#learning and development practitioner

[reimenaashelyee]

The Creator's Guide to Comics Devices is OPEN!!! comicsdevices.com

An online library of visual-narrative devices that are used in the medium of comics and other sequential art.

Happy Halloween! I'm really excited to be finally launching* what is maybe one of my most ambitious, largest work yet. This online library is the next phase of a research project that began in May 2020, when I first mused on how comics as a field doesn't have a resource that catalogues devices used in the medium. Like, theatre has devices, so does literature, and film! So why shouldn't comics? I always had an interest in comics studies and analysis. I love reading, making and thinking comics. However most of my knowledge was intuitive - I learned comics from osmosis and experience. This is true for many of my peers. Speaking about comics as a creator is hard, because we don't have a robust system of language. When we had to speak, many of us tend to reach for the language developed for film by film practitioners. If there is language specific to comics, it's either scattered in multiple blogs or hidden away in academic journals. The Comics Devices library is meant to aggregate everything and everybody into a single hub! After exploring some multiple resources, alongside some original, independent research, here is the first edition! * The Comics Devices project is still a work-in-progress! It's not final, nor will it ever be. This is why I am seeking contributors to help build this library. Translations, comics examples, etc. There is a lot of work to do! If you are interested, reply to this post or submit an expression of interest on this page.  Have fun everyone!! (Now time for me to melt x_x)

[thecupidwitch]

Moon Magick

What Is A Moon Magick?

In many cultures around the world, practitioners have used the position of the moon, as well as the phases of the moon in their practice. Each phase of the moon is perfect for certain types of magickal workings. Not all witches depend on the particular moon phase. Many develop their own methods and techniques through trial and error to find out what works best. Those that do use the timing of the moon do so by choosing the moon phase most conducive to their magickal workings. This gives their magickal workings some extra lunar energy boost.

Correspondences:

Associated deities: Isis, Diana, Artemis, Morrigan, Holda, Nyx, Nephtys, Sedna, Lilith, baba, Yaga, Kali, Aphrodite, Freya, Ishtr, Hathor, Selena, Oshun, Perspephone, Flora, Cerridwen, Gaia, Epona, Yemanja, Rhiannon, Khonsu, Inanna, Hecate, ...ect

Animals: owls, rabbits, wolves, deer, cats, moths, bats, spiders, raccoons, opossum, cows, frogs, dogs, crabs, whippoorwill, panther

Crystals/Stones: moonstone, selenite, obsidian, silver, mother-of-pearl, aquamarine, gold beryl, topaz, emerald, clear quartz, coral, pearls

Moon Associations: Shadow work, Protection, Meditation, Journaling, Introspection, Strength , Love, Beauty, Manifesting, To attract new things, Purification, Letting go, celebrate your accomplishments, letting go, goal setting, banishing

Plants and Herbs: vervain, moonflower, jasmine, lemon balm, cabbage, camellia, camphor, chickweed, moonwort, gardenia, grape, lemon, passion flower, turnip, potato, pea, cucumber, pear, peach, willow, poppy, mountain ash, mango, wallflower, rowan, cactus

Moon Phases

New Moon

This is the crescent Moon when see the first peak of light, this is a time of newness, the beginning of relationships, the beginning of a new venture, the energy of this phase promotes new beginnings on any level. This is the time for change and for being open to, and looking for new opportunities, tilling the soil and planting seeds actually, and the seeds of ideas.

Waxing Moon

The Moon is beginning to gain strength as it grows in size, and goes from a new to a full Moon, this is a perfect time for growth and increasing things, growth within a relationship, financial growth, a time for learning and gaining knowledge.

If someone is thinking about pregnancy, this is a time of fertility, and it is an exceptional time for communication, in a business matter, or within a relationship. This is also an auspicious time for any legal matters, especially those where finances are concerned, if a healing spell, or healing of any type is needed, this is the time.

Waxing Gibbous

During the phase of the Gibbous Waxing Moon anything to do with increase is compatible; this is a good time for minor magic as the lunar energy is waning.

Full Moon

The full Moon is the most powerful phase, this is when the Moon is seen in its glorious fullness, this is a time of enlightenment and heightened psychic awareness. It is a time when everything comes together, it is a time of ideas, also a time of commitment, to a person, idea or project. It is also a time of family, and or friends coming together, any spell is well aspected during this phase of the Moon.

Waning Gibbous

The Waning Gibbous Moon  is suitable for rituals associated with letting go, and banishing,  if it is time to clear out the old and prepare for the new, this is the Moon phase to spell craft with.

Waning Moon

As the Moon decreases in size, it goes from full to dark, and this is a time of letting go, it is also a time of completion. If you have been wanting to change something in your life, this is the perfect time.

It is also a time of ending anything that doesn’t work in your life, this may be a habit, a relationship, or paying attention to issues  associated with legal matters, this is a time to pay attention to anything that you have been procrastinating about

Moon Water

Moon water is very similar to Sun water. But rather than being charged by the sun, it’s charged by the moon. Moon water can be useful for helping boost the energy of a spell, to help an intention grow, protect and to cleanse a space.

Instructions:

Get a glass bottle

Fill it with any type of water.

Leave the bottle with water out in the moonlight for a whole night.

[star-anise]

are we talking about broke therapists yet?

I've been out of things for a couple of years now, which is why I'm willing to talk about it, and maybe the pandemic has helped things a little, but holy shit the counselling and psychotherapy field is not equipped to help its practitioners in the gig economy.

Of all my interests and talents, I pursued a degree in psychology because being a therapist is supposed to be a safe, stable, well-paid job. Every therapist I met who was registered before 2008 worked and lived under that assumption. And oh boy are all the fee structures--registration, supervision, continuing education, conferences--set up for that scenario.

After getting my Master's, I struggled like hell to get a job. It was especially bad because to get my license, I needed a supervisor to take me on. To take me on, most supervisors wanted me to already have a caseload and client base. To get a caseload and client base, I needed a job.

Friends: Every single job I heard back on wanted me to have my license before I could even land an interview.

Professors and career advisors and professional development specialists all advised me very earnestly to just keep cold-calling people on the supervision list, and it began to feel a lot like my parents' friends telling me to hit the bricks and hand out resumes. That's what worked for them, right?

I finally got a supervisor who agreed to take me on, and I'd be able to use her clinic for advertising and workspace, and we were doing the paperwork to send in with my registration, when she called me up and said, "Is this job going to be your only source of income? If you're trying to depend on getting clients and building your practice for your basic needs, this is not going to work out. This has to be something you're doing on top of a basic salary. Okay, so you're not working anywhere else right now? I'm sorry, I can't move forward with this."

Even once I landed a supervisor and a job building my own private practice, I struggled. I have ADHD and am not great at self-promotion, so trying to do all my own advertising, scheduling, bookkeeping, billing, and records management (on top of counselling) was an enormous strain. One my bosses, supervisors, and other senior professionals watched with a slightly critical eye, but consoled me about because in their early days, their clinics had had business managers, receptionists, filing clerks, and accountants, and getting used to doing everything online yourself was a bit of a learning curve, wasn't it?

I counted my pennies very carefully, because I had to pay my supervisor roughly $180 for their services every 6 hours of in-person counselling I did. This meant that to break even I had to charge my clients an average of about $30 (plus room rental and service fees) an hour--and my clients, being people with complex trauma, were frequently poor, disabled, unemployed, and had no health benefits, so even $10 or $20 a session was a lot for them.

Maybe it would have been easier if I could have taken some of those nice comfortable organization positions where they find clients and funding for you and you work 40 hours a week and get benefits and a pension, but I had to be disabled into the bargain, so working 40 hours a week just isn't possible for me. I start passing out from stress and exhaustion. Older colleagues gave me serious-faced advice about approaching my employer and asking them for some flexibility and accommodation in my schedule, and I tried to explain across the gap between us that employers simply did not hire me if I made the slightest noise about the workload. They weren't going to invest in me as a person; they were hiring 40 units of work a week, and if I wouldn't do it there were a dozen applicants after me who would.

At one point I broke down enough to email my licensing body because the Annual General Meeting/Professional Development Conference was coming up, and I wanted to attend, but I could not produce $500 to do it with. Was there some kind of way I could attend anyway? I felt ashamed to have to ask, and then absolutely mortified when the response came from the organization president, who needed to personally sign off on me being too poor to attend the single most important event in my profession's calendar year.

I honestly felt so ashamed all the time at how I was apparently failing to be a successful therapist, failing to be rich and successful, and every time I mentioned it around mentors and bosses, I could feel myself shrinking from a person to a problem to be solved. My closest therapist-friends and I have reflected on how much more difficult, poorly-paid and underworked, our various career starts have been than we were ever warned about. About the classmates and coworkers who couldn't get disability exceptions when they fell behind in their registration requirements, or burned out and left the field, or dropped their registrations and took up as life coaches, or moved their whole family somewhere exceptionally remote or rural because it was the only good job available, or worked for some godforsaken app skirting the bounds of malpractice like BetterHelp.

