Freelance writer, social media marketer, lover of advertising and philosophy.... oh and, loving my new venture as the host of Mage Against the Machine. I always have a few projects going on, but the fact that I get to live this life... I am grateful beyond measure. :)
A few weeks ago, there was a shout on our Facebook about a little astrology app called Co-Star. There wasn’t much response. So, with that, it seemed like a solid time to finally get around to doing a review! This seemed like a helpful and simple solution.
Of course, this ponderance quickly cascaded towards another tangent…
When Did the Rules for Technology in Circle Change?
A common question for new witches and other practitioners is regarding what they need to get started. The answer to this varies from person to person, as well as from tradition to tradition. Furthermore, the question of need is usually easily the dealbreaker to the question in any case.
Generally, no additional materials are required for one to practice magick. Tools are a different topic entirely, and one that will eventually be discussed. For now, to keep it simple, rarely are tools beyond what one can do with their body or their mind, needed to successfully practice magick or to learn how to be a witch.
Tech-NO-Fancy…
Simply put… Unless one is planning on taking the route of a hardcore technomancer, technology isn’t going to have much of a purpose or a place in modern magick spellcraft or ritual.
Magick and Technology Don’t Mix
Looking back through history, or at least the last 40 years or so, fictitious witches often had troubles with mechanical aspects of the empirical world.
Often, many practices will actually advise practitioners to avoid anything electronic while they are doing rituals. Back in the day… (say circa 1996) this was an easy enough aspect to avoid. For example, the movie, “The Craft”, was representative of popularized Wicca back in the day.
Technology didn’t really have a place in circles, spells, or magick as a whole. Needless to say, without a natural place, there was little conflict.
A Brief Editorial Sidenote From Rohanna Irene
I would like to take a moment to be candid here because, in truth, this whole article just sort of train wrecked me. I have tried to show the whole process of how technology was taboo, frowned upon, or (in some cases) totally forbidden from incorporation. This was done in a sort of down and dirty kind of way.
The point is, this article is kind of now an editorial.
Magick Represents a Mindset
With that being said… there is something… off-putting about recommending a proverbial tool of technology for magickal purposes. Perhaps, it is just the old-school expectation of avoiding technology outright…
Then again…it has been a while since we have had anything truly popular and public in Idaho. Years of solitary practice have been firmly placed between me (personally) and a more formal esoteric practice. Hipe
Moving Forward and Embracing Technology With Magick
Many neo-pagans and modern witchcraft traditions teach that ritual and spell working space should be free and clear from technological interactions. Depending on the magick tradition, rules about technological interference have often been seen as an unacceptable practice.
After all, video did kill the radio star…
This could mean that the inclusion could result in maladaptive results due to breaking unspoken rules of process, or simply a cultural taboo.
Adaptation Requires Technological Acceptance in Magick Practices
The intent of this article was never to dive so deeply into the discussion about technology and magic. The review was posted well before the blog post here was even considered.
However, this whole dialog break does offer up a chance to discuss the topic. Additionally, it brings up some interesting points about what modern pagans, mages, and other varieties of witches, have to look forward to in the very near future.
It is less about whether or not there is a place for technological advancements in magick, and more of culling for consideration that seems to be necessary. Additionally, as advancements such as phone apps or computer programs are discussed, it feels like there is a hollowness to the whole conversation… that could totally be because I am conversing, technically with me, in a hypothetical-ish motivated manner.
Losing Touch With Reality is Becoming Too Commonplace
It is not until an issue is stumbled upon that that the lack of is lack of direction and leadership within the magical community feels more pressing and apparent…
It has a mind of its own, obviously…
Who is even in charge of this whole thing anymore? What are we even doing here?
New Rules and a Suggestion for the Management
For now, it is easy enough to stick by whatever rules seem to work best for each individual practitioner. That might not solve any issues when public rituals or events come to play, but that is a case-by-case consideration for another day! For now, it seems like it is beyond the point of time where the rules on technology should have changed (if they haven’t already). Part of me halfway wonders if this whole concept is a thing in my head and people don’t even worry about it anymore. Times are a-changing, and is it just one of those things where I lost track of time? Maybe we should practice what we preach and discuss the issue as a group?
Duly noted. In the meantime, let’s get back to the Co-Star astrology app.
Actual link for review below…
Seriously, this isn’t a sponsored segment (er… breakdown). Honestly, a few of us here at Mage Against the Machine stumbled upon the app, began using it, and were impressed with it. Now we just want to share. PLUS we made a video on it and everything. There is a definite learning curve there!
YouTube Co-Star Astrology App Review
With everything else under consideration, how about we take a look at the review for this app? It has a lot of cool features and overall gets a good rating from us.
Rohanna Irene shows off Co-Star. This smart astrology app… is packed with on-the-point astrology factoids. It also has witty wording and a bit of an attitude. 5/5 Stars. Definitely worth checking out!
What Do You Think?
We would love to hear what you think…. about the Co-Star app… AND the video! This is our first review and we are slowly learning new skills for video editing and recording. Seriously, feedback is welcome and appreciated!
While we have maintained things at the blog here, somewhat… it seems like a bit of everything has been down since we have been sick. We have done a new podcast though and we are taking the time to get things together though. We are ready to share our latest episode of Mage Against the Machine!
Summary of Our Most Recent Episode!
While we are working on this though, we did get the Youtube pag like go to our website!
In This Segment of Our Witchy Podcast:
The place of society on magick. This is a tough subject because, on one hand, magicians of all varieties all want to have their own path (to some extent) while covering topics such as independent witchcraft, the power of one vs the power of none, and the future of our transparent practices here on Mage Against the Machine.
How far can any of us get doing only solitary witchcraft?
That depends on you, and what you want out of your practice… now doesn’t it? Whether you are wanting to learn how to be a witch, need help with how to cast spells, or are a seasoned magick user and know where your path is right now, we are all on our own paths. Mage Against the Machine is always interested in carpooling for this purpose!
Magick When You’re Sick
We have been dealing with some covid illnesses and other sicknesses in the fam here at the Mage Against the Machine, and so there are some gaps in between posting. We are coming back from a 2-month unexpected break to take a crack at the reality of a transparent practice and to call out to those that want to make a difference. This time of year is tough, with the weather changing and with a limited amount of people working on the podcast. Plus, as some people know, I lost one of my dads, as I was beginning this podcast. I think that this has really caught up with me, especially as we sent him off on his watery journey over the summer. He was in the Navy, and well, with (again) Covid, it was hard to make arrangements.
Not all of this is said in the episode, but as I think about the overall description of what this Mage Against the Machine episode was about, I think this contributed a lot to the actual mindset of everything over the last few months.
Making the Most of Things
I do ask that everyone bear with me, as I find a groove again and wanted to reach out and let everyone know I was doing better. I have a plan moving forward, but the best-laid plans… well, we know how those go! So, in this episode, the focus is getting back on transparent practices, and really asking everyone to think about their own perspectives.
During this episode we provide some neat witchy facts and take a stab at science, truth, and relativity. Really, it is a bit of everything all rolled up into one quick(ish episode);
Magick and the Moon… And More
Also! News! YAY!
We have been working on the website a little – so it is kind of “a work in progress” at the moment. You can still see the general podcast pages, but a lot of the other details are lacking at the moment. It should be updated this month, and we will let you know when it is.
While we are working on this though, we did get the Youtube page up and have a new post there.
Most modern magick practices insist on some form of a sacred space that is designed to be specifically for doing magick. Whether discussing this topic with a Wiccan or a Ceremonial Magician, this is one of those kinds of topics where pretty much everyone can agree. At least, there will be a general consensus: An altar or designated space for magickal working is recommended.
Creating a Sacred Space for Spells and Magick
Much like a teacher will take time to create a space for learning for their students, a proper magician should take the time to cultivate a space for doing their practice. This space is important for a number of reasons:
Creating a sacred space for magick allows the mind to key into the correct state to be successful in magickal endeavors.
Tools kept on the altar remain more effective for longer periods of time when properly stored and tended.
Setting up and caring for your sacred space instills a ritual of care and importance for your magickal working space. This is likely to help create a routine for ritual, and can act as a helpful reminder for working regularly with your chosen practice.
The Proper Way to Set Up a Pagan Altar
This section suggests that there is a right or a wrong way to set up a pagan altar, but it is intentionally deceiving. While there are plenty of people that are bound to say that things must be one way or the other, Mage Against the Machine isn’t on that bandwagon.
The fact of the matter is, an altar and a ritual sacred space for any kind of magick, these are intensely personal topics. Any one person may choose to set their altar up anyway that they please. In fact, for example, below is a link of my (Rohanna Irene) altar at home. Feel free to take a peek and see the example in the video!
Altar Talk: Part One
Notice that there are not all of the tools listed in this video. As described, the goal is going to be moving forward, to discuss the variety of important aspects of ritual and altar creation.
What Is Most Important on a Wiccan or Pagan Altar?
Before going too deep and saying what we do or how things should be done, we think it is best to have a discussion. For this reason, this section is listed as Part 1. Please feel free to ask any questions or to share your ideas.
THEN… Keep an eye out for the next podcast airing this weekend! We are going to discuss more details about pagan altars, delve into their history, and look about how modern magicians use their altars in practices of the current era.
An example of a simple pagan altar.
What Does Your Altar Look Like?
We are collecting images of people’s altars to show off! If you want to include your altar image, please email RohannaMAtM@outlook.com!
You can also share with us on social media – @mageatm
Thank you for stopping by! We can’t wait to develop this conversation more deeply and give the topic of pagan and Wiccan altars the true in-depth attention that the vast topic deserves!
Find out about the lunar cycle for September 2021 and the Harvest Moon. More Information: Find @ mageatm.com / Mage Against the Machine Main Website
Topic: Moon Magick Forecast / September 2021 / Harvest Moon
Hail and Welcome back! This podcast is all about the lunar cycle and gives an idea about what is coming up this next month! This is the second in an ongoing series, designed to help new witches learn about the moon phase cycle, as well as established practitioners. This podcast is hosted by Rohanna Irene, partially as a way to share her own practices and to grow community engagement. Please feel free to leave comments and feedback! We love to hear from you! —- —— —–
Show Notes:
This episode discusses the moon phases for the month of September 2021. This includes the dates of moon phase shifts: We will talk about each of the following phases in more detail moving forward but let's start by listing the basic information for what to expect with the Harvest Moon this month.
We enter September with a waning moon, as the first moon phase hits the third quarter on August 31.
This means that on September 1 the moon phase is in a waning crescent. The new moon takes place September 7th, 2021, and will be in Virgo. The First quarter for this moon then, will be September 13 in Sagittarius. The full moon will then be on September 20th in Pisces. We will see the tail end of the cycle with the last quarter starting in Gemini on September 28, and sharing that transition into Cancer – reflected on the 29th.
