The Beginner's Guide To The Cemetery

The best cemeteries to work are ones that are neglected. The same is true for particular graves. Spirits that have been neglected are generally more willing to offer help in exchange for attention. This attention can be offering tobacco, liquor, money, or even mass/prayer.

The cemetery has its own rules and magic. It is best to be introduced to the cemetery by an elder of a tradition, however, that isn't always possible nowadays. Because I know people will attempt things that are ill advised I'm going to offer some simple basic protocols:

The first guardian when you approach a cemetery is at the gates. Sometimes the "gates" are nothing more than a sign or demarcation at the road. Whatever the situation this area is to be treated as a spirit. I recommend simply announcing yourself to the Master of the Gates. As you do, sprinkle some liquor and ask for permission to enter. 

At this point wait for a sign or signal that the spirit has acknowledged you and will permit your entry. At any sign of hostility immediately abandon the idea of entry for the day, pour liquor, and leave. 

If you gain entry the next is identifying the Master of the Cemetery. This spirit is generally the oldest male grave in the cemetery. In very old cemeteries this grave my be impossible to find, instead one should look for the highest cross, flagpole, or some grave/crypt of prominence. There should be a sort of magnetism of the area, as this is the spirit that is acting as chief in that cemetery. Some sign of life should be noted as well such as an insect or animal. Again this spirit should be acknowledged and offered liquor, tobacco, and/or money. 

State your business clearly to this spirit. Say why you are there and what payment you will offer for the help given. The spirit may take on the task for himself or direct you to a grave of a willing spirit. If you are directed to another spirit that spirit make be acknowledged similarly as the Master of the Gates and Master of the Cemetery. You should also make clear that you were directed by the previously encountered spirits.

From this point I would recommend doing your work at that grave. Taking home a spirit without proper experience and guidance can quickly get out of hand. Instead light your candles and do your work, and tell the spirit what you will pay for success. Generally, having a mass for the spirit said will hasten results and also be considered payment. 

When you are finished head straight back to the gates. Drop some change in both sides of the gates and say, "I pay you," as you exit.

You will do the same at the first crossroad you encounter. 

This guide is not all encompassing as every cemetery is unique. It is recommended that you dress appropriately when you go: wear white or denim. Act respectfully and be concise in your words. When you return home, before entering, make sure to clean the bottoms of your shoes; if wearing sandals clean your toenails. Finally, bathe in a simple bath if bitter herbs to remove any clinging energies.

The cemetery has very real power that goes far beyond doing baleful acts. I have healed people (including myself) almost instantaneously in the cemetery. I've also created good fortune for myself by tending to neglected cemeteries in very simple ways. Respect goes very far with the dead and they can be very quick to please.

*I posted this merely to be informative in a sea of misinformation. I bear no responsibility for the misuse of this information and strongly encourage that you find a real teacher to work with.*

The Archangels

I found myself in a funny situation after wishing a happy feast day for Saint Michael the Archangel: my DMs become flooded with requests for source info on Michael the Archangel. I was stumbling a bit in my responses because I grew up Catholic and I have known Saint Michael since my childhood. He has been a part of my life like a distant relative I could call upon for help. Along with the fact that I also went to Catholic school where I learned the lives of the Saints and their works. I tend to forget that others are not so well informed. 

The Archangel Michael holds a high status in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam; he is even known within the context of Haitian Vodou oftentimes syncretized with a lwa named Agarou Wedo. To cover him completely would be worthy of a short book or pamphlet. However for the sake of brevity I am going to narrow his scope to the Roman Catholic lore and practices. I'll leave it to the reader to decide how far down the rabbit hole they wish to go.

An entity named Michael is mentioned Biblically in  in both the Old and New Testament. He is mentioned three times by name in the Book of Daniel as the Defender of Israel who will be present at the end of days. This  understanding of Michael carries forth into the New Testament in the Book of Revelation where he casts Satan back into the pit. This would become the popularized image of Michael that would carry on for centuries into today. 

Saint Michael would become the guardian saint of the Roman Catholic Church and even be invoked in the Tridentine Liturgy. This falls in line with his previous understanding within Judaism as the Defender of Israel. His image would be an import part of the construction of early churches, considered necessary in the warding off of evil. His cults were some of the earliest to form in early forms of Christianity. 

