Ritual To Find Your Spirit Guide

Items Needed:

Altar Candle, Day Candle (Monday-white, Tuesday-red, Wednesday-purple, Thursday-blue, Friday-green, Saturday-black, Sunday-yellow) , Offertory Candles - 3 Violet Candles, 3 White Candles

Tools

Athame to inscribe candles
Crystal ball or clear glass of water

Incense

anise, cardamom, and coriander.

Oil

jasmine, lemon, rose and sandalwood

Timing

Best done during the Mercury hour of the day, although any hour should work. Any moon phase is appropriate.

Preparation

Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you. While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual: the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your Spirit Guide when you make contact.

Ritual

Enter the circle in the Hour of Mercury. Light the incense. With the oil, dress the Altar Candle and the Day candle while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Light your Altar Candle and Day Candle and state your intent:

I am here to make contact with my Spirit Guide, and to acknowledge him or her.

With your Athame, inscribe Violet Candle #1 with the word "Spirit." Dress it with oil. Light the Violet Candle #1, direct your energies into it and say:

Here do I light the first Lamp of Spirit. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next. May it make contact with that World of Spirit into which we will eventually enter.

Take your censer or incense wand and swing it around, sensing the whole area around the altar while rhythmically repeating the word "Merge" and building up energy to focus. Replace the censer and pick up Violet Candle #2.

Inscribe it with the word "Spirit" and dress it with oil. Put it back on the altar, light it and say:

Here do I light the second Lamp of Spirit. May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next? May it make contact with that World of Spirit and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds.

Again take the censer or incense wand and sense the entire area around while chanting the word "Merge." Build up your energy to focus. Take Violet Candle #3, inscribe it with the word "Spirit," dress it with oil, charge with your energy, light it and say:

Here do I light the third Lamp of Spirit. May the light from these three lamps blend and grow, dispelling all darkness and lighting the way that my Spirit Guide may come to me and speak with me here today.

Inscribe the three white candles with the word "Truth" and anoint each candle with oil. Light the three candles in the order of 1, 2, 3, and say:

Here do I build Truth.

As these candles burn throughout this ritual, Their Power generating nothing but truth in all that transpires between this world and the next. Through these candles there is truth in all Communications that come to me. Again cense the altar area while chanting "Merge." Replace the censer and continue chanting. Sit comfortably while chanting, and gaze into the crystal ball, or the clear glass of water. Continue chanting until you feel it is right to let the chant taper off. Continue to quietly look into the crystal ball or glass,
not trying to picture anything. Keep your mind blank, so whatever comes will appear and will come in it's own free will. Gaze into the center of the crystal, there is no need to try not to blink. Look into the crystal and blink naturally. Try not to notice anything in your peripheral vision, just the center of the crystal. Eventually a face or figure will appear. This may take a long time, or it may appear almost immediately. If it doesn't come at all within approximately 20 minutes, abandon this attempt, extinguish the
candles in the order in which they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try this ritual again in three days.

You should have results within a month at most. When a figure does appear, ask if he/she is your Spirit Guide. You will hear an answer, you may not hear it out loud, or even see the figures lips move, but you will be aware of the answer. This is how most conversations will proceed. You will ask your questions mentally (or out loud) and the answer will be clear inside your mind. Ask if you have more than one Spirit Guide. If yes, ask them to appear also. You may ask anything you wish to know, but it is better to establish a
connection first where your Spirit Guide may appear to you at any time, or at specific times, so that you can converse with any other spirits through him/her. When you have finished speaking with your guide, thank him/her, then sit for a moment with your eyes closed, meditating on all that you have learned. Extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the circle.

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Whither Werewolf

"Even a man who's pure of heart
and says his prayers by night
May become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms
and the Autumn Moon is bright." - Curt Siodmak

Modern film makers and writers have done much to make the werewolf a pitiable creature. A man trapped by his own baser desires, unable to control the change or the urges that come upon him when the Moon shows Her full form each month. But deep in our hazy past there was a time when the 'werwulf,' (spirit-wolf or man-wolf) was honored among our ancestors. The Wolf and those able to take her shape were worshipped as Goddesses and heroes.

Belief in shapeshifters was found throughout the range of the wolf's former habitats: from Europe and Asia as far east as India and China and throughout North America. What ties the legend if the werewolf together in all of these places is the fact that the wolf was the largest predator indigenous to those regions. The violence and aggression of were-beasts make this seem on the surface to be a hunting and warfare legend. True, it is this, but also much more.

Prehistoric peoples learned the ways of the hunt from the animals around them, and they learned the concept of time from watching the phases of the Moon. The Moon phases also concurred with the female menstrual cycles and so hunting, sex and time became totally enmeshed. The Full Moon was also the time in which the women of the tribe bled, in effect, canceling all sexual activity. The men's minds turned to the Hunt, knowing that sexual activity would resume after they had brought enough meat home to supplement the diet of grains and berries the women provided.

It is this circular reasoning that created the association of a female deity concerned with hunting, and in many cultures She was a Wolf. Apollo Lycaeus (Wolfish Apollo) was mated to Artemis as the "divine Wolf-bitch." The Sabine Goddess Feronia was "Mother of Wolves." Perhaps the most well-known of all was Diana, Mistress of the Hunt. Gaulish Diana under her totemic name Lupa, "She Wolf," was Mother of wild animals. Young men learned magic and shapeshifting from Her and She guided and protected them (provided, of course, that they never set foot inside a Christian Church.) Her follower's shapeshifting ability followed the Moon phases and the Moon was another form of the Goddess.

Shapeshifting abilities usually lay within the realm of one person in the tribe, the shaman. It was reasoned that at the moment of death, the animals that the hunters killed and/or emulated took themselves to the spiritual "other-world." For the shamans to 'speak' to these animals, so that they could intervene on behalf of the humans, the shamans themselves must lose their own bodies and take on the aspects of the animals. And so the first shapeshifters were born.

