Uranus Magick- attempting real change : Explore the power of Uranus magick and its associations in attempting real change. Discover the transformative energy of Uranus and how to harness it in your spellwork.

Uranus, the planet of change.

In all honesty, real change in any one's life is difficult to do for yourself. The other day I looked at some old journals, about five years back, and realized that my issues are still the same. Back then, as is now, I felt like other people were in control of my life and I was not following my dharma. Although I believe I am closer to where I want to be these days, I would still love to reach a particular point of success by next year.

The question also came up with some "over drinks" conversation. "What does it take to really drastically change your life?" This was in reference to our local lotto piling up to a 7 million jackpot....but the question stuck in my head. I decided to look into a few things using the Planetary Magick model.

No where could I get information as to sigils, magick squares or any such thing about Uranus. All the planetary Magick information I had stops at Saturn......bummer........guess I'll have to make up me own! :)

The following is what I could find:


Uranus aspects- change, associated with principles of genius, new ideas, discoveries and inventions. It moves the soul out of its rut and into what it needs to be. It is a catalyst for transformation of one's life. It is also associated with upheaval and destruction of old patterns set up by Saturn.

Rules Over - Aquarius (that quirky, change loving energy that is always on the fringe s of the new dawn!)

Element - Air

Magick Number - Some books said nine or four...but I followed my suspicions that it should go beyond 9 and sure enough, found a reference book that also lists 12 (Pythagoras will be pleased. He thought that 12 was Divine)
Symbol :

which has no real esoteric meaning as it was comprised of the H for Herchel (discoverer of the planet) wrapped around a globe....how magickally unexciting.

Going into my little meditation on these matters as I do I think that the following would be appropriate objects associated with Uranus:

Wands
Genie Bottles
Magick Lamps

Any object that can cause change, but is not affected by the change itself...a catalyst if you will.

Animals : Dragonflies and Butterflies (transformative)

So now that I have worked out this little bit of information, how do I go about creating a ritual to cause change in my life? Before I do any such magick I always look at the cons....can I deal with upheaval? More importantly, is the cost of the upheaval worth the profit of the change??? (economic types'll love that phrase)

I'll let you guys know what happens.......

Follow up on this issue here:Uranus Magick Posts

Elemental Orbits and spiritual evolution

I had been reading a book on the origins on Pagan and Christian creeds and symbols, and the information there ping-ed one of those Golden Threads in my mind which I had to pick up and begin to follow.
So we all know the earth travels in one orbit, and the zodiac comes into view in a particular order, as the Sun appears to be in that Zodiac.
However, the other eliptical orbit that is not so obvious, is that of our immediate solar system, which seems to travel in the opposite direction. This is evidenced by, every two thousand years or so, the Vernal Equinox is seen to happen in a new sign, the direction going the opposite way.

In the book "Pagan and Christian Creeds" By Edward Carpenter, he mentions the cult of the Bull, which was prominent at the time the Vernal Equinox rose in Taurus- then points out that two thousand odd years later the Vernal Equinox rose in the constellation of Aries. The religious symbols shifted from the slaying of the bull (Mithra Cults) to the Sacrificial Lamb (early Christian and Jewish cult as in the Old Testament).
Now isn't it interesting that as the Vernal Equinox rose in the constellation of Pisces, that we have the New Testament symbols being the fish (the feet another Pisces Symbol are also associated with Jesus Christ)

Of course there is a whole other direction which I can go to investigate evidence of a Gemini cult, to which there are stories of twin gods. Interestingly, the story of the Birth of Rome, speaks of Twin brothers Remus and Romulus who had a falling out (separation) and one of them goes on to be the Founder of Rome. Is this a story of the demise of a Gemini cult which led to a separation of two leaders, and in this division the Empire of Rome was founded? Worth looking into!!!!