His influence has been attributed to many important and popular saints today including Saint Joan of Arc, who was first visited by Michael in a vision. This vision would eventually lead to her carrying a banner before the French army leading them to many victories. Saint Francis of Assisi also greatly venerated Saint Michael. in his devotions to Michael he would fast for forty days from the Feast of the Assumption ending on the Feast Day of Saint Michael.

Michael is considered to be the patron of soldiers, police officers, peace keepers, and military personnel. This comes as little surprise as he is portrayed as a great and powerful guardian and warrior. Those that work in fields of high risk should either wear a blessed medallion or scapular of St Michael for extra protection. He is also the angel that is featured on the Judgement card in the Tarot.

I could carry on with various visions and legends, but I'm sure most want some meat and potatoes on how to call upon Saint Michael. I would first refer you to this blog post. I would point out that Michael has particularly fierce and fiery energies, because of this you may want to work with the color white. There are several devotions for Saint Michael that are quite useful in establishing a new relationship with him. The first is The Chaplet of Saint Michael which was a revelation to a nun and approved by Pope Pius IX. The second is a litany, because I really enjoy the power that litanies conjure

The Chaplet of St. Michael

O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, etc.

[Say one Our Father and three Hail Marys after each of the following nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels]

1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. 
Amen.

2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. 
Amen.

3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. 
Amen.

4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominations may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. 
Amen.

5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. 
Amen.

6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. 
Amen.

7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. 
Amen.

8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. 
Amen.

9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. 
Amen.

Say one Our Father in honor of each of the following leading Angels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.

Concluding prayers:

O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. 
Amen.

The Litany of Saint Michael

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. (repeat after each line)
God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us. (repeat after each line)
Saint Michael,
Saint Michael, abundant font of divine wisdom,
Saint Michael, most perfect adorer of the Divine Word,
Saint Michael, whom God crowned with honor and glory,
Saint Michael, most powerful Prince of the heavenly host,
Saint Michael, standard-bearer of the Most Holy Trinity,
Saint Michael, guardian of Paradise,
Saint Michael, guide and consoler of the People of God,
Saint Michael, splendor and fortitude of the Church Militant,
Saint Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant,
Saint Michael, light of the Angels, 
Saint Michael, protection of orthodox people,
Saint Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross,
Saint Michael, light and hope of souls near death,
Saint Michael, our most sure aid,
Saint Michael, help in our adversities,
Saint Michael, herald of the everlasting judgment,
Saint Michael, consoler of souls languishing in purgatory,
Saint Michael, receiver of the souls of the elect after death,
Saint Michael, our prince, 
Saint Michael, our defender,
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Pray for us Saint Michael the Archangel
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, may your continual blessing sanctify us, and grant us through the intercession of Saint Michael the wisdom that teaches us to lay up our treasure in Heaven and choose eternal goods over those of this world. Thou, who lives and reigns forever. Amen

How To Contact The Saints

 

A common question that should be addressed is: "How do I contact a saint?"

Saints, in general, are rather easy to establish a relationship with. Modern authors, in their rush to reach a page count and in an attempt to seem unique create complex methods. The reality is that approaching any saint is quite easy.

The first step is having a place to thoughtfully approach the spirit. This can be a temporary altar space. This space doesn't need to be a big investment, a tray table will suffice. You will need an image of the saint you are trying to commune with. Simply print one from your computer and either tape it to the wall or place it in an inexpensive frame.

In this space you will light a white candle for the saint and offer a glass of clean cool water. You don't need an expensive novena candle, a simple tea light will do the trick. Once you have presented the candle and water to the saint, you will offer a recitation of the rosary for the saint. This serves as an invocation of Mary the Gates of Heaven to open the way between you and the saints. 

Finally, if you there is a specific prayer to that saint you should now recite it. Before closing clearly state why you are reaching out to the saint. Once finished give a license to depart and patiently allow the spirit to leave. 

That is the skin and bones method that will put you in touch with most saints. You can do additional things like burn frankincense for the spirit as well, however, your general framework should be built around this method. If after nine days of using this method you have no manifestation it may simply mean that saint is not interested in you. In which case respectfully take down their image and start doing divinations to find out who wants to help you. The best saints to start with are family patron saints or a popular local saint. 

Good luck.

