Going Feral and Half Earth

It all started when I was eight years old standing in the prairie land of Katy, Texas, just west of Houston. That was 1976, and I was there because my father was building houses on what used to be grazing land next to a rice farm. The rice farms and grazing lands are all gone now, paved over and forgotten by all but a few. It was there and then I decided that I was anti-"progress". My grand vision was to become wealthy and buy all the land I could, tear down anything human on it and let Nature exist uninterrupted by humans. I didn't know it then, but the land was speaking to me, no it was pleading to me to protect her. thirty Eight years later and I still hear her call. That is just one of the many reasons I support the efforts of groups like the Native Prairies Association of Texas.

I never let go of that idea and over the years met others of a like mind, but all we ever did was talk about how grand it would be if everyone shared this idea. Then I read Rewilding Witchcraft by Peter Grey and those old stirrings started to come to the surface again, I even mentioned it in my Savage Sorcery post. Like many different souls within our greater community of witches, I agreed wholeheartedly with Mr. Grey, at least in spirit anyways. Beyond that I have been searching for ways to revive my vision and manifest it, enter this months issue of Smithsonian Magazine.

This months issue is perhaps one of the greatest mainstream media pieces about Pagan topics presented in a non judgmental way I have ever seen. The cover article is about new discoveries at Stonehenge, there is an article about a 9000 year old North American mans remains and the article that captured my heart; a piece about biodiversity expert E.O. Wilson. The article in question is titled "Can The World Really Set Aside Half The Planet For Wildlife?" My resounding answer is YES. In fact, I believe along with many others that if we are to survive we have no choice but to do this. Please read this article and the one on Rewilding Witchcraft, these are the issues of most importance to our ongoing survival.

After reading the Smithsonian article, I was renewed with passion for my old vision. Heartened by the knowledge that others not only shared this vision but were actually working to make Half Earth a reality, I began doing research to discover what I could do to help. Currently financial support is all I can lend but without money nothing happens in our current environment. I found the following groups to contribute to; the Rewilding Institute, the Rewilding Foundation, Rewilding Europe, and Rewilding the World. The last site also has news from all over the world, letting one keep up on progress being made.

Lest one think that I am anti-human or anti-civilization, let me introduce the Rewilding of Humans. The ReWild University and Rewild Portland are two great examples of this ethos. Being both a Green Anarchist, and an Anarcho-Primitivist, I have a more extreme vision than most, but I am cognizant enough to realize that everything starts with baby steps. Although I do feel strongly that Rewilding will lead us to a more anarchistic state of being. I guess I am a bit opposed to "civilization" as it currently exists, in order to be truly civilized the rights of all creatures must be respected.

I would like to introduce you to fellow from my ancestral homeland of Wales, George Monbiot. His Manifesto for Rewilding the World is a must read for anyone interested in the topic. Perhaps not as exciting as Mr. Grey's piece but still essential reading. I would also recommend Mr. Monbiot's book Feral: Searching for Enchantment on the Frontiers of Rewilding, and judging from the essays on his website I am sure this will be a welcome addition to any animist's library.

I am going feral, in the best sense of the word, that of having escaped domestication and going wild. We humans are only domestic primates after all, and not very good at it. I believe that if we can Rewild the world and ourselves with it we will finally be truly civilized, not merely domesticated.

Open Sourcery #4

Further Awareness Exercises

Hopefully you have been doing the work as prescribed in previous lessons. We will now move on to mental exercises. Start with Body Awareness continue into Total Relaxation move on to Pranayama , then practice Mental Awareness. This is much like the Body Awareness exercises, except that once you are in a state of complete relaxation and you have establish a good rhythm to your breathing you will bring your attention to your thoughts. Pay attention to where they come from and where they go, do not try cessation of thought. For now simply watch your thoughts like a camera watches a street corner. No interference just observation. After a few days start to notice what kind of thoughts you are having, are they negative, scary, paranoid, or are positive, upbeat and secure? This will be helpful later on, and will give you a clue as to what shape your work will take. This practice is known in yoga as Pratyhara. It is an invaluable tool for preparing oneself for Sourcery. Let's revisit some theory behind how and why the Magical Model works.

Axiomatic Models

This is actually part two of an ongoing discussion about Magickal Theory and the model that it supports. If you do not remember Part One, please go back and  reread it. In summary I introduce three axioms dealing with Reality Tunnels, Evidence, and Synchronicity. Now let me briefly discuss five new Axioms; Fluidity of Truth, The Half Glass, Cretans are Liars, Mystical Unity and As Above So Below.

