#and actually good at spiritually guiding folks

[exasperatedoctopus]

Me watching the old Kai be eternally trapped on the Evil-Immortality Planet, knowing full well that Kai Winn is about to enter stage right:

[angelgendered]

Can I interest any of you fine folks in a Good Omens Fantasy AU which I'm affectionately naming The Oath AU?

Here there be a vague outline of the some stuff I jotted down earlier about it. It's vague for now but I'm working kn fleshing it out! I'm Working On The Longfic(tm) and possibly other bonus scenes and further adventures of theirs in this world if this hits a mark with folks and people actually read it.

Rambling under the read more! No CW or TWs I don't think...? Let's jump in!

It's DnD style fantasy (but dark, at the risk of sounding Edgy. This ain't the kind of DnD you'd play with a 13 year old cousin, for example. The world is harsh and unkind, and there be monsters in the woods, child. Inspird partly by Discworld, partly by FFXIV, especially the Endwalker expansion, partly by Mtghew Mercer, Exandria and his players and all their side content to do with Exandria, partly by Dungeons and Dragons shenanigans I've had over the years myself, and partly by the worlds Patrick Rothfuss and our beloved Neil Gaiman, amongst other authors i adore, come up with. Its a big mash of inspirations but km hoping to mold it into something coherent. )

Fiendish Blooded Sorceress and Druid Crowley - who can mold their body and appearance from the very essence of the earth and who transcends mortal ideas of gender and presentation, straddling the lines of male and female and both and none. They have appeared as maiden, mother, crone, ancient warlock, youthful child and more besides, giving rise to many rumours about her 'true' heritage.

Human Holy Knight of The Order Aziraphale - who has crusaded for years in the name of his Goddess, only to be faced with a moral dilemma. He was offered a priceless, holy artifact in exchange for a pact with a Devil - this pact, which has left him visibly facially scarred - dictates that he must kil one person, no more or less, for this Devil at a time and palce of the Devil's choosing. Until now, he hasn't been called to do such a thing... And he hopes that the Devil has forgotten about a lowly Soldier Knight such as himself.

Rituals! Sexy and very unsexy ones! There's a lot of this cos I'm exploring my own spirituality lately so. You get a ritual! You get a ritual! Everyone's naked and dancing! There's a fire! It's great! Until it isn't.

Probably Hurt/Comfort AND Whump.

This is an E rated AU bc everything I write has sex in it, but whatever! Maybe some light kink too, but I'll be guided by my muses on this. This is more story than smut anyway - the 'additional scenes' I may do if people like this AU? They'll be dirtier, lol.

I have Pinboards, Playlists soon, and no doubt a buttload of other worldbuildingy bits to come! Along with the fic et al of course. If you're interested I've made a tag on my blog for the AU where I'll try to remember to organise this stuff cos I'm really into this AU and really want to finish a longfic so I want you guys to hold me accountable tbh.

If you're interested, the tag is on this post and it's 'Good Omens Oath AU'. In time I would adore to commission artists for this project of mine, so if you're up for collaborating and will accept payment (I don't do trades usually cos you're worth money! Your time and art is too! But I could maybe be convinced...) I'd love to hear from you!

[skaldish]

i was raised in an agnostic/atheist household, like you, but i'm fascinated by spirituality and have looked into many different paths over the years, but never really committed to anything. i've felt a pull towards loki for a long time, and it's been getting stronger again lately, but i'm always held back by my worries that it's not legitimate somehow. i sense a presence in my life, but what if it's not him? it could be something else, or i could be making things up. what if i just want it to be him because, idk, i liked the marvel character vaguely based on him when i was in high school (even tho that guy has nothing to do w my beliefs Now), or i think he's fun, or i like what he stands for, and i'm just making up this pull out of whole cloth? sorry, this is turning into a tangent, but what i'm trying to get at is - i've never really followed this pull because i'm worried i'm not coming at it with the right intentions, and i want to do this the right way. do you have any advice on how to start working with loki, or advice/thoughts on whether or not i should attempt it?

sorry if you get questions like this a lot, or it's annoying. i'm a longtime follower of yours and i've always found your posts very insightful. you've changed the way i see the world, so i'd really value your opinion, if you want to give it.

It's all good. I like questions.

I actually dealt with a very similar situation early on in my practice: I was unsure if my experiences of Loki were just figments of my imagination, or if I was actually interacting with some kind of disincorporated intelligence. And if it was the latter, was this intelligence actually Loki, or did I just want it to be Loki?

Even though I couldn't draw any conclusions from these questions, there was one thing I could conclude: "On the off-chance that this is an entity, it would be very impolite to ignore it."

I have to assume that anything that behaves and engages like a person, is a person. Regardless of whether or not Loki's real, this was the only ethical choice.

If you're experiencing some kind of energy, treat it as the kind of energy it seems to be. If that energy seems like a person, treat it as a person. If that person says he's Loki, make sure you verify it.

I have a write-up on how to do all those particulars here:

Beyond that...thinking a deity is cool and interesting and fun is a perfectly fine reason to want to venerate them.

I think folks get this impression that the only people who interact with deities are divinely chosen for it, and it's really not like that. Deities are people, and people enjoy socializing. And like with most social relations, who breaks the ice first doesn't really matter.

[vitaminseetarot]

PAC: What Does Libra Season Have in Store For You? ☁💗🌆

Happy Autumn folks and welcome back! I'm stoked. I enjoyed my first day of Autumn with some good ol cider. This is looking to be a very busy fall season!

NEWS! Starting tomorrow I will be heading out on a vacation trip for a little over a week where I'll be away from Tumblr for the majority of the time, so things will be pretty quiet on this blog until mid-October. But stick around because when I come back, I'll be bringing some Tarot games with me, sprucing up my page, and more! 🍎

(I also got a new desk which is going to make card spread layouts so much easier! kazoo)

So for now, I thought I would tune into the vibes of the upcoming sun in Libra transit and catch a brief glimpse into what it has prepared for you all this crispy cool season.

(Content warning: there is an image containing blood on one of the cards. It's from the Shadowscape Tarot deck. I will find a way to modify this card in the future.)

Please select one of the three sunset skies below. I will dub them Peach (1), Fuchsia (2), and Violet (3).

Pile 1: Peach Sky

Ace of Pentacles, Page of Cups, King of Pentacles, Six of Cups, Ten of Swords; Compassion, 21. Venus, 6. Sun - Light, Sadness

Hi pile 1! Your Libra season will be filled with a sense of grace. I feel like you've been going through some struggles lately and you're wondering if help is available. Libra season may be a good time for you to reach out to loved ones and anybody who can help you in your current struggle. It could be related to money. You're going to be near those who understand your troubles and may have advice which can re center you. With the open minded Page of Cups, you may receive a nugget of wisdom which can propel you to create something new.

You'll be able to reconnect more with your inner child during this next month. In the midst of struggling, we can often forget or neglect our child side which needs to feel safe in order to come out of hiding. You'll have chances to let small joys assist you in healing. Try watching that movie you've been thinking about, you might end up really enjoying it. These moments can help give you important insights into helping you heal something that's kept you down in the dumps.

You may likely have episodes throughout the month where your energy and drive take a dip and you'll have to sit some stuff out to process your thoughts for a while. I'm feeling a lot of this gloomy Ten of Swords energy is from various past issues. Nothing in your deck suggests rushing through this, if anything the King of Pentacles says "success isn't an overnight thing". Take the time you need to work through old sticky feelings that stop you from moving forward.

A lot of self care will be required for this solar season, pile 1. Give yourself the occasional indulgence, but look closely over your finances this month. Don't use indulgence as a distraction from getting important work done. Libra is a season of balance, and this pile is about the balance between prudence and play. Make time to regenerate yourself with fun, then tend to needed duties. Do what you can and stay open minded to receiving outside help from guides or people.

