What form(s) of magic(k) do you practice?

Hmmm.. Well, I don't do magick, or any energy work, actually.

I've been working on it for a number of years, but nothing ever happens. lol. I'm ok with being a non-Force sensitive Jedi.

I've written my own book of shadows filled with information about herbs, incense, crystals, rituals, blessings, wood properties(for wands/staves), reiki, runes....it's currently 36 pages...

Left out is anything pertaining to deities as I don't see anyone or anything as superior or inferior to me...

Connor L. wrote: I've been working on it for a number of years, but nothing ever happens. lol. I'm ok with being a non-Force sensitive Jedi.

Well, certain forms of magic(k) don't require a noticeable connection to the Force or even belief to be effective. For some people, magic is primarily an exercise in learning to control (or map) the mind, working with psychological archetypes, or creating a link to the subconscious that allows more direct communication with parts of the brain that may be tougher to access via typical means. Magic can also be a creative outlet or a simple way to identify goals and clear pathways toward them.

When I first started practicing magic, I had very little connection or sensitivity to the Force. It wasn't until many years later that I found myself engaging with specific forms of magic that were compatible with the way I feel/think and this sensitivity became apparent. So maybe you haven't yet found magical techniques or philosophies that mesh well with who you are and how you see the universe?

RyuJin wrote: Left out is anything pertaining to deities as I don't see anyone or anything as superior or inferior to me...

Continuing with the idea that I suggested above, you could choose to see deities as projections of the Self - or as direct lines to parts of your mind that are generally inaccessible. I have worked with deities and created servitors in the past that were obviously representative of aspects of myself (psychological projections), and this process of interaction and intention in action can be used to your advantage if you don't see it as profane or intrinsically damaging.

I do tarot with a deck I'm really connected with although I haven't for some time. I've also done general energy/image readings on people when requested but I haven't done that for even longer lol. Mostly because it's an odd subject to bring up.... Seems like I only have myself to work with lately and my deck likes to tell me that I already know the answer It's much more forthcoming when reading for others.

I'm still doing more reading into Shamanism (thanks again Arcade!!) but I've adopted the general principles and done journeys for myself and once for another (I think what I’ve been reading is mostly neo-shamanism??? I’m not sure the exact name). Most of the time with absolutely fascinating results and sometimes very frustrating (I don't like hearing that my problems are my fault ) But the more I work with this, the more attached to the world and even more attached to animals and their spirits than I was before.

I've seen/sensed/smelled/spoken with ghosts/spirits since I was very young. Most of them were family or family friends and even personal protectors who weren’t human. Once I figure out what was going on I knew there was nothing to be afraid of.

I've worked with energy. Reclaiming my own, ridding myself of others', moving stagnant energy, claiming/clearing space. The last bit I've been doing quite a bit with the new house. And when I started moving things around, something doesn’t like it so I've been fighting it. I've never had direct confrontation before. The only thing I know about this is it’s a being that feeds on fear, seems to do everything it can to incite fear (including influencing dreams). And being someone who’s fearful to begin with, I’ve had to call in help which has also been very interesting.

I haven’t done a lot of research into them but I love the energy of stones. While I was deployed last, a friend sent me a medicine bag with some semi-precious stones (and a print-out of their meaning) and I’ve been carrying it around ever since. I’ve added a few meaningful things to it too. I also picked up a few small stones when I was at my last base just before I left from a new age shop. An uncut quartz crystal piece that I felt nearly vibrated in my hand, and a small, round yellowish stone that when looked at with the right angle of light, holds tiny brilliant flashes of light and a miniature rainbow (caught my eye out of a whole basket of stones). The store owner told me what it was but I can’t for the life of me remember what it is. But she told me it’s used to help contact spirits (how perfect!)

I also want to get into more incense work. I love the way smells can make me feel and I want to ultimately make some of my own stuff. Once finances settle down I want to order a white sage plant and some lavender. I had some seeds growing before I left but they didn’t survive the trip

Kamizu wrote: (I think what I’ve been reading is mostly neo-shamanism??? I’m not sure the exact name).

There are some that speak of this as "plastic shamanism" in a derogatory sense. I don't have a dog in that fight, as I see shamanic animism being roughly the same across all cultures, even if it isn't across all times, but I do understand why workers of the older ways could be upset by it, and I do feel a stronger connection/power comes from the more ancient paths.

Kamizu wrote: I've never had direct confrontation before.

Ping me on Facebook or something.

Kamizu wrote: I haven’t done a lot of research into them but I love the energy of stones.

Kamizu wrote: I also want to get into more incense work.

They are fantastic. Remind me and I'll send you a something.

steamboat28 wrote:

Kamizu wrote: (I think what I’ve been reading is mostly neo-shamanism??? I’m not sure the exact name).

There are some that speak of this as "plastic shamanism" in a derogatory sense. I don't have a dog in that fight, as I see shamanic animism being roughly the same across all cultures, even if it isn't across all times, but I do understand why workers of the older ways could be upset by it, and I do feel a stronger connection/power comes from the more ancient paths.