However, what also caught my attention, is that our little Solar System is travelling through an Elemental Cycle, of Air, Earth, Fire, Water.
If we were to further investigate the qualities of this journey, we may find that the development of mankind, his evolution in mind and spirit; have had qualities linked to the very same journey that out solar system is going through.
There is the calculation that the ages shift every 2,150 years approx. This is called the Procession of the Equinoxes. The age of Aquarius (and all the others) is based on an Astrological fact, and not New aged thinking or religious superstition. At what point did we enter or are to enter the Age of Aquarius? There is much debate. But I am moving away from the point I want to make about elemental cycles in Man's development.

Air, Earth, Fire, Water, Air Earth Fire Water, and so we move on. If we are in the Age of Aquarius, elementaly our development would be centered around aspects with Air qualities.

An Aquarian does not readily express his feelings, and he appears to be detached from the world, or from reality itself.  He has a contemplative and reserved demeanor.


Detachment from the world? We have seen a rise in virtual worlds online, which the younger among us are growing quite comfortable with. There is much debate too, about the systems and organizational structure of the world.

An Aquarian is motivated by a quest for moral perfection.  His expression is serious and tranquil.He often pursues spiritual goals.

Such has been the case. We are seeing upheavals in world belief. People seem to be interested in living in harmony, and seeking a deeper meaning of existance. There seems to be a turning away from the current consumeristic behaviour.

Then there are the AIR qualities. 

Air, the element symbolizing interchange, mobility, and diffusion, is associated with Aquarius.  It is specifically represented by Aquarius' position within the zodiacal cycle.  Among the triplicity of air signs, the fixed air of Aquarius, embodying a tendency to perceive things intuitively instead of through logical deduction, with the result that its natives are confident about their opinions, is situated between the cardinal air of Libra, representing sentimental attachments, and the mutable air of Gemini, representing friendship.  In terms of attributes, Aquarians are intuitive, expressive, and extremely sentimental.

There have been debates worldwide about things which have not been previously challenged. Our entire way of life is currently under question. What we consume, how we interact with each other, the polarities of right and wrong, what we believe- they are all coming under question. The trend is to favour intellectual deduction over passionate emotionally driven conclusions. 

At the end of this Age there may be little about how we live, which resembles the nineteenth century culture. And perhaps we may enter into the Age of Capricorn, associated with the Earth, and will be marked by setting down New Roots (finding a new habitable planet...LOL okay going overboard there) and planting the foundations for the new age of Man.

But I am just traveling in my mind...... Blessed be.

  

Lunar Eclipse - December 21st 2010.

I admit...I missed it. A friend of mine described it as life-changingly beautiful....and how close to the truth she was.

Lunar eclipses of this nature greatly affect issues in your life. To see which issue, you have to know your Natal Chart.
Get Free Natal Report here

This Lunar Eclipse was in Gemini. Check your Natal Chart, see what houses/planets were in Gemini at the time of your birth, and you will know what to expect. I have Gemini in my twelfth house..... I am truly in for loads of changes.

Witch News/Pagan News

Was searching for news related to Pagan Happenings or Witchy News internationally. You know...something along the lines of events, studies, breakthroughs in magickal discussions, general happenings among the pagan community.

Unfortunately all I find are negatives. The mainstream media still follows the stereotypically "shock and horror and awfullness associated with witchcraft and practice.
What was found here:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/category/witchcraft

was all negative, still showing the fear that the world has of Witches. Is there a site?
I know Witchvox, but it is less news, and more essays about persons living in the craft........ If anyone has a link...point it out to me please.

Yule Decorations

In putting up our tree this year I looked at our decorations and saw the lack of yule icons for decorations. The only two I had was this Sun symbol...and the moon pictured below:

Made me yearn for some other decorations for the tree, which were more in keeping with the solstcie and pagan themes for YULE.
So I went one to ETSY...my favourite place for things hand made; and found this :

Which can be found here :

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64020521/charmed-triquetra-celtic-knot-gemstone?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=yule+decorations&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes[0]=tags&include

And then there was this:

Which can be found here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62788815/yule-ornaments-trio?ref=sr_gallery_31&ga_search_query=yule+decorations&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade

I always like handmade ones the best!!!!! For the more elegant artsy type.......


