How Can You Tell If A "magic" Book Is Full Of It? I'm Sure With Experience You Can, But What About Beginners?
How can you tell if a "magic" book is full of it? I'm sure with experience you can, but what about beginners?
Reading these books needs a good ‘bullshit detector’. There are a few telling signs:
1) Look at the book’s bibliography. A bibliography can give you, if it’s a good one, the primary sources an author used, and can give you an idea of other books to read. A bad bibliography can save you time - if a book hasn’t got one, or it’s a very short one, or it references only other neo-pagan texts, it’s not going to be long on facts and you might be better off reading something else.
2) Magic and witchcraft aren’t inherently religious. If the book implies or states that a neo-pagan religion is necessary in order to practice witchcraft, it’s probably not worth the read.
3) If the book says it’s about a neo-pagan religion of some kind, but talks endlessly of spells instead, it’s probably a waste of your time if you’re looking for the religious practice first. Some neo-pagan faiths will involve practicing magic, but others don’t.
4) Neo-pagan books that talk about ancient matriarchal religions spanning Europe, a ‘Great Goddess’ and all that jazz, are based in the historical theories of Margaret Murray. They were all fairly thoroughly debunked, but it still lingers in neo-pagan circles.
5) Know that things like the ‘Triple Goddess’ and the Wheel of the Year are modern inventions - they aren’t ancient, and forcing ancient deities or practices into those concepts will not always work or be appropriate.
6) If the deities you’re reading about are described as being very different from their historical selves, it’s probably a good sign that author hasn’t done their home work very well.
7) ‘The Burning Times’ did happen - but it was not a systematic genocide of a pagan religion or practitioners of magic. What you had was a mass hysteria created by the church, and taken advantage of by greedy people. They had no qualms in killing unloved neighbours or relatives for their property, with witchcraft as a scapegoat. Maybe a few witches died - but so did thousands of Christians who were unfortunate enough to be disliked, or without family, or to be a better farmer or gardener. ‘Nine Million’ is certainly hyperbole, and is not factually accurate.
8) Be aware of things that don’t fit: for example, we have what’s called the ‘potato test’. Potatoes are not native to Europe and were not discovered until explorers began invading South America. So an author that talks about an ancient Irish potato deity, for example, is absolutely full of it.
9) Authors who are patronizing and talk down to their readers, no matter the subject, should be tossed on their ears. You’re a beginner, perhaps, but you’re not stupid and you’re not a child. You don’t need the author to coddle you or ‘simplify’ the information - their assumption that you do is just rude. If you wouldn’t let someone talk to you like that in real life, why would you read a book that does the same thing?
10) Whenever you can, space your neo-pagan or magical reading out with primary sources and proper non-fiction history and anthropology texts. A primary source is going to give you the closest thing to being there, at whatever time and place you’re looking at. Academic texts can be a chore to get through, but they’re going to give you the grounding you need to have a detector of your own.
Read what you can get your hands on. At first, like you said, it’s hard to tell the gold from the dross, but you’ll get the hang of it. A couple of really awful books will give you a guideline, and you’ll find authors you can trust vs. authors you can’t.
Read critically. Don’t be afraid to be a skeptic. Similar doesn’t equal same - cultures have similar concepts but it doesn’t make their gods or their practices the same thing with different names. If you think something sounds like horseshit or too good to be true, it probably is.
