestry of human experience contains myriad accounts from those who assert they possess psychic abilities. Such narratives often share common themes, despite originating from disparate backgrounds and cultures. A few illustrative examples include:

Premonitions in Dreams: An individual recounted a dream where they were in a location they had never visited, engaged in a specific activity with individuals they had never met. Months later, the individual found themselves in the exact situation they had dreamt about, with every detail aligning.

Empathic Sensations: Another individual described walking into a room and being suddenly overwhelmed with emotion—feeling profound sadness or elation that seemed to emanate from someone else present. Only later would they discover that the person had just experienced a significant life event that correlated with the emotions felt.

Telepathic Connections: One account involved two close friends separated by vast distances. One friend experienced a sudden, inexplicable urge to contact the other, only to discover that at that precise moment, the other was undergoing a critical situation and had been thinking intensely about them.

The Role of Personal Beliefs in Experiencing Psychic Phenomena

Cognitive science suggests that personal beliefs and expectations play a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions and experiences. This principle extends to experiences categorized as psychic phenomena.

Individuals with a predisposition or openness to non-ordinary experiences might be more attuned to, or observant of, events that align with psychic narratives. For instance, someone who believes in precognition may be more likely to notice when a dream aligns with a future event, while simultaneously disregarding the multitude of dreams that bear no relation to subsequent experiences.

Conversely, those who are staunch skeptics may experience events that could be interpreted as psychic but dismiss them as mere coincidences or cognitive missteps. Their foundational beliefs serve as a filter, shaping the interpretation and recollection of events.

Moreover, cultural and societal beliefs can amplify or suppress individuals' perceptions of psychic events. In societies where such phenomena are accepted or revered, individuals may feel more validated in their experiences and be more likely to share or notice them.

Perception and Interpretation of Psychic Experiences

Operating under the premise that psychic experiences are genuine and real, their interpretation becomes paramount in understanding the phenomena's broader implications.

Neurological Mechanisms: Some posit that the brain possesses as-yet-undiscovered capacities allowing for psychic perceptions. These may arise from subtle nuances in neural processing or the interplay of various brain regions. For example, certain stimuli, potentially subliminal, might be processed and interpreted in ways that give rise to seemingly precognitive or telepathic experiences.

Unified Consciousness Theory: This theory proposes that all consciousness is interconnected at a fundamental level. If one subscribes to this viewpoint, telepathy or empathic experiences could be rationalized as brief glimpses into this interconnected matrix of awareness.

Non-linear Time Perception: If psychic experiences like precognition are assumed genuine, it suggests that human perception of time, typically viewed as linear, might sometimes be non-linear. This implies that under certain conditions or states of consciousness, individuals can perceive events from what we categorize as the "future."

Environmental Sensitivities: Assuming clairsentient and psychometric experiences genuine, it suggests some individuals possess heightened sensitivities to environmental cues. They might pick up on subtle energy shifts or changes, translating these into specific feelings or knowledge.

Psychic Abilities and Mental Health

The interplay between psychic phenomena and mental health has been a topic of considerable interest and contention among researchers, clinicians, and the public. While some perceive psychic experiences as manifestations of heightened sensitivity or alternative modes of perception, others regard them as symptomatic of psychological or neurological disorders. 

Several factors contribute to this intersection:

Subjectivity: Psychic experiences, by their very nature, are subjective. Two individuals might interpret the same event differently—one as a psychic occurrence and another as a product of their psychological state.

Societal Stigma: In some cultures or communities, claiming psychic abilities might be met with skepticism, ridicule, or concern for one's mental health. This societal reaction can impact individuals' psychological well-being, leading to anxiety, isolation, or depression.

Neurological Overlap: Some researchers propose that the brain regions activated during certain psychic experiences may overlap with those implicated in specific mental health disorders. For instance, heightened activity in the temporal lobes has been associated both with certain psychic phenomena and specific neurological conditions.

Mental Health Conditions Often Confused with Psychic Abilities

Several mental health disorders have symptoms that can superficially resemble psychic experiences, leading to potential confusion:

Schizophrenia: One of the hallmarks of schizophrenia is the presence of hallucinations, which can be auditory, visual, or sensory. An individual might hear voices or perceive events that aren't objectively occurring. Given the vivid nature of these hallucinations, they might be mistaken for psychic experiences like clairaudience or clairvoyance.

Bipolar Disorder: During manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, individuals might feel a heightened sense of connection, profound epiphanies, or rapid streams of ideas. Such states might be misinterpreted as claircognizance or other psychic insights (Especially with BPD type 1).

