tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37210722080155601772024-03-13T20:46:38.096-07:00RuneworkerWritings of a runic SorcererAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-67369634024775396032014-02-05T23:18:00.004-08:002014-02-05T23:18:53.998-08:00MovingI am moving this blog over to a different location Feel free to find me and follow me at<br /><br /><a href="http://runeworker.wordpress.com/">http://runeworker.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<br />
Peace!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-35281052415566088662014-01-14T23:25:00.001-08:002014-01-14T23:25:52.156-08:00Grieving for a great friend, man and spiritual brotherToday the my world lost a little bit of light. My friend Eddy Gutierrez passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He was a spiritual brother of mine, as well as being a spiritual seeker, who walked his own path, as well as worked tirelessly to create a new one, and to be spiritual worker for others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVKk5gqEc5CdqGw3lC5-WpKQJm-aZOgYvetWuk2r_-53JwfhlgJa6BWhgaVbLQ5e-b6EuEBlxI9PKcevQ0S3hW2ErjyfzXmYhBxiHnMPUL73zEXikUp2ph-QMvv8oxDy5qpajclqcHrU/s1600/149720_10151917682514240_1428637163_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVKk5gqEc5CdqGw3lC5-WpKQJm-aZOgYvetWuk2r_-53JwfhlgJa6BWhgaVbLQ5e-b6EuEBlxI9PKcevQ0S3hW2ErjyfzXmYhBxiHnMPUL73zEXikUp2ph-QMvv8oxDy5qpajclqcHrU/s320/149720_10151917682514240_1428637163_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Me on the left, a friend in the middle and Eddy on the right.<br />
<br />
For Eddy, May eternal light shine upon you and bring you peace
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-iVYu5lyX5M" width="640"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-36468222746809831332013-12-21T12:42:00.000-08:002013-12-21T12:42:15.279-08:00Blessings of the Winter Solstice!!!Blessings of the Winter Solstice!!! May the reborn Lord of Light shine his blessings upon you!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-31805232048523952412013-09-13T08:37:00.001-07:002013-09-13T08:37:53.183-07:00Influence<span class="userContent">Influence is the ability to cause desirable and measurable actions and outcomes. - Brian Solis</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">A quote a came across the other day. Something to contemplate.</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-38582542146200881592013-09-12T11:36:00.003-07:002013-09-12T11:36:39.751-07:00Up and Down
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This week I finished a lengthy process
of ascending and descending the ladder of lights, which is the say
the planets. It was a lengthy process mainly because of the
structure that I used to approach this work of following the Chaldean
order of the planets starting with the Moon and working my way up
until I reach Saturn, which is a two week process of skipping days,
and then following the order back down, with Saturn at the beginning
until I reached the moon again, which was a six week process.
However, I found the whole experience to be worth while, as I was
more able to see the work of the planetary spirits and energies of a
specific type manifest in my life and shape the blessings. I also
feel that for a moment I touched at the gates of the 8<sup>th</sup>
sphere, the sphere beyond Saturn, the starry realm.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The main spirits that I called up for
this extended working were the 7 Olympic spirits named in the
Arbatel of Magic. I have always found these spirits interesting, and
their method of summoning and communion very accessible, as it
requires only some spiritual authority and a prayer. As I climbed
the ladder I asked for blessings and initiations into their
respective planetary realms to better connect with the forces and to
grow in understanding them. It also felt like the right thing to do,
as each step was followed by another step up, seemingly passing
through gates leading higher and higher. The passage down was
slower, and more about gaining specific directions and guidance from
the spirits about my life, about things I can do and how I can help
manifest each influence more concretely into my life. A process of
enlightenment and empowerment.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The method used in ascending was
starting at the hour of the day, usually in the morning, a simple tea
light was dressed with planetary oil and some planetary incense was
burned. A recitation of the relevant Orphic hymn, followed by the
prayer to call upon the related Olympic spirit, whose seal was
already present with the candle. A moment of communion and the
request for blessing and initiation, followed by resting in the
experience, and then thanking the spirit for their aid and asking for
their continued favor as they depart.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The method on the descent was a little
more involved. This also took place on the day and hour, often in
the morning. Along with the tea light, a large candle in a related
planetary color and fixed with planetary oil, and planetary incense.
