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astra-ravana · 2 months ago

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A Guide To Shape-Shifting

Shape-shifting has long captivated the human imagination, holding a prominent place in the realms of witchcraft and the occult. In fact, the myth of the shape-shifting witch can be found in folklore around the world and across multiple cultures, from the British Isles to the Americas to Asia and Africa. Witches were reported to turn into rabbits, cats, deer, mice, owls, ravens, and wolves. Shape-shifting is an intriguing practice that involves altering one's physical form, or at least one's perception and is often associated with mystical abilities and spiritual connections.

What Is Shape-Shifting?

Shape-shifting, in the context of witchcraft refers to the belief and practice of altering one's form or perception through magick and ritual and can take place in the Otherworld or on our current astral plane, depending on the needs of the witch. It encompasses the idea of undergoing a physical or metaphysical transformation, allowing witches to embody different beings, animals, or even objects. Often times this occurs when the witch wears the body of an animal, we know literal transformation is not possible, but it can certainly happen on an energetic or spirit level. This can occur in one of two ways: the witch's spirit transforms into the spirit of an animal or the witch's spirit 'rides' a living animal or external spirit on the physical plane or in the Otherworld. In either case, both are considered shape-shifting and can be used for the same purposes.

Some History

By the 13th century, it was widely believed witches could turn into animals at will. Witches were believed to turn into hares, toads, dogs, cats, and other animals to steal from their neighbors, curse livestock, and otherwise create mischief and mayhem. In many cases, harm done to the animal form caused similar wounds to the human.

In 1649, John Palmer of St. Albans, England confessed to transforming into a toad in order to torment his neighbor. The neighbor reportedly kicked the toad and Palmer complained of sore shins afterward. Similar stories appear in American folklore, including Aunty Greenleaf who was said to take on the form of a white doe to torment her neighbor's livestock. When the doe was shot with three silver bullets, Aunty Greenleaf was said to later die with three silver bullets in her spine.

Of course shape-shifting myths and folklore don't end there. We also have the Navajo skinwalker, the American loup-garou, Korean kumiho, Japanese yokai, the Kitsune, and the Mexican La Lechuza.

Famous incantations come from Isobel Gowdie during the 17th century witch trials. During her confessions, Gowdie named two charms one for transforming into a hare and and one for transforming back into a woman.

To Transform Into A Hare:

"I shall go into a hare

With sorrow and such a meickle care;

And I shall go in the Devil's name

Ay while I come home again."

To Transform Back:

"Hare, hare, God send thee care.

I am in a hare's likeness now,

But I shall be in a woman's likeness even now."

Other witches reported similar shape-shifting incantations as seen below.

To Transform Into A Cat:

"I shall go into a cat,

With sorrow and such a black shat;

And I shall go in the Devil's name,

Ay while I come home again."

To Transform Into A Crow:

"I shall go into a crow,

With sorrow and such a black thraw;

And I shall go in the Devil's name,

Ay while I come home again."

Modern Uses Of Shape-Shifting

In contemporary witchcraft, shape-shifting has taken on metaphorical and symbolic significance. Modern witches utilize shape-shifting as a tool for personal growth, empowerment, and self-discovery. Through the exploration of different archetypes and primal instincts, witches seek to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connection to the natural world, develop a relationship with an animal guide or totem, or even gain new perspectives on a problem. Shape-shifting becomes a means to tap into hidden aspects of the psyche and to embrace transformative experiences. This can take many forms, including calling upon different animal spirits during spellwork, meditating on different animal aspects, working with animal spirits, journaling, ritual dances, etc.

