Showing posts with label pagan stores. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pagan stores. Show all posts

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Ritual To Find Your Spirit Guide

Ritual To Find Your Spirit Guide Cover 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.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Prentiss Tucker - In The Land Of The Living Dead
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
John Nash - Spirituality And Gender
Nevrom Ydal - Preparing The Ritual Area And Yourself
Raymond Buckland - Bucklands Book For Spirit Communications

Monday, September 6, 2010

Power Animal Lion

Power Animal Lion Cover LION's Medicine includes patience, family importance, courage.

"LION, TEACH ME TO BE A PROTECTOR
POWERFUL, YET SILENT AND STILL.
I AM STRONG AND PROUD,
BUT KNOW MY WEAKNESSES."

Lion is a totem of Feminine power and strength. The male Lion sits and boats his Beautiful mane while the Lioness is out hunting, working and feeding the pride.

The male Lion is the protector of the pride, but he does not fight if he can avoid it. He would sooner bask on a rock as get into a brawl. Lion always tries a passive, calm approach before resorting to violence to protect what he loves. Lion knows that one must not underestimate the power of peace, and suggests that we release all out stress and frustration before making any rash decisions.

Lion teaches many lessons. He reminds us to examine our behavior to find flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths. He teaches us to keep our temper under control. He also teaches us the power of silent, unseen observation, just like Fox. And, most importantly, he teaches us the importance of family and of team work.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Richard Weiss - Recipes For Immortality
Sir William Stirling Maxwell - The Canon
Malcolm Mcgrath - Practical Magickal Evocation
Jacob Behmen - The Super Sensual Life
John Alan Halloran - Sumerian Lexicon

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup

Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup Cover

Book: Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup by Grey Cat

I can hear the outraged screams already. there are people out there who believe that the very idea of "Pagan Manners" is a conflict in terms; that "manners" are outdated, dishonest and hypocritical. Well, think again. Manners constitute the only successful technique ever discovered by humankind to enable groups and individuals, holding moderately disparate views, customs or beliefs, to get along Together. There are things more improtant than manners; but, without manners, its unlikely that a discussion will ever go to them.

Pagan manners are fairly simple and have nothing to do with which fork you use or how to word an invitation. They have to do with respect for others' feelinsg and beliefs. They most specifically have to do with recognition of the fact that you should "judge not th path of your brother or sister for their path is sacred." Manners are also the only way of attempting to grant everyone the personal space which each of us needs. There have been a number of attempts to write down a list of "thou shalts" and "thou shalt nots" which will cover Pagan Life.

Download Grey Cat's eBook: Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup

Suggested free e-books to read:

Medieval Grimoires - Libellus Magicus Or The True Magical Work Of The Jesuits
Harriet Beecher Stowe - Poganuc People Their Loves And Lives
Jantina Helena Looijenga - Runes Around The North Sea And On The Continent
Edward Carpenter - Pagan And Christian Creeds Their Origin And Meaning
Grey Cat - Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup

Sunday, May 2, 2010

What Is Shamanic Ecstasy

What Is Shamanic Ecstasy Cover From the Greek 'ekstasis', ecstasy literally means to be placed outside, or to be placed. This is a state of exaltation in which a person stands outside of or transcends his or herself. Ecstasy may range from the seizure of the body by a spirit or the seizure of a person by the divine, from the magical Transformation or flight of Consciousness to psychiatric remedies of distress.

Three types of Ecstasy are specified in the literature on the subject:

1. Shamanic Ecstasy
2. Prophetic Ecstasy
3. Mystical Ecstasy

Shamanic ecstasy is provoked by the ascension of the soul of the shaman into the heavens or its descent into the underworld. These states of ecstatic exaltation are usually achieved after great and strenuous training and initiation, often under distressing circumstances. The resulting contact by the shaman with the higher or lower regions and their inhabitants, and also with nature spirits enables him or her to accomplish such tasks as accompanying the soul of a deceased into its proper place in the next world, affect the well-being of the sick and to convey the story of their inner travels upon their return to the mundane awareness.

The utterances of the shaman are in contrast with those of prophetic and mystical ecstasy. The prophet literally speaks for God, while the mystic reports an overwhelming divine presence. In mysticism, the direct knowledge or experience of the divine ultimate reality, which is perceptible in two ways, emotional and intuitive. While these three varieties of ecstatic experience are useful for the purposes of analysis and discussion, it is not unusual for more than one form of ecstasy to be present in an individual's experience.

However, it can be argued that, generally speaking, there are three perceptive levels of ecstasy.

1) The physiological response, in which the mind becomes absorbed in and focused on a dominant idea, the attention is withdrawn and the nervous system itself is in part cut off from physical sensory input. The body exhibits reflex inertia, involuntary nervous responses, frenzy.
2) Emotional perception of ecstasy refers to overwhelming feelings of awe, anxiety, joy, sadness, fear, astonishment, passion, etc.
3) Intuitive perception communicates a direct experience and Understanding of the transpersonal experience of expanded states of awareness or consciousness.

