Thoughts on Conjuring Spirits

Thoughts on Conjuring Spirits

Author: Crick 

When one incorporates Ceremonial magic into their practice they are in essence, engaging in the art of connecting with spirits. I personally believe that there is a misconception of such a practice in today’s society. There is the belief that such a pursuit is endorsed primarily by those who engage in Black Magic.

As an old school witch, I frequently engage denizens from the spirit world. I do this as a useful mode of understanding and enlightenment without the connotation of evil that has been embellished upon by Abrahamic religions and Hollywood studios. I personally don’t differentiate between White and Black magic.

Allow me to explain this viewpoint:

I see spirits, demons, divas and so forth as entities not of this material world. As such, I personally believe that they don’t fit into the moralistic views that humans strive to label them with. Such labels generally derive from man-made religions and are used to validate the precepts of such religions. I personally see religion as an anathema to the freedom of the mind and soul. And hence I see otherworldly entities as beings that have their own sense of awareness of being/reality that may or may not coincide with human concepts, much like a wild animal that has a different level of comprehension and awareness than a human.

This is not to say that humans will not incorporate such entities in an effort to arrive at results, which their fellow humans may view as evil or dark outcomes. But again, such results are based upon moral interpretations as they currently apply to society.

On the other side of the coin, if one accepts the premise that these beings are of their own level of awareness, then there is also the possibility that such beings/spirits will engage in activities that are detrimental to the practitioner/summoner of these beings. If I may use an analogy, it is like being in the shoes of a lion trainer; you prepare the best that you can and then take your chances.

As a further disclaimer of the moralistic aspects of summoning spirits, if one were to take a close look at ancient texts involving Ceremonial magic, one would see constant reminders and exhortations to meditate intensely on the undertaking at hand, and to make one’s desired goal known to the God that is utilized in such a process.

Adonai is the Hebrew name used in place of “YHWH” as a name for their concept of God and is the God that is frequently invoked during Ceremonial magic rites. There are four Grimoires I personally reference when seeking guidance on the preparation of summoning spirits (or demons or what have you) .

They are the Secretum secretorum (Secret of secrets) not to be confused with “Kitab al-asrar” (Book of Secrets) , which was written by Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi: The “Grimorium Verum“, or the “Most Approved Keys of Solomon” which was published by Alibeck the Egyptian in 1517 C.E, The “Grand Grimoire” and “The Constitution of Pope Honorius the Great.”

I use these references because I personally believe that preparation is of the utmost importance when connecting with otherworldly beings for whatever reason. I tend to substitute the Christian/Hebrew implications with my own insertions based upon my own interpretation of Deity, but I do follow the descriptions of talismans, symbols and such to the letter. The reason for this is that the summoning of spirits began centuries ago, long before my presence on this planet and such experience from learned folks is invaluable when engaging such a discipline. For instance, the Grimorium Verum contains 45 Talismans to be used in conjunction with the art of working with otherworldly beings. Within the Grimoires are tables, which contain certain periods of the day and night that are ruled by certain planets. These tables are invaluable when engaging otherworldly entities.

The “Key of Solomon the King“, states that the hours of Saturn, Mars and Venus are good for communion with spirits, the hour of the first named planet for invoking souls in Hell/Hades, and that of the second for those who have been slain in battle. Another example from the same Grimoire states that the best time to converse with spirits should be made in the day and hour of Mercury: that is the 1st or 8th, or the 15th or 22nd day.

In addition to these tables, there is information as to the proper method of purifying and consecrating, the type of tools to be used, how to properly cast a protective circle and many other topics which should be adhere to in detail. It cannot be stressed enough that such preparations are imperative in order to arrive at a desired goal when conjuring otherworldly beings. Short cuts can lead to deadly results for the practitioner.

In addition to the Grimoires previously mentioned, there are of course other Grimoires of equal importance. The practitioner must choose that which works in favor of the individual. For instance, if you follow the path of Vodou, then you are probably familiar with “Le Veritable Dragon Rouge” (“The True Red Dragon”) , which was discovered in the tomb of Solomon in 1750 C.E.

Another example is the Munich Manual of Demonic Magic that was written in the 15th. Century. Other examples are The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage also written in the 15th century, the 6th and 7th Books of Moses, published in 1849 C.E. The Heptameron (Seven Days) of Peter de Abano (1496 C.E) . The Libri Tres de Occulta Philosophia (Three Books of Occult Philosophy) by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa which was written 1531 C.E. and so forth.

In closing, no matter what source material you use to summon spirits, do not undertake such an endeavor as a matter of curiosity or approach such a discipline in a cavalier manner. There are no second chances and short cuts and/or mistakes carry a heavy penalty for you the practitioner…

Curses! And the Magical Mechanics Thereof…

Curses! And the Magical Mechanics Thereof…

Author: Treasach 

I’m not above quoting fantasy books myself if they say it well. “The most professional curse ever snarled or croaked or thundered can have no effect on a pure heart.” — The Last Unicorn. This is essentially true.

Curses work the same way other magic works. A Contact spell, for example, sends out feelers across the chaotic systems. A lot like a computer match up. If the potential person/s you are interested in meeting is also interested, as some of your energy is going along with it, you both work together to pull the chaos strings so that you will both meet up in an appropriate location and time for you to pursue an acquaintance. Rather like “your people” and “their people” calling a meeting. It is a two way street.

Curses are much the same. It is a two way street between the curser and cursed. The curser has decided that someone really need a kick in the ass for something, and sends out feelers. Their energies comes in contact, and if the ‘cursee’s’ own guilt, that is, their own inner Goddess of Vengeance, decides that they must be punished, both humans use that energy to create the curse effect. Rather like a karmic string tied around one’s finger to remind one of this guilt, which might not have remembered otherwise, or not gotten to it as quickly. Which is why someone must go to the trouble of cursing another in the first place, and why a curse has no effect on a pure heart. No self-need for punishment, no curse.

I believe we should most definitely treat others by the Golden Rule. There is indeed a version of that in every major tradition. But that’s almost entirely for our own benefit. We cannot become enlightened and self fulfilled without it. With neophytes terrified to practice spellcraft on their own without the aid of their ‘teacher’, the Three Fold or Karmic Laws has become an enslaving chain left over from our reClaiming days that should be abandoned as quickly as possible.