I like those conversations, because I feel less like an absolute fuck-up in them. There's less "Hey Lis, you were so talented in grad school, I really admired you, what are you doing now?" "Oh, I, uh... am professionally disabled, so I get government benefits, and I... sell embroidery patterns on Etsy now."

My own therapist kept asking if and when I felt like going back to being a counsellor, and I finally told him: I don't, actually. I don't want to go back and do it like I was doing it before. It was a profession I loved to the depths of my soul, and it profoundly did not love me back. I can't even imagine what would have to change, in me or it, to make it have a space in it that could fit me.

All of which I was way too scared to admit to at the time, because the more I let people know I was struggling, the more they hinted that maybe I just wasn't in a place in my life where this was a job I could do, and I needed to take a little break and wait to come back until money and disability just weren't issues for me anymore.

Eventually my cups of doubt and exhaustion did overflow, and I quit. I'm here now, living a much different life. And at the very least, all my years of helping people in bad life situations set me up perfectly for my own. I already knew what form to fill out for financial assistance, which student clinics to access for mental health support, and which government agency would, if pressed, cough out pharmacy coverage for the genuinely destitute. It gave me that much.

I hope this is just me being in extraordinary circumstances, sitting at the intersections of a few different shitty life situations that most people skip right past. Because it's on one level comforting, but another deeply infuriating, if I'm not, and I've just missed it or we've just all been too afraid to admit it to each other.

[rainerioun]

WHAT CAREER IS FOR YOU? | pick a card.

HOW TO CHOOSE A PILE : The outcome may vary based on whether you receive clear messages visually or intuitively. If you resonate more with selecting a pile visually, trust that inclination. Personally, I believe the notion that 'looks can deceive,' so I prefer to take a deep breath and close my eyes, allowing the pile I'm meant to connect with to come to me. You might see the color of the pile, sense or hear a number, or simply feel its overall vibe.

Please don’t redistribute or edit my content.

MUST READ + MASTERLIST. | KO-FI.

PILE ONE

What Career Is For You? Fool — Light : Fearlessly revealing emotion. Helping people laugh at absurdity and hypocrisy. Liberator — Light : Freeing yourself and others from outmoded beliefs. Releasing negative thought patterns.  Abundance : Use your existing abundance to create beautiful things in your life and you will be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine. The Underworld : Bravery, Depth, Facing of Deepest Fears.  The Ocean : Deeper than Deep, Big Dreams, Discovery.

You are meant to do something that not only helps you but also helps others find the joy in life by navigating through the darkness. You’re here to use the morals and ideals you’ve developed to guide others toward happiness with your insights. Emotions play a big role in this.

List Of Careers: — Comedian, Performer/Influencer, Counselor/Therapist/Psychologist, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Activist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Law.

PILE TWO

What Career Is For You? Hermit — Light : Seeks solitude to focus intently on inner life. Serves Personal creativity. Visionary : Capacity to envision what is not yet conceivable to others. Willingness to proclaim a vision without regard for personal gain.  Yin and Yang : Strive for harmony and balance in your inner and outer life through change, reflection and growth.  The Crone : Magic, Clairvoyant, Psychic, Intuitive, Wise. 

A career that allows for creative expression would be an ideal fit for you, as it aligns with your natural strengths and passions. Beyond the creative aspect, it’s also important for you to find a career where you can bring your own beliefs and values to the forefront, allowing you to express your personal perspectives and ideals.

List Of Careers: — Spiritual Guide/Reiki Practitioner, Metaphysical Practice, Tarot Reader, Meditation Teacher, Yoga Instructor, Writer/Poet/Artist.

PILE THREE

What Career Is For You? Virgin — Light : Maintaining symbolic purity of heart and spirit. Scribe : Preserving knowledge and information. Life Purpose : Your own, natural intuition and the genuine wisdom of your heart is here to guide you. The Riddle : A Great Awakening or “Aha” Moment.

Much like the last pile, writing and expression play a big role for you. Sharing your knowledge, whether through teaching or learning, might come naturally. If you're uncertain about your current direction, you might suddenly find yourself drawn to a job or field you hadn't considered before soon, and it could be the right fit for you!

List Of Careers: — Archivist/Historian, Writer/Author, Teacher, Researcher, Journalist, Philosopher, Librarian.

[breelandwalker]

Marks of growth as a person and practitioner in witchcraft spaces:

-not feeling the need to constantly correct others

-knowing when and how to offer a dissenting viewpoint

-being content to disagree without engaging in debate

-fact-checking information before passing it along or incorporating it into your practice

-questioning your assumptions and decolonizing your thinking

-understanding that no two practices are the same and that the experiences and opinions of others do not need to govern your path

-understanding that practices not your own or contrary to your own can still be valid

-being able to describe your current beliefs without putting down others or defaulting to discussions about religious trauma

-focusing on comprehension, learning, and exploration rather than consumption

-understanding that "witch" is a gender neutral term and that anyone can be a witch if they choose to

-understanding that safety is more important than visibility

-understanding that magical practice does not have to be constant

-Developing personal beliefs and practices that may align with existing traditions but may not match them precisely

-Developing a reliable bullshit detector and employing it regularly

-Diminished desire for constant validation from outside sources as to whether you're "doing it right"

-diminished desire to overshare or aestheticize your practices, instead focusing on what works for you rather than what looks pretty enough for social media

-diminished desire to Do All The Things At Once and instead focusing on the areas where you are comfortable / interested and taking things at a reasonable pace

-being aware of the problems in the community and doing your best to not contribute to them

-being aware of the New Age pipeline and staying out of it as much as possible

-embracing science and history and common sense alongside magical learning and spiritual beliefs (if you have them)

There are lots of others, but these are some of the ones I've noted in my own journey. Just some things to consider.

Happy Witching and Keep Growing!

[etherealwitcherys-blog]

Understanding Deity Work vs. Deity Worship and Addressing Common Fears

Over the years of practicing witchcraft, many have come to me with questions and concerns about deity work and/or deity worship. It's completely natural to feel apprehensive, especially when starting something new. In this post I will get into the differences and address common fears to help you feel more confident in your practice!

Remember, working with or worshiping deities is a deeply personal journey. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Trust your intuition, be respectful, and allow yourself the freedom to explore and grow. Deities are here to guide and support us, not to instill fear.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or share your experiences! We’re all here to learn and support each other on this spiritual path! Blessed be 🤍✨🕯️

-

-

Deity Work:

Deity work is more about forming a personal relationship or partnership with a deity. It can be less formal and more focused on mutual growth and learning. The aim is to collaborate with the deity for personal development, spiritual growth, or specific goals. Some common practices include:

meditation

journaling

divination

dreamwork

personalized offerings based on your interactions with the deity

Deity Worship:

Deity worship involves honoring and venerating a deity through rituals, offerings, prayers, and other acts of devotion. It's a more traditional and structured approach. The goal is to show respect, gratitude, and seek blessings or guidance from the deity. Common practices include:

creating altars

offering food, flowers, incense, etc.

reciting prayers

participating in festivals or holy days

Addressing Common Fears:

Fear of Doing Things Wrong:

Flexibility: Understand that deities are often more understanding than we think. Intentions matter more than rigid adherence to rituals. If you approach with respect and sincerity, minor mistakes are often forgiven.

Learning Process: It's okay to learn and grow. Many practitioners find their path through trial and error. Deities appreciate genuine effort and growth.

2. Fear of Negative Consequences:

Respect & Boundaries: As long as you approach deities with respect and maintain clear boundaries, negative consequences are rare. Communicate openly and honestly with the deity about your fears and intentions.

Protection Practices: Incorporate protection practices into your routine, such as grounding, shielding, or using protective crystals and herbs.

3. Choosing A Deity:

Research: Take your time to research and learn about different deities. Look for ones whose attributes and stories resonate with you.

Signs & Synchronicities: Pay attention to signs, dreams, and synchronicities that might indicate a deity is reaching out to you. Trust your intuition.

4. Fear of Commitment:

There's a misconception that once you start working with a deity, you're bound to them forever. In reality, relationships with deities can be fluid and adaptable. It's perfectly okay to take breaks, reassess your spiritual path, or even change directions entirely. Deities understand that your spiritual journey is personal and ever-evolving. They are there to support and guide you, not confine you. So, if you feel the need to step back or explore a different path, know that it's a natural part of your spiritual growth and development.

5. Fear of Judgement:

Many people fear being judged by others for their spiritual practices. It's important to remind them that their spiritual journey is deeply personal and unique to them. Everyone's path is different, and what feels right for one person may not resonate with another. Encouraging others to trust their intuition and follow what feels right for them, regardless of others' opinions, is crucial. Spirituality is about finding a connection that brings inner peace and fulfillment, and that can only be achieved by staying true to oneself. So, it's essential to prioritize personal beliefs and experiences over external judgement.