While the physiological response is always present, the emotional response may or may not be significant when intuition is the principal means of ecstatic perception. Some have argued that beyond the intuitive state there is a fourth condition in which the holistic perception exceeds mental and emotional limitations and understanding.

The ecstatic experience of the shaman goes beyond a feeling or perception of the sacred, the demonic or of natural spirits. It involves the shaman directly and actively in transcendent realities or lower realms of being.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Anonymous - What Is Wicca Article 2
Stephen Mcnallen - What Is Asatru
Lil Bow Wow - What Is A Warlock
Arthur Edward Waite - What Is Alchemy
Frater Achad - Chalice Of Ecstasy

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Animals Of Salem

The Animals Of Salem Cover Salem Story: Reading the Witch Trials of 1692 by Bernard Rosenthal Cambridge University Press 1993

p.18 John Hughes, while testifying about seeing beast transform into Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne, and Tituba, also mentions that on March 2 "a great white dog followed him and then disappeared, and then that night in bed he saw a great light and a cat at the foot of his bed." (from Narratives of the WC Cases 1648-1706 ed. G. LO. Burr)

p.21 Tituba's testimony included many animals...black dog/hog/man/yellow bird told her to serve him; yellow bird was accompanying Sarah Good (who had already given accusers legitimacy); also said she saw a cat with Good on other occasions

p.22 T. saw 2 cats, black and red. "What did the cats do? Tituba did not know. Had the cats hurt or threatened her? They had scratched her. What had they wanted of her? They had wanted her to hurt the children. They had forced her to pinch the children. Did the cats suck Tituba? No, she would not let them."

p.82 Bridget Bishop (owner of shuffle-board and cider teenage hangout) was testified against by Wonn, slave of John Ingerson. He "told a story of frightened horses, the vanishing shape of B.B. (at the time B. Oliver), the appearance of an unknown cat, and Mysterious pinchings and pain."

p.124 Martha Carrier: 7 yr. old daughter Sarah was induced to confess that "a cat, identifying itself as M. C., had carried Sarah along to afflict people when her mother was in prison."

:

Roger Bacon - The Mirror Of Alchemy
Reynold Nicholson - The Mystics Of Islam
John Musick - The Witch Of Salem

Monday, December 7, 2009

The Trials Of Familiars

The Trials Of Familiars Cover One reason why they may not have executed pets is because the law assumed that these creatures were Supernatural beings - by definition. If the animals had been captured, brought to court, examined by authorities, etc., it would have been difficult to avoid the conclusion that the witch's cat or dog was, in fact, no different from any other cat or dog. In addition, according to folklore, these animals could not be killed by ordinary means because they were spirits. We have found one account, for example, of a suspected familiar (a poodle dog called Boye, belonging to Prince Rupert) being killed by a silver bullet fired by a 'soldier skilled in necromancy' at the battle of Marston Moor in 1642. Also, perhaps it was assumed that the familiars would perish as soon as the witch was executed, since they were assumed to depend on her/him for nourishment (coincidently, of course, the animals probably didn't survive for long once their owners were incarcerated and executed). However, I agree with you that the fate of these animals is somewhat Mysterious. My guess would be that the witch's neighbours dealt with them swiftly and discretely, but I have no evidence either way. I wasn't aware of the Salem dog execution but will now look into this. In the bestiality trials, the animals were not generally executed as criminals. Rather they seem to have been regarded as polluted creatures which might have a corrupting Influence on public morality if allowed to remain alive. Thus, there was a particular incentive to identify these (real) animals and kill them.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Aleister Crowley - The Litany Of Satan
Captain William Morgan - The Mysteries Of Freemasonry
Asatru Free Assembly - The Lessons Of Asgard
Reynold Nicholson - The Mystics Of Islam
Franz Cumont - The Mysteries Of Mithra

Thursday, December 3, 2009

A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa Cover

Book: A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa by Damon Leff

A Pagan Witches Touchstone is an important publication for a number of reasons. Certainly one of the most important is that for the first time, self-defining Pagan Witches bring into open debate their own perspectives and experiences that result from the negative consequences brought about by the dominant construction of the ‘witch’ as a practitioner of evil. These constructions mostly emerge in African religious traditions wherein witchcraft is understood as an explanatory cause behind personal and community misfortune, illness, and untimely death; and within many Christian traditions that have historically associated the practice of magic, occult traditions, and alternative conceptions of the divine, with a form of diabolic heresy. In this worldview, a person who engages in some, or all, of these practices, can be labeled 'a witch.'

The authors of TouchStone raise these issues in an undoubtedly subjective and impassioned fashion. As Pagan Witches they, and others in their community, have been negatively stereotyped and are also subject to the criminalization of their beliefs and practices under any form of witchcraft legislation. They are vehemently committed to participating in dialogue and finding a role in attempts to seek a solution to the injustices incurred through witchcraft accusations and violence.