Dissociative Disorders: Individuals with dissociative disorders might experience a detachment from reality or feel that the world around them is surreal. Such episodes can be confused with experiences often described in psychic narratives, like feeling out of one's body or sensing alternate realities.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Seizures originating in the temporal lobes can produce intense emotional experiences, hallucinations, or feelings of déjà vu. Given their profound and often spiritual nature, these experiences can be misinterpreted as psychic or mystical insights.

The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Psychic Phenomena

Mental health professionals play a pivotal role in differentiating between genuine psychic experiences and symptoms of mental disorders. Their approach can greatly influence the well-being and self-perception of those seeking help:

Assessment and Differential Diagnosis: Clinicians are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments to differentiate between psychic experiences and potential mental health disorders. Tools such as clinical interviews, standardized assessments, and, if necessary, neurological evaluations can aid in this differentiation.

Support and Validation: For individuals who believe in their psychic experiences, it's essential for mental health professionals to approach the topic with sensitivity and openness. Even if a clinician is skeptical, validating the individual's experiences and emotions can foster trust and facilitate therapeutic rapport.

Education and Referral: Professionals can provide resources or refer individuals to support groups where they can safely discuss and explore their experiences. For those who exhibit symptoms of a mental disorder, appropriate treatment plans, including therapy or medication, can be recommended.

Ethical Considerations: Mental health professionals must navigate the fine line between respect for individual beliefs and the ethical obligation to provide evidence-based care. Dismissing psychic experiences without thorough evaluation can lead to misdiagnosis, while uncritically accepting them might overlook underlying mental health issues.

Mental Illness: A Deeper Look

Mental illnesses, often referred to as psychological disorders, encompass a broad range of conditions affecting mood, cognition, behavior, and overall functioning. These disorders arise from a complex interplay of genetics, environmental factors, neurochemical imbalances, and psychosocial stressors.

Depressive Disorders: Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Dysthymia are common examples.

Anxiety Disorders: These involve excessive and prolonged feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. Examples include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder.

Bipolar Disorders: Encompass mood disorders that involve episodes of mania (heightened energy, rapid thinking) and depression.

Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders: Defined by distorted thinking, hallucinations, and delusions.

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: Characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Can develop after exposure to a traumatic event and may involve flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

Personality Disorders: Chronic and pervasive behavioral patterns that deviate significantly from cultural expectations, such as Borderline, Narcissistic, or Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Symptoms of these disorders vary but can include disturbances in thought processes, emotional dysregulation, social withdrawal, fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms.

Narratives from Individuals Living with Mental Illness

Personal narratives provide a window into the lived experiences of individuals grappling with mental illness. These accounts often underscore the profound impacts of these conditions on daily life, relationships, and self-perception.

One individual with bipolar disorder described the oscillating nature of their condition as a "turbulent sea." During manic episodes, they felt invincible, brimming with ideas, only to plummet into profound depressive episodes where even getting out of bed felt like an insurmountable task.

A person with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) recounted their daily struggle as "carrying a heavy backpack everywhere." They detailed the constant worry, overthinking every decision, and the physical toll—racing heart, sweating, and tremors—that accompanied their anxiety.

An individual diagnosed with schizophrenia spoke of the challenge of differentiating between reality and hallucinations. They described hearing voices—sometimes benign, sometimes malicious—and the fear and isolation that these experiences engendered.

In the lived experience of those who struggle with mental health, the significance of personal narratives cannot be overstated. These firsthand accounts of lived experiences furnish insights that transcend clinical descriptions and diagnoses. They humanize abstract concepts, bridging the chasm between empirical data and the visceral realities of those affected. While diagnostic criteria provide a framework for understanding mental disorders, they often lack the nuance and depth of personal narratives. These stories shed light on the unique intersectional experiences of individuals, revealing the myriad ways symptoms manifest and impact daily life.

Personal narratives can dismantle stereotypes and debunk myths surrounding mental illness. Hearing directly from affected individuals often challenges, and even refutes, pre-existing assumptions and biases. Narratives enable listeners or readers to step into the shoes of those with mental illness, fostering empathy and understanding. This connection can be a catalyst for greater societal support and advocacy.

Diverse Experiences: Personal Narratives from Different Cultures

The experience of mental illness is deeply influenced by cultural contexts. Personal narratives from diverse backgrounds elucidate how cultural norms, values, and beliefs shape the understanding and experience of psychological disorders. In some cultures, auditory hallucinations might be interpreted as spiritual communications or ancestral messages, rather than symptoms of a disorder like schizophrenia. Personal narratives can reveal these culturally-specific interpretations, offering a richer understanding of the individual's experience.

An individual from a community where mental illness is stigmatized might narrate their struggles with secrecy, shame, and isolation. Conversely, a narrative from a culture that integrates mental health into general well-being might emphasize communal support and holistic approaches. Narratives can also highlight the interplay between traditional healing practices and contemporary psychiatric treatments. An individual might recount their journey through herbal remedies, spiritual rituals, and psychotherapy, illuminating the multifaceted approaches to mental health across cultures.