[yandere-writer-momo]

Yandere Baki Head Canon: Let’s Play A Game

Yandere Reverse Baki Harem x Afab fighter Reader

Otome Game AU

TW: unhealthy behavior, yandere themes, stalking, obsession, HORROR, etc

You, a famous fighter, had accidentally died in a horrific car accident by saving the life of a child that was supposed to pass away. Luckily, a deity had taken pity on you and decided to give you a second chance at life. One where you must play a game in order to go back to your world. Romance five of the male leads and you’ll be able to return to your world. Katsumi Orochi, Baki Hanma, Kaioh Retsu, Hanayama Kaoru, and Jack Hanma are the five main males you must romance in order to go home but the deity had thrown in some other mystery men just for shits and giggles. He even gave you a house that’s exactly like your old one! Just don’t invite anyone over… Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. How were you to know these emotionally constipated men have never experienced love before?

Katsumi Orochi

The first man you met when you landed in this strange world. His eyes were wide when you suddenly appeared in the rain before him. What on earth was a woman doing in the rain by herself? He rushes over with his umbrella to place it over your head. He’s surprised by how attractive you are. How soft you look… he doesn’t realize he’s staring until you place your hands over his cheek and smile at him.

There was a bar above his head that rapidly began to grow pink when you touched him. He must be one of the male leads you had to romance… perfect!

“I’m a bit lost… can you help me?” Katsumi was quick to offer you his coat when he saw you shiver. There was something almost magical about you… he was a moth to your flame.

“Of course, here. Let’s head into the dojo.” Katsumi ushered you into Shinshinkai while the rain continued to pour. He was immediately smitten with you.

Katsumi offers you a Karate uniform to wear since your clothes are wet. The two of you share small talk and he’s excited to learn that you’re a practitioner of taekwondo. You were pretty and you could fight? It must have been destiny for the two of you to meet!

He by far was the easiest to romance or so you thought… poor you had gotten a little in over your head about this particular man. He’s so obsessive and delusional. A horrible combination but one he developed due to dedicating his entire life to karate.

Katsumi offered free training at Shinshinkai and he was always eager to spar with you. It wasn’t uncommon for him to wrestle with you or to take you out to eat after training. You didn’t notice the way he’d slowly become more and more touchy. Nor did you notice how weird he was when babies were around.

“Don’t you think that baby is so cute?” Katsumi asked when a baby was sat with its mother in a table near the two of you. The baby was super cute with their chubby cheeks. “(Your name), would you ever want to have kids?”

And you stupidly told this man yes… you shared how you wanted to get married one day and have kids that hopefully wanted to be marital artists. You stupid girl! You didn’t even notice the obsession that lied behind his chocolate eyes or the lingering touches whenever he’d pin you to the floor beneath him when you sparred. Not until it was too late. Not until you’re introduced to his parents as his future wife. And there no way to run from him. He has over a million members at Shinshinkai and they’d hunt you down if you ever tried to escape from your doting fiancé.

Hanayama Kaoru

Once you had settled into your house (and carefully made sure not to invite the overly friendly Katsumi over), you ran into him on the street. It was just a chance meeting, but it was one that caught Hanayama by surprise. You had bumped into him and knocked his cigar onto him.

“I’m sorry, sir. I wasn’t looking where I was going-“ You were shocked to see such a tall man covered in scars. The heart bar above his head was slightly pink by the small encounter with him. Neither one of you looked away from each other’s eyes.

Hanayama nodded his head and went to turn away but he was surprised when he heard your voice again. “You have ashes all over your jacket… please let me at least brush you off.” Hanayama blushed when you quickly brushed the ashes off him without his answer. How brazen of you! He’s never been hit on first like this…

When you walk away, you noticed his romance bar is already at twenty percent. Perhaps you’d be able to go home sooner than you thought if you kept this up?

A shame you didn’t notice the blush on Hanayama’s face. He’s never been so excited in his life… and now it was your problem. How were you to know how possessive he was?

He was a silent presence compared to the chatty Katsumi and Baki. He would randomly sit beside you when you weren’t preoccupied by the other men which wouldn’t have been such a bad thing if he didn’t stare at you. His gaze was unnerving and terrifying. Yet you must accept him in order to go home. So you tolerated his presence with gentle smiles and one sided small talk. You didn’t realize how much Hanayama truly enjoyed your company.

He began to bring you gifts. Roses, jewelry, and clothing. Loud gestures of adoration despite his stoic exterior. You’d always thank him with a smile because his romance bar would rise with each gift… but his pink bar was the first to reach a blood red. Why was his bar so red? And why did you always feel as if someone was watching you?

His gifts began to become inappropriate. Rather than regular clothes, he’d gift you red, black, and violet lingerie. And then it was chocolates and invitations to fancy dinners where oysters were almost always served. You were starting to become really scared when you found out what his occupation was. How were you to know he was a yakuza boss?! And there was no escape from Hanayama, he was too powerful and he was too obsessed with you to share you.

Baki Hanma

You were on a jog when you met the twenty year old. He was sitting on a bench all alone looking so down. The heart bar above his head was a depressing shade of blue. Oh no! Why did he look so sad?

Baki was shocked when you sat beside him with a smile. You offer him your hand to introduce yourself and you offered to listen to him since he looked so sad. He instantly clung to you like a tick. You were so warm and sweet… he adored it. He’s never had affection like this since his ex girlfriend… you’re warm like a mom!

You pat Baki’s head as he cries in your arms. You’re shocked by how his heart bar sky rockets to a sixty percent with this small interaction. Holy smokes! You were crushing this game!

You exchanged numbers with him and offered him solace so kindly. Baki was so thrilled to finally have someone care about him. It was what he has always wanted…

Baki spent almost as much time with you as Katsumi did. The two friendly men running around you like little kids as they excitedly would take you on lots of dates. It was a little overwhelming.

But you didn’t think Baki would be so clingy… please don’t leave him! Don’t leave him, he’d do anything for you! Please only look at him! Love him!

Jack Hanma

The hardest to romance. This man was mean. Mean as hell. He had no interest in you whatsoever, he only had his goal of strength in mind. Jack constantly rebuffed you, but your persistence began to wear down his walls

Why did you insist on being so close to him anyways? He was a mess. He was always sweaty and he would train to the point of incontinence… did you have a piss kink? You were weird as hell and he didn’t like the way the other fighters hovered around you like helicopters. You were nothing special… at least that’s what he told himself until he overheard you defend him when someone bad mouthed him.

“Sure Jack can be a little rough around the edges, but he works harder than any of you!” Jack clenched his jaw when he heard you berate some of the fighters who commented on his methods for strength. “You don’t have half of what it takes to want to be the best.” Your words made something flutter in his heart. It was a weird feeling but it wasn’t something entirely unwelcomed.

Jack’s presence usually sent the other men running away with their tails between their legs but he began to like the way you smiled so warmly at him. For the first time in years, someone didn’t look at him like he was a monster. And he didn’t ever want you to disappear. No. Jack wouldn’t ever let anything happen to you. He’d rather die.

You became as important to him as his journey to strength. You were his one and only friend. His companion. It didn’t matter to him that there were others. Jack was just happy to have you by his side.

Jack enjoyed how you’d sit beside him whenever he sat alone or how you’d occasionally lean on him when it was cold. Jack slowly warmed up to you and his romance bar slowly began to rise. He took the longest to romance out of all the others but he’s the most normal out of all of them. Jack rarely sought you out unless he had a gut feeling you needed him. Jack slowly began to become easier to talk to… and you made the mistake of venting to him. Of showing him your most vulnerable side.

So when he saw you crying for the first time about how weird everyone was to you, something in him snapped. How dare they make you uncomfortable. How dare they make you cry! And now you realized just how over protective Jack was of you…

And from that day forth, Jack began to protect you. He was like a giant, blonde tank that shoved the other men out of the way. You didn’t have to worry anymore. Jack would protect you!

Kaioh Retsu

You met him at the dojo. Retsu was very nice to you. He was a voice of reason and usually would step between you and Katsumi when he noticed Katsumi being particularly weird to you.

You’d spar with Retsu and you were always awestruck by his Kenpo. Retsu enjoyed your compliments and even taught you some Kenpo. He was thrilled that someone was interested in his martial art. To have it be appreciated.

His romance bar was hidden from you, which was strange. Occasionally it would pop up with a high percentage but then it would fade into obscurity. Retsu would always give you a soft smile and reassure you whenever you were particularly overwhelmed. He was a really good friend.

Retsu was easy to talk to and he made the best tea. And Retsu always had a logical response whenever you vented about the other men. You felt safe with Retsu… like you could trust him.

And so you shared with him the truth of you situation. Which made the Chinese man sympathize with you. He’d help you get home!

A shame you didn’t realize how he secretly manipulated you. How he pretended to be reasonable and level headed. He used his maturity and kindness to lower your guard but he didn’t realize just how much you were hiding. You’re from another world? That would explain why you were so unique compared to everyone else in this world of his… Retsu found you fascinating.