Pile 2: Fuchsia Sky

XVII Star, King of Cups, X Wheel of Fortune, Three of Swords, Six of Wands; Listening, 29. Ceres, 3. East - Beginnings, Frustration

Hey pile 2, it seems like for the first time in a while things may finally be looking up. During this time, you could meet someone who will be like a counselor figure to you (or an actual counselor). You will have someone who will be there to understand you. I get the impression that you recently went through some form of upheaval and lack the sensation of solid ground. Things are likely still in a state of flux during Libra season, but since the King of Cups has no trouble sailing over choppy waters, you can lean on that wisdom and spiritual strength to get through.

A lot could be changing in your life, or even that you're in the liminal phase of being from one place to another. It's like you're holding a train ticket that lets you visit any city you want. You're beginning to scratch the surface of what possibilities are out there for you. Decisions are hardly in the books right now. The key is to tend to what opportunities you would love more than others and allow the one you want to grow. Ceres wants you to be patient and deliberate with your moves.

Situations may come up where you're made to reckon with your old memories that have caused pain. I'm putting a content warning for blood on this pile and to be honest, even if blood doesn't trigger you there may be times in this month where something may trigger old wounds when least expected. On the flipside, this month also shows that you are undergoing a lot of change as to how you deal with these situations. Your reactions to old stimuli may change and you may find yourself being cool where you were once upset.

Although hope is forecast in your reading, you may not be in the right place to ring any victory bells. Achievement of something major is not likely to happen this month, for you pile 2 this will be a developmental month that will allow you to gently transition into the next phase of your life. Be sure to check in with yourself every now and then to congratulate yourself for the little things, even--no, especially when progress appears slow or all over the place. The time will come where you will feel more focused and determined to tackle something big, but for now appreciate the small victories and rejoice in silver linings of any kind.

Pile 3: Violet Sky

Page of Swords, Five of Cups, Eight of Wands, Ace of Wands, Five of Wands; Mystery, 6. Virgo, 22. Air - Motion, Love

Hello pile 3, This Libra season will likely involve education for you of some kind. You may be a student in school now or you're out of school but looking for something new to try. You could also be looking into new ideas or plans for your next year. I think this pile is really into the autumn season, like you guys are ready to let it go and slide into the next year. This season has you in a contemplative space where you get to weigh options. Though you may find some time to work things out, I think the month will move faster for you than you think. (If you're applying for scholarships or the like, check your emails vigilantly.)

You will definitely be blessed with a feeling of catharsis, as Five of Cups can talk about pure emotional release. Something has likely been an issue either in the front or back of your mind, some kind of long term issue involving relationships and making goals work. Your mind has spent enough time whirling around trying to solve the problem with pure logic. The only way to let go of the scattering thoughts is to allow the emotions locked in to completely flow out. Then the logic will work more effectively, like taking a jammed piece of paper out of a printer.

Some of you could have recently broken up with someone and you're figuring out how to move on with your life. Or there was a recent argument with a loved one. Something like that which creates a need to reevaluate one's path. Since one path didn't work out, what other options could be on the table? You're being given the chance to dive into anything without anticipating results good or bad. Allow yourself to explore and find something that either creates joy or helps you to release old pain (like an artsy workshop).

This month could open up a lot of chances for you to organize and set easier priorities for your life, for this year and the next. The catharsis will finally allow everything to move, both your actions and manifestations. You'll be amazed by how quickly and smoothly the pace will pick up after relationship issues are placed on the backburner (unless there's an urgent issue involved). Note that catharsis doesn't always involve crying it out; sometimes it can be done through a good laugh or even a great workout. You could find emotional release through whatever it is you'd like to learn. For some of you, this is your sign: It's worth looking into.

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2023, @VitaminseeTarot ™

[kosher-martian]

Help with Chavurah

My local Jewish community is older, very very Reform (like 1920s Reform; services with little or no Hebrew), and increasingly insular. Conversion students and younger congregants are getting turned off by the decisions of our leadership team. We youngsters feel like we are unwelcome and unwanted. Decisions which impact the entire congregation are being made - some in direct violation of our bylaws - with little or no consultation by the congregation.

Our wonderful rabbi, embattled since they started the job, is out. I hope they find a congregation that can appreciate their talents. Services just aren't the same. Our Rabbi brought a spiritual richness into our lives that the older congregants just aren't interested in. We've gone back to services entirely in English, homilies with empty platitudes, and a spiritual hollowness that is driving down already record-low attendance.

One of the conversion students put it best: "It feels like they know the congregation is in bad shape and instead of trusting the younger generations to fix it, they've decided to take it with them to the grave."

I've tried and failed to get anyone in leadership to listen. I've explained time and time again that their decisions are pushing young people away. They keep saying I'll understand their decisions "when I'm older". Time is not on anyone's side. I doubt there will even be a synagogue in my town in 10 years. Despite having a local population of close to 1000 Jews, we have no one attending under 20 years old, only four people under 35 years old (myself included), and maybe two or three folks younger than 60 years old. The remainder of the congregation (and everyone in positions of leadership) is rapidly approaching their 70s and 80s.

I've talked to our conversion students and several youngsters regardless of whether they attend or don't. The feedback has been pretty consistent: There's a desire for something more "traditional", more "authentic", and "more Jewish" than what the synagogue offers. No one's asking for Orthodox services, they just want more Hebrew. They want to discuss Torah and Judaism on a deeper level. They'd like to discuss Jewish history and philosophy. In short, they actually want to learn.

I feel a responsibility for the folks who want something more. They have spiritual needs that aren't being met. Me and a few other congregants are looking to start a study group or something to fill the spiritual void. It's clear that our synagogue is not ours any longer (if it ever was to begin with). I've never done anything like this before and I'm not sure where to start. There's a bit of learned helplessness among those of us looking for change, so for now I'm planning to do a lot of the heavy lifting myself. Has anyone gone through something similar? Are there resources available out there for situations like these? I'm looking for learning materials / educational resources. A repository of good parsha discussions around which I can build lesson plans? Some sort of Idiot's Guide to Building a Jewish Community from Scratch ?? Any recommendations for books, magazines, podcasts… anything you've got! I have some books, documentaries, and YouTube channels for Jewish history. I'm more concerned about my shortcomings in philosophy and Torah interpretation.

Anything recommendations, tips, tricks, and/or advice to help get our chavurah off the ground is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[mask131]

Magic the Gathering: Innistrad (Innistrad block)

My favorite Green cards

Werewolves are divided between Red and Green. Both are human beings afflicted with the curse of lycanthropy. What are the nuances for each color? It is... complicated. If you go on Wikipedia, they'll simply say "Green werewolves are hermits and outcasts ; Red werewolves are bandits and renegades". Seems a bit vague - we need to go to the Guide to Innistrad on Magic's official website to understand that the Red/Green divide rather operates on two deep fractures within the "werewolf species".

One fracture opposes the werewolf who, after their transformations, are filled with guilt and shame, falling into depression - a werewolf never fully remembers their time as a werewolf (because they were not in control or conscious at the time), but they have fragmentary, blurry memories that sometimes come to them in a flash, and they see the aftermath of the destruction they caused. These werewolves that revile their lives are the "repentants", who see themselves as the victims of an unjust curse. However, others are the "wantons", the savage werewolves who embrace the wild to abandon their humanity. They actively seek to turn into werewolves, and see themselves as, I quote, "glorious scions of nature trapped inside a cage of civilized lies".

The second fracture is between the werewolves who leave human communities to live in the wilds and the forests, either as lone wolves or entire packs ; and the werewolves who are too attached to their family or roots to leave their ancient lives, and thus exist hidden among regular folks. An existence which forms them into a state of constant paranoia, as they have to constantly hide their transformations, invent alibis and make sure to not attract attention upon themselves.