Find out what to expect in the upcoming month of September with the lunar cycle and astrology.
Transcript:
The Mage Against the Machine Podcast is where you can find all transcripts and more details about the show. Please feel free to take a look at our website. We will continue to update there.
YouTube:
We post videos of the podcast and are working on a schedule to get these on there more frequently. This episode will be posted on Rohanna Irene's YouTube channel within about a day of uploading on Anchor.
References:
Details about the Equinox and the Farmer Specifics of the full moon that was discussed in this episode can be found here.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mageatm/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mageatm/support
Podcast Details
Moon Magick Forecast – September 2021
Curious about what energies are out there for you this month? Want to know how to use the moon for magic? Well, the mysteries of the moon this month are here! Check out the latest podcast with Rohanna Irene and learn how to lasso those lunar energies and align with the moon aspects that will best suit your needs. While we don’t cover casting spells or specific moon rituals in this recording, you will get all of the details to prepare your own work for the month of September, 2021.
Show Notes and Overview
We include the show notes and the general details on our podcast. You can see them here. Or, if you prefer, read below for the transcription. The transcription is the script notes and includes the general planned content for the Mage Against the Machine Podcast.
Each month, we will include the moon magic forecast notes for your reading pleasure. Additionally, we will be posting up to YouTube as we can. So far, it looks like it will be about a day or two after the podcast is released. As we grow the team, it is sure to be a little quicker on the turn around.
Transcription: Moon Magick Forecast
Hello all! I hope that everyone has been having a good tail end of summer. Personally, I have been a bit under the weather and this sort of slowed down the show a little bit. There are definite plusses and minuses to doing something like this solo… and when the empirical world impedes, then everything gets a little funky.
I will continue to make shows as I can with feeling a bit under the weather. I did want to make a concerted effort to at least carry on with my own transparency of practices though, and hit on a topic for consistency.
The one thing that I have been doing recently is following the cycle of the moon. I have been being mindful about the moon, because even during the sickness of summer, I have managed to keep up a bit of these practices.
Today, as we move into the new month, we have an important part of the moon cycle coming up here in September this year with the Full Harvest Moon. With this in mind, I wanted to go over some of the details of the moon this month and what to look forward to, discuss how the energy might be used best, and share some of the history.
General Information About Podcast Schedule
That being said, just real quick since this was a light month in the way of topics… I love to hear your feedback, so whether you are listening to this on Apple or another platform it would be rad if you subscribed or hit like. 🙂 YouTube people as well! Make sure to hit the notify bell as well. That way whether it is weekly or just the once a month, since there is not a set time release… then you won’t miss a thing! Plus, while I love doing these podcasts, as much as I can… it also really helps to support the show.
Like, Share, and Follow on Social Media
Find us on Social Media:
@MageAtm @AgainstMage @RohannaIrene @RumDancer
For those on Spotify, it won’t let you give us feedback really, which is weird but you can always reach out and give us feedback on the Mage Against the Machine Social Media – @Mageatm on FaceBook and Insta or Twitter.
The Harvest Moon 2021
Okay, with that out of the way… let’s talk about the Harvest Moon for this coming September! Keep in mind that this is based on my own placement in the world, in Idaho. For those of you that don’t know, that puts me in the middle of the US in the Mountain Time Zone. For this reason, I will try to reflect times and dates to this hemisphere. Please make a note of your correlating time zone for the closest accurate dates and times for the month!
Moon Phase Dates for September 2021
There are a number of reasons to want to know the moon phases in any given month. For those of us who are magickally inclined, especially for the purpose of witchcraft and correspondence magick practices, knowing when the phases hit can be a godsend. No pun intended.
We have talked a bit about how the moon phases impact magick, especially since starting the moon magick forecast recordings and blogs with the August 2021 Sturgeon Moon forecast. [link].
We will talk about each of the following phases in more detail moving forward but let’s start by listing the basic information for what to expect with the Harvest Moon this month.
We enter September with a waning moon, as the first moon phase hits the third quarter on August 31.
Full and New Moon Dates: 2021/September
This means that on September 1 the moon phase is in a waning crescent. The new moon takes place September 7th, 2021 and will be in Virgo. The First quarter for this moon then, will be September 13 in Sagittarius. The full moon will then be September 20th in Pisces. We will see the tail end of the cycle with the last quarter starting in Gemini on September 28, and sharing that transition in to Cancer – reflected on the 29th.
Since we will see some interesting transitions with the moon cycle this month, let’s look at the overall moon magick forecast.
The Dark Side of the Moon
We have already been seeing some intense changes happening in the world around us, likely on personal fronts but we can see those reverberations moving beyond as well.
Last month with the Sturgeon moon we had a fine opportunity to practice manifestations and this new moon phase hitting in Virgo gives us a two-fold opportunity.
This new month gives us a new perspective and an opportunity to redirect or amplify.
As we enter the month with the moon going into a crescent phase then towards the new moon, this is another one that is sort of fitting… especially when you consider that the new moon will be taking place in Virgo. This month is a good time to bring it all home, so to speak.
New Moon in Virgo Magick
On one hand, we are dealing with a mutable sign in the element of Earth. Our last phase of solidifying intent… for those that had begun doing their own magick processes… the last full moon was a chance to direct and attune ourselves with that which we were seeking in our lives. It allowed for a variety of opportunities including new relationships (love or otherwise) and partnerships (such as in business) and aligning our goals with that which was present in the world. This new moon is a chance, as it always is, to have a clean slate, so to speak. It gives us time to reflect on what we need and where to direct our intentions.
Wax and Wane Cycles
The new moon is always kind of like this, as that is the lunar cycle in magick. The new moon in Virgo, as this time of year it is leading into the Harvest moon though, is a great time to consider what you do well. Focus your efforts towards goals that may already feel like they are in motion to speed things along. The earthy energy is a strong force to be reckoned with when you are considering the positive aspects of the element of earth. For some, this an opportunity to rest, allowing yourself to take solace in the fact that a job has been done well. This is a great time to begin with gratitude and build from there. For others, it can be a time of reflection on what was done right, but what can be done better.
Often, the sign of Virgo can be seen as the picky princess of the zodiac, as the energy is equated to responsibility, stability, and routine. The energy works with other elements well, and is often empowered or emboldened by the other elements round. This is true for this moon as well.
Mars and the Moon
This new moon will be paired with Mars in close proximity. This will allow for the efforts focused through the new moon to be directed with will and determination. Aggressively expressing gratitude isn’t usually a bad thing, especially if you really mean it. Additionally, the other strong energy we will likely to feel here with a trine made Uranus (in retrograde still) will be a pleasant awakening for those that are open minded to the powers that be at present. This is to say, there is a breakthrough on the way in a spiritual sense. We are witnessing a defining time in the world, as true paths of destiny are opening. That which has been resisted, or requested, will only be granted if it is “meant to be”. If you feel like you are fighting a hard current, then maybe it may be time to consider what if you didn’t? What happens when you open yourself to the flow of the universe? What can you identify as a natural positive or a gracious coincident. You can also make your own destiny, as is always possible. However, routine and rote will be the key. Fighting and simply using a spray and pray approach is not going to cut it.
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Manifesting / Moving towards the Light
Sept: 13th First Quarter
With the Virgo new moon energy present when the dark moon hits, this is a great time to allow yourself to surrender to the natural flow of that which is around already. As the moon energy strengthens, or as the light reflects more, however you want to look at it, more will be revealed. There are a lot of good energies during this early part of the month. While there will be the pesky mercury retrograde hitting later in the month, it is still in a direct position when the first quarter comes into play on the 13th.
Not everyone is going to be doing active rituals and direct magick during each moon phase. While I would always recommend to try – especially when you are feeling in a funk or out of sorts… which it seems like a lot of us have for the last month or so. But, it is good to check in on the energy and the 13th of the month should be a revealing time considering the placement of the moon and the energies present.
Full Moon Magick and Potential
The 2 big events this month come with the full moon on September 20th, which is then followed by the Autumn Equinox. For those that follow the pagan / wiccan wheel of the year, this marks the holiday of Mabon. We will definitely be discussing more of this holiday this month. For now, let’s discuss the potential for the magick during the moon and focus on the Harvest Moon itself.
Magickally speaking, the full moon is often a time of active spells, or power with a purpose. We have been seeing a theme astrologically lately. This is because we had a blue moon last month with the Sturgeon moon and there was a great potential for manifestation. This Harvest Moon has much the same potential for manifestation and opening up oneself to the aligned energies. However this month is definitely more somber and straight forward.
Review of August Lion’s Gate & Moon Magick Forecast
In August, we had the lions gate and the energy was very much in your face. The message was to go out and get what you needed from the world. Ask and you shall receive. I would invite those that didn’t do active practice last month to try to make time for it this month, because this is the time of harvest. Whether you have been intending to or not, as a conscious creature in this empirical world, you have been making things come into reality. That which has been popping into existence is alive and well at this time.
How to Use Virgo Energy for Magick This Month
This is a good time to look inward though and see about… Did you really need that thing you thought that you did? That which does not serve you will be more and more apparent as the full moon hits.
Thankfully, we won’t have to deal with Mercury in retrograde quite yet, but with Mars in a balanced position (Libra) and then Vesta entering into Scorpio… we are likely to see emotional highs all around.
You may find you’re into things that you’re not really that thrilled about. People may not understand your desires, or you may feel like they can’t relate…
You may instinctively be reacting to the excess in your life, feeling overwhelmed with too many choices (or alternatively, stifled by not enough).
Because of these positions though, it is a good time to assess and be mindful of what you are actually doing. Think about the big picture and use the full Harvest moon light to illuminate the path, rather than details. This moon, you are looking forward to storing up for the future. Planning, details and routine in all the moon cycles are important this month. There is a time and a place to be picky… this month is just that.
Be Careful of Dwelling in the Past
In turn, you will also find yourself likely thinking about the past, and so the warning there is to be careful not to dwell. Take stock of what you have done well and focus your efforts on building from there.
This mindset will be useful for the rest of the month. Allowing the energies to flow, resting when you are worn out. Don’t fight the urge to sit and reflect. However, keep yourself in check in doing so. It is okay to rest but not to stop entirely. You have Samhain and the dark time of the year and it will be here soon enough for that!
The 3rd Quarter – Waxing Moon
The rest of the month will close down with the movement into the third quarter of the moon. During the last week and a half of the month, post the night of the full moon, focus on tying up loose ends and clearing out your planner. Focus on the final I dotting, t-crossings and all of that. Next month will be here before you know it and it has a different energy in store. This will likely be refreshing, but it will be tough for those extroverts out there. Plus, Mercury goes into retrograde on the 27th. Get those projects, manifestations and assertive spellcrafts going before then!
Hail to the Harvest Moon
This year the Harvest Moon will fall as a full moon on September 20. I didn’t actually use the names of the moons so much as I began my magickal journey back in the day. It was something that came together as I continued my practices. The Harvest Moon is one of my favorites though, for magickal purposes and a few other reasons.
First, I love fall. Autumn is one of my favorite months, especially as I get older. I am not one that loves the heat and the older I get the more this is true. Heck, I sometimes sleep with the window open and the fan on in December… and trust me… it gets awfully cold here in the Pacific Northwest!
Now, traditionally, September… according to the Farmer’s Almanac, is considered the Corn Moon. However, every year based on when the autumnal equinox takes place. The moon then, can be in any given position when the equinoxes happen and interesting fact… equinoxes occur at the same time for everyone worldwide. Granted, the hemispheres will cause the equinox to seasonally be different. In this case, the Fall Equinox (which falls on September 22 — and looking ahead a few years, looks to be so for the foreseeable future) marks the changing of seasons into Autumn. For the southern hemisphere, this would be moving into fall.
Now, depending on where the moon is at in the lunar cycle, the Harvest Moon can fall in September or November. Considering that this year, the full moon is on September 20, and only 2 days before. Thus, this year we get the Harvest Moon in September. This is the reason when you look up specific moons on the moon chart that you may not find Harvest Moon specifically.
Equinox Moons are HUGE!
The Harvest Moon from Previous Years… And yes… that’s me 😉
It isn’t a trait only for equinox moons, but we often will note that the Harvest moon appears bigger and brighter. Part of this is placement of the moon, both in the sky and in relation to the rotation. The simplest explanation if that during the equinox, or around this time, when the full moon hits, it is often close to the horizon early in the evening. This allows for more illumination.
More specifically regarding size though, ever notice when the moon looks really big early on sometimes… then seems smaller and smaller?
When the moon is high up in the sky it is basically in competition with the whole of the sky, the heavens themselves. Whether a long length of night with stars voided by the lights of night in a city, or the vast stars when out in nature… the scale shows the size as smaller because it is all encompassed. Likewise, when it is close to the earth there are signs, trees, and other earthy comparisons for size.
Just some little details, that I thought was interesting!
This Harvest Moon is looking like it should be easily transitioning with the cycle of the year. As we said before, it falls 2 days before the equinox. Make sure to bring some of the lore and history of the moon into your Mabon Celebrations.
Speaking of Mabon!
I am working on a recording for the holiday that I am hoping to get up by the 15th. I am working loose with my goals while I am healing up.
Care to Share? Seeking Pagan and Wiccan Altar Samples
I would like to extend an invitation out there to any of you that would like to share! I am working on a holiday altars piece too. As we are finishing up the year… we have been collecting altar pictures all year. If you would like to share your pictures and give a few words about your traditions, please let me know. You can reach out to me through social media or email. I will put those links in the show notes.
Previous altar that we used for holidays and spellcraft work 2021
I will be posting a blog about more details too!
Anyway, I think that is good for now. I am tempted to go right in and talk about the stuff planned for Mabon… but that will have to wait a few days.
Thank you SO MUCH! For those that reached out while I was out, thank you 🙂 It is great to hear from you and was nice to be missed. ❤
We will be posting soon and back to the more normal routine. In the mean time, thank you so much for listening! This podcast and experience wouldn’t be anything without each one of you listening and taking a part.
For now, this is Rohanna Irene, with the Mage Against the Machine Podcast.
Sick and magick with intention are a bad combination… Needless to say, the best laid plans … are not a whole lot of help when you’re laid up.
Fevers make the world hazy…
That is me right now. My mind is active and this body is rebelling.
Dancing Through Fever Dreams
There once was a time, when I was not worried about health. Coins or disks, personally, as present in the Tarot, meant more of wealth and being grounds, or maybe better put, stability. This is no longer true. At 40, I don't feel old. However. I do feel less like a witch or ruler of my own microcosm. I feel mortal.
Mastering What Matters: The Mindfulness of Mental and Physical Illness
The mind and body are obviously inter connected. How about the brain though, it is hard to write today. Thinking about what needs to be done to get a hold of control of the mind, it’s a lot of work.
Do We Get Days Off From Dreaming?
As I lay around, trying to keep my fever and food down, a funny flash crosses my mind….
I have a 102.00 fever and I still feel like I should be doing something...
I ponder...
Now that I am in a cycle of intentional mindfulness, the whole idea of being responsible for thoughts and that which lies in the realms of mentality magick. Well, it keeps me on my toes.
I’m Not Even Supposed to Be Here Today!
At the end of the day, there is athere is always another day tomorrow to try again. I don’t have much to leave us with other than this random thoughts. But I do leave a question, am I responsible for today all of the thoughts and all of the things that I haven’t done today? Does mentalism count every day?
Is Knowing Nothing a Thing?
Once we’ve become enlightened does that mean that we’re responsible for everything? After all, it comes with the side quest of understanding that we know nothing…
Moon magick is going to be strong this Leo season!
Welcome to the August Moon Cycle Forecast!
Sturgeon Moon Magick Details for Manifesting and Vibrational Tuning
We are already in the middle of the cycle, true that. However, a gentle reminder of the moon cycle isn’t a bad thing! So, whether you are looking to solidify your own witchy works with some moon magick, or simply want to know what to expect this month, we have the details that you’ll need to prepare yourself. So, hang tight with us and we will begin the journey of learning how to harness the power of the moon.
For those that are already on our social media pages, this recording was posted to Facebook once. However, the system will repost it and I will let it. This time it will post with the notes and the connection to the blog instead of Anchor. Just wanted to shout out and say that I was aware of double postings. Thanks!
Mage Against the Machine Podcast – Season 2 Episode 3
This is Mage Against the Machine… the podcast for lovers of the occult…
Find full recordings and other episodes on moon magick and more, here on our main blog and podcast page. You can also listen direct on Anchor, iTunes, or anywhere else that podcasts are commonly listened to!
Show Notes Begin Here:
With that being said and put out there… let’s get into the show for tonight! Technically, this was recorded a few nights ago… so just a heads up. There is still a lot of the month left though and I figured that this should be posted to the blog to have it easily accessible for the future. Plus, there is plenty left of this month to use the powerful energies at play for some moon magick!
Topic: 8/8 New Moon & 8/22 Full Moon Forecast (Sturgeon Moon Total Cycle)
The moon cycle can help anyone that wants to learn to do magick or simply to improve their practice. This is because the energy of the moon is one of the influential on our world, namely due to its location to the earth.
Focus and Function: Moon Cycle and Moon Magick Forecast
The whole of the month might have a few ups and downs, but what adventure doesn’t have bumps now and then? If you’re along for the ride, then you are doing it right.
This podcast is designed to focus on the transits and celestial energies present during the monthly moon phases. Additionally, Rohanna Irene talks about her own practice and magick that she has been doing. The podcast includes details about transparent magickal practices and notable changes she has seen this last moon cycle. She feels strongly that full moon rituals for new witches is sometimes difficult. Plenty of new students have used the energy wrong and while, it isn’t likely to harm or kill anyone… it can be a waste of time and energy for the person working spells or magick during the new moon or full moon.
This is only one person’s view though. If there is anyone out there practicing or doing something specific that they would like to talk about, they are encouraged to reach out and chat with us…
This can be done recorded, so that it ends up on the podcast. However, feel free to reach out and ask not to be recorded. We can do things kind of like an interview instead. This way you can still share, but not be right on the spot.
Coming Soon: Monthly Moon Cycle Forecasts
This is the first in a series of monthly recordings, giving pertinent details about lunar energies. With the information in this podcast, you should be able to apply your knowledge and perhaps utilize the monthly lunar cycle more effectively. There are a lot of other podcasts and websites out there with astrological details about the moon and transits, as well as those that discuss moon magick and lunar energies. We are in no means trying to replace those.
On the contrary! The whole point is to share our craft and keep an open dialogue. This way, we, as magick practitioners and witches, we can all compare rituals and practices. So, hey! If you know of another person with a blog, a YouTube channel, or a podcast that has this kind of information each month, we would love to check them out too! Just leave a comment here on the blog or give us a shout out on any of the Mage Against the Machine social media pages. Thanks!
Speaking of shouting out…
Calling All Pagans and Witches!
**Note: For future episodes, we would love to be able to talk to others about their practices. If you have been wanting to call in and talk about your beliefs, tradition, or practices… but didn’t know what you wanted to talk about specifically, this would be a great spot to join in! Just sayin’ 🙂
Details For the August 2021 Moon Cycle
This month we are witnessing the Sturgeon moon and have a few notable transitions. Things should be lightening up overall, as we finally push through our opposition with Mars and some of the tougher placements that have been keeping many of us stuck in our rut.
Listed here are the important dates of the moon phases for August, 2021. Additionally, the planetary transitions are listed. The symbols coincide with what was quoted in the podcast.
I realize that the above image is pretty packed. I will rework it next month. I don’t know…. sometimes the creative process is easy and sometimes it is.. fail. I wasn’t even going to post it up, but I figured the symbols and the information are there. Because of this though, I don’t know if I will have time on YouTube to put the information up there. I was thinking about doing a recording this week and put it on there. We will see what I have time for while I am getting the business site up and going through!
Important August 2021 Sturgeon Moon Cycle Dates Include:
The Full Moon & 2021’s ONLY Blue Moon!
This month has more than just transits. As you can see above, the 29th is important. It is a great indicator for astrology charts and if you pay attention to the months where the moon hits on this degree, you are likely to learn a lot about the energy first hand.
August 2021 Moon Phases
1st Quarter Moon – Aug 1
New Moon – Aug 8
2nd QTR – Aug 15
Full Moon – 22
Last QTR – Aug 30 (1st for next cycle)
Planetary Transits for August 2021
Venus in Scorpio on Aug 7
Venus in Libra on Aug 16
Uranus goes Retrograde on Aug 19
Sun in Virgo Aug 22
Mercury in LIbra Aug 30
Putting More Visuals on YouTube
(note: correction – due to issues with images this week, we may have something else going up on Youtube instead!)
For those that would prefer to see the visuals with the dates and if that would help with your understanding of the topic at hand, we will be posting this up to our YouTube page and our website. Additionally, transcripts will be available on those channels as well. — This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mageatm/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mageatm/support
Mage Against the Machine Podcast Notes / Transcription:
Season 2 Episode 3
Each week, when we post new recordings, I try to add the transcriptions. I am certainly getting better about making more thorough notes that reflect the words that are said exactly in the show. However, this isn’t always the case. Instead, for the sake of transparency, I have instead put the notes as I have them. They are not designed to be compared directly, but they can be used for notes for clarity.