The 3 fold, ten fold, or even 11 ‘Law’ is a MYTH, told to keep newbies in line.

I’m sorry I’m breaking the conspiracy of some of the Adepts in disabusing you of this notion. There are many reasons for it, but I break from much of the crowd and teach like a heritage. I believe we must always and only discuss the true metaphysics of witchcraft to prove ourselves a mature spirituality and not a mystery cult.

Spewing the pat fluffy Threefold or Karmic Law is such an oversimplification of the complexity of the Universe that it is an obscenity to the dignity of seekers of Enlightenment and those who assist them. How does witchcraft compare as a viable path for those of intelligence and wisdom with such an obvious disprovable flaw as it’s main tenant? It’s deeply embarrassing for a spirituality of maturity and strength.

That doesn’t mean that the Universe doesn’t slap you if you choose to be an ass. You often do get what’s coming to you. But that is most definitely NOT the same performing so-called ‘black magic’ (which sounds abominably racist) and expecting to be punished for it.

Cursing, for example, is simply a form of dispensing justice where you believe it required, same as you would protect someone from getting beat up. You should get punished for NOT redressing a serious imbalance, in my opinion, same as you would for not getting stopping someone being physically victimized.

No. It’s simply that the ‘Rule’ or ‘Law’ or whatever that many teachers tell newbies when they are first starting out is merely fantasy. There are numerous reasons for this, but it is designed to scare them, control them, and ensure that they don’t go trying spellcraft on their own.

The truth is really much harder. The Universe does pay people back, but certainly not in such a lovely symmetry like three or any other number. It is ridiculous to assume that a quantitative quality can be put on someone trying to harm another, and take into account whether it was deliberate, or only slightly, or not at all, and ‘repay’ that back in some sort of mathematical formula. Like some suffering or blessing of mine can even compare to someone else’s in sensitivity, or life disruption, or level of joy, or some other feeling or quality in the first place.

If you are nasty to people, they will be nasty to you. Most times. Sometimes you can be nice to everyone, and you will be assassinated. Sometimes bad guys really do win. Totally and completely. The Universe is not so cut and dried as the ‘Law’ makes it out to be. It is not fair. And it certainly doesn’t balance. And even if it could, it is so vast that we would never be able to see it, with our limited shells.

But that’s where we come in, as Her representatives. We can see what’s in front of us and report back, so to speak, to draw Her attention to something that we would like to see remedied right now, and we specify a manner that we can comprehend. That’s one of the functions of spellcraft, particularly blessings, curses, and healings.

All people are intelligent and sensitive to some degree and deserve to be treated like seekers of truth and self-fulfillment. We do them and ourselves a great disservice when we do not teach the metaphysics and theology of witchcraft correctly from the start. In all it’s complexity.

My curses are extremely good. They can take up to two years to manifest, and they attack whatever it was that caused the person to be cursed in the first place. Completely. And, due to my style of asking the Goddess to take care of it Herself without my suggestions or too much interference, they manifest in a far more creative and complete manner than I ever could have imagined, exactly matching the infraction with the punishment. So I never worry about justice for infractions against me, though it would be nice to have the wisdom to avoid them in the first place…

And as aggressive as I am, curses come far more naturally than Blessings. Perhaps that’s where my real challenge lies…

Is There a Right Time to Curse?

Is There a Right Time to Curse?

Author: Sleeping Moon

First off, I want to get something straight that even pagans seem to misunderstand. Or have been misguided into believing. (Not all, mind you, but most.) Hexes are NOT curses! Hexes are painted signs posted on barns down in the south to promote positive influences over the property and those that live there.

Curses are quite different. From the Wikipedia (on-line dictionary) the definition is: A curse (also called execration) is any expressed wish that some form of adversity or misfortune will befall or attach to some other entity—one or more persons, a place, or an object. In particular, “curse” may refer to a wish that harm or hurt will be inflicted by any supernatural power, such as a spell, a prayer, an imprecation, an execration, magic, witchcraft, a god, a natural force, or a spirit. In many belief systems, the curse itself (or accompanying ritual) is considered to have some causative force in the result.

They claim that a curse holds no power unless the recipient believes in it. I don’t believe that’s necessarily true. A curse has merit no matter what. It’s a solid form of magick just as a spell is. It has its purpose and has a place. They exist for a reason and if used correctly, they can be a force of nature to be reckoned with.

There are a few pagans who have called a dark deity as their matron/patron. Kali, The Morrigan, Calliach, Hecate, Badb, Skatha, Nemisis, Morgana, Innana and Lilith, Hades, Anubis, Setesh, Hoder, just to name a few.

What’s the difference with calling one of these dark deities and a curse? There are many forms of magic to use in calling forth the dark deities, but all in all, the dark deities are: Dark. You wouldn’t call on Kali or The Morrigan to cast a love spell. They are more for revenge and war than love and laughter.

In the beginning I would never have even thought about cursing any one. For any reason whatsoever. Many years later, my logic has changed.

I feel that there is a time to curse and a time to use another approach. If harm befell upon your loved one, for example if he/she was raped, shot, or killed, (these being the more serious offenses) , I can agree that a curse is more of an appropriate form of magick than to send that person ‘peace and love’. The damage has been done and is irrevocable so in my opinion, a curse is warranted and justifiable. Surrounding yourself with protection and that loved one (whether living or not) is always a positive take, but you would want to see that person get the justice he/she deserves. Right? You wouldn’t want that person to be able to harm other folk, right? You’d do every thing with in your capable means (with in the law) to get what they deserve.
So why not a curse?

I understand that Wiccans, the traditional ones, wouldn’t condone such a notion because of the three-fold law. But, as I stated beforehand, the damage HAS been done, so there is no further harm. Every thing in life has a good and bad side to it, just as it does in magick. No matter what we do in magick, we are taking something from some one else. That extra energy we use to cast a spell could be used for some one fighting a serious illness. In the air we breathe, we are taking that air from some one else. We use a candle to focus. We use that source of light from some one that may need it during a power outage or in a third world country that has no power what so ever. The list could go on and on. It’s a nice rule, but it’s an oxy moron. It doesn’t fit. Not technically.
Of course I would never agree to a curse just because I didn’t like some one. The damage that would warrant a curse from me would have to be severe.