What causes lycanthropy? Nobody really knows. The Church of Avacyn claims that lycantrhopy is a kind of demonic possession - but exorcisms have very... debatable results. Most of the werewolves seem to have been born regular humans, and to have turned werewolf at some point - there are however tales of "child werewolves" born in remote areas. Are they real tales or just campfire stories? Similarly, the alchemists and wolfhunters believe that werewolves are sterile, and can only "reproduce" by passing the lycanthropy curse upon others ; but peasants and woodsmen have the folk-belief that werewolf can mate with their own kind... or with human beings.

One thing however everybody agrees on, is that the werewolf transformation is caused by the full moon. Which does not surprise anybody since in Innistrad, the moon is EVERYTHING. Literaly everything. Humanity's harvest patterns as well as the monsters' hunting patterns are based on the moon. The cycles of the moon push forward the wheel of the seasons. The moon is believed to be a blessed protectress: the silver that harms monsters when blessed is believed to come from the moon, and thus it became a strong motif of the Church of Avacyn, and a symbol of the Archangel herself (the head of the Church is called the Lunarch). But it is also believed to be a curse upon the land, as vampires flee the sun to shield themselves under the moon, and the moonlight reveals the werewolves' true nature. Good and bad, blessed and cursed, worshiped by monsters and humans alike, the moon is truly everything in Innistrad.

I said before that nobody knows the true source of lycantrhopy in Innistrad... But Magic the Gathering designers revealed to us the actual real story behind werewolves. In their Guide to Innistrad, they reveal that the true nature of the lycanthropy is a "supernatural curse". It causes the spiritual essence of the victim to become "mingled with the wild essence of nature", which in Innistrad is symbolized by the wolf - the wildest animal of the land. A lycantrhope can be seen as either having two souls merged within each other, or one sould split into to. All in all, the two essences constantly battle against each other, and the werewolf transformation occurs when the "wild wolf-essence triumphs". In fact, the reson werewolves hunt humans so often, is because the "wolf-essence" tries to symbolically destroy its human side, by brutally slaying all humans it comes across.

The curse is tansmitted when a person finds themselves, one night, called out by the howls of werewolves. If the person follows the howls, gives in to the temptation of the "silvery moon" and the "eyes glowing in the night", they will allow the wild essence to enter their body. And if they follow the werewolves during their hunt, if they share their feasts of raw meat, if they kill with them, the more they'll grow wolf characteristics - a bit more fur with each howl, sharper teeth with each piece of meat swallowed... When the transformation is completely, the "First Hunt" is done, and the human ended up cursed with lycanthropy. They will return to their human form, and they will have to deal with both the maddedning guilt of what they did/what they became, and the new battle within their soul against the wild wolf... A battle which, if they are not strong enough, will fail by next full moon...

There is no known cure to lycanthropy. The closest anyone ever came to such a discovery was Theodora Glick, an alchemist. Her tale is told in Magic's official "Guide to Innistrad": she was brought a werewolf by the name of Guthril that had been captured. For three moon cycles she kept Guthril in his human form, by a "complex ceremony involving mystic circles inlaid with the wolfsbane plant, a blanket woven with blessed silver thread, and a lightning storm". But after said three cycles the ritual failed - Guthril returned to being a werewolf, destroyed Theodora's laboratory and fled into the night.

If you are interested, the web pages of Magic's official Planeswalker's Guide to Innistrad" gives even more details about werewolves and how they function, but I will leave under the cut one particularly delightful passage, the description of a werewolf transformation:

The transformation process is harrowing for the lycanthrope and incredibly disturbing to any witnesses. The eyes change first, the whites darkening and the iris filling with color. The claws go next; the hands elongate, knifelike claws extend from the fingertips, and the thumb forms a claw back near the wrist. The muzzle thrusts forward out of the human's skull, and the teeth jut through the gums in sharp points. Bones crack as they rearrange. Marrow spills into the bloodstream as ribs and skull fracture and telescope. Thick, wiry fur pushes through the skin, often pushing out normal human hair. The tailbone elongates and becomes a shaggy wolf's tail. Metabolism speeds up, increasing blood flow, oxygen flow, and glandular production, creating cravings for protein and fat. Any clothing that was worn at the time of the change is generally torn to shreds and falls away. If a werewolf dies in beast form, it changes back to human form, a process called death reversion.

[spotsupstuff]

Glad that you liked it!!!!

I first intended to write it like a third person seeing what happened to Notos, then it developed like a Saint pov when I noticed the similarities (I thought that you did it on purpose!)

The tenderness in this image, the physical contact! How I cannot make it a Saint pov!

And this! The expression in the overseer is just!!!!!!

I just want to hugs Notos for what it have to go through.

I would like to think that the Saint, knowing the real Folks Gods and being at God himself, wouldn't think much of the name because Gods are called many things. For him it's just another turn of the wheel. And then he finds this great structure, containing a billion of soul making one, and it offers begin his guide. A guide for a begin that in virtue of begin a God knows where to go, but decide to oblige on this begin none the less, after all there is no rush for the end. But this God is also something mortal that no longer exists, so it is impossible for him to not to look at his guide like a friend when it calls for someone that no longer is there (that he freed from this mortal plane) . When he learns its name, knowing things like a God knows and learned through his guide, it is fitting to call them for the name of an old friend that they have. After all, Gods have many names, it wouldn't matter that someone use one that at this point is only a writing on papers and walls (there can exist Notos the God, and Notos his Guide. It is only just to remember it the next turn of the wheel after all. It knows what his duty entails)

.... I don't know where that saint ramble came, but I hope you like it! (I also suspect that the Caper and Sparrow relationship is a interesting thing to the Gods to see. What they have is impossible to not be noticed by some God of love and relationship and I like to think that they were not discovered with the help of said God/Gods. Of curse they were very, very careful. But those instances where they brushed with being discovered, something happened that saved them. Those instances are so far apart that they don't have any idea that there was a God interfering a little bit. And that would be so funny)

i hadn't manage to make the connection of the similarities yet at that time!!! you bet me to it, you little nyoom zoom!!!!!!!!!

stars physical contact between these two is such a matter of course for them cuz of the environment fuckin-

sleeby...

Notos suffers a lot but at the end of the day it at least has the choice to curl up with its friend.. at least it isn't so lonely. Saint will give that hug to it for u

i sure did like the saint ramble!!! i adore hearing opinions like this only thing i'd like to add- there is a certain disconnect between the physical incarnation and the core of its being(/aka the God), just like in some faiths. the God resides in there. it gives Saint certain emotional and spiritual understanding, a drive to do a Particular thing in this life, it lends its kindness to it- but not its consciousness or its absolute knowledge. that's why Saint still needs to visit the echoes, reach a level of enlightment before it can reach into within itself to connect with its soul and use the ascension ability

but it's still just the ascension ability, because the physical world is an obstacle between the spiritual world and the physical presence even for the mightiest beings. the God allowed itself to be tainted and warped, in order to incarnate as Saint. and so Saint still doesn't particularly know where to go, besides peeking over the clouds from high places and trying its damnest to remember where those giant structures are. it walks with a goal, it travels, but its easy to lose its path

so Notos offering to become its guide was actually Extremely Helpful JGKLSCMKLSDK especially cuz some iterators fell in such ways or so long ago that finding them at all would be a giant hassle (like for example Zephyr herself)

besides that Saint later found how a good decision it was to take on Notos as a companion when it found out that overseer has a shock power like a well sized centipede (n has absolutely no issue throwing hands on sight), offers light and some warmth, is able to scout ahead and has intimate knowledge of iterator insides so finding a way to ascend someone who lost their puppet doesn't sound so impossible

JGKLSDMCLKSDMGKLCL Euros n Sparrows bein looked after by a God GJDLKSCMKLMSKDLMKCKSL fuckin dammit, ugh... -wipes tears away- yea aight, das canon now

i'm just imagining the third karma God lookin at them all charmed, sighing over how lovely they are together and then the second karma God materialized next to them outta nowhere like "Yo! I'm here too now." and the third karma God just goes "What. How."