Shape-shifting also shares a deep connection with shamanic journeying and hedge riding, a practice in which the witch traverses the different realms of the Otherworld for spiritual insight and healing. Within hedge riding and othet shamanic traditions, shape-shifting serves as a means to enter other dimensions, communicate with spirits, and tap into their wisdom and attributes. By assuming the form of a particular animal, the shamen can embody ita qualities, accessing unique perspectives and guidance on their journey. An animal form is also taken often as a form of protection during otherworldly travel, as animal spirits are often able to traverse undetected, acting as a form of invisibility, much like Celtic fith-fath incantations. An animal form also allows the witch to travel more quickly and in some cases, access areas previously unreachable, such as high mountain tops, deep within an ocean or lake, or even borrowing underground or into tight spaces.

How To Shape-Shift

Modern witches engage in shape-shifting through various techniques and practices. Visualization exercises play a significant role, where witches create vivid mental images of their desired form or archetype, often coupled with ritual work such as wearing animal skin/bones, dancing, drumming, or incantations. Through meditation, yoy can enter a state of deep focus and receptivity, allowing yourself to embody the essence and qualities of the chosen form. Energy work such as harnessing personal energy or working with elemental forces, can serve as a catalyst for the transformation, although most witches find it easier to use a mask or skin, or use an ointment to prompt the change. Needless to say, there are multiple approaches to shape-shifting and you need to experiment to find which method works best for you. Below are several ways to engage in shape-shifting from both folklore and modern witchcraft.

• Incantations And Charms- This is probably one of the most commonly cited historical ways to shape-shift, with the incantations from Isobel Gowdie and her fellow witches being cited most often. These incantations can be modernized and adapted to turn you into any animal you desire. Since most witches do not incorporate "God" or the Devil in their craft, these titles can be changed to reference deities or the forces you believe in such as Lord/Lady, Horned God, Hekate, Lilith, etc. Pagan musician Damh the Bard does an excellent job of this in his "Fith Fath Song" where he says "I shall go as a wren in spring

With sorrow and sighing on silent wing

And I shall go in our Lady's name

Aye, til I come home again

Then we shall follow as falcons grey

And hunt thee cruelly for our prey

And we shall go in our Horned God's name

Aye to fetch thee home again

Then I shall go as a mouse in May

Through fields by night and in cellars by day

And I shall go in our Lady's name

Aye til I come home again

Then we shall follow as black tom cats

And hunt through the fields and the vats

And we shall go in our Horned God's name

Aye to fetch thee home again... "

Of course writing your own incantations works just as well, if not better, than using others' words.

• Wearing Animal Skins, Bones, Or Masks- Apart from incantations, many witches engage in shape-shifting by animal skins, bones, or masks to encourage a transformation. This is often coupled with ritual dancing and drumming until an altered state of consciousness is reached. In Call of the Horned Piper, Nigel Jackson describes such a ritual. In order to shape-shift, the initiate would undergo a symbolic death by undressing and crossing a lake or other body of water. Upon arriving on the other side they would don a wolf skin or belt and enter into an altered state of consciousness to "be projected forth into the form of a wolf". This same practice can be replicated with any animal pelt, bone, or mask, using a cold shower as the bridge to 'death' should you not have access to a river or lake and privacy.

• Trance, Meditation, and Visualization- Reaching an altered state of consciousness coupled with one or both of the aforementioned methods is the key to actual transformation. Reaching an altered state of consciousness can be done in a variety of ways, including ritual dancing, drumming, humming, consuming psychoactive plants, or using ointments. The methods used are essentially the same as hedge-riding, however the goal of reaching the trance state is to shape-shift. With that intention firmly in your mind, you can visualize yourself shifting into your animal form, your consciousness slowly becoming that of an animal. You may find walking/crawling on all fours, growling, hissing, or otherwise behaving like the animal aids in this transformation. Become the animal you wish to transfrom into.

If you are looking to shape-shift while hedge-riding, visualizing the shift, reciting an incantation, and donning your animal garb within the Otherworld will also work. Unlike on our plane, you won't need to shift your consciousness again, as that has already occurred. While you don't necessarily need anything physical to do this, having real animal remains or a mask on your person prior to hedge-riding will greatly aid you in your work on the astral plane.