Good luck, and happy hunting. :>
More Posts from Yaboidiablo and Others
Ways To Use Sigils Masterpost
Incorporating the elements
Air
Draw the sigil in the air using incense
Draw the sigil on your body and go for a walk
Energetically trace sigils in the air and let the wind carry and charge them
Draw the sigil on paper, rip it up, and let the wind blow it away
Draw the sigil onto a flag, let it blow in the wind
Trace the sigil in the air with your hand, push it away
Draw or attach the sigil to a windchime
Leave the sigil outside during a windstorm
Water
Draw the sigil on your body and take a shower
Draw the sigil on a piece of paper, submerge the paper in water, let the water evaporate
Carve the sigil into a bar of soap and wash yourself with it
When taking a bath, draw the sigil in the bottom of the tub with soap/bath salts/baking soda
Draw the sigil on a stone with water and wait for it to evaporate
Draw the sigil on you hand, then wash it away
Breathe on your window so that it fogs up, then draw the sigil on it
Draw the sigil on any surface using water
Sew the sigil into your clothes, wash them
Draw the sigil on paper and put it under running water
Draw the sigil on a beach, let the ocean wash it away
Draw the sigil on a rock and throw it in a river/ocean
Flush the sigil down the toilet (make sure it’s on biodegradable paper)
Draw the sigil on paper and place in in a jar, add salt and water, then shake it up (Optional: add a drop or two of essential oil matching intent)
Leave the sigil outside during a rainstorm
Put the sigil in a pot of boiling water
Draw the sigil onto a coin and toss it into a fountain
Earth
Draw the sigil on a piece of paper and surround it with crystals that match the intent
Draw the sigil on a piece of paper and bury it in the ground
Place the sigil with a plant
Draw the sigil on the ground
Draw the sigil on a rock and leave it somewhere that makes you happy
Draw the sigil on paper and put it in a jar of salt
Put a crystal that matches the intent on top of the sigil
Trace the sigil with a crystal matching the intent
Tape the sigil onto a window during a full moon
Trace the sigil in dust/dirt, then blow it away
Use herbs matching the intent of the sigil, draw the sigil on paper and mix everything together, paper included
Burn herbs matching the sigils intent, pass the sigil through the smoke
Fire
Draw the sigil on a piece of paper and burn it
Carve the sigil into a candle and burn with intent
Draw the sigil on the bottom of a tea light candle, let it burn out
Pass the sigil through smoke (any smoke works, but incense is best)
Draw the sigil on paper, leave it in sunlight
Carve the sigil into a candle, let it melt away
Sigils In everyday life
Eating and Drinking
Carve the sigil into your food before eating it
Draw the sigil under your kitchen table
When drinking tea, draw the sigil in the bottom of your mug with honey
Trace the sigil on the bottom of a pot before cooking with it
Draw the sigil on the bottom of your favorite cup
If you’re at a bonfire/cooking over a flame, carve the sigil into your food with a toothpick before you roast it (Hotdog, mashmallow, etc.)
Draw the sigil on a piece of bread, toast it
Draw the sigil in a pan with cooking oil, then cook
Draw the sigil out of ketchup on your food
Put pancake batter in a squeeze bottle, draw your sigil in the frying pan with the batter
In Art and Music
Incorporate the sigil into an art piece that has to do with the intent
Paint the sigil over a picture that didn’t turn out the way you wanted
Draw the sigil anywhere on your body and draw a pattern around it, don’t wash it off, let it fade on its own
Trace the sigil onto a pair of headphones/speaker with your finger, listen to music that matches your intent
Draw the sigil on the inside of your sketchbook cover
Draw the sigil and scribble it out
Draw the sigil on paper and tape it to the bottom of your laptop/tablet/phone if you write, draw, or make music digitally
Place the sigil in front of music speakers
Draw the sigil onto a CD that you love, and play it
Imagine the sigil in your mind while dancing
Draw the sigil on a dry erase board and erase it
Draw your sigil on the ground with chalk
To Keep it With You
Draw the sigil on a piece of paper and put it in your purse
Draw the sigil on the bottom of your shoe
Sew the sigil into your clothing
Draw the sigil on paper and keep it in your wallet
Draw the sigil on your skin with water/oil/marker/etc. depending on intent
Tattoo the sigil onto your body (This only applies to certain sigils)
Draw the sigil on the back of a necklace you always wear
Draw the sigil on your nail, then paint over it with nail polish
Draw the sigil on your car steering wheel
Draw the sigil on your face with concealer, then blend it in
