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~ Mystic Words ~  Metaphysical Articles, New-Age Insight, Wiccan & Pagan Education, Philosophy & Existentialism 

 

*NOTE: We here define WITCHCRAFT as a system of folk magic & home remedies. It is seen as a system to utilize universal energy & natural law. Where as, WICCA will here be considered a religious method used to connect (communion) with the dual Divine energies of Feminine and Masculine; Force and Form, (read about below). PAGANISM, to us, is considered as the belief in a polytheistic religious point of view; multiple Deities. One may believe these Deities to be real physical beings, or viewed as archetypes of the collective unconscious; symbols buried deep inside that all persons share. 

 

"Mysticism isn't a religion -- it's a way of life -- it's spirituality through all aspects of living." - Richard Francis

                                                                      

        Article Topics

 

You are welcome to submit comments of your own through email and on The Pagan Porch Message Boards. Let us know what you think! Be sure to tell us if you'd like your comment or article considered for publication here.

 

 Seasons and the Spiritual House; personal transformation and the house as a symbol

 

  Not Such A Mixed Up World; Coven of the World?

 

   Mystic Thoughts & Energy Transference

 

   Spiral Lessons

 

   Voodoo or Voodon't? The Amazing Experiences of a Novice

 

   Altar Basics, List of Elementals, & Making Offerings 

 

    What do I need Protection from Within the Craft?

 

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   In the modern spiritual society in which we live today, the pool of knowledge for us to dip our roots into is vast. Our explorations throughout the world have given us all the widest variety of myths & spiritualities to choose from ever known to mankind! The stories of many cultures overlap and speak from a "Group Knowledge" --  a combined human mind. So, it's only natural for us of seeking minds to pick & choose the bits that speak to us personally, making many into spiritual mutts of a sort ( for those who may not know, a "mutt" is a dog whose blood is of mixed/questionable heritage).

 

  More & more often the word, "ECLECTIC", is being used these days. A wider base requires a wider view. Our world has grown. As a society, we've developed the habit of breaking things down to their smallest category. Perhaps this is a symptom of the so called Nuclear Age -- the search for the smallest particles. No longer do we have just SCIENTISTS. Each field has been broken down to the most finite category resulting in the loss of "looking outside the box", and narrow thinking. Now, the box may likely hold us inside its walls! Our attentions cannot continue to be narrowly focussed on individual categories - in all matters of life. This world requires us to broaden our view. Everything is so specialized today that one scientist is likely to miss a cure, or answer, because the answer is found within another field of research! How many past discoveries were made in one field by researching within another? Quite a few -- I mean who planned on healing coming from MOLD! :) It's time to open communication's lines more fully -- broaden our understandings. We search, explore & discover. We are an eclectic society by nature.

 Try not to limit your views & your growth personally, spiritually, worldly. Search outside the box & you'll be rewarded. One cannot sit around waiting for a teacher to show one the way. We must be our own teachers by seeking, and sharing with each other, as surely humans must in days a-fore. Your growth as a Pagan can only be enhanced by reading things such as Hindu texts, the Bible, alchemical texts,Joseph Campbell, and even popular science magazines. Be open. The child outside your door may hold more wisdom than any Elder you seek to meet! Don't under estimate unlikely sources of growth and pointers along the way. Spirit speaks in many voices. If you find you're using the word eclectic to describe yourself, then perhaps you have become a member of a coven of the world -- a space where we all come together with a broader view.

 

Blessings All!   )O(

 

*Note: I've recently discovered the book, "Progressive Witchcraft", Farrar & Bone, New Page Books. This one should be a standard on the book shelf, I think. Not through with it as of yet, but it's good content folks! - Tree

 

 

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

    The relationship between microcosm & macrocosm is a favorite topic of mine. I would have to say that we live with it in mind daily, in this household. Going far beyond just seeing the big picture, we try to hold an understanding of this principle with us. This is the basis for our beliefs in Paganism, for the God and the Goddess may be viewed in a similar manner. The Goddess, to us, may be seen as the microcosm; the FORMATIVE energy giving shape to all. The God then would be viewed as the macrocosm; the FORCE of pure energy. Taken from a symbolic point of view one could say that SHE takes into Herself the raw, untamed energy from HIM and gives shape, form; birth to structured existence. This is the Sacred Marriage. We see this in the vast amounts of solar radiation that bombards our planet and the ephemeral layers of atmosphere that shield us yet nourish life. Within each particle of being both Force and Form are found. A cell wall (Goddess, Form) gives shape and structure to the contents within (God, Force).  The two combine in a Sacred dance to create the entire cell, which would then be considered as the Source. They are both created by the Source and creating it at the same time, yet are also individuals. Nature's dichotomy -- macrocosm exists separately from microcosm, yet still the two together create the whole. I believe this theory is why the sun is considered masculine and the moon feminine. The sun puts forth raw energy and the moon reflects that energy making it into a light of it's own.