   

Planetary Magick Poem- Pushing back Saturn

A few years ago on reading up about Planetary Magick, I penned this little poem. Although I remember the vibration of what I wanted to say....well the muse has left me...and I can no longer catch her Golden Thread......anyway...the poem:

Born I was with Saturn's Sight

And I too young to know this plight

Did wander round in restless night

His walls which kept me in.

I'd push until I could push no more

Rebelious and stifled

at Saturn's door

my mind will be trapped my emotions sore

My inner self just screaming

And Saturn taunted me

He teased me

Every where I turn to escape

Like some dreaded warden

he'd show me the bars which stopped

and blocked and limited my flight.

I'd befriended the aura of Venus fair

And so Saturn hated her there

He'd block and bar my lady fair

from showing me more minds

In my limited darkness I'd be in pain

bewildered and hopeless

and almost insane

the boundaries around me I pushed in vain.

And Venus would try to save me.

She'd send me gifts

and Saturn would block them.

Relationships and wealth were not to be mine.

He showed me their limits all of the time.

But Venus, being of quick mind

whispered a plan to me

We'd do a spell to push Saturn back

Enlist the help of Jupiter of expansive energies.

Jupiter! Thou expansive beast!

Neither light nor dark discerns.

And I got stuck here....ah well!

Snap, crackly, popply

Move over Bertie Bott's Jelly Beans (of Harry Potter Fame)!!!! Cadbury's has come out with their own spark!

Its MAGICAL ELVES!


*loud applause to be heard*




Had one just a few minutes ago for the first time, and then had one again. You get the smooth Cadbury Chocolate, and......a sparkly, crackly feeling as the magic crackles in your mouth....I swear! It is awesome. I think Cadbury has hit on something the kids would love....yummmmmmmmm chomp chomp.....well...if the get to taste them....chompy chompity...yummmmmmmmmmmm.

Puttering along

Sometimes I wonder what I can add to this blog to make it more interesting for people. I really didn't want it to be a resource for learning about witchcraft. I really wanted it to be fun and wacky with a witchy theme. But my stats tell me that the most looked at pages are the serious stuff that I wright when I am in the nether zones thinking away.

I don't post these things there because I want to instruct....I just post my thoughts. They seem to be a lot clearer when I blog them....than when I think them.

Sometimes I want to re-create the world, and let people invent themselves and their surroundings. I think we should all enjoy our time on this earth, and this is my way of doing it.

Right....so coming into 2011, my goal is to get 200 people per day on my blog...and I have no clue how I am going to do that!  Any suggestions?

Herbal Cupboard Make-over

Yes...I know...I have a warped sense of humour. But a witches Herbal Cupboard needs to have eerie things of fantasy fauna and witchy lore....or else its...well...boring.

So I dreamed up a bunch of labels and a nice collection of bottles, all the same size.

 So ..."ahem".... I have managed to collect a bit of "Dried Fairy Wings" taken from the donations of a special family of Fairies who shed their wings once per year. (so I told my daughter) and I have also managed to collect and dry some Toad Skin, which was then chipped up for easier use.

They are actually dried hibiscus petals (wings) and dried orange peel (toad skin)...LOL.... but these labels are waaaayyyy more fun, and they freak the hell out of people. My son had a good laugh.  I have also managed to collect a stash of "Road killed Newt Eyeballs" all flattened nicely...(pumpkin seeds), but still have to make the label for those.

Here is a tea which is good for gas, and bloated tummies:

TOAD TEA


Two tablespoons of Toad Skin Chips (Full moon alchemists brand)
One table spoon grated ginger


Boil with three cups of water and sweeten with brown sugar. 
Drink for bloated tummies, or gassy stomachs. Makes a great morning tea to wake up digestion.

Creepy short film from Pixar's Rodrigo Blaas

Heh heh heh........

Ark

Sharing a short Clip I found on you tube...can't find the creator's Name though.

