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.

Just Relax

Between media sensationalism and memes about martial law and forced quarantine, anxiety is running very high. Many are feeling powerless in the face of the unknown, and some are worried because they have been sent home from work and are unsure how they will pay their bills. In these stressful times it's extremely important to remember that magic works best when you are relaxed. 

"How do I relax when the world is going crazy?"

Becoming mindful of your body and how it behaves under stress is part of the key to gaining control over your anxiety. Your heart may be pounding and you may have shortness of breath. The shortness of breath is probably worrying right now when COVID-19 affects the respiratory system so your anxiety increases. Your thoughts are racing over your worries over and over again and you are feeling claustrophobic and unsure of how you will be able to handle isolation. You get on social media and your anxiety rises again when you see people saying grocery stores are empty! How do you get away from this?

Take A Break From It

First, put down your phone or step away from the computer. If you can step outside for 20 minutes away from your phone or at least ignoring it for the time do so. If you have a lawn, take off your shoes and walk in the grass and dirt barefoot. Sit down and take a slow deep breath through your nose, filling your lungs like a pitcher completely, and slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this several times over until you feel your heart rate slow down. When you are calm and collected you can go back inside your home. 

Relaxation And Bodily Awareness

Now that the initial cycle has been broken at least temporarily, it's time to do a conscious inventory of bodily tension and release the points of tension. First, you must lie down, preferably on a flat surface. If you have mobility issues a reclined position is perfectly acceptable. Close your eyes and gently scan your body with your mind from the top of your head all the way down to your feet. When you find a point of tension stop scanning, actively tense the muscle, release it, and then continue scanning until you get to your feet.

Opening The Mind

While in this position your goal should be to keep your mind aware and not drift off. Draw your attention slowly and deliberately all the way to just above the crown of your head. Imagine a white sphere above the top of your head. Inhale slowly and deeply, as you exhale you will say, "Eh-Hah-Yeh."

Draw the light down to a white sphere in your neck. Inhale slowly and deeply, as you exhale say, "Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh Eh-Lo-Heem."

Draw the light down to your solar plexus. Inhale slowly and deeply, as you exhale say, "Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh El-Oh-Ah-Veh-Da-Ath"

Draw the light down to your sex organs. Inhale slowly and deeply, as you exhale say, "Sha-Dah-EE-El-Sha-EE" 

Draw the light down below your feet. Inhale slowly and deeply, as you exhale say, "Ah-Do-Nah-EE- Hah-Ah-Retz"

Slowly draw your consciousness back up you body and into your head. Take a moment and observe the energy in your body. When you are ready to move, wiggle your fingers and toes, and slowly bring yourself back to an upright position. 

Regulating Your Breath

Sit upright in your chair or on the floor. Bring your shoulders up towards your ears, then roll them back. Your back should be straight and your head level. Gently tilt your chin downwards, imagine that you are gently holding a ball against your neck with your chin. Try to keep your head in this position while you do the following exercise, if you find your head tilting upwards stop the exercise and tilt it back down. 

The first step is to simply sit and breathe. Follow the air as it goes in and out of your lungs without modifying your breath. Just observe your breath. After a few minutes, start imagining that the air is filling up your lungs like water entering a jug. Filling the the bottom and slowly filling to the top. Try to keep your breath as quite as possible and breath slowly but naturally. As you exhale empty the jug of water just as slowly and naturally.  Try to keep the the filling and the emptying breath the same length. Don't force this action, try to be as natural as possible. After a few minutes you may stop.

Completely Calm

After all these exercises are complete you should be feeling very calm and serene. Hold on to this feeling for as long as possible. Take the time to analyze your concerns while in this state, you may find that many of your concerns were anxiety induced and not a reflection of reality. This state is also the ideal place to do magic from. Now is the time to prepare your candles and start making moves to improve your life. Remember: You now have the tools to get back to this state whenever you want. 

As I have been telling my clients, "We don't have total control over the world, but we do have control over our actions and choices. Be smart, be safe, and don't lose your head."

Spirits I've Summoned: The Gnomes

The frame work of ceremony I followed in the early years my magic carrier were based on the Neophyte and Grade initiations of the Golden Dawn. I worked the elements by following an outlined based on the Grade ceremonies in order to scry and commune with the elemental beings of each realm. My  first experience with this method was introduced to me by an Adapt of the Golden Dawn.