Download Damon Leff's eBook: A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Gordon Ireland - Faq On Wicca And Witchcraft And More
Rosemary Ellen Guiley - The Encyclopedia Of Witches Witchcraft And Wicca
Raisa Maria Toivo - Women At Stake Interpretations Of Women Role In Witchcraft And Witch Hunts
Damon Leff - A Pagan Witches Touchstone Witchcraft And Witch Hunts In South Africa

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self

Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self Cover

Book: Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self by Sandra Ingerman

Author Sandra Ingerman shares ancient soul-retrieval practices in very down-to-Earth terms in her pioneering book, SOUL RETRIEVAL. While the requirements for doing successful shamanistic healing are simple (requiring crystal-clear intention and complete faith in spiritual assistance), many of us raised within modern-day Western society are likely to face our own inner skepticism that this method of healing can be effective. Ingerman masterfully addresses this and other common pitfalls, as it takes the reader on a journey of rescuing soul fragments from one's past.

We often become physically ill following loss of soul or diminishment of essential spiritual energy, so soul retrieval is a healing art for one's entire being. Ingerman explains, "If the soul totally vacates the patient, the patient will die. It follows that, if the shaman can retrieve the lost soul parts, the individual can be restored to harmony and well-being. This retrieval is done by the shaman in an altered state of consciousness."

SOUL RETRIEVAL contains case studies of Ingerman's involvement with numerous patients who have requested her assistance, as well as fascinating Historical background on the ancient shamanic art of soul retrieval. Those who have undergone soul retrieval therapy claim as the author herself asserts, "Having my own lost soul parts restored to me brought me back to a place of wholeness. I experienced the fullness of life and a joy that I had not been sure I would ever feel again."

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in healing, shamanism, psychology, or consciousness.

Buy Sandra Ingerman's book: Soul Retrieval Mending The Fragmented Self

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Jarl Fossum - Seth In The Magical Texts
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Feeding The Flame
Nevrom Ydal - Preparing The Ritual Area And Yourself

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide

Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide Cover

Book: Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide by The Troth

Many people in Reconstructionist groups enjoy dressing in period costume, trying traditional crafts or foods or games or combat styles, and so on. Some gain spiritual satisfaction from doing so—and besides, it can be a lot of fun. But our religions are meant to be meaningful to us, here and now. We’re modern people, With Modern-day concerns: we can never be Egyptians of 1300 BC, or Vikings of 800 AD, or Romans of 100 AD—nor should we try. Furthermore, there are Some Aspects of ancient cultures that really should not be brought back, such as slavery and human sacrifice. But we believe that our ancient religions, and the cultures of which they were integral parts, do contain much that is deeply true for us now, and that should be brought back into the world.

Download The Troth's eBook: Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide

Suggested free e-books to read:

Lynn Thorndike - A History Of Magic And Experimental Science
Richard Roy - 13 Questions On Paganism And Wicca
The Troth - Reconstructionist Paganism An Extremely Brief Guide

Monday, August 17, 2009

Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples

Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples Cover

Book: Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples by Kveldulf Gundarsson

This is not a dry academic book. Gundarssons' writing flows like the sagas themselves, covering subjects such as norse deities and rituals. It describes the structure of the spiritual realms in which the Norse Magician would walk. It is no wonder that this book is considered the classic text book of anyone who would study runes or the Northern tradition.

Download Kveldulf Gundarsson's eBook: Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples

Suggested free e-books to read:

Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs
Medieval Grimoires - Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients
Kveldulf Gundarsson - Teutonic Magic The Magical And Spiritual Practices Of The Germanic Peoples

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Power Animal Horse

Power Animal Horse Cover HORSE's medicine includes freedom, Clairvoyance, endurance.

"HORSE, TEACH ME TO SEE THE TRUTH.
SHOW ME THE TIES OF FRIENDSHIP.
FREE MY WARRIOR SPIRIT."

Horse is a beautiful, powerful, proud creature who has taken many forms in mythology. Pegasus, Unicorn, Centaur, and many other creatures in mythology are brothers to Horse. Horse is a magickal creature who can see into man's soul.

Horse shows his devotion in his willingness to carry man on his back, giving him a freedom of movement and travel that no other animal can provide.

The lesson Horse brings to man is that there is strength in numbers. He teaches that cooperation, collaboration, and the ties of friendship equal power. Horse shows us that when we can synchronize our motive with the motives of others, we have the power to do anything and reach any goal.