Wyrd Sisters

Can't have a proper witchcraft blog without some Witchy fun.
About the best, most developed character I have read with regard to the theme is Terry Pratchett's Granny Weatherwax. You may want to take in the Witches Trilogy, three of Pratchett's books featuring Granny, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick.

I just think that the antics that they get up to are hilarious. Granny is cool...I love her character....ecclectic witch and all that. Although I think Granny herself would scoff at the description!

                                                       

Etsy Miniatures

Beautiful Miniature Bed from this Etsy Shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Bearcabinminiatures?ref=seller_info

Spirits, Memes and energies- Dealing with negative influences

In the Christian revivalists’ faith, many speak about “Spirits” which are passed from person to person, just by constant associations with them. Evolutionary theorists call these phenomena “Behavioral Memes” which is observed when an idea passes from one individual or another, and is taken on as a “belief” system, which then affects the person’s reaction to certain situations.

I myself, after a few months of observing, realized that I had unconsciously adopted one such meme. There are two individuals working close to me who are constantly under the fear that they are being victimized. I caught myself the other day mentally brooding over the same idea, and started to observe this more carefully. It was indeed a meme, a spirit of…… choose which ever name you wish to call it. Added to that, was the tendency of the two of them to over dramatize every little event, as if it was deliberately put there to thwart them (I guess it’s the same thing as feeling victimized constantly).

Just noticing the phenomenon is enough to turn your mind around.

That we are able to adopt each other neurosis is a scary thing. For the opened mind, it is a scary thing.

Good thing I know about Psychic Shields.

BOS Entry 2008 - “Hold your hands out at your sides, with your palms facing the ground. Imagine all stress, strain and worry, and any other physical discomfort flowing from your body down into the ground. Imagine it all being transmuted to positive energy (it may glow a different happy colour like bright gold). Next, imagine the energy of the earth as a golden or citrine light. This light enters your feet and fills up your whole body. You feel the flow stop as it reaches the top of your head.

Then imagine a bubble of blue-white light surrounding you like an egg. It forms from the top of your head and arches all the way down into the ground under your feet. Now imagine zipping it up from the ground up. There is your Protective Sphere. All negative energies will now bounce off of it and not enter you. As you go about your day, you will see the negative energies coming. But they cannot touch you, as they bounce off your sphere!

Blessed Be.

Divali

One of my favourite festivals which is celebrated here is Divali.
On the darkest night of the year (Dark Moon night) the Hindu community light little lamps to commemorate the return of a son, many many years ago. There is more to the festival, I just don't feel confident that I know enough of the story to blog it....but I will find out.

So last night I visited a friend's home, and the neighbourhood was ablaze with lights and song. All the women were decked off in glittering sari's of greens and golds. My friend has six sisters, four blood relations and two adopted ones. I could imagine someone getting a kick out of seeing them lined up together and watching the East Indian/Spanish/Chinese ethnic groups in all of them. Family Heritage in this country is a convoluted tale...but the end results are beautiful to look at!

The principle Goddess in the celebration is Mother Lakshmi. Which is apt. The Deyas which light the streets and yards symbolize light over darkness, good over evil. Mother Lakshmi herself, sits on a Lotus Flower, which is another symbol of triumph over adversity, conquering darkness etc.

The food was great too...all vegetarian.  The six seater table was occupied several times as batch after batch of people sat and ate.
The fireworks, the fun snaps and the starlites all added to the air of festivity......I wonder if I should light up my house next year???

Tropical Storm Tomas....we were missed again

Tracking Tomas

The link will take you to Tomas.
Its gone northward, thank goodness. Many people are complaining that the authorities made much ado about nothing. I for one am glad that they did. Storms can turn at a moments notice.

The night was extremely still, no breezes at all, and not too warm. But the sun shone brightly in a blue sky this morning, amid reports of high winds and rain in Barbados, an island nearby.

There is a local saying : "God iza Trini"  we have rarely been hit by a Tropical storm, so much so that the last heavy storm I remember is as a child, probably three or four years old, and sleeping under my bed hearing the winds batter our little home.