How Personal Narratives Shape Treatment and Therapy

The therapeutic landscape is increasingly recognizing the value of integrating personal narratives into treatment modalities. By acknowledging and incorporating these stories, clinicians can tailor interventions to resonate more deeply with individuals.

Individualized Treatment Plans: Personal narratives provide detailed insights into the unique challenges, strengths, coping mechanisms, and aspirations of an individual. Armed with this knowledge, clinicians can devise treatment plans that align closely with the individual's lived experience.

Narrative Therapy: This therapeutic approach places the individual's narrative at the center of treatment. By exploring and reconstructing their stories, individuals can reframe negative perceptions, identify patterns, and forge new, empowering narratives.

Empowerment and Agency: Personal narratives can be instrumental in empowering individuals. By articulating their stories, individuals often reclaim agency, reasserting control over their narratives and, by extension, their lives. This process can be transformative, fostering resilience and self-efficacy.

Facilitating Therapeutic Alliances: Sharing personal narratives can bolster the therapeutic relationship. When individuals feel heard and validated, trust is strengthened, paving the way for more effective therapeutic interventions.

The Stigma of Mental Illness in Society

Despite advancements in understanding the neurobiological and psychosocial underpinnings of mental illness, stigma persists. This negative societal attitude can manifest in various ways:

Misconceptions and Stereotypes: Media often portrays individuals with mental illness as unpredictable, dangerous, or weak-willed. Such portrayals perpetuate myths and misunderstandings about these conditions.

Discrimination: Stigmatizing beliefs can lead to discriminatory behaviors. Individuals with mental illness may face barriers in employment, housing, or social inclusion.

Self-Stigma: Those with mental disorders might internalize negative societal beliefs, leading to feelings of shame, decreased self-worth, and hesitancy in seeking help.

Barriers to Treatment: Stigma can deter individuals from seeking timely and appropriate care. Fears of judgment, ostracization, or professional repercussions can prevent open discussions about mental health.

Intersectionality: Being a woman, POC, and/or queer person can add stigma upon stigma when approaching the medical system. Especially in the current sociopolitical climate.

Addressing and eradicating this stigma requires multifaceted efforts, including public education campaigns, inclusive media representation, and advocacy. It's imperative for society to shift from viewing mental illness through a lens of judgment to one of empathy and understanding. Rest assured, there are allies out there who want to help.

Reality: A Philosophical Perspective

Reality, an ostensibly simple concept, becomes a labyrinthine topic when delved into through the lens of philosophy. Various philosophical schools offer distinct interpretations, exploring the nature, existence, and understanding of what is deemed "real."

Empiricism: Rooted in the belief that knowledge originates from sensory experiences, empiricists argue that reality is constructed through direct observations and experiences. What can be measured, seen, heard, or otherwise detected through the senses forms the bedrock of empirical reality.

Rationalism: This school contends that reason and intellectual processes, rather than sensory experience, are primary sources of knowledge about reality. Rationalists, like René Descartes, posited that certain truths about reality can be discerned through pure reason alone.

Phenomenology: Pioneered by philosophers like Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger, phenomenology explores reality as it is subjectively experienced. It emphasizes the individual's conscious experience and interpretations of the world.

Existentialism: Propounded by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, existentialism grapples with the inherent meaning, or lack thereof, in reality. It postulates that individuals must forge their own essence and purpose in an otherwise indifferent or even absurd universe.

Philosophy illustrates just how subjective and varied interpretations of reality can be, but they all have a common thread, which lies in mass shared experiences.

Reality as Perceived by Individuals with Psychic Abilities

For those claiming psychic abilities, the contours of reality often expand beyond the conventional. Their perceptions might encompass phenomena typically excluded from mainstream conceptions of reality.

Individuals with purported psychic abilities might perceive energies, emotions, or information inaccessible to the standard sensory spectrum. For them, reality is a richer tapestry of impressions. Those professing precognitive abilities might experience reality in a non-linear fashion, where past, present, and future intermingle.

Some report a profound sense of interconnectedness, suggesting that all beings and objects are deeply interwoven at a fundamental level, thus influencing their perception of reality.

Reality as Perceived by Individuals with Mental Illness

For individuals with certain mental disorders, the perception of reality can diverge significantly from commonly accepted norms. This altered perception, whether subtle or profound, deeply influences their interactions with the world.

Individuals with conditions like schizophrenia might grapple with hallucinations, where they perceive stimuli (e.g., voices or images) that aren't present. Delusions, or deeply held false beliefs, further skew their interpretation of reality. For instance, a person might be convinced they possess unique powers or are being persecuted. While those with dissociative disorders might experience episodes where the world feels unreal or distant. They might feel detached from their surroundings, themselves, or both, making reality seem ephemeral or dreamlike.