When first starting out, start small, shape-shifting for very short periods of time. Experiment with a variety of methods, combining them into a ritual that works for you.

Shape-Shifting Safety

There are dangers to shape-shifting into an animal form. This includes not being able to return to your body because tou have forgotten you're human, forgetting which realm you belong to, being captured, injured, or killed within the Otherworld or while riding a live animal. There are many tales of witches traversing the world as an animal and being injured only for the same wounds to appear on the witch's human form. These injuries sometimes resulted in the death of the witch, so be mindful of hazards while shape-shifting.

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

1. Set clear and firm boundaries and time limits for travel. Setting an alarm or using a musical cue can help pull you back from a trance.

2. Have a spotter who can help rouse you should you not come back when originally planned.

3. Have a safe word or incantation that when spoken pulls your spirit into your body.

4. Use a red witch's thread tied around your finger or arm to anchor your spirit to your physical body. If you get lost, follow the thread back to your body.

5. Carry or wear protective charms that will prevent your spirit from being stolen or harmed while in the Otherworld. Your familiar or household pet can also act as a protector of your body, sitting on or near you during shape-shifting to ensure nothing else tries to inhabit your body.

6. When you are finished, make sure you are completely grounded in your human body.

Shape-shifting in witchcraft remains an enigmatic and alluring practice, intertwining myth, history, and contemporary spirituality. It offers a gateway to explore the depths of our own selves, connect with the primal forces of nature, and embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery. Whether through the exploration of archetypes, communion with spirits, or embracing the hidden aspects of our being, shape-shifting provides a mystical transformation that resonates with the essence of true witchcraft.

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darkxsoulzyx · 7 months ago

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EXPLODES INTOA BILLION PIECES

Here is my mass-revenge for everyone on Artfight up until a certain point (I’m so sorry if you didn’t make it in, this took me a few days to make 🙇💀💀💀)

IM GOING TO TRY AND TAG EVERYONE THATS IN IT, WISH ME LUCKKKKK

(Credits/tags under the cut)

TV/Dark: @darkxsoulzyx (ME)

Virux: @bunrux (and whom the attack is addressed too because wE’RE LINKED TOGETHER)

Indigo: @astral-olive

Ace/Luria: @gufaspins

Invalid: Breadmaster (artfight)

Nihility/Tizo: @cinnabynn

Puppet: @dustyisegg

Stitch: idiotofthecentury404 (DeviantArt)/cheese_idiot2 (Twitter)

Luna Phasma: @stefdarkblood

Tasia: pinnipuff (artfight)

Ace/Soi: yekorav (Instagram)

Ali Surna: @alisurna

Hollow/Fatality: @inkywellcrow

Beast Sans: FernTail06 (instagram)

Candyland DCA/Sandman: @garbagechocolate

RELLIK: @s0l-st-ice

Alex: @boredlydoodling

Livvy: flowerry_._ (tiktok)

Floral/Unknown: Holy_Mol_y (Twitter)

Crash: @russianfig

Vitrum: @mossdoesartshit

AbsentCat/Mystery Apocalypse: Absentcat (tiktok and YouTube)

Rootsy: @awoscorner

Eli Jin/Fry08: @sandeewithtwoe

Rosy Sans: @justabirds-art

Judas: @claie171art

Comedy/Tragedy: @woolysstuff

Faolan: @the-jadedknight

Kai: @blizzysnowolf

Scot: @usercookie2008

Thane/Nyx: Khaotic_Order (Twitter) Khaotic_order_ (instagram)

Moss: @swiftmitsu

Chiib/H.O.PE.: @chiib-foxx-artz

Glitter: @kandidandi

Motus: potato_mochi_679 (instagram)

Tempean: @zef01

Loanen Riverside: nox_starswimmer ( instagram)

Twister/Wraith: @marinavoyageuse

Aya: @domijeannes

Exp: Cut_It_Out (Artfight (and I’m assuming Amino?))