On to Saturday.......and Halloween Parties tonight!

Trapped...can Planetary Magick help?

Every so often I feel exactly like this picture. There is a hazy image that I can see, that I want to see clearly, but I cannot, because I am trapped by current circumstances in life.
I go through the process of trying to obliterate (in my mind) some of the "walls" that hold me from where I want to be. Then I realize it is pointless, there isn't anything much I can change, and just ...well gather strength to keep keeping on. One of those moments came upon me this morning and I felt to run away from everything and everyone.
One thing about magick, is that is offers you the opportunity to analyze the situation....because in the process of deciding which spell is best to banish the feeling, you actually sort through the issues, and may realize....well...I don't need to do a spell...I just need to tweak here....and (ting ching ting!) presto...the feeling is dealt with.

At times like these I may resort to Planetary Magick, and ask that Saturn pushes back his boundaries a bit (you are choking me!!!!) but I need to know what the boundaries have to be pushed back on. Will give more about Planetary Magick in another blog.....

This time......it is clear....my current career is not fulfilling, and I need to follow my dream........which brings me to my financial situation without my job ....which brings me to managing car and rent payments.....spiraling into a vortex of anxiety and worry. Honestly, I think I have too many responsibilities....thats the whole of it.

Moongirl

Found this animated short from Henry Selick, who worked on Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas. I like it.....will search for more of his stuff

Is Sharing Spells/ Ritual effective?- Part Two

In an earlier blog post:http://cocyeabroomstick.blogspot.com/2010/10/is-sharing-spells-ritual-effective-part.html

I began outlining the differences between spells and rituals. I also pointed out that learning styles had a profound effect on determining the elements in the spell/ritual which would be most effective for ourselves. I stopped at that point as I didn’t want the blog post to be too long.

What I have seen, is that people share spells; using someone else’s spell well…..”word for word” without considering if the spell’s associations have any meaning to them.

Spells and rituals, must mean something to the individual…..its no good doing a spell for new beginnings using yellow and purple, when the colours or baby pink or blue always came to mind as your association to the idea of new beginnings.

The inner work must be done before the spell. Sometimes, it is helpful to make notes in preparation for the spell. I usually outline the following points in preparing:

1)      In one sentence, what is the spell’s/ritual’s intent or goal

2)      Is it phrased in a way to “harm none”

3)      What colours do you associate with this goal?

4)      What scents do you associate with this goal?

5)      What actions / shapes etc do you associate with the goal

The process of creating your own spell leads to an inner work that is missed by just borrowing a spell. I remember reading a bit from  Austin Osmand Spare where he pointed out that attempting to teach others his magickal techniques was futile, as the techniques were developed  by his mind, for his mind. 

The same idea is put forward in learning any creative subject. The process of finding the end (painting) is more important than the end (painting) itself. You need to discover for yourself, what makes your mind click, and the only one who can do that is you.

Do the ground work……..you get deeper into your spiritual style by doing so.

Tim Burton Fairy Tales

Just sharing something I found...... a website of Timmy Tales....Tim Burton-like characters and poems....
I am not sure if they came from the creator themselves...but they are his flavour.
Link here:

http://homepage.eircom.net/~sebulbac/burton/home.html

Found this entry in my BOS which was written on the 14th November 2008.


Causal Body (Air)- beliefs, reason and memory. This give rise to:


Mental Body(Fire)- the body of knowledge stored within. Which is responsible for:


Emotional Body(Water)- a living history of all the things you like and dislike; all of your fears, hopes and desires. These three create:


Physical body(Earth)- the final manifestation of the previous three.


To change the Physical reality, begin at the source. Look for holes in the belief system you hold.


It is almost a year later, and I feel no closer to who I want to be than I was last year. I go through serious periods of indecision flipping back and forth between security and passion......can I make the passion give me security....my biggest, most challenging hurdle is a bloody career decision!
It should be simple to shift............

Dark Movies for Halloween

Here is a list of my favourite movies that are not nessecarily scary, but they do have a dark quality about them that make them so....well creepy.....the sets are gorgouesly dark. The costuming superb.....well I just love them.