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   The spiral has long been a symbol of importance to humanity. Ancient humans went to great effort to carve this image into stone for us to contemplate to this day. Unlike the circle, which has no beginning or ending, the spiral starts at a definite point and progresses to an eventual end.  The spiraled journey of an individuals life is contained within the circle of all being; micro/macrocosm. If it could be viewed in 3-D we would see a coiled spring within a sphere. Rather than just traveling in an endless circle chasing our tails we progress to higher and higher levels of the coil. So one may continually pass the same point but should be on a new level. In a microcosmic perspective the spiral begins at an individuals birth and advances upwards with age until the end.  One may go to an even smaller frame of reference to look at one's personal development in this manner. Are you not at a more advanced state of understanding life and your role in it then you were, say, at the age of 10? If you had not progressed up the spiral you would still have the understanding of a child. 

 

 

 

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   An altar can be as simple or as fancy as you like. It can even be an image in your mind and not a real place. But the more you create the mental picture the more real you make it. You might even have a simple altar in the real world yet go to a fancy one in your mind. That's how a travel altar operates. The small tools in a travel altar, such as a birthday candle, a tiny pentacle, a shell to hold water, etc. are just tools. But if when you use them away from your home altar you imagine your sacred space in your mind you will tap into the energy built up at home. It's like using an Internet cafe' to sign on to your account that you'd use at home. Some say an altar should not have any metal in it because it throws off the energy. But our athames, or sacred knifes, are metal. And many of us have wands with stones welded on with - you guessed it - metal. So I see no problem with using an old end table with metal screws holding the legs. I think it's the connection you have that matters more than the construction materials.
 See, the very spot your altar sits on will absorb energy and begin to charge up. The longer an area is used for energy work the stronger it becomes. It can eventually become strong enough with it's own energy that it acts like a doorway. That's why it's important to close down an altar sight if you move or change locations after a long time.
  An unattended energy zone can allow unwanted or negative energies to come and go as they please. Elementals, spiritual creatures created by the energy of the individual Elements can also manifest into physical form through an unclosed circle and wreak havoc! Each of the Elements has a personality type ruler, or overseer,  and also the creature associated with that individual Element. Those creatures are the elementals and they get their energy from the element that rules them.

 

 

 Here is a list of elementals....

This list, or a similar one, can be found in nearly all Wicca and witchcraft books these days. Use whatever feels right.

 

 

AIR : Ruler -  Paralda, a male energy that is the overseer of Sylphs, Zephyrs, and Fairies. Paralda will bring the breath of life to your circle when invoked.

 

 

FIRE : Ruler - Djin (dee-yin or like gin) , a male energy that is the overseer of Salamanders and Firedrakes. Djin will bring forth light and warmth to your circle when invoked.

 

 

WATER : Ruler - Niksa ( neek-sa),  a female energy that is the overseer of Nymphs, Undines, and Mer-people. When invoked to your circle, Niksa will wash it fresh and clean.

 

 

EARTH : Ruler - Ghom , a female energy that is the overseer of Gnomes, Dwarfs, Brownies, Leprechauns. Ghom will bring the strength of the Earth to your circle when invoked.

 

 

  When you invoke these creatures to a session at your altar, in addition to the God and Goddess, you need to dismiss them politely when your session is through, ( close your circle). Otherwise a little Firedrake may decide to cause a candle flame to jump and ignite your altar cloth, or a a water nymph might get board and bust your water pipes! Energy left undirected will fall to chaos just as bored children will tend to get into trouble.
 Just an interesting side note: In my opinion, Gremlins are Earth creatures with high key energy like a crystal. That's why they start out so sweet and cuddly --  good natured. But when they are fed after midnight, the witching hour, that good energy is grounded by the food causing them to become the opposite. They turn into ugly mischievous monsters. It's not good for your body when you eat too late. I think the gremlin is a symbol for our bodies. If we allow our energy levels to run low, as in when we don't eat or exercise properly, we turn into the monster. You've experienced someone getting grumpy when their hungry, right? When we take care of ourselves, and our energy is up, we are like the sweet, cuddly, smart creature.
  Always remember to eat a bite of food after expending energy at your altar. You can think of it as a communion. Close your rites, kick back, and enjoy a snack. Invite the presence of the deities to remain with you. This can be as casual or as formal as you like. The Gods enjoy a good pic-nic as much as fine dining! Reserve a small bit of your snack as an offering. Then, when you're all cleaned up and your tools are stowed away in your magick box, take the offering outside. Find a special place to set your offerings each time and this too will store energy just like your altar spot. Remember, the Gods come to us in many forms. Don't put out bird seed as an offering and then get upset if the neighbors cat eats one of the birds! Even the larvae of the common fly performs service to the Gods by consuming an offering. Like attracts like, right? So if you make a sacrifice, one will be made for you in turn. There's that theory or selfishness through selflessness again folks.  