Curses have a long history. It dates back to ancient Egyptian times. Probably dates back to the cave men, but for theory’s use, I will stick to then.

In Haiti, curses are called getting “crossed”. In Voodoo it’s called a jinx as well as a form of foot track magic. The “evil eye” is thought to stem from the Middle Eastern and the Mediterranean areas.

In Greece they are called katadesmoi and in Rome, tabulae defixiones. In Ireland there are many known forms of curses such as curse stones or egg curses, New Year curses and milk curses. Chinese peoples have them. The Indonesians, the Indians (not with the feather!) the Europeans, the Brits and the Scottish people have curses in their history. Even Native Americans.

The Native American people of the southern plains called these types of witches Skin Walkers. Skin Walkers where as nasty as one witch or wizard could possible get with the use of black magick. These beings are supposed to be able to extract revenge upon the help less victim by placing an animal skin over their human bodies and thus shape shifting into the form of that animal. While in the guise of the animal they choose, they can wreck havoc upon the poor soul they choose to victimize.

Even in the bible there are curses hidden within. God himself placed a curse upon the snake “You are cursed more than all cattle”, (Genesis 3:14) . As a result of Adam and Eve disobeying God, the ground is also cursed: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.” (3:17) . Cain is cursed from the earth, “So now you are cursed from the earth”, (4:11) . In the New Testament Paul sees curses as central to the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion. In Galatians 3:13 he says: “Christ redeems us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…”. He refers to Deuteronomy: ” anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” (21:23 RAEDM)

So if even God himself used them, they are credited aren’t they? Why can’t we use them if the damage has been done?

I wish the world were all frilly and white. But, it’s not. There are lines of grey that border on crossing over to black; there are lines of grey that border on crossing over to the lines of white. That’s the way life works. It’s the way Nature lives and the way humans are bred. Nature is neither cruel nor loving, it just is. And magick is the same, in my book.

Again, if the damage has been done, why can’t a curse be warranted?

The Nature of Black and White Magick

The Nature of Black and White Magick

Author: Gentle Deer Lion Tamer

Let me begin with the premise that all magickal operation is identical. The energy used in “Black Magic” is the exact same energy used in “White Magic”. It is not the kind of energy or the source of the energy used that separates one form of magick from another, but rather, it is the intent (the specified outcome) of the magick as programmed by the practitioner that determines the black or white aspect of the magick.

These five steps include; desire, intent, alignment, ritual and expectation. Intent is the steering wheel of the magickal operation. It is the aspect of the magickal operation that actually “programs” or dictates how the expected outcome of the magick will come into manifestation, exactly what the magick is to do, the manner in which it will be accomplished (if required), and what is to transpire at the completion of the magick (how the energy used in the magick will be dissipated at the conclusion of the work).

So, lets look at the difference between “Black” and “White” magick.

In this world, my disincarnate mentors told me, there are Two Great Laws of Interaction. These Two Great Laws constitute the basis by which we can easily discern “Black Magic” from “White Magick”, and the corresponding creation of “karma” (the eternal negative consequences of our mortal behavior) when eternal laws are broken. The Two Great Laws state:

1. You shall not deliberately, maliciously, with forethought and intent, injure another on any level or plane of mortal association – mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This law also includes murder.

2. You shall not deliberately, maliciously, with forethought and intent, deprive another of their “free agency” (the right and ability to make decisions relating to the path and destiny of one’s life).

Although you may at times do things, which inadvertently violate one of these laws, the lack of deliberation, malice, and intent negates the karmic aspect. In the case of inadvertent violations, this is called “experience”. We are all here to experience life and its associated trials and difficulties, most of which we either bring upon someone or ourselves creates for us. That’s just part of life, and necessary to our growth and evolution.

Only when the specified conditions of deliberate, malicious intent with forethought stated in the Two Great Laws is violated have we crossed the line, and eternal consequences and retribution are mandated.

There are, of course, always natural consequences to the decisions that we make. That again is part of our mortal learning process, but natural consequences do not have eternal ramifications. Natural consequences are contained within this mortal experience and are here to teach us the lessons inherent in mortality.

When we pass beyond the bounds of this lifetime, we take the knowledge and wisdom of our experiences with us, and hopefully, leave the highly charged emotional aspects of the experience behind. It is, however, this highly charged emotional aspect of the experience that imprints the experience within our memory and makes it a lasting part of our life.

Using the Two Great Laws as our guide, can we say that “White Magic” is any magickal operation that does not violate either of the Two Great Laws and that “Black Magic” is any magickal operation that does violate either of the Two Great Laws? Simply put, yes. However, let’s look at this further.

In Central and South America, there are three broad categories of sorcerers. These three broad categories broken down into their individual components may make our study much easier. The first category is called “curandera” or “curandero”, depending on the gender, and means “curer” (healer). This is an individual trained in healing and other magickal operations frequently referred to as “white magick”.

The second category is that of “bruja” or “brujo”. This is someone known to practice the “black arts”, or what is perceived as the negative use of magick. This sorcerer is usually widely known and feared. He/she specializes in death, disease and misfortune. In some areas of the world, and within certain cultures, this practice can be very widespread.

The final category is that of “shaman”. A shaman is essentially a bridge between the “currandera” and the “bruja”. The shaman is equally versed in the white and black arts, and understands that the basis of all magickal operation is identical. It is the practitioner that determines the course and outcome of his/her work.

The shaman knows that greatest source of available power for magickal operation resides in the dark side of human nature. Like the “bruja”, the shaman has walked the deep, dark depths of his/her soul and has confronted his/her own demons. His/her reality has been systematically destroyed and rebuilt upon an entirely different foundation.

The shaman knows that balance is the key to power and magick, and that balance requires that the shaman be able to walk equally as far into the darkness as into the light. The shaman, unlike the curandera or the bruja, is willing to cross the line between black and white, at will, without reservation or hesitation to keep the balance. Like the “Heyoka” of Oglala (what most non-Native Americans refer to as the Sioux Indians) tradition, the shaman is the sliding balance of power on the scale of Light and Dark.

