Magic Monday

[ecosophia]

It's getting on for midnight, so we can proceed with a new Magic Monday. Ask me anything about occultism and I'll do my best to answer it. Any question received by midnight Monday Eastern time will get an answer. (Please note:  Any question received after then will not get an answer, and in fact will just be deleted. I've been getting an increasing number of people trying to post after these are closed, so will have to draw a harder line than before.) If you're in a hurry, or suspect you may be the 143,916th person to ask a question, please check out the very rough version 1.0 of The Magic Monday FAQ here.

The image?  That's the first card in The Sacred Geometry Oracle, which is hot off the press and on its way to stores and warehouses as I write these words. Card 1, The Unmarked Card, when upright indicates that the situation is wide open and you can make of it what you will; when reversed, it means that you don't have any way of knowing what's actually going on and you may want to back off and wait for more information before proceeding. The oak leaves on the sides of the image tell you that this card belongs to the first third of the oracle, which corresponds to Calas, the principle of solidity and materiality. 

 I've had several people ask about tipping me for answers here, and though I certainly don't require that I won't turn it down. You can use the button above to access my online tip jar. If you're interested in political and economic astrology, or simply prefer to use a subscription service to support your favorite authors, you can find my Patreon page here and my SubscribeStar page here. 

 

I've also had quite a few people over the years ask me where they should buy my books, and here's the answer. Bookshop.org is an alternative online bookstore that supports local bookstores and authors, which a certain other gargantuan corporation doesn't, and I now have a shop there, which you can check out here. Please consider patronizing it if you'd like to purchase any of my books online.

And don't forget to look up your Pangalactic New Age Soul Signature at CosmicOom.com.

With that said, have at it!

***This Magic Monday is now closed. See you next week!***

Comments

Latest Transcript

[happypanda]

I would like to announce Part 1 of a series of transcripts of a talk Sri Rohit Arya gave titled The Money Power, Kubera and Sri Aurobindo.

This is going to be the transcript I promised to provide to JMG as well since I don't think Sri Arya makes transcripts of his Youtube talks.

It's extensively annotated as well with my own notes from things I've learned from other gurus.


Anyway...


Here's Part 1


https://happypanda.dreamwidth.org/#entry-7622

Re: Latest Transcript

[ecosophia]

Many thanks for this.

[(Anonymous)]

About these correspondences for the Ogham fews in The Druidry Handbook…
If I see a rabbit run across my yard, do I draw a stave and ask a question about the significance of the creature and the event, or should I look up Ngetal since its animal is the hare? Or both, or…?
Many thanks.
Rhydlyd

[ecosophia]

Do both of them, take notes, and then see how their respective guidance works out.

[jprussell]

Good evening, and thanks as always for your time and energy here.

I got the opportunity to answer some of my questions on your post announcing The Way of the Golden Section, so I've a got a few fewer questions today:

1) With the Winter Solstice coming up, I'm wondering about a specific intersection of your oft-repeated advice that magic and religion are not the same thing: are seasonal rituals more important for religion, for magic, or equally important to each for different reasons? If the answer is both, what distinct things are such rituals doing for each approach?
2) I have worked my way up to the full SOP and will shortly embark on using it practically. When I do so, does the practical SOP take the place of the daily "standard" SOP, or should I do both? For example, if I'm using the sample given in the book and trying to invoke desired personal qualities and banish undesirable ones, should I do a standard SOP in the morning and the personal qualities one later in the day, or just the personal qualities one?
3) I've started Sane Occultism recently, and I know Dion Fortune has heavily influenced your views on the occult, so I'm curious: in what ways would you say your own views differ most strongly from hers?

Thanks much,
Jeff

[ecosophia]

1) It depends on the religion, and on the system of magic! "Religion" and "magic" are both very broad categories. The intentions and effects of a Christian mass on Christmas are not the same as those of a Druid ceremony on the winter solstice. In the same way, the intentions and effects of a working of La Chose on the spring equinox by a lodge of Elus Coens are not the same as those of a Golden Dawn lodge celebrating the spring equinox on the same day.

2) Experiment and see what works best for you.

3) Her attitudes toward sexuality are very strongly shaped by her Christian faith and the attitudes of her time, and I think she was seriously mistaken about some details.