Fluidity of Truth

This could also be called Hassan's Maxim. Hassan Ibn Sabbah was the Founder of the Hashishim and is most relevant to our studies for his statement, "Nothing is true. Everything is permissible." This at is heart is the best definition of relative truth I have found. All truth is relative to one's perspective of reality. Robert Anton Wilson was fond of say that truth was a flag flying in the wind(objective), any description that event was just media (subjective). Understand that no retelling of how wondrous the flying flag appeared can do justice to the actuality of the event. It is only a one faceted description that betrays the multifaceted reality.

The Half Glass

Often to determine one's outlook on life; some silly question is posited such as, "Is the glass half full or half empty?" The only non-judgmental answer is, it is half a glass of whatever liquid happens to be in the glass at the time. This is known as Pragmatism. This is important to the practice and execution of magick because in essence what we are stating is that if it works then it is true (enough).

Cretans are Liars

There is a famous story about Epimenides of Knossos (a city in Crete), who makes the self referential statement, "All Cretans are liars." This becomes problematic because the self referential nature of the statement. Thomas Fowler states: "Epimenides the Cretan says, 'that all the Cretans are liars,' but Epimenides is himself a Cretan; therefore he is himself a liar. But if he be a liar, what he says is untrue, and consequently the Cretans are veracious; but Epimenides is a Cretan, and therefore what he says is true; saying the Cretans are liars, Epimenides is himself a liar, and what he says is untrue. Thus we may go on alternately proving that Epimenides and the Cretans are truthful and untruthful." The World (objective) can appear to be a paradox at times because we judge from rationality (subjective), which is limited by intellect. Mark Twain said it best, “The only difference between reality and fiction is that fiction needs to be credible.”

Mystical Unity

All is one and one is all. This is mysticism, the belief that all thing are united into one whole and therefore exert influence upon one another. 

As Above So Below

Universe is a hologram, which means the part contains the whole and vice versa. This is perhaps the most common axioms of the Magickal Model. One that is found in many different traditions and lineages, and was perhaps first expressed in the text of the "Emerald Tablet" of Thrice Great Hermes. Which states the following:

What is below is like that which is above, and what is above is similar to that which is below to accomplish the wonders of the one thing.As all things were produced by the mediation of one being, so all things were produced from this one by adaption.Its father is the sun, its mother the moon. It is the cause of all perfection throughout the whole earth. Its power is perfect if it is changed into earth.Separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, acting prudently and with judgement.Ascend with the greatest sagacity from earth to heaven, and unite together the power of things inferior and superior; thus you will possess the light of the whole world, and all obscurity will fly away from you.This thing has more fortitude than fortitude itself, because it will overcome every subtle thing and penetrate every solid thing. By it the world was formed.

All the Universe is contained within you, "Every Man and Woman is a Star."

 Abre Camino Candle Ritual

The last bit I will leave you with is one of the most potent rituals I know of; Abre Camino or The Road Opener ritual. This particular version is a veladora or candle spell which I borrowed from Dr E's Conjure Blog . 

"Get a yellow jumbo candle (or any other type of candle) and dab a bit of Road Opener Oil on it. Stroke the oil on the candle toward you saying "Open my roads to health, love, money and luck!" Set the candle in a candle holder. Place the name paper on a plate then sprinkle a bit of Road Opener Herb Bath on top of the name paper in the shape of a large "+" (making a little crossroad on the plate). Place the candle in the center of the "+" of herbs. Now pray to God in your own words for the obstacles in your life to be cleared away and for your roads toward your goals and the blessings in your life to be open and easy.
 

Light the candle and take a moment to gaze into the candle flame and picture all of the goals you would like to accomplish in life as if you already had them. Once you've pictured all of your goals and desires, say "Amen" and let the candle burn all the way down. Once the candle is done burning you can interpret the way the wax drippings are shaped for signs as to the success of your spell. (this is a very subjective and interpretive art - please don't ask for help in interpreting your own results) You can finish up by taking the wax remains, the name paper and the herbs, wrapped up in a bit of brown paper and leave it in trash receptacle near a crossroad (where two roads intersect in a "+" shape). Walk away and don't look back. Your roads will be open and clear."

That is all for now there will be more in a few days. Remember the reason its called work is because it requires effort to achieve results. Abre los ojos. 