This was followed with the Orphic hymn, and other various prayers and
evocations to the planets from a mix of sources. Then the
conjuration of the Olympic spirit and a period of communion with
them, asking for guidance and instruction. Some gave instruction for
further personal work, others made suggestions about current event in
life and how best to navigate them, others offered enlightenment and
inspiration about life in general. <br /><br />In some ways the blessings
gained from this work continue to manifest in small ways. From
simple things like feeling aligned with the rhythm of creation on a
daily basis, to coming across further knowledge that points me in
directions to continue to deepen and expand my spiritual practice.<br /><br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you have never climbed the ladder of
lights, I highly recommend it, no matter what your tradition or
practice comes from. I think it can only ultimately bring blessings
on good fortune to you life.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-68618417047220201042013-08-27T15:40:00.000-07:002013-08-27T15:40:08.541-07:00Why East isn't Air
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
or why not to confuse the finger
pointing at the moon with the moon</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently I had read some posts
discussing that age old topic of elemental associations and
directions. For perhaps some unfamiliar readers, the elements that I
am talking about are the classic elements of Earth, Water, Air and
Fire (and occasionally Aether). The directions I am referring to are
the basic directions we are all familiar with IE: North, South, East
and West.
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A good many readers are probably
familiar with some practice that makes a correspondence between the
two, with a great number of variations based upon traditions that one
practices within the sphere of Western Esoterica. A common one, used
by many Wiccans is the following:<br /><br />East – Air, South –
Fire, West – Water, North – Earth</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is a handy way to work and to have
the symbols drawn up so that when you face a certain direction, and
you can invoke that element. The thing that I see people getting
stuck on is the pushing of the rightness and absoluteness of one set
of correspondences over another. What my own practice has lead me to
is this. East isn't Air. South isn't Fire. West Isn't Water. North
Isn't Earth. East is just East. It is the direction the sun rises.
Depending upon where you live, it might be towards the ocean. If you
are very euro-centric you might consider it the exotic East, where
cultures and values very different from the Europe are to be found.
But it isn't Air. It's only a symbol. A useful symbol perhaps, but
still just a symbol. You can just as easily call up Earth from the
East as you could any other element. You could turn west and evoke
fire. You could in fact not have to face and specific direction and
call up the elements, either as an energy, or an intelligence, or as
primal and archetypal force that symbolizes something specific to
you. The exacting debate over directions, elements and other
correspondences of place and time, well, they are all just symbols.
And while symbols can be useful building blocks help construct a
practice, they can also become the bricks of the wall that hold you
back and keep you from moving forward.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rather then turning South and
experiencing Fire, why not turn South and experience South. Whatever
experience the spirits and powers of the South want to give, what
message, guidance, or awakening they can bestow, without being locked
into a specific element or other value.
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While the needs of tradition continues,
and if you are within the tradition, you should continue with the
symbol set given, especially if you are conveying that tradition to
others, for your own practice, you might try moving outside of the
limitations of tradition.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-64161871972415823682013-08-01T11:31:00.000-07:002013-08-01T11:31:08.856-07:00Lammas Blessings!May the holy day of Lammas bring blessings upon you. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lammas.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lammas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://www.lavenderandlovage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lammas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-91425223069877729322013-06-28T08:59:00.001-07:002013-06-28T08:59:14.354-07:00An interesting view of our night sky if he had other major planets of the solar system at the same in our orbit instead of the moon.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/06/what-the-night-sky-would-look-like-if-the-other-planets-were-as-close-as-the-moon/277247/">What they night sky would look like if other planets were as close as the moon</a><br />
<br />
Some images to contemplate while working with planetary forces for sure<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-64960673745549208312013-06-10T22:19:00.000-07:002013-06-10T22:19:59.105-07:00I think I need to read this book (but you should read this article)<a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/2013/06/the_science_delusion_by_curtis_white_reviewed.single.html">The Case against reason</a>
<br />
<br />
Mainly because I am interested in what the author has to say. I am also interested by what the reviewer says. Although I often find myself as someone who supports reason, I don't consider myself an atheist in any way, and my experience with the vast majority of atheists is that they are reacting against something (Christianity usually) then being for something. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-86269763265164092742013-05-13T16:42:00.002-07:002013-05-13T16:42:27.832-07:00This is watera video used to depict a graduation speech. Perhaps many of us know this, but sometimes it's good to be reminded.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.upworthy.com/the-earth-shatteringly-amazing-speech-that-ll-change-the-way-you-think-about-adulthood-4?g=4">http://www.upworthy.com/the-earth-shatteringly-amazing-speech-that-ll-change-the-way-you-think-about-adulthood-4?g=4</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-46772271838700679982012-11-22T09:48:00.002-08:002012-11-22T09:48:28.422-08:00A BenedictionHail to the Holy and Mighty Ones! <br />