[sporadicarbitergardener]

Bible used for spell work . 🖤🤍✝️🛐✡️

Did you know that the Bible, along with other traditionally Christian items like rosaries and icons of Saints and even the Eucharist, have been used in folk magic for centuries? From English Devon folk magic to Italian folk magic, from superstitions and syncretic practices to prayer books such as the Slovenian Kolomonov Žegen, the use of Christian iconography, literature, figures, and holy names (like the name of Jesus Himself) have featured prominently in some of the most potent magical acts and procedures.

When it comes to witchcraft today, though, people traditionally think of a Book of Shadows or a grimoire—a book full of a witch’s spells, information, and good old fashioned trial and error that they’ve accumulated over the years. These books are wonderful treasures as they continue to be filled, full of spells and incantations and prayers created by the practitioner that have been proven to work, and many people write them with the specific intent of passing them on to children or apprentices or other practitioners.

But one often overlooked resource, especially for those looking to reconnect with the folk culture of their ancestors, is none other than the Bible itself. Within it are many different sections that can be used to focus one’s magic, as has been done over the centuries by Christian cunningfolk and other magicians—often with the intent of defending against harmful or evil intentions from other practitioners. And given that so many members of the Abrahamic faiths use actual pieces of scripture in protections (like the Jewish mezzuzah or the different types of wearable amulets with pieces of the Qu’ran inside), the power of the Word of God is acknowledged even among those who have nothing to do with the concept of magic and the Craft.

Of course, it’s strange to think about for many a modern witch–the idea that magic is not only possible, but prolific in religions that seemingly condemn it so harshly—but the reality is that no religion can truly be operated without magic. How else would we interact directly with our God, exorcise evil spirits, or transmute our Eucharist? This is why you might notice a group of Christians calling themselves witches, using the modern idea or witchcraft that spawned thanks to Wicca and 90’s new age spirituality as a type of cultural shorthand to explain the spiritual work we’ve always done.

In fact, the words used to denote witchcraft in the Bible were actually ones that dealt with specifically harmful or foreign magic, which both Abrahamic and other religions had issues with (including Babylonian, Sumerian, Greek, and Roman polytheism). It’s also why you’ll see so much of what we would call witchcraft today in European and Christian folk magic dedicated to warding against witchcraft (like German mothers putting lavender under their children’s beds to protect from evil magic, Slovenian unwitchers doing elaborate prayers and rituals to break curses, or cunningfolk doing counter magic on cheese that allegedly wouldn’t curdle right due to a witch’s curse). When you’re a rural European farmer who can’t afford to wait for a doctor or a priest, the only option is to learn defensive and healing magic for yourself.

I myself am a Christian witch, and I can tell you firsthand: Christian magic is a staple in our ancestors’ interactions with God, especially when tools like the Bible are involved. And, of course, the more of your own folk practice and ancestral traditions you learn, the more unique and inventive the magic gets. As a Christian Witch goes about learning more of their heritage and ancestral practices, however, it’s good to know the basics of using the Bible in witchcraft—so let’s talk about it!

DIVINATION WITH THE BIBLE (BIBLIOMANCY) A seasoned witch will tell you that before any spellwork or ritual, it’s wise to do some divination with your guides, whoever they may be.

As a Christian witch, our foremost guide is, naturally, God. And there’s an age-old practice that many Christians might not think of as divination, but absolutely fits the bill, and that’s bibliomancy.

Bibliomancy, as the word suggests, is any sort of information we can gather from a book (any book, not just the Bible). After all, that first part of the word, biblio- shows up in more than just the Bible, right? Think of a bibliography, a list of compiled sources, or a bibliophile, a person who’s really enthusiastic about books. But when it comes to bibliomancy, the Bible is certainly a top contender for the divinatory tool of choice, even if plenty of other interesting books are available on your shelf.

Bibliomancy is simple. Just like shuffling a deck of oracle or tarot cards, you want to really focus on your question and intention. Hold it in your mind even after you ask God, and then open your Bible and flip the pages until you feel compelled to stop. You may feel a sensation like:

A tingle in your ear or at your fingertips A sudden silence in the mind that interrupts your flow & catches your attention A heavy feeling in your stomach when you reach a certain section Whatever your intuitive signs are that you’re used to with other methods of divination, look for that here and fish out a specific part of the page with it. You might find yourself landing on a verse of Scripture, or you may find yourself looking at an insightful footnote you didn’t consider before. Either way, thank God for His attention and HIs message, and decide from there whether or not spellwork is even a good idea that day.

PSALMS & PROVERBS FOR QUICK CASTING Once you’ve gotten your divination out of the way, the first thing you’ll hear anyone tell you about using the Bible for witchcraft is that the Psalms are insanely overpowered.

And they’re right!

One of the most prime examples of a powerful Psalm is none other than Psalm 109—an imprecatory Psalm, meaning one in which the speaker asks God to incite some serious punishment on whoever did something wrong. My Bible, the Jewish Study Bible, notes that because of its focus on what words were said against the speaker, and the long string of asks that come after pleading their case to God, it’s entirely reasonable to say that this Psalm was actually written as a counter curse.

It’s awfully brutal for a counter curse, I will say. But it is an example of magic you can use through the Bible, especially if you’re looking for quick, pre-written incantations or spells that hit the mark. The Psalms and Proverbs are so varied in their talking points, purposes, and themes that you can find one for pretty much any occasion, and when you read them aloud with the intention of them being a spell—really connecting to God and channeling down His blessings through your own magic—you’ll find it’s like the difference between a static shock from your sweater and a full on lightning blast.

And remember: you don’t have to use an entire Psalm or Proverb (they run quite long!). Sometimes, just a verse or two is enough to get your point across and focus your magic and intention in your spellwork.

Some of my personal favorites include:

Psalm 147 (for emotional healing & fortification) Psalm 146 (anti-gossip and slander) Psalm 81, 142 (security & comfort) Psalm 39:13-14 (A great opening section for plainly stating a request later) Proverbs 1, 8 (Wisdom/Knowledge) Proverbs 3:9-12 (Prosperity) Proverbs 17 (Peace/Anti-Conflict) Proverbs 22 (Softness of Heart against greedy folks) Proverbs 31:25 (Empowerment/Anti-Anxiety)

THEMATIC RITUALS AND INGREDIENT INSPIRATION Lastly, those who know the Bible well and know the story inside and out will find all kinds of beautiful lessons tucked in between all the raw humanity of this book. Yes, you read that right, and I’ll repeat it again: the Bible, the Word of God, is such an inherently human and vulnerable and raw book, full of tragedy and celebration side by side, just as Life itself is.

But when you know the stories, and you can pull out core lessons, you can actually find a lot of fantastic focusing or centering verses and chapters to build your spells around. I’ve even made amulets with lockets that have a verse number or bit of Scripture tucked inside, along with corresponding herbs and spices and other such things. All of the Psalms and Proverbs I listed have their functions, including anti-anxiety, but they’re not the only ones that can do that!

For instance, one of the most powerful pieces of the Gospel for spellwork is none other than Jesus’s admonishment of his disciples in Matthew 6:25-34:

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Jesus had a lot of wonderful things to say that can strengthen us even in the darkest of times, and those make for some powerful magic. In fact, it’s Jesus Himself that delivers the secret of Christian magic in the Gospels: faith, even that the size of a mustard seed, can move mountains.