Put the sigil in a locket and wear it
Technology
Take a photo of your sigil, then delete the picture
Draw the sigil on paper and place it under a charging device
Draw the sigil inside your phone case
Set the sigil as your phone lockscreen, charge the phone
Draw the sigil on paper and tape it to the bottom of your laptop/tablet/phone
Download a sigil app
Directing Your Own Energy
Body Energy and Visualization
Visualize the sigil in your mind, think about the intent of your sigil
Draw the sigil on the ground/write it on a piece of paper and sit on it while meditating
Exercise while visualizing the sigil and your intent
Leave the sigil under your pillow during acts of passion
Masturbate while thinking about the sigil
Draw the sigil on a vein (wrist works well)
Recite a chant that goes with the sigil’s intent
Draw the sigil on paper and rub it between your hands
Draw the sigil somewhere on your body, tap it when you think about it
Draw the sigil on paper and stab it
Draw the sigil with blood as ink (controversial, not recommended)
Draw the sigil on your palm and clap your hands
Other
Draw a sigil on the corner of your homework assignments
Gather static electricity and touch the sigil
BEST WITCHY BOOKS FOR THE BEGINNER WITCH
Buckland’s Complete Book Of Witchcraft - This book is a most have in every Wiccan’s collection because of how informative it is. I highly recommend this book to really every witch who hasn’t read it yet.
The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells - This book is a nice add to a baby witches collection, for how simple of a read it is. Not to mention how aesthetically pleasing it is.
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - This book is also a very nice read, it has a perfect amount of information where you wont get information overload too quickly. Its unbiased and offers a great first start to starting the craft.
Wicca: by Harmony Nice - If you are a complete newbie to Wicca or the craft, then this is the book for you. This book is easy to swallow, and offers easy to understand information for newbies without being too difficult to process.
Of Witchcraft and whimsy - I think this is the book for newbies who want to seek the more modern practices of witchcraft. This is a book that focuses more on the craft than Wicca itself. It is also complete with plenty of unique and fun spells perfect for beginner level.
Pastel Spells - A perfect book for newbies looking to try out spells of all types at a beginner level.
The Green Witch - Perfect for a beginning green witch, this book is complete with all the basics of Green magick complete with the correspondences of herbs and food, recipes, and basic practices and morals of a green witch.
Spellcrafting: Strengthen the Power of Your Craft by Creating and Casting Your Own Unique Spells - Perfect for a new witch looking to formulate their own unique spells.
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide - Perfect for new witches looking to expand their knowledge on herbalism.
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs: Your Complete Guide to the Hidden Powers of Herbs - Beautifully illustrated guide to herbs and their magickal properties.
The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary:Rituals & Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making - Perfect for the beginning witch interested in herbalism, ands its all around a pretty little book.
Safe Crossings for Someone Who’s Passed
A simple ritual to help someone who’s passed find peace.
Ingredients:
A small candle (white or black is good, or a color you associate with the deceased)
A small piece of paper and pen/pencil (or special treat or toy if for a beloved pet)
Rosemary oil or leaves
Thyme
Violet, marigold, or rose petals
Ground clove
A pinch of sugar (any kind)
A small candle-safe bowl/holder (needs to be a bit larger than the candle itself so herbs can be placed around)
1.) Write the name of the person or pet on the piece of paper. Write what you wish for them (peace, rest, happiness, love, reunions, etc.). Include the toy and/or treats around the bowl if for a pet.
2.) Place the paper under the candle. If you have rosemary oil, rub the candle with it lightly. If you have the leaves, you can stick them into the candle in a ring around the outer edge.
3.) Create a ring around the candle with the herbs and petals. Sprinkle the sugar around on top last.
4.) Light the candle and say the pet/person’s name and the things you wish for them.
5.) Leave the candle burning as long as you are able, but it’s okay if that’s a short amount of time.
6.) Bury the herbs/petals and paper- or burn them if you’re unable to bury.
How to Commune with Spirits While in a Graveyard
Post originates from my website. Headstone is from Julian Pioneer Cemetery.