<br />
<br />
Hail to the Shining Ones who illuminate the world!<br />
<br />
Hail to the Goodly spirits who bring peace, joy and benevolence!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I thank you for the blessings you have brought into my life<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
for the family and friends from past, present and yet to come<br />
<br />
for the wealth and prosperity that already possessed and knowing only it’s increase<br />
<br />
for the health and well being to live my life with grace and ease<br />
<br />
for the love I have received and for the love that I have been able to give<br />
<br />
for the wisdom to conduct my life with knowledge and compassion<br />
<br />
for the power that I have been entrusted for my own good, and the good of others<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For all these blessings, my gratitude over flows,<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As you have blessed me, let me bless you in return.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Blessed Be!<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-83816985043727437062012-11-17T00:20:00.001-08:002012-11-17T00:20:08.758-08:00Five elements in five daysGetting a bit of inspiration from the blog <a href="http://headforred.blogspot.com/">Head for the Red</a>, I decided to do my own experiment, although instead of planetary powers, I went about invoking the elemental powers. For the past 5 days I invoked each one of the elements, one element a day, making an offering, and seeking the blessings of the elemental powers to manifest in my life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have worked with the elements before in a quite a few ways, even seeking out my own element spirit allies to aid and guide me. But it felt like an interesting experiment and experience to help further develop those connections.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Part of the process was the selection of which day I would evoke which element. The structure I decided upon is based upon Agrippa’s correspondence of planets and elements. Moon – Earth, Mars – Fire, Mercury – Water, Jupiter – Air, and for the element of Aether(Spiritus, Azoth etc…) I devoted that to Friday, seeing in the power of Love as manifested in Venus, the higher powers that Love entails, to unite and bring into harmony. This created an interesting dynamic, as I switched between elements, not following the common patterns of Fire, Air, Water, Earth or Air, Fire, Water, Earth. I also started the week with evoking Earth, which I think is an excellent idea as the foundation element to build upon, but also that Earth can receive the influences of the other elements, not only to manifest them but also to bring them structure. Ending with Aether I saw as bringing harmony to the combined elements.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I evoked each element in the first hour of each day, using offerings and substances that are connected directly to the elements in question, and free evoking the spirits of the elements as I felt moved.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For the powers of Earth, I dressed a brown candle with an Earth oil of my own creation, brought out small bowl of blessed salt, and presented a shot glass of whiskey, which at the end of the day, was poured out onto the soil, to complete the offering to the spirits of Earth. What was interesting for me is that, while I felt the presence of the spirits of Earth, it was only after the whiskey was poured onto the ground did there seem to be a sudden rush of activity within the earthly sphere.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The next morning was the evoking the spirits of fire. A red candle dressed with my Fire oil, another candle (a large tea light) also dressed with my Fire oil, and a small metal bowl that had a tablespoon of sugar and some highly flammable Hoyt’s cologne in it, which was ignited, and then I began the invocation. The flames leapt quite high, and the sugar began to melt and caramelize just a little bit. When the alcohol flames died, it became the rising fumes of Hoyt’s cologne filling the air, a scent I find quite pleasant, mixed with the scent of caramelized sugar. The day was filled with a great increase of romantic pursuit, as the passions of others around me seem to become raised.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The invocation of water was the most peaceful. A bowl of fresh water, a bowl of sea water, and a bowl of holy water laid out into a triangle, with a hard plastic icosahedron charged with elemental water placed into the holy water. While for myself a deep calm settled in, later that day, as the sun set, the densest fog cloud I have ever experienced in my city settled into the area, obscuring all vision past 200 feet, and coating everything with a fine mist. It was also the return of cooler and wetter autumn weather for Southern California, as the past two days had been dry, with Tuesday being the warmest. The water of the bowls was disposed of into the ocean after the sun had set, which was a journey into the densest part of the fog. I had only the sound of the lapping of waves to tell me that I was past the shore, as I could not see down below the pier from the thick fog.