CASE STUDY

Many years ago I had a friend who had a “VooDoo” doll brought to her to be destroyed. The doll was found in a drawer buried under a pile of towels in the beauty parlor of a young woman recently and suddenly deceased. The relatives, unaware of the nature of the doll, thought it was strangely unique and grotesquely fascinating, and took it home, where it found its new home on the nightstand next to the master bed.

As the story was related to me, over the next several months, the husband suffered a heart attack, the family was involved in multiple automobile accidents, and the general atmosphere of the home and the owners’ lives had taken a very dark and dismal turn. The couple finally traced the origin of their disasters back to about the time the doll was brought home. The doll was then passed to another relative with equally dismal results. And so it went until it was finally brought to my friend to be disempowered and destroyed.

This may be a classic case of “black magick”, in that it may constitute the misuse of negative magickal power, or there may be circumstances in the lives of the victims and the perpetrator of which we are unaware. Either way, it will serve as an excellent case study for our purposes. Two things are very apparent about the creator of this doll.

The first is that whoever created and empowered this doll was ready, willing and able to do so with deadly precision. The second is that the Creator of this doll either intended to hurt as many people as possible, perhaps as an act of terrorism, or this was very sloppy workmanship in the doll’s programming, because at the conclusion of its mission, presumably to kill the beauty salon owner, the doll was not programmed to realize its work was accomplished and dissipate the energy. It continued to exercise its program on anyone who unwittingly came into its presence.

No Master Sorcerer would leave such a blatant error. This was either a deliberate act of uncontained terrorism or the work of a proficient but sloppy sorcerer.

Magick is an art. Like the great masters of any field, every Master Sorcerer has an identifiable signature on his work. Meticulous workmanship is the hallmark of a Master, and his signature commands respect. One does not have to be a Master Sorcerer to practice magick, however, anyone who does must be prepared for the consequences of their creations.

So, is every use of magick to produce death, disease, or misfortune an act of “Black Magick”? Absolutely not! In our society, is every homicide a murder? Absolutely not!

One of the prime functions of the negative use of magick in primitive settings was the use of death, disease and misfortune directed against hostile neighbors and invaders as an accepted means of self-defense. Does the use of negative magick for self-defense purposes appear to violate the Two Great Laws? Yes, there is malice, forethought and intent to kill, injure or otherwise incapacitate another.

Malice is defined as the desire to harm another. Forethought is defined as “deliberate, with planning before hand”. And intent is defined as the aim or the goal of one’s actions. However, this is where the difference lies.

When someone comes against us, as the aggressor, with intent to harm, kill, or take away our free agency, they have broken the Law and we have every right to use any means at or disposal, including magick, to defend ourselves and all that is within the bounds of our stewardship, as long as we are not the aggressors.

Therefore, we can now see that the use of lethal magick does not necessarily constitute “black magic”.

By process of elimination, we can now define “black magic” as the unprovoked, aggressive use of negative magick. Negative magick can be defined as any act of magick that violates one or both of the Two Great Laws, the result of which will incur karmic debt. I believe this to be the best definition of “black magick” that I am aware of, taking into consideration all the possible complexities and ramifications.

So why would anyone want to practice black magick?

As a universal aspect of human nature, greed and power seem to rule the list of mortal weaknesses. The strong dominate the weak, bringing them into physical or psychological bondage, forcing their allegiance and cooperation to whatever end is desired.

To accomplish this, there does not seem to be any greater instrument of bondage than the fear generated from the use or apparent use of the supernatural, and thus, magick.

One of the most powerful lessons I learned in my studies with Medicine people among Native Americans is that it does not matter what reality may truly be. If the people believe it is real or they can be convinced that it is real, it is real. Again, our individual illusion of reality prevails.

So, to the medicine people, sorcerers, shamans and witches of the world, illusion is everything. This is not to negate what they truly are capable of.

Many of you will remember the highly successful psychic surgeon in the Philippines, who, when subjected to Western scrutiny, was found to be using chicken fat and raw meat in place of human malignant tumors. But to his patients, convinced of his skill and supernatural ability, this surgeon had a successful recovery rate second to none. Why? Because he successfully altered his patients’ illusion of reality about their medical condition so completely that the fabric of reality was altered in conformity to the patients’ belief.

Let me repeat that one more time; HE SUCCESSFULLY ALTERED HIS PATIENTS’ ILLUSION OF REALITY ABOUT THEIR MEDICAL CONDITION SO COMPLETELY THAT THE FABRIC OF REALITY WAS ALTERED IN CONFORMITY TO THE PATIENTS’ BELIEF.

Believe it or not, there it is. Your illusion of reality is your reality, and your illusion of reality, when coupled with consistent belief and strong emotion, can alter the fabric of reality. How did we originally define magick? The ability of a mortal human to alter the fabric of reality in conformity with and in proportion to will and intent. I had a great deal to learn while working with Chief Two Trees in North Carolina, when I failed to truly grasp the power of a person’s belief system to change reality. Fortunately for me, I stayed on came away wiser than most.

THOUGHT FORMS, POPPETS AND BRAINWASHING

Now that we have finally defined “black magic”, how does it work?

Method Number One: Some forms of black magic are nothing more than an effective form of brainwashing. For instance, I, being the powerful sorcerer, instill within your illusion of reality that, should you ever disobey my rules, you will immediately be struck blind. If I, like the psychic surgeon, can create such a total belief, and you knowing break one of my rules, the mental and psychological stress of that knowledge can and will produce the desired effect.

However, it is your reaction to my suggestion that caused the blindness, not any direct action on my part. This is the power of the voodoo death curse – whether someone has actually had the death chant sung on him or her, or whether a person just believes it is so, the end result is usually the same.

Method Number Two: This method actually requires the sorcerer to perform magick and is usually used in situations where insufficient time or contact prevents brainwashing. This method requires the creation of a manifest thought form. In other words, the sorcerer stirs himself/herself into a frenzy of anger and hatred, and then focuses that power into the creation of an etheric being of the same nature.

Once the manifest thought form takes shape, it is programmed with the exact specifications of the magickal operation. This includes whom to strike, how to strike, what to strike with, and at the completion of the magickal operation, the manner in which the manifest thought form would be returned to its former state. In my experience, the programming is primarily accomplished through emotionally charged visualization. Once all the preparations are complete, and only then, the manifest thought form is sent on its way.