============================

Oh, and if any of you were curious about how much it was worth… >:)

#darkzyx #fnaf fandom #utmv fandom #utmv oc #ocs #other peoples ocs #artfight mass attack #artfight #so many ocs #to all of you who have attacked me #HOLY SHIT YOU GUYS ARE SO COOL #I have all of the wonderful art on my shelf right now #I will stare at it for all eternity #thank you so much!

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eclipsedcrystalstar · 1 year ago

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Class doodles of my designs of the astrals, Pollux isn’t meant to have a shadow over their face but I couldn’t get the eyes right and had a bad eraser

#Sun and moon show #lunar and earth show #sams astrals #laes astrals #laes gemini #laes castor #laes pollux #laes Taurus #laes libra #laes aquarius #laes aries #Laes scorpio #ST astrals #Crystals doodles

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aventurineswife · 2 months ago

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Hear me out: Dan Heng having to put up with Yae Miko!Reader’s antics. Not only are they cunning and mischievous, but they probably goad and enable Dan Heng into indulging in some mischief himself, which…honestly spells chaos for anyone unfortunate enough to cross their minds, but especially enemies of the Astral Express (or anyone Reader might deem as threatening the other crew members). The Unshackled, Sanctus Medicus, the borisin, the Preceptors, the IPC, the Banacademic Office’s Assistananas. Chances are, Reader has screwed them over somehow (and maybe even humiliated them) without ever lifting more than a finger — and they’ll gladly rub salt into the wound to drive home the ungodly karma.

They’re very sweet to Dan Heng, tho, in their own exasperating way; which probably contributes to March’s accusations of Reader playing favorites.

That being said, not even Dan Heng himself is safe from Reader’s tomfoolery. 😅

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Summary: Dan Heng finds himself reluctantly pulled into one of your mischievous schemes aboard the Astral Express. With your charm and knack for chaos, you convince him to join forces in an elaborate plan to subtly humiliate the IPC while stirring up lighthearted trouble for the crew. Despite his initial resistance, Dan Heng discovers a side of himself that enjoys the thrill of your antics—and maybe, just maybe, the connection you share.

Tags: Dan Heng x Yae Miko!Reader, Astral Express Shenanigans, Mischief and Pranks, Slow-Burn Tension, Protective Dan Heng, Humor and Fluff.

Warnings: Light chaos and playful mischief (nothing harmful), Mild suggestive undertones (flirty banter).

Dan Heng leaned against the railing of the Astral Express, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of stars stretching out before him. The hum of the train was a welcome contrast to the chaos that often followed their travels. But in the quiet of the night, the crew had a way of finding him—one way or another.

And tonight, it was you.

“Good evening, Dan Heng,” you said, your voice light and playful, with that familiar mischievous gleam in your eyes. He didn’t look at you right away, but the subtle shift in the air told him everything he needed to know. You were up to something.

“Evening,” he replied flatly, not bothering to look at you, though he couldn’t help but sense the energy in your presence, like the calm before a storm.

You sidled up beside him, leaning casually on the railing. "You know," you began, your tone deceptively sweet, "I’ve been thinking. The crew’s been too comfortable lately. Maybe it’s time to remind them how exciting life aboard the Astral Express can be."

Dan Heng didn’t react right away. He’d learned long ago to never fully indulge in your schemes, but your words always had a way of pulling him in. The thought of unsettling the others—especially the more uptight members of the crew—was something he couldn’t entirely resist. After all, no one was truly safe from your antics, not even him.

“You know the Trailblazer’s fond of tricks, don’t you?” you smirked, nudging him with your shoulder. “I think you’ve been far too good lately. Maybe it’s time you joined me for some fun.”