A Horse person has a wild spirit that cannot be broken. Horse loves freedom, but also is unquestioning and faithful to his master. A warrior lies inside those with Horse medicine. This warrior spirit keeps you safe in your travels and fills you with stamina.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Sri Swami Sivananda - Brahma Sutras
Edward Kelley - The Angelic Alphabet
Giuseppe Bezza - The Astrological Metaphors
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps

Friday, May 1, 2009

Foundation For Shamanic Studies

Foundation For Shamanic Studies Cover The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is dedicated to the preservation, study, and teaching of shamanic knowledge for the welfare of the Planet and its Inhabitants.

“What Yogananda did for Hinduism and D.T. Suzuki did for Zen, Michael Harner has done for shamanism, namely bring the tradition and its richness to Western awareness,” say Roger Walsh and Charles S. Grob, in their book, Higher Wisdom. “Michael Harner is widely acknowledged as the world’s foremost authority on shamanism and has had an enormous influence on both the academic and lay worlds.”

Started in 1979 as the Center for Shamanic Studies, the Foundation for Shamanic Studies presents the world’s foremost training programs in shamanism and shamanic healing. They are based on the pioneering work of anthropologist Michael Harner, who brought shamanism to contemporary life in the West after extensive field and cross-cultural investigation, experimentation, and personal practice. He originated, researched, and developed core shamanism, a system designed for Westerners to apply shamanism and shamanic healing successfully to their daily lives. This system is based upon the underlying universal or near-universal principles and practices of shamanism, rather than upon culture-specific variations and elaborations.

Since the West overwhelmingly lost its shamanic knowledge centuries ago due to religious oppression, the Foundation’s programs in core shamanism are particularly intended for Westerners to reacquire access to their rightful spiritual heritage through quality workshops and training courses. Training in core shamanism includes teaching students to alter their Consciousness through classic shamanic non-drug techniques such as repetitive drumming so that they can discover their own hidden spiritual resources, transform Their Lives, and learn how to help others. Core shamanism does not focus on ceremonies, such as those of Native Americans, which are part of the work of medicine men and women, persons who do both shamanism and ceremonial work.

When invited by indigenous peoples who have largely lost their shamanic knowledge, the Foundation may send a team to help them establish firsthand shamanic contact with their own spirits and learn from them. With this work done in short time, the team leaves. The Foundation has done this by invitation in various parts of the world, including the Arctic of Eurasia and Canada, and in central Asia.

Where the survival of indigenous shamanism is threatened by outside forces such as religious and political persecution, the Foundation may designate elderly shamans as Living Treasures of Shamanism and provide lifetime stipends to help them pass their precious knowledge on to their peoples.

The Foundation also maintains a great archive, the Shamanic Knowledge Conservatory, containing irreplaceable documents, books, audio-visual media, and artifacts to preserve endangered shamanic knowledge for future generations.

Income from donations, workshops, and other activities of the Foundation help support these and other projects of the Foundation, which is a nonprofit public charitable and educational organization.

Suggested free e-books to read:

John Opsopaus - Interpretationes Of Ancient Herbs
Michael Jordan - Dictionary Of Gods And Goddesses
Anonymous - Protection Of Space
Shanddaramon - Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch
Melita Denning - The Foundations Of High Magick

Monday, March 30, 2009

Familiars Or Imps

Familiars Or Imps Cover Non-Pagan history describes familiars as low-ranking demons in constant attention to Witches for the purpose of carrying out spells and bewitchments. Familiars usually assumed animal forms - cats, toads, owls, mice and dogs seem to have been the most common - though virtually any animal or insect could be suspected. In the Witchcraft Trials, if so much as a fly buzzed in the window while someone suspected of being a witch was being questioned or tried, it was said to be her (or his) familiar. The inquisitors took the Bile to heart: those who had familiars were "an abomination unto the Lord" and should be "Put to death: they shall stone them with stones: Their blood shall be upon them" (Lev. 20:27).

Familiars - also called imps - were said to be given to Witches by the Devil or bought or inherited from other Witches. A Witch could have several of them. Cats were the favored forms, especially black ones. The fear that all cats were Witches' familiars was one of the primary reasons for the famous cat massacres that swept through medieval Europe.

Familiars were given names like any household pet, which most of them undoubt-edly were. Perhaps the best known familiar name is Pyewackett, the moniker the Witch's cat in the movie Bell, Book and Candle, and a name that dates back to Renaissance England. Pyewackett, Matthew Hopkins (the famous Witch hunter) stated, was a name "no mortal could invent."

During the Witch hysteria of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the obsession with familiars was confined mostly to England and Scotland, where they are mentioned in numerous trial records, especially those related to Hopkins. The Witchcraft Act of 1604 made it a felony to "consult, convene with, entertain, employ, feed, or reward any evil and wicked spirit to or for any intent or purpose." But the Malleus Maleficarum (1486), the major Witch inquisitor's handbook, offers no instructions concerning familiars in the interrogation and trial of Witches. The book does acknowledge that an animal familiar "always works with the Witch in everything."