If anyone ever has any questions about the dialogue or what is said, please let me know!
Sturgeon Moon Magick Overview Begins Now:
*Please note, I am trying to split the recording dialogue up. However, since it is just me – Rohanna, talking on this podcast it makes it kind of difficult. I will try to put time stamps up in the future. Thanks to all!
Introduction to the Podcast
Hostess of the Mage Against the Machine Podcast: Rohanna Irene
Hail and Welcome! You’re listening to Mage Against the Machine, a Podcast, for lovers of the occult, magick, religion, philosophy…. where we aim to cast light into the darkness, confirm truths of the divine, whatever else comes to mind!
With that being said… tonight we are talking about… the moon cycle forecast. We will be going into details about the correspondences as well. Basically, the general things that you may want to think about as we go into the new cycle. This episode should be informative and show you how to practice magick… or at least give you some ideas on the focus and direction you could be having to capitalize on the energies this month.
I am Your Hostess, Rohanna Irene. Thank you all for joining me on this journey, to discover hidden truths amidst the long lineage of magick, mystery, and all things occult.
Discussing Observations of the Sturgeon Moon Cycle So Far
Hello all, great to be here and talking about the moon cycle for this month of August 2021… for a number of reasons. As many of know know… we have been getting things ready for a while here. Been working on the website, classes, etc. Of course, I have things going on with our company stuff too, and it is more beginnings.
Notice the many directions that I am going in. Somedays I wish I were trying to fit in a little bit more… it was sometimes easier in doing tasks when I was more orderly and focused. However, at the end of the day, doing this podcast, and well, the non-traditional directions my life takes me is the downside of living within a magically active and authentic life.
This is where it gets a little weird… because there are plenty of pagans and magick practitioners, and the like out there that all live perfectly normal 9-5 lives. They pay their taxes without having to be talked to by a judge about it. There are plenty of them that just love all that comes with structured and traditional – 401K maybe, a new car, a vacation now and then? Something good has to come with it, I know it did for me when I was living it. It… just hasn’t always been for me.
I am working on authenticity at the moment. And this kind of comes to play n it. Thinking about the why of doing this podcast I guess, this month… there is a method to my speech here, I swear! The whole of this month, the moon cycle we are about to talk about, I am putting this out here as an example of what we are going to talk about next.
My point that I am trying to make is that, I am coming to realize, when one is forced to have to be more responsible for themselves.. . Like in my case, I am having to be FAR more independent that I am used to. We take for granted, what is taken care of for us. When things are easy, but a person is used to being taken care of in a certain way, they don’t necessarily realize that there is a struggle behind what is being provided.
I liken it to when a person goes out and say, they want to get a new clothing item… a new pair of shoes. Men and women both wear shoes, so this should make some semblance of sense to all… well they go out and look for shoes, no matter the kind. Say, they find a pair of shoes that are name brand, a good brand, and they have all of the features that you were looking for.
Now, you find this shoe, which usually should be about 110.00 typically maybe with a money spell up your sleeve or perhaps Jupiter, the god of luck, expansion… among other things, he is looking down at you and he likes what he sees… without these kinds of non-traditional happenings, you find the shoe and instead of 110.00 it is only 40.00.
You don’t know why, but that purchase, which you are going to make because YOU are saving so much… do you stop during the course here anyway and think about how much money the company is not going to make? Do you stop to think about how much the initial price of the shoe would be and at the same instantly wonder about who is taking the cut, who is going to be losing out with your purchase?
Most, if not, most certainly nearly all would, that would be my bet on it! Most who would truly go down this crooked and punishing sort of thinking would be doing so from some neurotic tick. It wouldn’t be intentional because eventually this kind of thinking leads nowhere good. Namely, keep going and you’ll be questioning everything. I know some people do it, because I mean, I learned to teach myself to do this from reading too much philosophy.
In my internship, so not until I was in my 20s, out of high school and in college, did I meet someone that thought down rabbit holes and couldn’t avoid it. It was like it was the only way their brain worked. They were having a bout of psychosis, I learned. If you are familiar with that… then you know what I mean when it is like the person will keep going and thinking and almost neurotically fixating. It reminds me of like intrusive thoughts, but intrusive inquisition. The intrusive thought to the process was but then what next or and then, how does that affect? It would go on like that. So, I guess it is like an intrusive thought… like how PTSD people get in their heads and they relive a moment over and over.
Cognition and Self-Consciousness
So, basically, I am saying that I guess I sound like I have PTSD… which I have dealt with, so it wouldn’t be wrong. I am more saying that I can understand how that thought process goes. I can definitely turn my brain off and focus on something else. I can hunker down into what I call, “customer service mode” and just do something more simplistic. However, I also found that I can only do that so long. Eventually I push myself to a point where I kinda get like that girl that I say in college. I get to a point where I can’t turn my brain off, and then well… this is a transparent process, so I feel bad for being so long winded, but I think I am almost to my realization….
Establishing a Transparent Magickal Practice
So, here is my own realizations that have come around this far, this month. It has been quite enlightening and inspiring. Though, generally life is when one is not fighting the natural flow of things. Moon cycle awareness always seems to be a mood lifter as well. It is kind of amazing what happens when we, as human beings, fall back in line and accept our lots in life. Consciousness sure makes things difficult sometimes, doesn’t it?
I prefer to think in multiple directions, even though I know that it makes it difficult to fit in or to like, do a normal job and have what maybe some more mainstream people would consider normal. I would rather be like this, live authentically and feel my connection with the world I live in… than have the chance be as high as it is in the alternative without the choice to turn it off. Because if I need to straighten up right now in a moment’s notice, to think or to act for myself or my family, I can.
I feel out of sorts, empty, apathetic, and miserable to the point that I because almost lethargic and non-responsive to the world around me, when I don’t follow the steps and rituals that I have made through the years. That being said, I have come to the realization that these rituals, they aren’t required by all. They also aren’t the same for everyone. Plenty of people make rituals, like little deals with themselves and these deals keep them alive and sane. Other people, so many people, have made other little rules.. Which I see kind of coming eventually through into society. Social norms are just personal deals that people make, but so many people make them that they become accepted and normal. Like… working 40 hours a week for slave labor wages. No. The effort put forth is not worth the reward to me. It isn’t that I don’t want to pay my way or take care of me though. I am fine with working, I just realize I don’t want to give up that much. I, with my skills and education… I know I can do less work, or if I do have to work long hours, it is on something that I want to be doing or that I believe in. It is always a matter of how much I am worth.
When you have a lot of things to take care of, you don’t always realize that you had to take care of those things, because they were always managed. But, when you no longer have that help, the older one is, the steeper the learning curve, but it is painful none the less.
This month has been the closest thing to living through having a bandaid put on then ripped off, over and over again, than any month has in a long while.’
That last statement, that is how I am finally done with the story and on to the topic.
I wrote out what to say a number of times this week, and finally decided I had to share the epiphones, partly for the transparency portion of the practice that I plan to do here – so when I say I did this or I did that for a certain ritual later – here are the foundational thoughts and the representation of theories etc.
It isn’t always comfortable because it feels bare and raw, saying some of the thoughts to strangers. But hey… you’re welcome! (laugh)
I am, kind of joking. Largely, I think it needs to be states or accounted for, because I think that intent is so important for magick. I wonder if that is the same for other people. Do people who pray believe so much in the power of God and Jesus or Allah or someone, that they believe that what they want can be got through the divine will of another being entirely? It is still pretty foreign. My brain can’t wrap around it.
It is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about moon magick. It is also the reason that I wanted to start this segment tonight. I am going to work on, in one way, shape or form… not sure on the format permanently, maybe it will change each month?
However, I am planning on working on opening the moon and other astrological discussions open. I have a lot of feelings about astrology and the zodiac and the magickal potential when incorporating planetary energy. Of course when I say planetary energy I also am counting the sun and moon as planets, as they are generally in astrology.
The Effect of Lunar Energies
The moon, specifically… maybe it is the Californian in me, the reliance on the sea and the tides for feeling of calm serenity? There has always been something about the tide and a love of the moon. I know I am not alone in that. I saw a meme recently, talking about the full moon. It was a picture of Will Smith as the Fresh Prince of Bel Aire… I hope that reference isn’t too out of date, oh no…
Anyway, if you don’t know who I mean, then you won’t get the reference… but those who do, it was Will looking out of the Rolls when he pulls up to the house, and his head is sticking out the window looking up. I think that is what he is seeing, or maybe it is when he comes from Philadelphia?
But he pulls up and the meme says, “Me when I see the full moon.” It was something like that. I do think that it is when Will runs up in the Rolls and the music says about looking at the mansion – I was finally there, to sit on the throne as, The Prince of Bel Air. He has this dumb Will Smith goofy like kid grin on his face looking up and instead of the house it is like him at the full moon. He looks derpy as heck, and I get it. So… I know that I am not alone.
But, because of whatever reason, I have always found that I truly resonate with the full moon. I used to think that it was because my moon and my sun are in the same sign and the same house of Sagittarius on my chart. I have 5…. 6? Placements in Sagittarius. But I always thought of the sun and the moon as significant, as I have begun practicing. Still when you take into account how long I have been practicing magick overall, including the time actively participating like from learning to do witchcraft to now… that is over 20 years.
Full Moon Similarities to Same Sign for Sun and Moon Astrology
It kind of occurred to me, I think when I was first reading Guide to Being a Solitary Practitioner. The one by Scott Cunningham. So, this was around 1993 maybe? So longer than 20 years definitely of thinking because the moon was full, this meant the sun was shining on it fully, I don’t know about it… I just had this image because the moon and my sun were hanging out together, something about that making the full moon?
Who knows why kids think what they do. I don’t know if I believe my theory as to why I am so affected by the full moon or even so focused on the moon cycle. I do personally feel that one of the biggest things that you can do to improve practicing magick in any way is by being first being responsible for your expectations. Of course, this is why I do this podcast and blog in the first place!
Rohanna’s Thoughts on Moon Magick, Spells and Ritual
Anyone that wants to see more about my thoughts on this can check out this blog here Really, most of season one kind of goes over much of that topic.
Newsflash…. I am not much of a person to hold my tongue when I have strong opinion.
Beyond having a dialogue about magick and expectations, the easiest thing and most simple practice that can / should be done, I think is the rituals and practices following the lunar energies month to month. In my experience, by adhering to a following of the moon, it naturally works out some of the difficulties people have with practicing while being fully immersed in the modern technological era.