Down through the years the werewolf was known in almost every culture. The title of the shaman who held high position in the life of the Slavs was 'volkhvi.' Variants are the German Volk, 'people' and the Russian Vrach, 'physician.' This indicates that the werewolves were people, shamanic healers in wolf masks.

It wasn't until Christianity came on the scene that the werewolf became the demonic creature that he is today. Christ was known as the Lamb of God and the enemy of the lamb is of course the wolf. The shift toward the imagery of the Lamb of Christ led in natural sequence to the wolf as satanic. The werewolf whose first meaning in biblical Translations meant 'outlaw,' devolved from that into 'ravening wolf,' as in Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Werewolves were captured and tortured by the Inquisition alongside accused Witches.

And so the werewolf descended throughout the centuries; from deity to demi-god, from shaman to satanic. The noble wolf, whose only crime was to howl at the Moon and teach awkward humans to hunt was demonized by those who would rather be led by a lamb than a true king or queen of beasts.

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The Deer

The Deer's keynote is that of Gentleness and innocence a gentle luring to new adventure. While its cycle of power is that of autumn and spring. The deer has always captured the imagination of humanity. It is one of the most successful families of mammals, native to every continent except Australia. They have been able to adapt to every sort of habitat. The white-tailed deer, the mule deer and the caribou are three that are prominent on the North American continent. The moose and the wapiti (Elk) are also part of the deer family, but they are described separately.

Each type of deer has its own special qualities and characteristics, while sharing some of the qualities of all deer in general. Caribou, for example, make long migrations twice a year, reflecting the need for those who have it as a totem to use that same pattern in their life. They begin running in fall and early winter, and these then are the power times. The mule deer is also a wanderer. It never follows the same path twice. This is part of its natural defense, making it less predictable to predators. Most of the Information in this section will focus on deer in general, and the white-tailed specifically.

The name "deer" has several variations on its origin. These may provide clues to past lives for those with this totem. The Anglo-Saxon word "deor" was a general word for animals and was often used just in the general sense. In the German language, it has its root in "tier", simply meaning wild animal also. It can also be traced to the Sanskrit "mriga", also meaning wild animal.

To many the deer is considered the most important animal ever hunted. The hunt of the deer is what transfers our civilization to the wilderness. There are many stories and myths of deer luring hunters or even kings deep into the woods until they are lost and begin to encounter new adventures. One such example is found in the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Gawain follows a white hart to many adventurous encounters. A reading of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur will also provide more examples.

The deer is also a central religious image for Buddhism. Buddha is often pictured with a deer, and legend tells how he first preached in a deer park. This image itself reasserts the meaning of the deer as representing innocence and a return to the wilderness.

The white-tailed deer is the most common in the United States. One of its most outstanding features is the set of antlers that the male develops. In other members of the deer family, i.e. reindeer and caribou, both the male and the females grow them. The antlers are solid bone, and they are shed every year. Antlers grow behind the eyes and are very protective.

Each year until the age of five, the antlers grow bigger and with more points. If you encounter a deer in the wild, try to make count of the number of points. This will tell you some of the significance the deer will have for you. Remember that numerology can help define the essence.

Antlers are symbols of antennae, connections to higher forms of attainment. Deer with antlers thus can be a signal to pay attention to your inner thoughts and perceptions, as they are probably more accurate than you think.

The antlers are shed every year, and each year they grow back larger and with more points, for five years. If a deer has entered your life, look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand for as much as the next five years. It can indicate that there will be opportunities to stimulate gentle new growth increasingly over the next few years.

One to two young are born. Fawns are born a color that protects and hides them. In the first few days, they hardly move, and the mother nurses them often. This is very significant for those with this totem. Many societies taught the importance of staying with the new-born for a prescribed period of time. No visitors, no family members other than the father were allowed to contact with the new-born. Even today in the Muslim religion, a mother who breast feeds for a prescribed time makes that child her own, whether or not it is her biological child. This kind of attention and separateness enables the child to link with the family more strongly and protects the new-born from subtle outside influences.

Our auras or energy fields are electromagnetic and exchanges of energy do occur With Other people and places. The kind of energy a child is exposed to can have strong effects. Until the child's energy is strong and firmly grounded, it should be protected from extraneous influences.

The deer leads us back to the primal wisdom of those old teachings. It reminds us to establish a strong healthy connection with the child before we expose it to many people and other strange energies. It is a reminder that there is a tradition that is natural and suitable for family units and for the health of the young. It is for the child's best interest.

After the first few days, the fawn can usually stand and follow its mother about. Doe fawns may stay with the mother for as much as a year. The buck or male will usually leave after a few months. The father takes no part in the rearing of the young; it is all the rule of the mother. Again this can be a reminder for us to move gently back to the traditional family unit and roles. It may indicate, if the deer has shown up in your life, that you have gotten too far away from the role that would be most beneficial to you at this time.

A deer's senses are very acute. Its vision is designed for clarity at a distance. It is especially effective at detecting contrasts and edges in dim light. Its hearing is equally acute. Anyone who has deer as a totem will find increasing ability to detect subtle movements and appearances. They will begin to hear what may not be said directly.

When deer shows up in your life it is time to be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Ask yourself important questions. Are you trying to force things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself? When deer shows up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.

CHANT

Woodland dreams of intuition come with the graceful deer.I greet you, graceful brothers of the forest. Your gift of magic will brighten my life. Transformation will come to me. Like you, I stand listening to the drum beat of life, Poised to follow my guiding spirits.

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The Life Power

Book: The Life Power by Paul Foster Case

These pages contain the substance of my talks at the Hotel Astor during December, 1922, in a form which is better suited for study and reference. What is here given in a few pages might easily be expanded into a good-sized book, hence it must be studied and pondered upon, not merely skimmed through.