There is a scant evidence of familiars in early American Witch trials. In the Salem Trials in 1692, John Bradsheet was indicted for "inciting a dog to afflict." The dog was tried and hanged as a Witch. Outside of Witch trials, more benevolent familiars were believed to exist, serving wizards and wise men (and women) who were magicians or village healers. The familiars helped diagnose illnesses and the sources of bewitchment and were used for divining and finding lost objects and treasures. Magicians conjured them in rituals, then locked then in bottles, rings and stones. They sometimes sold them as charms, claiming the spirits would ensure success in gambling, love, business or whatever the customer wanted. This sort of familiar was technically not illegal; England's Witchcraft Act of 1604 prohibited only evil and wicked spirits. Some familiars were said to be Faeries. Oberon was a popular name for fairy familiars in 15th and 16th century England.

Many modern Witches have animal familiars, usually cats, which are their magical helpers. Some also have dogs, birds, snakes or toads. Witches do not believe the familiars are "demons" or spirits in animal form but simply animals whose psychic attunement makes them ideal partners in magical workings. Some Witches say that it is possible to endow pets with magical powers and turn them into familiars, though others don't believe it should be done. Still others believe familiars are never "pets" (and should never be treated as such) but are animals who volunteer to work as familiars and are Karmically attracted to Witches. Witches who do not have familiars send out psychic "calls" to draw the right animal.

Familiars reputedly are sensitive to psychic vibrations and power and are welcomed partners inside the Magic Circle and other magical work. They also serve as psychic radar, reacting visibly to the presence of any negative or evil energy, whether it be an unseen force or a person who dabbles in the wrong kind of magic. Familiars are also given psychic protection by their Witches. Some Witches it seems also use the term familiar to describe thought-forms created magically and empowered to carry out a certain task on the astral plane.

Sorcerers and shamans in cultures around the world also have helpers in the form of spirits. Dispatching them on errands to heal, harm or kill - called sending. The physical shape of a familiar varies. New Guinea sorcerers rely on snakes and crocodiles, while in Malaya, the familiar is usually an owl or badger passed down from generation to generation.

Throughout Africa, the wild creatures of the bush are said to be Witches' familiars: for the Lugbara, they are said to be the toad, snake, lizard, water frog, bat, owl, leopard, jackal and a type of monkey that screeches in the night; for the Dinka, they are black cobras and hyenas. The Zulus' familiars are said to be corpses dug up and re-animated with magic; they are sent out at on night errands to scare travelers with their shrieking and pranks. In Shamanism, a novice shaman acquires his familiar spirits, usually manifesting in animal, reptile or bird shapes, when he complete shis initiation. He or she may send them out to do battle in his or her place, but if they die, so does the shaman. Familiars usually stay with their shaman until death, then disappear. Among certain Eskimos, the familiar is embodied in an artificial seal, not a live animal.

In closing, what I usually instruct in this area is that the student of magic who feels that they have found a familiar is that they should practice an exercise called "Trading Places" by Keith Harry. This exercise is simple enough to memorize and to practice, and though it was not written specifically for bonding with an animal familiar it was designed for becoming familiar with an animal, and inducing a mystical experience. I think you will readily discern its value in the acquiring of a familiar.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

William Lammey - Karmic Tarot
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Chapters Of Life
Reynold Nicholson - The Mystics Of Islam
Mama San Ra Ab Rampa - Flor Silvestre
Aleister Crowley - Amphora Or Hail Mary

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Shamanic Reiki Expanded Ways Of Working With Universal Life Force Energy

Shamanic Reiki Expanded Ways Of Working With Universal Life Force Energy Cover

Book: Shamanic Reiki Expanded Ways Of Working With Universal Life Force Energy by Llyn Roberts

The marriage between Reiki and Shamanism is so obvious that the thought never even occurred to me. My shelves are lined with books on various types of Reiki, a bunch of Joseph Campbell (Journey of the Hero) like books, and a nice selection of personal journey, self help titles. In my Reiki practice, I have always encouraged my clients to use Reiki as a tool to self understanding. My position is that True Healing comes from self acceptance and resonance with the genuine self. I don't know why I didn't see the connection sooner.

Reading Shamanic Reiki gave me a profound ah-ha moment. I've always felt that Reiki didn't quite describe what I do and what I believe that my clients need. In the past, I've been frustrated by individuals who simply want me to cure their ills. I know that the energies can relieve their pain. I also know that by continuing the same life patterns, these same individuals will soon find themselves in the exact same position. I've always thought that Reiki should be used not only to relieve the clients concerns but also as a way to understand the root of the problem.

Now I see that the authors of Shamanic Reiki suggest exactly this. They seek to ask more of both the practitioner and the client. This involves a partnership of sorts, a commitment to healing and personal growth on the part of both parties. This is the kind of practitioner I want to be.

