Various Paganism, Tarot, Etc

Communicating with Spirit(s)

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This week’s question from the Pagan Perspective YouTube channel is a two-in-one, both of which deal with spirit communication and sensing energies.

spirit

First, I think I need to set some parameters about what “spirit” means in this post, because in the metaphysical world there are two very different common definitions for this.

  1. Spirit can refer to what I define as “the elements and energies of creation, evolution, and balance”.  It is the ‘universe’ aspect.  It is the deity aspect.  It is the Fae aspect.  It is the aspect of the spirits within trees and nature.
  2. Spirit(s) can refer to communicating with ghosts and the deceased.

With that out of the way, the first question in this week’s topic is….

Shadow_sun:
“Does spirit communication play a role in your practice?”

As I have mentioned before, I have a sensitivity to energy in general.  I am not more specifically attuned to the spirits of the deceased than any other type of energy.  Is it possible I can sense them in the clairsentient type of way that I sense most energy?  Absolutely.  But I’m not attuned to it to the point where I would consider it as communication.

This is why, as well, that I say that I do not do mediumship in my tarot.  Could messages be coming through from the deceased on the other side?  Yes, they could be.   But I am not able to differentiate that energy out, let alone identify it as a specific person.

On the other hand, connecting to ‘spirit’ as mentioned in the first definition outlined above is something that I connect and communicate with daily as a part of my daily devotional.   I reach for and welcome elemental energies into my devotional, and into most of my spell crafting and spell casting.  I also connect with and communicate with energies of ‘creation, evolution, and balance’ at the same time and in the same ways.

At these times, I am not usually asking anything from these energies, but rather inviting them to join me in my work should they wish to participate, and expressing my gratitude for their participation in my life as a whole.

This is, in my opinion, different than when I am sensing energies and reacting to it, such as sensing danger and taking evasive measures regardless of the fact that there does not -appear- to be any danger present at the moment.   This, too, is a type of communication, but it is not initiated by me and is entirely receptive (or perceptive of some inner sense) in its nature.   Is it possible that on the receptive side of things I am mistaking what I sense and consider to be from one source (such as spirit definition #1 or my own instincts) as the other and vice versa?  Absolutely.

As I’ve mentioned before, I am also an auditory –> tactile/olfactory/gustatory synesthete.  This means that there are a lot of crossed wires in my brain where my hearing is concerned, and this sometimes can result in experiences can be confused with my energy perceptions as well.

The second part of today’s subject was more of a request for a topic, and that is….

Althaea Ratliff the Religion:
“General communication with spirits and feeling spiritual energy through body parts. (I feel through my right leg, my friend feels through their spine.)”

I feel like I’ve mentioned this somewhere before, but I couldn’t find it to link the post, so maybe not.  The process of my sensing energy is primarily physical in nature and is not always pleasant.

It usually starts in my solar plexus, travels along the insides my rib cage around to my back then up beneath my shoulder blades to eventually surface and span out under the skin over my shoulders and up my neck to my scalp.    How this sensation comes across, whether it hurts or not, whether it tingles or stings, whether it moves fast or slow, where along that path I feel it most succinctly… all of those factors and more determine how these sensations are then interpreted.

I think, for those that can sense spirit (or spirits), energies, etc, that this is pretty normal. Normal in that everyone is going to experience it differently, and it’s how well you tune into those experiences that speak on how well and how clearly they will speak to you.

#SpeakingUpForMyBeliefs (non) VR to Shadow Harvest

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Although this hashtag was created by Shadow Harvest back in August, I originally saw Amethyst Ascension’s reply that she did the other day.   I found both of their thoughts on the matter very interesting.  I think that this topic is one that most people are a bit awkward with, whether they are under the pagan umbrella, or just of a different religion to whatever is being worshiped in the moment.

Essentially, the question is what do you do in situations where you are stuck with people worshiping where there is an expectation of the “accepted norm” of following along, or risk standing out due to lack of conformity.

church

The example given was being a pagan at a Christian wedding where they request everyone to bow their heads to pray during the ceremony.  This included mention of certain scripture or vows that you do not agree with personally, or have an issue with.