The purpose of our work is the Unfoldment of a higher consciousness, in order that we may obtain a better Understanding of cosmic law expressed through human personality. When this higher Consciousness and better understanding take form in action, we shall develop more skill in applying our knowledge of cosmic law to the solution of every-day problems.

To succeed in this understanding we must learn how to control and direct a force which, although it is occult, is really "hidden in plain sight," inasmuch as everything in our environment is a manifestation of it. The first step toward gaining the knowledge which shall enable us to control and direct this power is to learn that although many names have been given to it, all these names are attempts to describe a single reality.

Download Paul Foster Case's eBook: The Life Power

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Power Animal Song

Come to us: Eagle, Wolf, Bear and Cougar.

Dance we now The Power dances.

Eagle soaring above the peaks,
Share with us freedom, majesty and fighting skills.
Teach us Lessons we need to learn.
Dance with us The Power dances.

Wolf, cunning tracker, by day or night.
Share with us endurance, courage and adaptability.
Teach us lessons we need to learn.
Dance with us The Power dances.

Bear, trampling along earthen paths,
Share with us Mighty strength and Sense of smell.
Teach us lessons we need to learn.
Dance with us The Power dances.

Cougar, lonely tracker of terrains,
Share with us Agility, stamina and endless curiosity.
Teach us lessons we need to learn.
Dance with us The Power dances.

Movements slow
Movements rapid.
Frenzied swaying
Upward, downward.
Dipping, turning
Round and round.
Dance we now
The Power dances.
Dancing partners,
You and I.
With me, in me
I am you, you are me.
Together as one,
Yet separate, too.
Dance we now
The Power dances.

Awaken now
All spirit Beings,
To dance the dances
With your human kin.

Dance the Cycles
Of Life and Death,
Hope and Fear,
Good and Evil.
Dance the Cycles,
Now and Again.

Lowerworld, Upperworld,
Journeying now
and forevermore.
Of Time and Space
All is Once,
There is none.
Dance the dances
Again and again.

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Witchcraft A Study In Bias Prejudice And Discrimination In South Africa

Book: Witchcraft A Study In Bias Prejudice And Discrimination In South Africa by Damon Leff

When discussing Witchcraft in polite company, one discovers that although not everyone permits their personal bias to evolve into open discrimination, those with bias Against Witches carry their prejudice like a moral compass. In less than civil society, bias against Witchcraft is often overtly smug and pretentious, as though the prejudice itself was some form of badge of honour indicating one’s measure of commitment to the moral struggle. If you’re a Witch, social bias against you is pervasive and perverse.

This short study in bias, prejudice and Discrimination is intended to begin to peel back the shameful and barbarous layers of institutionalized cultural bias that exists against Witchcraft in South Africa.

'Witchcraft' makes no apology for its lack of academic qualification. The study is an honest portrayal of bias, prejudice and discrimination experienced by real South African Witches. It is not intended to be an exhaustive examination of the psychological effects of stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination, nor is it intended to be unbiased. It is intended to be a critical indictment against the avarice of Superstitious fantasy that barely mimics logic and reason in our nation’s psyche.

Download Damon Leff's eBook: Witchcraft A Study In Bias Prejudice And Discrimination In South Africa

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The 12 Steps And Shamanism

Recently a local character in Alcoholics Anonymous here in the Worcester MA. area died. His name was "John the Indian" (he identified himself this way) and he was well known as an AA speaker all over the world, although he lived near central Massechu-setts. John had about thirty years of sobriety and was a great power of example to many people including Betty Ford who told him she had listened to tapes of his talks while she was in detox.

John's story intrigued many people. An Indian who had been orphaned on the reserva-tion when Tuberculosis wiped out his family, he had ended up on skid row after serving in the Canadian army during World War II as a dishwasher. He came to AA in his mid-twenties, an illiterate wine. (my note - this is NOT to imply that most alcoholics are on skid row. In fact most of them are people with nice families, a place to live, a car or even two, a job, etc. etc. etc. Less than 2% of the alcoholics in this country are on skid row). He ended up owning his own construction business after learning to read (from an elderly woman in AA who was a school teacher) and marrying a lady in AA with whom he raised a lovely family.

Because John had inspired me and so affected my life with his gift of simplicity, I was inspired to do a shamanic-style rite in his memory. I had always felt sorry for John because, in the process of his recovery, he seemed to have lost touch with the beauty of this heritage. Then it hit me; John WAS a shaman and anyone who truly worked a 12-step program was one too.

In BIRTH OF A MODERN SHAMAN by Cynthia Bend and Tayja Wiger (Llewelyn Publication box 64383, St. Paul MN. 1988) it states " A shaman is hard to define. There are no two alike..... what happens, a shaman goes through a catastrophe or a string of catastrophes that enhance certain abilities within him ( or her! )

.....Most often the Shaman has to go through a severe trauma, a severe illness or a severe psychosis and recover from it before he learns the recovery process that he can use."

The authors are quoting Tsonkawa, Tayja's teacher on the Shamanic path. (A Native American Medicine person)

Many other authors on Shamanism; Sunbear, Lynn Andrews, Amber Wolfe and Michael Harner, to name a few: echo this truth. A shaman is a person who goes through great suffering, usually in the form of a mental or physical illness, and then goes on to heal himself or herself. They are then able to use that same process to heal others.

This is what happens in a twelve-step fellowship. Through the process of healing oursel-ves, we come to the point where we can help others by "carrying the message" after having had a "spiritual awakening" as the result of taking the first eleven steps.
Here are some books that can help any Pagan, Shaman, Druid, Witch, Practitioner of Feminist Spirituality, or other Magickal folk as they walk the steps in the process of recovering, while retaining their own unique Spiritual Path.