Dark Crystal....saw this one when I was a little girl and it left an impression on me......still love it!

Coraline.....beautiful....

Johnny Depp's Classic Role.......

....oohhh was so enchanted by this one...love.......

Haunted Mansion for the kids.................

and these three...for the kids and the BIG kids.......

All of them are fun favourites.

              

Morphing into an online BOS

Been catching my "nenen" to keep track of all this information that I have been gathering. Books just don't cut it anymore. So I am taking advantage of this blog format to sort out these Magickal Topics that need to be put in a sensible order.
Hence the reason for the birth of  SHERBAL SHADOWS and the Godopeadia
Final I can put a logical order to this information I have in all by BOS..........

Era - Divano

Era's Divano.
Something hauntingly beautiful about this music. Otherworldy even...........

WELCOME!!!

MERRY MEET to all who have joined my blog recently, and yes...I do poke around in your blogs! The more the merrier!!!
I must point out one person who had me ooohhing and aaahing. As a little girl I tried (not too successfully) to make dollhouses for myself (they were not many toy stores on the island) and many times I tried to make them spooky, much to the chagrin of my family (What is this child's obbsession with the dark and scarey????)
And here I find a host of individuals making miniature dollhouses in SPOOKY! Found these on Grimdeva's Blog (hello Grimdeva!!!!! *waves* :) )

Take a look at some of the furnishings I found on her blogs and sites.........

Miniature Potion Bottles for the little Witchy House

Miniature Egyptian Chairs

ooooohhh and best of alll....this one had me clapping with joy:

Miniature Goth Candle Stick

Makes me want to dust the cobwebs off the credit cards..........sigh bloody shipping to this island is always so iffy...or else I would have had a miniature Witches Mansion as the center piece for my Living Room.......well.......one day one day congo tay!

Check out her links:
http://cauldroncraftminiatures.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CauldronCraftMinis
http://etsyminimakers.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-08-04T13:38:00-04:00&max-results=7

And I promise I would get back to my Part two of the blog " Should we share spells"....soon..just needed a little witchy fun......sometimes my mind can get too serious.

Amazon has these which may help

Great Candles at this Etsy Store

Love the presentation of this candle. See more from this Etsy seller at:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/58232737/samhain-between-the-worlds-ritual-candle?ref=sr_gallery_21&ga_search_query=witch&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]

Thought for today

To achieve your magickal goals try this task:


Think only that which you wish to experience.

Is Sharing Spells/ Ritual effective?- Part One

DEFINITIONS

In the article “When a Spell Becomes a Ritual-Magical Definitions for Pagans and Wiccans,” Elizabeth Yetter, points out the differences between a Ritual and a Spell.

Spells

Modern day Wiccan spells are very much like the spells used centuries ago. There are the spoken words, usually a rhyme that states a desire, and there are usually a few props, such as candles and incense. According to Hill and Williams (1965), “[t]he power of the spell derives from the power of words and incantation” (p. 154). For example, a love spell may require the person searching for true love to light a red candle and chant a simple set of words. After the person performs the spell, she is finished. She will not need to cast the spell again.

Rituals

Rituals, on the other hand, do not rely on the power of incantation alone. Instead, rituals rely on repetition. In the Oxford American Dictionary (1980), ritual is defined as “a procedure regularly followed” (p. 585). By this definition, a simple spell can become a ritual when the same person repeats it for a continuous desired effect. A repetitive procedure can be a group ritual where a coven initiates a new person into their group. The same welcoming ritual will be performed each time a newcomer decides to join the coven. Another form of ritual is casting a circle. Casting a circle is performed each time a practitioner of Wicca performs an act of magic, and is meant to create a magical barrier of protection.

Read more at Suite101: When a Spell Becomes a Ritual: Magical Definitions for Pagans and Wiccans http://www.suite101.com/content/when-a-spell-becomes-a-ritual-a31916#ixzz11IN6AOiK

Another dictionary defines a ritual as:

Ritual- according to the Free Dictionary

a. The prescribed order of a religious ceremony.

b. The body of ceremonies or rites used in a place of worship.