In the death work community, most people emphasize gathering graveyard dirt and bones. Yes, these tools are significant: they connect us with the deceased when we’re outside of a cemetery. But in my practice, I rarely collect graveyard dirt when I visit the dead’s resting place. Instead, I practice other forms of devotion, spirit communication, and magic.
I don’t recommend packing up grave dirt during your first trip to the cemetery for a couple of reasons:
you don’t know the cemetery yet;
you need to be absolutely sure that you want to work with a certain spirit, because once you collect the dirt, you’re responsible for dealing with that spirit afterward.
I’ve received a lot of questions about how to contact the dead in a cemetery without using a divination vessel. Like any method of spirit work, this connection with the deceased develops through practice. The best way that I can answer this question is to respond with what I, personally, do in graveyards. Every death witch practices differently. Hence, this post is just here to give you ideas about how to advance your death witchcraft.
When I enter a new cemetery, here’s what I’ll do.
I explore. I can already hear the chorus of “duh” echoing from across the computer screen, but allow to explain what I’m looking for. Most cemeteries have sections that may or may not be clearly labeled. Older headstones tend to huddle together; babies and young children often get buried in one area. Depending on your path, you may want to focus on one specific section.
I am silent. I listen. If you’re familiar with energy work, this is the time where you want to focus on your own energy and senses. Sometimes, a particular soul or plot will jump out at you, or even call you towards it. To catch these signals, you must concentrate. This is not the time to chat or take pictures (although I understand how tempting picture-taking is).
I may meditate within the cemetery. If you have a hard time connecting to the graveyard’s energy, you’ll want to practice a meditation technique. I usually do this under a tree, because these spirits understand their graveyard well, and may inform me on where to go. In my experience, the best technique is to enter a meditative state, and connect your energy to the earth. Once you have a feel for the earth, sense the wind. Both elements are strongly tied to ghosts and will link you to the graveyard.
I donate offerings and tidy the area. Because we can’t take every grave’s dirt home, we need to communicate with the dead in other ways. This is a great way to communication with the deceased. For offerings, I usually give coins, small candles, and herbs. But you can also offer flowers and stones as well. Personally, I like granting offerings to effaced or destroyed grave sites: the Forgotten Dead. I also throw away trash and brush off dusty or mud-covered headstones (WITHOUT moving any offerings already present). The deceased usually appreciate the sacrifice and inform me about their lives.
I may sit with one grave for a long time. Once you explore the cemetery exhaustively, you’ll likely locate a grave or two that peaks your interest. I usually remain by these graves for the bulk of my cemetery time–listening, cleaning, gifting, honoring.
Even if I don’t bring home graveyard dirt, I may perform magic for the spirit once I get home. Depending on my interaction, I may give the spirit further offerings, or perform more magic to help the soul heal or move on. Later on, I’ll return the cemetery to confirm whether my spell worked.
While we’re talking about cemetery trips, here are some etiquette/safety tips to keep in mind:
DO NOT sit on top of headstones. It’s rude and unsafe.
If you see a fallen headstone, DO NOT try to upright it yourself. These stones are incredibly heavy and require several people to repair. Instead, contact the cemetery’s staff members.
DO NOT throw away offerings that are already on graves, including dead flowers. Leave that to the cemetery caretakers. However, you may upright a flower pot if it has fallen over.
If a staff member asks you to move or leave, do as they say.
DO NOT burn candles or incense inside the cemetery. It may start a fire.
DO NOT interrupt other peoples’ mourning time.
I hope this post inspires you to view cemetery visits as more than a way to gather tools. These visits allow us to communicate with the dead, advance our abilities, and build a reliable reputation with the spirits. I wish you best of luck in your path.
Already am ❤️
Reblog if you are a woman and would date a transgender male
Trying to prove something to myself
Where may I purchase a pair, please and thank you.
in the late 1790s it was in style to wear earrings depicting the execution of louis xvi.