TRUTH OR DARE by Starhawk (San Francisco, Harper and Row, 1987) This contains many references to the 12-step programs, especially Alcoholics Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics, in a work on Wicca by a well-known priestess of the Craft who is also a Psychotherapist.

CRYSTAL CLEAR by Connie Church (Bew York, Willard books 1987) It contains a good section on how to use quartz crystals to help in relieving yourself of bad habits, compul-sions, and obsessions, specifically for use with the various twelve-step programs. (note - amethyst is traditionally said to help in all these areas)

BIRTH OF A MODERN SHAMAN, mentioned above, tells the story of a blind Native American woman who was a survivor of Child abuse and had been Psychotic as well as Alcoholic. This is the story of her complete recovery, including her eyesight, (document-ed by doctors) and the discovery of her Psychic gifts with her Native roots. Her healing occurred through a process that began for her in Alcoholics Anonymous.

THE TWELVE STEPS FOR EVERYONE published by Compcare (Minneapolis MN.) This is a non-sexist book on the steps by a grateful recovering member of Emotional Health Anonymous written in non-sexist language. The author draws heavily on the Eastern traditions of spirituality as well as the traditional Western monotheistic ones.

EVERYDAY A NEW BEGINNING Published by Hazelden corp. (Also in Minneapolis, MN. I believe) This is a daily meditation guide BY women in Anonymous fellowships and FOR women in these same self-help groups. Unlike the TWENTY-FOUR HOURS A DAY book (published by the same company and widely used in AA) it doesn't use quotes from the Bible. Instead it uses quotes from various women authors. Many men also claim to have benefited from it due to its non-religious approach.

PAGANS IN RECOVERY a networking newsletter for Magickal folk, Shamans, Druids, Feminist Priestesses, Witches, Pagans, Pantheists, etc. who are in recovery via a 12-step fellowship of any type. It has contacts, reviews, articles, recovery techniques and more. It is a great source of support and inspiration to any Pagan in any of the Anony-mous support groups. It is $8.00 a year and the address is P.I.R. c/o Bekki 6500 S.R. 356 New Marshfield, OHIO 45766 ADDITION TO READING LIST

REFLECTIONS IN THE LIGHT by Shakti Gawain, published by New World Library, San Rafael, California 1978. While not ONLY for the 12-step programs this book does go into the problems of addictions in light of the New-Age, Psychic Awareness as well as many other subjects. It provides a inspirational message and/or a creative visualization exercise with a non-sectarian affirmation for each day. The book is neither sexist nor sectarian and is truly a beautiful aid to anyone seeking to work the program of recovery. It is also a great way to share what you are doing with friends who share your spirituality but not your program, as it makes no direct references to the 12-step groups at all. It is very useful to those of us who prefer a daily meditation to the "prayer" people in the monotheistic Churches and Synagogues tend to use in their application of the program to their lives.

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Secrets Of Shamanism Tapping The Spirit Power Within You

Book: Secrets Of Shamanism Tapping The Spirit Power Within You by Jose Stevens

Secrets of Shamanism is an interesting and informative read with loads of meditation and journey ideas for the reader to enjoy. The authors have done an excellent job explaining how one can utilize shamanism as a wisdom tool and a means to stimulate personal insight. Written by a psychologist, the book is full of clear, safe, practical and powerful techniques. If you want to have a shamanic experience or focus on a specific question - search no further. The layout is great- 1) A clear concise Description of the skill 2) A short (one page or less) story/example of a person applying shamanism in an every day life situation 3) A description of how to do it. and 4) A simple numbered step list/chart to make it clear. It's so easy to jump right in. I am sick of people writing about their shamanic Experiences when any body can jump right in and do it themselves! Yes you!

Jose Stevens is an internationally known teacher, consultant in organizational effectiveness, and executive coach residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a bachelor's degree from the University of Santa Clara. He is the author of nine books including Transforming Your Dragons: How to Turn Fear Patterns into Personal Power. Co-founder and trainer of Power Path Seminars™, he leads executive wilderness retreats focused on the Principles in this book.

Buy Jose Stevens's book: Secrets Of Shamanism Tapping The Spirit Power Within You

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Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness

Book: Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness by Pam Montgomery

This is a profound work. Written with a clarity and depth of Understanding that only someone deeply attuned to their subject could master. Pam Montgomery weaves indigenous wisdom, modern research, science, and quantum physics into a vibrant testament of the sacred and powerful nature inherent in plant medicine. The message transmitted through every page in this amazing book is bound to change our perception of herbal healing--and of medicine in general.

This accessible yet comprehensive book is a tremendous gift of both wisdom and practical application on how the universe actually works and how to tap in and play a part yourself. Plant Spirit Healing is about the difference between knowing about a plant (available through book learning and use) and experiencing its spirit - where you merge with it, communicate through an exchange of insights, and achieve a full and lasting relationship. This book benefits from Pam Montgomery having taught and honed this material many times. If you cannot take Montgomery's apprenticeship program and experience her own ebullient spirit, this book is the next best thing.

Emphasizing that each person's knowing and experience of different plants may be different in what is really a Both/And, rather than an Either/Or, universe, Montgomery guides you to find your own plant spirit guides appropriate for this time in your life journey. Chances are who they are will surprise you.

This remarkable book takes the reader on a journey from (possibly) skeptical interest in plant spirits, to plausible, to possible, to practical. At no point does the journey include religious overtones or spacey far-out suggestions.

Montgomery builds a foundation based on physical and energetic qualities of both people and plants. Each new parcel of knowledge is presented in a flowing sequence based upon previously explained information. The trip is full of "of course" moments where you recognize that you already knew what she is presenting, but perhaps did not know where to place it in your established body of knowledge. As much as anything this book greatly expands and updates your established body of knowledge.