Now Retsu was going to help you leave this world… but he was going with you. You entrusted him with such precious information and didn’t he deserve a reward for helping you?

Pickle

A wild card. You will only meet him if you decide to go hiking on a Thursday.

You were not supposed to meet him but you did. On a complete accident too. You decided to go on a hike in the forest to get away from your… suitors.

He was just hunting in the forest when he noticed you. And he was curious about you. He began to follow you around like a lost dog. It would take a few miles of hiking to notice him but once you did, you were very puzzled. Who was this guy and why was his romance bar red from the get go? And that’s when you finally put together that the red bars that were above all the men you have been around meant danger.

Pickle was quick to snatch you up in his arms but rather than attack you, he sniffed you. He was surprised to smell all those fighters he’s fought on you! It fascinated him.

You were quick to escape him and run but he chased after you. He was so happy to play! If he caught you, could he keep you? Pickle would like a mate.

A shame Baki was waiting for you at the edge of the forest. The redhead glared at Pickle who began to throw a tantrum. No fair! Pickle wanted to play with you too! To keep you and to mate with you! That wasn’t fair.

Now you didn’t leave the city often because Pickle was always watching… always waiting to strike. For you had caught his eye.

Hector Doyle

Another wild card. You weren’t supposed to meet him but you did at the dojo. He was supposedly a reformed convict, one that didn’t have much of an interest in you… at first.

Doyle was kind of mean but in a snarky way. He always had something smart to say whenever you’d talk to Katsumi. You thought he was gay when you first met him since he liked Katsumi so much. But after you got to know him, you realized he was just attached to the Karateka since he defeated him.

Doyle slowly opened up to you since you were a constant presence in Katsumi’s life. You were very nice to him despite his sharp tongue so Doyle respected you. The two of you slowly became friends… but you constantly had to stop him from stealing products from the mall. Doyle had sticky fingers despite being blind. He insisted he knew the quality of what he took by the way it smelled and felt in his fingers. It was kind of silly.

Doyle’s romance bar slowly rises up the more you go out with him. He’s secretly a softie beneath his rough exterior. (If you’re a touchy person, it’ll shoot up faster. Doyle is easily flustered). Doyle is also very jealous of Katsumi

You seemed to make his friend happy so he was happy with you… until he noticed a change in Katsumi. The Karateka was obsessed with you to the point it was concerning. At least in the way Katsumi spoke of you, since Doyle was blind.

“Katsumi told everyone that you’re his fiancée but I never heard you talk about it.” Doyle whispered to you as the two of you stretched in a corner in the dojo. The blind assassin adjusted his blindfold. “I may be blind, but I’m not stupid. Are you okay?”

Doyle was shocked when you answered back in a choked sob. “No, I’ve tried to get away but he’s sent the whole dojo after me… I’m scared, Doyle.”

Doyle was so shocked when you hugged him. His body shook when he felt his first hug since he was a child. He instantly wrapped his arms around you and lost himself within you. He could imagine a life with you. You were so sweet and you were capable… he had money from his old job as an assassin and he had favors he was owed by people. Doyle could help you escape.

You pulled away and you felt your blood run cold at the red bar that was now above Doyle’s head. Oh no…

“I’ll help you escape.” Doyle whispered in your ear. “But we’d constantly be on the run. Would you want to live like that, darling?”

The choice is up to you with him. Doyle will help you but you’d lose your opportunity to go home… forever.

Jun Guevara

Another wild card. This dashing man can be found on Fridays at the docks by his boat. He’s usually shirtless with a jacket draped over his shoulders and a cigarette between his lips. He is also very easy to attract if you ask him about the ocean. This man loves the ocean. He won’t stop talking about it and he may even give you a shell if you’re extra sweet.

Jun is incredibly flirtatious but don’t let that fool you, he’s also extremely possessive. His heart bar will only rise if you’re charismatic. You have to be able to talk the talk too. And once you successfully romance him, you have the opportunity to get onto his ship! Hurray!

Jun will share rum and stories with you if you sneak off to come see him. He’ll even drape his jacket around you and call you, “Meu amor” or “Meu anjo.” You don’t have a clue what that means but it seems like a nickname!

Jun is great to use as an escape option if the other men become overwhelming. Just keep in mind that he won’t let you off that boat, because he’s determined to make you his wife! And eventually the mother of his four children.

Biscuit Oliva

Another wild card but can be encountered if you interact with criminals (Jun or Doyle). Biscuit may ask you about their whereabouts but you should lie to him to save your friends. Compliment this man to distract him! He’s a pretty revered bounty hunter so it won’t take much.

He’s recently a widow and he’s easily flustered since he’s never been flirted with before. Oliva is very easy to romance once you stoke the fires of his ego.

Oliva is a gift giver just like Hanayama except his gifts are more from the heart rather than his pants…

Oliva will buy you very nice clothes and offer to take you abroad. His romance bar will only ever turn red if you share your woes with him.

Just like Jack, Oliva is extremely protective. And he will not lose another love so he’s willing to whisk you away and lock you up forever.

Just be his cute sugar baby and everything will be okay! So long as the other men don’t crash your date… then you may never get home.

Once you successfully romance all the men, the deity will appear to you. But sadly they won’t be able to send you home anyways because you’ve ruined the story here since all their bars all turned red. Sorry toots, but he can’t take you away from these men who are willing to kill each other to have you. The deity just hopes you can make a choice.

[windvexer]

Using tarot to read on magical events in your own practice: quick theory, new card meanings, and spread ideas

this post is OC based on my personal tarot practice; the examples given are hypothetical for the sake of this post.

Well-meaning guy: "If you think that event was a bad omen, why not read tarot to clarify?"

Person who learned tarot from popular online resources and introspection-focused art decks: "I drew the 6/Cups, so I guess my ward falling off the wall is about my inner child?"

Tarot meanings change and evolve over time. Historical meanings are often not the same, or even contrary to, modern meanings. (Consider, 6/Pentacles: the French present moment was misinterpreted to mean presents, gifts).

By acknowledging that many modern meanings available for tarot cards are modern interpretations for modern concerns, many of which have fuckall to do with witchcraft, we can also acknowledge that we can apply our own sets of meanings to tarot to achieve personal interpretations in pursuit of personal goals.

I call this concept symbol sets, and you can apply your own symbol sets to certain tarot readings in order to rapidly obtain information about magical events in your life.

Symbol sets can be swapped out for each reading. You can intend to operate on your "normal meanings" for a typical reading, and then intend to operate with "magical omen meanings" for another reading.

There are no such things as universal tarot card meanings; there are some traditional meanings, some historical meanings, and many modern meanings. Adjust what each card means to you to your heart's delight.

The more symbol sets I've developed and practiced with, the more versatile and accurate my tarot reading has become. Working with custom symbol sets might be the single biggest leap in my reading ability in 16 years of practice. At least, it feels that way!

Quick n' Dirty Symbol Set for Magical Omens, Appropriate for Everyday Use

1. Apply general portents to each suit which matches your magical practice.

Here is one set that could be suitable to troubleshooting potentially magic events:

Swords, or Air: Misfortune, betrayal, malefica, ill-intent, adversity, due to harmful (even if unintentional) spirit action, pointless or wasted effort. Sometimes, banishing, binding and hexes.

Wands, or Fire: A lot of power, excessive power, due to your own actions, uncontained energy, something you did was very much overdone. Sometimes, protection and empowerment.

Pentacles, or Earth: Mundane, physical and normal reasons, an everyday occurrence, mundane but natural growth and change. Sometimes, unlocking and unblocking.

Cups, or Water: Blessings, magic working as intended (even if unexpectedly), the normal course of magical events, magical growth and change. Sometimes, cleansing and purifying.

Major Arcana: Guiding spirits and gods; their behaviors, guidance, or messages.

A spirit worker might like to add an additional layer of complexity, which modifies the prior set:

Court Cards: The actions of another being, such as a practitioner, god, or spirit, whether they acted intentionally to bring about the event or not.

(Further breakdown, as an example: Swords courts are beings intentionally acting badly; Wands courts are the most important spirits of your path; Pentacles courts are mundane folk or spirits unrelated to your path; Water courts are other practitioners, or spirits related to your path without being in your "inner court.")

Interpret any card drawn within these principles. Here are a few random examples. Let's say, a money spell has failed to produce results, and we'd like to know why.

5/Cups [disappointment, failure]: This is the normal course of magical events; the spell wasn't cast well, and so nothing is happening.

9/Wands [determination, boundaries]: A lot of energy was raised, but incorrectly targeted or released; the energy is cooped up.

Judgment [judgment]: An important spirit in your path wants you to deal with what you have been avoiding, and will interfere with your magic until you face them.

Spread Ideas

"What's going on with that thing?" | 3 cards

Card 1: The source or cause

Card 2: The current state of affairs

Card 3: Suggested action

Example; the money jar doesn't work: Card 1, King/Swords: The source of failure was the person in the discord server who promised to curse you for not feeling the same way about Destiel as they did. Card 2, Page/Pentacles: The current state of affairs is that as a symptom of the curse, an unaware person or spirit is blocking the prosperity you seek. Card 3, Queen/Cups: Ask a benevolent spirit or helpful practitioner friend to assist you in unblocking the situation.