It is at this point that a master sorcerer will initiate additional magickal work to protect himself/herself from the possibility that the entity might somehow be returned to its creator to execute its malicious task there. When every possibility and contingency have been accounted for and covered, the sorcerer bides his time, possibly continuing to fuel the fire as required.

Method Number Three: This is basically the same as Method Number Two, except that the manifest thought form is projected into a physical object, any physical object. In the case of our earlier study, the physical object is a grotesque doll, most probably a doll whose image is used each time this individual’s magic is performed, such that, this doll is the “business card” of this sorcerer.

The next step in this process is to plant this physical object inconspicuously in the immediate presence of the victim. This aspect of physical presence in the victim’s immediate proximity is based on the belief that the physical object can more effectively hold and retain the focus of the power right under the victim’s nose, all the while, executing its program.

The individual who practices “black magick”, bringing pain and misfortune to others, is every bit as cold, calculating and eminently capable as any “hit man”. These individuals are feared and respected wherever they work, for very good reason. The use or threat of black magic against you or anyone you know is not a threat to be taken lightly. But these individuals are not infallible or immune to their own magick.

I am personally aware of one individual who became the victim of his own evil deeds. Should you ever believe yourself or another to be the intended victim of black magic, history has shown that your disbelief in their “religion”, “black magic” or the sorcerer’s individual capabilities will not shield you from the intended effects.

History has also shown that your particular religious association, beliefs, or faithfulness will not protect you. These misconceptions actually add to the effectiveness of the sorcerers work. By virtue of your false sense of immunity, and the elapsed time it takes to realize your error, the effects may already be working.

Black magick is very much like cancer. If you contracted cancer, disbelief in the cancer will not save your life, neither will your religious associations, beliefs, or faithfulness. It has been my experience that the actual victims of black magick usually have some knowledge that a potentially hostile situation exists, that the opposition may escalate the confrontation, and that by tradition or desperation they may resort to unorthodox measures.

Awareness is the key to survival in this life. Awareness is the key to dealing with black magic. You must arm yourself with all the knowledge possible and seek immediate expert assistance. Like cancer, time and expert help are critical. People just don’t want to believe or accept that they have cancer, so frequently by the time they take action, it is too late.

I do not personally practice black magic, although, I will not hesitate to meet force with force. I have, however, been called upon many times over the past ten years to assist others who have become the target of etheric terrorism and black magic. I sincerely hope that the information presented here was both understandable as well as useful.

Love and Blessings,

Dale

Gentle Deer Lion Tamer

_______________________________

Footnotes:
Magick, White and Black Magick

Astronomy Picture of the Day – LDN 988 and Friends

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2015 September 24

  LDN 988 and Friends
Image Credit & Copyright: Rafael Rodríguez Morales

 

 

Explanation: Stars are forming in dark, dusty molecular cloud LDN 988. Seen near picture center some 2,000 light-years distant, LDN 988 and other nearby dark nebulae were cataloged by Beverly T. Lynds in 1962 using Palomar Observatory Sky Survey plates. Narrowband and near-infrared explorations of the dark nebula reveal energetic shocks and outflows light-years across associated with dozens of newborn stars. But in this sharp optical telescopic view, the irregular outlines of LDN 988 and friends look like dancing stick figures eclipsing the rich starfields of the constellation Cygnus. From dark sites the region can be identified by eye alone. It’s part of the Great Rift of dark clouds along the plane of the Milky Way galaxy known as the Northern Coalsack.

Scanning the Planets: Sun in Libra, September 23

Sun in Libra

Your cosmic guide to life with the Sun in Libra

Tarotcom Staff

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

Your Daily Influences for September 24th

Your Daily Influences
September 24, 2015

 

 

Page of Pentacles
Introversion. A healthy admiration for new ideas and scholarly pursuits. Reflective. Good management and organizational skills. A bearer of good tidings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Othala
Othala represents a solid, immovable home, prosperity and safety. Good fortune based on your heritage and character is yours to enjoy.

 

 

 

The Swastika
Over the next weeks and months this aspect should be one that requires little effort on your part to keep things moving forward. This is one of the few charms that has the same meaning upright or inverted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Influences represent events and challenges the current day will present for you. They may represent opportunities you should be ready to seize. Or they may forewarn you of problems you may be able to avoid or lessen. Generally it is best to use them as tips to help you manage your day and nothing more.

 

Your Witches Rune For Thursday, September 24 is Woman

Today’s Witches Rune

Woman

Meaning: The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy… all can be symbolized by the appearance of this rune.

In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness, a patronizing attitude or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.

The Woman rune is connected to nurturing – nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.

Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project – the initial stages of creation – the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.

In relationship readings, this rune isn’t bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.

 

 

Source:

Your Spiritual Journey Australia

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for September 24th is Fortune

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

Fortune



Fortune represents that aspect of life that is directed by forces and events we may not understand or even be aware of. In short, Fortune deals with chance—those occurrences that manage to alter even the most structured of lives, usurp man’s “best laid plans.” While the effects of Fortune are unpredictable, the outcome is always change; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Our path through life is never a ride down a perfectly straight highway. Sometimes we may even experience hairpin turns or complete reversals of direction. Fortune is strong reminder that despite our plans, the Universe has its own agenda from which we cannot escape participation.

Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Sept. 24th: 30: Clinging Like Fire

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Your Daily I Ching Hexagram for Today

from the Experts at Tarot.com

______________________________________

30: Clinging Like Fire

 

hexagram09

Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the human world, emotional attachment results from everything that radiates light or warmth is dependent upon something else. Through these dependencies we can see that all things are related, each thing to the other. Awareness of your own dependency on others is the key that unlocks the door to your true place in the world. No woman is an island.

Fire is also a symbol of liberation — sending out crackling molecules that fly away from home. Paradoxically, by clinging to what is balanced and true, we gain inner freedom.

Given perseverance on your part, this hexagram indicates success. In spite of challenges, cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in what is right. When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that has been and is yet to be. Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light and love within you.

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Sept. 24th

Casting the Stones, Your Past, Present & Future Reading for Today

 

bw-naudhizThe Past
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

 

bw-wunjoThe Present
Wunjo

Wunjo denotes joy and shared bliss. It may also represent a job well done and the satisfaction one feels from completing such a task. Wunjo brings good fortune and harmony.

 

The Future
Othala

Othala reversed represents chaos and homelessness—a general lack of roots. Now is a time for you to take care of that which you have, so as not to lose it.

Your Rune For Thursday, Sept. 24th is Berkano

bw-berkano

bw-berkanoYour Rune For Today
Berkano

Berkano is the Rune of birth and rebirth. This may symbolize a time when you are capable of great personal growth. Love may be in the air as well.

Additional information about Today’s Rune, Berkano

 

berkana: birch

Phonetic equivalent: b
DIVINATORY MEANINGS: fertility, health, new beginnings, growth, conception, plenty, clearance

MAGICAL USES: healing (especially infections), achieving conception, making a fresh start

ASSOCIATED MYTHS & DEITIES: Frigg, Idunna

 

ANALYSIS: The birch is fundamentally a symbol of fertility. There are numerous instances in European folk tradition where birch twigs are to bring prosperity and encourage conception. They were fixed above a sweetheart’s door on May Day in Cheshire, England, and were placed in stables and houses to promote fertility. On the continent, young men, women and cattle were struck with birch twigs for this same purpose, and young boys would be sent out to “beat the bounds of the parish” with branches of birch to prosperity in the coming year. Witches were said to ride broomsticks made from birch, an image which probably originated with fertility rituals where dancers would ‘ride’ brooms through the fields, the height of their jumping indicating how high the grain should grow.

 

If teiwaz is the fundamental male mystery, then berkana certainly belongs to the women, for it represents the path of the mother, the healer and the midwife, bringing new life after death just as the birch puts out the first leaves after winter. While Tyr’s wound is acquired through his encounter with death, berkana’s wound is that of menstruation, and her ordeal is that of childbirth. The birch is abundant and all providing, and heals through nourishment, cleansing and empathy.

 

Courtesy of:
The Runic Journey (PDF)
By Jennifer Smith

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card for Sept. 24th is The Sun

Your Personal Daily Tarot Card

The Sun



Only The World card of the Tarot can match the blessings that come with The Sun. While it certainly doesn’t promise a life’s path without some bumps in the road, The Sun indicates all will be well. The Sun is our Cosmic Nurturer. Life flourishes under its radiant beams. It provides the illumination to find Truths and lights one’s path so they do not get lost. To stand in the rays of The Sun is to shine. To absorb its energy promotes growth, exceptional physical and mental health, and good fortune. The Sun is empowering, elevating and fills those who bask in it with confidence and sense of self-worth.

Get A Jump on Tomorrow, Your Horoscopes for Friday, September 25th

Get A Jump on Tomorrow….

Your Horoscopes for Friday, September 25th

by Rick Levine

 

General Horoscope
We have our work cut out for us on this first day of energetic Mars’ seven-week visit to efficient Virgo. But it may feel as if we’re stuck in a holding pattern without a safe place to hide as assertive Mars squares restrictive Saturn. It’s crucial to express our truth cautiously and gently, without blaming anyone in the process. Meanwhile, the Moon’s shift into compassionate Pisces at 3:43 pm EDT hyper-sensitizes us to the actions of others.

 

Aries Horoscope Mar 21 – Apr 19
It’s an exercise in futility to start anything new today, especially if you’re worrying about the criticism you might receive. You may wonder if it’s too late to make your move, but there’s nothing to be gained by wallowing in self-doubt now. Be grateful for small accomplishments, even if they don’t meet your expectations. Luckily, you can pick up the speed in a day or two after impatient Mars is free from Saturn’s choking restraints. In the meantime, channeling your excess energy into some form of strenuous physical activity is one of the healthier ways to manage your current dissatisfaction. Sweat more, whine less.

 

Taurus Horoscope Apr 20 – May 20
You may be completely convinced that you need to set aside your individual desires to manage a heavy load of responsibilities at work now that go-getter Mars squares off with taskmaster Saturn. But instead of putting your emotions in a box and closing the door to your heart, establish healthy priorities that honor both your personal and professional goals. You know what they say about all work and no play, so make room for fun whenever you get the chance.

 

Gemini Horoscope May 21 – Jun 20
Relationship concerns gobble up your bandwidth today, leaving little time for anything else. It doesn’t really matter how lofty your career-related goals are now, you can’t focus on them with a clear head until you handle the more pressing personal issues. Thankfully, you don’t have to jump through outrageous hoops to demonstrate your commitment. Just show up with an open mind and a vulnerable heart. If you remember to speak less and listen more, you might be pleased with how much ground you can cover.

 

Cancer Horoscope Jun 21 – Jul 22
You are being asked to reevaluate your objectives at work because your previous assumptions may have wandered off track somewhere along the way. But instead of scrambling to create a new game plan, reassess the situation and be certain that all the loose ends are tied up before deciding on your next step. It’s more important to prove your competence now than it is to reach for the brass ring. A methodical approach today minimizes unnecessary trouble tomorrow.

 

Leo Horoscope Jul 23 – Aug 22
An emotional complication ripples its way to the surface in a relationship today, leaving you disheartened and wondering what to do next. Nevertheless, you’re hesitant to reveal what’s really on your mind. Even if someone attempts to manipulate your actions, they can’t change how you react. Unfortunately, doing whatever is demanded of you while hiding your true feelings could create an undertow of resentment. Honor your own heart by facing your resistance now and telling the truth. Transparency is your friend.

 

Virgo Horoscope Aug 23 – Sep 22
Your best efforts on the job may be thwarted now, no matter how diligently you work at overcoming the obstacles. You have plenty of stamina while warrior Mars is empowering your practical sign. But it feels so much like you’re rolling boulders up a steep hill today that you wonder if it’s worth all the stress. However, it’s necessary to keep trying since you know better than anyone that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Your high standards and admirable tenacity make for an unbeatable combination.

 

Libra Horoscope Sep 23 – Oct 22
If your resources are stretched too thin today, your only logical answer is to cut back on your extraneous commitments. But don’t waste energy complaining about the scarcity of time and money or your coworkers might grow annoyed with your negativity. Instead, roll up your sleeves and demonstrate your clever ingenuity by finding a way to improve your situation. Once you consciously shift your focus in a positive direction, others will do the same. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised at how the universe steps in to help those who are busy helping themselves.

