Pearls and Swine

"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." –Attributed to the Nazarene

PORK

Aaah, the delicious pig. I'm sorry if you do not enjoy swine-flesh, I do not mean to offend. That being said I am going to defend the pig a bit, for I feel there is no better totem for earth as the pig. Both revered and feared, the pig has a rich history and a long association with magic, the underworld, and fertility of the land. Pigs are not what I want to talk about, but rather pork. Pork was always a meat of luxury, raising a pig was like raising a child and used about the same amount of resources. As a result of the expenditure incurred when one decided to raise a pig, its meat was reserved for special occasions; Seasonal Feasts, Holy Days, Celebrations, etc. Pig is an embodiment of the fertile Earth, Pork is communion. Ultimately that is my aim, communion.

I have felt very connected lately to a very international community of people dedicated to the various currents of the Craft as expressed by traditional methods. It pleases me that more and more often I am reading blog-posts and articles, listening to pod-casts, and participating in discussions stressing the importance of  Thaumaturgy. I feel very strongly that the Western Tradition has spent far too long venerating Theurgy and the Logos. Hoary praise for the PIG, meanwhile ignoring the pleasure of  bacon. I feel that some of the aforementioned conversations have been a bit one-sided, always a call to use physical components to ritual, but ignoring the actual thaumaturgic work that various members of the craft are manifesting. My earth work has deepened my appreciation of Sacred Artists, Hexenkrafters, Wort Cunners, and Rebel Saints. It is my intention during this Year of Knives, to highlight individuals and organizations that are making manifest their Sacred Vision. Yes honey, I'm bringing home the bacon.

 PEARLS

Prolonged Earth work has led me to new depths, and encounters with serpentine energies of a most primal nature. Strange thoughts have occupied my mind, I am indeed being educated by Tutelary Spirits. St. Cyprian opens the doors, makes the introductions, and offers suggestions for improved technique. I know this energy, it has worn many guises in my own life, this is what make me think. St Cyprian, Old Horny, Ganapati, Hekate, Santisima Muerte, and Babalon all overlap to some degree in their aspects. More like nodes on a spectrum rather than completely differentiated from one another. Again and again I find this to be true across traditions, techniques and religions. There are certain energy forms that manifest around humans across millennia that seem to exhibit the same strange and interesting properties.

The Snake or rather the Serpent, for instance, occupies many niches in folklore and spirituality, but

they all exhibit similar properties. Most interesting is that the part of our brain that is called reptilian, is where one will find Serpent Wisdom. One can also find the serpent Kundalini coiled at the base of the spine. Like wise in the depths of the underworld one can find the Cosmic Serpent that encircles All. These are Mysteries laid out in plain sight, much as the magic of dirt is often ignored, so too the Sacred Mundane is neglected. The Serpent Path is the Crooked Path and there is wisdom in this. The Way of the Witch is a meandering way, and sometimes there is no path at all, merely an exploration through the brambles and boggy creek bottoms. Just like the Serpent.

Cthonic Spirits and serpentine energies, these are my companions on the path through my Earth work. The treasures I gain are manifest as well as transcendent. I will soon begin introducing you to others who make the transcendent manifest, those who not only work the Materia Magica, but actually make the Magica Materia. 

Waking Dragons

Wild Iris Sasquatch Jones 2015

Get comfy, no I mean it, this a long ride, but we will stop occasionally...

Postcards From Naraka

Bursting Forth Sasquatch Jones 2015

It has been a while since I last did this, so be patient and I will be as gracious a host as I can. Those who have been reading my posts for a while will know that I have been engaged in a year long Earth Working, by which I mean that I am engaged in many workings that are all related to the elemental aspects of Earth. Like many of my kin, I first learned about the Witchcraft Revival through Buckland's Big Blue Book (4B), then explored other avenues. This has resulted in my associating winter with earth as many Wiccans do. Even though I passed by Wicca nearly twenty years ago, the imprint is strong. Over the years I have always turned inward during winter and devoted this time to intense study. This winter is no different, except that the depths I have reached far outpace anything I have done before, that and I may have awakened a dragon. More on that later.