Fine-tuning gathered from years of teaching workshops and apprentice programs has honed Montgomery's understanding of the pace and paths by which people can not only learn, but can experience and assimilate deeper knowledge. Her expertise allows her to lead the reader through these layers of knowing in the transparent, uncluttered, way that characterizes the best of guides.

The Theme is Relationships.

Despite years of loving plants, I would not have thought that there were so many ways to understand plants, or so many tools for deepening my relationships with them. Indeed, relationship is what this book is all about, including establishing, fostering, and nurturing actual relationships with plants. This includes being open, observant, respectful, and enjoying. It involves appreciating plants and learning from them and moving those relationships on to partnerships. This carries on the theme of Montgomery's previous book, Partner Earth (1997) in which she encourages humans to take responsibility and action to be co-creators and partners with Earth, rather than passive children of Mother Earth.

At one point in Plant Spirit Healing Pam likens establishing a new relationship with a plant to a relationship with a potential lover. Just think about that. It includes breath exchange, attention, respect. One is open, observant, eager to learn all one can about this person who suddenly seems to glow with light. One is gentle and respectful and wants to spend every available moment with the new love, gently growing knowledge and love and a shared history, exploring all facets and aspects of the beloved.

Organization and arrangement

The book's organization is clear and accessible. Different learning modes are accommodated as each chapter presents the material in three modes. Chapters begin with a journal entry from Montgomery's daily interactions with nature and how it feeds her developing wisdom. We catch a glimpse of her slipping into communication with plants and the landscape. Next, the bulk of the chapter is a descriptive exposition of the topic. This is followed by examples which illustrate the ideas and techniques just presented with experiences Montgomery has had with her clients, or that her students have experienced.

The book is divided into three parts, The Theoretical Basis for Plant Spirit Healing, The Practical Application of Plant Spirit Healing and Plant Allies, a section on specific plants. Christian Hummel recently wrote "We are living in a time when ancient principles that have been espoused for ages from Vedic texts to Native American philosophies are being validated by science - a meeting point between science and spirituality where these principles are being tested and proven to be true." [July 2007 Wisdom magazine p. 28 "Accessing the Creative Matrix: The Secret to Healing the Earth" ] Montgomery presents much of this material in Part One by distilling and presenting the essence of a large and varied body of new scientific information in an accessible format that relates to plant spirit and communication. She has gleaned Knowledge From others - both ancient traditions and recent science - and incorporates it straightforwardly for easy absorption without being academic. Part Two is a practical journey where actually meeting and getting to know plants is facilitated with a range of different techniques. Part Three introduces the plants as their fully embodied selves giving a sense of the expansive beings they are.

Plant Spirit Healing teaches about how sprit moves in the world, thus bringing spirit into reality, instead of keeping it in the abstract realm of religion. We are given a handbook to understand the wonder of plants, and a guidebook of practical techniques and exercises to form personal, intimate, real relationships with plant beings whose importance, variety, beauty, gifts and outright wisdom are usually ignored. The result reminds me of my joy at the animal tracks revealed by the first snowfall in what has been a gray and lonely November landscape. The joyful feeling of not being alone. The deep knowledge that I share this landscape with other beings who are aware of themselves, who live full and interesting lives, and who are open to knowing me and interacting with me.

Plants have been calling to many of us for the past several decades. Chances are they are somehow calling you as well. This is a guidebook to answer that call, probably in a deeper way than you ever imagined. By the time you have read it you will have established relationships with plant beings, taken a deep journey and found missing parts of yourself.

Buy Pam Montgomery's book: Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness

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Michael De Molinos - The Spiritual Guide The Rich Treasure Of Internal Peace
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George Gifford - A Dialogue Concerning Witches And Witchcraftes

Trading Places Exercise

Objective:

To trade places (mentally) with a dog or cat, or other animal.

Setting:

Home, Zoo, Wilderness, etc.

Instructions:

1. Relax your body as completely as you can. Calm your mind, eliminating all thoughts which do not relate to your intent and purpose. Sit so that you are comfortable, and as nearly as possible on the same level with the animal you will be working with. Lie down if you like. The important thing is that you are able to comfortably make eye contact with your animal partner in this exercise. It is also important to satisfy yourself that the animal is likewise comfortable and secure with you.

2. Take a deep breath. As you slowly exhale, look into the animal's eyes, and imagine that a part of your awareness is being transmitted through your breath into the animal's mind. Watch the animal breathe, and imagine that a part of its awareness is being transmitted into your mind.

3. Continue looking directly into the animal's eyes until you fell your Consciousness merge with the animal's consciousness.

Benefits:

As the boundaries between you and the animal dissolve, you may feel as if you've really traded places with a member of another species, as though a part of you has become the animal - this is the height of subjective merging. You may begin to feel compassion for another species. You'll also probably recognize some of the artificial differences between the human and animal worlds. You may be able to feel or sense the actual flow of the animals emotions and mental imagery. Should you accomplish this then it should be no trouble for you to contract with the animal to serve as your magical partner. Asking another to become such a partner also places upon you the responsibility of becoming its partner. I would not recommend contracting an animal to become your familiar and then treating the animal as a pet. A pet is Something you possess, own. A Familiar, to my way of thinking, is an individual who has entered into a mutually beneficial Relationship (partnership) with you, and therefore should be afforded the respect and consideration due a partner.

:

Rabbi Michael Laitman - The Kabbalah Experience
Anonymous - The Urantia Papers
Douglas Colligan - Strange Energies Hidden Powers
Anonymous - Vedic Experience

Power Animal Raven

RAVEN's medicine includes consciousness.

"RAVEN, SHARE WITH ME YOUR MAGICK.
I AM THE DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT,
THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS."

Raven carries magick from the dark void of the Crone (dark mother) to our realm. This void is where great knowledge awaits us. Thus, Raven has a great responsibility to the spirit realm. Those who have Raven medicine will also feel this responsibility and will tend to be those who share deeper knowledge – spiritual teachers, healers, priests, doctors, prophets.