Individuals with mood disorders, such as major depression or bipolar disorder, might interpret reality through the lens of their fluctuating emotions. During a depressive episode, the world might seem bleak and devoid of hope, while mania might render it vibrant and overflowing with possibilities. While those grappling with anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder or PTSD, might perceive threats more acutely, leading to a heightened, often distressing, sense of reality.

Reality: Personal Experiences and Interpretation

Reality, while often considered a universally shared experience, is deeply influenced by individual narratives and personal histories. Our understanding and interpretation of the world are inextricably linked to our experiences, upbringing, and cognitive processes.

Cognitive Frameworks: From the early stages of cognitive development, individuals begin to form mental structures to categorize and understand their experiences. Over time, these structures, influenced by upbringing, culture, and individual experiences, shape how one interprets and interacts with their surroundings.

Memory and Recollection: Our memories play a crucial role in constructing our reality. How we recall events, the emotions associated with these recollections, and the significance we assign to them contribute to our narrative and, consequently, our perceived reality.

Subjective Interpretations: No two individuals experience events in precisely the same manner. Personal biases, past experiences, and even physiological factors, such as sensory acuities, can lead to different interpretations of the same event, underscoring the subjective nature of reality.

The Fine Line between the Impacts of Psychic Abilities and Mental Illness on Perceived Reality

Both psychic abilities and mental illnesses can profoundly influence one's perception of reality, often blurring the lines between the two.

Shared Experiences: Individuals with psychic abilities might perceive energies or events outside the typical sensory spectrum. Similarly, someone with specific mental illnesses might experience hallucinations or heightened perceptions. In both cases, discerning the source or validity of these perceptions can be challenging.

Validation and Verification: One primary distinction often lies in external validation. While psychic experiences may occasionally find corroboration from external sources (e.g., another individual validating a precognitive vision), hallucinations or delusions stemming from mental disorders typically lack external validation.

Self-awareness and Control: Individuals with psychic abilities often exhibit a degree of control or awareness about their experiences. In contrast, those with mental illnesses might not always recognize the divergence of their perceptions from conventional reality.

Societal Influences on Individual Perception of Reality

Societal structures, cultural norms, and collective beliefs play an integral role in shaping an individual's understanding of reality. Cultures have varied beliefs, traditions, and frameworks for understanding the world. An event or phenomenon interpreted as a spiritual experience in one culture might be seen as a psychological phenomenon in another. The information to which an individual is exposed, whether through education, media, or personal interactions, profoundly influences their perception of reality. Media, in particular, with its potent storytelling capabilities, can shape collective narratives and, by extension, individual perceptions.

Humans, being inherently social creatures, often align their perceptions with the collective beliefs of their community. Peer influences, societal expectations, and shared values can all converge to shape an individual's understanding and experience of reality. There’s also an evolutionary perspective to consider. Aligning one's perception of reality with societal norms might have offered adaptive advantages, promoting social cohesion and reducing potential conflicts within the community. Perceived reality is far from being a static, universally shared construct, emerging as a fluid and multifaceted concept, molded by personal narratives, physiological factors, and societal influences. Recognizing the myriad factors that contribute to individual perceptions of reality underscores the richness of human experience and the profound interconnectedness of personal and collective narratives.

Interplay of Psychic Abilities, Mental Illness, and Reality

The dichotomy between psychic abilities and mental illness has long been a subject of intrigue and debate, weaving a complex narrative about perceptions and experiences that challenge the conventional sensory spectrum. While both phenomena manifest outside what is typically understood, they stand in distinct corners when viewed through the lens of societal constructs. Delving into their origins and etiology, psychic abilities, as professed by some, frequently elude a clear causal pathway. In contrast, many mental illnesses can be traced back to identifiable causes, be it genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, or traumatic events. When broaching the topic of validation and verifiability, the terrain becomes even more intricate. Psychic experiences inherently carry a veil of subjectivity, often standing outside the realm of empirical validation. Meanwhile, despite their subjective nature, mental illnesses can be anchored and diagnosed using standardized criteria buttressed by observable symptoms. Furthermore, the functional impact of these experiences paints a contrasting picture. Individuals who claim psychic abilities often articulate how these experiences enrich their lives, offering unique perspectives and insights. Conversely, mental illnesses frequently cast a shadow on daily life, introducing elements of distress or disability that can impede routine functioning..

It is essential to approach the topic of psychic experiences with both openness and analytical rigor. While it's crucial to avoid dismissiveness, it's equally vital to apply critical thinking to understand the nuances and complexities of such phenomena. Regardless of individual beliefs, the narratives and experiences related to psychic phenomena offer a compelling glimpse into human perception and cognition.