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The invocation of Air involved a yellow candle dressed with Air oil, a stick of sandalwood incense, and a small glass bowl with a tablespoon of ouzo placed into it, which was set onto a heating pad to become warm enough to steam up and evaporate away without boiling it, as the ouzo released it’s fragrance into the air as it steamed. A clearing of the mind followed, as well as strong breezes which brought in light rain showers until Friday morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Friday morning was very overcast and cool as I set up the offering to the spirits of Aether, five tea lights set in heavy glass tea light holders colored clear, violet, red, green and blue, and a white candle dressed with my light oil. The idea being that it was a great offering of light. As I evoked the spirits of Aether, and offered them the light, the clouds parted and the rising sun filled my room from the east facing portrait window, filling the space with more light. As a feeling of clarity and energy filled me, the idea struck me that just as all the other elements have spirits that command them, so Aether must as well. I asked for a guide and ally of Aether, to aid me and assist me, and the impression arose of an anthropomorphic being made white light, whose features were defined with violet, and a sex that changed from moment to moment, and yet always feeling androgynous became apparent to my senses. From this being I received a name, the blessings of Aether, and a sigil that I can use to commune and gain aid and guidance from. For my own reasons I don’t share them here (although I might in the future).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The whole week was really an experience, which I recommend for many people to try and experiment with on their own.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-15250872806632863192012-10-02T10:15:00.000-07:002012-10-02T10:16:30.325-07:00Magic, MP3's and Piracy<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3tDMqO7zgqE" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
An interesting little tidbit shared with me from a friendAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-12863105975608781182012-07-05T23:11:00.000-07:002012-07-05T23:11:01.511-07:00Reflections on fastingI spent the month of June engaging in a fast. While it seems that the most popular fasts to undertake right now involve various foodstuffs, from the Master Cleanse to the current juice fast, the fast I undertook was one of celibacy. It seems that this type of asceticism is somewhat uncommon for most people living in the West, or even for many people in alternative spirituality, with its focus on sacred sexuality, sex magic and “tantra.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Part of my reason for going on this fast was out of devotion. While maintaining my abstinence I was engaged in daily devotion to my patron, Artemis/Diana. While contemplating how to perform this devotion in May, and making a list of tasks to undertake, I was immediately struck by the inspiration of being celibate; completely celibate with no sexual activity of any kind including personal. This makes sense in regards to devotions to Artemis who is well documented as having foresworn such behavior as well, and many devotees of hers who have also done the same. While their vows were forever, I don’t think I am ready or desiring to make that kind of commitment, so I foreswore it only for that 30 day period.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The first week was the most difficult. What made it hard was the changing of behavior patterns that I had followed for quite some time, namely being a responsible sexually active homophilic male who seeks out sexual relations with other homophilic males. Putting a stop the behaviors that made such relations possible was the most difficult part, as it is so available and present. Once that week had passed, it became easier, but that is when other things started to rise up into my awareness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One of the realization was about the contention of will within me. On one hand there was the very strong desire for this kind of activity. One the other hand there was the desire to commit to my devotional vow for the time period indicated and not break it. Both of these drives were operating at the same time, and there were times when the conflict between them was quite intense inside me. I did not break my celibacy fortunately and I feel stronger for it though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The other things I noticed is how amazed people were, especially other gay men. It was a regular statement that I heard from them, “I couldn’t do that” especially after I made it clear that I was not engaging in masturbation either. At least among the gay men that I know of, this kind of asceticism is unheard of. Many of them were also looking forward what I would be like once July began and the period of celibacy had come to an end. I felt that part of my celibacy period is not planning ahead of sexual activity, so while the temptation to do just that was strong, I also avoided dwelling in the future of that occurring, because it would distract me from the devotions I was doing at that time, and I also felt it was dishonest to do so.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The third realization that came about towards the last week was a feeling of purity that had settled upon me. I just felt clear, cleaned out, and more rooted in my self then before, although I don’t think that phrase really explains it clearly or does the feeling justice. There was a peace and calm that had settled into my being, and now as I think about it is still there. While I have thoroughly broken the fast, the benefits I feel from it had not departed from me, and I feel equally calm and reposed whether I am engaging in behavior to seek it sexual relations or not.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are other beings that I would like to perform devotions to, and engage in. There are also other fasts that I would like to practice at some point, but for right now, I think I am satisfied with what I have achieved with this fast.