Raven comes when you ask for love, light and healing. When Raven brings his medicine to you, he gives you a heightened awareness, sharper Perception and an expanded consciousness. With this new perception, you can look into the heart and soul of people, begin feeling what they feel. This strong empathy can be a burden.

With this refined perception comes a responsibility to use the Raven medicine wisely. Once could abuse it, using it for selfish, nefarious purposes. This is not the way to go. Use the clarity and Understanding that Raven gives you for good purposes. That is why Raven comes to you when you need night the most. He does not want you to turn to the darkness because it will eventually destroy you. As long as you use Raven's powerful medicine for the good of others, life will continue to flow smoothly for you as well.

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Power Animal Rabbit

RABBIT's Medicine includes humility, fear, guile.

"RABBIT, TEACH ME TO FACE MY FEARS.
LEND ME YOUR MEDICINE TO FREE MY MIND OF BOUNDARIES."

Rabbit's lesson to us is to not let fearful thoughts get the best of us. When we let a fear take our mind over, soon that fear will Manifest itself in reality. Rabbit people sometimes invite the thing they fear – disaster, tragedy, sickness – so that they can overcome the fear by finally facing it.

Sometimes Rabbit comes to us to tell us that when Things seem to be going nowhere, simply wait for life to get back into motion. Re-evaluate how you are going about things to eliminate the fears and obstacles that may be causing life to be slow and then let life flow again.

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Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
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Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism

Book: Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism by Alberto Villoldo

Although the authors of this provocative Exploration into the spiritual realms of healing are trained in the orthodoxies of Western medicine and psychology (both have doctorates and are researchers and scientists in San Francisco), their inquiries into "mind over matter" phenomena have led them to conclude that science alone is inadequate in treating human illness. (On this subject, they note the question put to them by a Peruvian shaman: "In the training of your healers, what steps do they take to attune Mother Earth and the Great Spirit?") By observing diverse parapsychological and metaphysical methods of mediums, spiritists and others following "indigenous" healing from ancient to contemporary societies, Villoldo and Krippner enhance our concept of health by incorporating ideas that are ignored by allopathic medicine, a process advocated by the World Health Organization. The freshness of their approach results in a steady level of stimulation.

This book takes one deeper into the Spiritual Practice of mediumship and Shamanism. Mediumship and healing is not meant to be separate, and this book teaches that, and teaches the spiritual practice of the healer or true psychic. Much as many do not see or know it, truth this is what we are ment to use our abilities. This is awesome book and an easy read! I finished the book in one setting I got so enthralled with it. It is an excellent book discussing Villado's Experiences with various healing traditions in particular shamanism.

Buy Alberto Villoldo's book: Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism

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Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients

Book: Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients by Medieval Grimoires

A Magical Ritual published at Basle in 1575. The text is in Latin and appears to have been influenced by Paracelsus. It is of Christian, not Jewish, origin, and although the authorship is unknown, it is probably the work of an Italian. Only one of its nine volumes still exists: dealing with the institutions of magic, the work is entitled Isagoge, which means "essential or necessary instruction."

The book introduces the ritual of the Olympic spirits who dwell in the air and among the stars and who govern the world. There are, we are told, 196 Olympic provinces in the universe: thus Aratron has 49; Bethor, 42; Phaleg 35; Och, 28; Hagith, 21; Ophiel, 14; and Phul, 7. Each of the Olympic spirits rules alternately for 490 years. They have natural sway over certain departments of the material world, but outside these departments they perform the same operations magically.

Thus Och, the ruler of solar affairs, presides over the preparation of gold naturally in the soil. At the same time, he presides magically over the preparation of that metal by means of alchemy. The Arbatel states that the sources of occult wisdom are to be found in God, spiritual essences, and corporeal creatures, as well as in nature, but also in the apostate spirits and in the ministers of punishment in Hell and the elementary spirits. The secrets of all magic reside in these, but magicians are born, not made, although they are assisted by contemplation and the love of God.

It is sufficient to describe the powers and offices of one of these spirits. Aratron governs those Things That are ascribed astrologically to Saturn. He can convert any living thing into stone, can change coals into treasure, gives familiar spirits to men, and teaches alchemy, magic, medicine, and the secret of invisibility and long life. He should be invoked on a Saturday in the first hour of the day. The Arbatel was said to be one of the best authorities on spiritual essences and their powers and degrees.

Download Medieval Grimoires's eBook: Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients

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Medieval Grimoires - Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients

The Raven

The Raven's keynote is that of magic, shapeshifting, and creation. While its cycle of power is that of winter solstice. The raven is one of those birds that has a tremendous amount of lore and mythology surrounding it, and it is often contradictory. It is a bird of birth and death, and it is a bird of mysticism and magic.

In the near East, the raven was considered unclean because it is a scavenger. It is one of the foods listed as forbidden in the Bible. The raven is one of the birds that Noah sent out after the floods, but it did not return to the ark. On the other hand, also in Biblical lore is the tale of how a raven fed the prophet Elijah when hiding from King Ahab.

In Scandinavian lore, the raven played a significant role. The Norse god Odin had a pair of ravens who were his messengers. Their names were Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory). Odin was known to shapeshift as a raven himself. This reflects the idea of raven being a messenger of the great spiritual realm.

In the Middle Ages the croak of the raven was believed to foretell a death or the outcome of a battle. It was even taught to the common folk in Christian communities that wicked priests became ravens when they died. Even today, some old timers tell how you can expect hot weather when a raven is seen facing a clouded sun.