PS If you miss my blog articles or would just like to participate in an active Facebook group feel free to join "Ancestors, Saints, Tarot, and Conjure"

Developing Psychic Abilities

The development of spiritual abilities is probably some of the most sought after techniques in magical practice. Learning how to see, hear, and speak to spirits gives the magician an edge in their efforts. Some people of course are naturally gifted, but others have to work at it to become proficient. 

Since my childhood I was unfortunate enough to be able to see spirits. Along with also being hag ridden as a child, which also caused horrible night terrors, I oftentimes had visions while praying. I assumed this was the case for everyone, until others informed me that when they prayed they just saw the insides of the their eyelids. 

When I became a teen and started dabbling in magic, I started to get visited by spirits in my dreams. It wasn't until I was about twenty three when I finally started to focus on developing these skills. Most of my spiritual development took place during this time in my life, and these are some of the techniques that I believe aided in my development:

Zener Cards

I had a fascination with psychism in my late teens and I learned about Zener Cards as a tool for psychic training and testing. Although largely "debunked" by the scientific community in their application, the focus on the simple symbols off the cards can greatly aide in building the imagination. 

As for my own experimentation I would shuffle the deck, draw a card, without looking and place it face down in front of me. Then I would close my eyes and try to imagine what was on the card. If no image came to me I would place the card back in the deck without looking and shuffle the deck again. When I felt that I had a card that I could imagine, I would say allowed what I believed the image was then turn the card over. Eventually I was guessing 5 out of 7 draws correctly. 

Tarot Scanning

Donald Michael Kraig's Modern Magic was problem one the best practical magic sources that was readily available at the local bookstore 20 years ago. He had a lot of techniques that were largely based on the magic of the Golden Dawn, but there was one exercise that was an absolute gem: the scanning of the trump cards.

The exercise was simple: draw a tarot trump and scan the card slowly from left to right from top to bottom. With each scanned line you would briefly close your eyes and imagine the image you just scanned. The goal is to be able to imagine the whole card in your mind's eye. 

First, I'd like to point out that this technique works best with a Rider Wait deck because the imagery and color scheme is rather bold and easier to visualize. Second, this practice will help you better connect to the tarot deck and will strengthen your intuition when performing divinations. Finally, give each card a few days of practice with this technique, focus on seeing the image clearly before moving on.

Once you have scanned the twenty two trumps you should try the technique offered above with the Zener cards. If you are a bit of scientist, you should try the technique a few times before scanning the cards, then compare your results when you attempt again after you complete the scanning exercise.

Scrying

The act of gazing into an object to gain occult information from the object is an invaluable technique. Some people will take to this practice quite intuitively while others may struggle to get it. This becomes confusing for many as there is a litany of preferred materials for this technique that include: black mirrors, oxidized silver, a drop of ink, crystals, and more. 

A simple way to start working without investing in materials is to start with a crystal or gemstone. Quartz is generally inexpensive and you will only need a small piece. The clarity of the quartz crystal is up to you, but inclusions do not prohibit the ability to scry, in fact, inclusions can enhance the stone. 

Once you have selected your small piece of quartz crystal your first act will be to talk to the crystal. Tell the crystal that you want it to aide you in your ability to scry. Carry the crystal in your pocket day and night, and be sure to sleep with it under your pillow. 

After a couple of weeks of "bonding" with the crystal sit down quietly in a dark room. Light candle and hold the crystal in your hand. Try to let the candle catch some candle light. Softly gaze into the crystal, it's okay to blink, and allow your mind to empty into the crystal. Pay attention to images that may appear in your mind and be sure to record them. As you improve you will be able to direct your visions to the subjects that interest you.

These are just a handful of techniques to help you get started in your psychic development. It's not a fast process and at times can be disheartening and boring. However, persistence at it can opens worlds of possibilities that may not have been previously available to you. The power of a trained imagination is something all magicians should strive for.

Contacting Your Guardian Angel

An interesting conversation was started in the Facebook group: Ancestors, Saints, Tarot, and Conjure, on the topic of Guardian Angels. I felt that warranted a clear post as to the nature of these beings and how to contact them. 

Alongside your ancestors there are spiritual guides and guardian that exist to help you along in your journey. Some of these beings can be saints or heroes that were at some point revered by your ancestors. The Guardian Angel, however, is a being that was assigned to your soul at birth, to be your guide and guard throughout the whole of your life. 