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-32595278416436699442012-06-28T10:03:00.000-07:002012-06-28T10:03:42.656-07:00Runes and reversals 2In my work with bindrunes, using runecasting as the means for selecting runes to use in creating a bindrune, in some of my work I have been given the reversed forms to incorporate. The first time this happened, my initial inclination was to turn the rune right side up. After a several minutes contemplating this, I changed my mind and turn the rune back the way it had come up in the reading, and proceeded with creating the bindrune into the aesthetically pleasing sigil I wanted. Since then, many of my bindrunes have incorporated reversed runes in thier makeup. At first I wasn’t sure what it may indicate, but as time and experience progressed, I slowly came to realization. It has to do with the action of the rune and where it is being activated. This is different from in a reading, although understanding it might help make some things more clear in a reading. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This first became clear to me when I was creating a bindrune to find hidden treasure. Finding hidden treasure is of great interest in much European and American folklore. Long before banks were common and established as mostly trustworthy institutions… People protected their money and valuables through concealment, often through burying them where only they would find it, so long as their secret was not revealed. The problem is that sometimes before they could recover their valuables, the person might die from various circumstances, or without documentation they also forgot where they concealed their wealth. It seemed interesting to me that something like this exists, and yet there is no real modern day interest in this action, except for various treasure hunters who seek out a multitude of technological toys to assist them. Of course, in this day and age, hidden treasure might take on a different meaning. From family bank accounts that were forgotten or lost because of bank foreclosures, to finding out that grandpa’s old clock is a $5,000 art piece to the right collector, to the right bit of information that suddenly puts laws and regulations in your favor, hidden treasure can take many forms. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought I would try this out, so I created a bindrune to work with in finding “hidden treasure.” In the process of casting the runes for this, one of the runes that came up was Feoh reversed, the rune of wealth upside down. That is when it dawned on me, “Duh, of course, Hidden Wealth, would be Feoh reversed.” From that insight, the rest of the pieces fell into place for other reversed runes in the bindrunes. They can point to an interior aspect, of the magic of changing the energies within you or a situation. It can also point to powers that are acting discretely, cause sometimes charging in head first, guns blazing is quick way to get your request denied, whereas choosing to grease the palm of the bouncer to get in the back can be more successful. It is something that I have happily embraced with my rune magic, but it has also been a great boon in readings to, as sometimes the layout of runes in the reading indicates that hidden aspect of a reversed rune, instead of a misfortunate meaning.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-17612968626886686732012-06-23T00:44:00.000-07:002012-06-23T00:44:11.350-07:00Rant on Love and JudgementAfter some recents events involving people in my life, someone made the comment to me that "they love everyone equally" and "they don't judge." The only thing I can think of is "wow, that's totally messed up." Why? because you just accept and tolerate every persons behavior they will either a) eventually walk right over you, but you won't care just you don't judge and b) stomp all over everyone around you while you sit back, loving them, not judging and allowing them to carry on in destructrive ways. Love and judgement go together in my book. If you are not judging someone's behavior, then you do not love them either. If you don't love someone, then you also don't bother to judge thier actions and seek to help them correct it when they are maladaptive behaviors. It just really irks me when people tell others "You shouldn't judge" or "Don't judge" when it comes to poor behavior, when they really mean I shouldn't judge them because of certain physical traits that they cannot control. But all people can control thier behavior, as the nature of all behavior is voluntary. So when someone is behaving poorly, I will judge thier behavior and tell them to knock it off, as they have chosen at some point, to act inappropriately to the situation and it's context. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-83494771130987633532012-03-24T12:20:00.001-07:002012-03-24T12:21:47.383-07:00Great Sigils Posting at Rune Soupif you are into Runes, you should also be into sigils, cause bindrunes (that effective bit of practical results orientated magic) are sigils.<br /><br />You ought to read this:<br /><br /><a href="http://runesoup.com/2012/03/ultimate-sigil-magic-guide/">http://runesoup.com/2012/03/ultimate-sigil-magic-guide/</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-21586836712207816962012-02-21T17:09:00.000-08:002012-02-21T17:10:33.924-08:00Elements and RunesThe 4 (+1) elements play a very significant role in most of Western esoteric traditions and their magical experiments. Tools, directions, colors, values, correspondences are almost ubiquitous for all the elements and the numerous lists of that which goes with this, and this aligns with that. It seems almost de rigueur that people would try to make elements correspond with the runes. Much like any other system, there are also an equal number of lists which gives what elemental value to what rune (or aettir, or grouping etc…) and you could probably exhaust yourself trying to fit them all together or make them all align. Some authors have even created their own elements using the creation myths of the Norse, so you get elements like ice, venom and salt. In the end, it doesn’t seem like any of them really fit the bill for how the classic elements of earth, water, air, fire, and aether/spirit/azoth/ond really fit together with the runes. I just don’t see it being as simple as lagu equals water and kenaz equals fire and then you are left to ponder what wunjo might be or hagalaz or aethel because they don’t have a clear elemental association. <br /><br />My answer to this dilemma is that the runes are not elemental in nature. They arise from that strict division. Some of them do embrace an elemental resonance, but their true nature is above that. If they are strongly aligned with any element, it would be aether/ond; the clear light of being that is beyond duality but in all dualities. That being indicated, I think all the runes can have an expression in each element. You can have the fire of kenaz, but there is also the air of kenaz, the water of kenaz and the earth of kenaz. It also applies to other runes as well. The earth of feoh, the water of sowelo, the fire of tiewaz are all areas that can be played in, played with and worked with to bring about results.<br /><br />It is interesting to look at what elements get mentioned in the rune poems and to explore those runes with the strong elemental associations though. It can help to make an idea clear or how to best perform a working using those runes and what other symbolic elements need to be included. <br />I am going to spend the next couple entries contemplating elements and runes. Looking at the clear runic-elemental correspondences, but also exploring the not so clear ones where perhaps some runes might overlap in certain elemental affinity.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-53248925760303778102012-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:002012-01-11T13:29:29.042-08:00Powers of Ten<a href="http://youtu.be/0fKBhvDjuy0?t=22s">http://youtu.be/0fKBhvDjuy0?t=22s</a><br /><br />Maybe viewers in the USA maybe familiar with this video. It was commonly shown in many science classes in various high schools, probably across the country. I know I have seen it more then a few times. The purpose of this video is to help give a conceptual sense of how microscopic and how macrocosmic the physical universe is. At either end of those two extremes is a void.<br /><br />However, the main purpose of this video is more the concepts of scale, and applying that to ones magical and spiritual work. It seems kind of mind-blowing, but so far I have found it to be incredibly effective and also very sublime.<br /><br />It is mostly a visualization, but one that can be included in any ritual or spell or technique. The main areas that I have experimented directly with is healing. Visualzing a healing symbol imprinting itself onto the very atoms of a being, then the molecules, then the DNA chains, then the cells, the tissues, up to the level of regular experience. Each symbol is sending healing energy, with each level there being trillions, billions, millions of symbols repeated again and again on each level until there is the one symbol existing at every day existence. I found at least that it seemed to help speed recovery. <br /><br />From the opposite end, you can continue to send energy, concept, a vibration until it fills all the space around you, your home, your block, your neighborhood, your city, county, metro area, region, country, continent, hemisphere, world, solar system, galaxy until all space is filled with light, or love, or peace, etc... You could just as easily focus on more challenging concepts like entropy or death, and perhaps tie that into dark matter and black holes, but touching on galactic concepts can be a major mind trip and a brush with enlightenment.<br /><br />You could pair the concepts with the Underworld, perhaps a sacred quantum chthonic realm, or a holy galactic celestial world, and bring their energies down into. The roots of the Tree and it’s branches can far out reach the physical touch of men, but the conceptual can move to it’s very tips. Bringing both down into the mid-realm, the world of form and substance can bring on a heady rush of enlightment, but also give energies that can be effectively channeled for any number of purposes.<br /><br />I am sorry if this seems a little vague or unclear, but it’s a concept I am playing with in my personal work and contemplation.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-4879985405223632912012-01-02T13:01:00.001-08:002012-01-02T13:01:55.354-08:00And so it begins<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Another year is here and for many people it is a year they hope will bring a much needed relief for the challenges that have been faced in 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It also seems to be a time when people are now looking to transform themselves completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Part of the wonder of it all was this great feeling of expectancy that was building from the Winter Solstice until January 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like waiting for a child to be born, it felt like Solstice and Christmas were more like the water breaking and the first contractions before the real birth happened and out popped Baby 2012.</span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I think I am going to dream big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even if I don’t realize all my dreams fully, they are going to be so big that even making it half way will be impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-46377104527725476052011-11-05T12:03:00.000-07:002011-11-05T12:05:48.005-07:00Happy 5th of November!and a quote.<br /><br />"Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it."<br /><br />George Bernard Shaw - Irish dramatist and Socialist (1856-1950)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-59515136142852922532011-10-25T23:01:00.000-07:002011-10-25T23:09:56.560-07:00and the radiant, heavenly city...One thing most people may not know about me, is that I am an avid fan of modern avant-garde art music. Today, a friend of mine passed away after a several year fight with cancer. I post this video in hir memory.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iVYu5lyX5M&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iVYu5lyX5M&feature=player_embedded</a><br /><br />The text of this choral work is from the requiem mass titled Lux Aeterna<br /><br /><br />Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine,<br />cum sanctis tuis in æternum,<br />quia pius es.<br />Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine;<br />et lux perpetua luceat eis ;<br />cum Sanctis tuis in æternum,<br />quia pius es.