The raven is a member of the corvids family, to which belong crows and magpies and other such birds. In truth, the only really significant difference between the crow and the raven is in size, the raven being much larger. It would be beneficial to study the Information on the crow for anyone who has a raven as a totem. Much of the same information that applies to one, also applies to the other. It is simply a matter of degree. Rather than repeat that information here, I would like to give you some information not generally associated with the crow itself.

The raven has a wealth of myth and lore surrounding it. In many ways it is comparable to the coyote tales of the plains Indians, the Bushmen tales of the mantis and other societies in which an animal plays both a significant and yet confusing role. The coyote was both trickster and wise being-fool and wise one. This was true of the mantis in the tales of the Kalahari Bushmen.

In the Pacific Northwest the raven has this same aura about him. In the Pacific Northwest, raven brought forth life and order Raven stole the sunlight from one who would keep the world in darkness. Nothing could exist without raven. Raven is honored in art and on totem poles, reflecting the tales and mysticism that have developed around it.

With raven, human and animal spirits intermingle and become as one. This is reflected in its deep, rich shiny black. In blackness, everything mingles until drawn forth, out into the light. Because of this, raven can help you shapeshift your life or your being. Raven has the knowledge of how to become other animals and how to speak their languages.

Ravens are great at vocalizations, and they can be taught to speak. They incorporate and mimic the calls of other species. In the Northwest are tales of the Kwakiutl Indians who offered the afterbirth of male newborns to Raven so that when they grew up, they would Understand their cries. Raven can teach you to understand the language of animals.

Ravens are playful, and they are excellent tool users. They will use stones and anything else that is available to help them crack nuts and such. They are birds not intimidated by others, and they are very fast and wary Because of this, they are not easy prey for other animals or birds. This implies the ability to teach you how to stir the magic of life without fear They are also known for their amorous behavior, reflecting the strong creative life force to which they have access.

This creative life force can be used to work the magic of spiritual laws upon the physical plane. It can be used to go into the void and stir the energies to manifest that which you most need. All this and more is what raven teaches. If raven has come into your life, expect magic. Somewhere in your life, magic is at play Raven activates the energy of magic, linking it with your will and intention.

Raven speaks of the opportunity to become the magician and/or enchantress of your life. Each of us has a magician within, and it is Raven which can show us how to bring that part of us out of the dark into the light. Raven speaks of messages from the spirit realm that can shapeshift your life dramatically Raven teaches how to take that which is unformed and give it the form you desire.

The winter solstice and winter season is the time of greatest power for those with the raven as a totem. The solstice is the shortest day of the year The sun shines the least on this day, thus it is the darkest. From that day forth, the light shines a little more each day This is symbolic of the influence of raven. It teaches how to go into the dark and bring forth the light. With each trip in, we develop the ability to bring more light out. This is creation.

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Power Animal Snake

SNAKE's medicine includes change, immortality.

"SNAKE, YOUR VENOM IS SWEET.
MY FEAR IS GONE,
I AM READY FOR CHANGE.
I FOLLOW YOU DOWN THE NEW PATH
YOU HAVE GUARDED."

Snake medicine is rare and is most often presented to the person using the approach of fear. A person with Snake medicine will find that they are fearful of this Shadow Animal most of their lives. But after Surviving many venomous snake attacks, they conquer their fear and are opened to the world of Snake's medicine.

Snake comes to you at a time when you are heading for change. You are ready to explore the mysterious, voyage where you have never gone before, whether in the Physical world or in the depths of the mind and soul. People with Snake medicine know the power of renewal. Snake sheds his skin leaving it behind and slithering away completely renewed. Snake people can do the same, shedding their dull layers to reveal a brilliant new self underneath.

Snake people are also creative and have strong psychic intuitive powers. Snake represents the silver cord that connects the physical body to the astral body, so Snake people may also be especially adept in astral travel.

The snake is a symbol of Goddess energy and he will protect you from religious persecution.

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The Power Of Familiars

I am sure you are familiar with the typical figure of the witch and her black cat. Witches have been using animals to help them with their magickal works for a very long time. It is said that the familiar is the animal that the witch has. The familiar lives with the witch and assists him/her in magickal works. Traditionally cats are associate with witches. Other animals, like dogs, rabbits, horses, and snakes, can be familiars too.

However, your pet is not necessarily your familiar. I have a small fish tank with a Beta fish in my room where I perform most of my magickal works. Even though I love it dearly, my red Beta fish is not my familiar. A familiar represents all the good qualities of that animal, and it is attune to the witch. It provides the witch with a link to the animal kingdom and the essence of their power.

Totem/Power Animals

Witches cannot always work with Physical familiars due to many reasons. Perhaps the most common one will be space limitation. Let's face it, who can keep a tiger in his/her house? Sigfried and Roy do NOT count! Therefore, many witches work with their totem animals in the astral. Totems are not specific animals but mystical powers. Totem animals are sought in the astral world. Witches choose those Power Animals that closely represent their higher selves. In other words, power animals are chosen by their affinity to the witch. Power animals are used for specific purposes too. For example, a Witch may choose the animal that lends to a specific kind of magick. Maybe the spell needs some "medicine" from the Snake. Some animals are associated with the quarters. Sometimes these energies are activated with the quarter calls. Totem animals are great advisers. So if you are confused about something, call the
Wolf!

-part of the Information was taken from: "Indian Power Animals and Totems" by Marguerite Elsbeth, To Ride a Silver Broomstick and To Stir a Magick Cauldron by Silver RavenWolf

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Power Animal Turtle

TURTLE's medicine includes Earth wisdom, protection.

"TURTLE, TEACH ME YOUR MAGIC.
I FOLLOW YOU TO THE SOURCE OF POWER
TO LEARN THE EARTH'S GREATEST SECRETS."

Turtle has many Mystical powers – earth magic, water magic, psychic protection, healing. Turtle can allow you to find balance in Your Life as well as freedom from struggles. He teaches carefulness, tenacity, and patience as the keys to Reaching your goal.