Read this book if you would like to integrate shamanism into your Reiki practice. The authors make it effortless. Each chapter presents easy to follow approaches, which will involve you and your clients in the process of making your Reiki sessions more powerful. The authors empower us to step confidently into our personal exploration of combining shamanism with Reiki by communicating to us their profound Understanding of the nature of energy. We will understand that our success depends on our intention, our Relationship to spirit, and our trust in the healing process. As we experiment with the book's healing methods and exercises, we will remember the authors' admonishment that healing tools are channels of healing energy, not the energy itself. After we close the covers of the book, we will be ready to open our basket of tools and use them to experience the rewards of incorporating these two important healing modalities.

Buy Llyn Roberts's book: Shamanic Reiki Expanded Ways Of Working With Universal Life Force Energy

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Robert Ellwood - The Encyclopedia Of World Religions
Sandra Ingerman - Shamanic Journeying A Beginner Guide
Michelle Matthews - Magician Or Witch Christopher Marlowe Doctor Faustus
Benjamin Rowe - Enochian Temples Analysis Of The First Enochian Key

Monday, January 19, 2009

Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas

Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas Cover

Book: Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas by Alberto Villoldo

Anthropologist Villoldo has studied shamanic healing techniques with the descendants of the Incas for more than 25 years. Perhaps more than any westerner, he has mastered the ancient art of "seeing," which gives more direct insight into the true causes of disease than can be revealed through all the technological advances of Western medicine. He has written ten previous books chronicling his adventures on the path to becoming a master shaman, and teaches energy medicine to thousands every year. Now he reveals the concept of working with the "luminous energy field" that surrounds our physical bodies in a practical, easy-to-Understand format. Although shamanism is often shrouded in riddle and mystery, Villoldo has managed to present the Basic Principles in a step-by-step program, beginning with a series of simple exercises to cleanse and activate the chakras, the key entry points of the luminous body. By interweaving Stories From his personal journey, he makes energy work accessible to a broad audience, and paves the way to its acceptance by the medical community.

This book has completely changed my life, as well as the lives of the many people I have touched, since reading Shaman, Healer Sage in late 2003. After finding myself (totally unexpectedly) on the path of shamanism, I found and read this book. I will admit, I did have many reservations on much of the books teachings. Frankly, it just didn't seem possible that such a profound level of healing, could be so simple. I mean, if it was this easy, why hadn't I heard of it before, or come across someone who was a shaman and could do these wondrous things. At 50 years old, I really didn't know what a shaman was, short of the 1992 Sean Connery movie "Medicine Man", in which the diminutive shaman (who Connery had made very angry) scared the hell out of me. Not a good start for me.

Anyway, I had just spent several months, looking for someone to teach me about shamanism. After reading his book, I decided that the good Dr. was probably a very good place to start. I read two more of his books, just because I'm an eternal skeptic, then I reread Shaman, Healer Sage again. Did I mention that I'm a skeptic???

I began formal study with Dr. Villoldo and his staff of shaman instructors in July of 2004. The work of the south was true to the teachings of the book, and I saw (and experienced) healing work that I still find unbelievable. The teachings are just as simple and eloquent as the book that led me to these classes. I found the same to be true about the next two classes. The gifts of healing I have learned so far, have allowed me to heal people of both physical and psychological ailments. In some cases, these people have been treated for, and suffered from these illnesses, for several years. I do not take credit for this work. If you have read the book, you will know why.

I am leaving for two more weeks of study in March of 2005. I read Shaman, Healer Sage before I leave for every class. I noticed that many of my fellow students who took the class on the teachings of the west, seemed to have their copy of the book with them. I believe that not only does the book serve as a helpful reference to what we are learning, but it also serves as an inspiration to those of us who have dedicated our lives to this calling.

Before I close this, I would like to say that I do not intend what I write in this review, to make anyone think this road is an easy one to follow. Much to the contrary. To learn, and apply Dr. Villoldo's teachings take total commitment, and intentions that must be pure. It isn't something you do on a whim, as your entire life will never be the same, and you won't either. This is a serious way of life, that is sometimes a heavy weight to carry. I will say that to be able to do something about someone's suffering, instead of standing by and watching them suffer, is a gift that goes beyond any gift I could ever imagine. I can think of nothing more wonderful to do for someone, than to remove their pain.

If you are going to read one book on shamanism, read Shaman, Healer Sage. You will be glad you did. To Dr. Villoldo, who has taught me so much, as well as all of the teachers who taught him, and the people who are instructors in his classes, I (and the people I have healed) thank you.

Buy Alberto Villoldo's book: Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas

Suggested free e-books to read:

Zenaide Alexeievna Ragozin - Siegfried The Hero Of The North And Beowulf The Hero Of The Anglo Saxons
Aleister Crowley - Liber 220 Al Vel Legis The Book Of The Law Scans
Winfield Nevins - Witchcraft In Salem Village In 1692 Together With A Review Of The Opinions Of Modern Writers
Anonymous - Aleister Crowley And The Enchantment Of The Wicked Man

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Shamanic Fellowship Theology

Shamanic Fellowship Theology Cover As our Fellowship is inherently Religious, we must declare a The(a)ology. (The strange spelling refers to the fact that we acknowledge a Goddess as well as a God) This is summed up very easily. There are three main powers we Worship, Usen' the Life Giver, The Earth Mother, and The Sky Father. The latter Two are Emanations of the First, as all, including the God and the Goddess, are emanations from Usen', which is the primeval First Cause.