In my early days of practicing magic, I was very influenced by the visionary works of Dee and Kelly as well as Crowley with his infamous Vision and the Voice. I was fascinated by the idea that magicians could view the invisible through ceremony and scry stones in order to gain knowledge and power. Naturally, a young magician like myself would want to gain esoteric knowledge from spirits and be able to predict the future.

I recall voicing my fascinations to a more experienced magician and he informed me of the Golden Dawn making use of tattwa cards to interact with elemental beings. Tattwa cards used specific elemental images of the Samkhya Hindu philosophy to symbolize the basic elements. A yellow square for earth, a blue circle for air, a red triangle for fire, a silver crescent moon for water, and a black or deep indigo egg for spirit/akasha.

I sat out to acquire Dr Mumford's book and card set Magical Tattwas, and straight away began to attempt the exercises in the book. One of the main objectives of the exercises is to "see" the tattwa image within your mind and project yourself through the image into the elemental landscape. I spent long hours attempting to open visualize the images with my eyes closed and see the "portal" so often described to little avail. However, despite not yet having the ability to see the elemental landscape, I was getting quite good at simply seeing the tattwa image in my mind.

I vented my frustrations with my progress after a couple of months to the same more experienced magician. He suggested that we open an elemental temple and then try scrying the tattwas. Admittedly, I was uncertain how a ceremony would improve the ability to scry, it seemed to me that all the action would produce the opposite state of mind I was striving for. Regardless of my feelings, I decided to go along with the ceremony.

The next day I went to the park to try and get in touch with earth elementals. I found a shady spot under a tree where the soil was rich and soft. I introduced myself quietly and sat around for a while, I thought I felt a presence like being watched but eventually gave up and decided to leave. I touch a small amount of soil with me for the ceremony that would take place the following evening.

We prepared the space for the ceremony by doing a Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. Then we cleansed and incensed the space with water and frankincense. I was given the task of doing the invocation of Earth. I had spent the day practicing tracing the Earth invoking pentagram while intoning the God names of the Zealtor ceremony. I felt my whole body shaking while I drew the pentagram while intoning the names. The room began to feel animated and a lamp flickered on and off while I said each name.

The presence of the spirits fully invoked I picked up my little dish of soil and sat down in front of the altar where a the tattwa for earth was on display. I gazed into the yellow square and felt my consciousness begin to move into the image. I closed my eyes and saw the portal! I instinctively walked through and saw a landscape of rolling hills. It was like looking at a television screen. Suddenly I saw squat ugly little men in funny clothing coming over the hills. They were dancing and singing a strange little song. It seemed like they were watching me as I was watching them. They began to dig gold out of the ground and offered me handfuls of it.

Slowly the vision began to fade and I found myself back in the temple. I took a moment to regain my bearings and looked around the room. I was informed that I was in a trance for a very long time. Excitedly, I explained everything I experienced and I was surprised that no one else had such intense visions. It was suggested that because I was the one who did the invocations that I would have the more potent visions.

After that ceremony I began to experiment more with using God-names before scrying with similar success. I found myself being requested to be a scryer for ceremonies after I developed the skill. It even translated into my tarot reading abilities as I began to see things when I looked at the cards. I still employ a similar technique to this day when I wish to speak to angels in a crystal ball.

Spirits I've Summoned: The Great God Pan

Of all the exercises that the Golden Dawn offered that were of value, the absolute greatest of them is the assumption of God-form. This is an excellent exercise for aspiring mediums and those seeking control over their mediumship. I was not aware of my gifts as a medium (although I think I had suspicions) until I started practicing the assumption of god-form and the practice of invoking deities.

My earliest success with this practice came almost 17 years ago when I discovered Aliester Crowley's Hymn To Pan in an old hardcover copy of his Magick. Mind you, I believe that Crowley should be taken with a grain of salt and a laxative as his notions are deliberately way off base, however, a broken clock is right twice a day. 

Even reading the Hymn To Pan silently to myself I began to be filled with an otherworldly notion. It seemed as if a wild energy began to flow through as I excitedly read the words. I found myself working to memorize the Hymn in an afternoon so that I could enjoy it whenever I pleased. Around this time I was reading Donald Michael Kraig's Modern Magick, and was learning some basic Golden Dawn Magic techniques. 