Understanding the importance of such a being in your life would probably motivate you to get in touch with that being, wouldn't it? 

How To Contact The Guardian Angel

The Guardian Angel is one of the easiest spirits to contact, as daily prayer alone will oftentimes bring that being to you. However, there is a methodology to make your prayer more focused, and allow you to align yourself spiritually with the Guardian Angel. 

The first thing you want to adopt is a daily regime of prayer. If possible your prayer time should be spaced twelve hours apart, so if you pray at 7am your second prayer session should be at approximately at 7pm. However, if your lifestyle doesn't allow for that, at pray when you wake up and before sleep. The more consistent you are the faster your results should manifest for you.

What Prayers To Pray

There is a formula for prayer that greatly improves the way you connect with spirits. Especially in the beginning or when you are new to contacting spirits. Having a proper method ensures that you will be able to open the gates to allow the spirits to come through and commune with you.

The best formula to follow to help you break through in the beginning is a recitation of the rosary. Why the rosary? The rosary itself is a repetition of Marian prayers as well as a meditation on certain mysteries. The power of Mary is not something to be taken lightly, and here she is being called upon in her title of Gates of Heaven. As a great gatekeeper she can open doors for you to get into contact with not only your Guardian Angel but other saints as well.

For those that may find that to be overwhelming, I'm including the open prayers of the rosary to begin your devotions to your angel.

First, cross yourself with the sign of the cross in the method that is most suitable to your practice.

Second, recite the Apostles Creed:

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting.

Amen.

Third, recite the Our Father:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass
against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.

Fourth, recite the Hail Mary three time:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;

blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Finally recite the Doxology:

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end.

Amen.

The opening prayers complete you are ready to invoke your Guardian Angel.

Prayers For The Guardian Angel

This relationship becomes a highly personal relationship. There is no one prayer by which to summon your Guardian Angel. Instead I am providing a selection of prayers to help you connect with your Guardian Angel.

O Holy Angel,

attendant of my wretched soul

and of mine afflicted life,

forsake me not, a sinner,

neither depart from me for mine inconstancy.

Give no place to the evil demon to subdue me

with the oppression of this mortal body;

but take me by my wretched and outstretched hand,

and lead me in the way of salvation.

Yea, O holy Angel of God,

the guardian and protector

of my hapless soul and body,

forgive me all things

whatsoever wherewith I have troubled thee,

all the days of my life,

and if I have sinned in anything this day.

Shelter me in this present night,

and keep me from every affront of the enemy,

lest I anger God by any sin;

and intercede with the Lord in my behalf,

that He might strengthen me in the fear of Him,

and make me a worthy servant of His goodness.

Amen.

O Angel of God, my blessed protector, to whose care I have been committed by my Creator from the moment of my birth, unite with me in thanking the Almighty for having given me a friend, and instructor, an advocate, and a guardian in thee. Accept, O most charitable guide, my fervent thanksgiving for all thou hast done for me; particularly for the charity with which thou didst undertake to accompany me through life; for the joy with which thou wert filled when I was purified in the waters of Baptism; and for thy anxious solicitude in watching over the treasure of my innocence.

Amen.

O most Faithful companion,
appointed by God to be my guide and protector,
and who art ever at my side,
what thanks can I offer thee for thy faithfulness and
love,
and for all the benefits
which thou hast conferred upon me?
Thou watchest over me in sleep;
thou consolest me when I am sad;
thou liftest me up when I fall;
thou avertest the dangers that threaten me;
thou preparest me for the future;
thou withdrawest me from evil
and excitest me to good;
thou exhortest me to penance when I yield to temptation;
and reconcilest me to my offended God.
Long since should I have been cast into hell,
unless by thy prayers thou hadst averted from me the anger
of God.
Leave me not, then, I entreat thee;
but still comfort me in adversity,
restrain me in prosperity,
defend me in danger,
assist me in temptations,
lest at any time I fall a victim to them.
Offer to God my prayers and groanings,
and all my religious exercises,
and obtain for me the great gift of final perseverance,
and the grace to die in the friendship of my Creator,
and so to enter into life everlasting.

Amen.