Determining responsibility | 2 cards

Card 1: Why this thing happened

Card 2: Why it didn't happen; one thing that wasn't the cause at all

Example; the ward fell off the wall: Card 1, 10/Pentacles: This happened because of random happenstance in the home; it was not a magical event. Card 2, Ace/Swords: This action was unrelated to malefica or bad spirits or things like that.

Foresight Before Acting | 4 cards

Card 1: The current state of affairs

Card 2: The outcome of your intended plan of action

Card 3: Recommended plan of action

Card 4: The outcome of the recommended plan

Example; the spirits did not seem to appear during a spirit petition spell: Card 1, 3/Wands: Sufficient energy was raised to attract the attention of spirits, but they may not have been properly called to action. Card 2, 6/Swords: Your plan to call the spirits back and re-cast the spell is a fruitless attempt at a transition into a new plan. Card 3, Empress: Communicate with your primary goddess or powerful spirit of the earth and obtain input and guidance. Card 4, Magician: This plan will result in obtaining important magical information about this type of summoning spell you are trying to achieve.

[lunar-witches]

10 Tips For the Beginner Witch

1. Don't rush into things:

Take the time to explore and learn about witchcraft, its traditions, and practices. Resist the urge to jump into more advanced practices or take on too much at once. Start small and build your knowledge and skills gradually.

2. Don't believe everything you read online:

Be mindful of where you get your information about witchcraft. Do thorough research and cross-check multiple sources before adopting any beliefs or practices. Remember that not everything online is reliable or accurate.

3. Don't compare yourself to others:

Each person's journey in witchcraft is unique, and it's important to focus on your own growth and path. Don't compare yourself to others or try to measure up to someone else's standards. Embrace your own journey and celebrate your progress.

4. Don't neglect self-care:

Witchcraft can be emotionally and mentally taxing, so prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself to recharge, meditate, and do things that bring you joy. Pay attention to your physical and emotional health and practice self-compassion.

5. Respect nature and the elements:

Witchcraft often involves working with the elements and nature, so treat them with respect. Avoid harming wildlife, littering, or engaging in practices that harm the environment. Build a relationship with nature and the elements based on respect, gratitude, and reciprocity.

6. Don't force your beliefs on others:

Witchcraft is a personal practice, and everyone has their own beliefs and experiences. Respect the beliefs of others, and don't try to force your own beliefs on anyone else. Be open-minded and respectful of different perspectives and approaches to witchcraft.

7. Ask for help:

The witchcraft community is a supportive and knowledgeable community. Don't hesitate to ask for help, guidance, or advice from more experienced practitioners. Join online forums or local groups to connect with others and learn from their experiences.

8. Balance your practice with mundane responsibilities:

Witchcraft can be a fulfilling and meaningful part of your life, but don't neglect your everyday responsibilities. Make sure to balance your practice with your job, family, and other obligations. Remember that taking care of yourself and your responsibilities is an important part of a healthy witchcraft practice.

9. Keep a grimoire or book of shadows:

Keeping a grimoire or book of shadows is a valuable tool for any beginner witch. It allows you to record your experiences, insights, and practices, and serves as a reference for your ongoing learning and development.

10. Embrace experimentation:

Witchcraft is a creative and experimental practice, so embrace your inner curiosity and explore different practices and techniques. Try out different forms of divination, herbalism, meditation, or ritual practices to find what resonates with you. Remember that experimentation and playfulness are key components of a healthy and dynamic witchcraft practice.

As you embark on your enchanting journey as a beginner witch, remember to take your time and savor each magical moment. Witchcraft is a unique and personal practice that is meant to be explored and experienced with joy and curiosity. Remember to approach your craft with wonder and gratitude for the beauty of nature and the elements. May your path be filled with enchantment and wonder as you explore the mystical world of witchcraft.

My Ko-Fi

[thejournallo]

Witchy hacks: The movement of your body.

You probably heard this phrase too many times, but it is important to keep your body moving not only to increase your physical health but to improve your mental health too. But there is more. The movement that our body can make can actually release energy, and it can give us a lot of boosts in many ways.

In spirituality, movement is often seen as a way to release, channel, and harmonize energy within the body. Different spiritual traditions and practices emphasize various types of movement to achieve these goals. Here are some ways energy is believed to be released through movement in spirituality:

1. Yoga

a. Asanas (Postures)

Energy Flow: Yoga postures are designed to open energy channels (nadis) and centers (chakras) in the body. This facilitates the free flow of prana, or life force, enhancing physical and spiritual well-being.

Grounding and Balance: Specific poses help ground the practitioner and balance the flow of energy, aligning the body with the earth and promoting inner stability.

b. Pranayama (Breath Control)

Breath and Movement Coordination: Coordinating breath with movement helps regulate and release energy, purifying the body and calming the mind.

2. Tai Chi and Qigong

Chi (Qi) Flow: These ancient Chinese practices focus on slow, deliberate movements combined with deep breathing to cultivate and balance chi, the body's vital energy.

Energy Circulation: Movements are designed to enhance the circulation of chi through the meridians, or energy pathways, removing blockages and promoting overall health.

3. Dance

a. Ecstatic Dance

Expression and Release: Ecstatic dance involves spontaneous, freeform movement that allows individuals to express emotions and release pent-up energy. It’s often accompanied by rhythmic music that guides the flow of energy.

Trance States: The repetitive nature of dance can induce trance states, facilitating a deeper connection with the spiritual self and the collective energy of the group.

b. Cultural and Ritual Dance

Ceremonial Movements: Many cultures incorporate dance into spiritual rituals to honor deities, celebrate life events, and connect with ancestors. These movements are often symbolic, representing the flow of spiritual energy.

4. Martial Arts

Energy Control: Martial arts like Aikido, Kung Fu, and Capoeira involve movements that cultivate and direct internal energy. Practitioners learn to harness this energy for physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

Mind-Body Connection: The discipline and focus required in martial arts enhance the mind-body connection, aligning physical actions with spiritual intent.

5. Breathwork and Movement

Holotropic Breathwork: This practice combines intense breathing with movement to access altered states of consciousness and release stored emotional energy.

Rebirthing: Involves rhythmic breathing and movement to release traumas and blocked energy from the body, leading to spiritual healing and transformation.

6. Shamanic Practices

Drumming and Movement: Shamanic traditions often use rhythmic drumming and dance to enter trance states, journeying into spiritual realms to retrieve knowledge and healing.

Ritual Movements: Specific movements in shamanic rituals are designed to summon, direct, and release spiritual energy for healing and transformation.

7. Meditative Movement

Walking Meditation: This practice involves slow, deliberate steps coordinated with breathing, enhancing mindfulness and the flow of spiritual energy.

Dynamic Meditation: Developed by Osho, this form combines vigorous movement, including shaking and dancing, with periods of stillness to release suppressed emotions and awaken spiritual energy.

Summary

In spirituality, movement is a powerful tool for releasing, channeling, and harmonizing energy. Practices like yoga, tai chi, dance, martial arts, breathwork, and shamanic rituals use specific movements to enhance the flow of spiritual energy, promote healing, and achieve higher states of consciousness. These practices underscore the profound connection between physical movement and spiritual well-being.

[sayruq]

I am Dr. Mahmoud Al Tibi, a 27-year-old Palestinian general practitioner currently residing in Argentina. My family consists of 15 members, may God protect them: My father, Mamdouh. My mother, Manal. My brothers: Mohammed (with his wife Hadeel and their son Mamdouh), Ahmed (with his wife Lakaa and their children Mamdouh and Manal), Mustafa, Abdullah, and Yassin. My sisters: Sahar and Heba. Allow me to briefly recount our story. Before October 7th, my family—consisting of my parents, five young brothers, two sisters, and myself—lived in a warm, loving home. Our lives were filled with joy and love until the devastation of war struck. I vividly remember October 6th, a day before the war on Gaza began. It was a day of celebration as we gathered to virtually celebrate my younger brother Mustafa’s graduation from pharmacy school. Little did we know, those pictures captured by my sister Sahar would be the last images of our warm home. The war left nothing but rubble and memories, shattering our once-happy life For the past five months, my family has endured unimaginable suffering in makeshift tents, where the threat of death looms large. I implore you, out of sheer humanity, to contribute whatever you can to save my family. I am left with no option but to seek your support in ending this nightmare. Our needs: Exiting Gaza to safety requires funds beyond my means—$6,000 to $7,000 per person. Your assistance will not only save my family but also restore warmth and hope to their lives. Utilizing Your Donations: Ensuring Safety, Medical Care, and Education Evacuation to Safety: The primary goal is to relocate my family to a safer location outside of Gaza. The funds will cover the expenses associated with transportation, documentation, and any fees required for leaving the region. This includes ensuring safe passage for my parents, my brother Mustafa, and my brother Yassin. Medical Treatment: A portion of the donations will be allocated towards providing necessary medical treatment for my mother, father, and brothers Mustafa and Yassin. This includes access to healthcare services, medications, and any required medical procedures to address their health needs and ensure their well-being. Educational Support: Another priority is to support the education of my brothers Mustafa and Yassin. The funds will be used to cover the costs associated with continuing their education in a safe and stable environment. This includes tuition fees, school supplies, and any other educational expenses necessary for their continued learning and development. By contributing to our cause, donors will directly support our family's journey to safety and provide crucial resources for the medical treatment and education of our loved ones. Your donations will have a meaningful impact on their lives, helping them access the care they need and pursue their educational goals in a more secure environment. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support during this challenging time.