Impact of Personal Narratives on Perception of Psychic Abilities and Mental Illness

Personal narratives, shaped by individual experiences and societal influences, play a pivotal role in defining and understanding both psychic abilities and mental illness. The backdrop of community and social interactions can further reinforce or challenge these narratives.

Communal Reinforcement: Within specific communities or groups, shared beliefs or experiences related to psychic phenomena can reinforce individual convictions. For example, in a group where many claim psychic abilities, an individual might feel their personal experiences validated, irrespective of external evidence.

Pathologizing Divergent Experiences: In contrast, in societies where psychic abilities are stigmatized or misunderstood, individuals claiming such abilities might be labeled as mentally ill, even in the absence of any other symptoms or functional impairments.

Enforced Delusion through Social Feedback: An individual's beliefs or perceptions can be further entrenched through feedback from their social environment. If an individual expresses a belief, and it is consistently validated or reinforced by their community, the belief can solidify, even if it diverges from broader societal norms.

Reality: The Common Ground between Psychic Abilities and Mental Illness

Perceived reality serves as a context wherein experiences related to psychic abilities and mental illness emerge. These experiences, divergent from standard interpretations of reality, share underlying commonalities. Both psychic phenomena and manifestations of mental illness exist within the domain of subjective realities. Those who experience these realities might perceive them differently from the widely accepted version of reality. Individuals with psychic tendencies or mental health challenges often find themselves maneuvering between these two dimensions of reality. This navigation requires them to juxtapose their personal experiences against the collective consensus of the larger society. This dynamic poses its own set of challenges: harmonizing individual experiences with collective perspectives, seeking external validation, and addressing the discrepancies between personal beliefs and widely-held views. Embedded in these experiences is a consistent search for clarity and validation. Whether it's an individual validating their psychic insights or another highlighting the nuances of their mental state, there is a continuous effort to find coherence, understanding, and a sense of belonging within the broader societal framework.

For those struggling with mental illness, 

it's crucial to know that help is available, regardless of one's financial situation or concerns about stigma. From first hand experience, once professional help is sought willingly, it becomes less of "struggling" and more "living with" mental illness. Here are some avenues to consider:

National Crisis Helplines:

These services are underutilized in times of crisis for obvious reasons, but they can also help you find programs to help you!

USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) offers free and confidential support for people in distress.

International: Befrienders Worldwide offers crisis helplines in numerous countries.

Local Community Mental Health Centers:

These centers often operate on a sliding scale, meaning they adjust fees based on one's ability to pay.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs):

In the U.S., FQHCs provide services regardless of one's ability to pay. They offer mental health and substance use disorder services in addition to primary healthcare.

Find a center near you: [HRSA Health Center Locator]

Free or Low-Cost Clinics:

Some clinics, often associated with universities or training institutions, offer therapy on a sliding scale or even for free, provided by trainees under professional supervision.

Online Platforms and Hotlines:

Platforms like 7 Cups offer free, anonymous emotional support through trained listeners.

Support Groups:

Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer support groups for individuals and families.

Medication Assistance Programs:

For those in need of medication but lacking the funds, programs like the [NeedyMeds] or the [Partnership for Prescription Assistance] can provide assistance.

Telehealth Services:

Especially relevant given the increasing move to online platforms due to various reasons, including the global pandemic. Telehealth can be more private, reducing the perceived stigma of visiting a mental health facility.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

Many employers offer EAPs, which provide confidential mental health services as part of their benefits packages.

Advocacy and Information Organizations:

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers support, referral information, and lots of resources for individuals with mental illness.

Mental Health America (MHA): Provides numerous resources, toolkits, and information on mental health.

Concerns about Stigma:

For those concerned about stigma, consider therapists or organizations specializing in discrete services or find communities online that offer anonymous peer support.

Consider reading personal stories and testimonials. Organizations like [Mind] and NAMI often share personal stories that can provide solace, understanding, and a sense of community.

Educate Yourself:

Knowledge can be empowering. Understand your rights, especially when it comes to workplace discrimination or healthcare rights. In the U.S., for instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers protections against workplace discrimination for those with some mental health conditions.

If you valued this article, check out my Masterpost.

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This article and others are made possible through the support of you! Meegs Jinsu

My supporters of Mystic ($10/mo) and higher had access to this article 2-4 weeks in advance. If you're interested in supporting me, check out this post.

This article was reviewed and edited by ChatGPT.

[witchy-dabblings]

Colour Magick Correspondences & Ideas

*longer read*

Pretty easily applied for both beginner, closet and experienced practitioners alike! Can be used in most areas of mundane and magickal life (with some ideas listed below).