Concluding Your Prayers

When you complete your prayers, quietly meditate on the serenity and peace within yourself. Try to hear the quiet voice of the Guardian Angel when it speaks to you. This companion is always with and is extremely patient. This invisible assistant waits for you to asks for help and is not afraid to help in your need. 

Be sure to give thanks to the Guardian Angel for hearing your prayers, and ask the spirit to come and speak to you in your dreams. Daily practice is the means by which you will strengthen this bond and grow in your mediumship. 

Building Relationships

"Is Saint Expedito good for..."
"If you want a job call on Bune"
"If you are selling a house you need Saint Joseph"
"If you are looking for a lover call Venus"

Statements and advice like this is everywhere on the internet and, to be frankly honest, it deserves some criticism. This is because it creates a mentality that spirits exist as wish granting machines for us. While it is true that spirits sometimes help us in miraculous ways, they are not standing there waiting to hear your requests for your every little desire.

Spirits Have Their Own Existence And Their Own Duties

Let us consider for a moment that the spirits have duties that they are performing that have nothing to do with our lives. Their existence may be with making sure that certain parts of nature stay in balance or escorting souls into the next world. Whatever they may be doing, it's most likely that they aren't sitting around doting on your every need and whim. In fact, they are probably quite busy handling their affairs to even consider your existence!

Spirits Want Compensation

Just like how we don't like to perform duties that are not relevant to us without a form of compensation, the same is true of the spirits. Calling on a spirit and making demands or begging them to improve your situation is likely to go nowhere fast. When you call on a spirit for the first time you should greet them with some small form of hospitality as though they are a guest in your home. A small bit of alcohol goes a long way when trying to convince a spirit to help you out, and the promise of more can be enough to entice them to do the work.

Spirits Have there Own Free Will

A spirit has the choice to say "No" to you, especially if you are demanding something that is unreasonable or impossible. They have their own view of the world and also have their own judgement on a situation. They may likely see your request as something that oversteps their realm of influence or as unjust. It may just be that they spirit simply does not like you for one reason or another and simply doesn't want to work for you. Which brings me to my next point:

You Have A Reputation With The Spirits

You may not realize it, but you are always immersed in a sea of spirits. They are everywhere, and even though they are silent and invisible some are likely to be observing you. When you start working with the spirits, they will begin to talk to each other about you and the way you do business with them. Believing that you can get one over on them is a mistake. They are far older and wiser than you can imagine despite the fact that the may sometimes act childish and innocent. If you fail to keep your deals with them they will begin to tell each other of your dishonorable behavior and will eventually not wish to work for you.

Be Consistent

If you start working with spirits don't just call on them when you have a problem. Take the time to talk to them on a regular basis. Talk about your life and what's going in the world around you. Treat them as honored guests in your life and they will begin to take an interest in you. The power of building a strong relationship with a spirit cannot be measured or described with words. Having an ally that has great influence in the world is a secret to long term success in magic.

Better Homes And Conjuring: Chicks and Sprouts

I've been practicing psalm magic for years because of the efficiency of the magic. Through all of my experience I have become aware of it's power and limitations, but yesterday I was quite surprised.

I had purchased some day old chicks to raise as egg layers. At first all seemed normal, but after an hour I noticed one was lethargic and not as alert as the others. I could sense something was off with her. Even though I could take her back to the breeder I decided to try one of the psalms for livestock on her. Because chicks develop so quickly I figured I would see results within a day. 

I wrote down psalm 49 on a piece of parchment and anointed it with holy water. Holding the parchment in my hands, I recited the psalm over the birds. I also said a special prayer to my guardian angel so that my prayers would be heard. I then slid the parchment under the brooder and dabbed the corners of the brooder with anointing oil. 

About an hour later I came back and was unable to distinguish the sickly chick from the rest. I was quite impressed and have come to believe that the powers of the psalms are indeed in alignment with natural forces. 

Meanwhile, my wife has been reciting psalms 36 and 62 over tomatoes we were attempting to sprout. Not only did they sprout a couple days earlier than expected, but even after trimming away the smaller sprouts new growth keeps occurring. 

The next step in the homesteading process will be transplanting the seedlings to a planter. In which case the plan will be to include the written psalms underneath the seedlings when we plant them. 

🐥🐥🐥

Chicks happily eating and growing strong.