 

Scorpio Horoscope Oct 23 – Nov 21
Your friends and relatives might not be the most enthusiastic of cheerleaders now when it comes to supporting your work. Nevertheless, it’s still helpful to recognize you have allies on your side, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the present moment. Rather than attempting to convince others to join your cause today, release them from any expectations and manage things on your own. This way if someone chooses to offer assistance, you can rest assured it will be a true act of generosity instead of a false pretense that originates from a sense of obligation. One real friend in the hand is worth many in the bush.

 

Sagittarius Horoscope Nov 22 – Dec 21
Your best intentions are being stymied today and nothing you do seems to fix the situation. The current dynamics at work could push your buttons and test your resolve to get things done. Don’t let your anger hijack the day; losing your temper only makes matters worse. Sharing your feelings in a calm and rational manner is a more constructive approach. Luckily, you’ll have a chance to air your grievances soon enough. In the meantime, act for the good of all instead of trying to even the score.

 

Capricorn Horoscope Dec 22 – Jan 19
Stick to your schedule today or it could fall apart like a house of cards tumbling in front of your eyes. You may be tempted to walk away from all your responsibilities, but avoidance is not in your best interest. Planning ahead is always a good idea, but first you must acknowledge everything could take longer to finish than you expect. Adding extra time between activities allows you to work at a consistent pace without worrying that you’ll lose control of your day. Your determination to stay on point earns you respect and admiration. Proving your competence to others is one thing but satisfying your own expectations is entirely something else.

 

Aquarius Horoscope Jan 20 – Feb 18
You may feel a bit lost today as the reality of reaching your goals slips out of your grasp. However, don’t write yourself off too quickly because the game isn’t over yet. There’s no time to linger in the land of discouragement now, even if your recent efforts didn’t manifest your desired results. Prematurely admitting failure could stand between you and the success that is just around the next corner. Be persistent and continue to work for what you want; striving for excellence lets the rest of the world know you mean business.

 

Pisces Horoscope Feb 19 – Mar 20
Achieving your goals is an impossible dream today if they are solely built upon your vivid fantasies. Something has to give because you might not be able to keep up with your own ambitious aspirations, no matter how many tricks you have up your sleeve. It’s smarter to scale back your hopes now than waiting until everything crashes down around your feet. Formulating a strategic action plan based on reality and not your imagination allows you to create a healthy balance in your life.

 

@Tarot.com is a Daily Insight Group Site

If You Were Born Today, September 24

happy-birthday-cake

If You Were Born Today, September 24

 

 

Your goal is to find harmony and peace, as an organized, smooth-flowing existence is especially appealing to you. However, you seem to stir up controversy and opposition. Look within for contradictions if ups and downs are bothering you. Be careful not to give up your power in order to keep the peace, or you could find yourself resentful, irritable, and mischievous! Your heart is big and you are truly curious about how things work. At your best, you are compassionate and giving. At your worst, you may be somewhat controlling! You tend to stick things out in your relationships. Famous people born today: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jim Henson, Linda McCartney, Phil Hartman, Brad Bird, Jessica Lucas.

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, September 24th

 

 

 

 

Your Daily Horoscopes for Thursday, September 24th

 

Aries

Aries Horoscope
Aries

There is a tendency to become taken or even obsessed with an idea, line of thought, or problem today, dear Aries, with Mercury square stationing Pluto. This certainly be used constructively to solve an ongoing problem, but could be the source of conflict otherwise. Try to find the middle ground between defense and offense in conversations today. Emphasis now should be on how to get over those things that you’ve been obsessing over and getting nowhere with. Try your best to get over attitudes or thought patterns that are too negative to do you any good. A problem that surfaced two weeks ago could now require a second look. Slow-moving Pluto retrogrades for several months every year, and it is now ending its retrograde period. Career, financial, and intimacy matters begin to move forward or “unblock” over the next weeks and months. Even so, this can be an intense time for happenings in your career and your personal life. Extremes of feeling are likely as the shift occurs. Going forward, good energy is with you for making necessary changes in relationships with a parent or boss. If there is a negative attitude or bad habit that you need to kick, this is the time to do so.

Taurus

Taurus

There can be some mental tension today, dear Taurus, but if you harness the energy you may be able to think up solutions to ongoing problems. Avoid obsessive thinking if it begins to feel self-destructive as much as possible, and you’ll feel more in sync with your intuition. Slow-moving Pluto retrogrades for several months every year, and it is now ending its retrograde period. Problems with a partner or close friend that have been brewing under the surface of things, or put on a shelf, are beginning to make themselves known. You begin to want to handle things, and no longer fall back on quick fixes for problems. While the shift occurs today and tomorrow, people may be more emotionally reactive and possibly quick on the trigger. However, going forward, you’ll be clearer on how a relationship stands, and travel, educational, legal, and promotional matters might also straighten out. Faith in a system or conviction for a particular belief could return, and your desire to explore the world increases with Pluto’s change in direction.

Gemini

Gemini

There can be some intensity to the day, dear Gemini, particularly on a mental level. A problem can re-emerge today, and you could be encountering the darker side of others close to you, and possibly of yourself. Avoid defensiveness in conversations now. Your judgment may be a little off or extreme regarding financial and love matters. Protect cherished relationships from needless harsh words and misunderstandings. Positively, this can be a time to really get to the heart of a matter or to fix areas that leave you feeling vulnerable. Slow-moving Pluto retrogrades for several months every year, and is now turning direct. Unrest that you’ve been feeling in past months is coming to a point of resolution. This week, you begin to feel more confident about the changes that have been made, particularly in your work, daily habits, health, intimate relationships, and finances. This is a strong time for identifying unnecessary elements in your routine or in your own attitudes, making it easier to streamline. You may be actively researching something today, and you can really apply yourself with focus and dedication, but do watch for taking something to an extreme.