You create your own rituals for it, I don’t think that it is vital that it has to be one certain way. There are benefits to following the path of others, for sure. However, I think that in the end, we all find the way that works for us. It doesn’t have to be the best even, if that isn’t your goal. But the incorporation of the moon cycle, the following of the flow of the moon, and working with the potential powers at whatever time of the month is super important to improving efficiency.
Following a Natural Cycle to Learning Powerful Forms of Magick
I have thought about it, focusing on the moon cycle it is a smart task indeed. Perhaps it is merely the scheduling, being aware of the natural cycle or something like this? People today are so disconnected. I know that for example, it requires work for me to make myself adhere to the cycle. It is hard to adhere to this cycle with a demanding life that has requirements in other areas.
So, yes, I do give a chunk of my time focusing on moon cycles or magick, when I could be doing a different job or volunteering my time or even doing something with my family. While magick and spiritual endeavors are something that my family is welcome to do with me, I most certainly will do my best to do things in these areas because I know I am less without.
The reason I think the moon becomes so vital is because it keeps you focused on working at least to a level that is productive and healthy. It is an easy way to focus on a magickal life without requiring too much. For me, I ADD it to my practice. However, I would say to a person with little time for magickal endeavors, but one that still has faith and also wants to be able to be magickally effective… the one thing to do as a practice would be to follow the moon.
With this in mind, I want to get into the moon for this month, the month of August 2021.
Normally, I won’t have such a long introduction. Or, at least as I do it often enough I am hoping that it takes less time or is more organized!
Sturgeon Moon Opportunities 2021
This month though, we have seen a lot of pressure for change, a lot of opportunities for hidden secrets in our lives to be revealed, as well as some challenges, just given the natural cycle and where things are.
So, now, as we go into the full and moon stages, as well as discussing the topics about the moon for this month, keep in mind everything I said here as it is likely going to help clarify what I mean when I talk about the phases of the moon, intent, confirmation, challenges and all of that. Feel free to apply them to your own life as well.
With that, let’s get into the total general details of the moon. I am going to start off with the moon details, this being the Sturgeon moon.
Then we will talk about the cycles specifically, beginning with the new moon. Each segment will have details about what is happening around those times. I want to talk about any anomalies or special dates too. I will break it all up as best I can for sure.
Break in the Show – Sponsor then Returning.
Mage Against the Machine podcast – Hosted on the Anchor Platform! Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.com
I do have a quick sponsor slot I am putting in for this recording. It is for anchor and it really helps the show if you make sure to listen through to the recording for it… even if it is running in the background and not skipped. It is less than a minute and it helps raise the financials for the show… thus it helps a lot and is so appreciated! Thanks. Here ya go, be right back!
[Paused briefly for sponsor}
New Moon and Full Moon Segments – No Transcript
The information covered in the new moon and the full moon segment is listed above with the infographics and images inserted with this episode. I am hoping this helps when I have things missing. It does happen, because sometimes I simply begin going and doing the podcast because I am inspired. In these times, I don’t always get the transcripts done. It becomes a point of whether I want to share the episode or do the transcripts. Since it has been largely just me lately, I can only do so much. I think it is more important to to post what I do have… especially since it isn’t like data or information is missing. Rather, it is the script of what is actually said in a podcast that is already recorded.
With this in mind, we can always go back and listen to the podcast. Additionally, as we begin to get things up on YouTube, there will be automatic transcription done there to capture at least part of it.
Returning With Closing Segment for the Podcast
Okay, we are actually to the closing of this episode. I had recorded the full moon and the new moon, and then the introduction. As, this is the first time I am doing this, the moon cycle forecast, I wasn’t sure. I will, I think I am going to plan to do them earlier in the month… However, right now, I am also working on my limits and boundaries. Setting something, like setting a magick goal is kind of difficult to accomplish when you know the likelihood of failure. I mean, we know how important it is now.
The Importance of Setting Goals for Magick
We know how important it is to be focused on intent and serious about actually reaching goals. Learning to practice magick, as a ritual and an art form, it is a learning lesson. At the end of the day, going into a practice is easy enough, but being successful that requires care and concerted effort. The mindset is key, but then you need to also be aware of said mindset, right?
So, while I desire to do things one way, I am going to set a more reasonable goal and that is to at least do it by the first couple of days in the month… as I am doing here. This way we are talking about moon magick, and we are hitting on the flow of the month. It is before the moon cycle officially begins in almost all cases. Lastly it is something I can do.
However, by doing it, I also know I am being transparent in my practice, while practicing what I preach. This is all helping in being accountable. It is a learning thing all together.
But we have gone over the important parts. The Sturgeon moon, it looks to be a super cycle…. And while it will, or at least has the potential to be powerful, with the fire and the direction behind it… it isn’t say the most stable or grounding. I mean, it isn’t perfectly balanced… that being said, sometimes we need more effort from one area versus another. Balanced and calm and peaceful can be… imperfect… at least for man. Or maybe, man is inherently unable to process it perfectly because man is the imperfect one?
In either case, the pushes we get, the extras we get… they are likely to be fortuitous and I would say the potential for expansion, luck, inspiration, and thus… through the thick of it… satisfaction and success are high. That is worth it
So with that, blessed be to you all. Have a lovely day, evening, whatever. I am grateful for the opportunity to say the things I did in this podcast and this was a fulfilling episode on my part. Thank you for listening and for being present. Until next time!
This week, we will be posting – not sure if a blog or a podcast, but check out the website if you haven’t already. Also we are on social media and the website is up. Those places both will keep you up to date with the new topics.
Closing With Social Media References
Mageatm.com for the site and @AgainstMage, all one word, on Twitter. @Mageatm on Facebook and Instagram. YouTube and TikTok I am there as well – You can find me as RohannaIrene – Rohanna Irene’s channel. Hey, since we’re putting it all out there – want some more art? Check that out too! RumDancer or RumDancer studios. More pagan topics on there, on the social media pages and Deviant Art. There ya go. All the ways! We are going to be talking this week about meteor shower magick at the very least.
There, I said it. Granted, depending on whether or not is truth relative, this could be debated. For now, let’s not though. Give me a moment please, to get my thoughts together and then I will explain. Initially, what I mean by this is that people all have an idea of their beliefs or why them believe them.
Most people who believe in magick have some integral idea of how magick works. The better part of 20 years of my life has been spent talking to witches, mostly either pagan and Wiccan types or Golden Dawn and ceremonial magick type… just for clarity. I don’t know why it took me till this week, but I realized something this week.
I have officially decided that… on the topic of magick… you are doing it wrong. Simply by thinking that what we are doing inherently is right, then that leaves little room to think outside the box. That leaves no real way to force the mind to remain open, to look for the cosmic links out in the world or to see the impossible happenings. By doing magick right, it seems as though it is essentially against the concept of mastery in the first place and thereby, you are doing it wrong. That is my simple explanation
Truth is a Funny Thing, Especially to People of Faith
I said it. So, it must be true. Or, at least I think it is true. That is where it gets tricky. Because ultimately, the word “truth” has changed through the years and not everyone can agree on what the word actually means. Some say it is synonymous with fact. Other people say that it is something slightly different. Personally, I like the concept that truth is something with is accurate and factual to the person telling it. I tend to think of it as a anecdotal fact.
Sort of how a person will tell you that the bible is a truth, because for them it is. However, there is a lot there that thus far, can’t be proven… at least not empirically. That stuff, the substance that you can prove and verify… and that is repeatable (must not forget that part!) these are the facts.
A screen shot of Oxford Dictionary and the definition of truth. I found it odd that they didn’t choose just fact, as similar. Factuality and factualness, sure. Then again, gospel truth and genuineness is there as well. **This entry, for the record, did not make me feel better about the actual meaning and etymology of the word truth.**
Your Truth. My Truth. Truth to Truth.
If magick has taught us anything it is that one should not be shocked at the power of the mind. You really can change your mind, if you choose to. The trick, for those of you that say that you can’t, you may not be able to. I would challenge though, it is less that you can’t and more that you simply don’t know how. In any case, it may not be the greatest skill out there… like, technically I think that convincing of facts that never happened… that is one of those tale tale narcist sighs, isn’t it?
A discussion for next time: “When is the truth the truth and is there ever a time when gaslighting is psychologically acceptable?”
Ultimately, I am going through this because it occurred to me, after talking to a friend earlier, that it is sometimes easier to just go with it. I mean, I wasn’t joking when I said that I have spent the better part of 20 years talking to people about their practice and magick in general. My practice, my service to my local pagan community, and just a general curiosity or interest in the types of topics regarding practices, ritual, and the like.
There have been too many times that I can count, where i would actually get upset when someone would tell me something i did was wrong. Not for annoyance of being corrected. Rather, because it always comes with that tone. The tone where you know what is coming next… The tip or trick on how to do it right. Today, in that area… I think that i made a breakthrough and I wanted to share.
Everyone’s a Critic, Even Your Well-Meaning Friends
So, I was going to say that you were doing wrong in a podcast but well, the neighbors are mowing their lawn for the 3rd time this week. It is the end of July, over 100 degrees here, and they are mowing. At first it was frustrating, because who really likes to be inconvenienced by someone… anyone else, when they have a plan in mind for their day? Then, after a moment of breathing, I shook it off.
Later on in the day, a friend came over and I was telling her about my day about how I keep trying to plan to record but the noise… and sort of in the middle of it, I said (kind of under my breath and to myself), “When you fixate, you stagnate.”
“What did you just say?” my friend asked.
“When you fixate, you stagnate.” I repeated, but louder this time.
“You really shouldn’t be focusing on the negative if you want it to change. Vibrations don’t work that way.”
That’s what she said…
I paused, and just let it hang there. Vibrations work in a weird way… but I found there, in the moment, a sense of irony. Maybe irony isn’t the right word? I could feel the tension of silence building and the tail end of what my friend said echoed in my head. The words vibrated in my mind that vibrations didn’t work that way.
Who Knows How Magick Works?
The silence stayed a bit longer, and it was uncomfortable. Why must disagreeing come with so much tension? I don’t know about other people, for I am sure there are people out there that step on toes, establish their boundaries, or just say no when they don’t want to do something. I tend to try to be a people pleaser. My Sagittarian excess doesn’t always help that, but I try. Intellectually, I want to be right. I want to know the right way. I want to understand things better and then I want to dig more beyond that. Always keep learning.
Please Tell Me: “How Do Vibrations Work?”
That was what I wanted to say. I didn’t know. The silence went on for at least a few minutes and I found myself still not saying anything. As the silence grew longer, I found myself suddenly wondered if I was being rude. I walked to the kitchen, opened the fridge. I kind of moved things around, and then made some noise like I was figuring out what to grab. Finally, I decided to just break the ice.