Discordian SOP

[(Anonymous)]

Hi JMG-
Thanks for doing these. Do you know how one would do the Discordian version of the Sphere of Protection?

Re: Discordian SOP

[ecosophia]

Yes, and in fact I've done it and taught it. You make the initial gestures with the words "Hail Eris," "All Hail Discordia," and "Kallisti." Then it gets weird.

Instead of six points in a nice orderly arrangement around you, there are five, and you have to figure out clairvoyantly where they are, as they move around at random. (One of them may be under the couch, for example.) The symbols you trace for each point is the outline of a golden apple. The holy words you invoke at each of them are of course the names of the five Discordian elements, chanted five times each: "Prickle-prickle-prickle-prickle-prickle," "Boom-boom-boom-boom-boom," and so on.

When you've found and invoked each of the five elemental symbols, stand in the center of the space and visualize a golden apple surrounding you, causing every hostile force to get confused and wander off in a daze.

(Ahem. Yes, it's very silly. The remarkable thing is that it works quite well in practice.)

[(Anonymous)]

Time for the periodic thanks to our host for providing Magic Monday and the space for Covid discussions.

—Princess Cutekitten

[(Anonymous)]

Hear hear! Three cheers for JMG, this forum, and also the commentariat.

[(Anonymous)]

I'm memorizing the Calling of the Elements in the Sphere of Protection. I seem to rapidly grasp systems I'm keenly interested in; would you still advise against strengthening one's practice by invoking and banishing by all seven gates, so as to simultaneously improve one's relationship with each element, rather than waiting 2-3 weeks to add a new gate?

[ecosophia]

Yes, I would advise against rushing through it. Give each element the individual attention that it deserves.

[brenainn]

I've been meditating on Santa Muerte since last week's MM. The anonymous poster raised a question that I've been reflecting on, and that is Santa Muerte's willingness to grant any request. This is certainly the case, at least from what I've gathered from other followers of her. The reason given is usually something like "death embraces everyone" and so she's a being that accepts and works with the full spectrum of humanity (and the assorted needs thereof). That makes sense to me, but I'd welcome any insights into this aspect of her. I also welcome any insight from the commentariat.

[ecosophia]

I'll have to turn this over to the commentariat -- the Pretty Girl is not a being I've studied at all.

[(Anonymous)]

Is the American Federation of Astrologers worthwhile, both from a learning standpoint and eventually for certification through their exams? I’m considering their “SuperStar” course for learning astrology, and was curious if you had any opinions on it.

[ecosophia]

They have a good reputation. I haven't taken any of their courses.

[open_space]

Hey there JMG and everyone, good evening!

Today I have a question about energy centers. I had an etheric sprain, so to speak, this June after a minor shaking perhaps in the form of a kundalini stirring that left the right side of my head feeling "weak" and the top of my head a little sensible. I experimented with letting the shaking happen or hold it during the LRP which is when it happens and at least for the moment the answer has been to hold it, at least until the sprain heals completely because it makes it worse as if the pipe is still weak. Relaxing the scalp helped a lot to relieve the pain and got rid of it very quickly, in day or two, and get the energy moving up and around that felt stuck at the crown.

Something curious happened as I sat down for meditation not long ago, a few weeks perhaps. I have slowly felt how the area gets filled in, specially since I incorporated exercise that makes me breath heavier than usual. I noticed during the pore breathing and meditation that energy along my body seems to have a wavy pattern or at least during the practices I feel it coming and surrounding me in a wave along the surface of my skin but I noticed the waves would reach the right side of my head at the level of the forehead it would just stop there thought the left side still let the wave carry on. So when I breathed light through the pores I consciously focused more attentively into that area of the head and "filling it in". And it worked! A few minutes later I felt two spots "coming online" on the surface of my skull on that side of the head as if stuff was let to flow in.

1)What happened? Do you think my etheric body was not sufficiently strong at the moment it happened and the right side channel shorted somehow or perhaps more accurately, sprained? Or perhaps there was a blockage and that wasn't letting energy flow?

2)It seems to me that there are different classes of centers: small ones like the pictures of Chinese meridians that run along the surface of the skin, the side of the head my palms and feet and bigger ones. Is there a classification for these and what their roles are both small and big?