Dan Heng sighed, but even as the breath left his lips, he felt his resolve weaken. You had a way of getting under his skin—drawing him into your antics with a precision that both frustrated and intrigued him. Normally, he would’ve resisted—his responsibility aboard the Express always came first. But with you, the lines were always a little more blurred. You made everything feel… lighter.

“March is already accusing you of playing favorites,” he said, the faintest hint of amusement slipping into his usually guarded tone. “I don’t think adding fuel to that fire is wise.”

You chuckled, your voice soft and melodic, betraying none of the mischief simmering beneath. “Oh, Dan Heng, who would I be without a little fun? Besides, what harm could a bit of chaos do? After all, the IPC won’t be the only ones suffering if we don’t make a statement.”

The mention of the IPC made him pause. The ongoing conflict with them was a constant weight on his mind, one he preferred to avoid discussing. But your tone—effortless, confident—reminded him that there was always more to your mischief than met the eye. You never did anything without a reason. And when it came to protecting the Astral Express or those you cared about, your actions often spoke louder than words.

You leaned closer, your breath warm against his ear as you whispered, “And you know, Dan Heng… I think it would be absolutely delightful to humiliate them all without lifting a finger. A little magic, a little misdirection… and we could make them regret crossing us.”

The mischievous edge to your voice sent a shiver down his spine. He could already picture it—the smug faces of the IPC executives contorting into confusion and frustration as you unraveled their plans. Chaos. But it was a chaos he could almost enjoy, especially when you made it seem so effortless.

Dan Heng hesitated, then finally muttered, his voice a mixture of exasperation and reluctant amusement, “Fine. But if we’re doing this, I’m not going easy on them.”

Your eyes sparkled with glee. “That’s the spirit. Just follow my lead, and we’ll make sure they remember the consequences of underestimating us.”

In that moment, it felt as though the universe itself held its breath, waiting to see what would unfold. And then, in an instant, everything shifted. You sprang into action, weaving a web of illusions and misdirection that left the crew scrambling. Dan Heng, despite his best intentions to remain detached, found himself swept up in the whirlwind of pranks and subtle sabotage.

The IPC never stood a chance. Their every move undone by tricks and magic they couldn’t possibly fathom. As for the crew—well, Dan Heng wasn’t sure how they’d ever look at him the same way again.

March would probably have another complaint about favoritism. Himeko would shake her head, as always, in quiet resignation. But Dan Heng? He found himself fighting the urge to smile as the chaos unfurled around him.

You, as always, were impossible to resist.

#x reader #honkai star rail #hsr #honkai star rail x reader #hsr x reader #dan heng honkai star rail #hsr dan heng #dan heng x reader #dan heng x you #dan heng #yae miko!reader #astral express shenanigans #astral express crew #astral express #mischief and pranks #slow burn tension #protective #humor and fluff

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writers-potion · 8 months ago

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When to Use "STR" Sounds

for scenes of punishment

for merciless authority

for relationships based on unequal power

"STR" for control:

strict, strong instruct, strain, strive, strenuous, stress, straight, straddle, astride, strop, constraint, strae, strap, strangle, strike, stronghold

Other thematically unrelated words:

stripe, strife, straw, stray, strategy, streak, stream, strumpet, strata, stretch, strut, strip, straggler, astral, string

"ST" and "R" in the same word, but not together:

star, stern, stark, story, stir, storm, stirrups

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 📸

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itstimetojellyfish · 9 months ago

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Haven’t I given enough? ( Yes , now rest) ( Dan Heng x reader)

It sucks , how you always run around , and help people . And once you’ve done the work, they think that have the right to push you around to becoming their personal servant . An

That was only Belabog , the Lufou was worse .

Well, not for you . Dan Heng had it way worse than you . He was forced to get off the train to help his friends only to be attacked and unwillingly revealed his past .

Also the astral express plus the dozing general fought Phantilya ! That’s a very hard task to complete!

Mean while you just ran around helping people , enduring their insults , and getting tired , that was nothing compared to them !