For a little over a month I would sit quietly and relax myself. I would gaze at various images of Pan and satyrs. I would begin to recite the Hymn and imagine the shape of the god formulate around me. I would begin to feel my consciousness expand into the image, all the while visions of satyrs and nymphs would fill my mind. Gradually I would wind myself down from the ecstatic state and ground myself by touching things around the temple. 

I noticed during this time period that my life was becoming VERY interesting. It seemed like I was always getting invited to parties and my sex life had never been so wild. There was a charm in the air around me and I noticed that people seemed to center around whatever I was doing. People would often give me things for free and my social life was expanding.

I wanted to see how far the experience could go and I decided that I wanted to formally invoke Pan. I told some other young magicians that I was acquainted with about my desires, and everyone agreed that they wanted to make it happen. We convened at another magician's house because it was centrally located and the space could accommodate the small crowd. We brought a bottle of wine for the god to drink and some bread for him to eat. 

The ceremony opened with a Lesser Banishing Ritual of Pentagram and followed with the Greater Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram. I burned an incense that I had made from cedar, pinion, vetiver and other resins while asking that my prayers be heard. I stood between the pillars temple and began to recite the Hymn. As I did the other magicians began to chant, "IO Pan! IO Pan!" 

Waves of ecstasy washed over me and I felt as though I was transforming into what had previously been an image in my mind. I felt horns protrude from my forehead, and my feet twist into hooves. My voice changed into the sound of a goat baying when I would try and say, "IO Pan." Eventually I lost all sense of self and everything disappeared. 

When I came too, I looked around the room to see an expression of shock on every face. It seemed as if just a moment had passed, but each magician informed me that they saw me change before their eyes. They said I looked like a satyr and began baying like a goat. That I then grabbed the bottle of wine and drank the whole bottle in a few gulps, and then began to give an oracle to each person present. I informed them that it was not me but rather Pan that had done so. There was no doubt in the room that a god had just been present.

I maintained a very special relationship with Pan for many years after that. Eventually, I felt that he brought me to the place I needed to be and that we both needed to move on. However, those experiences with him were very special and still fill me with delight when I think about it.

"Goat of Thy flock, I am gold, I am God!

Flesh to Thy bone, flower to Thy rod!

With hoofs of steel I race on the rocks,

Through solstice stubborn to equinox!

And I rave, and I rape, and I rip, and I rend,

Everlasting world without end,

Mannikin, maiden, Maenad, man,

In the might of Pan!

IO Pan! IO Pan Pan! Pan! IO Pan!"

Spirits I've Summoned: Cassiel

I've been asked repeatedly lately if I could share methods of summoning spirits. Mind you, I consider any sort of conjuring of spirits whether by prayers or evocation to all be valid. There are many ways of summoning spirits, all of which have their pros and cons and some ways are more dangerous than others. The methods I outline are no longer methods I use to summon spirits, however, that does not make them less valid it simply means I've found more efficient ways of working. 

About 15 years ago I moved to riverside Jacksonville, a charming historic downtown area that has a fair share of drugs and crime. Despite it's obvious issues I liked my shotgun apartment and the location was convenient for the job I was working at the time. My job at the time meant I had to carry quite a bit of tools and inventory for AT&T in my personal vehicle. I made sure to place some wards in my car to protect it as much as possible, but I still managed to attract the attention of some little punk. 

Om more than one occasion, I caught this guy trying to break into my car and once my apartment. You have to give some credit for tenacity, despite the obvious stupidity of the guy. Absolutely fed up, I decided to deal with the guy from a magical perspective. I got out my cards and began inquiring as to which spirit would help me. I ended up drawing Death and determined that a Saturnine spirit would be the best to call for assistance. Further divinations determined that Cassiel would be the best spirit to call for this purpose. 

Now, at this time my magic was heavily influenced by the Golden Dawn system of magic, and even though this is no longer the case I emphasize that some techniques can be useful. As a novice at the time I followed the correspondences as outlined between Agrippa and the Golden Dawn to create a ceremony to evoke Cassiel. I first painted the sigil of Cassiel on a wooden disc on a Wednesday during the Saturn hour. I incensed and consecrated the sigil and recited a short prayer to Cassiel during this process. 