Turtle people can feel at home anywhere they go because they carry their protective shell with them. But when Turtle finds himself in an uncomfortable situation, he tends to retreat into his shell instead of facing the problem. While sometimes this keeps Turtle from learning valuable lessons, it also means that people with Turtle medicine are survivors. They can chase new opportunities but feel safe knowing that they can withdraw into the refuge of their "shell" when trouble rears it's head.

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Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 23 July 2008 Vol 2 Power Animals And Totems
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Animal Speak The Spiritual And Magical Powers Of Creatures Great And Small

Book: Animal Speak The Spiritual And Magical Powers Of Creatures Great And Small by Ted Andrews

Want to learn how to speak the language of critters, large and small? Easy-to-read and understand, Ted Andrews's bestselling Animal Speak shows readers how to identify his or her animal totem and learn how to invoke its energy and use it for personal growth and inner discovery. Nature lovers will love this insightful compendium, chock-full of touching stories about animals, natural history, and animal folklore. Readers will also learn magical animal rites and how to read omens. Animal Speak includes a Dictionary of bird, animal, reptile, and insect totems, which describe each creature's meaning. For example, if a person's totem is dragonfly, he or she was most likely excessively emotional and passionate in early years, learning with age to balance it with mental clarity and control. If a dragonfly suddenly shows up in your life, it means you may need to gain a new Perspective or make a change.

Totems are Spirit Guides (spirits who help you along on your journeys through life) that come to you in the form of animals. A Totem can be any animal that you have a strange connection to. This book is very good when it comes to the topic of Totems. Trust me, I've done a lot of studying and have seen a lot of information, but this has the most extensive collection of knowledge.

The best part of the book that is original that you can find few other places is it's huge dictionary of animal Totems. You can look up your Totem animal in the dictionary and it will give you the animal's history and folklore. It will also give you suggestions for someone who has that Totem. But that isn't the only good thing about the book. This book teaches you to find Totems if you don't yet knoww how. It tells you how to meditate to find your Totems, or, for the less patient, it gives other ways, too. Animal Speak also teaches you to read Totems in your life. Other topics include Things That you won't find in other books like the Preadator and Prey Theory, magic with bird feathers, honoring your animal Totems in many ways, and working with TOtem medicine. All of these are extremely useful and you can learn about the topic greatly. This good and all, but the book is not reccomended for beginners on Totem study and preferable for advanced people serious about the subject. The book is okay for starters, but some things are not explained as well as they should be for those who know nothing about Totems. Totems are a very interesting topic and this book is very good for the adventerous one that you know.

Buy Ted Andrews's book: Animal Speak The Spiritual And Magical Powers Of Creatures Great And Small

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Code Of Ethics For Spiritual Guides

People have long sought to enrich their lives and to awaken to their full natures through spiritual practices including prayer, meditation, mind-body disciplines, service, ritual, community liturgy, holy-day and seasonal observances, and rites of passage. "Primary religious practices" are those intended, or especially likely, to bring about exceptional states of consciousness such as the direct experience of divinity or of cosmic unity.

In any community, there are some who feel called to assist others along spiritual paths, and who are known as ministers, rabbis, pastors, curanderas, shamans, priests, or other titles. We call such people 'guides': those experienced in some practice, familiar with the terrain, and who act to facilitate the spiritual practices of others. A guide need not claim exclusive or definitive knowledge of the terrain.

Spiritual practices, and especially primary religious practices, carry risks. Therefore, when an individual chooses to practice with the assistance of a guide, both take on special responsibilities. The Council on Spiritual Practices proposes the following Code of Ethics for those who serve as spiritual guides.

1.[Intention] Spiritual guides are to practice and serve in ways that cultivate awareness, empathy, and wisdom.

2.[Serving Society] Spiritual practices are to be designed and conducted in ways that respect the common good, with due regard for public safety, health, and order. Because the increased awareness gained from spiritual practices can catalyze desire for personal and social change, guides shall use special care to help direct the energies of those they serve, as well as their own, in responsible ways that reflect a loving regard for all life.

3.[Serving Individuals] Spiritual guides shall respect and seek to preserve the autonomy and dignity of each person. Participation in any primary religious practice must be voluntary and based on prior disclosure and consent given individually by each participant while in an ordinary state of consciousness. Disclosure shall include, at a minimum, discussion of any elements of the practice that could reasonably be seen as presenting physical or psychological risks. In particular, participants must be warned that primary religious
experience can be difficult and dramatically transformative.

Guides shall make reasonable preparations to protect each participant's health and safety during spiritual practices and in the vulnerable periods that may follow. Limits on the behaviors of participants and facilitators are to be made clear and agreed upon in advance of any session. Appropriate customs of confidentiality are to be established and honored.

4.[Competence] Spiritual guides shall assist with only those practices for which they are qualified by personal experience and by training or education.

5.[Integrity] Spiritual guides shall strive to be aware of how their own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations affect their work. During primary religious practices, participants may be especially vulnerable to suggestion, manipulation, and exploitation; therefore, guides pledge to protect participants and not to allow anyone to use that vulnerability in ways that harm participants or others.

6.[Quiet Presence] To help safeguard against the harmful consequences of personal and organizational ambition, spiritual communities are usually better allowed to grow through attraction rather than active promotion.

7.[Not for Profit] Spiritual practices are to be conducted in the spirit of service. Spiritual guides shall strive to accommodate participants without regard to their ability to pay or make donations.

8.[Tolerance] Spiritual guides shall practice openness and respect towards people whose beliefs are in apparent contradiction to their own.

9.[Peer Review] Each guide shall seek the counsel of other guides to help ensure the wholesomeness of his or her practices and shall offer counsel when there is need.

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Allen Putnam - Witchcraft Of New England Explained By Modern Spiritualism
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