I definitely want to do more studying on some older and various paths (any books you can recommend?). I was reading some things Arcade sent my way and I think maybe 'core' shamanism is more what I'm doing right now? (Maybe 'neo' is the slang? haha :huh: ) No idea :laugh: I'm just kind of floating my way down this river here. Figured I'd check out the branches as I come to them

steamboat28 wrote:

Kamizu wrote: I've never had direct confrontation before.

Ping me on Facebook or something.

Kamizu wrote: I haven’t done a lot of research into them but I love the energy of stones.

Kamizu wrote: I also want to get into more incense work.

They are fantastic. Remind me and I'll send you a something.

will do!

I already use the "aspects of subconscious self" approach in regards to deities...in regards to spirits...I have a rather lengthy post about my experiences buried somewhere in the forums...recently. (about 6years ago) I discovered I have a degree of control over things in that vein...

RyuJin wrote: I already use the "aspects of subconscious self" approach in regards to deities...in regards to spirits...

I hope it didn't seem like I was suggesting that you weren't aware of this process (or that you didn't utilize it) in my last post. I was speaking generally.

I would love to hear more about this if/when you feel up to it. You are welcome to PM me anytime.

Kamizu wrote: I definitely want to do more studying on some older and various paths (any books you can recommend?). I was reading some things Arcade sent my way and I think maybe 'core' shamanism is more what I'm doing right now? (Maybe 'neo' is the slang? haha :huh: ) No idea :laugh: I'm just kind of floating my way down this river here. Figured I'd check out the branches as I come to them

"Core" shamanism is specifically what I was referring to earlier, as a lot of people got suuuuuuper offended that these completely disparate cultures with disparate (though vaguely similar) concepts and ideologies all got their animism lumped in together with actual shamans (i.e., the Mongolian style, where the word originated), with their term being slapped across every kind of animism but Shinto. I don't disagree with Michael Harner's distillation of animistic technique and ritual in The Way of the Shaman, but any time you lump wildly different groups of people together, I get twitchy.

Also note that " plastic shamanism " is a term that denotes exploitation, either by the "shamans" themselves, or the teachers/authors/etc. they learn from. It's not an across-the-board slur, by any means, but it has broadened slightly to include ignorant "shamans"-- something core shamanism is good at creating if its adherents don't do a little extra homework.

Also also...

...it's worth noting that "shaman" is a title that isn't taken lightly, or bestowed upon oneself. There are a scad of things that make a shaman, and those of us who haven't experienced them should remember that what we do is simply "shamanic"; a step on the same path as they walk.

RyuJin wrote: I already use the "aspects of subconscious self" approach in regards to deities...in regards to spirits...I have a rather lengthy post about my experiences buried somewhere in the forums...recently. (about 6years ago) I discovered I have a degree of control over things in that vein...

I'm always interested in other peoples' conception of deity, since my particular path has brought me a really, really weird mismatch of concepts into my worldview.

steamboat28 wrote: I don't disagree with Michael Harner's distillation of animistic technique and ritual in The Way of the Shaman, but any time you lump wildly different groups of people together, I get twitchy.

I'm not at odds with your thoughts and feelings on borrowing spiritual ideas from other cultures, but at the same time I am comfortable picking and choosing (re: former chaos magician). I think it's sad that in the case of shamanism people from cultures that traditionally employed shamans and shamanic techniques are hurt by the "appropriation" of their belief systems, though it is an undisputed reality that all forms of shamanism borrow heavily from previous shamanic traditions and (as you noted) shamanic animism is roughly the same across different cultures.

Because I have a tendency to use what works in my magical practices, I occasionally come across people who are upset about that fact. Generally, if I sit down with them and explain how important respect of cultures, people, and their individual practices is to me and that I comprehend the inner workings of particular customs and conventions, they relax quite a bit. I think, for the most part, people simply want their cultures and beliefs to be appreciated and understood.

That said, not everyone is respectful of the roots of their magical or spiritual practices, and that's unfortunate.

There is a marked difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. The latter keeps culture alive, and the former stomps it into the mud for a dollar.

Kamizu wrote: I also want to get into more incense work. I love the way smells can make me feel and I want to ultimately make some of my own stuff.

That sounds excellent. I sometimes feel I am missing out in this area because I have really bad reactions to incense. Find a jar of ghost peppers and inhale and you'll get a similar reaction. Sorry about your seeds.

Reading your post, what I love about you is that you're so creatively driven. People like you and Ryu inspire me to get my hands a little dirty, so to speak.

Whenever you feel like chatting, I'd be interested in hearing more about your experiences with stones, incense, and energy work, as well as your recent shamanic endeavors.

steamboat28 wrote: "Core" shamanism is specifically what I was referring to earlier, as a lot of people got suuuuuuper offended that these completely disparate cultures with disparate (though vaguely similar) concepts and ideologies all got their animism lumped in together with actual shamans (i.e., the Mongolian style, where the word originated), with their term being slapped across every kind of animism but Shinto. I don't disagree with Michael Harner's distillation of animistic technique and ritual in The Way of the Shaman, but any time you lump wildly different groups of people together, I get twitchy.