Cancer

Cancer

This can be a day when mental energy is intense, dear Cancer, with retrograde Mercury in difficult aspect with stationing Pluto. A problem can re-emerge and can involve tricky power dynamics with others, particularly a partner or family member. There can be concerns or worries that weigh heavily on your mind. Centering yourself is important today, because if you do, you can take advantage of special insights and intuition into new or improved work methods. Now and in the coming weeks, more clarity comes to your love relationships and partnerships with Pluto turning direct after months of retrograde motion. You begin to pursue your hobbies, pleasurable pastimes, partnerships, and romance with more energy and enthusiasm. Today, there can be some tendency to think in extremes. Try not to make decisions based only on perceptions of the day.

Leo

Leo

The atmosphere around communications can be charged today, dear Leo. You could be feeling the pressure of deadlines or schedules, or there may be problems seeing eye to eye with people you deal with today. A problem that you thought was resolved could re-emerge now. Information can come to you that could have you questioning who and what to believe, feeling pressured, or activating some of your fears. This week brings truly exciting insights into how you can better manage your domestic life and work with Pluto moving direct again as it does every year after its retrograde period. Motivation to pursue a new or previously shelved health program can return. You are feeling on the ball and ready to rise to any challenge. You quickly realize that there are plenty of details that need attention. Nevertheless, today and tomorrow with the shift occurring, thinking can be in extremes.

Virgo

Virgo Symbol/Glyph
Virgo

There could be some mental tension today, dear Virgo, if a problem re-emerges and concerns you. This may be related to a financial or creative matter. Avoid obsessive thinking, but do focus on areas of weakness and find ways to strengthen your life. Power is about managing yourself and your own energy and resources as effectively as you can. With money and relationships, watch for extremes. For many months every year, slow-moving Pluto is retrograde, but is now turning direct after its yearly retrograde period. Enthusiasm is likely to return for intellectual interests, hobbies, learning, and creative projects this week and in coming weeks. New insights into relationships may have been gained during the retrograde phase, but now it’s about applying them. Going forward, you’re ready to make important changes, particularly in attitude. Today during the shift, emotions can be exaggerated or seem overwhelming, but this is simply your way of adjusting to the changes. Save important decision making for another day.

Libra

Libra Glyph-Symbol
Libra

For many months every year, slow-moving Pluto is retrograde, dear Libra. Today and tomorrow, Pluto turns direct, and a sense of moving forward emerges this week. Even so, as the shift occurs now, there might be a little chaos before things truly begin to take off for you in the areas of finances and domestic matters. Relationships with family and family roles are changing, and your determination to resolve challenges is building. It’s not the time to stubbornly hold on to things “as they were”. Rather, it’s time to acknowledge the need to make changes. You are recognizing that letting go of something that you’ve been using as a crutch on some level is really the best thing that could happen to you. Watch today for dwelling or fixating on a topic if it starts to cause you distress.

Scorpio

Scorpio Symbol Glyph
Scorpio

Pluto is turning direct after its yearly retrograde cycle, dear Scorpio. This is good news for you, as your life becomes clearer, even if today can be a little chaotic. Take care not to jump into action without thinking of the consequences. Take the leap on the inside first and see how it feels before taking action. More clarity is likely to come to your communications, and issues that have been buried or swept under the carpet might emerge now for better handling. Today’s Mercury-Pluto square can bring a topic that you thought had been resolved back to the surface for another look. Watch for controversy and avoid expressing suspicion. Take your time coming to final conclusions, as thoughts and perceptions can be a little extreme right now.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius Glyph Symbol
Sagittarius

Fears about not having enough money or resources may have been subtly driving your behavior in recent months while Pluto was retrograde in your solar second house, dear Sagittarius. Now as it begins to move forward, slowly but surely, you will be taking charge of your life, even if at times you worry too much. It’s a good time for proving what you are worth in the work you do. You are now recognizing that you have been freeing yourself from past conditioning, automatic behaviors that have not served you well, and relationships that were unhealthy. You are looking forward now and feeling positive about your “new” life. Watch for moodiness today as the shift occurs, particularly with friends or a partner. Recognize that thinking can be in extreme terms just for now. Try to stay out of mind games with others today – it’s simply not your style! People can be pushy with their ideas, expecting you to share the same values, or wanting you to think a certain way.

Capricorn

Capricorn Symbol/Glyph
Capricorn

You can get the distinct feeling that things are changing for the better in the coming days, dear Capricorn, with Pluto moving out of its retrograde. Pluto moving through your sign can be intense at times, and now that Pluto turns direct, a yearly occurrence, you are re less likely to brood over problems and more likely to take charge and make important changes. There can be opportunities to make long-lasting friendships or to make changes to your friendships and group associations that benefit you for some time to come. Income from business might advance and new opportunities can emerge in your career. Today, extremes of thinking are likely, and worries about reputation or career matters could be overblown. Look for ways to improve weak areas that leave you feeling vulnerable. Use today’s tendency to dwell on problem areas and mental intensity in a constructive manner.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Energy is rather intense today, dear Aquarius, with retrograde Mercury in challenging aspect to Pluto. The tendency to dwell on recent hurts or slights is strong. However, with Pluto beginning to move in direct motion, a yearly occurrence, in the coming weeks you’re less likely to brood and more willing (and equipped) to make changes towards improvement. Projects that you have been working on behind the scenes or that you’ve left unfinished might be revived. Repairing relationships with a parent or boss can figure strongly now. You may need to employ some caution with regards to elements from your past, but overall, there is a sense of moving forward and doing so in a positive, growth-oriented way. During the shift today, there could be some frustration or suspicion, and thoughts or communications can be extreme or exaggerated. Avoid allowing fears or insecurities undermine your life now.

Pisces

Pisces

With the Moon in your privacy and soul sector, dear Pisces, some reflection is in order. You may crave some extra time alone. As well, slow-moving Pluto is now turning direct after many months of retrograde motion. This yearly occurrence points to some moving forward and a stronger sense of being in charge of your life, particularly related to educational pursuits and friendships or group endeavors. It’s necessary now to tune into your inner rhythms so that you act rather than react during this shift. Today and this week, you’re better able to rely on your intellect and belief systems. Things that you have been uncertain about suddenly become clearer. Friendships may be intense but instead of brooding over problem areas, you’re motivated to make important changes that bring you closer to resolution of long-standing problems. Small changes made now can impact the future in big ways. Watch for extremes in thought and speech today – safeguard relationships from harsh words, even if it’s challenging to make a partner or friend happy now. If you find yourself unable to move past an issue, take a break.