Final Earthworks and the Opening of the Aethyr Gates

My elemental workings have come to an end. My elemental workings have just begun. As I finished my concentrated study of each of the elements, I did an Aethyr Working to bring it all together. This final act turned out to be the beginning of something new and wonderful, my Aethyr working opened a gate that will inform my work for many years to come. Twice before I arrived at a place in my work where I felt total cohesion between my vocation and my avocation. A place where my cosmology manifested itself around me daily, the Subgenii refer to this as the luck plane tilting in one's favor.I can believe that about the previous events but this is different, more like fortune. Previously I lost my vision and my voice due to turbulent episodes, both involving divorce and a loss of all my earthly possessions. One of the main differences this time is that I started with nothing and due to my partner, the most beautiful Goddess I know, I have learned to protect what is important and retain those parts of life that hold real value, this is the secret of wealth. I love her more than any other and there are many wrongs I must make right with her, but she is quite simply the most amazing person I have ever met, and have the utmost faith in her.

Revelations

Lucky man that I am, I am currently suffering from what the doctors believe may be a faulty gall bladder, whatever is wrong with me, I have been ill quite a bit this year. This illness however has kept me closer to the Other Side and this has improved the nature of my work greatly. When the gates opened, I had a vision of all that is to be. Humbled, I wrote down as much as I could, and drew what I saw. The first revelation was of my paten, this served as the door to the Aethyric Temple. I have included it here with a bit of artistic flair for dramatic effect.

The next revelation involved an explanation as to why the elementals manifested to me as totems and the importance of these relationships. They will serve as spirit guides much like familiars, but with more specific purposes and less personal interaction, as if they were zeitgeists or family spirits. I also met my allies old and new; amongst whom the following did appear; Lady of the Night, Wild One, Dirt Mama, Sky Daddy, Bird Lady, Bunny Man, Lord Stag and Lady Herb.

Soon I will fully open my Spirit Temple; the Grotto of Free Form Open Source Dirt Sorcery or a reasonable facsimile thereof; names aren't really important anymore, only results.

Corporate Cannibals, Tantric Pirates, and Shamanic Clowns

So it comes to pass that I shall lie fallow for a season, from Lammas to Samhain I shall not engage in large rites other lunar and solar cycle associated events. Some time after that I will begin working with planetary energies, and true to form I will be making up much of it as I go along. I have studied enough books in the last 30 years of my life that I can create a cut up ritual in my head and so I do. This is the essence of Free Form Open Sorcery. There is a caveat however, this is my path, go get your own. I do share tips and tricks in my Open Source lessons, but I am only trying to guide you towards doing it yourself, thus the non-specificity.

My path must always remain open ended, that is why I never give it all away. Once I develop a codified system that does anything other than brainwash you into thinking for yourself, then I have failed. I will not become the foodstuff of Corporate Cannibals. I would rather you become your own vision whether it's a Tantric Pirate, Shamanic Clown, or a Professor of Transcendentalism. The point is it is your path, and much like the Bardo or a video game, there are achievement levels that must be unlocked before proceeding to next part of your adventure. Almost always you will find that the key involves resolving personal issues, this is earthwork. There is no progress to Aethyric until the elemental issues are worked on.

Organic Psychedelic Animism

I have work to do, new tools and devices. There are new souls to meet, art rituals to construct, books to write. More important than all of that, I must maintain my relationships. Both my relationships with the living and with those souls on the Other Side. I trust my familiar to make the proper introductions when the time comes, and I make sure to bestow gifts upon my familiar when the time is right. I mentioned this mutual reciprocity before in a previous post. This a theme that will keep popping up over and over for me, as my partner has helped me realize I can be quite neglectful at times. This neglect only serves to harm me in the long run, as I damage mutually beneficial ties I isolate myself. This is part of one of the kleshas I must untie regularly, if not daily.

The Earth sings to me, the Waters rock me to sleep, the Fire keeps me warm and alive, the Air gives me dreams, but the Aethyr stirs my soul. So by the Powers Above and Below, I have gained gifts that I am both humbled and honored to receive, I resolve myself to Bhakti practice as sign and token of my appreciation and devotion. So Mote It Be.

Shub-Niggurath Muladhara Aghori Trance

Fuego Sagagrado, Humo Sagrado

Reflections, mental meanderings, and randomness as I approach the end of my Earth Workings. Everything ends, everything breaks down, everything is born again, and everything is reabsorbed. Unification and Equalization through Amalgamation and Transmutation.

Yog-Sothoth connaît la porte.

Yog-Sothoth est la porte.

Yog-Sothoth est la clé et le gardien de la porte.

Passé, présent, futur, tous sont un en Yog-Sothoth.

Il sait où les Anciens ont traversé la vieille,

et où ils doivent franchir à nouveau.