Basic Homesteading Skills
Crafts
quilting
embroidery
cross-stitch
knitting
crochet
sewing
Cooking and Baking
homemade bread
homemade butter
homemade extracts
dandelion jelly
Canning
26 canning recipes
canning jars 101
60 canning recipes
Gardening
edible trees to plant
what to plant to save the bees
cure and braid garlic
save seeds for next year
braid onions for long term storage
build a greenhouse
Animals
homemade chicken feed
raising mealworms for chickens
why to raise nigerian dwarf goats
Outdoors
starting a fire with sticks
trail signs
knotting
find true north without a compass
Medicine
homemade neosporin
all purpose healing salve
Sigil Magick Masterlist
Basic of sigils, and types of sigils:
What Are Sigils
5 Types Of Sigils
Linking sigils
Mixed Sigils
Hypersigils
Sigil Construction, and sigil methods:
The construction, and application of a magickal squares
How to make Sigils
Word Sigil Method
Verbal sigils
Hand Tapping Sigils
Photograph Sigil Method
Automatic Writing Sigil Method
Eyes Closed Sigil Method
How to make Acoustic Sigils
Emoji Spells
Tribal Sigils, And How To Make Them
How I Make My Sigils
Charging:
Ways to charge a sigil
Ways to charge a sigil. 2
Ways To Know If Your Sigil Is Charged
Activating:
Ways to activate a sigil
Active, And Passive Sigil Activation
Walkthrough:
How to use sigils
How exactly do you use a sigil?
Sigil utility:
Body Sigils
Sigil Placement
Sigil Triggers
Inverted Sigils
Forgetting Sigils
Sigil surroundings
Tracing sigils into the air
Advanced sigil magick:
Sigil Altars
Sigil Matrix
Sigil Matrices
Alphabet of Desire
Alphabet Of Binding
Magickal Circles
Runes:
Bind Runes
Bind Runes 2
Do this four times repeatedly and you’ll be out. But how does it work? There’s some real brain science behind it.
Myths, Creatures, and Folklore
Want to create a religion for your fictional world? Here are some references and resources!
General:
General Folklore
Various Folktales
Heroes
Weather Folklore
Trees in Mythology
Animals in Mythology
Birds in Mythology
Flowers in Mythology
Fruit in Mythology
Plants in Mythology
Folktales from Around the World
Africa:
Egyptian Mythology
African Mythology
More African Mythology
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
The Gods of Africa
Even More African Mythology
West African Mythology
All About African Mythology
African Mythical Creatures
Gods and Goddesses
The Americas:
Aztec Mythology
Haitian Mythology
Inca Mythology
Maya Mythology
Native American Mythology
More Inca Mythology
More Native American Mythology
South American Mythical Creatures
North American Mythical Creatures
Aztec Gods and Goddesses
Asia:
Chinese Mythology
Hindu Mythology
Japanese Mythology
Korean Mythology
More Japanese Mythology
Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures
Indian Mythical Creatures
Chinese Gods and Goddesses
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Korean Gods and Goddesses
Europe:
Basque Mythology
Celtic Mythology
Etruscan Mythology
Greek Mythology
Latvian Mythology
Norse Mythology
Roman Mythology
Arthurian Legends
Bestiary
Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands
Finnish Mythology
Celtic Mythical Creatures
Gods and Goddesses
Middle East:
Islamic Mythology
Judaic Mythology
Mesopotamian Mythology
Persian Mythology
Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures
Oceania:
Aboriginal Mythology
Polynesian Mythology
More Polynesian Mythology
Mythology of the Polynesian Islands
Melanesian Mythology
Massive Polynesian Mythology Post
Maori Mythical Creatures
Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses
Hawaiian Goddesses
Gods and Goddesses
Creating a Fantasy Religion:
Creating Part 1
Creating Part 2
Creating Part 3
Creating Part 4
Fantasy Religion Design Guide
Using Religion in Fantasy
Religion in Fantasy
Creating Fantasy Worlds
Beliefs in Fantasy
Some superstitions:
Read More
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