What Are the Magickal Arts?

 

… As magickal practitioners we are all “artists” in our own ways, honing our skills of creating magick, weaving patterns of energy that affect change and calling to the most Divine of our natures as we align with cosmos, greater earth and all of the many Beings that inhabit those realms. And, I like where this trend is taking us in exploring the craft in all of forms….

 

 

Litha marks a quarter point that expresses the lasting nature of the the sun’s potency as we begin the descent into the dark half of the year. This issue we honor..

 

The Magickal Art of Shining in Your Brilliant Light!

 

I recently had the privilege of attending the Between the Worlds/Sacred Space Joint Conferences in April and the over-arching theme was one of standing in your light of the highest self. And, now as we stand at the gates of the Summer Solstice (aka Litha) and the longest day (of light) of the year, opportunity abounds in claiming that mantle of light as our way of magick and being-ness.

The Summer Solstice is all about reveling in the longest day and breathing in as much light as possible to renew, sustain and strengthen for the months ahead of Fall into Winter. This is the opportunity to use the dynamics of solstice energy to call forth our Inner Sun and the energetic changes that have occurred in concert with the increasing of the outer sun’s strength and have brought us to this midpoint of peak. To consciously engage the energy of the Solstice as a tool for enlivening our inner light is similar to the pulling back and tautness of the slingshot band forming its own state of temporary imbalance in order to send the stone straight, steady and fully propelled on its intended course. It is the tipping of the scales towards one extreme of expansion before the necessary contraction that draws all into a state of equilibrium and (temporary) balance at the equinox. This cycle of expansion and contraction- balance and purposeful imbalance- occur in a pattern of alternating the center of focus and the point of expression.

It is this same action that is applied to our inner spiritual workings. We work diligently with goal of increasing and expanding the flow of energy that moves within and ultimately arrive at the temporary state of that form of energy being dominant. This dominance must surrender to the gradual giving way towards a new form and a re-birthing (or re-crowning) of what will then serve us in continued growth.

This is also a time where we can use this brilliance of Light as a tool of healing. I would like to suggest that you take this day as a day for celebrating you and simply be in the warmth of the longest day with no concerns about what comes next. We’ve had that play out as a common theme for several months now and everyone is frayed and worn from the efforts. Even joyous events take their toll, so honor that as well. Access the peak of solar energy and the promise it holds for renewal and replenishment to draw into every cell of your being for use in whatever comes ahead.

 

So, here’s the metaphor and visual…

Envision a favorite swimming hole. Summer Solstice’ balmy heat as the light of the day’s sun slowly begins to give way. You reach out to grab onto the rope that has been your access to the cooling and deep waters below. And, just as the last of the day’s light colors the sky crimson, you swing out, let go and fall into deep and darkened waters. The water envelopes you like a soft-shell ready to receive and cushion. The sun has almost fully set and the water is very dark and you feel the rushing of so many millions of tiny beads of water around you, you relax and allow yourself to sink as deeply as needed. These waters are exactly what was needed to cool and begin the healing of your body that was exposed for too long in the peak of this Solstice’ Sun. You reach the apex of depth and the ascent begins. No effort, just surrender to the natural physics of the dive and the rise. You reach the surface, breathe in the fresh air and swim to shore. Darkness surrounds you and the sign of renewal glistening in shiny droplets on your skin under the vision of Mother Moon’s waning sliver.

Tomorrow is another day, another opportunity. The day will be shortened ever so slightly, but this favorite place of diving deeply will be accessible. Time will stand still in this sacred space of your making and the tender and burned skin from the day prior will begin its healing as you radiate outwards the light you’ve become.

 

Join me for the Lughnasadh Issue as we explore the Magickal Art of Creating Abundance!

 

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About the Author:

Robin Fennelly is an Elder within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that serves as foundation for membership within Coven of the Mystic Path.  

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.  A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.

As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25 years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.

Robin’s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.  She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.  She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin.

Robin is the owner of Holistic Embrace providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance and other related offerings.  She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.

Robin’s Website: www.robinfennelly.com

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW: www.covenofthemysticpath.org

Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:

For more info: http://www.robinfennelly.com/books.html

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It’s Written in the Stars-Astrology

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World

The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year

Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature