More on the temple

Another concern I've encountered in online occult discussions concerns the lighting within the temple.

The very first book I read about magical practice is Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki's Ritual Magic Workbook. And yes, I do read at times, especially during my early years of practice, even though I hate doing it. Anyway, I was but a noob at the time and I found that book to be outstanding. Nowadays I only find it ok, but nonetheless a good source for general beginners work, especially for those who want to walk the path of self initiation. While I'm sure they will find and use more solid material for that purpose in time, I consider this book to be a great start.

The author does a good job detailing on temple requirements for various rites and rituals, including seasonal workings. If I remember correctly, since I haven't read it in almost ten ten years, it also speaks of temple lighting. I can't quite remember that part so I will refrain from presenting false information, but you're free to look it up for yourself if you so choose.

Full of life!

My rose bush underwent a magnificent recovery and is now in full blossom! Some flowers have begun to wither though, since I guess the bees have done their work before I was able to take the picture.

But nevertheless, this is a significant success for me in a magical field I'm still a novice. I've done a couple more experiments with growing plants using magical means, but without success. I put that on my gardening abilities rather than my magical ones, as well as the fact this rose was planted a few years back whereas I wanted to grow plants from seeds.

Workings of Boticario

My associates over at Boticario Mágico have their own magical products which can be found by accessing THIS LINK. It will be permanently available to the left of the page.

Inside you'll find an interesting and useful series of spiritual exercises, magical workings including a Mercury talisman ritual, as well as a free mini class.

Upon request from potential customers or those who have already bought one or more products, the material will be translated into English.

Tricky Mercury cazimi in Gemini

Next month Mercury will be cazimi in Gemini. This particular configuration would be extremely auspicious for magical work, especially talismans. 

However, things are not as pleasant in the heavens at that time, thus hindering any mercurial energies from manifesting whatever people desire of them. As you can see in the chart, my location does not permit having Mercury rising or culminating while cazimi. If you live in another time zone it's possible that configuration will be available for you. If not, know that any mercurial energies you may employ in a magical working at the time, although very powerful, would probably be less likely to manifest your exact desire due to their location in a certain house at the time.

Basic necromancy class

Someone I know for a long time has launched a class on necromancy, The way to Hades: Basic pagan necromancy. For reasons having to do with their privacy, they've decided to publish it on my account. This class covers the basics in necromancy and hopefully the author will produce one containing more advanced techniques, since I'm sure the many years of experience under their belt easily allow it.

Nevertheless, this class should not be overlooked, especially by people unfamiliar to or new in this field. Moreover, there are very few sources covering this ground, let alone ones that go beyond generalities. While the class does present general notions, it does not linger over them and instead rapidly gets into the nitty-gritty of practical work.

Practice contains very important steps someone must go through in order to end up working with spirits of the dead. One must know that by following these steps they will not only end up benefitting from underworldly help, but they will do so in a safe manner. Besides gods and their minions, he or she will get to improve their life by working directly with both ancestors and spirits of other deceased people.

Churchy antics

"Bless me, father, for I have sinned."

I won't make a separate label for rants, let alone for specific rant subjects. Take this rant as it is because it may be informative to some.

Today is Palm Sunday based on the Orthodox calendar, meaning next Sunday is Easter. People around here seem cool with that. Many are contempt or even rejoice because they can hang out and have fun at bbqs with friends and family and whatnot.

None are aware why this particular timing is wrong based on a calendar constructed based on human dogma alone. Most are oblivious to anything anymore, anyway, besides their immediate needs, so who cares?

But anyway, the Orthodox Church has decreed who knows how long ago, because I won't bother researching, that Easter is to be celebrated on the first Sunday after the so called New Moon in Aries. This may mean nothing to laymen, but this has both an astronomical and an astrological cause behind it, at least in my view. But I think my view was proven correct upon my back and forth with an Orthodox priest on the subject a few years back.

Helios rite

The following rite is aimed for bringing out the truth in a situation, but it can also be for clarity or enlightenment. Dispelling darkness or ignorance can also be the intents behind it and by darkness one can understand impurity and foul spirits as well.

Ritual requirements should be easily attained. Besides the altar lamp, a golden (or yellow) candle should be enough. The ever so pagan Mr. Farrell would tell you to write "Helios", your name (or that of the target) and intent on the candle and if I were to go witchy, I'd tell you to etch them vertically from top to bottom, then anoint the candle from top to bottom with sunflower oil. Anyway, some frankincense would also be nice. A photo of the god would make a good addition (in case a statue is unavailable). A golden or yellow altar cloth would be the icing on the cake for this simple arrangement.

If you're casting on another, have their link next to or underneath the colored candle.