[grey-sorcery]

[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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This article was reviewed and edited by ChatGPT for ease of reading.

[sissytrainingbackuppost]

Sissy Training: Beginner’s Guide

Unlock confidence and self-expression with our comprehensive beginner’s guide to sissy training.

Introduction

What’s sissy training, you ask? Well, if you’re here, you might have some ideas about it. But let’s clear up any confusion anyhow.

Sissy training is a transformative process that involves highlighting an ultra-feminine, drastically submissive persona.

For sissies, it’s a channel to locate, accept, and show off their authentic selves.

It’s not easy to find mediums for sissy training though.

Not when society is still, shall we say, narrow-minded. But just imagine it— just how liberating will it be to express your sissified self?

Many folks out there mistakenly think that sissy training is just about humiliation.

Absolutely not! It’s about finding power in being able to act without any inhibitions. Read on to learn more!

Understanding The Term “Sissy”

Some people might flinch at the term “sissy,” — a reaction we get thanks to society’s tendency to paint it in the wrong light.

But here’s the thing: we’re not society. We’re the redefiners, and so we must call out this misconception.

Today, “sissy” isn’t a smear or an insult. It’s a badge of honor, a sign of courage and self-acceptance.

“Sissy,” in its purest form, refers to a man who drowns himself immense femininity. Why would a man want this?

Think of it like a man’s breather in a world that expects him to do manly things. Such include being strong in every situation possible.

And pretending to be strong is very draining and exhausting.

It’s a man’s way to just let go. To be more intuned with his feminine persona and to heal.

To discover aspects of himself without shame and fear. A sissy can even adopt alter egos to explore more.

Does it involve submission? Sure, it can. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all label. It’s varied and rare for every practitioner.

The Basics of Sissy Training

Right off the bat, let’s address the elephant in the room: starting isn’t easy.

Heck, even I, with all my years of experience, look back on those initial, nerve-wracking steps. But guess what?

Nothing worth achieving comes easy.

Sissy training involves every feminine thing you can imagine. Femme behaviors?

Check. Femme clothes? Check. Femme thinking? Check!

The essence of sissy training lies in understanding that femininity isn’t a monolith— it’s a spectrum.

When you choose to be a sissy, you welcome the vulnerability and softness that comes with it.

But do not ever get this wrong— this “mellowness” also develops distinct strengths.

Such involves resilience and courage. They always go hand in hand, a part of the package.

Here’s a rundown of the absolute basics you must master first before progressing your sissy training:

Immerse yourself completely in your new sissy identity to commemorate your progress!

I’m talking head-to-toe transformation. And so, here are some practical advice I’ve picked up from my very own sissy education:

Dress the Part

What’s the best and easiest way to welcome your femme side?

A closet filled with your favorite women’s clothes, of course! But don’t just get everything!

Get those that fit you perfectly. Only give space in your wardrobe for those that complement your body type.

Your garb should also reflect your femme personality.

To help you get started, I suggest starting with the basics: a nice pair of stockings, a classy little black dress, and, of course, a pair of shoes that make you feel like a queen.

If you don’t have money to splurge, invest time rummaging through thrift stores, online sales, and hand-me-downs! Adopt Feminine Mannerisms

Do you want to look like a sailor dared by his unfunny friends to wear a dress for laughs?

Of course not! Your clothes make up about 50% of your presentation, but your gestures and poise, oh— they will take that up to 100%!

How can you “adopt” these mannerisms? Simple! By observing and engaging with the women around you!

Research indicates that you subconsciously mimic those you interact with, so take full advantage of this science!

Take note of how your graceful lady friend speaks, moves, and expresses their thoughts and feelings.

Who is involved in sissy training? It includes you— a male-to-female crossdresser (aka sissy).

You’ll go through various practices to make you an ultra-fem, subservient to another party in sissy training, your dom.

Other participants are your support system. It can include your fellow sissies, mentors, and allies.

How do I start my journey with sissy training?

Acceptance is first. Then, identify your motivations and objectives. Doing so will make your journey smoother since you have a map you follow. FOR QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE TRAINING PROGRAM Telegram: @prettysissyacademy

[nayatarot777]

{who’s secretly trying to compete with you?} • pac

spirit told me to do this reading so there must be some shady bitches around my collective. let’s expose them 🙃

• pile one •

cards:

{tarot}

5 of wands

3 of coins

the high priestess

{oracle}

sadness - “allow yourself the space to feel miserable. mourn what has been lost or what cannot be. if you don’t take the time now, your sadness will catch up with you later when you’re least expecting it.”

faith - “loving and then letting go is not only one of the most challenging things we can do, it’s also the bravest. take big deep breaths and know this is right.”

the dragonfly - “be light-hearted, finding out, things coming to light, adapt, change, heal”

heart with a key - “welcoming love, meeting the one, open your heart, getting together, perfect”

since the five of wands came out, this person is definitely competing with you and the high priestess indicates major secrecy on this person’s part. you could’ve gotten into conflict with this person in the past. they do not want you to know what they’re truly thinking and feeling. i’m hearing that they’re afraid of you finding out. this could be someone who you work with - a coworker or someone who does the same type of work or hobby that you do - however, you do this 10x better. they see you as major competition to the point where your progress and your success with whatever this is could be making them so angry and so upset. they’re actually sad that they can’t compete with you because the high priestess is a card about unattainability. they cannot attain your throne. they cannot attain being on the same level as you and they’re mad. big mad. i’m seeing a sickle and this is representative of this person wanting to cut you down. whatever they create or develop, it’s nowhere near as good of a quality as your creations, and I feel like this person could actually be planning or trying to sabotage you. if this is a work situation then i’m hearing that you are highly favoured above them. thanks to your quality of work. i’m also hearing that they’re angry and confused about how you’re even doing what you’re doing. they feel like you know some type of secret knowledge or something that they just don’t know. for some of you, this person could have requested to collaborate with you but you rejected the request for whatever reason. maybe you’re focusing on your own thing or maybe you just didn’t wanna work with this person. it’s almost like you rejecting the request to collaborate or to teach this person some type of valuable skills that they wanted to learn from you has turned you into competition and an enemy - in this person’s mind. if you guys work as tarot readers, astrologers, mystics, witches, or practitioners of any sort, this is another practitioner or another tarot reader, or another mystic. this person - especially if they’re a witch or a mystic - is so upset about some type of negative energy or blockages that they tried to send your way not affecting you. it’s like it doesn’t even affect you at all. they feel weak compared to you.

the “heart with a key” oracle card is just confirming that this person is so sad and upset that they could not collaborate with you because the key phrase “getting together” is sticking out to me. they couldn’t work with you or learn from you and this has them so triggered. the dragonfly card is confirming that this person will be exposed. this will come to light. this could be someone who you feel like you actually get along with, someone who you have basic respect for, or someone who you just feel like you could be cool with. this person is very unhealed and envious. this person could be very easily upset and triggered. they could handle rejection so badly. they don’t know how to handle any sense of rejection or perceived rejection. maybe you guys didn’t even outright reject this person because i’m seeing that for a lot of you, this is someone that you feel like you’re cool with. so if you did reject this person directly, it must’ve been for a good reason. perhaps for a reason completely unrelated to them, but they’re salty. they have some type of weird entitlement to your time and your skill and your energy and what you can teach them - it’s really weird. if this person is a mystic or a psychic in any way, they’re upset that your faith in spirit is clearly stronger than their’s. they could be upset about your manifestations. they’re also upset that you clearly have faith in yourself to even create whatever you’re creating because i’m hearing that the lack of quality in their work is because they don’t even have confidence in what they’re doing. this could be someone who’s trying to copy something that you’re doing but failing miserably. they could be a fake tarot reader, a fake mystic, etc. and because of that, their shit ain’t popping. and you’re at fault for that? crazy🙃😂

advice from spirit is just to take this as light-hearted as you possibly can. when you do find out who this is, do not stress. don’t worry. have faith that you will meet people who will replace this person who are actually rooting for you instead of secretly competing with you. with this “faith” card, i’m hearing that this person is not meant to be around you clearly since they don’t operate by faith. they operate with envy and insecurity so…fuck them 🤷🏾‍♀️

• pile two •

tw: very brief mention of abuse

cards:

{tarot}

7 of swords

10 of cups

temperance

{oracle}

worthwhile - “life is not about being taught a lesson for getting something wrong - it’s about having an experience that adds richness to your life”

sadness - “allow yourself the space to feel miserable. mourn what has been lost or what cannot be. if you don’t take the time now, your sadness will catch up with you later when you’re least expecting it.”