This winters studies have been aided by many sources and I would like to share a few with you. I will start with books, because I always do. Pod-casts have been very instrumental to my studies this winter, I will tell you about my favorites. Blogs of course are always on the menu, but there a re a few notable articles that I will invite you to read. Finally I want to share some music and recommend a movie. Then I will tell you all about the Dragon.

Ocultas Libros

I have read so many books as of late that I decided to only review the titles I have finished. I am only going to give the title, the author and a brief impression of what I liked and/or disliked. I am not a book reviewer, but I do love to share knowledge, so perhaps this will give you some inspiration.

The Magical and Ritual Use of Herbs, by Richard Alan Miller- If you walk the Poison Path as I do, this little book is very handy. Written like a field guide with identification, history, chemistry, preparation, etc., this is about as stripped down as a technical manual. In fact that is exactly what it is, a Technical Magical Field Guide. I strongly endorse this book. Thanks to Sarah Anne Lawless for recommending this one.

Plant Spirit Shamanism, by Ross Heaven and Howard G.Charing- Both Ross Heaven and Howard G. Charing have a considerable body of work between them (which I highly recommend if you work plant spirits), so I was happy to find this book co-authored by these two, with a foreword by Pablo Amaringo as a bonus. I love this book. First each author shares from the traditions they are most familiar with, which allows one to find points of intersection between differing traditions, hinting at that old Ur-sorcery beneath all things. Then just to ice the cake they introduce herbs from the Western Traditions that correspond not by chemistry but by energy, by Spirit. If you work with plant spirits reading this book can inform your work.

Pharmako Gnosis: Plant Teachers and the Poison Path, by Dale Pendell- What everyone else says about this book is true, put it into your library today. Unless you already own it.

The Sorcerer's Secrets, by Jason Miller- This book impressed me so much I signed up for the Strategic Sorcery course, this will be my first foray into Formal Magical Training. The results so far, just from reading the book, are noticeable. This tome will improve your work regardless of your path.

Mandala Sasquatch Jones 2015

The Vision and the Voice

I am just going to recommend three pod casts series I have enjoyed over the last few weeks. The first is HedgeFolk Tales, by Sarah Anne Lawless. Great lore and interpretation from a wonderfully witchy perspective. Next is the Crooked Path Pod-cast by the late Peter Paddon. There is a wealth of information here that is passed in the Old Way, as oral tradition, truly a treasure. Finally, Lamplighter Blues, with Dean and Doctor Hob. I love Doctor Hob's voice, and his depth of knowledge is wonderful. If you are interested in HooDoo or Conjure, check this out.

Intermission

Words of Inspiration

I am a reader, hands down my favorite mental activity. I read blogs because I love the way they are like an ongoing conversation between several people. I love watching the way certain ideas will get amplified and contemplated by different minds, absolutely beautiful. Upon Westminster Bridge, by Gordon White over at Rune Soup offers up a meditation upon this very subject. Since I brought up Rune Soup be sure to check out the following two installments, Teaching Birds How to Fly and The Other Avian Flu.

Tres Senoras Sasquatch Jones 2015

Can Witchcraft be civilized? I find that Nicolaj de Mattos Frisvold addresses the question rather nicely over at the Starry Cave.This dovetails nicely with my Year of Knives foci. These are the posts that have me thinking, for something that inspires in a different way, try Sailor on the Seas of Fate, The Orphans Almanac, or Rue and Hyssop.

The Devil's Own

When I was growing up in the late seventies and early eighties, in East Texas, many Baptist preachers were still turning coin preaching about the evils of Rock-n-Roll and Hollywood. Needless to say, but I was a lost cause. I have always loved secular music, but a few pagan musicians have helped me appreciate the value of spiritual music. Wendy Rule's Black Snake, is amazing, her voice is sultry and this album highlights that. Infernal Proteus is for the Krautnerden (Herb Nerds) amongst us, not always the greatest music in my opinion but I like it.

On Netflix, Daniel Radcliffe stars in Horns, totally entertaining murder mystery with a twist. Pop some corn and enjoy your evening.

Intermezzo

Here There Be Dragons

I have been treading the mill for some time now to depths I have never been. Something compels me onward ever downward, the pressure on my ears is painful and the heat is almost unbearable. Then darkness and silence envelopes me. Something is here, alive. Massive, its energy hits me like a wall. It smells of copper and soot, but mostly of serpent. It is aware...of me.

Symbiotes Sasquatch Jones 2015

"Hoomaan, dare you to disturb me?", it hisses.

"I beg your pardon, I meant no offense", I reply.

"How do you come to be here?", questions the thing in the depths.

"Exploring" say I.

"What are you looking for?" it asks.

"Knowledge", my response.

It laughs. IT. LAUGHS.

"You will gain so much more", it assures me.

"Thank you." 

I awaken beneath my tree, cold,wet and achy, the weather has turned. Time to go back inside. I never  had a visual, but I know this was a dragon. Wrapped around the base of my skull the whole time. 

The Roots

As the world turns towards spring for the Northern Hemisphere and autumn for the Southern Hemisphere, I begin to rise from fallow slumber and join the coming chorus of life bursting forth. Upwards I ascend with knowledge plumbed from the depths, this dirt is fertile. The dandelions are blooming, I have work to do.

Lots'o'luck Sasquatch Jones 2015

It's Your Thing

I AM THE OAK-Sasquatch Jones 2015

Taking time to reflect has proven most beneficial to my over all outlook. It seems ironic saying that after a back to back memorial and funeral weekend, but still true all the same. How I got here, and the treasures I found along the way to be subject of this tale, so get comfy and let me be your guide. In the most proverbial of ways I will  start at the beginning, of sorts.

The Year of Knives

"Do what you want to do, don't talk about what you don't want." - Misty Dawn, New Years Weekend-2015 This sage advice was dispensed by my wonderful partner and muse during a Hedge-crossing session on New Years weekend. It was during this journey that I began to think of 2015 as the Year of Knives. In recent years I have developed a habit of adopting names for the year, it helps me to focus my energy in certain ways, give a direction to my path. 2013 was the Year of Witches, by way of Thad McCracken, this helped me to rekindle embers that had lain dormant for far too long. 2014 was the Year of Ghosts thanks to Gordon at Rune Soup.Little did I realize that when I adopted these monikers the power they would have over my perceptions, just read back through my past posts,the evidence is all there.

KEYS TO THE GATE-Sasquatch Jones 2015

This year however, I have named, The Year of Knives, by this act I have already begun cutting away. The knife is a beautiful thing, useful, sexy and dangerous most of all, a knife cuts. Cuts away fat, cuts through butter, cuts up celery and sailors. Useful but possibly dangerous, like magick. In order for me to execute my plans I must cut away the unnecessary, cut through the cords that bind. I must be careful not to cut to close or I may end up drawing blood, possibly my own. Thus the Year of Knives is about transitions, such as leather becoming a boot, first you must cut out your pattern. There is an inherent warning here, knives draw blood, knives make permanent changes. There are rules to using knives.

The most important rule seems to be; Stay Sharp. A dull knife is a dangerous knife, if you want a cut that's deep and true, only a sharp knife will do. Secondly, one must be patient when using a knife. I have seen this sentiment expressed in the following manners. Measure twice cut once, take the time to make sure you cutting away the right amount. You can always cut away more but you cannot cut back more, proceed methodically and with intention. Lastly treat a knife with respect and the knife will express respect for you. Take care of your knife and it will serve you well. With my knife I carve out my world.

Living the Dream

I have been busy, but in the best of possible ways, doing what I want to do. This seemed to be the theme of this weekend also; two different people, two different lives, one central idea unites them. Both my mentor, Wes Nations aka Johnny Vagabond, and my wife's cousin dared to live their own lives despite what others might think. Both were warm and engaging people, who made friends with everyone they met, they were open, sharing, and inspiring. These two very different people shared the one thing I believe, is the secret to a good life; they dared to manifest their bliss.

At Wes's memorial and Brian's funeral, people talked about how awesome it was that these individuals got to live the lives they wanted. Again and again, always with a hint of sadness, not so much for the departed, but rather an admission that the speaker was not living the life they wanted. Having recently journeyed into the Otherworld and receiving instruction via dream-work, and ritual, I went into this weekend with more mental clarity than would have been possible in the past. My senses sharpened (thanks to Jason Miller and his book), I saw the connections between people, and the interconnectedness that united them all. Two men who dared to live their own lives became beacons to others, not because they set out to be inspirations, but because they were true to themselves. They were not living the "dream", they were living.

Manifesting Liberation

No more excuses, no more procrastinations. The time is now and it always has been and always will be. Sharpen your knives and make your cuts. Live out loud, yes this is a call to arms, an active initiation. The world will always try to stop you and crush you, surround yourself with the lights that inspire. Always be open to giving and receiving blessings, this magic will consistently exceed expectations. Know your allies on this side and in the Otherworld, maintain your relations. Focus your energy into your own endeavors, wishful thinking never manifests, action does.

My year has begun with a prolonged period of reflection punctuated by direct action and manifestation. Work with my spirit allies is yielding tremendous results with very clear messages and instructions. The work progresses and returns dividends on what is invested. By cutting away until I reveal only what I want, I have become more efficacious in my operations. Saint Cyprian and Santisima Muerte continue to bless me, as do Hekate, Mercury Cthonos, the Horned One, Owl Woman, Mother Bear, and the Ancestors. Most surprisingly of all is the influence of Dandelion, never under estimate that which is underfoot.

I have t-shirt designs to finalize and render. A website is in the works and seeds are being planted and tended. The upcoming year promises much and I welcome it with an open heart and a clear vision. The take away from my time of contemplation and reflection upon life can be summed up by the statements of my wife, as printed above and the following statements which came to me while driving home late last night. Seize the moment, seize the day and build relationships along the way.

The very last thing I want leave you with comes from Briana Saussy:

HONOR YOUR MAGIC AND IT WILL HONOR YOU.

Breakdowns and Breakthroughs

About a week ago I crashed. I crashed hard, as if I fell thirty feet into an empty pool. This was just a precursor, the set up before the main act. In the depths of my fall, my wife, the most amazing intuitive healer I know, simply asked, "What do you need?" Without hesitation or thought applied I responded that I needed a shaman. She handed me a cigarette of tobacco and said, "This is shaman tobacco and it will heal you, because I say so." I smoked my first tobacco in many years and felt nauseous, sick, my head was spinning so hard I had to lie down. What happened next will change my life forever.

  

I awoke from a nap and I knew what had to happen. Into the bath I placed salt, damiana, and passion flower, everything seems to work better in threes. As I soaked in the bath I heard the words, "Audiam Vocem", speak out loud, give voice. This has been a recurring piece for me, but I had never really awakened to the power that resonates from the spoken word. Now I was talking to myself and all others who were in attendance, there were definitely spirits there, mostly ancestral, and then I broke down.

A wise man once told me that one must breakdown before they can breakthrough. On this morning I learned the full import of his words, I broke. I began talking to my Grandmother and I cried in a way that I have not cried in many years. I sobbed from the bottom of my soul for my loss, my shame, and my love. She is physically gone, never to return, no more hugs, her smell gone, LOSS. I did not visit her enough as an adult, and I cannot reverse that, SHAME. She will always be with me dispensing wisdom and guiding me, LOVE. Then my head cracked wide open.

I found myself in a quiet wisdom the likes of which I have never known. At that moment I knew the stomach issues have that plagued me since I found out she was departing, disappeared. I had been holding in so much it was making me sick. A bit of tobacco given to me with love and intention, shook me into Giving Voice to my inner turmoil and facilitated healing. Healed by Poison because of intention transforming it into Soul Medicine, the essence of the Poison Path, and all shamanic traditions worldwide.

Psychedelics and I have a long history, mostly as a vision questing tool, but this was shamanic healing, something I personally have never experienced. Strange because I have helped many others over the years, now I was being healed by an act of kindness, a medicine plant with intention and the power of speaking out. The closest experience I have to explain how profound this has all been is remembering how profoundly my first psychedelic experience was. That morning after when one knows that they will never look at the world the same way ever again. Like that but with a calm warm loving knowledge of how blessed I am to be here now.

Over the next few days so many wonderful things have been revealed to me, my path opens. I have much to say about the Plants and their medicine, but first I must plant my seeds. I have much to say about Santisima Muerte and San Cipriano, but first I must plant my seeds. There is a Magical Garden that will become my life's work, but first I must plant my seeds. I have begun a major recalibration of my energy and direction, soul sustenance that is manifesting all because of seeds that I have already planted.

Communion with the Ancestor Spirits

For now I will be brief and just post some hints of more to come. The work is still in progress and I must review my notes and make them more cohesive. I promise that within the week there will be more, and the return of Open Sourcery. For now I leave you with this.

Growth Beyond Dreams

I am happy to announce that in 19 months I have had over 10,000 page views. This month saw another benchmark, with an all time high of 95 page views in a day. I have an audience in Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, this something I never anticipated. When I began my blog it was born out of a need born in therapy. I realized that I felt I had no voice and needed to Give Voice to my thoughts and feelings.The URL for my blog reinforces this; Audiam Vocem literally means to verbalize, or speak out loud, i.e. Give Voice.

In the intervening 19 months I have encountered and virtually befriended many great people. Words alone cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I have for you all and the continued support you show for me and my path. So with as much heart and LOVE as I can express in this imperfect medium, Thank You. I look to the future with renewed vigor and optimism. This is a gift I can never fully repay, I shall be forever in your debt.

Many Blessings.
Keep up the Great  Work.
By the Powers Within and Without.
Pax, Amor, Lux.
So Mote It Be.

New Medicine

I have owl medicine. That is to say, owl and I work together. She has taught me much over the years and I don't know where my work would be without her. Owl Woman is one of my patrons, she is an entry point for many different pathways. Now Owl tells me there is another and I must learn her medicine.

Mama Bear has come to me in dreams over and over again. I want to accept her medicine, but I do not know how. I cannot  go and see Bear in the wild like I did Owl. The last bears in this part of

Texas were killed off in the 1950's. our state had no regulations until 1973, and did not prohibit bear hunting until 1983. There is a glimmer of hope, bears have been spotted in the hill country west of where I live and along the Rio Grande corridor. As of yet these have been isolated incidences of young males wandering during drought, looking for new food opportunities. Still I have hope.

Apex predators are a sign of a healthy and thriving ecosystem, for most of North America historically this was the Black Bear. Bear can thrive in most biomes from mountain to forest to seashore to swamp and even desert. Versatility is always good medicine. There is much for me to learn from Bear, but I still do not know how to proceed.


So I will call upon bear and do ritual to honor her spirit. It is Mama Bear who must return, until cubs are born here there is no established population. I will fight for the right of Bear and will work with groups dedicated to her survival. Meanwhile I will use my medicine to call her back, so that she can teach me her medicine. This is how it always is with spiritual allies, we must develop relationships. 
 
Oracion de Espiritu Osos:
Mama Osa llamo a usted con amor en mi corazon y confianza en mi alma. Puedo estar al servicio de  uste dy su tipo. Duchame con las benidiciones de su medicamento. Honro tu espiritu, y doy gracias por tu existencia.Llego los Personas Osos.Benidiciones y Alabanza a ti.

Reverential Relationships and Adorations

Not Worship and Obedience

 Alliances of Mutual Aid

When I work with Plant Spirits, or befriend Animal People, or receive medicine from the Earth, there is always a reciprocal action required. Many have assumed this to be a pay for hire type of arrangement, but that's not really how it works. There are definitely spirits that work that way, and for expediency they may suffice, but just like a convenience store, you will pay more for what you actually get. Long term commitments, here as in romance, are generally the preferred and strongest path to take.  What a spirit needs will vary from individual to individual, although some of the more well known spirit spectrums, have some general items that work as introductory gifts.

Gifting is exactly what is happening here. Sometimes in the process of working together one party or the other realizes that the other is in need. When this situation arises, both parties work together to assure healing and growth, together they gain. Sometimes the need is stated upfront and to the mind of some this seems like a demand for payment, or worse an imposition. But if one only takes the time to consider the great imposition our species has placed upon the entire biosphere, a little hastiness on the part of those we have collectively driven to the brink is to be forgiven. Again one must remember perspective and adjust reality tunnels as much as possible. It is just as important to receive a gift with grace as it is to give with grace. If a spirit offers a gift accept it. When the time comes the spirit will let you know what kind of gift it requires. More often than not you will not need to ask, you will know when a gift of water is enough, and when other actions are required. If there are items and actions you are opposed to let the spirit know up front, it may test you, but do not let it test you more than once, if it tests you again, break off ties with that spirit.

Adoraciones

Adoration is not worship. Worship is not some thing I understand entirely. When I hear someone talk of worshiping gods, my animistic brain can not fathom it. Gods are forces of nature much like lightening, and just as I would not worship lightening or electricity, nor will I worship a god. I will give reverence, that is to say I will honor its spirit, just as I respect rattlesnake by heeding his warning. 

Adoration is a form of reverence, in the same way that having a celebration dinner for a colleague honors their achievements, so too does an oferenda to a spirit ally or feast in honor of a saint.Compliments paid to a friend on their birthday are similar to the spirit of adorations in honor of one's spirit allies and venerated ancestors. Every relationship should be about honor and mutual respect or it will dissolve. 

Webs of Meaning

Eventually everything links and you discover the respect you show is returned and you become part of a current much larger than you had ever imagined. Universe is alive and communicating on many different levels, but one must slow down to listen. The cactus wants to teach you something. The

hummingbird wants you to learn how to drink the nectar of life. Rattlesnake brings everything into sharp focus. Spirit dwells everywhere not just in some hoary heaven on high. The ordinary is extra-ordinary, the natural, super-natural.

Once you awaken you cannot go back to sleep, but you can slip into darkness. Walk with fierce love in your heart, beauty in your eyes, and loyalty to Earth in your bones. Remember to look up at night into the depths of space, the Great Mother, and feel awe. Discover the Hidden Wilderness in your soul and feed it daily. Give over to calling. Come dance in the wilderness.

Mantram and Visualization - Open Sourcery #5

 

Mantram

If you have been following along from the beginning, you should now know how to become aware of your body, relax your body, breath rhythmically, and focus your attention on your thoughts. Ideally you are doing this for 15 - 30 minutes twice a day, if not don't sweat it just keep at it. These are the exercises that will help your practice to be successful regardless of your path.Now I will introduce the next stage, Mantram. Mantram is beneficial on many levels, it helps develop concentration, lowers stress, and transform consciousness. For these reasons alone mantram would be recommended, but my reason has to do specifically with training your mind for the task of spell work. Many spells work on the principle of Raising Power, this is usually accomplished through repetition of key phrases. I will discuss this in greater detail, but first let me explain how to do mantram.

Once you have relaxed your body and mind, and are breathing in rhythm, recite a simple phrase over and over again, either audibly or silently. Try both techniques as they yield different results. It's really that simple to initiate, but takes a while to master. I recommend using a timer, mala beads, or a Witch's Ladder to aid in your recitation exercises. As for the mantram itself, there are many out there, and many people use something from the eastern traditions or if you are inclined towards Hoodoo christian prayers may work for you. Personally, I make up my own mantras and then use Google Translate to translate them into German or Cyrmu, my primary ancestral tongues. My primary mantra is "ich bin im Frieden mit allem was" which is rough German for "I am at peace with all that is." Try to find something that resonates with you and syncs rhythmically with your breath work.

 

Visualization

Visualization is absolutely one of the most fun Mind Expansion Techniques of which I know. The limits are only defined by your imagination. Let me take a moment to discuss imagination. In our modern, scientifically materialistic world is has become vogue to dismiss thoughts and dreams as "mere" imagination. In fact one could argue that there is an ongoing war against creativity and beauty that could be referred to as the Genocide of the Imagination. Despite this,scientists quite often use visualization techniques and dreams to help them figure out complex problems. Imagination is where ideas are born, and without ideas there is no advancement. If no imagined that the Earth was round our history would be very different, and if no one had dared to dream of long distance communication devices, you would not be reading this now. Never let anyone dismiss your ideas as just imagination.Ideas hold power.

Okay, enough of the diatribe, time for nuts and bolts. The who, what, where, when, and why of visualization. There are as many ways to visualize as there are people teaching visualization. The method I first learned is very similar to the "Eating a Lemon" exercise described here:

Eating a Lemon Visualization Exercise:

Imagine you are in a kitchen somewhere.

On a bench is a basket of lemons. You reach out and select a ripe yellow lemon. You feel the weight of the lemon in your hand..., you slide your fingers over the smooth waxy skin... feel the dimpled texture... You lift the lemon to your face and breathe in that lemony smell... and then you slice the lemon open. As the bright yellow flesh is exposed you see the juice run out... a lovely lemony citrus aroma fills the room. You cut a slice and put it in your mouth. You bite down on it .... the juice runs over your tongue... your mouth fills with the taste of lemon juice...

For more of these exercises go this website for Visualization Techniques. You can also try the techniques described at MindExpansionTechniques. Since I have mentioned the use of visualization in spell work and I do not currently feel like devoting my time to writing on this subject yet, let me direct to others that have; the Beautiful, the Practical, and the Technical. Once again I cannot stress enough the importance of these exercises, add them to your above exercises at least twice a week. Spell work will come later, for now, concentrate on the visualization only.

Recommended Readings

The time has come dear padwan for studies of an intellectual nature. I highly and strongly suggest that the serious student of the occult and magic study the following books, they will give you an understanding of the Magical World Perspective. The list in no particular order;

1. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland
2. Magick in Theory and Practice by Aleister Crowley
3. A Witches Bible: The Complete Witch's Handbook by Janet and Stewart Farrar
4. Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits
5. The Red Book by Sera J. Beaks
6. Quantum Psychology by Robert Anton Wilson
7. The Magician's Companion by Bill Whitcomb

That should be enough to get you started, there will be test next month. Seriously though, read and practice, read and practice and then read some more. A quick study of Library Sciences might prove to be helpful. Test the theories, do the exercises, write it all down and then share what works and what doesn't. This is the beginning, welcome aboard.

 

Letting Go

Most of the people I know have had to let go of something dear to them this year. Deaths, divorces, and downsizing, whether by choice, illness or just time, have claimed much happiness and left a void in their wake. It is against this backdrop that I have decided to let go, more. Time is precious and the pursuit of stuff is a poor way to spend it, I want more LIFE and less stuff.

This not just a reaction to the losses I and many others have experienced , but rather an exploration of loss and surrender. For one to surrender to the forces around them and give up control is the essence of sacrifice as initiation. The Fool, and The Hanged Man; a leap of faith, a willing sacrifice, an initiation into a different state of being. Notice that I did not say "higher" state of being, such things are greatly overrated, enlightenment is not what most Americans think enlightenment is. I am looking to change my relationship to loss, suffering, and material possession, to reawaken my knowledge of the transitory, numinous nature of existence.

In my last post I made reference to Rhyd Wildermuth's post on Alchemical Capitalism, that article and this post by John Beckett, about the Commodification of Humanity, started mental workings. Then I read Decolonizing Ourselves So We Can Help Others, and remembered Paper Mage which I also recommended in my last post,and enter an Air of Inspiration from the East. Harvest and sacrifice are the same thing. Without sacrifice there is no harvest, and without a harvest there is no sacrifice. That being said, keep in mind that the harvest will never be what you expect. Taking my raw material to the cauldron of inspiration and applying flame something distinct begins to distill.

A small amount of passion goes a long way, and from that initial idea a plan has coalesced, it is time to Let Go. I will be releasing my hold on several material items from now until the Feast of the Ancestors, October 31st. This is sacrifice, ritual, reverence, and initiation all rolled into one. I am seeking to change my relationship to stuff, to embrace Immediacy, to see impermanence as it is; more stuff. So I will be giving away, sticks, stones, roots, bones, shells and feathers. A few books, and perhaps some hand drawn art here and there, will also find Their  way into the mix. I need to lighten my load for the next phase of my work. Water flows in and water flows out, stuff is the same, I'm not wholesale against it, I just need let it flow down the stream again.

Now the fun, interactive part; a veritable Carnival of Delights. Are you brave enough to accept gifts? Dare you receive something for nothing? Is not, Receiver of Generosity, one of your holy names? Can you surrender and accept what fate deals? Did you say yes to one or more of these questions? Then I have a proposition for you. If you said yes to all these questions, seek therapy, just kidding, go take a hike, you deserve a break. Now if you are willing, Friend me on facebook, or just send me a PM with your address and the note "I'm in." Or leave me a comment here. I will contact you with three questions, and then mail you a package based on your answers. Don't worry nothing ominous, just simple things, such as, animal, vegetable, mineral, or fungal. That sort of thing. I just love that Fungi is its own kingdom, now.

Awaiting your responses and then into the realm of Earth, where I manifest that which I have called forth. Letting go is the only way to appreciate what you have. LOVE.

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.