                      

                 -- T. Pruitt

 

 

 

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  How to protect yourself from unknown evil? Well, first we must consider what IS evil? If we take away the stereotypical definition of evil and turn to the dictionary we find that evil is simply "a source of sorrow or distress, a calamity". Now, I can think of several recent events that fall into that definition! But does that mean the hurricane meant to cause as much of a calamity as it did? Does a flood WANT to ruin your home? Is a cat being evil if it causes a calamity upon your sofa with its claws? Well, yes, actually. That which negates is evil, whether there is intention or not. We cause evil -- calamity -- upon the very ground our feet tread each day by crushing that which is underneath. The point is that "evil" is highly subjective. Hitler may not have thought himself "evil", but your dog may think that YOU are when its time to go to the groomer! There is, however, a general agreement of types of "greater evils" -- most of us instinctually know what is right and what is wrong.
 Throughout the day we are bombarded with "little evils". Small calamities can bring you down and leave you feeling drained at the end of the day. This general negativity can accumulate -- like attracts like -- and is the sort of "evil" most Wiccans and Pagans will have to deal with on a regular basis. As you become more attuned to the cycles and energies, as one does when starting into the realm of magic, your sensitivity to negative energy can increase thus increasing how attractive you are to more negativity. To relieve this requires a little more than a hot bath after a hard day at work. There are many amulets and methods for general protection. Some, such as a naturally holed stone, don't require you to do anything as they just naturally perform. Obsidian is an excellent remover of negativity from your life. But because it absorbs the negative energy it must be rinsed occasionally to remove accumulations. I think a good old smudge with white sage, a small grounding ceremony, or meditation on a regular basis is sufficient for most folks to loose those little evils.
  Unfortunately no mater where you go or what path you follow there will always be those who try to profit or "feed" off of another. Be the best person you can be and follow regular cleansing methods and you'll likely not have to worry about those folks often. How do you avoid becoming one of those people yourself?! Before beginning any spell or even a prayer, ask yourself  what possible outcomes may this desire bring? Is this action going to draw the best for all parties involved? If the answer is no anywhere in there than you'd be wise to re-think your motives.
  To some in the craft, though many may disagree, there is a GREY magic. If balance is that which we seek for ourselves from the craft, how can we ignore that which is evenly between black and white? This doesn't mean you get away with a little bit of bad. Use of magic and knowledge in general comes with high responsibility -- it's hard head work! It requires one to be aware of ones thoughts and actions on a higher level and taking responsibility for your own actions and emotional responses. For example, you have an irritating neighbor or co-worker -- this person really burns you up! Now, "Go jump off a cliff!" may be the sort of thing you WANT to wish for them, and in black magic you would do so or much worse. In gray magic you'd do a spell, or pray -- wish -- for that person to get a great promotion and move. You are still getting rid of them, but the best for everyone comes into play. This may also be considered white magic to some, but pure white magic is generally more passive, asking you to not take action upon another without his or her permission. In any shade the possible consequences of action taken must always be closely examined.
  It's nearly impossible to draw a straight line between good and evil. It's also just as impossible to fully define the two. Walk your path with a balanced step and learn the best you're able for I believe that fear is the greatest source of evil. "Fear is the darkness that surrounds ignorance and only education will bring us into the light."

 

 

               -- T. Pruitt

 

 

                                                                     

 

 

 

 

Voodoo or Voodon't?  The Amazing Experiences of a Novice (20)

 

 

  Marie Bradley is a student of the human condition; ever curious, ever open to new spiritual beginnings and experiences. Her vivid imagination, relentless thirst for knowledge and uncanny ability to put her findings into words are what entice and captivate the reader from the very start. The pages of her  2007 book, "Voodoo or Voodon't?", serve as a canvas on which Marie paints an incredibly intriguing mental picture. Her mastery of words succinctly takes the reader on an unbelievably exciting journey; a journey that's bound to spark curiosity and elicit a rollercoaster of emotions beyond compare.

 

  For almost four years Marie absorbed herself in learning about the Voodoo Religion. She went on to use the techniques she studied to send only the most loving and drawing messages to her heart's desire.  Results were gradual, but through her knowledge, perseverance, and deep faith she achieved her ultimate goal.  Her purpose in writing this book was to educate and help others who might be on shaky grounds with their relationships.