^^*this card also came out in pile one

karmic relationship - fleeting, triggers, turmoil, resentment, lessons, letting go and loving you

ascending - transcending obstacles, learning, expansion, new phase, preparing for union

pile two, this is someone who is salty that you’ve finished learning whatever lessons you needed to with them. they’re salty that you’re moving past challenges (that you’ve probably faced because of them) and now they’re resenting you because you decided to move forward with your life. with the karmic relationship card, I feel like for many of you, this is an ex or an ex dating partner. this definitely could be a friendship too though, because karmic relationships aren’t just romantic. you can have a karmic relationship with anyone in your life tbh, but this is someone who triggered you a lot. there was a lot of pain - maybe even trauma - I heard “abuse” so this could be somebody who abused you. so now that you’ve learned the lessons that you needed to with them, and it seems like you’ve ascended onto the next stage of your life, you’ve gained a lot of peace with this temperance card. and with the seven of swords, this person wants to come and disturb your peace or whatever dream life that you are living. because a lot of you are living a very emotionally fulfilled life. this person cannot let go of you although they hold a lot of resentment towards you. they haven’t learned the lessons that they needed to learn which is why they’re stuck in the same place that you left them in - especially mentally. I also just heard that this person is fake as fuck. they will try to portray themselves as being peaceful with you - supposedly wanting nothing but good things for you, despite the fact that you’re no longer friends or in a relationship or in contact with them as a family member, or whoever this is - when secretly I feel like they’re wanting to bait you with something. or trick you with something. this person pretends to be more mature than they actually are, and that could be the reason why they’re trying to portray themselves as unbothered when they are the complete opposite. they are completely bothered about the fact that they feel like you’ve reached new levels in your life, while they’re stuck in the same place.

i’m also hearing that this person in general just does not learn lessons. this person could be a perpetual victim when things go wrong. they don’t try to think to themselves “okay, how can i improve this situation and what can I learn from it?”. instead they keep themselves in a victim complex. this person could always be sad. they could always be crying. but not actually helping themselves. this is someone who tried to keep you stuck in between a rock and a hard place with them. they could have coerced you or tried to “subtly push” you into something with them. and I’m also hearing that they wanted to steal your dreams. maybe this is an ex-friend or an ex, or someone else in your life from the past who felt like if they stuck around you, they could benefit from your peace. from your emotional abundance. from all of the abundance that you’ve acquired for yourself because you actually listen to spirit. you actually listen to your intuition and you actually learn the lessons that you need to learn. this person doesn’t. you could have seen this person go through a bunch of karmic relationships themselves, and the reason why they’re stuck in karmic cycles is - again - they don’t learn their lessons. this person just gives me very victim complex, lack-of-common-sense energy with this 10 of cups being here. this person could be delusional in many ways, this person could also lie about the way that they feel - going back to the message of them trying to appear more mature than they actually are. so they’re trying to act like they’re not bothered when that’s not the truth.

this could’ve been someone who kept you in a lots of sadness or they were energetically vampiric. they drained your energy and you may feel like you’ve wasted your time with this person. however, spirit would like to tell you that nothing can be a waste of time. you learn from any experience that you can so you guys also need to let yourself feel upset about whatever this person put you through. you may not want to dwell on the past, especially since your life is changing for the better, but you need to let yourself feel. I’m also feeling a lot of anger, so maybe you guys aren’t even feeling sadness at this point. I mean, anger is always a secondary emotion to a primary one. let yourself feel the anger first so that you can reach the sadness and eventually process that too, but just know that you’re on a higher level - a much higher level - than this person. you don’t really need to do anything to protect yourself. I feel like you’re so above them that they can’t even reach you. and i’m feeling like a lot of you don’t even speak to this person anymore, but they’re still bothered by you. still trying to compete with you because they see how you’re making moves in your life while they’re not doing shit with their own. know that you are worthwhile. remember to not spend your energy on someone like this again. this person with the seven of swords could also be a liar and you know that, even if they didn’t admit to their lies. even if you don’t have proof of them lying. you’re intuitive enough to know. the best advice that you’re guides are giving you is just to keep on doing what you’re doing and make sure that you process emotions. do not let them build up. especially negative ones because they will eventually come out in one big explosion if you do. I hope that this helped, pile two.

• pile three •

cards:

{tarot}

8 of wands

the sun

the world

{oracle}

richness - “search further. the deeper you explore this issue, the more truth you will find. it will be well worth the effort.”

discretion - “friendships are fantastic when there is equality in the relationship. maybe it’s time to undertake a quick audit of your friendships to ensure they’re reciprocal.”

the grim reaper - “the relationship is over, no second chances, grow and transform your life”

the butterfly - “relationship evolving to the next phase, healing the inner child, growth”

just to give some personality traits of this person: this person could be someone who is very impulsive. i’m also hearing that they’re very destructive for no logical reason. they could be very egotistical. this person might want to be put up on a pedestal and be revered as an idol of some sort or this person is just constantly wanting to be in the spotlight, in some way. this person could be very self focused, and with the world card, I feel like you’ve completed a cycle with this person. they could be very extroverted (seemingly) and I’m hearing that they have a very strong ego. they’re prideful. this could also be someone who is closing out a cycle in their own personal life. perhaps when it comes to money or career. for a lot of you, this was a friend that did not give you the same energy that you gave them and that definitely supports the selfish energy that i’m picking up from this person. The Grim Reaper is here as well. yeah, this person knows that your connection with them is completely over. they know that there’s no second chances with you. they know that you’re all about growth and changing the things in your life that you don’t like, especially when it comes to friendships, relationships, people that you keep yourself around, so this person knows that you’re not gonna give them a second chance. but with the butterfly card, I’m hearing that they want this connection to evolve. they want to spark it back up but obviously you’re not letting them - whether they’ve asked to come back or not. they know that you would not wanna give them a second chance. i’m also hearing that you shattered their illusion of themself. perhaps they’re just lacking so much self-awareness that they didn’t realise just how selfish they were. and I feel like you were the one to just directly communicate with this person what they were doing and how unfair their behaviour or expectations were. the eight of wands is about very fast, direct communication and considering it’s before the Sun card, I feel like this was communication about their ego. something to do with them being egotistical and only focusing on themselves. i’m hearing that you stood up for yourself for the first time to this person.

this person is very wishy-washy because I’m seeing that they could’ve been the one to end this friendship or this connection because of the fact that you stood up for yourself and put in boundaries and demanded more freedom from this person, but they’re secretly wanting to come back. that could be another reason why this person hasn’t reached out for a lot of you. because they’re the ones who ended this connection or this friendship because their ego was bruised, but clearly you’re the one who was healing this person in some way. and helping them grow. now that you’re gone, they’re stagnant. you could have really questioned this person as well, and they did not like that. you were digging too deep for their liking. you were seeing who they truly were for the first time, and letting it be known. you used your discernment. the reason why they’re competing with you is because if they’ve cut you off from a group of people or certain communities or places, they wanna appear to be better than you to these people/places. and I feel like this is because you’ve seen the mask slip and you see who they actually are as a person. it’s something to do with who they truly are being exposed to people and I feel like, again, if you had mutual friends or mutual connections, it’s like they’re trying to compete with you because they wanna convince people that you’re the problem and not them. and that they’re better than you. because I feel like there are mutual people who still hold you in high regard, so they’re trying to “take your place” when you’re not even around. even though you’re not around them, the mutuals that you have are still favouring you. that bothers them to the fullest extent. this person is also trying to compete with your confidence. you guys are naturally confident people (or at least you’re perceived that way). you guys are naturally direct, blunt people. and this person could be trying to compete with that type of personality trait that you have. but it’s coming across as being big-headed and rude and bitchy. because this is not truly them. clearly they’re someone who doesn’t show people who they truly are so as soon as someone sees beneath the mask they have to put on a front. this person plays a character and they’re trying to gain the love, the recognition, the support, and the admiration that you have from other people because they feel like if they do, they’ll be abundant in someway - just like the way that they perceive you. they’ll be abundant in attention. I’m hearing a lot of people talk about you behind your back, but any mutuals that you have with this person who talk about you behind your back talk about nothing but positive (or most of them do at least) and they don’t like that. I’m hearing that they feel like you’re untouchable in a way and that they want to take your spot. they want to be favoured in the same way that you are. this person might not like you getting any type of attention, recognition or shine. for a lot of you, they’re competing with you by changing their physical appearance, but that just shows me how stupid this person is. because the people favour you because of your personality which they’ve tried to copy (but failed to successfully do) so now they’re thinking “if I just look better than this person, people will like me better”. that shows me everything that I need to know about this person. this person is superficial, they could focus on the most super superficial things. they could be obsessed with their physical appearance while paying no attention to themselves internally which is why they’re so messed up. they’re trying to be “perfect” to outdo you, but it’s never gonna happen.

this person could have tried to blind you to a truth of a situation. but your spirit guides are saying that the more that you think back to the situation, the more you read into the actions of the things that they’ve said, their demeanour when they were confronted by you - just everything - the more truth you will find. this person was never a true friend or a true supporter. they just wanted to take from you. this person could’ve even copied you throughout this friendship or relationship. they don’t understand that the reason why people like you so much is for you, your personality, your mind - not because you pretend to be a fictional character like this person does. I hope that this resonated, pile three. thank you for reading :)

[yourwitchybrother]

On Worshipping Lord Apollo;

I've decided to start a little series about the deities I worship, have worshipped, and will worship in the future. I've always found posts like these to be more helpful and, if I can help anyone, I think this is an amazing way to to so. In this post, I'm going to cover a lot, so buckle up! And I will make a master post for all of the posts I make in this series.