Usen': One cannot look upon The Life Giver as either Male or Female, for The Life Giver is beyond those distinctions. Usen', and The Life Giver, are names for this First Cause, this Force that pervades all and caused all to come into being. From Usen', the God, Sky Father, and the Goddess, Earth Mother, emanate, as the lesser Deities emanate from Them.

The Earth Mother: We live and walk and are sustained from The Earth Mother, which is our Earth. She is alive, and we all exist within Her as part of Her structure. Science, through the Gaea Hypothesis, has finally acknowledged Her existence, and some even have learnt the lesson that our duty in this life is to care for and honor Her. This is a lesson that all must learn, for as long as we despoil Her, we risk Her wrath. She is expressed through the faces of White Painted Woman, Who is The Woman Warrior, through Corn Mother, Who is The Nourishing Mother, and through Spider Woman, Who is The Wise Woman, The Ancient One, The Custodian of Wisdom. Women are acknowledged as being human representatives of The Earth Mother.

The Sky Father: Just as among we Humans, there is both Man and Woman, so there is no Earth Mother without Sky Father. Sky Father is the air we breathe, the flame that gives us warmth and cooks our food, and brings forth the rain that fertilizes Our Mother and allows Her to provide us with the crops and animals that sustain us. Sky Father is also express-ed as The Hunter, The Warrior, and First Shaman, and is also expressed in Killer Of Enemies and The Child Of Water. He is also present and acknowledged as being present in every Man.

There are other spirits that exist in the Universe, some beneficent, some maleficient. But most important is Usen', Earth Mother, and Sky Father. By walking in harmony with the God(esse)s, one can tell the Good from the Evil, welcoming in Good, and protecting each other from Evil.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells
Naomi Janowitz - Magic In The Roman World
Christopher Siren - Sumerian Mythology Faq
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Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Bath Spells

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Reiki Shamanism A Guide To Out Of Body Healing

Reiki Shamanism A Guide To Out Of Body Healing Cover

Book: Reiki Shamanism A Guide To Out Of Body Healing by Jim Pathfinder Ewing

Whether you are just learning about Reiki or are proficient in your practice; if you've ever believed that you were already `doing' Reiki before being attuned to it; if you've ever traveled in your mind's eye through your prayers to the bedside of a sick family member or friend; if the word 'shamanism' has always caught your eye or if you are considering any of the healing arts - then this book is for you!

When I read the very first paragraph of Chapter Two, I all but broke down and cried - giving thanks for these long awaited words from Jim Pathfinder Ewing. Even though I had been practicing and teaching in the Traditional Usui Method of Reiki Energy Healing for the past 6 years, something always seemed to be 'missing' from my practice. Jim's words resonated so deep within my heart and soul that I knew beyond a doubt he was speaking age olde truth - just as New Age is not new at all, neither is Reiki just a 100 yr old Japanese form of energy healing. Its roots are ancient and shamanic and the founding father was himself a Shaman who upon his vision quest, received the well known symbols and Instructions for healing that are taught world wide in Reiki classrooms today!

Jim shares this truth, knowledge and his own Experiences in a simple,honest language that brilliantly illustrates how both modalities of reiki and shamanism can come full circle in a such a natural, complimentary way. With more than 25 pages of notes and Bibliographies at the end, "Reiki Shamanism" is a road map unto itself and will surely open an evolutionary door to the entire Reiki healing community.

We are living in profound and prophetic times when more and more folks are desperately searching for lifelines. It is no secret that the time has come for great healing and awakening on our planet and I believe, now more than ever, we as a planetary society need to tune back into the heartbeat of our Earth Mother.

This book was pure energy healing for my soul and I highly recommend it as well as any of Jim's other books, classes or workshops. He shows us how easy it really is to become the necessary caregivers, not only to heal ourselves, but all our relations and ultimately, our Mother Earth. All we need to do is take that first step...

Buy Jim Pathfinder Ewing's book: Reiki Shamanism A Guide To Out Of Body Healing

Suggested free e-books to read:

Phil Hine - Techniques Of Modern Shamanism Vol Ii Two Worlds And Inbetween
John Ankerberg - Satanism And Witchcraft The Occult And The West Part Ii
William Blake - The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell
Paschal Beverly Randolph - Seership Guide To Soul Sight
Phil Hine - Techniques Of Modern Shamanism Vol Iii Touched By Fire

Friday, June 27, 2008

Power Animal Owl

Power Animal Owl Cover OWL's medicine includes Clairvoyance, awareness, intuition.