  What does Voodoo mean to you? Are you one of the many people who cringe and back away at the mere mention of the word? For years Hollywood has made a fortune on horror movies that consistently cast a dark light on Voodoo; portraying images of zombies, voodoo dolls, and evil doers who excel at bending a person's will. In reality Voodoo is a religion that has been practiced in Haiti for hundreds of years, before eventually making its way to the United States. New Orleans Voodoo works on the principals of harnessing the forces of nature to work for you.

 Wrapped within the pages of the book is the amazing story of one girl's incredible endeavors and heartwarming experiences with Voodoo. You are about to embark on a mystical and amazing journey. It's an intriguing and delightful story that's bound to touch the heart of anyone who has ever been curious about Voodoo. Would you ever consider experimenting with Voodoo?  Read on and decide for yourself.

 

 

Excerpts from "Voodoo or Voodon't?"         

           

 

 Alexandra had known Eric for almost fifteen years and they had bonded as close friends during that time. Much to her surprise, one day, Eric said he would really like to be able to take her out for dinner or to the movies sometime. It came as quite a shock to her because they had been just friends for such a long time that she saw him more as a brother. She had never considered taking their relationship to the next level; still, she knew she really enjoyed his company and, after thinking it over, told him she would really like that.

 

 

As time went on, Alexandra began to have very strong, loving feelings for Eric but, as is often the case, changing from friends to lovers definitely had its negative aspects. A new and different set of expectations put a strain on what was once a beautiful friendship. Alexandra wanted to be with Eric more than Eric was ready to commit to, at least to himself.

 

 

As she surfed the web, she found articles on why men won't commit and how to mend an ailing relationship but she had already read of and tried these things on Eric time and time again, all to no avail. After about three weeks of searching, she randomly came upon a Voodoo website which quickly caught her interest...

 

 

.....she had finished all three spell kits and was anxiously anticipating the many wonders of the "New Eric". This was going to be so wonderful. She couldn't wait to see him, talk to him, hold him and savor the improved relationship she just knew they would now share...

 

 

...It had been a few weeks since she'd seen him or spoken to him but now that the spell kits were completed she was sure it wouldn't be very long until he fell lovingly into her arms.

 

 

Suffice it to say that because of her deep, pure love for Eric and through her relentless faith, patience and determination Alexandra was led on a magical journey; a journey with results that will certainly inspire and warm even the most doubtful heart.

 

 

* Contact the author, Marie Bradley 

* See also Web Site: http://www.outskirtspress.com/cgi/webpage.cgi?ISBN=1598007971

 

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  A house or other such dwelling is often used as a metaphor for, or symbol of, the inner self. Jung tells us this, but even if he'd never come along we could learn the same fact from tales in nearly every culture. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung's most famous concept in Analytical Psychology, the collective unconscious, first exposed the modern world to the archetype of the house. In his psychoanalytical interpretations Jung discovered that the house is a nearly universal cultural symbol of the inner self. Dreaming of a house is almost always you trying to tell yourself how you see yourself. Sound complicated? It isn't. The house is a mental picture of what's going on with you. Dream of a broken down palace and you can bet it's most likely your unconscious mind trying to get you to notice your life is a mess. Have a happy white picket fence house kind of dream and you can most likely relax and enjoy it because your house seems to be in order.

 House dreams are a type of dream that often occur throughout the life of a person. It may seem like the same dream but details will be slightly different. Well, that's because at each individual stage of life YOU are different, but it's still your house. It's a safe, though sometimes scary, place for your inner self to dwell during a transformation process or major life change. Sometimes there's a need to clean the spiritual, or inner house. It is never an easy chore but should move with grace if you are taking right action. House dreams, therefore, are markers of the cycles an individual has undergone or biographical events.
 Everything has cycles, of course this we know, but we may not always be aware of the cycles within ourselves. It could be said that human life is like the many layered onion; each layer is much like the one before yet individual nonetheless. Handle an onion correctly and it yields flavor and spice. Handle an onion in a careless manner it will stink and probably make you cry!
 The inner or spiritual house is where we, metaphorically, undergo the process of individuation; where we discover and create ourselves. The main points of the process of individuation are death, rebirth and inner union, and they can be compared to the Seasons in nature. Spring offers the birth of our experiences and new lessons. Summer is the time for growth and activity; action. In Autumn time we harvest the fruits of our labors, or experiences, so begin to realize their effects. In Winter we digest our harvest; we take our lessons fully into ourselves. We learn them true. By the time the birth of Spring comes again, the new lessons have grown old. We are ready to begin again; the same but a little different, for we have hopefully grown during this individuation process.

 

 Over the door of his actual home Jung had a motto carved: VOCATUS ATQUE NON VOCATUS DEUS ADERIT. The phrase translates as, "Summoned or not, the god will be there".

 

 

21 "Seasons and the Spiritual House; personal transformation and the house as a symbol", by T. Pruitt

 

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