White

→ Cleansing, clarity, blessing, healing, innocence, truth, connection to spirits or the spiritual world, divine connection, consecration, dream work, psychic connection, purity, rest, moon magic, angelic work, devotion, harmony, prayer, peace, purification, universal truths. White can also be used as an all-purpose color for your intention when the color you want is not available.

Black

→ Banishing, transformation, uncrossing, endings, domination, protection, reversing, repulsion, freedom from evil, cursing, cloaking, sophistication, security, emotional safety, closure, breaking patterns, grief, mourning, absorbing, removing, trapping, encasing, the unconscious, mystery, shielding from the evil eye, *similarly to white - as black is an absence of colour it can be used for any colour if you don’t have them available* - personal opinion

Red

→ Passionate love, energy, action, attraction, sexuality, magnetism, will, force, anger, fire within, courage, warmth, lust, drive, pleasure, vitality, vigor, excitement, desire.

Orange

→ New opportunities, new ventures, new beginnings, change of plans, encouragement, opening the way, removing blocks, physical comfort, warmth, security, ambition, creativity, courage, optimism.

Yellow

-> Optimism, prosperity, happiness, good luck, attraction, success, confidence, visibility, fame, self-esteem, communication, concentration, focus, inspiration, intellect, logic, memory, knowledge, learning.

Green

→ Prosperity, abundance, wealth, generosity, money luck, career, growth, fertility, gambling luck, business, a good job, harmony, balance, healing, self-love, altruism, universal love, contact with fae and nature spirits.

Blue

→ Reconciliation, harmony, peace, kindness, healing, ideas, intelligence, wisdom, loyalty, sleep, meditation, communication, creativity, dream work, trust, blessings, calm, forgiveness, truth, bliss, inspiration, fidelity, honesty.

Purple

→ Healing, calming, tranquility, spirituality, meditation, pacification, cooperation, sensitivity, compassion, empathy, selflessness, empowerment, controlling, commanding, mastery, power, ambition, achievement, charisma, luxury, expansion, psychic ability, spirituality, authenticity, truth, transformation, insight, justice, wisdom, politics, divination, ESP, intuition, wishes, influence.

Pink

→ Romantic love, friendship, soul mates, sweet feelings, emotional healing, heart connection, affection, family love, admiration, physical tranquility, nurturing, warmth, youthfulness, healing grief, compassion, forgiveness, beauty, unconditional love.

Brown

→ Justice, balance, grounding, court cases, legal matters, being down-to-earth, practical matters, seriousness, reliability, support, stability, safety, earth, nature, animals, home, nostalgia, basic needs being met, balance.

Grey

→ Neutrality, neutralizing, invisibility, working in “gray areas,” anonymity, hiding from others, working in-between worlds, secrets, occult and arcane wisdom, reversing, uncovering mysteries and secrets, lifting curses, undoing prior spell work.

Silver

→ Dreams, intuition, psychic work, courtesy, honor, moon magic, rhythm, cycles, divination, illusions, glamour spells, wisdom.

Gold

→ Prosperity, fame, luxury, generosity, optimism, wisdom, enlightenment, victory, sun magic, confidence, life force, power, attraction, magnetism, vigor, charisma.

*highly recommend Madame Pamita’s Book of Candle Magic - covers colour magic especially in relation to spell work with candles.

Ideas

→ candle magick

→ glamour magick - also wearing/makeup using a colour which corresponds to the property you desire (good for closet witches)

→ sigil magick

→ craft magick

→ kitchen witchery - eg. Putting a specific colour food dye in a cake or drink etc

(Essentially anything you want!)

Merry meet,

Atti <3

[witchy-dabblings]

Herb's Properties part 2

Apple: Garden magic, love, healing and wisdom, vanity, marriage and beauty.

Agrimony: Shielding and hex-breaking, aids sleep, brings luck towards you and is powerful in spell reversal.

Allspice: Money, luck, healing, love

Benzoin: Purification, prosperity, helps to soothe tension by dispelling anger and lessening irritability, de stressing, helps with depression, concentration, astral projection

Catnip: love, luck, happiness, beauty.

Cardamom: Lust, love, and fidelity. Sweetens the personality

Cumin: Fidelity, protection, exorcism.

Damiana: Love, lust, lucid dreaming, astral projection

Elder Tree: Sleep, releasing enchantments, protection against negativity, banishing.

Ginseng: Love, beauty, healing and lust.

Hibiscus: Love, lust, dreams, divination.