“Do you want a drink?” I called out sheepishly.
I knew I sounded a little off. I didn’t get a response. That was weird. So, I poked my head back towards the living room. She wasn’t there. Turns out she had gone and took a moment to sneak to the bathroom. I will skip to the end, when she came back everything was fine. I had spent the last few minutes thinking about that one statement. She had been thinking about needing to pee. She didn’t mention it again. I am still up, past midnight thinking about it.
Magick is Essentially Controlling the Mind
I realize that perhaps I am fixating. Then it occurs to me that maybe my friend is right. I do tell myself my little mantras, but I do it as a reminder. If I were to say something happy and cheery, well… I’ve seen some shit. I can say that much. I know me pretty well too. I don’t listen to that kind of talk. Thus, I tend to talk to myself in a more stern voice to cut myself off and perk up. Essentially, I guess.. in reflection… I talk to myself like my mom talked to me when I was a kid.
We are the humanity, my friends….
Note to Self: Duality Sometimes is Not Your Friend
“The capacity to learn is a gift; The ability to learn is a skill; The willingness to learn is a choice.”
Brian Herbert
Above is another little mantra that I tell myself on a somewhat regular occasion. It prompts me toward gratitude that I am able to learn and to continue seeking knowledge. I don’t know what age that I was when I realized that not everyone is interested in learning. Some people are truly only concerned with what they know. I have my own thoughts on how this works, but I don’t want to be that person. I enjoy being right. I like knowing things within certainty, for there are so few things that are certain. I, in turn, have a nasty habit of thinking the same for other people.
Is Truth Relative All of the Time?
If something is apparently untrue, and the evidence can be found to deny it, then I am going to look for that. When I learn a new fact, I generally challenge myself to verify the fact as an empirical based concept or is it something else. This kind of thinking leads me to have a tendency to jump to conclusions about things that people say, and at least at my age, I have learned how to quiet things down and not shout out dramatically, “LIES!”
The Complexity in the Simplicity of Humanity
Nevertheless, I tend to think that other people are the same way. I mean, that is pretty common right? We expect others to be like we are, or treat others how we want to be treated because we have an assumption that people are like us, and want something similar? Sometimes, there is a wholly alternative choice though. Seeing that alternative, or the many alternatives, requires me to stop and consider things in a different way.
A Shared Experience Does Not Guarantee a Shared Outcome
On one hand, we are all the same. We share a human experience. It is hard to remember sometimes that we all do this, same thing, differently. The shift in perspective from one to the next person, it is sometimes so slight that we don’t notice. Then, other times, it is drastic. When around like minded people, there is a sense of peace, harmony, and calm grace. At least, that is how it feels to me. Then, there are people that are abrasive to even share space with, without them saying a word or anything. I know this to be true. Yet, I always catch myself thinking my untrue assumptions.
Faith and Will are Not One in the Same
Realizing that my little self-talk from earlier is just what I was trained derailed me for a bit. Because, when I consider that I talk to myself a certain way because I was taught that a stern voice gets results, that there is no room in growth for weakness essentially, that is how I then became programmed to learn. Not everyone has this lesson.
I wouldn’t necessarily wish for everyone to have this lesson either…
I was raised by a very religious mom. I had a whole slew of parental figures, but the religious side of me, I would say I definitely get from her. She was happy being a Christian though, and don’t get me wrong… personally I am cool with Jesus. I am not a Christian though. That is a talk for a different time, but my point is that I learned, through my mother, that faith cannot be empirically proven. When a person believes is difficult to change, even with self-talk or mantras or anything else. To date, I have not figured a way to change faith. It is like, you can’t un-do seeing once your eyes have been opened.
Personal Truths About How Magick Works, or The World, Etc.
I see things as I do. Thus, I realize that my truths, the world as I know it. Some of the ways in which I am confident about my world include:
An unshakable belief in the divine or a higher power.
My understanding of how to control the energy my reach through will and intent.
My understanding that how magick works has been understood, then forgotten too many times in history.
The conceptualization of the world, both in the physical and astral realms.
My supernatural and/or occult experiences including practicing magick and dying.
Realizing and thus reminding myself that my perception is only one view point. (Gotta keep that ego in check!)
The world is not as it seems and that is okay.
These things that I know to be true generally remain this way until proven otherwise. Yes, they are truths, for me personally. My experiences and how I have interacted with the world, how the world has interacted with me, and a whole host of other things have influenced me to get where I am today.
That isn’t bragging. That is just a declaration of gratitude for being alive. I have been elsewhere, not here. I would like to not go back at the moment! Take that, death and dying. That is one of those things, like trauma as well. I guess it is a kind of trauma, but that still works with my point.
Redefining Knowledge and Mental Processing
I can know something to be true and I can realize that it is only possibly so for me. I am learning as I get older to not be offended by knowing less than a fraction of the knowledge. How could I and why should I? Why should any of is. First and foremost, our knowledge of this world is and it makes sense that it would be, anecdotal. This leads there to be a wealth of information, but much of that data doesn’t apply to everyone.
In the end, what is it that makes a truth?
For example, f I know that something works for me, I am not necessarily going to recommend it is a tip for other people. That was and still remains a hard lesson to learn. Somehow, it escaped me to think that this is one of those areas that are the same.
A Wise Man Once Said: “I Know Nothing.”
That wise man supposedly was Socrates. At least, as far as I know it was. Something about an oracle telling Socrates that he was the wisest, which perplexed him as he said that he knew nothing. Last season on the Mage Against the Machine podcast, I went into the philosophers of Ancient Greece some, and it gives more details. I linked to one of them, that one specifically talks about perception and what we all know to be true.
Socrates Fan Art- Rohanna Irene / RumDancer Art circa… 2018?
I mainly put it there for reference. I have been trying to be mindful of how thinking works, how my own brain functions and what I hold on to or retain versus what I end up ultimately forgetting. When I became more conscious of my process of thinking, of learning, and how I processed information, I began to notice trends and patterns.
For Me, Personal Challenges Make a Better Magickal Practice
If we are going to do something in this world, it should be done well and to the fullest extent of our capability. I firmly believe that life is too short to half-ass things. As you might imagine, this kind of mindset leads me to be somewhat of a perfectionist at times,. At the very least, it lends way to being too hard on myself. So, for me, and only for me, I have made my own sort of sets of rules. They work for me and at the same time I wouldn’t say they are all 100% health. But… they work.
Observations About Magick and Witchcraft Since January 2021
In the last 6 months, as I have been studying more and more about magick:
History
How to Be a Witch
The History of Famous Pagan Authors
The Correlation of Witchcraft and Other Traditions
Just take these for example. I was taught many of these things, the concepts, precepts, and general foundations… when I was just beginning it was before I was 20 years old. I have explained to some extent on here, that the world was different. There wasn’t an easy resource to just go and cite your work. I was taught also, early on, learning is a choice, but also a responsibility. To learn, first you must be willing. Then, you must apply yourself.
Skepticism About Being a Skeptic
So, generally when I used to go into learning, I went to a teacher of some sort. Be it for school or later college and pagan, metaphysical, and ceremonial magick training as well. Then, when I went to learn about community leadership and application of practices, I had the same mindset. I thought that they were the teacher, they had something to teach. Learn, first. Question later.
A lot more than I am willing or able to write here went into my agility to get out of myself enough to learn magick. It wasn’t my natural forte I can say that much. The learning curve was massive. I had to really dig down and fight hard not to question things. Not the right things, not like I was wanting to ask for proof back then. No, I was a good student. I knew to not waste a teachers time and ask pertinent questions.
Masters and High Magicians May Not Always Be Right… But they are Never Wrong!
I used to get really great grades in school. Mostly… This is because I didn’t question teachers. I wrote notes and kissed ass. I developed a belief, which I guess is still pretty ingrained in me to this day… Don’t break the rules until you know the rules well enough to make them.
I stand by this for sure. However the overall learning process kind of worked like… well, let me just make an image. That is easier.
This Sums Up My Learning Strategy
Confronting school was easy, so long as I just accepted that the teacher was right and I was there to learn.
Ultimately, I realize as an adult that this whole process is good for one thing… testing. I don’t feel bad about it, but I do realize that my own challenge is with critical thinking.
Why Can’t We All Know Things?
At the end of the day, I don’t think that being a black and white thinker is the end of the world. It isn’t for me, so why would it be for anyone.
And… with that I stop myself.
Being aware at the individual thoughts is a challenge, and one that I personally struggle with, especially since I owe it to myself to be honest, or at least as honest as I can with a few strangers on the internet that might read this. I promised a transparent process and I am trying to do this. One day, I will tell you about how I basically recorded myself for a year and then geeked out on my own mannerisms. Good times were had by all. That is, if all was none because all things also contain their opposites.
For now, the best I can say is that I learned something here. Maybe you already knew this lesson. That is okay too. In that case, thank you for letting me share.
Long Term Goal for Self Mastery – Moving Forward
This is the rub, that thing I have learned to force myself to do. When I realize something, I try to take it and do something with it. I try to test it, to see what can be stretched and worked. For, within any moment of actualization, realization or epiphone, I believe lies something greater. I noticed previously that the body will react, and go into motion. The brain, not so much. It will try, but I suppose that it is handling realization, rationalization, and then the processes of emotion that go along with being wrong and possibly that expectation that one should have known better.
In any case, to get out of the reactionary retract mode, that knee-jerk resistance for a lack of a better term, I instead think what can I learn from this moment right now. I try to set a goal to do something with it, almost right away. It makes life chaotic, changing direction more often that I am used to, but it also keeps me on my toes.
Considering the Take Away From Today
A goal, without a plan, is just a wish.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I know that I have been in a place where I said things had to be done a certain way when what I should have said was, “I am not comfortable doing it the way you are suggesting.” Of course, there is a slight difference if I am the one that is going into the situation as a learner myself… well a dedicated learner. All teachers should learn something from their student and vice versa. It’s a two-way street, yes…
I Will Apply to My Learning Practice, Until Samhain 10/31/2021
Wouldn’t the song, “Everybody Hurts” have been cooler if it were, “Everybody Sucks?” Come on REM. Do it for the people!
Now, before ending this here… I want to clarify the beginning. I hope the meaning of my post rang through. I tend to do these as free writes and make art as I go. It’s a process. (Thank you for coming along with me, all of you reading <3)
I will continue to try to keep my mindset that whenever I am learning something that the person doesn’t know anything. I am going to write my intention down a bit better when I get to the 29th day in the moon cycle and write my intention then. I will do my best to share that ritual if I can.