Speaking of the mustard seed, though, now’s also a good time to mention: the Bible has quite a few spots that signify specific stones, incenses, herbs, and spices throughout its stories. Frankincense, after all, isn’t only something offered to Jesus and His family when He’s born; it’s also an integral part of the holy incense of the very Temple of God. And mint, anise or dill (depending on translation), and cumin are among the spices Jesus mentions as being a tithe in Matthew 23:23, too—along with justice, mercy, and faith. When you find mention of herbs, spices, or other abstract concepts like these, pay attention!

They’re significant to God, and when you combine their associations in the Bible (rue and hyssop, for instance, being apotropaic, along with lamb’s blood or cedar), with traditional witchy associations with them, you can get a lot more bang for your buck. Mustard has always meant power and passion thanks to its fiery, Mars-based associations, but combining it with its ability to surprise us with its aggressive growth and its representative qualities regarding faith, it gets all the more important.

You might also take the time to learn from cultural practices that become apparent in places like Leviticus 14, which is a ritual to cure people of leprosy, or in the story of Jesus casting demons into a herd of pigs. Both of these represent the idea of giving an evil spirit or malady somewhere else to attach to (the bird, the pigs) and driving it away from the afflicted person. That’s some powerful banishment and exorcism technique!

GET CREATIVE WITH THE BIBLE AND MAX OUT YOUR SPELLWORK All in all, like any other magic, what matters with using the Bible in spellwork is how creative you are in applying it. The book contains the hopes, dreams, fervor, and faith of millions of people over the course of thousands of years, and it’s also had the honest energy and belief of millions more poured into it as a sacred object. Even if God’s power weren’t in that book, that alone would make the Bible super powerful as a magical focusing tool and ritual item.

Whatever your intention is, I can almost guarantee you can find a verse to match it, so go wild! And even if you aren’t Christian, chances are that you have ancestors that might’ve been (or who had to use the cover of Christianity to cloak the magical work they did as folk magicians). The Bible is powerful on its own, and there are so many instances of syncretic crossovers in folk magic (such as German folk magic, where many pagan practitioners still incorporate items such as rosaries and Bible verses into their spells and ritual workings). But also remember, that when it comes to Christian Witches, the place our power comes from isn’t a book (even if it is God’s word): it’s God. So when a Christian uses their magic to connect to Him, that’s where the real power lies.

No matter your background, and no matter your beliefs, though, remember to stay safe in your spellcasting, take your proper precautions, and overall just enjoy the moment. Happy witching!

[grumpy-potat]

Dracula Movies Tarot Pick a Pile

Its October! Time to get Spooky!

Gosh, I'm really late in posting today, it's almost not Wednesday anymore for me! Anyway, let's get to the fun.

The tale of the vampire is an old one. It's a myth, a folk tale, a story that has lived with us for ages. The fear of the dead coming back to feed from the living is one that has haunted humanity for eons. Today we are going to focus on one particular tale written by a man from Ireland in 1897 that has had numerous adaptations and lives in our minds to this day

Dracula

So let's do a 3 card spread of mind body soul and dig deep for some fun entertainment. Today we have four movie greats to choose from.

Dracula 1931 Queen of Cups - 4 of Swords - 6 of Wands You are compassionate and intuitive. You can tell what other people need right now, but your body is telling you that you need to rest and recuperate. You are feeling victorious and you have won many spiritual battles. You are riding high. Don't get carried away right now and care a bit for yourself too.

Dracula By Francis Ford Coppola 2 of Pentacles - Queen of Cups - 5 of Cups Right now a lot of things are fighting for your attention, you are good at managing them all but it is a bit of a balancing act. You need to listen to your feelings right now, listen to what your body is telling you. You might be trying to avoid regrets or failures, but if you try to give everyone what they want it can just lead down this path anyway. Focus on your intuition and let it be your guide.

The Horror of Dracula - Hammer Films 8 of cups/9 of cups -2 of Cups - Knight of Cups Sometimes we need to walk away from things that don't work for us, (be it actual life situations, ways of thinking, or relationships,)to have what we wish for. You know this and you are in the process of doing so. Keep going. You are entering a new relationship or partnership right now and you should approach that with all the charm and creativity you know you possess. Don't let your old ways of thinking hold you back from new potential relationships. Things don't need to be perfect but you should be your authentic charming self.

Nosferatu 4 of wands - 10 of Cups - Temperance You have been in need of rest lately and you should give that to yourself. Things in your life are going quite well and everything seems to be in a state of peace for you. Now is the time for you to find that sense of calm and peace. To look at the long-term goals you want to set and think about the future.

Well, I hope that next week I don't take so long to get this out. I've been feeling kinda under the weather with all my mental health stuff and I hope next week is better for me. See you next Wednesday.

[torque-witch]

Oct 22nd 2023 - Get back to witchcraft with me!

I think it's time we *try* to delve back into witchcraft, paganism and assorted shenanigans, blog style! It's been way too long for me and I feel so disconnected spiritually, so let's start with the basics and have some conversations about it now that a few years have passed.

*One big caveat may be that it's 2023 - politically and socially so many things are different or changing, so I want to go through all of my notes and ideas and hopefully re-examine them as someone in their 30's, married, nonbinary, queer, disabled and leftist.

So let's start with this - What is Witchcraft?

As I remember not too long ago, there were more frequent debates about what category witchcraft actually falls into. Is it inherently religious? Is it just a craft or tool?

Personally I feel like the general consensus is that it is primarily a metaphysical (and also physical) craft whose purpose is to help achieve very specific outcomes. It is inherently unbiased and neutral - but depending on the way a practitioner guides it, it can be used for good, evil or neutral gains.

While witchcraft isn't a religion, it can certainly be used in tandem with various or all religions based on beliefs and doctrinal rules. Many people equate witchcraft with Wicca, but *that religion was formed in the 50's and therefore postdates most historical references to witchcraft as a practice. We will return to that point!

It feels like in 2023, most modern and generally American-centric practice of witchcraft tends to include mindfulness, positive affirmations, vision boards, intentions, and working with Tarot and crystals. This of course is completely accessible and understandable for most people, which makes it ideal for the general population. Plus, it helps to destigmatize the practice, and I think it has done that for the most part.

Some talking points we could delve into would be that while this form of witchcraft or magic is definitely accessible and easy to digest (I also mean accessible to disabled folks!), sometimes it can reek of privilege, capitalism and inaccurate information. Witchcraft wasn't always easy to find resources on, the methods were often very complicated and folklore driven, you could literally get killed etc etc. And let's not forget that the "I'm the ancestor of witches you couldn't burn" is categorically incorrect and a weird take, not to mention the assumption that only women can and did practice. Again, another thing we will talk about.

Other than that I think the general modern idea is that witchcraft is the act of bending energy or reality to your will with the help of herbs, sigils, energy work, visualization, etc. Some people do not feel the need for any supplementals, some people practice witchcraft in tandem with gods or spirits. Some of us have even created new avenues in the modern age like using machines as a power source! (It's me) Witchcraft is sort of open to interpretation, but I do think that reference material and the basics of the scientific equation still are important within context. What historically works? What methods are time honored? Why do we use x to represent x in spellwork? So much of physical creation of spells is based off of ideas we have been building as a species for generations within storytelling. Some people believe that those stories and beliefs are what gives certain ingredients or methods power - because there is so much historical energy associated with them.

What do you think witchcraft is, or what does it mean to you in your practice? I'd really like to get back into the conversation, back into books and talk about theory.

And as a bonus - let's do a quick Tarot reading about what witchcraft is!