I then prepared began my temple by hanging black and white curtains and burning Myrrh incense for the Saturnine spirits. On my central double cube altar I placed the sigil of Saturn along with it's Kamea. I printed a picture of Chronos on my high altar. For the next few days I donned my black hooded robe when I entered the temple and said a short prayer to Saturn before beginning my daily ceremonies. 

That Saturday, I remember the moon was waning and I felt that the time was right to perform a ceremony to place some severe limits on this persistent offender. I feel like I should note here that every time I conjured a spirit for the first time successfully, conditions would feel right on their own. I knew the time was right and that my preparations were more than adequate. 

I opened the ceremony with a short prayer asking that God and my Guardian Angel guide me through the ceremony so that I execute it flawlessly and beautifully. I then began the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram to banish all unwanted energies from the temple. I then performed a Banishing of the Hexagram to banish unwanted planetary energies. I took up my cup and began to purify the temple reciting Psalm 51:9 and sprinkled water throughout my temple. Picking up my censer I recited Psalm 141:2 and imagined the incense carrying my words to the ears of the spirits. 

The temple buzzing and feeling alive with the spirits, I took a moment to compose myself and performed the Middle Pillar ceremony before preceding with the actual conjuration. Once I felt ready I stood up and picked up my black handled dagger and began reciting a brief conjuration I had written. I repeated it over and over again while I poured myrrh on the hot coals, as I did I began to feel the pressure begin to change in the room. 

I watched as the incense smoke seem to form a dense shape in front of me. I could easily see a figure of what looked like cruel king standing in front of me. Not exactly what I had been expecting! A grimness fell over me and I could feel a sense of dread as though I was standing in the presence of death itself. Suddenly a deep voice crept through my head, "You have summoned me. What is it that you want?"

My excitement was overwhelmed by the overwhelming dread inside of me and I quickly explained the situation to the spirit. I told the spirit that I wanted the person gone from the neighborhood so that he could not mess with my vehicle or more home again. "So, it shall be." 

I bid the spirit farewell and asked it to go in peace and let there be peace between us. The heavy feeling began to lift and I patiently waited for the spirit to completely depart before doing or saying anything else. When I felt the presence leave, I noted that the incense smoke was almost completely gone. I closed the ceremony by doing a short Eucharistic celebration to rejuvenate myself and then banished once again.

Three days later the stooge that had been harassing me tried breaking into the wrong house and was badly beaten up by local gang bangers. The little house he was renting suffered a small fire, and he was promptly evicted. After I was certain that he was completely gone, I offered a small glass of wine to the spirit as a payment for the work that was done. Although I have dealt with Cassiel a couple of times since, admittedly that first contact was a powerful experience that changed my view of "Angels."

Untying Yourself With No Ingredients Necessary

Life can be a tangled mess at times. We bind ourselves up to other people's messes or sometimes just to other people. When we try to move forward in life it seems like we are tripping ourselves up constantly. Magic doesn't seem to work or at the very least progress seems extremely slow. We know something is wrong but we aren't sure how to fix it, or maybe our budget is so tight we can't even spare the change to get what we need.

But I'm Totally Broke...

When you are broke or unable to light candles and do magic remember: there is always prayer. Prayer costs you nothing and can give you real relief from your problems. The only things that you need to prayer are your mind, your tongue, your heart, and a glass of water. Many important spirits live in water so it's important that you have a glass of water for them to manifest in.

How Do I Pray?

Many don't know how to begin their prayers so I outlined a simple formula for you to follow here. First, take a moment to relax yourself as completely as possible by tensing and releasing your muscles. Then perform the kabbalistic cross and follow with middle pillar ceremony. It's okay if you have to write down the words in the beginning but you should strive to memorize it as quickly as possible. Take a moment after the middle pillar and collect yourself and call to mind your grief and troubles so that you can give them up into prayer.

Who Should I Pray To?

For those that feel stuck and unable to move forward in their life I recommend praying to Mary Undoer of Knots.  Mary is a powerful intercessor, and will quickly intercede for anyone that prays to her with an open heart. By the virtue of her willingly taking on the command to give birth to the Son of God she undid the first knot that was created by Eve when she defied God by eating of the Tree of Knowledge. As the Undoer of Knots she can help remove those things that are holding you back in your life. Whether the knots in your life are feuding between lovers, quarrelsome neighbors, financial troubles, a lack of peace at home she can help you.