Intention Outline Coming Soon
The bare bones of what I am going to add to my regular routine is going to be outlined. I usually do outlines of my intentions. Right now, I would like to have it done by the full moon. Since the moon is waning, it should be a good time to be swirling down into myself.
References for Further Reading
What to Do, Scientifically, When Everyone is Wrong – A surprisingly good read from Forbes.com of all places. That was unexpected! However, the author goes through the findings of the heliocentric world, which at the time was difficult to prove. It details the information that was needed to force the acceptance of the heliocentric model, and essentially the process of how the geocentric model of the world was challenged. A good read for anyone contemplating flat earth stuff or just scientific reasoning and the like!
Hail and Welcome! In this episode, we are discussing the mentality of magick and explaining the modern practice of magick. The different faiths and thoughts about magick over the years have led the spiritual landscape to be what it is, filled with doubt, insecurity, and in some cases, fear. It wasn’t always the case though. For thousands of years, as we look back in the historical records, we can see where society lived in tandem with magick and witchcraft practices.
In our last episode, we discussed how there were cuneiform scripts and other ancient languages written down by scribes, detailing the interwoven magick as it was accepted. People didn’t go around burning each other in witch trials. There haven’t been any cases where someone lost their children for being a witch that we can tell either. Bending the natural energies of the environment with conscious will and direction kind of just seemed to be a thing.
Misconceptions About Magick
In the modern era, there seem to be more rules, stipulations, and assumptions about magick. Namely that certain kinds of traditions are supposed to be a certain way. There are false histories. There are untrue stereotypes. It all adds up to convoluting a very simple practice. Sure, athames and wands can help to direct the energy and align with intent. But, they aren’t needed. Humans have what they need to practice magick, inherently within them. The ability isn’t evil. In fact, we would argue that it is a little different from prayer.
We have gone through a variety of traditions and what we continue to see is a simple way to practice. We see the base requirements and then discuss them in this podcast. Furthermore, we describe what is needed to be determined magick and how technically plenty of people are practicing every day, sometimes without meaning. Finally, we try to pinpoint some of the best practices for practicing magick.
Listen In For More Detail
Of course, we touch on what magick isn’t and what not to do as well.
And look, it is all summed up in less than an hour. Progress!
Blessed be! Make sure to leave us some feedback and let us know what you think! 🙂
— This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app —
Hybrid Courses and Correspondence Lessons Coming Soon
It has been a busy week, with the full moon and plotting the upcoming support resources for next season. Surprisingly, the introduction on YouTube is also now active! A few years ago, Rohanna did start doing the lecture portion of the Intro to Wicca on YouTube, but because there were active in-person classes, continuing the recordings meant doing double work.
Progress in New Format for Pagan Classes
With all of the changes, it took a while to get content to present via video. The good news is that headway has been made in this department. With that being said, it finally was time to get a new channel together and should be on a routine posting schedule will be posted soon.
Update: YouTube Introduction Uploaded
Since Covid and Quarantine changed the dynamics of in-person mentoring, a change to coursework was inevitable. Of course, this also meant reorganizing the content of classes. This process led to the development of the Mage Against the Machine podcast.
As the Podcast has developed, it brought with it loads of research and a deeper understanding of occult history. While the YouTube channel has been a thing for a while, there wasn’t enough time to get it up and running. It is pleasant to announce, there was a bit of downtime over the weekend and the intro for YouTube was finally loaded. This means, moving forward that discussions that could be bolstered by video cam now be put on there.
Rohanna Irene Talks Paganism, the Occult, and the Future on YouTube
The introduction on YouTube was pretty standard. It’s short, about 15 minutes long. Mainly, in the spirit of “doing things right”, it was put there to introduce topics on the show and to explain the more casual nature of presentation.
Talking about tarot and ritual should be much easier with a visual accompaniment in the long run too!
Previous MAtM Topics Will Be Loaded Next
Previous topics, fromElemental Correspondences to The Timeline of Magickwill be put on the YouTube for Rohanna Irene. There doesn’t seem to be a point to have one just for Mage Against the Machine. There is a definite learning curve as to how to utilize all the platforms and technology. It is coming together though!
Don’t Miss Out On the Pagan and Occult Topics That Interest You Most
Be sure to like and subscribe the first upload on YouTube channel. You can check it out by following the link here.
If there are any topics that you would like visual direction with as well, please request it here. This will help to make sure the podcast and the YouTube channel is doing the most good!
In the mean time, a big thanks to everyone so far that has helped to develop the direction of Mage Against the Machine!
In this episode, we are discussing the mentality of magick and explaining the modern practice of magick. The different faiths and thoughts about magick over the years have led the spiritual landscape to be what it is, filled with doubt, insecurity, and in some cases, fear. It wasn’t always the case though. For thousands of years, as we look back in the historical records, we can see where society lived in tandem with magick and witchcraft practices. In our last episode, we discussed how there were cuneiform scripts and other ancient languages written down by scribes, detailing the interwoven magick as it was accepted. People didn’t go around burning each other in witch trials. There haven’t been any cases where someone lost their children for being a witch that we can tell either. Bending the natural energies of the environment with conscious will and direction kind of just seemed to be a thing.
In the modern era, there seem to be more rules, stipulations, and assumptions about magick. Namely that certain kinds of traditions are supposed to be a certain way. There are false histories. There are untrue stereotypes. It all adds up to convoluting a very simple practice. Sure, athames and wands can help to direct the energy and align with intent. But, they aren’t needed. Humans have what they need to practice magick, inherently within them. The ability isn’t evil. In fact, we would argue that it is a little different from prayer.
We have gone through a variety of traditions and what we continue to see is a simple way to practice. We see the base requirements and then discuss them in this podcast. Furthermore, we describe what is needed to be determined magick and how technically plenty of people are practicing every day, sometimes without meaning. Finally, we try to pinpoint some of the best practices for practicing magick.
Of course, we touch on what magick isn’t and what not to do as well.
And look, it is all summed up in less than an hour. Progress!
Blessed be! Make sure to leave us some feedback and let us know what you think! 🙂 — This episode is sponsored by ·
Hail and Welcome! You’re listening to Mage Against the Machine, a Podcast, for lovers of the occult, magick, religion, philosophy…. where we aim to cast light into the darkness, confirm truths of the divine, whatever else comes to mind!
With that being said…
I am Your Hostess, Rohanna Irene. Thank you all for joining me on this journey, to discover hidden truths amidst the long lineage of magick, mystery, and all things occult.
There has been much talk, over the years.
The Science AND Art of causing change to occur, within the conformity of one’s will. – A. Crowley
I must make MAGICK the essential factor in the life of ALL. In presenting this book to the world, I must then explain and justify my position by formulating a definition of MAGICK and setting forth its main principles in such a way that ALL may understand instantly that their souls, their lives, in every relation with every other human being and every circumstance, depend upon MAGICK and the right comprehension and right application thereof.
Also A. Crowley
Mindset, Perspective, and Magick
Below is the “transcripts”. I tend to write this out before and it is a close script, though it is certainly not word for word, Please let me know if you have any corrections or suggestions to add.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
We are back in action and rolling things out for season two, and one of the things I’ve been trying to talk about on this podcast is the actual act of magick. We sort of began to describe magick in our blog, there is an article entitled “What is Magick?” This gave a brief introduction, simply to solidify the perspective of what we, well me… Rohanna… and when writings and whatnot pertain to magick whether on the Mage Against the Machine podcast, blog, or website.
The Camps of People: On Faith and Belief in Religion, Magick and Spiritual Concepts
A lot of what I’ve found recently, is that there seems to be this almost like… a 2 camp mentality when it comes to believing in the concept of magick or witchcraft. There is no denying, since human history, we have some record of people having a belief in the supernatural world… that is, until recently. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am sure there have always been skeptics. However, it definitely seems like religion and spirituality have had a hold on humanity for the bulk of the time.
It used to be thought that society forced the hand of people and this is where religion came from. However, there is modern findings… or, well, findings in the last 30 or so years, namely with the digging at Gobekli Tepe that gives a different sort of picture.
Belief is Dictated by Many Factors and Results in Differing Perspectives
Depending on what you are taught to believe and what faith system, values, and even cultural guidelines a person is raised with, this is going to influence on how they see the world. For some people, it will ultimately restrict them from being able to see beyond what they are taught.
Ultimately, it makes sense that if we go back in history, to a time when there was a near totalitarian belief in something beyond human powers… let’s take the Gods. And one generation believed in the Gods as a whole. Then, the next generation would and so on and so on. It would take time or a catastrophic act, most likely, to change the direction of thought. This fits with what we are seeing thus far in the archaeological record and what seems to mesh with psychology.
Variances of Perspective Make it Harder to Learn and Restrict Growth
Perspectives obviously change from generation to generation, but in the past it seemed that this was not the case in such a stark perspective. There was the odd man generation that would make a leap. This was usually in conjunction though, with an environmental change, when facing trauma that effected massive amounts of people at large, or an advancement in understanding of the world.
Identifying the Root of Changes is Difficult
It is so hard to understand what is understood because of culture, where our information and knowledge comes from, and why is it that we are the way we are. It is like, as a species we understand that we are individuals, but we can’t comprehend that we are also the same. We are both intelligent and intuitive, while being close-minded and lacking perspective of the past and future.
The Challenges for Humanity to Retain Growth
Our brain works to propel us forward, but many of the traits that the brain has… such as how it receives and processes information, these same actions inherently cause us to become close minded or to deny information. Sifting through history, there is a trend of repeating patterns. Humans advance, stagnate and then devolve. It also seems that for the better part of history, humanity doesn’t remember what it has already been presented with.
It makes for a hard road towards enlightenment. Sometimes I am amazed that we evolved to where we are at all.
Then again, other times, I think we have likely been here before… but I digress.
The First Camp of Thinkers: The Non-Believers
For starters, on one end, well technically… I guess it’s three… Because on one hand, you have those that don’t believe at all. They think that anything concerning that which can’t be proven to them, it isn’t a thing. At best, they think that people are misguided and at best, they look at those of us that have faith in something more as ridiculous.
Of course, this is at the far end of the spectrum, the types that believe that there is death, darkness, and nothing at the end. They usually scoff at people of other religions as much as they do the concepts of magick or spirituality. Whether they think religion as a whole is just a bunch of mumbo jumbo, or they are the more faithful types, but their religious view doesn’t allow for certain kinds of actions … such as spells, sorcery, dream reading, astrology or these kinds of things… these are the doubters to the magickal world.