What is witchcraft - Nine of Pentacles, Reversed

I like this - basically a call to create your own path, to balance your own scales and take action to regain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

How does witchcraft help people - The Moon

It helps people to explore their emotions, perceptions and beliefs! It helps to cultivate self-awareness, introspection and intuition. It can help to confront your fears, develop personal guidance and trust in yourself, and helps you to meet and understand your place in the world.

How does witchcraft harm people - Two of Cups, Reversed

I feel like the message is about stereotypes in one sense - that there is still a lot of misunderstanding about witchcraft societally and within our own communities that divides us or causes big rifts. Many of these problems are rooted in pride and the ego - who is right? Who is being self-destructive? I think it is a reminder that while there is absolutely a time and place for correcting behavior and beliefs with facts and evidence, that listening and being curious on both ends of the scrutiny can be beneficial.

What are you waiting for?

This is just a representation of the freedom that witchcraft gives to those that practice it. Your will is your command or desire. Where will that take you? What will your intentions be and what will they bring? Witchcraft can be as little or as big of a part of your life as you want it to be. So why not see where it takes you?

Anywho - I hope that was a fun and interesting read! I will try to do these more often as I try to re-immerse myself back into witchcraft. Expect some book reviews, local shop reviews, theory conversations! And if Tumblr isn't the spot for it anymore, I will probably be posting smaller blips on Instagram or full posts on my website. But until then.

Cara / Torque | They/Them/She dhdivination - Instagram dhdivination - TikTok SwampHag - Wix Death's Head Divination - Etsy

[wathanism]

Hi! I am also an ex Muslim I have been struggling a little bit with religion but I would like to learn more about paganism especially in mena regions. I can't find a lot of sources so I was wondering if you could tell me or offer me some sources. Also, I was wondering, if you still live in a Muslim majority country, do you find it harder to practice? One of my biggest concerns is I don't think I will be able to be fully committed because of family restrictions since I live with my parents. So will that affect my connection with the Gods? Thank you 💞💞

i have a lot to say so TLDR: the #1 source that i recommend is this paper in the journal of religious history. it's always good to do more research and seek out multiple perspectives, but this paper imo makes a very intentional effort to be kinder and more respectful of the pre-islamic arabs than most other sources bother trying to be. it's very accessible even if you don't study history or theology, so it's a great starting point). more under the cut!

firstly i wanna give the disclaimer that i don't know much about any other pagan religions in the swana region, as i've only started looking into wathanism which was practiced in the arabian peninsula and the levant. there are other folks that practice the ancient egyptian religion (kemetism) and probably other maghrebi religions, but i haven't had a chance to learn about those yet.

i wanted to answer this ask sooner than later, but unfortunately my answer might not be the most satisfying, since there really aren't many sources out there to begin with, especially not reliable ones. ancient arabs relied a lot on oral systems of knowledge, and a lot of the written records of their worship were destroyed during the coming & spread of islam. as far as i know, we actually don't have a clue about any of the mythology of the arabian gods or anything like that, though we know what was associated with some of them (ex: manat was a goddess of fate, allat was a goddess of combat and prosperity). soooo the way i see it, there's a couple ways you can go about practicing wathanism:

the first is that you can view it in a very academic sense and literally become an amateur historian lol. google scholar and scihub are your friends!

the second is to take a more intuitive approach and really let your feelings guide you. that can look different for everyone, but generally it's good to try out a few different approaches drawing from other practices and to decide with trial and error what makes you feel good/what your gods respond to.

these two approaches are not mutually exclusive and i personally try to apply both in my own practice. if you want, i can get into all the details of what being a wathanist means to me and how i practice it, but i wanna try to keep this answer at least reasonably short for now lol. but to give an example: christopher moreman's 2016 paper, rehabilitating the spirituality of pre-islamic arabia, talks about how stones were used to mark graves and how historic records do show that stones and statues were important in the pre-islamic religion, and he interprets this to mean that the religion had a strong emphasis on ancestor worship and that the stones may have been thought to house the spirits of the dead. based on that and if you connect to the idea, you can try to find ways to apply ancestor worship in your own life. this is where looking at other similar religions for inspiration can help, and with time you can find what you like.

on the flip side, there's another interpretation of the same facts about the relevance of stones and statues to the arab pagans, which is more animist in nature (i.e. all things on earth have a spirit and to live in harmony with your environment means to respect all of them). a lot of indigenous american religions have this view and are worth studying if this idea connects with you. and of course, the animist interpretation and the ancestor worship interpretation are not mutually exclusive, and you can apply both in your life.

i actually don't do a lot of deity work, so i can't speak much on that. i actually have been meaning to change my bio abt that since i wrote it when i just started this blog lol.

as for how to practice safely in your home... that's a really complicated question, but i'll do my best to give some advice. keep in mind i'm not currently living in a muslim country, and even when i visit, my family gives me enough privacy that i'm relatively safe.

the main thing i think you should keep in mind is plausible deniability. a lot of pagans online have these big fancy altars with lots of explicit pagan symbolism and spell jars and all the works, and you want to avoid something like that that would catch people's attention. you can set up an altar in your room, but organize it in a way that it might just seem like a cute decor item rather than something religious. for example, just having a vase with flowers and candles is enough, and it won't draw any attention. lots of people like candles and flowers and even crystals without any witchy or pagan connotations.

the important thing is to know what your family will consider suspicious. for example, my parents wouldn't be able to identify tarot cards, so its no problem if i have them, because they just think i have pretty playing cards. be aware of what the safe boundaries are, and if you're ever unsure, you're better off being cautious.

also, not everything in your practice has to be external. for me, the act of cooking a traditional dish or reading a poem are acts of worship because they connect me to my culture. caring for others around me and learning about the world are acts of worship. sunbathing and smelling flowers and petting a cat are acts of worship. to me, my religion is a lot more than just having a designated time and place to perform a set of rituals that are sacred. it's a shift in perspective, and anything that makes me feel more grounded and connected with the world around me IS the practice of my religion, ykwim?

[blessed1neha]

Lagan Lord in 5th House

Lagnesh in 5th house

These folks are typically excellent parents who have a strong attachment to and love for their children.

Even though he is a guy, he has a strong heart for children, values them highly, and has a strong energy connection to them.

If there are no lesions on the chart, such people are advised to live with their children.

In an abstract horoscope, the first house is represented by the element of Fire (Dharma), as is the fifth house, and the houses of Dharma advance when the elements are switched.

A person has exceptionally good karma from a previous life—Purva-Punya—if there is an exchange between the Dharma houses in the chart.

This person is typically extremely devout, religious, and engaged in spiritual practises from an early age.

Since any planet that enters the fifth house begins to prosper, Lagnesha in the fifth house is a huge benefit because it causes the first house, fifth house, and Lagnesha to all grow.

also Lagnesh twice.

A tiny exception applies to Taurus since Venus, their Lagnesha, is in the fifth house, where there will be some unfavourable effects. However, the more neutralising influences there are, the more favourable moments there will be (we covered this in greater detail in the textbook "How to become a seer. A self-help guide to practising true astrology).

The horoscope owner will experience numerous romantic relationships because he is a romantic at heart and will adore his spouse.

Such a person brings joy to others.

He is intelligent and has a sharp mind.

These people make effective diplomats and educators.

My personal experience demonstrates that these folks love children and ought to have more of them.

They become significantly more vulnerable after abortions.

the better times (this was covered in greater depth in the book "How to Become a Seer. actual astrological self-help book").

The horoscope owner will experience numerous romantic relationships because he is a romantic at heart and will adore his spouse.

Such a person brings joy to others.

He is intelligent and has a sharp mind.

These people make effective diplomats and educators.

My personal experience demonstrates that these folks love children and ought to have more of them.

They become significantly more vulnerable after abortions.

the better times (this was covered in greater depth in the book "How to Become a Seer. actual astrological self-help book").

The horoscope owner will experience numerous romantic relationships because he is a romantic at heart and will adore his spouse.