Il sait où Ils ont foulé les champs de la terre,

et où elles fouleront encore eux,

et pourquoi personne ne peut les voir comme ils marchent.

 Ritual as Sigil

1. Write Ritual
2. Use online Translator
3. Pick Language
4. Translate
5. Memorize in New Tongue
6. Perform Ritual

Tsathoggua wurde von einer Vielzahl von Völkern verehrt. 

Die Schlange nahm den Mann Götzen Tsathoggua von N'kai. 

Viele andere Kulte haben die Kröte Gott als Symbol angenommen. 

Viele dieser Kulte nicht von Tsathoggua wahren Namen kennen und die Kröte Symbol 

geworden ist eindeutig als Symbol des Bösen.

The Cost of Consumption

So keeping in line with my earth workings is a renewed interest in protecting Mama Dirt. Part of this is trying to waste less,  but let's be honest, rituals are wasteful and expensive at times. What to do? Well I dug into my post-punk DIY days and decided to revisit some of my Obtanium Sources. Finding bargains on ritual supplies happen in many ways, the easiest being look for the cheap stuff. The problem with cheap things, candles for example, is that you must be careful about why they are cheap. did they come from countries with questionable labor practices? What are they made of? Are they at Wal-Mart? I buy Kosher Hannukah candles half price around the end of December. Blessed by a Rabbi and they come in many colors? Yes, please.

Other ideas include foraging in woods and alleyways, estate sales, and church thrift stores. Reuse second hand items and give them new life. The spirit of it will be thankful. This leads to a more delicate sort of cheap ritual supply, bones of road kill.

Several things to consider when collecting road kill;

1. Wear protective gear. You do not want an infection from improper handling.
2. Make sure its legal and act accordingly.
3. Thank the soul and help let go of the pain and cross over.
4. Only take what you need and bury the rest.
5. When you no longer need it, bury it. From the earth to the earth.

Quod ex ritu chorus, accurato inter nudum 

et sacerdos sacerdotum, qui eum sequitur, 

lupus etiam solida flagellat autem sacerdos. 

Rituali pinnaculum flaminica verberibus ad 

mortem lapis movetur movet infantem sacerdos 

super eam. Bufo et Deus videtur, in summa, 

et altare holocausti, ut et virgo est datum est ..

 Pacts are Relationships

As we discuss cheap ways to acquire ritual supplies, i would like to take some time to discuss gifts for familiars. I am one of those who makes pacts with spirits, familiars if you will. These pacts are more like romantic relationships in that they rely on mutual support to prosper. Most of the time small trinkets and knick knacks will suffice for tokens of appreciation, but for proper feeding and significant aid in workings, you can not skimp on quality.

Some spirits (most of the ones I work with) have very specific needs and will not respond well to improper energy transferals. My familiars are all wild spirits and prefer gifts from the wild, but on special occasions like our anniversaries or big workings I must make an effort to find something special.

Every spirit has different requests and idiosyncrasies so one needs to pay special attention to what is being asked for. Do not neglect your familiars, they will aid your work in ways that nothing else can. Added benefit of developing deep meaningful relationships with non corporeal spirits is that you will begin to develop better relationships with all spirits. That does not matter if they are Human, Flora, Fauna , or Mineral. Trees are great friends as are birds and stones.

Cefais fy hun a wynebir gan enwau a thermau fy mod wedi clywed mewn mannau eraill yn y ffordd fwyaf erchyll cysylltiadau – Yuggoth, Cthulhu, Tsathoggua, Yog-Sothoth, R'lyeh, Nyarlathotep, Azathoth, Hastur, Yian, Leng, Llyn Hali, Bethmoora, Arwyddion Melyn, L'mur-Kathulos, Bran, a'r Magnum Innominandum - a daeth yn ôl drwy oesoedd yn ddienw a dimensiynau annirnadwy i fydoedd o hynaf, endid allanol lle mae'r awdur wallgof y Necronomicon ond wedi dyfalu yn y annelwig ffordd .... Mae cyfan gwlt gyfrinach o ddynion drwg (bydd dyn yn eich ddysg cyfriniol fy neall pan yr wyf yn eu cysylltu â Hastur a'r Arwyddion Melyn) neilltuo ar gyfer y diben o olrhain i lawr ac yn eu anafu ar ran y pwerau monstrous o dimensiynau eraill.

 Random Misfirings

 Moths are awesome. Mothra is a goddess. Armadillos look cool with wings. So do moose. Lemon pin spells work extremely well. Your soul is and always will be your best lover. Cosmos is indifferent to your existence and this frees you to do what you will. Everything returns to the earth, everything.