3)I had a memory come back to me about when I was a child were once I sat and would imagine a circle --staring as big as my head with one edge on the top of my head and the other at the height of my chin-- closing in in my mind through my face coming to a point at the tip of my nose and then expanding again, following the surface of my head expanding until the midpoint and contracting again unto a point on the back of my head and so on. I got to the point, I recall, where I could feel it in my skin and soon I discovered I could run the same waves through my whole body, kind of like a rubber band wrapping the section that I wanted. Have you heard of this? And is it useful? It feels a little bit like a massage for the etheric body.

[ecosophia]

1) Good question. It does sound as though you replenished a depleted part of your etheric body.

2) There are various classifications in Asian systems, and even more varied and contradictory classifications in Western systems. A lot of work remains to be done to sort that out.

3) I haven't heard of it, but you can certainly experiment and see what results you get.

Afflicted by Landlord

[(Anonymous)]

The landlady - I think we may call her a slumlord - of the rickety Victorian in which I and my family inhabit a flat has recently retired from real estate and decided to sell the building. She is unpleasant, bossy and prone to blame us for the consequences of her failure to maintain her property.

For the past few months we have endured repeated invasions by workmen sent to compensate for said negligence by fixing things that should have been repaired years ago: and also much cosmetic work obviously intended to help her sell the place. It has begun to feel like quite a flagrant violation of our rights.

The place is such a dump that there have been no buyers. So she has decided to sell it to her daughter - or at least that is their story. Tomorrow morning at 10 AM (Monday Pacific time) her daughter is to arrive with a bank loan inspector to assess the property.

There is more than one variety of evil that can befall us from this situation, and I am not sure which to fear most. Is there any fairly simple ritual or prayer that I can perform to help things work out in our favor?

I work in the HOGD tradition with Hellenic deities. I’ve also been meditating on the Violet Flame, with appeals for protection to Archangel Michael. I need all the help I can get!

Re: Afflicted by Landlord

[ecosophia]

In your place I'd invoke Hermes and Athena. You don't have a lot of time, but you should be able to pour a libation and burn some incense to both of them, and ask for their help.

SOP

[(Anonymous)]

I am still working thru the SOP, just been doing spirit below for a few days, which feels strange to draw and then point that way, so I will stay at this level for a few weeks.

Before I started that one, I had been doing the four directions for many weeks , then ending with the Lords Prayer. Last week I was just into the Lords Prayer when the computer behind me woke up and startled me out of it ! It was in sleep mode, but it re-started itself, making that loud, initial chime. I tried to refocus then start the enlarging of the sphere again, but it was off, I still then closed with the Lords Prayer in full to finish, but the energy(?) place I was at was of course broken, not the same. Right now I am working in a very small space so cant get away from the computer, but in general assuming I ever get out of this small trailer and back into my house, is it best to be away from electronics while doing this ?

Even if I were into my house, there is no noise privacy, so if anyone else is in the house, I dont see how I could do the SOP. Can it be done in a whisper ? but then how to try and vibrate the names ? Same for when I was away at a relatives house for 4 nights last month. The only time I was alone was in the rest room. I shared a room to sleep with another family member, but even if I had a room to myself, I could not have done the SOP outloud. How do people do this that do not live alone ( I usually am living alone right now) ?

Re: SOP

[ecosophia]

1) Turn off the computer before you practice -- don't just let it go into sleep mode. (It's a good idea to do that anyway at least once a day so it can clear away temp files and the like.)

2) It's very awkward to practice magic around people who aren't sympathetic to that practice. If you need to, yes, you can do it in a whisper, and you can learn to do what's called the Great Voice -- that's where you imagine yourself vibrating, and try to feel the same vibrating sensations you'd get if you were vibrating out loud. The best option, though, is to live with people who also practice magic, or are okay with your practice.

Sacred Geometry Course of Study

[(Anonymous)]

Dee JMG:
A couple of years ago I got a copy of the earlier Sacred Geometry card set and book. I think I commented to you back then that I loved it so much I wished you had an occult practice to wrap around it. At that time you were already working on it. I have a feeling that many of us need this now, have needed it for while…So many of us felt called to the magic but we’re too scared, like me. Thank you for bringing this system into being. I think Pythagoras would be proud.
Much deep appreciation,
Elizabeth

Re: Sacred Geometry Course of Study

[ecosophia]

You're welcome and thank you!