Geez… how useless are you?…..

However , as time flies by , the memories you buried at the back of your head , came back . The memories of flesh and blood being torn from you just to save other people .

The memories of what used to be friends turned into betrayal . What used to be just a potion , was a curio that was destined to burn scars into your flesh . Now , you can’t view anything the same as before . Everything had a dark side and now you’re wary of everyone .

March coming into your room unannounced? Sword to her throat .

Caelus being loud? An outburst for him to be quiet .

Welt attempting to soothe your nerves? A suspicious move that may be trying to lead you to your death .

Himeko brewing coffee for you? A poison that’s trying to end your life .

Just how stupid are you? You try to calm your nerves, saying that their friends , but the mind can forget , the body and subconscious can’t however . Soon your in the archives sulking in a corner despising yourself for how utterly rude you’re being with Dan Heng warily looking at you from his spot .

(He’s the only one you haven’t lashed out on yet)

You don’t blame him for being suspicious of you . You refuse to show any skin , any past , or anything about you now . You snap at people and almost insult them .

( You wish you weren’t alive so you wouldn’t hurt people like this)

You pick at your fingers as you feel his stare boring into your soul and hear his thoughts about how disgusting you are. It’s honestly deserved .

Soon , you move to another corner where he can’t see you and start to cry silently. You hate yourself for being so rude .

( But haven’t you given enough?)

( You’ve went around helping people while they insult you . You blindly trusted your friends only for them to betray you and leave you as they escaped . You swallowed a so called medicine when in reality it was a curio that almost killed you and made you experience excruciating pain for months)

( So tell me , haven’t you given enough?)

You thought that was just a voice in your head but in reality, Dan Heng was right next to you crouching down and holding your head , gently wiping away your tears.

“ Wait what?…” You stare at him in shock as you try to come up with a reasonable response why he knows all of this .

He looks at you for a few seconds and then gathers you into his arms while revealing his true form to you . A cool , teal tail gently wrapped around your waist and rubbed against you .

“ I did some researching , there was a legend about a person , who faced great obstacles. Both mentally and physically. Friends betraying them , flesh being torn out of their own will to save others .

There’s a lot . There’s even one where a potion was supposed to help them but it was actually a curio . Basically they were used as a meat shield and testing subject “ He caresses your cheek .

“ If my theory is correct , based off the reactions you give and the reactions in the legend . Is it safe to assume you’re the person who is mentioned in the story?”

You freeze , then all the memories come rushing back , the faces that were so blurry became refined in detail .

But with memory of friends , comes the memory of pain.

You break down sobbing as you remember everything single thing that happened to you . You’d expect Dan Heng to stay still but he doesn’t .He coddles you and keeps you warm , gently draping a blanket over you .

“ So I was right….” He murmurs to himself .

You start to tire as your exhaustion hits you like a truck . Dan Heng notices this and just rocks you to sleep as you drift off .

You struggle to stay awake but he just continues to coddle you and just says . “ Rest, you’ve given enough “

Once the reassurance is given that he wouldn’t hold it against you for sleeping , you close your eyes and fall asleep .

Soon , neon blue eyes are glowing and a dark promise is given .

“ I won’t let you suffer again .”

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Thanks for reading! Have great day!

#dan heng x you #dan heng x reader #dan heng hsr #dan heng imbibitor lunae #imbibitor lunae #dan heng il #Reader is self deprecating #Dan Heng is trying to figure them out #honkai star rail #Reader is a character in a legend #Reader has no memory of past until now #Mildly Yandere

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literaryvein-reblogs · 3 months ago

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Dictionary of Esoteric Terminology

for your next poem/story (pt. 3)

Esoteric—designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone; may refer to the occult

Athame - a ritual dagger used in Witchcraft and Neo-paganism; has a black handle which is inscribed with symbols