2.

a. The prescribed form of conducting a formal secular ceremony: the ritual of an inauguration.

b. The body of ceremonies used by a fraternal organization.

3. A book of rites or ceremonial forms.

Right, we’ve got the definitions out of the way. Now lets get down to the reasons we seek to perform these spells or rituals.

WHY PERFORM THEM?

Rituals in themselves give us a sense of stability. Performing a ritual over and over again inculcates certain ideas and associations in our minds. We begin to feel comfortable that things are going right.

But why do we need to feel this way? Spiritual practice as a whole connects the individual to the wider existence. Whether we work in a group, or on our own, the intention is the same. We like feeling a part of something larger than ourselves. All spiritual paths create this connection. Where witchcraft is concerned, however, our free-will gives us permission to actively do something to change our situation. Once we decide the direction we wish to go, a spell is usually our first option to introduce the change. For some, ritualizing the change assists with the reinforcing of the idea, and keeps the person on track for a longer period of time. This usually happens with deeper inner work which requires a mental shift in the perception of the practioner, nessecary over a longer period of time. We all know that changing an in-built mind programme is not easy.

In order to create the change that we want, our symbols in our work must connect with our inner core. For us to know the symbols that connect deeply, we need to know ourselves. A good place to start is the symbols/associations that we are drawn to most. It is also extremely helpful to know how we learn. This will be dealt with in the next Blog post.

Does the Spell or Ritual correspond to your inner core?

LEARNING STYLES

Some basic learning styles are visual, auditory, tactile, and I would like to add olfactory and gustatory. This are of course linked to the five senses, and all senses are required to cement the experience of the spell/ritual. Workers in Magick are all tactile. We want to do the work ourselves, not sit passively by and have it done for us. J In my experience developing a practice for myself, I have come to learn that the most effective spells are those where there is a lot of use of colour and scents. I am a very visual person, drawn to colour (being an artist I guess) and smells have a profound effect on my mental state, and can trigger emotions. As for the auditory part, silence is best for me. I can focus best there. (Some people work best with music). I have not explored the gustatory method effectively, and have only done two spells chanelling energies into food I prepared, the idea being that by ingesting the food I was ingesting the energies which would give me the power to achieve my spell’s goal.

Basic guidelines for each of the learning styles would be:

Visual – Knowledge of colour associations, symbols and understanding of emotions caused by images. Crowley’s Liber 777 is still the best reference for this.  http://hermetic.com/crowley/libers/liber058.pdf

Colour Therapy knowledge helps greatly. And techniques can include drawing the goal, crafting the image through collages etc while planning out the colours and symbols which would be used.

Auditory – Key to this is the understanding of the emotions that musical keys evoke in ourselves. Just like there are visual universal symbols, there are universal emotional reactions to the vibrations of the notes. More information on this can be found at: http://www.oldenwilde.org/oldenwilde/members/diu/quadriv.html

And also at http://www.gradfree.com/kevin/some_theory_on_musical_keys.htm

Olfactory- This obviously is where the incense comes in. Knowing the associations for each scent is also key. But also remember that if the scent is offensive to you its best to find an alternative. Liber 777 can also help as well as http://www.alchemy-works.com/planetary_corresp.html

Gustatory- Deals with the effect that taste has on our emotions. This is addressed in Magickal Cooking. The most comprehensive look at this aspect I have seen has been in the WITCHSCHOOL’s course on Magical cooking. But to culminate a spell with “cakes and ale” associated with your goal has to be exciting to anyone! Of course a knowledge of herbs and their associations help as well.

Herbs for health: http://www.moonsmusings.com/pagan/kitchen.html

General herbal associations: http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/sylverspage/herbs.html

Additional resources: http://www.ecauldron.net/bookherbals.php




The next part of this topic will explore how we can understand our touch stones and open discussion on creating our own rituals.