O Virgin Mary,

Mother who never refuses to come to the help of your children in need,

Mother whose hands never stop working for the welfare of your children,

moved as they are by the loving mercy and kindness that exists in your Immaculate Heart,

cast your compassionate and merciful eyes on me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life.

Oh Mother! You know the difficulties, sorrow and pain that I’ve had because of them.

O loving Mother, I place the ribbon of my life and this knot (these knots) into your loving hands,

hands which can undo even the most difficult knot.

Most holy Mother, come to my aid and intercede for me before God with your prayers.

I cast this knot into your hands (mention your intention/need) and beg you to undo it,

in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, and for the glory of God, once and for all.

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, pray for us!

9 Days of Prayer

Novenas are powerful Catholic prayers that take place over nine days. It is important that you pray at the same time each day to get the fullest effect. Consistency is key to getting results in desperate times. Her Novena can be found here.

The Power of Psalms

You may also feel that you have extra baggage weighing you down as well. The Book of Psalms has useful prayers that can help remove blockages and negative energies in your way. The most powerful psalm I have found is fifty four as it works quickly to send evil back to its source. However, if you are having issues trying to end a toxic relationship I would recommend number fifty six. If you are worried about your living situation and stressing over bills I recommend number seventy three.

Be Consistent

The most important part of working through prayer alone is consistency. Prayer is a direct means of communication with your spirits, therefor you want to be a consistent as possible. Make sure that you pray at the same times each day. Setting reminders on your phone can be very helpful. The more consistent you are the faster and more consistent your results will be. 

An Easy Way To Increase Your Daily Blessings

Probably one of the greatest practices that someone who works conjure or magic can do is the practice of charity. As one of the greatest of virtues Charity opens the heart to those in need, heals, and demonstrates worthiness of prosperity from the spirits. As an act of penance it can alleviate the weight of misdeeds and misfortunes and return missing blessings.

What Is Charity?

Charity is the act of generosity towards those less fortunate than yourself. It is recognition of empathy that you have towards the suffering of another person and acting upon it. The act of giving a few extra dollars from your pocket to the person on the street corner, or buying a hungry person a sandwich is an act of charity. Taking the time to assist an elderly or disabled person is also an act of charity. In fact, most act of goodness towards other humans can be charitable, especially if you are someone who has a hardened heart or little sympathy.

Why Should I Be Charitable?

Those that seek the help of their ancestors, saints, and spirits are seeking the charity of beings that don't have to give of their time and energy. Beyond a merely transactional relationship with spirits, there can be an underlying element of trust being developed. The spirits watch you carefully as they bless you to see what you do with their generosity. Do you share the blessings that they give to you or do you hoard it? When the spirits give you real power do you use it to heal or to harm? These answers to these questions define your character to the spirits and may affect your future blessings.

What About The Drug Addicts/Alcoholics I see?

Charity does not discriminate what suffering is worthy or not worthy of your assistance. Even if you come upon a person in the throws of addiction, and you know that any aide that you give them may lead to them continuing in their self-abuse, you should still offer what you can to alleviate their suffering. Despite what may appear as obvious to you, your kindness to them may have an impact on their future decisions. This will not always be the case, but it's better to err on the side of goodness.

The Suffering You Alleviate May Be Your Own

There is a common expression in Afro-Caribbean Traditions that states that a single act of evil requires ten acts of good to correct. When someone that has felt powerless or has been victimized is introduced to power it is not uncommon to see them become cruel and intolerant. This type of sickness is more common than most are willing to admit. The purpose of power is to heal and correct sickness and imbalance. When the heart is hardened by life acts of charity help to open it and soften it to the world. Charity also offers a path of atonement for your misdeeds as well.

How Charitable Should I Be?

This is a difficult thing to answer for each individual. The basic guideline is to give what you can after you have taken care of yourself. It's important to remember that if you are not taking care of your own needs you will not be able to help others. Some fall into a sickness of developing a savior complex and spend their money and time fretting over the needs of others without first helping themselves. Your security in life grants you the ability to be generous with others. 

Charity Opens The Path To Blessings

As you practice the act of generosity towards others, you may notice that the spirits begin to bless you in ta variety of ways. This prosperity is meant to be shared with others around you and in your community. As you become blessed you should also bless those you encounter, not just with money alone, but with generous and kind expression. 