Such a person brings joy to others.

He is intelligent and has a sharp mind.

These people make effective diplomats and educators.

My personal experience demonstrates that these folks love children and ought to have more of them.

They become significantly more vulnerable after abortions.

that such individuals are infantile and ought to have more kids.

They become significantly more vulnerable after abortions.

that such individuals are infantile and ought to have more kids.

They become significantly more vulnerable after abortions.

[alices-shattered-eyes]

So I have a really cool building idea, it's going to take a lot of learning and maybe some Collab with my more maths minded headmates but I want to try it!

Basically, it's a building that uses a quartet of shallow ramps to let people access a series of floating annexes (they're also accessible by lifts) that are located on the 6 points on a spoke.

The building itself is an internal atrium with a six point covered pathway with gardens in between (the walls will be glass that can be retracted in good weather) and at the centre a help point that is equidistant from all the annexes and the entrance.

The annexes will be accessible by the ramps and by the lifts and will be one story and flat throughout.

My idea of the use of this building is for it to be where you would go to get support as a disabled person, be that financial, academic, emotional, medical, spiritual or for doing work. It wouldn't house the specific services but act as a hub where specialists can help guide and advocate for the disabled person in those areas.

It would use a brutalist style but future proofed (unlike, sadly, many brutalist buildings which see rapid and extreme damage forming within 20 years of being poured) and also utilise nature in the central atrium with a sense of verticality to the plants (maybe floating planters or microgardens but figuring out how they're managed safely would be it's own challenge?) And using plants that invite butterflies and birds into the area.

I've started my sketches and will try to learn some better perspective stuff to make it look good. (My sketches still mention stairs but I realized that they weren't needed and may actually gatekeep some annexes from wheelchair users and other folks unable to use stairs unless they used the lifts.

[mochagypsymagick]

Why the Three-Fold Law is a Myth: Empowering Women to Reclaim Their Magical Power

Breaking Free from the Three-Fold Law: Reclaiming Your Power

If you've ever dipped your toes into the world of magick, you've probably heard about the Three-Fold Law. That idea that whatever energy you send out into the universe—whether it's good, bad, or somewhere in between—will come back to you three times as strong. It sounds like a simple rule, right? But let's take a closer look at it because there’s a chance that this so-called "law" might actually be holding you back, especially if you've ever been hurt, wronged, or oppressed.

What if the Three-Fold Law Isn’t Really True?

The Three-Fold Law isn’t some ancient wisdom handed down through the ages. In fact, it’s a relatively new idea, cropping up in the 1950s when Wicca, a modern pagan religion, was being shaped and popularized by a man named Gerald Gardner. Gardner, for all his contributions to modern witchcraft, was still a man of his time—a time when society was deeply uncomfortable with women stepping into their power.

So, what if the Three-Fold Law was introduced to keep women, like you, from fully embracing their magical abilities? Think about it: at a time when women were beginning to challenge the roles society had forced on them, this law might have been a way to scare them into submission. “Don’t get too powerful,” it whispers. “Don’t stand up for yourself too strongly. Otherwise, you’ll pay the price—three times over.”

It very well could be that Gerald Garner never intended for this law to be used against women, but what's certain is that many people in the spiritual community, past and present, have ran with it to keep women and minorities in their place. It's no different than the convenient, traditional Christian threat of going to Hell.

A Tool of Control Dressed as a Moral Guideline

History has shown us that society has always tried to control women’s power, especially when it comes to magick. Women have been the primary practitioners of folk magick, healing, and spiritual work for centuries. And let’s not forget the witch hunts—those dark times when women were persecuted simply for being perceived as too independent and powerful.

So, it’s not hard to imagine that the Three-Fold Law could have been introduced or at least popularized as a way to keep women from embracing their true potential. By making us fear the consequences of our own power, this so-called law could be stifling our ability to fight back, seek justice, or even just protect ourselves. Think about it. It’s women and girls who are the most vulnerable to sexual exploitation, abuse, violence, and oppression within a patriarchal society, and when it happens, it’s usually at the hands of men who often go unpunished, or face minimal legal and social consequences.

It’s women who usually invest the most in relationships and marriages only to be awakened rudely to the fact that, after wasted years, their sacrifices were never matched or appreciated by their male partners. Yet, women are expected to quickly accept these life-long injuries, scars, and hindrances with nothing but serene grace. We are told to forgive and forget, be the bigger person, or let God or Karma handle them. We are expected to quickly cope with a solution which is nothing but passive. A woman exacting revenge, getting justice, righting wrongs, or holding people accountable with the power of magick is in direct opposition to these expectations. Women freely turning to magick not only challenges the status quo, but would absolutely terrify a lot of bad men. And frankly, they aren’t terrified enough.

Your Power Is Yours to Claim

The Three-Fold Law oversimplifies how energy actually works. Magick isn’t some cosmic boomerang that punishes you for every little thing. It’s a tool—a powerful one—that you can use to shape your reality. The idea that anything you do will come back to you threefold is more about instilling fear than about guiding you to be responsible with your power.

In many other magical traditions, the emphasis isn’t on retribution but on balance. Energy is something you can work with, transform, and direct. The consequences of your magick depend on many factors—your intent, the situation, and the energy or entity you’re working with. It's not just about blindly following a rule; it’s about understanding and working with the flow of energy in a way that serves you and your needs.

In traditions like Hoodoo or indigenous shamanic practices, magick is used for protection, justice, and empowerment. It’s not about fearing what might come back to you; it’s about standing in your power and using it with intention. These traditions understand that sometimes, to heal or to protect yourself, you need to take strong, decisive action—and there’s nothing wrong with that.

What I believe to be true, at my core, is that we are not punished for our sins, but by them, as the old saying goes. If someone consistently does unjust and terrible things, then there will often be a natural domino effect of consequences that catches up to them eventually, which only appears to be supernatural retribution or God’s wrath.

Shera Seven’s take on the law of three is another one that I agree with. Her worldview is that payback comes to you if you believe that you deserve it and that’s why we see many public figures do the most despicable things and still prosper. They have no guilt and feel completely fine with what they’re doing. As far as spiritual boomerangs in relationships go, “If Karma were real, every man would be dead!” Very wise woman.

Reclaiming Your Power After Being Burned

If you've been hurt or wronged, you might feel hesitant about using your power to fight back. The Three-Fold Law might make you wonder, "Will I suffer even more if I try to defend myself?" But here’s the truth: your power is your own, and you have every right to use it, especially when it comes to protecting yourself or seeking justice.

Imagine a world where you don’t have to hold back, where you can stand up for yourself without fearing some mysterious cosmic punishment. Imagine using your magick to heal from the pain others have caused you, to reclaim your strength, and to build a life where you are in control. The idea that you shouldn’t use your power—especially in self-defense or to right a wrong—has been used for too long to keep you from fully realizing your strength. The Three-Fold Law, with all its fearful consequences, is just another way of saying, “Don’t be too powerful. Don’t challenge the status quo.” But I’m here to tell you that you can be powerful. You can challenge the people who have hurt you. And you can do it in a way that is aligned with your deepest values and desires.

Move Beyond the Fear

If the Three-Fold Law feels like a chain around your spirit, maybe it’s time to let go of it. Instead of living in fear of what might come back to you, let’s embrace a new way of thinking—one where you take responsibility for your actions, yes, but where you also give yourself permission to use your power freely and fully.

When you choose to work with me, we won’t be bound by outdated rules that were never meant to serve us in the first place. Together, we’ll explore ways to use magick that feel right for you—ways that help you heal, protect yourself, and manifest the life you deserve. Whether it’s breaking free from past hurts, seeking justice, or simply reclaiming your power, you have the right to use magick in a way that honors your true self.