Brahmarandhra - the "Gate of Purity"; a spot at the top of the head described as a hidden aperture; according to some, this spot is the exit for the enlightened soul upon the death of the body

Cromlech - a circle made of vertical stones, associated with Celtic worship of the Sun

Dark night of the soul - a phrase used by St. John of the Cross to describe the depression, isolation, and alienation which afflicts some mystics just prior to the realization of transcendence; hence the saying, "It is always darkest before the dawn"

Dracontia - many temples and sacred sites have been associated with dragons, probably because of their connection with primeval earth forces

Dweller on the threshold - a hostile spirit or being peculiar to each individual, comprised of the accumulated "bad karma" of that individual; such a being could be thought of as the personification of all that holds the seeker back from enlightenment; in this sense, it is like a negative Holy Guardian Angel

Ecstasy - "to cause to stand out"; a state beyond or outside reason and rationality; speaking in tongues may be thought of as an ecstatic trance

Flying ointments - lotion or cremes used to facilitate astral or etheric projection. These mixtures usually contain potent psychedelic agents such as belladonna, henbane, and mandrake

Genii - in Islamic tradition, they are an intermediate race of spirits between angels and people, who ruled the earth before Adam; also known as djinn, genn, or ginn

Hsuan te - virtue through emptiness; the cultivation of one's original nature

I shin den shin - "from my soul to your soul"; direct transmission without words

Khu - literally "clear" or "luminous"; the ancient Egyptian word for the immortal part of the soul; the causal body; symbolized by a plume of flame

Left-hand path - defined by some as the path of black magic; others, as the paths which stress doing and action over being and stillness; most magic systems tend towards the left hand path; most religions tend towards the right-hand path

Lustration - from Latin lustratus, "to brighten"; a ritual purification using water; rituals involving baptism or holy water are examples

Menstruum - an alchemical term for that from which all metals are derived; also mercury wherein gold is dissolved; "Our Water is a fire and a salt. This fire is the true Universal Menstruum of Vegetables, stronger than the fire of wood, since it transmutes the physical gold into a spirit."

Nagas - serpent spirits in Hindu mythology who lived in vast and beautiful temples and palaces beneath the earth

Ouroboros - the snake devouring its own tail; a Gnostic and alchemical symbol of cyclical nature, eternity, or the transcendence of duality; sometimes also used to symbolize the world of illusion

Phoenix - a mythical bird of incredible beauty; is the only one of its kind, living in the deepest desert, until at the end of its 500-year span it dies and is consumed in the funeral pyre of its own nest, then it rises from the ashes in the freshness of youth; generally considered to be a symbol of resurrection, immortality, and spiritual transformation

Prasad - the practice of offering sweets, fruit, or other food to a saint or deity

Pretas - the "hungry ghosts" of Buddhist and Hindu mythology; the ghosts of those who died burdened with great desire and are generally considered to be malevolent; supposedly they are continuously thirsty and hungry, but are unable to eat or drink; described as having huge distended bellies and pencil thin necks

Ruach - breath, wind, or spirit; represents the part of the soul which is the rational mind and the powers of reason; also refers to God's ineffable soul which He breathed into man at creation, thus making man in His image

Secret fire - an alchemical term for the hidden or elemental Fire

Simulacrum - an image used in sympathetic (imitative) magic that is considered to be the magical double of the thing represented; a "voodoo doll" would be an example of a crude simulacrum; in ancient Egypt, simulacra of slaves, animals, and other possibly helpful beings were entombed with their deceased owner; also used by some to describe the visualized vehicle or "body of light" used in astral projection

Speculum - any light refracting or shiny surface which can provide a focus for the attention; mirrors, bowls of water, and crystal balls have all been commonly used as speculi

Theurgy - from the Greek words theos, "god," and ergon, "work"; magic used to grow closer to God or become more godlike, to make changes for personal evolution and spiritual growth; the sacrament of the host could be considered a form of theurgy

Source ⚜ More: Word Lists

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