Edit: I change the title of this blog to get you to read about this important practice. The word "charity" should never be an aversion to you. Many of you want to claim to be empaths so start demonstrating your empathy towards others through your actions.

Why A Peaceful Home Is Important

Facebook conjure groups are riddled with questions and requests for love spells, revenge spells, money spells, and so on. I can't remember the last time someone asked, "How do I make my home peaceful?"

A peaceful home is the foundation upon which you create a quality life for yourself.

If your home is chaotic your relationships will be in turmoil, unexpected bills will keep cropping up, and your enemies will seem to be around every corner. A home that lacks peace will never let you feel restful and at ease when you need it most. Your nights may even be disturbed with restless sleep and maybe even nightmares.

Clean House

In order to cultivate a peaceful environment you must first have a clean and tidy environment. Go through your house and do your best to clean up and organize your space. The deeper you clean the better your results will be, don't be shy about getting into all the nooks and crannies to clean. That closet that you never open because of the mess? It's time to get in there.

Burn incense

Next, you want to clean the air with some form of incense. Frankincense is great for this purpose. It will raise the energy and sweeten the home. If you feel that you need something a bit more heavy duty you may wish to try burning some bay, garlic skins, and salt, but I recommend following up with frankincense. Make sure when you fumigate the house that you open all the windows first. Go deliberately from room to room and fan the smoke into the corners, cabinets and closets.

Sweeten the Home

Once you have fumigated the home you may wish to come back with some perfumes and waters to continue sweetening things. I mix some Florida water, sweet herbal waters (sorry its a proprietary recipe!), a little liquor, and seven strong men (for some extra oomf) in a spray bottle. In the same fashion as before go from room to room lightly spritzing each room and speaking your desires for peace and prosperity. 

Pray and Meditate

Your home should be feeling pretty good by this point. Now, you should place yourself before your spiritual or ancestral altar and begin to pray and meditate. Thank your ancestors, guides, and guardian spirits for bringing peace and prosperity into your life as sincerely as you can. You may also wish to clean yourself with a spiritual bath as well to fully get in touch with these energies.

Keep the Peace

At this point you are likely feeling really good about the vibe you have in your home, but what happens from this point forward will dictate how well you maintain it. A peaceful home is as peaceful as the people that cross through your threshold. 

• Be mindful of who you allow into your home. 
• If you have friends that love drama maybe it's better to meet at their place or somewhere else. 
• Consider putting up wards above your door or in your home to better protect your peace. 
• Burn incense regularly to keep the air sweet
• Keep up on the tidiness

If you can maintain your peace you will be free from distraction and allow yourself to prosper.

Make Sure It's Not You

Part of the role of being a spiritual worker is being a counselor to your clients. Sometimes people come to you because they want some sort of magic done, but after that first cleaning suppressed blockages begin to surface. Pandora's box is opened and it's time for the client to face their struggles so that they can grow.

You see, real magic is more than just the conjure. It's creating lifelong change, and to accomplish that change sometimes the spirits will prescribe cleanings in order to remove the unnecessary. For some people, this process can be arduous and confronting. How they react will oftentimes dictate the results they will receive.

Taking the Medicine

A client contacts me saying they are tired of being under appreciated and wants a new career. I tell them when to come by so that we can do the consultation and get the ball rolling. When I start pulling the cards I can definitely see difficulty at the workplace, but that the difficult is coming from their own mouth. They spend their work time gossiping and creating resentment amongst their coworkers. I inform them that the problem is coming from them and their response? "I never realized that I was upsetting people, can we still fix it?"

Naturally, I start doing the work to sweeten their current job, but more importantly I do the work to clean off the bad vibes from the agitated people off them. I warn the client that although the work has been done to smooth things over at the workplace that they must make a real effort to change their behavior. They agree and go on their way. A few weeks later things are much smoother at their job and they even got recognition for their project.

Be Honest About Yourself

Another client comes to me for a love and reconciliation spell with their recent ex. The cards immediately reveal that their are hard feelings coming from the ex. The ex saw the client as overbearing and jealous. I informed them that in order to successfully get their ex back these issues would need to be addressed. I received a cavalier attitude that said, "I can manage it with magic," from them. That's not to say that I felt they were insincere, but rather expected magic to do all the work for them.