Hawthorn: Change, rebirth, protection, emotional healing, and happiness in relationships

Lemon Balm: Love, fertility, anti-depressant, and soothing emotional pain

Mandrake: Strengthens spells, protection, fertility, and courage

Nettle: Courage, breaking curses, healing, protection, crossing thresholds, and renewal

Patchouli: Connecting with spirits, attracting money, increasing fertility, love, and seduction

Rue: Protection, health, clarity, and purification

Sage: Longevity, wisdom, protection, dispels negative energy

St. John’s Wort: Preventing colds and fevers, banishing, protecting against hexes, prophetic dreams, and increasing courage

Witch Hazel: Protection, chastity, easing grief over a lost love, and warding off evil[

Yarrow: Healing, divination, love, promotes courage and confidence

Tip jar Herb's Properties Part1

[witchy-dabblings]

Herb's Properties

Basil:  money, luck, prosperity, happiness

Bay Leaf: energy, cleansing, can be charged with almost any intention

Camomile: Caring, kindness, luck, growth, self-love growth, confidence, avoiding negativity, happiness

Cinnamon: passion, quick success, fire magick

Chia seeds: Growth, health, kindness, Property

Chilli flakes:  Pride, confidence, power, strength, Passion

Cumin: Courage, bravery, protection, loyalty

Dandelion: wishes, charisma, success, good luck

Dill: sexual love, luck, protection

Eucalyptus: cleansing, healing, purifying, relaxing, comfort

Fennel:  hate, anger

Flax seeds: Prosperity, growth, new beginnings

Ginger: fiery passion, success, and personal power

Jasmine: love, dreams, sensuality, luxury and kindness

Lavender: love and attraction, purification, relaxation, restful sleep

Nutmeg: luck, Health, Fidelity, Love, Prosperity, comfort, loyalty

Oregano:  comfort, love, warmth

Paprika:  Pride, confidence, power, strength

Parsley: Cleansing. purification

Peppermint: healing, purification, love and energy, cleansing, prosperity

Poppy seeds: protection, intuition, self-assurance, hexing and cursing

Rose: love, beauty, harmony, romance, attraction

Rosemary: cleansing, purification, wisdom, protection

Sesame seeds: Prosperity, growth, health, nurturing

Spearmint: love, cleansing, renewal, blessing

Sunflower seeds: happiness, growth, joy

Thyme: beauty, strength, courage

Turmeric: confidence, creativity, energy

Vanilla: love and sexuality

tip jar

[witchy-dabblings]

Related Articles

Visualization Vs. Conceptualization Visualization, Reiki, & Fascism Introduction to Gnosis Basics of Spellcasting Spell Design Introduction to Energy Work Energetic Constructs The Subtle Body Energetic Senses The Cost of Energy Work

Introduction

Visualization is a tool that harnesses the power of imagination and perception. Through the deliberate creation of detailed mental imagery and the infusion of unwavering clarity, one can navigate the vivid construct of the mind, fostering a profound connection between the envisioned reality and the path to its actualization. Aphantasia, a cognitive condition characterized by the inability to summon voluntary mental images, engenders a distinct disadvantage in the realm of visualization-oriented practices. This social bias, predicated upon the assumption that all individuals possess the ability to visualize, inadvertently marginalizes and devalues the lived experiences of those with aphantasia. Consequently, the prevailing emphasis on visualization as a means of manifestation perpetuates an exclusionary paradigm, reinforcing ableist narratives that ascribe lesser worth and potential to those bereft of this inherent cognitive ability.

How to Visualize

Visualization is a cognitive technique that enables individuals to create vivid mental imagery of desired outcomes. By skillfully employing this method, one can effectively construct intricate mental pictures, harnessing the faculties of imagination and perception. To embark upon this journey of mental creation, find a tranquil space where external distractions are minimized, affording the mind an undisturbed canvas. Close one's eyes, and let the mind's eye unfurl, summoning a scene of vibrant clarity. Immerse oneself in this vivid realm, invoking the senses to weave a tapestry of sensations that engulfs the mind. Envision textures and colors, conjuring a panorama rich in detail, akin to a masterful painting springing to life. With each breath, deepen the connection to your vision, rendering it palpable and immediate.

Pit-Falls of Visualization

Visualization is ubiquitously viewed as a means of manifestation and widely considered a form of energy work. This consensus couldn’t be further from the truth and is based on innate ableism and class separation, which is invariably tied to white supremacy (Ref. Law of Attraction & New Thought). Developing a reliance on visualization as the cornerstone of your practice rather than it being merely a tool, similar to correspondences, will result in rendering your spellwork ineffective at worst, and inefficient at best. Visualization operates within the confines of the human mind's perceptual boundaries, restricted by the limited range of experiences one has encountered. As a consequence, attempting to conjure images or concepts beyond one's experiential scope may prove evasive, as the mind can only reference and synthesize familiar elements. This inherent limitation hinders the user by immense amounts in terms of innovative approaches to witchcraft, responsibly processing UPG & biases, interacting with spiritual entities, and utilizing higher spatial dimensions in spellcraft.