Ready to Reclaim Your Power?

My wish is for you to break free. You may seek to practice magick on your own or call on the assistance of an experienced practitioner like myself. My mission is to support women who have been hurt, who have been told to stay small, who are ready to reclaim their power and use it to create the life they want.

You don’t have to live in fear of retribution. You don’t have to hold back. Magick is yours to wield, and I’m here to guide you on that journey as needed. Together, we can move beyond the fear and into a place of empowerment, where magick is a source of strength, healing, and transformation.

Let’s break the chains of the Three-Fold Law and step into a new reality—one where you are the master of your fate, the creator of your destiny that you were always meant to be. Ready to get started? Reach out to me for a free consultation, and let’s reclaim your power together.

[authorhenrywvinson]

A Glimpse into the Intriguing Funeral Rites of Ancient Egypt

From enigmatic pyramids to mysterious hieroglyphs, there is something about ancient Egypt that has absorbed a lot of imagination for centuries. Nothing, however, is as fascinating or bizarre as the funeral rites of this ancient civilization. Far from being mere ceremonies, the funeral rites of this ancient civilization were structured, multilayered practices interlaced with religious zeal, social hierarchy, and sometimes just plain oddities. It was mind-blowing!

If you find yourself captivated by the rituals surrounding death, then That Good Night by Henry Vinson is a must-read. As an expert in funerals and mortuary sciences, Vinson guides you through the history and contemporary practices of death rituals.

Imagine now a world where death wasn't feared but revered, where the journey to the afterlife had the same magnitude as life itself. To the ancient Egyptians, this wasn't just a belief system but a reality that completely consumed them. The Egyptians treated death not as an end but as a transition into some other realm that called for thorough preparation and, quite curiously, an obsession with immortality.

Mummification was among the most fascinating practices during Egyptian burials. It is easy to imagine: the careful embalmment of a body, the removal of organs and placement in canopic jars, anointing the skin with oils and resins. That was not just a way to preserve but rather a spiritual necessity. If one's body had to be intact for the soul to identify itself in the afterlife, the unpredictable thing is that the brain, considered worthless, was pulled out from the nose and thrown away. Then, even more unpredictably, the heart, believed to have intelligence and emotions that were crucial for the soul to present itself in the afterlife and be judged, was left inside the body.

However, these rituals did not stop at just mummification. The tomb itself was conceived as a kind of gateway to eternity, coated with various spells from the Book of the Dead, which protected the deceased from perils in the underworld. These very spells, inscribed on the walls of the tomb, became something tantamount to an ancient GPS to guide the soul through treacherous landscapes of the afterlife. Not to mention the really elaborate funerary offerings—food, wine, even furniture—intended to be of comfort in the next world. And some tombs actually included—rather bizarrely, if you ask me—'Shabti' dolls, small figures meant to do the labor for the deceased in the afterlife. Indeed, even in death, the ancient Egyptians had a workforce available at their beck and call.

Yet, not all funerals were grand and elaborate. The social hierarchy was deeply entrenched in these rites. While the Pharaohs were entombed in lavish pyramids, the common folk had to make do with modest graves. However, even the simplest burial had its rituals. The deceased would be buried with a few possessions, perhaps a favorite amulet or a small offering of bread, to ensure they didn't go hungry in the afterlife.

The fact that Egyptian funeral practices are so enhanced by their use of magic makes them so uncertain. There were certain amulets and charms that went along with the mummy's wrappings, and all served their reason. Some were to protect the body, and others were to ensure the body's safe passage to the afterlife. One of the most interesting amulets to be attached to anything was an amulet called the 'Eye of Horus,' supposedly used for both healing and protection. The symbol, usually displayed on the coffin, was believed to keep evil spirits away and also to guide the soul safely to his heavenward journey.

Certainly, the most interesting among all other ancient Egyptian funerals is their belief in 'ka' and 'ba.' To them, 'ka' was a spiritual counterpart of the body, while 'ba' was the personality or soul. This required the two entities to reunite each night if the dead were to resurrect in the afterlife. This prompted the building of elaborate tombs with false doors and windows for the 'ka' to pass freely through to locate the 'ba.'

In a world where death is often shrouded in mystery and fear, the ancient Egyptians embraced it with an almost macabre fascination. Their funeral rites, both bizarre and deeply symbolic, reflect a culture obsessed with the afterlife and the quest for immortality. So, the next time you think about ancient Egypt, let your mind wander beyond the pyramids and consider the strange, unpredictable world of their funeral practices—where death was not an end but a complex, ritualistic journey into eternity.

Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/6d05m1s

[kelleah-meah]

Beltane 2024

Look at that! I'm back again 2 years later (again) with more Beltane celebration goodness.

I first posted about doing a mini-ritual and tarot spread in 2020. Then, I posted a little more about what I did to mark the event in 2022. And now I'm here again to share how I got down for this lovely day.

This year, I decided to break up the celebration over 2 days, and make a bit of fuss. I'm not sure why, but this sabbat isn't as noteworthy to me as some others, like Litha and Mabon. But then again, since I'm not actually a Wiccan, I never really felt it had to be.

But for some reason, this year felt different. Blame it on eclipse season. Or that my solar return predicted that I would expand myself spiritually this year. I don't know. Life's a journey. But I'm leaning in where my intuition tells me to, and so far, everything seems to be in flow with where I am holistically.

Enough of the jawjacking, here's what I got up to. The plan this year involved:

2 tarot readings (1 for April 30 and 1 for May 1)

longer meditation sessions including some new sound therapy audio that worked wonders on my mood (one involved a kalimba)

burning jasmine scented incense

a lovely walk in the park

some dancing to The Age of Aquarius vinyl album by The 5th Dimension that I love, especially the song "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In" (I can't sit still when that song plays)

drinking a new tea called Strawberry Fields I bought on Etsy by Bathala Botanicals

writing a post about how we can make environmentalism more inclusive by replacing ego and judgment with patience and understanding

All in all, it was a nice celebration that I think fit me and my practice fairly well. Even when you add in the somewhat ominous tarot reading from April 30th.

Here let me share so you can see what I mean. This is the first Beltane spread I did:

Pinched from Pinterest and the New Age Hipster's website, here's what it told me:

Sorry for the harsh color overload on that photo. No amount of correcting could make it easier to see. Anyway, here's a breakdown:

What needs to be burned away? Ace of Swords

How can you create space for new energy and life? King of Swords

Keys to an abundant year 8 of Cups

Steps toward abundance 9 of Swords

Messages from your Ancestors Death

That's a lot of sword energy, folks! See what I mean? A lot of heavy messages in that reading. Important and probably what I needed to hear, but still pretty heavy.

Thankfully, I had tea, music and a walk in the sun to help me deconstruct what those messages meant. Actually, I'm still deconstructing them.

Then, the following day, I meditated twice as long as usual, and did the following tarot reading on May 1st:

Again, pinched from Pinterest and the Moon Mama Oracle. Here's what it told me:

Using my shiniest tarot deck, it gave me a bit of a more uplifting message, but it still had a little tough love in there too:

Card to represent my energy The Fool

What's ready to grow this spring? 3 of Pentacles

What has already started growing? 8 of Pentacles

What should I begin to plant now? 7 of Wands

What lesson is waiting for me this season? 10 of Wands

Beltane advice from my guides 6 of Wands

As you can see, there's a lot of wand energy on that day's reading. Actually, I just realized that the April reading was swords, cups & 1 major arcana, while the May reading was pentacles, wands & 1 major arcana. Fascinating juxtaposition.

And there you have it! My Beltane 2024 felt well satiated. I didn't get to everything I wanted to do (like planting my lavender and rosemary), but I have this weekend to do that. It's important to give myself credit for what I was able to accomplish while juggling other important life tasks.

Until next year.