The Second Camp: The Believers
Then when you look at the other camp of people that do believe, they come in a wide range as well. These people believe in something, beyond humanity. For them, it may be prayer, it may be superstition, it may be the beliefs of their own religion and finally it may be a person who is responsible for their power and follow some sort of pagan philosophy, practicing magick, witchcraft and the like. Even in this camp, there is its own divide with one side generally tending to believe in an energy of something beyond humanity. Then, there are the people that believe that they can harness this power. This is where most of us that believe in the occult, magick, and the like lie.
Third Camp: The Deniers
Finally, then there is that third camp and… uh… they may believe or not believe in magick as a power. More specifically these people tend to believe in that there is something, it may be magick, it may be witchcraft, it may be demons. They deny the power of humanity and seem to refer to anything that which is supernatural as having to do with deities or a power beyond the average person.
Alteration of Assumptions: Ancient Civilizations, to Antiquity, to the Modern Era
The presumption of power that was attainable by man has long been discussed and placed out into society to dwell on. That which the people in a society believe is only possible so long as a bulk of the people in a society can believe it. I have a hard time discerning when this kind of thought was taken over by the elite, the rich, and those in power. Was it always this way or is this a new invention? It seems that over the course of history, man realized that he could gaslight the shit out of his fellow man. He could send him into psychosis or into a fit or worry, followed by rage and remorse. This isn’t a certain man, but a certain kind of man. This kind of man would prey son others emotions and eventually they became considered a hazard for anyone to not wear a mask.
The same way that the boy in my son’s school forces me to feel insecure at their house, with babies and family members that I don’t know, I am nervous around people’s kids. This is especially true ofr kids that I don’t know. At the same time, IN have that maternal nurture gene, to some degree. I want to help. However, I don’t think that I can help everyone. I can scream from the rooftops that magick is real and for people to mind their actions. But, ultimately, I don’t think anyone is listening.
Man Has Long Been a Skeptic of the Ultimate Powers of Magick and Witchcraft
They have their own faiths and then they still have this in their mindset that magic and witchcraft is some sort of evil pact, or people being misguided by some dark force, maybe even tricked. In some cases, they simply deny that man has the power of greatness.
As was seen in Ancient Greece, with belief in the Gods. The Gods had their own powers their own will and they directed fate for humanity. They dictated many of the trials that man went through and their power was beyond that of a mortal. People that showed extraordinary gifts or strengths were said to be direct lineage of the Gods, known as demi-gods or half-gods. It was only now and then did a truly epic person get credit for their own actions.
Greatness Was Considered a Gift For the Gods, or Of the Gods
Many of the ancient faiths put the power of greatness, beyond humanity. They also though, understood that humanity still had a power of their own. I know that in my years of practicing magick and witchcraft I have been asked by some of the most confusing people. People with degrees and who seem to know how the empirical world works. Then they ask about worshipping the devil.
Modern Deniers of Magick
Modern people in Western civilizations tend to give credence to the power those gifted by the Gods. While it isn’t unheard of to hear of people referring to something as a miracle, it is far more likely to hear them relating magick or certain unexplainable testaments of man as a bad thing. In fact, we can see through history that there has been a trend to have a balanced belief, where the supernatural could be good or bad…. With people agreeing that witchcraft or magick was real… than not.
Focusing on Evil is a New Kind of Concept
The thought of relating magick to evil seems to be kind of archaic. To be perfectly honest that crowd really kind of confuses me, because like we’ve come a really long way since having the thoughts about demons controlling people or the devil being the cause of bad thoughts and actions. Then I think about it again. I mean, last week we talked about the shift in witch hunts being not till around 1200 AD… and largely influenced by the Catholic church. I guess technically, it hasn’t been that long that people have thought like this…. Not in the scheme of things.
Magick is For Everyone and You are All Witches
The reason I went through all of the previous was to present the quandary that I am facign right now in my own mind. I mean, if Crowley gives us the definition that he does, but people are also going around and practicing magick and they are not knowing it, simply as a by product of being a human being, and also a conscious entity, then how can that be?
Is Magick Evil?
I can’t tell anyone whether or not magick is inherently evil. I certainly cannot tell someone to willingly go against their own personal beliefs. However, I personally find it hard to label magick as one thing or the other, about as much as I find it possible to deny that magick exists. The only thing that I can think of is that people are still stuck largely on the misconceptions of magick. Maybe tying the actions of witches to some preconceived stereotype that they have? Maybe it is a matter that we aren’t on the same page of what magick is or what it entails? I might be overthinking this, but, that is probably a good thing… since I am doing a podcast on this kind of thing.
With that in mind, it’s a good time to get everyone on the same page. Then, I definitely want to talk about whether you like it or not… you are practicing magick… for better or worse, every day. More than that, I want to discuss what you may be doing right, what you could be doing wrong, and what you could be doing differently.
Magick: Defined
The Science AND Art of causing change to occur, within the conformity of one’s will. – A. Crowley
I keep using this definition because it seems pretty succinct and doesn’t allow for a lot of gray fantastical areas regarding magick. It doesn’t fall into line with witches riding broom sticks or green faces, it doesn’t make it sound like anyone is in league with satan. Rather, it is a straight forward definition.
And with this definition, it also lends to the reality of what magick is. It also tells us what it isn’t.
Much like the quote by Eckhart Tolle “All problems are illusions of the mind.” Crowley leaves us with the understanding that magick is simply a conformity to what is desired in the mind. Other quotes that he has left us with on magick tells us that part of the secret sauce for practicing is intent. However, really, this is just truly wanting something and the desire with the will or drive to attain it in the mind. Before anything is gotten, it is all in the mind. If there is a plan of action, a way to get this thing, thenit might not be much of a problem. However, in the case where there isn’t a plan of action or a knowledge on how to attain something it can be more trying.
Powering Reality with Our Mind
What many people forget is that by aligning the mind with will, then things can come into being. Sometimes this is simply focusing thought and action and getting it the old fashioned way. However, more and more, as we study psychology, we are seeing that there is also something to alignment and future thought. There is something to controlling the mind and making it behave, so to speak.
If magick is all in the mind and it is that which is conforming to will, then technically isn’t everyone doing that magick thing like all the time? Every day, with every thought, with every desire backed by will… they are all similar things at different stages. Essentially as long as we are conscious then we are making things happen. As long as we are making things happen through thought and will, then we are practicing magick.
Creation with Consciousness
The one hold up with the concept of doing magick all the time is that there are times then when we are doing this without thought consciously. IT always seems to me that this can be troublesome. Because what about things that we think about that we don’t want all the way? What about those things that we think we want and we are super emotional about it when we think we want it. We crave it. This is like when a person is going through a bout of self-loathing depression…. Which is more common than one might think… or is that just for me? Nah… I think that is probably just about everyone, or at least a good portion of people.
While people aren’t likely capable of controlling all their thoughts all the time, there is a few things that can be done to take control back and monitor the mind for those magick making ways.
The first step is to activate deep desires intentionally in a conscious setting. This allows for a place with intent for them to be worked on. Meditation is good for the mind to clear it and to help stop the flood gates, it is also good for bringing things to the forefront.
Your Speech is Your Responsibility
Altering speech can be a difficult task, especially if you are used to just saying whatever comes to mind. Even more so if you have a bad habit of saying negative things to yourself. However, I promise you if you work on this area of your mind’s process and this one area alone, you are going to see results.
So, take a moment and consider how you talk to yourself. Listen to the words that you tell yourself and what you say to yourself.
Negative self-talk effects us in a number of ways. The first is the most obvious that it brings us down. Telling yourself that you’re shit, that you’re not enough, that you’re better off dead, or whatever you tell yourself is no way to treat a you. I know, it isn’t easy and for some it is harder than others. However, I also know, since I have been there that talking down to yourself and breaking yourself down is one of the meanest things that you can do to yourself. There is no way to defend yourself or to have someone come back up to your defense. It is just you, and you, being mean to you. That is a surefire way to destroy the self and make it super weak sauce.
For this reason it is paramount to get your thoughts under control.
Beyond that you need to get your words in check as well.
Taking Responsibility for Your Craft
We don’t have the answers yet, but the mind seems to be a tuner of sorts, it sets our will and intent outward and vibrates outward attracting back what we are wanting. When we centralize our thoughts and take care with what words they turn into, more specifically, how we are using our words, then we are on the right path.
The pen is mightier than the sword, or so they say. I can’t argue that at all. Words, as formulated ideas and concepts, can do far more damage than a man-made weapon. Does this mean that you can cast a fireball at your enemy and literally light their house on fire? No, probably not. It does mean that you can get where you need to go, get the life you want, and have your desires fulfilled. First you have to reconcile your own self and then you have to take action.
Magick vs. Magical Thinking
I have seen people get the two terms “magical thinking” and magick (or even “magickal thinking” confused. To clarify here we are talking about making things happen in our lives, we are talking about, in an ideal world, the transmutation of the self. This is the heart of the great work. It is work. It requires effort. It is worth it.
But how does it work?
We all only can guess, but I think that there are concepts out in the world that have it right, they just have a part of the puzzle.
Magical thinking is the furthest from what we are all trying to do. Whether we call ourselves a witch, practice black magick, or lean towards the light and only want to better ourselves and our surroundings. Each of these examples are people that want to do something.
Magick Requires Action to Work
Magical thinking is essentially not doing anything. It is not what we want to be a part of. It is not what we are inherently a part of in our natural setting. Rather, it is the outcome of wishing or wanting, but not acting and not intending. IT is the act of hoping for something, but putting enough oomph behind it to manifest. There is no way to take magical thinking to the next level or to transmutation the good vibrations of say, manifesting, in order to turn into more directed rewards.
Action Powers the Direction of Magick
While one can commit acts of magick simply by letting their mind wander, by breaking down themselves or the world around them with negative self talk or doubt, or even by dreaming about something and then thinking intently. I don’t know about you, but I have plenty of anecdotal evidence. Granted, I am not going to win an anecdotal evidence, it still works for keeping my belief structure and faith strong.
That being said, intently thinking, aligning vibrations and willing something into happening requires action. Magical thinking does not. This is the best example of why some people, I think, are successful and some are not. It shows what happens when only thought, passing thoughts or thoughts without purpose are put out in the world. It is akin to hoping to win the lottery but never purchasing a ticket. It is a directionless dream without any bite, and no way to snap into reality.
Make That Magick Work For You
Inherently you are the one that control you, and you need to control you to be able to attain anything through magickal gains. There are rules to being able to attain the results you want. Unfortunately, some people can’t see this in the end. There are those people that will always be focused elsewhere, that will deny or ignore their inherent connection to this supernatural process. Maybe one day, when science explains it and people can understand more of it then it will be able to be utilized more. I personally wish that I could help more people to tap into this source. It isn’t an easy task, retraining the brain. However, I can say that it is helpful for aligning the world in some fashion towards a better version of what it is.
Mage Against the Machine 