Also note that " plastic shamanism " is a term that denotes exploitation, either by the "shamans" themselves, or the teachers/authors/etc. they learn from. It's not an across-the-board slur, by any means, but it has broadened slightly to include ignorant "shamans"-- something core shamanism is good at creating if its adherents don't do a little extra homework.

Also also...

Code:

The person responsible for drafting this message was sacked.

...it's worth noting that "shaman" is a title that isn't taken lightly, or bestowed upon oneself. There are a scad of things that make a shaman, and those of us who haven't experienced them should remember that what we do is simply "shamanic"; a step on the same path as they walk.

That Plastic Shaman thing is scary. I'm not lookin' to lead or claim I can heal, it's mostly a tool for me and honestly it's not so far different than what I've been doing a lot of my life, just more focused and easer to hear now that I have direction (and lack of outside opposition)

I am not a Shaman nor will I ever be I asked my guide, because I was curious and wanted to feel special. He told me "No." I was quite disappointed at the time! But I read in one of the books that the title of Shaman was along the lines of Guru/Master. One that others award and not one that you give yourself. It was in one of the first books I read so I've always been very careful to avoid calling myself that...it gets awkward hahahahaha. So use to saying "I'm a Christian" that I have to work hard at restructuring my sentences hehe.

Perhaps "I am studying shamanic principals/ideals/practices" may be a better way to explain where I'm at at the moment By no means do I intend to cheapen the cultures that employ shamanism! Or any of the shamanic systems. Sorry if I came off that way. I'm still bumbling my way through things as I learn

Kamizu wrote: Sorry if I came off that way. I'm still bumbling my way through things as I learn

We all are. I wasn't trying to imply that you were, I just thought it was a good opportunity to expand on that line of thinking for the sake of the audience. The beauty of communication in a forum is that we can take opportunities like that to educate even those who aren't actively participating in the discussion by posting, but are still reading. We're all at different levels of learning here, so I thought it was a nice time to bring up that set of points, even though I know you well enough to know that they don't apply to you.

Thank you Cade for starting this thread! I have practiced a wide variety of systems from Ceremonial to Yoruba Voodoo (the darker kind). I find myself continually returning to Michael W. Ford's style of Luciferianism and Michelle Bellanger's work...

Zenchi wrote: Thank you Cade for starting this thread! I have practiced a wide variety of systems from Ceremonial to Yoruba Voodoo (the darker kind). I find myself continually returning to Michael W. Ford's style of Luciferianism and Michelle Bellanger's work...

No problem. And thanks for being comfortable enough to post about your own practices. I know we've talked a little about the systems that you work with in the past, but just to reiterate I find your path very intriguing.

I've never worked with West African Vodun traditions, but a few local practitioners show up at Haitian Vodou fets occasionally. The form that I work with (re: NOLA voodoo) is largely an American tradition that came out of Haiti, so much of the darker stuff that you mentioned was filtered out along the way. There is still an emphasis on the the balance of dark and light and an acceptance of those who work in the darker fringes, but (from what little I know of the tradition) Vodun can be 49 shades of grey darker, nej?

I've also read a couple of Michael W. Ford's books. Oh man, the editing, but I like his style of Luciferianism as well. When I am over on that end of the spectrum, I tend to reach for Koetting, Karlsson, and a few others in addition to Ford.

One of my friends in the vampire community met Michelle Belanger a few years ago and said she was awesome, but that she "has a mouth like a sailor." I remember really liking her Psychic Energy Codex book.

Yeah, if the members here haven't paid attention yet they're likely not to begin now. My being upfront here has been pretty therapeutic, now if only I can get someone to take confession, that'd be really sweet, lol...

Lol, it's a good thing I've never called myself "shaman"...even though I'm part cheyenne indian "shaman" or "medicine man" are titles I'd never lay claim to...at most I'd call myself a "sage" or more likely "hedge-rider"...if I had to...

In my much younger/darker days I studied darker stuff (voodoo dolls, etc) all in the interest of hurting those that could/would/did hurt me...considering the threefold law perhaps that is why I currently have such horrible runs of misfortune (all that bad karma balancing out)...

Confession? I think we have people capable of that...somewhere around here...

RyuJin wrote: In my much younger/darker days I studied darker stuff (voodoo dolls, etc) all in the interest of hurting those that could/would/did hurt me...considering the threefold law perhaps that is why I currently have such horrible runs of misfortune (all that bad karma balancing out)...

Ouch. Yeah. I can see how that might come back around.

Personally, I use what I refer to as 'dark path spirituality' to enhance my understanding and appreciation of the lighter side of spirit (I'm not fond of using the terms dark and light when describing magic or spirituality, but will use them here for clarity). For me, it has never been about hurting or cursing others. It's always been about acknowledging the darkness and intensifying the light.

That is not to say that one can't learn something from darker paths if they utilize them in the manner that you did, RyuJin. I simply wanted to emphasize that there are different ways of approaching that side of things.