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-58401309521460319702011-08-03T12:18:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:21:19.648-07:00Love Magic vs. Controlling MagicRecently it seems in some new literary acquisitions that there is this returning theme of condemning love magic, specifically love magic directed towards a specific person. The arguments about ethics and morality, and the metaphysics behind the differing authors’ statements were, while worded different, pretty much the same thing. It’s about “karma” (and I don’t mean Hindu cosmology, but rather the very popular notion that immorality gets punished by the universe) and controlling people, or rather “removing a person’s free will.”<br /><br />A love spell is exactly that, a spell that conjures forth love. Much like the proverbial rabbit out of the hat however, it can only conjure up love that is present. If rabbits didn’t exist, there would be no rabbit. If that love is not there, then said person will not love you. Thus why love spells cannot make a person gay or straight. This is why witches don’t have the most popular or favorite celebrity on their arm. This is why sorcerers aren’t walking around dating super models. If love spells were as all powerful as the morality and karma crew seems to paint them, then this would be the case more often, which it is not. It’s much easier to paint some metaphysical schlep reason as to why they don’t work or not do them, then face the cold hard facts that a total stranger who you have at best only the most tenuous connection to, or a familiar acquaintance that you have shyly eyeing from a distance, might not being interested in a romantic, sexual, and/or lasting relationship with you. It’s called rejection, it’s something you need to deal with and get over it, because it happens. A love spell doesn’t remove free will; it doesn’t force someone’s actions where they become near mindless automatons, or emotional sycophants who go pining after someone uncontrollably. All of those images are fictional portrayals of spells, and it is much more to give the reader a thrill then it is an accurate depiction of what really happens in a person specific love spell<br /><br />All of this is different from controlling magic or compel/command/dominate spells. These operate in various intensities, with the mildest being having an influence where the target or targets favor you, to getting someone to follow through with actions that they have sworn to, to outright commanding people or dominating them. While I can’t say that I have exact percentages, but most people can be influenced to one way or another, and slightly less then that can be compelled to follow through on their sworn actions, not everyone can be commanded or dominated. It just doesn’t always work. When a person is more susceptible to that, even then, it doesn’t work forever, (although it can operate for a long time, depending upon the situation). Humanity just does not take to being made a slave in anyway for an extended period of time. Eventually something inside us rebels against the bondage and restriction, and we fight for our liberty and freedom<br /><br />I have not been in a position where I would want to dominate someone for that length of time, but I have heard many stories told by first hand witnesses where the domination spell used to make someone’s actions to enter into a relationship went fine, until after a few years, the person needed to do it again, because the target was resisting. Then, a year later, they started resisting again, and so the repeated the spell. Then, 9 months, 6 months, 3 months, every month, and then week, after week, after week, then every few days, then every day. Eventually the person performing the spell gets sick. A cold, the flu, something and they can’t perform the spell for a day, two days, and a week. The person they were dominating shows signs of coming around more and more, and next thing, their relationship is over, a nasty break-up follows, and the person who cast the spell is spiritually and physically exhausted after all that has occurred. They use domination and controlling magic to force someone (who could be forced) into a relationship. It’s not a love spell, it’s a spell of control and they are completely different, although some of the curios used in them might be similar, often their methodologies of deployment, and the words used with them(i.e. incantations, prayers, spells, etc..) are completely different or different enough in language that it can be easily understood to be different.<br /><br />Most “general love spells” are not actually a love spell at all, but rather a spell of control, aimed only at influencing people around you favorably, mainly to notice you and be attracted to you. Anything that comes from that is more of an example of ones one personal skill at persuasion and influence, through presentation, and social graces. It doesn’t really conjure up love, just attraction or favor, which is different from love<br /><br />I have felt the influence of a general love spell once, and while I was fond of the person, I don’t think I was actually loved that person in any significant way. It was weird how, after I came across this person, I found my mind could not stop thinking about them, which is very unusual, and when they told me they had cast such a spell, I went about breaking its influence over me, which quickly ended the influence. She called it a “general love spell” but the feelings I felt were not love, just notice, a non-sexual attraction, and an almost obsessed focus on my friend until I broke the spell and ended the influence. It was from that experience that I later realized the difference between a love spell and a controlling spell.<br /><br />The thing is with love spells and controlling spells is that they can work well together, when used with skill. Influence can be used to attract people to you, while the love spell can then be worked in follow up, if you really feel there is something there. That is when the controlling spell is put away, to see if the love manifests fully. If you keep the control spell going, then you might find yourself in a loveless situation, which can be equally unhappy for both parties.