[(Anonymous)]

Hi JMG & all,
In a previous post, you mentioned that you had to do a lot of fine tuning for your geometry oracle cards-- I wonder if you could elaborate a bit; Was this a process of trial-and-error in which you did readings with the cards as they were, compared the readings to outcomes, and adjusted the cards; Or possibly you put the cards together and adjusted them on the basis of meditations guiding you on how they should be? Or possibly a combination of both--or something else?

One of my very long-term projects is mapping the 16 characters of a Geomantic reading (includes the Reconciler) onto one of the 4X4 Pan-Magic Squares. I start the divination with the intention of using the Pan-Magic Square map. When I do, I have noticed that the four characters that line up on the vertical 'Spine of the Phoenix' are pretty good at describing a timeline and outcome for my question.

Besides the above, would it be helpful to do two readings on the same question, one with the 4X4 method and one with an established method, to help identify additional features? I guess I am asking if there are any standard guidelines to developing a new divinatory method, or whether you just keep doing it and it emerges organically from the fog?

Suspecting the latter,
Pallid Funicular Moose

[ecosophia]

All of the above. I compared my readings to the events that followed; I meditated on the cards, and did pathworkings using them; and I studied sacred geometry to deepen my understanding of the whole system of thought.

I don't know of any standard guidelines; letting things emerge organically has always worked for me.

[(Anonymous)]

Hi from Sydney, JMG!

I came across this terrific read about a writer's uncle's esoteric library, and figured I should pass it on.

https://believermag.com/what-you-cant-learn-collecting-esoteric-books/

[ecosophia]

Thanks for this!

Hierarchy

[australiandreamer]

I was wondering how things worked in terms of our understanding when praying vs the relevant deities perspective...

eg If you were to pray to Thor the son of Venus or Mars the father of Aphrodite (sincerely - not realising you had it wrong) would you have a chance or getting through or would you be opening up to one of those entertaining greek mythological tales?

If you were a monotheist and came out with Odin the servant of Yahweh would that work (you sincerely believing that Odin was subordinate to Yahweh) or the opposite (I don't serve no stinkin' Yahweh) or annoy both Yahweh *and* Odin the process?

Re: Hierarchy

[ecosophia]

It doubtless varies from deity to deity. I certainly recommend doing the research first, and using traditional titles rather than insisting on your own ideas...

[(Anonymous)]

Good Morning Sir and Druid,
1) Could it be that the jug the man of Aquarius is carrying is actually a Baghdad battery? The parallel wavy lines of the symbol are actually a positive and negative strands of current.

2) Is it common to Meditate on an unnamed theme before stumbling upon something that gives a name to the theme? For a pondering rumination on seemingly unrelated strands of thought before discovering the theme that unites them into a whole meditation.

3) Has there been any research into using etheric technology to integrate an artificial limb with the etheric body of the amputated limb?

[ecosophia]

1) Hmm! That's an interesting speculation.

2) Yes. That's actually quite common, and very useful.

3) Not that I know of. If you've got an artificial limb, you might consider giving it a try.

question about a symbol

[(Anonymous)]

I think this symbol has no deeper meaning since it is from a fiction series, Monster hunters International, but I just want to double check that they didnt unintentionally use a symbol with actual meaning ! https://www.guns.com/news/2017/09/14/mhi-bullets-go-on-sale-to-help-houston-food-bank-in-harvey-aftermath

I no nothing about the fiction, but they were given to me and I can use them, supplies are tight right now.

Re: question about a symbol

[(Anonymous)]

The series is an homage to B grade monster movies, set in a world that is based on LDS theology (though even most of my LDS friends don't get it until MH: Nemesis and most of my non-LDS friends don't get it until one of the theology geeks points it out, and then it's 'ooooh, yeah, I should've seen that'). I am currently facing a bookshelf that contains part of the series, looks like my teens have carried some books off again.

The author is a nice, approchable guy, with little patience for intentional fools, who loves his fans. I've met him in a book signing line at a con: seriously, nice guy.

If you don't want those, and you could use some $, I can probably connect you to a fan or two who would be delighted to buy them. Or if you use the social media sites, at least MW and FB have Monster Hunter fan groups, and contacting an admin could help you out.

I haven't heard of anything odd from anyone who has used them, and I think I would have.