First up! Lord Apollo.

Hands down, he is the deity with whom I have the most experience and personal anecdotes. Apollo has been in my life since the very beginning. I go into a little bit more detail in this post, in which I detail how I view him as a worshipper, my patron, and a godspouse. For information's sake, however, I will try to keep this post a little bit more factual than UPG. UPG stands for "Unverified personal gnosis", which refers to a spiritual belief that stems from intuition or personal spiritual experience. So, while UPG may seem to line up with mythos or just "make sense" for the deity, it varies from practitioner to practitioner and from relationship to relationship. With that being said, I'll focus mostly on the facts with some little bit of advice thrown in from your older brother :)

Correspondences!

First, let's talk correspondences. Consider this a little cheat sheet if you will.

☀︎ You can refer to him by Apollo / Apollon, typically he will clarify which. Many regard him as "Lord Apollo/n", though it is fully dependent on your relationship with him. I drop the Lord unless I'm praying or invoking him, such is the nature of our relationship. For the sake of this post, I shall be referring to him formally as Lord Apollo.

☀︎ He has... a lot of epithets. You can view them here (theoi.com) if you'd like to see a full list.

☀︎ Apollo is typically associated with Sunday, and such is associated with the Sun.

☀︎ He has many sacred animals - The raven, dolphin, swan, mouse, and wolves.

☀︎ Tarot-wise, he is associated primarily, and most commonly, with The Sun. He has also been associated with The Star, though I do not see this one in many sources.

☀︎ He is the God of a plethora of things. The Sun (he is responsible for pulling it across the sky), Light, Poetry, Music, the arts, plague, prophecy, logic and reason, truth, beauty, agriculture, and archery. I am sure I'm missing things. And if you know other deities to be associated similarly, that is okay. Many Gods can share domains and rule over certain things.

☀︎ He is associated with the colors red, white, orange, yellow, and gold!

☀︎ Symbolically, he is related to the Sun, the Lyre, the Bow and Arrow, and the Laurel Wreath.

☀︎ For incense, he is linked to frankincense, myrrh, cypress, clove, cinnamon, and bay.

But that is a lot of correspondence. What can we do with these? Why, I'm glad you asked! With this list of correspondences, we can start to worship Apollo by the book. These would be some more traditional things that would assist you in learning what you want to offer him, what to associate with him, and what you should keep an eye out for. In a later section, I go over some familial ties that can prove useful as well.

Apollo, as an individual

Lord Apollo has typically been regarded as a "beginner deity." He is very easy to work with, incredibly receptive, and is universally known as being a little more laid back with things such as offerings, prayer, and worship. Though I've found all deities to be understanding of circumstance, there is no strict schedule unless you decide to adhere to one.

At the start of our relationship, I found Lord Apollo's energy to be rather bright. I was very new to picking up on spiritual energy and the metaphysical, so his energy felt very overbearing, and we did not spend much in-person time together because of this. He was understanding of my limitations, but he did not hesitate to push these limitations as much as he could for my personal development. This is something he continues to do to this day.

While he does tend to carry himself rather relaxed and carefree, he has no issue being serious and stern whenever needed. If there were signs he was sending me and I would intentionally ignore them because they pointed in directions I did not like, he would respond sternly and ferociously, forcing me to face the negative sooner or figuratively shoving my nose in the signs so I couldn't avoid it. If I needed to face a brutally honest truth, he had no issue being brutally honest. This makes sense, considering he is the God of Truth and Knowledge.

Lord Apollo is also very playful. He's easily excitable. He loves seeing the people he works with make good progress. And if you take a few steps back, depending on your relationship, he is absolutely there to catch you. He is reliable and present. Additionally, he likes attention. He absolutely adores being talked about, thought about, referenced, and thanked. He adores being said good morning to, or even just getting a wave. Some people regard such deities as "high maintenance", but I really just consider it part of his character.

You have every right to decline to work with a deity, by the way. Don't feel as though there's any obligation to work with every deity that is considered "of your skill level", as there is no such thing, and you should only work with a deity once you are ready. The Old Gods do not come with stats above their head and white text that says "PREFERRED LEVEL." They are Gods. You should not get involved with them if you do not feel ready. And even if you feel ready, there is no pressure to invite them into your life.

Worshipping Tips!

This one is a bit lengthy. Apollo, being one of the twelve Olympians, has a lot of lore surrounding him. But this gives us a lot to work with! You can devote time to him in a lot of ways. This involves worshipping or leaving offerings to his family!

His mother is Leto, his father is Zeus, and his twin sibling is Artemis. Familially, he is not married to anyone, but he has had a series of lovers. One account says he was, at one point, a lover to Hekate and together they had Skylla, a sea monster. Though this is unusual. He was said to be a lover to each of the Nine Muses but married none. He fell in love with a myriad of nymphs; Aethusa who birthed Eleuther, Akakallis who birthed him twins Philanderos and Philakides, Daphne who was turned into a laurel tree, and more. There's famously Hyacinthous, a prince, who was accidentally killed. Hymenaeus, another prince, and Cyparisus, another prince, who died of grief and was transformed into the cypress tree.

This gives us a whole lot to work with. Especially for offerings! You can leave him a lot of things:

☀︎ Cypress tree leaves or seeds. ☀︎ Bay leaves ☀︎ Laurel leaves ☀︎ Sun imagery - charms, pictures, drawings, anything. ☀︎ Crystals - Sunstone, citrine, tiger's eye, amber, bumblebee jasper, orange selenite, carnelian, and other yellow, red, or orange stones. ☀︎ Coffee, energy drinks, or anything with caffeine in it. ☀︎ Citrus! Oranges and lemons! Grapefruit! ☀︎ Flowers - Hyacinths, sunflowers, orange roses, larkspur/delphinium, palm, aloe, or any plant that reminds you of him. ☀︎ Instruments - String instruments are the main thing people offer, however you can offer him any instrument. ☀︎ Art - Things you made. Drawings, sculptures, compositions, poetry, paintings, song lyrics, photography, literally anything you made with your two hands.

In terms of what you can do to worship him, there are a few things you can do.

☀︎ Maintain your physical and mental health. Go to the gym, take your medicine, and positively affirm yourself. ☀︎ Sing for or with him. Play an instrument. Learn an instrument! ☀︎ Write short stories or poetry. ☀︎ Go outside and bask in the sun for a little while. ☀︎ Say Good Morning and Goodnight; Thank him for pulling the sun across the sky. ☀︎ Write about him. ☀︎ Draw him offerings, or draw in his honor. Create in his honor. ☀︎ Do a paint-and-sip class, or follow a Bob Ross tutorial. ☀︎ Pick up a new creative hobby. ☀︎ Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home. ☀︎ Grow some of the plants that are sacred to him! ☀︎ Go to your local museum or art gallery. ☀︎ Support small artists! Support local artists! ☀︎ Create a hymn in his name and honor. ☀︎ Wear jewelry with his symbols on it. I wear a sun necklace! ☀︎ Wear perfumes or colognes that are citrus-scented or scented like any of his preferred incense.

At the end of the day, you can really do whatever you want for Lord Apollo if it reminds you of him. And you can give him whatever you want, so long as it reminds you of him. If you think that it may not mean anything to him, let me give you a bit of brotherly insight. Offerings were left for The Old Gods as a thank you. A form of appreciation for the divine from the physical, mortal plane. People left whatever they had. And if they had nothing, they would pray and hope to be heard. While offerings are not optional, remember that your words count, as well. Even if it seems small.

And if you have any questions, as usual, please ask!! I love talking about Apollo. Not only am I godspoused to him but he's one of my biggest hyperfixations and I absolutely love talking about him and spreading his teachings and information on him. So this is me begging you to ask me questions, ask me anything, literally anything in the comments or in my inbox I will eat it up. Maybe I'll open up a brotherly advice box or something. Non lo so, ma vedremo!

Blessed be, and may the sun be your guide! A domani!