I decided to take on the case although I lacked certainty in the long term outcome. The results manifested rather quickly, however, they certainly didn't last. That same pattern of behavior that made the relationship fall apart in the first place destroyed the new opportunities that were created.

Be Prepared to Grow

Taking a moral inventory is important when evaluating your life and happiness. When you are honest with yourself and work hard to improve, magic is much easier. If you try and fight the current you will only increase suffering for yourself. Although magic can alter circumstances for you in various degrees, it largely relies on you to hold on to it.

The next time a candle spell or sweet jar doesn't work out, stop and take an honest look at the role you played in the matter. Uncrossing and cleansing often helps release the psychic bonds that hold us back, but we ourselves must create the resolve to not fall back into those bonds.

Magic as Medicine

Magic, Spellcraft, Hoodoo, Rootwork, Conjure are all words we use to describe when we wish to alter the current state of the situation to something that better suits our needs and desires. It can be a very useful tool to allow us to go after opportunities that may not be otherwise available. We get ourselves into trouble when the power of magic enchants us and we suddenly feel we need to have every little situation under our control.

Wanga Sick

This sort of magical sickness is sometimes called wanga sick in certain traditions. Wanga is a word from Bantu origins that means something like undulations. Wanga is actually a great term for magic because we must stir the pot in our lives to so that we can create new opportunities for ourselves. However, this sickness occurs when we stir the pot too much and never let our lives settle. Faster and faster, increasing the temperature, until we have a disaster that has a major impact on our well-being.

Realizing that most magic is a medicine, and medicine as we know can be abused. There is a way to better avoid this by setting up a system of procedures to follow in most situations.

It's In The Timing

Enchanting things is an act of passion. When you act on those desires and pent up passions you release energy. Although most people won't be consciously aware of what they are feeling, they may unconsciously react with fear and revulsion if you come into contact with them right after working. The best time to work is late in the evening when the world is quiet, and allow for your self to "come back down" after you start. 

Remember Good Hygiene

When you do work sometimes those energies stick to you or you attract entities into your aura. Again people can sense these invisible energies and may react to them in an unfavorable way. It's important to cleanse and uncross regularly to release those energies from your aura.

More Flies With Honey

Grab the sweet stuff first. Try to start correcting an undesirable situation with a person by first trying to sweeten them up. Is there a coworker that seems like they have it out for you and constantly aggravating you? Your natural reaction may be to grab that vinegar, but instead reach for the honey and try and make them sweet to you. The person that was once tattling on your every little move is now singing your praises. 

Maybe They Just Need Some Training

Maybe you've been having an issue with your direct supervisor and despite having done a honey spell on them they still talk down to you and belittle you. This is when you start reaching for those commanding oils. They are trying to walk all over you? It's time to put them under your heel and start walking on them! However, once the behavior is corrected it's best to now stop working on them. Think of it like training a dog: there is no need to correct the dog if the behavior stops. The lesson has been learned whether or not they realized they were learning. If you continue having a power trip, expect a rebellion!

Why Can't Some People Just Learn?

You've been fair this whole time, and no matter what you can't seem to polish this turd. No matter what you do they consistently have it out for you. It's time to just throw them in the thrash. Now, you bust out those black candles and DUME oil. At this point you have done your best to apply lubrication to the squeaky gears, but all the social lube in the world won't fix what is broken. 

There is no one size fits all approach to every situation. Everyone is different and everyone will react in ways you may not expect. The above approach is to give you a frame of mind of how to approach magic and not become entranced by its power, that is how you develop wisdom. Besides the negative impact on your life, you just look plain goofy thinking you are all powerful while working a 9 to 5 job like the rest of us.

What Should Be On My Ancestor Altar?

An altar is a place where you commune with particular spirits. It is a place where offerings are made or magic is done. In a very real sense it is a representation of your relationship with spiritual beings. So, before placing things haphazardly in this area some considerations must be made.

Who Are My Ancestors?

Your ancestors are the countless generations that preceded you in this life. They are those that struggled and toiled so that you could have the existence that you have today. Ancestors are generally the direct genetic line to you but also sometimes extended family. For those that are adopted they generally will have two set of ancestors those they were born with and those of their adoptive family. in general, your ancestors are there to assist you with life's difficulties. 

How Do I Build An Altar?