BoysMom

[druidpath]

Hi JMG,

Any thoughts or observations greatly appreciated.

1. Will - recently I have begun feeling Will both internally and not-internally. Not sure if external is the right word to describe this perception. In early stages but I sense my Will at times not coming completely from me. Almost like it is a current of something one can harness which is external to oneself. Not even sure how to work with this new perception though I am watching to see how things unfold. Is this a thing?

2. In doing the DA version of the SOP I have begun experimenting with sharing the perception of the animal in each direction. This is feeling rather fruitful but I wanted to run it by you to make sure I am not creating a problem in my DA practices. (I am finishing up grade 3.)

Thanks!

--Eric

Mocha Somnolent Yak

[ecosophia]

1) Good. Yes, it's a thing. Let it unfold; you're in the process of figuring out something very important.

2) That's a perfectly workable option.

Planes of consciousness

[sea_spray]

Hi JMG

Would you be able to define the term "higher planes of consciousness". Its often used as a description of what (insert pop spirituality of your choice here) will let you access. It's usually thrown around with little definition and I saw it questioned on that which made me wonder if it could be defined more precisely.

Thank you!

Re: Planes of consciousness

[ecosophia]

Sure. The basic concept is that human consciousness can operate on various levels. Most of us know what it feels like to have "brain fog" and not be able to think clearly; many of us also know what it's like to be in one of those moments where thoughts flow freely and everything clicks together. Those are examples of different planes of consciousness. The "higher" (in metaphorical terms) the plane of consciousness, the clearer your thinking is, the more easily you can understand things, and crucially, the easier it is for you to reflect on your own thinking and see flaws in it. The "lower" (again, this is a metaphor) your plane of consciousness, the more rigid and sluggish your thought processes become and the less easy it is to notice when you're thinking, saying, or doing something dumb.

That familiar reality has been wrenched into various unhelpful shapes by pop spirituality, and confused with things like clairvoyance and astral projection. Operating on a higher plane of consciousness won't make you clairvoyant -- though it may keep you from making a fool of yourself in responding to a clairvoyant experience!

[collapsenik]

I am struggling to articulate this in the "correct" occult terms, so please forgive me if it is too verbose.

Does magic work better in the countryside than the cities? In other words, do the occult beings find it easier to be present and communicate with the practitioner in an environment where the human density and human activities are lower (considering that the countryside is less built up and less dense than cities)?

The reason I am asking this is, I have found it hard to concentrate and meditate in a city. It could be because of the sensory overload by lights, sounds and built up environment. But I wonder if there is something more. I am not asking for a definitive yes or no answer. I just want to know what you think about this.

[ecosophia]

It's a known phenomenon. People who are psychically sensitive, either from birth or as a result of spiritual practices, very often find cities unbearable because the pressure from other human minds generates "noise" on the subtle planes. That's why so many mystics end up as hermits living off in the wilderness somewhere!

[extatic]

Greetings John,

Past few weeks I asked for your help in interpreting the Major Arcana tarot cards I have been receiving (Hanged Man, Devil and Tower) consistently with regards to the foxx. Since asking the question I received the following daily card. You answered my question at the time, but was curious why I would be stil receiving them.

Here has been my spread past 2 weeks:

2 weeks Ago:
Sun (day after you responded to my question), The Moon, The Moon, Hanged Man, Magician (Tower dropped on floor), World, Death, Devil.

7 Pile Shuffle Performed

Last Week:
Devil, the World, Hierophant, The Lovers, Devil, Hanged Man, Judgement (Today)

1. Repeating the question from last week regarding divination, what point do we start to receive new cards? Is it once the lesson has been learned or when the event has passed?


2. Is there anything standing out about the above?

Thank you.

[ecosophia]

Since you're only using the 22 major arcana, your chance of getting at least one of them a week is extremely high. Beyond that -- well, I'd suggest meditating on what they're trying to communicate to you.

Dion Fortune style workings/ tarot

[(Anonymous)]

Kia ora jmg

I have read your blogs since 2008 but never commented as I never comment online but am now getting desperate. Do you have any hope/ plans for a group of people such as yourself to do a magical working such as dion fortune did to protect Britain in the war or would that not work as there is no clear enemy as such? When will this madness lift?

