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A Stoic Discourse for Modern Pagans, Polytheists, and Magickal Folks
You have power over your mind-not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength ~Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Stoicism has gotten its fair share of criticisms throughout history; oft misunderstood as a “stone cold, calculated” philosophy, many believe that Stoics, both ancient and modern, are unfeeling, cold and calculated people. That’s farthest from the truth; Stoics, both now and in the times of Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, do most certainly feel and process their feelings, just not in the way that current society expects them to do so. Instead of suppressing those emotions, the modern, and thus, Christian, practice of “turning the other cheek”, we instead remove ourselves (how about you look…
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The Sorcerer’s Notebook: Walpurgisnacht, The Green Devil, and Witches’ Sabbat
Blessed Walpurgis to all, and Beltane Blessings! Today, and specifically, tonight, holds a special power that those of us who endear themselves with the more traditional cunning arts should not only welcome and observe, but work with, and cast effective magick for actual change. Yes, I am getting a little political, but only because current events and regimes threaten to bring us to brink of extinction: either via war and destruction, or via climate change. To be clear, I’m no climate scientist, but, I can read, and read I do; everyday. From the small bit of research I’ve done on the worsening climate issue, we’re already at the point of…
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Opinion: New Age Beliefs Are Bullsh*t, and I’m Happy to Tell You Why
“New Age” beliefs seem to permeate the Pagan, Witchcraft and Occult scene today, and frankly, I’m tired of it. I’m not going to write a swear-word laden, ranting and raving article; instead, I’m going to focus my energies in sharing why I hold this opinion, and hopefully validate many of you, too. To clarify any misconceptions, when I refer to New Age beliefs, I do not mean witchcraft, neo-paganism, occultism or eastern-based practices. New Age beliefs and practices are those which appropriate practices from many cultures without due respect to the parent culture and its customs and beliefs, and which beliefs are generally unfounded. Examples include ancient astronaut theory, the Galactic…
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You are allowed to celebrate the ancestral holidays without becoming a pagan – A message to those who want to distance themselves from Christianity
I have acknowledged pagan holidays since around the age of 12, but this is the first time in my life I have finally decolonized them. The last year I’ve watched as Evangelical Christians have become extremists who’ve hijacked the government and are forcing their cruelty upon the world. I’ve seen them use their religion to justify harm, control, fascism, and war. Now they are telling soldiers that the war in Iran was “all part of God’s divine plan”, and that they are trying to spark Armageddon via WWIII. It’s insanity, it’s depraved, it’s unforgivable, but mostly importantly, it’s how that religion has always been. The Abrahamic religions continue to do…
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Learning Lunar: Moon Magic & Mystery – Imbolc
Imbolc, Full Moon into Waning Gibbous Imbolc or Imbolg is a very special time of year for many people on a Pagan or spiritual path. It’s also a continuously celebrated Irish festival, although many people celebrate Saint Brigid’s Day instead, which occurs at around the same time. Because there is no hard and fast date for Imbolc, the moon phase will move from full to waning gibbous during the time that people are celebrating this festival. Let’s take a look at what that might mean, magically, astrologically, and practically. Note: Imbolc is happening in the Northern Hemisphere. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll be enjoying your full-to-waning gibbous…
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Notes from the Apothecary: Clematis
Clematis is known as a climbing plant that produces glorious, beautiful blooms in summer. In fact, there are so many types of clematis, many of which bloom in spring and some even in early autumn. Some have petite, pretty flowers, while others produce huge discs of colour. Some grow extremely fast, while others are more ponderous, ideal for small pots in limited space. Like humans, clematis plants embody diversity. Let’s take a closer look. The Kitchen Garden If you’re looking for a tasty addition to a practical kitchen garden, veer away from clematis. Every part of this plant is toxic, and you should encourage children and pets to stay away…
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Time to Cut the Shit: The Rant About Magick, Paganism, the Occult and Witchcraft That No One Else Wants to Have
My first entry in a little while is going to be brutally honest, and I’m not apologizing about it, either. I’m going to cuss, talk a little shit (from a place of love), and hopefully get some gatekeeping assholes to get off their fuckin’ high horse! To be frank, I’m fed up with the toxicity I see in the online Pagan community, and the Pagan community at large. It’s absolutely fucking ridiculous; some of y’all are out here acting less mature than a toddler throwing a temper tantrum! This is a rant about, and to, the Pagan community, the witch community, the occultist community, and the magickal community. It’s time…
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Learning Lunar: New Moon into Waxing Crescent, Autumn Equinox 2025
If you’ve been following previous issues of Learning Lunar, you’ll see that we’ve looked at some of the major moon phases both generally and in relation to the specific time of year. This month, I want to get super specific and look at the exact phase and movement of the moon around the Autumnal Equinox. Why? Because I love this time of year. The Autumn Equinox is very magical for me, and has seen me go through many changes, some good, some bad; some happy and some sad. This year’s equinox holds bittersweet mixed emotions, thanks to a run of events coming to an end, but with it, the opportunity…
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Road to Runes: Buying a Rune Set
There are plenty of questions you might ask when choosing a rune set. What material should I choose for runes? Do I have to make them myself? Are mass-produced runes okay? To be clear, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, only answers that are right for you. However, we’ve pulled together some tips and advice to offer guidance with this important choice of divination tool. Materials for Runes You can find runes made out of just about anything, and you can make a set of runes out of any materials you might have to hand. Even runes written on pieces of paper can work. But if you’re in the…
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Deck Review — Mood Crystals by Christel Alberez and Nereus North Goldstar
Deck Review — Mood Crystals by Christel Alberez and Nereus North Goldstar Publisher: David & Charles 50 Cards Release Date: 13th September 2022 Thank you to David & Charles for providing this deck for unbiased review. I really enjoy instructional decks — something beyond the standard oracle or divination deck, where each card carries learning and information beyond connecting with your inner self. This deck certainly ticks that box. From the moment you open the box and pull out the guidebook and cards, you can see that each card is not only beautifully presented but rich in useful detail. Let’s start with the guide booklet. There’s a short introduction that…