For me?  This also fits into when I visit other people’s homes.  J’s parents like to hold hands and say Grace before they eat.   Out east, some of my family also say Grace (without the hand holding, because my family is NOT a touchy feely type of family).

So…. what do I do?

First, I accept that I can’t control what other people do, I can only control my own actions and behavior.

Second, it depends on the situation.    Do I wear my pagan jewelry when visiting a church?  Absolutely.    I do not see it as a disrespect to the church, but rather feel I am presenting myself as… myself, and showing that I have come FOR a reason.   I’m essentially saying “although this is not my faith, I’m here for you”.

This follows as well with prayer.  No, I do not participate in the bowing of my head and entreaty to their god.  But I am there for it.  I’m standing tall and projecting my own well wishes, my own hopes for their future, my own entreaties to my own entities and energies.   I don’t know their religion.  I don’t know their beliefs.  It would, in my opinion, be disrespectful to pretend to be doing something I don’t know anything about or does not follow MY beliefs.  It would be, essentially, being deceptive within a sacred space.   And for me?  That’s not okay.

hands

As for Grace…  In J’s parents home as well as other people’s homes when they want to say Grace?  I will hold hands if it is a part of their tradition, because I believe this creates a circle of energy that goes beyond prayer and into intention.   But, I do not bow my head and pray their prayer.  Instead, I again put out my own entreaties to my own energies and entities.  Entreaties that will align with the spirit of saying Grace, and will add to that circle of energy created in that moment.

This is how I deal with these situations.

There are plenty of times when life has required me to intentionally hide my faith.  There have been places I have traveled where personal safety made it an imperative.  Personal safety trumps everything else, including my feelings of being disrespectful by being dishonest in a sacred space.  That aside?   I do me, and I expect others to do them and LET me do me.

Self Care Saturday (on Sunday)

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SCS

As I mentioned before, these readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and are not meant as a predictive reading.

The question is… What do I need to focus on in the week ahead?

Earth – Ace of Pentacles – It is time to again set your eyes upon your financial and business goals. Keep your focus and clarity will come along with the manifestation of what is desired.

Air – Ten of Pentacles – Peace of mind concerning my stability and security of hearth and home as well as the business and finances. Be sure to pay attention, as some beliefs are mistaken and will need assessing for this stability and security to manifest past the mind into reality.

Water – Four of Wands – The drop will soon lift.  Enjoy the time of peace and harmony that follows, and don’t take it for granted.  Languish in its comforting warmth.

Fire – Eight of Pentacles – Reiteration of the draw for Earth. Stay focused and diligent on your goals.  Don’t get distracted by curiosity and pretty things.

Moving Away From – The Child – A time of innocence and uncertainty. Leave behind the fumbling and replace it with surety.

Heading Toward – The Witness – Acknowledge preconceptions and learn by observation and example of others.

Moral of the Story – Clarity and focus are your friend. Pay attention and examine your motives and beliefs, so that you can be sure to manifest what you really want.

Decks Used: Crow Tarot, Dixit Pack #6 Memories, Mystical Shaman Oracle

 

Resourcing Supplies

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This week’s question from the Pagan Perspective YouTube channel is a three-in-one, all of which deal with how you resource the supplies you use in your faith and/or craft.

pp01

From Jay Jackson:

“I was wondering about the group’s different takes on using Items that are now mass-produced or that are not naturally occurring for use in their Craftwork or Rituals. For instance you can go down to one of the large camping stores and buy a cauldron or acquire one from one of the various “witchy” stores. Back in the day people usually repurposed a family heirlooms or acquired an old one from an antique store. Some Items that were made by hand are now available off the shelf.”

I really don’t have an issue with this.  For some people, they are limited (sometimes severely so) in their ability to access natural resources, hand-me-down items, antiques and vintage pieces, and other such methods that were once common place.   Sometimes they are financially strapped and mass market is the only way to afford something they feel they want or need.

As long as all paths and venues are represented and none are causing the death of any of the others?  Then I say do what feels right for you.

In my own personal choices, I get a lot of what I need from my hikes in nature, as well as from second hand stores, yard sales, garage sales, etc…. and occasionally thrift stores and dollar stores.   There is also eBay and Etsy, although I usually avoid ordering spellcraft items online whenever possible (especially crystals), as I find I need to touch them in order to make sure the energies they emit are going to blend well with my own or my purpose.

Keep in mind when ordering online that if you are sensitive to energy emissions, you might not be happy with what you receive regardless of how many pictures you see of the item first.  Cleansing can only do so much.  Sometimes?  It’s just not enough.

pp02

(Cont.) From Jay Jackson:

“Also due to modern technology, Laboratory grown Crystals are available. Last year I saw a really beautiful Crystal that was Opalite, I really felt it was ‘calling’ to me, my hopes for the stone were dashed when someone pointed out Opalite is man-made in Labs. I recently acquired one anyway to use as a focal point for a similar item found in Druid Practice but it is unknown what its historic nature was. (A Serpents Egg or Dragon Egg)”

I’m okay with using non-crystal “crystals” in magical practice.  If the item suits your needs and/or you feel it has the energy and qualities you’re looking for to enhance your practice or crafting?  Go for it.  Crystals aren’t the only things in the world that carry energy, so why not?

I do have a HUGE issue with misrepresentation on the side of crystal suppliers.  Whether this is because they don’t know any better, or because they are intentionally being deceptive?  Not okay.

First?  They should know their shit, and if they don’t they shouldn’t be selling crystals.  So that they don’t know what they’re actually selling is NOT an excuse.

Second? Whether it is “accepted in the industry” or not.  Whether it is something “everyone is doing” or not.  Whether it is legal or not.  I don’t give a fuck.  Deceptive practices are still deceptive practices, regardless of the reasons and/or excuses used to justify their use.   And…. IMO?  Not okay.   This includes baking amethyst to then ‘pass it off’ as citrine.  This includes claiming opalite is a stone (it’s glass).  This includes claiming dyed stones are naturally that color.  All of that is deceptive.  Commonly done, but deceptive.

pp04

From Lea McAlister:

“I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts might be in the Sephora Beginner Witch Kits that they [were going to] be selling. It seems like a pretty hot topic with divided opinions everywhere. I would love to know what everyone here thinks. :)”

Cultural Appropriation

noun
  1. the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society

I’m pretty sure that says it all where my opinion is concerned.

pp03

From Shadow_sun:

“Favorite budget ideas for spells such as supplies, herbs, or just in general.”

I already mentioned a number of them above.  One of my favorite sources is when I go hiking in nature or take a trip to the beach.  You have to be careful that you are sourcing sustainably, though.  Don’t just take whatever you want, as much as you want, and think it’s okay because it’s “free”.  Be certain that you are not harming the environment or those that live within it by what you decide to take away with you.

Second hand stores, yard sales, garage sales, thrift stores, dollar stores, etc.  All of these are really good for things like supplies and in general.  Estate sales can also be a good place to look for things such as crystals and supplies at a steep discount, although that’s not always the case.

For herbs, my biggest suggestion is to learn how to grow what you need.  This is what I do for sage, lavender, rosemary, and a few other herbs.  I grow them, bundle them (when appropriate), and dry them myself (or freeze them if needed).  You’d be amazed at how much you can get out of a single plant.

Other venues for herbs would be the local grocery store, ethnic markets (ie: Chinatown), bulk food stores, etc.

Craft stores often also are a good place.  They will often have coupons online that you can use to get some pretty steep discounts (such as 20% off an entire order, or 40% off a single item, for example).

You’ll notice I don’t mention metaphysical shops.  This is because I’ve found unless they’re having a spectacular sale or liquidating to close down?  They don’t really have good deals for saving money.  Since this question is all about how to SAVE money, I did not include them.