I am in nz and things are getting nuts here...i have a corporate job in strategy but lots of slightly alternative friends who are foxfree and losing their jobs...every day it is like my mind is splitting in two as people at work carry on like every thing is normal. How does one deal with the 'normal' world saying mandates are ok the vax is safe etc, while my gut screams the opposite. How can I stay true to myself and not go into the crazy conspiracy tribe and not into the equally crazy corporate tribe? I feel more and more alone.

My CEO is being amazing protecting my right to choose as far as she can but the pressure is building... I have read tarot just for myself and friends sometimes for many years. I did two readings when I was very upset and feeling like I would cave in and get it and got both the devil and five of cups in outcome positions in both readings although all other cards were different. A few days later when a way had been found to enable me to continue for now...i did another reading thinking I would not get it with the ace of pentacles as outcome...my question is was the tarot just picking up on the outcome based on what I thought I would do in that moment...or what will happen? I have always followed my gut instinct in life but now it is taking me in a direction which feels dangerous and against what appears to be rational...at least to society... Being out of society would have real costs for my little girl ... She is so happy in school and life... but equally I am terrified of her being jabbed

I'm sorry you must be sick of all the covid questions but it is so hard to know what is really happening. I feel like I am going mad...the thought of going to the vax centre makes me feel desperate and nauseous
Nga mihi

Re: Dion Fortune style workings/ tarot

[ecosophia]

Okay, first I'm going to encourage you to start participating in the weekly open Covid-19 post here on my Dreamwidth journal. (The current one is here and I'll be putting up a new one tomorrow.) When you live in a society that's gone insane, it's very difficult to handle the experience unless you can talk to other people who share your insights and know that you're not the crazy one. People from around the world comment there these days -- that's why this week's post has upwards of 800 comments -- and you may find somone else from NZ who can put you in touch with helpful resources.

Second, never do divination when you're upset. Your emotions are like static making the signal difficult or impossible to catch. See if you can find someone else who can do readings for you whenever you've got a lot of emotion involved, and do the same favor in exchange.

Third, why not quietly make arrangements to get together regularly with other unvaxxed people you know? The best way to overcome peer pressure is to do what musk oxen do...

...and make sure someone's got your back.

[(Anonymous)]

Dear JMG,
A simple question. I have been working through some of the exercises in Regardie's Art of True Healing. In his Astrological Structure, he gives each planet a divine name to be vibrated. For Mars this is "Elohim Gibor." Not being familiar with that name, I looked it up, and found many internet sites advising against the use of the name, or at least saying that it is dangerous and should be used with care. Do you gave an opinion? Thanks

[ecosophia]

I've vibrated that name probably five hundred times in the course of my magical career without the least problem. It's amusing to watch pop-culture types find things to freak out about...

The name is the standard Golden Dawn divine name for Geburah and Hars, and it means "Powerful God." (Gibor comes from the same Hebrew root as Geburah and Gabriel.) It's nothing to panic over, though like all divine names it should be treated with respect.

Astrology edge cases

[(Anonymous)]

I have a question about birth charts (it probably applies to any chart): I know a 30 minute period in which I was born. I don't think I can get more accurate information. At the start of the period, the Ascendant is just barely in one sign, and at the end of the period it is just barely in the other sign. One is Aquarius, the other Capricorn, so the meanings would be quite different. This also affects some other parts of the chart, like the Descendant, Midheaven and so on.

What is the usual way to deal with this problem? Would I just read the charts from both ends of the time period and pick the one that seems to fit better? Do they average out? Or is there some general rule about edge cases, that when something is right on the edge of two areas in the chart, it counts for both, or always for the clockwise one, or something else?

Re: Astrology edge cases

[booklover1973]

You could try to find out which ascendent (Capricornus or Aquarius) do fit better to the part of your personality which the Ascendent denotes. There is a whole branch of natal astrology concerned with rectifying birth charts, if the birth time is unknown or poorly known.

Cold showers

[vitranc]

Good morning JMG,

I am trying to train self discipline by starting to shower with cold water every morning after waking up. In addition to other health benefits.

My question is, for the etheric benefit, does one need to shower whole, head to toe, or can one rinse from the neck down? Skipping the head and hair?

Best regards,
V

Re: Cold showers

[ecosophia]

I know people who do it each of those ways, and reports vary as to the difference in effectiveness. If you prefer not to duck your head, you're in good company.