"OWL, LET ME SEE AND HEAR ALL AROUND ME.
TEACH ME TO Understand EVEN THAT WITH IS HIDDEN,
TO HAVE CLARITY WHEN OTHERS DO NOT."

Owl has a very keen Perception of everything that is going on. She is aware of everything that is happening around her at all times and she can see whatever she focuses on with sharp clarity. People with Owl medicine know what's going on and have clairvoyant or psychic powers. Their intuition is accurate, clear and precise.

Those with Owl medicine are the least gullible of all people. Nobody can get a lie or a con past them because Owl sees right through them, peering past their mask to see the truth beneath.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
Jacob Behmen - The Super Sensual Life
Anonymous - Potentialities Of Loki

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Badgers

Badgers Cover I looked through all my information, but as far as the Seminoles go I couldn't find any Reference to the Badger. I'm not saying that it doesn't exist, I just couldn't find any. Here is Something from one of my books that I thought you might find interesting:

"Badgers are 2-3 feet long and are about 12 inches high. Family members mark each other with scent for recognition since their sight is poor. Their senses of smell and hearing, however, are excellent. Their diet includes a wide variety of roots, herbs, plant, and many small animals. They dig with remarkable speed to catch burrowing prey and when they need to get underground quickly. Badgers live in simple but extremely clean, well kept dens. They pay close attention to details within their home environments. They change their bedding often, backing carefully into their dens with straw, so as not to make a mess in the process.

Badgers bring us gifts of tidiness and organization. They are fastidious about their surroundings and will correct any disorder quickly. If Badger has come to you in some way, it may be saying that you need to concentrate on maintaining an orderly environment to better facilitate your day to day living. Badger can also be helpful to call upon for aid in managing your time. This can be useful for those of us who are trying to satisfy our need to devote time to Ceremonies and the spirit realm and still work a job.

Badger will fight to the death if cornered. While this may be a useful trait in the wild, men used this quality of Badger to exploit it in the so-called sport of Badger-baiting. Captured Badgers were put into small enclosed areas with a dog or dogs, and bets were placed on the outcome of the fight. Are you stuck in a pattern that served you well once, but is now damaging? Badger could be warning you that a change of behavior is in order if you don't want to be cornered or used."

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Wh Auden - Baldur Dream
Samael Aun Weor - Magic Runes
Peter Carroll - Liber Kaos
Aleister Crowley - Gargoyles
Franceska De Grandis - Be A Goddess

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Four Faerie Shaman Gifts

The Four Faerie Shaman Gifts Cover When the Great Tuatha De Dannan came to the shores of this reality, they brought with them four Faerie Gifts. These gifts were used in the Creation Battle to dispel the workers of darkness. The Dagda, the great Father-Lord, brought with him the Cauldron (chalice, emotional power). It would produce food for all who needed it, and any weapon dipped in its waters was immediately repaired. Nuada, the Silver-Armed, brought the Sword (athame, intellectual power). No enemy it was turned upon would succeed in battle. Lugh brought the Spear (wand, creative power). When thrown, it would never miss its target and it would always return to the hand of the thrower. The final was the Stone of Faal, or Stone of Destiny (pentacle, material power). It was the solid foundation upon which this reality
was built. The Tuatha De Dannan won the battle and peace and tranquillity reigned for hundreds of years. Then the Milesians (humankind) came, and the Tuatha knew that their time was over. Until this point, the spiritual world and physical world existed on the same plane. Rather than fight the Milesians, who were born pure of heart, the Great Faeries decided to rip the worlds asunder and split the Spiritual Plane (Astral) from the Physical Plane. But they knew that one plane fed upon the other and needed it for existence. So they created many doorways between the worlds. The "Keys" to these doors are the Four Great Faerie Gifts. They placed the energies of the four keys in the hearts of the Milesian to be drawn upon to enter the Gates to the Other-Worlds. The Spear of Lugh represents the urge to explore one's spirituality. It also represents one's creative urges, inspiration, and young fragile ideas. The Cauldron of the Dagda represents ones emotional health, relationships, and the need to connect with others. The Sword of Nuada is the intellectual curiosity inherent in humankind; the need to learn, explore, and communicate with others. Finally, the Stone of Faal represents the ability to keep one's material life stable; this includes physical health, as well as achieving the means to support and sustain oneself.

The Faerie Gifts are a way to balance one's life to meet the many needs of the soul, mind, body and spirit. It is vital that the four Faerie Gifts remain balanced in the soul. No one gift should be sacrificed for the other three. For example, one should never explore the spirit realms while ignoring the material level. One should never throw oneself into a relationship at the expense of intellectual exploration. Strive always to maintain this balance. When all Faerie Gifts are tended to, one can achieve a sense of Spiritual, Emotional,
Intellectual, and Physical health.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Melita Denning - The Foundations Of High Magick
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