Nor do I mention Amazon, eBay, or Etsy on this question.   I have found that although you can occasionally find some really good deals from online sites, the results of what you get when your order arrives is a “mixed bag” when it comes to getting what you -expect- to receive. For this reason, I prefer to shop for my spellcrafting supplies in person whenever possible.

 

Self Care Saturday (on Sunday)

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SCS

As I mentioned before, these readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and are not meant as a predictive reading.

The question is… What do I need to focus on in the week ahead?

Earth – Four of Candles & The Chariot – If I want to meet my physical and monetary goals, it will require seizing the reigns and a higher level of control in the week ahead.

Air – The Magician – I have what I need, including the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in this week’s goals if I make a point of applying these tools and knowledge with focus.

Water – Four of Vials – Its time for some down time.  Don’t wait until you are feeling overwhelmed to take a break.

Fire – Two of Bells – This card ties into the one previous.  If I’m not caring for my  needs and making good choices for my self care, I will end up feeling scattered and “flaky”.

Moving Away From – Creativity and manifestation of new ideas into reality. Projective nurturing.

Heading Toward – Demands to perform under unpleasant conditions.

Moral of the Story – I am being warned of potential burnout.  Take heed and begin preventative measures.

Decks Used: Numinous Tarot, Dixit Quest Expansion Pack #2

 

Decks that Intimidate Me – (non) VR to BoyDiviner

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The BoyDiviner on YouTube did a video that, although it is not a hashtag, I really enjoyed a lot and decided to do a (non)VR to anyway.

This is about tarot decks that intimidate me in some way or another.  I don’t have many, but there are a few in my collection that fit the bill.  Here is an outline of what these decks are, and how I feel about them.

ST

Secret Tarot by Dominic Murphy

I absolutely love the artwork in this deck.  I love the concept, the originality, the expressiveness in the cards.  I love it.

But, at the same time?  I find it very intimidating.  I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that after the major arcana, the deck is an entirely different structure.  I’ve had more luck with the Lost Tarot by the same artist, as there seems to be a bit more structure in that one than this one.

Still, I keep it because I love the artwork.  And, at some point, I plan on doing a depth study of this deck to help me (hopefully) become more familiar and comfortable with it and its unusual system.

TH

Thoth Tarot by Aleister Crowley

I used to think that it was just the Thoth system that intimidated me, but after working with the Gill Tarot and a few others, I think in this case it’s the artwork, not the system.

Something in the artwork for the original Thoth deck just makes me want to ‘shield and retreat’ in much the same way that I feel when I come across someone radiating abusive vibes.   I bought this deck to delve deeper into the Thoth system, but every time I pick it up, it turns me off.   Not just emotionally or aesthetically, but even my intuition turns away from this deck and will refuse to speak.

WW

Wild Wood Tarot by Mark Ryan, John Matthews, and Will Worthington

I genuinely adore this deck and its earthiness, although I find the energy of this deck just a but too heavy.   I love the artwork especially.  But, for some reason I have a hard time reading this deck intuitively, and many of the cards do not follow the RWS system, so I then struggle with reading it logically as well.

I did a depth study on this deck for an entire year, but I still find myself unable to read with it confidently, even after a year of serious study.

DG

Dreams of Gaia Tarot by Ravynne Phelan

It’s the faces.   I mean, yes, it’s an entirely different system from any other deck out there, but I think I would be more inclined to learn that system IF it wasn’t for the FACES.  They just bug me for some reason.  I don’t like them.

That said, I do use this deck, but I use it as an intuitive oracle instead. Usually when harsh truths are required.

SPK

Spirit Keeper’s Tarot by Benebell Wen

This one is purely all about information overload.  I’m kind of wondering if this deck isn’t more suited to the logic-style of readers rather than the intuitive style?  I’m not entirely sure.   I just find there is SO MUCH information in each card that I feel overwhelmed by them when I try to read with them.

I think they’re amazing, and I think Benebell Wen (who drew each of these cards by hand) is brilliant.  I have the study books that go along with this deck and intend on doing a depth study with it at some point.  But, at the moment, I find it a bit too much and the cards make me feel like the crossed wires between my logic and intuition are about to blow a fuse.