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-34831667378222028922011-07-21T00:38:00.000-07:002011-07-21T00:40:11.157-07:00Urban animismSo, prompted by a discussion I had Kenaz Filan on his <a href="http://kenazfilan.blogspot.com/2011/07/unsure-what-i-was-going-to-post-today.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KenazFilan+%28Kenaz+Filan%29">blog</a>, it got me to thinking about animism in an urban setting. <br />This is not really a new idea. There have been books before that brought up this concept, and based upon my own study of chaos magick, there is an intention of interacting with the metaphysical in whatever environment you are in. A communion with the spiritual forces and the spirits that occupy the urban landscape and yet so often the urban landscape is rejected while the people in it seek an escape to a “natural” environment. This, I think, is more of a reflection of the pastoral fantasy people carry in their head, that being in “nature” is better, closer to perfection, and more authentic. However, I see the urban landscape as a natural environment, created by the animal who needs it to live, namely, humanity. <br />Humans are a part of nature, and yet so often the works and creations of humans are dismissed as “man-made” and “unnatural.” Yet, so often it seems that it is forgotten that humanity is as much a part of nature as any other animal, many of which change their environment to make it more suitable for them. So in the cities and metropolises that humanity has created, we are participating in a natural environment that we have created to make it more suitable for us as a species, but also that other animals have adapated to living in these environments as well. These are the animals we live and are surrounded by on a regular basis, even though we don’t always recognize or even see them most of the time, but when some of them are seen, the illicit strong responses from humanity.<br />But not only the animals, but the landscape itself also has consciousness. Buildings, roads, cities, districts, vehicles, structural materials can all be seen as having a spiritual essence, and so a spiritual intelligence that can be communed, allied, fought or negotiated with, much as a spirit worker in any culture would have to interact with and being the herald and diplomat for the his community with their environment. Yet if often seems that the urban spirit workers don’t engage with the spirits of their environment, from the animals that also live in it with humanity, to the spirits that are connected to the homes and structures they live and work in, to the roads they travel, or even to the city itself. These spiritual intelligences are neglected, in favor of the pastoral mystique, of majestic wild animals far removed from the workers environments, animals that many of these workers will never experience first hand in their natural environment.<br />Of course the spirits of the land have become part of the spirits of the city that covers it. One could just as well connect with the spirit of Los Angeles, or seek the spirits that serve within it, such as Hollywood, Koreatown, or even Downtown LA. Within those are the spirits of buildings themselves, from the spirit that governs your home, to the office building you may work in all have spirits that can be cajoled, placated, and interacted with. Some might be very strong, old and wise, while others might be very young, and enjoy having the attentions of the local spirit-worker who brings them offerings to make them stronger, and so help her community. <br />Even more local and specific are the ghosts and lost souls that wander in the urban landscape. Often the older the city, the more ghosts there are, as stories are told of the house where people were died and they return and are seen, to the street where an old gunfight occurred. I was told by a friend once that the lost dead wander the alleys of cities, and thus to avoid allies at night as much as possible, otherwise you might find yourself with a companion following you. Of course cemeteries exist with the city, the places designated where people are laid to rest. The dead can be accessed there, although you might want to learn some of the rules followed by various cultures that are friendly with the dead on how to interact with them. But ghosts can be found in many other places across the city, as most older places have stories associated with them, and sometimes after building have been torn down and replaced, the ghosts of the prior building linger on, to continue to haunt the new building. <br />These are just examples of the many crossroads that spiritual beings make with humanity, and with the spirit-workers among humanity. Suffice to say that there is much to be experienced within the spiritual landscape of an urban environment. Wisdom, allies, aid can all be gained by connecting with the spirits around you, and as the spirits of the land and personal environment play a more direct role, they are spirits worth communing with.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3721072208015560177.post-6482231751508768852011-07-06T14:14:00.000-07:002011-07-06T14:15:15.188-07:00Where the Hel have you been?Ok ok, I get it. I haven’t posted in a while. At first I was severely lacking for inspiration, then I was sick, and now I am just being lazy and creatively blocked since I just don’t know where to begin. I have been posting occasionally over at Hoodoo Crossroads, on topics related to the practice and application of Conjure, but things here have been, well, quiet. This heat wave hitting the Greater Los Angeles area just isn’t helping right now either, as it makes it too hot for me to think, or at least I feel that way. <br />Then there is also the work side of it. Having something to write about, because I am doing something, and I have been, it is just the process of coming to a better understanding to where I can express it clearly in words. No, it’s not a deep mystical experience but, as with all kinds of spiritual work, walking it and talking it isn’t always easy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12768889811122595652noreply@blogger.com1