With all spiritual relationships, things should be taken one small step at a time. The very first step is to establish a place in your home where you can commune with them. This place should allow privacy for both you and your ancestors. If you are limited on space I recommend getting a simple cabinet where you can open and close the doors when you work with them. 

On the altar for them you should place a white plate of a cloth, I prefer to use a plate as it is generally fire safe for you to burn candles upon. You may want to put up some pictures in the area of deceased. I placed a casket cross from my great grandmother's funeral here as well. Try not to clutter the space, and be mindful that you may want some room to do magic. 

Salute Your Ancestors

Now that the place has been neatly and mindfully arranged you can salute your ancestors here. Take a moment beforehand and clean and organize your home first. It's a little bit of something extra to let them know you are taking them seriously, it will also ensure that the energy moves smoothly during the ceremony. It helps if you do some simple quiet relaxation before hand as well.

How Often should I Give Offerings and What Should I Give?

In the beginning, a weekly tea light and a glass of water is all that is necessary. This is because you are greeting them into your life, elevating them, and asking them to help. However, there is nothing wrong with giving a small offering to them such as some tobacco, liquor, white flowers, or even some incense. Generally, in giving flowers to your ancestors its best to give white flowers, leaving them on the altar until they wilt. For incense I recommend burning frankincense for it's harmonizing and purifying qualities. 

Let me emphasize that less is more! You can bog down your ancestors with frequent and large offerings. A small amount is all that is necessary, and it should be removed after 24 hours. More offerings doesn't mean that you will get what you want because offerings are not bribes, they are signs of appreciation and respect.

Every Relationship Is Different
When you start this process it may begin blissfully, and seem like life will be smooth sailing. For some this may be true, but for others they may encounter difficulties. Stubborn and difficult ancestors do exist, and they may seem like they are blocking your progress. These ancestors require extra attention and need to be purified through your service and acknowledgement of them. You don't have to like each other, but if you help them elevate they will no longer be an obstacle for you. Your job here is illumination and elevation.

Easy Money Powder

So you want to do money magic but you are already broke and can't even afford colored candles? Here's some simple things you can do with things you probably already have in your cabinet.

Easy Money Powder:

• Nutmeg Powder
• Vanilla Powder
• Cinnamon Powder
• All-Spice Powder
• Clove Powder

How to make it

Take equal parts of each ingredient, you don't need very much, about a teaspoon of each should be plenty. Talk to each ingredient separately and say, "In the name of the spirits of my family, I come to you spirit of (ingredient) because I need you to bring me money."

Once you have spoken to each ingredient place the ingredients in a mortar and slowly combine them using the pestle to grind them together. If you don't have a mortar use a bowl and a spoon. Again speak your needs allowed while mixing your ingredients. Be direct and simple as you say, "I come to you spirits in this powder because I need you to bring me money and fill my home with money."

When you are finished, take the bowl with the powder in it and light a candle. Present the bowl to your ancestors and ask them to bless the powder for you. Leave the powder sit overnight if you can. The next day the money powder should be ready to use. Place it in a clean jar, preferably one made of glass. If you don't have a small jar you can get a jar of baby food for less than a dollar and clean it out for use. Make sure to label what the powder is so you don't forget!

Use it around your home

Take your par of money powder and walk through your home. Go to your front door with your powder and open it, speak to the powder as you have before, take a pinch and blow it across your threshold. The begin to walk through your home from the front door to the back room. In each room take a pinch your fingers, speak to the powder, and blow towards the four corners of the room. 

Use it at your work

Take some money powder and sprinkle it in your wallet, again speaking to it as you sprinkle it. If you are looking for a job, print up copies of your resume and sprinkle money powder on them and give those resumes to prospective employers. If you are in sales, sprinkle the money powder in a sachet and carry it in your pocket. If you have a workspace, blow it around your workspace. Remember to speak to the money powder before each use!

Be creative! 

You can make a money oil by simply adding some of the powder to almond oil or very fine olive oil. You can use the powder as an ingredient in a mojo hand. You can even put some in a sachet to wipe your hands for extra luck before you go gamble. The limits are your imagination. Good money magic is about habits.

This is just a simple recipe, it is not the end all of what is possible but it should help you out of a rut. As you grow you may make more complex money powder, or now that you have funds you might want to buy some money powder from someone more experienced. It's your life work your juju your way.