Visualization in Use For Gnosis

Firstly, the process of planning spellwork, visualization serves as a cognitive map, aiding in the construction of a comprehensive framework within the practitioner's mind. This mental blueprint allows for the seamless integration of various components, such as symbolic representations, ritualistic gestures, or energetic alignments. Through the meticulous visualization of each step and component, practitioners establish a sense of coherence and intentionality, ensuring a harmonious orchestration of their magical endeavors. This also aids in generating a space that is free from distractions.

Secondly, By harnessing the power of vivid mental imagery and immersive cognitive projections, individuals can establish a connection between their consciousness and the decided state of gnosis they seek to embody. Visualization becomes a catalyst for heightened awareness, engendering a state of deep insight and transcendent understanding that could potentially surpass ordinary meditation.

Effective Applications in Spell Design

Visualization facilitates the embodiment of memories, correspondences, divine/spiritual connections, and abstract concepts, enabling practitioners to fully immerse themselves in the spell's essence. By mentally experiencing the sensations associated with the desired outcome, practitioners establish a continuous plan of action that encompasses all associated nodes, constructing a threshold with reliable accuracy. Furthermore, visualization can aid in conjuring emotions that one may use to fuel a spell, by then energetically channeling that emotion through the subtle body during the working.

Effective Applications in Energy Work

When first learning energy work, visualization can aid immensely by creating mental frameworks that can be used to guide energy into desired forms. As an example, by picturing a sphere in your palms, you may then begin to manipulate energies within and around your subtle body in order to get it to fit within the confines of the sphere. One may even visualize rotation within a construct, or other properties in order to have a better comparison for the desired outcome. Using visualization specifically for creating simple energetic constructs will always be effective and will likely not become a detriment. However, if visualization becomes too ingrained into your energy work, it may eclipse the genuine work you’re doing and replace it with imagination. Beyond this, visualization cannot be used effectively to create constructs in higher spatial dimensions. 

Other Potential Uses

Symbolic Empowerment: Visualization can be used as a tool to observe objects, talismans, or symbols within personal meaning and power, establishing a profound connection to harness their correspondences.

Divination: Practitioners can utilize visualization to immerse themselves in the imagery of divinatory tools like tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors, facilitating a deeper understanding of the symbolic messages conveyed.

Spell Component Activation: Visualization can aid practitioners, mentally, when charging and activating spell components through energy work such as herbs, crystals, or oils, imbuing them with desired qualities or intentions prior to their incorporation in spellwork.

Ancestral Connection: Through visualization, practitioners can engage in ancestral work by envisioning their ancestors to help when communing, seeking guidance, wisdom, and blessings from them.

Dreamwork: Visualization aids in dreamwork practices by actively envisioning and intending dream recall, lucid dreaming, or specific dream experiences, enhancing the practitioner's ability to explore and learn from the realm of dreams.

Effective Alternatives to Visualization

Conceptualization: Embrace the power of conceptualization to articulate and comprehend desired outcomes with intellectual precision.

Scientific Integration: Incorporate empirical knowledge and logical reasoning into spellwork, aligning intentions with a metaphysical understanding of how spellwork can interact and move through aspects of the current scientific model.

Abstract Concepts: Explore the realm of abstract concepts to fuel spellwork endeavors, delving into profound abstractions that transcend visual imagery.

Metaphorical Language: Utilize metaphorical language to create resonance and evoke desired transformations, tapping into the depths of the mind through symbolic associations.

Cause and Effect: Formulate spells by synthesizing theoretical constructs and understanding the intricacies of cause and effect in the manifestation process.

Energy Transference: Explore energy transference as a key aspect of spellwork, understanding how intent, passion, gnosis and energy work interact and influence outcomes.

Symbolic Representations: Embrace the power of symbolic representations to convey intentions, utilizing abstract symbols with personal significance.

Rationality and Spirituality: Harmoniously integrate rationality and spirituality, blending scientific comprehension with metaphysical exploration in spellwork.

Intellectual Precision: Focus on precise and clear articulation of intentions, utilizing intellectual faculties to direct the working towards desired outcomes.

Energetic Senses: By relying on senses inherent to the subtle body, visualization becomes obsolete when it comes to energy work. 

These alternative approaches empower individuals with aphantasia to engage in spellwork that transcends visual imagery, leveraging conceptualization, scientific understanding, and abstractions to manifest their intentions and connect with the depths of the mind.

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Megan Kipp Jinsu

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This article was reviewed by and contributed to by ChatGPT. I asked ChatGPT to edit the language to be more descriptive in hopes that it would be easier to understand? What do you think?