Magic Monday

[ecosophia]

It's almost midnight, and so it's time to launch a new Magic Monday. Ask me anything about occultism, and with certain exceptions noted below, any question received by midnight Monday Eastern time will get an answer. Please note:  Any question or comment received after that point will not get an answer, and in fact will not be put through.  If you're in a hurry, or suspect you may be the 341,928th person to ask a question, please check out the very rough version 1.3 of The Magic Monday FAQ here. 

Also: I will not be putting through or answering any more questions about practicing magic around children. I've answered those in simple declarative sentences in the FAQ. If you read the FAQ and don't think your question has been answered, read it again. If that doesn't help, consider remedial reading classes; yes, it really is as simple and straightforward as the FAQ says.  And further:  I've decided that questions about getting goodies from spirits are also permanently off topic here. The point of occultism is to develop your own capacities, not to try to bully or wheedle other beings into doing things for you. I've discussed this in a post on my blog.

(The image? I've finished the sequence of my published books; while I decide what I want to do next, I have some memes to share.)

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With that said, have at it!

***This Magic Monday is now closed and no further comments will be put through. See you next week!***

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Hello JMG.

1. When performing the R+C ritual in the HGD tradition, should the result of the tracings look more like a cube or a sphere? The related diagram in Circle of Powers appears to be showing a cube but I wanted to confirm with you.

2. a) On the topic of evocation, I have no ethical objection to sending out a call to invite/evoke a spirit or to banish one that is behaving in an aggressive or unruly manner. That said, I am less comfortable with the idea of forcefully commanding a spirit to appear and to obey me, as I would prefer to cultivate courteous and respectful relations, which brings me to the evocation chapter in CoP.

After a few failed repeated attempts at evoking a spirit, the operator is directed to switch to using their magic sword and to assert their authority by using a more forceful conjuration. Would this not be disrespectful to the presumably much older and more powerful intelligences and spirits? If a spirit fails to appear after several attempts at summoning, is that not a sign that they simply do not wish to appear at that time and would not appreciate being badgered and browbeaten? On one hand, I wish to follow the instructions exactly as given (as you so often recommend), yet I would feel iffy doing this. Perhaps I just need to get over myself. Any guidance to offer, JMG?

b) In the same chapter, I very much appreciate you going in depth about maintaining proper safety protocols when summoning and interacting with spirits. I did wonder about the protective circle however. If both the operator and the magic mirror are enclosed within the circle, then how is the circle's boundary protecting the operator? At least with a Trithemius table of practice (just an example off the top of my head) the circle and triangle separate the operator from the scrying surface, which I understand. Could you please help me understand how the circle of protection works?

c) Finally, and still on the topic of evocation, have you ever heard of the 360 Spirits/Genii of the Earthbelt Zone? If so, do you have any thoughts to share about them?

I have more questions but I've decided to hold them off until next week. Thank you for your time, JMG, and for your contributions to the continuation of occult teachings. Please enjoy the rest of your day.

[ecosophia]

1) Like a cube, as in the illustration.

2) Keep in mind that I wrote Circles of Power thirty years ago, and no longer agree with everything I accepted from the occult tradition at that time. I don't do evocations these days -- if I want to interact with a spirit, I use scrying to go to the spirit's own realm. The material in that book was based on the traditional advice in the GD tradition, which I followed at that time -- but one does learn a few things with practice.

3) It's symbolic in nature, of course. A spirit isn't actually hindered by a physical line drawn on the floor or painted on a sheet of canvas; the circle helps the operative mage enter into the state of consciousness that is the real protection.

4) I've encountered Franz Bardon's discussions of them, but haven't worked with them myself.

[rhydlyd]

Why is it that so many notable occultists comport themselves like the on-call cast of the Upper-Class Twitting Competition? Or worse. I might be too culture-bound in my judgement, but is there something about magic, esoterica and the occult that turns off the common-sense-ometer? (If so, would somebody please tell me if I’m being that foolish.) I keep thinking Yeats and several others were suffering something like meditation sickness, but that doesn’t seem quite right…

Speaking of foolish and stereotypical – You might have noticed items in the news this week where Democrats acted or spoke as if they were playing the bad guys in a hyper-violent action film written by an ‘80s vintage and equally cartoony evangelical minister. Umm… is this the flailing that naturally follows regime change, or is something occult and malign afoot?

And, speaking of black magic, a co-worker has turned out to be an energy thief. He seems to be picking up free any-energy-is-good treatments by being so certain of his own magnificence that anyone he manages to corner is left furious and shaking since the social contract prohibits giving him a well-deserved thrashing. My observation is that, in terms of energy, he is stealing the gas sitting in mower cans for his car. I’ve moved to another department and used some cut-off treatments to be rid of him, but the normies stuck with him continue to report his capacity to infuriate while pooh-poohing my suggestions of bad magical or psychic behavior. So – is there anything to be done besides flake off? I strongly suspect an attack would only energize the offender, while the fellows who complain to me can’t even follow the no bear feedin’ sign.

[ecosophia]

1) No, it's the other way around. You have to have a deficit in the common sense department to get into magic. Remember that "common sense" is exactly that -- the common sense, the awareness of collective opinion that makes most people behave themselves, and incidentally keeps them away from magic. Some practitioners of magic, mostly those who practice meditation, learn to fill the gap with wisdom...but that's not always easy. So mages are odd ducks who don't always have a clue.

2) What you contemplate, you imitate. The Democrats have contemplated evil so long and so passionately -- hatred, after all, is a powerful form of contemplation -- that a good many of them have become what they once loathed.

3) You've already explained to your coworkers what the situation is and what they need to do about it. If they choose to ignore that, clearly they're getting something out of the situation, and you don't have the right to force them to be less stupid.

[(Anonymous)]

I had a very strange experience today. I've long had the strong feeling I don't belong here; that the world is alien and unpleasant and that as much as I despise it, it despises me more. I was wondering if I was one of these alien souls, but now I don't think so. I got in a bit of a fight with the people I know, and so I chose to leave home entirely; booking a plane ticket on a whim to a very different part of the world. I've done a lot of traveling, in part because my family likes to travel, and in part because I kept looking for somewhere that did not feel evil to me. It never worked before, but the moment I got off the plane, I had a feeling I've never had before: I belong right here. This is home; and even as I was lugging my suitcase and backpack a couple miles because the public transit here is far less reliable than I had thought, I was happier than I have been in my entire life; even though I'm staying in a cheap motel, this already feels more like home than anywhere I've been; and even though I have no place to stay, no income, and no idea what I'm going to do next, for the first time in my life I actually feel hopeful about the future, because for the first time I see that the world has more to it than ugly, hateful chaos.

a) Am I correct to think that even if your visions are true, if I feel this way about anywhere on Earth, I probably am a human soul?

b) Do you have any idea what could be driving this wild difference I'm feeling between here and literally everywhere else I've ever been?

[ecosophia]

1) Hard to say. Since I don't have access to the inside of your head, I'm not qualified to judge.

2) Possibly you lived there in your last life; possibly you'll live there for much of this life; or possibly both. I've had a similar sense of recognition when moving to certain places where I lived for many years.

[(Anonymous)]

Apologies for the second question, but I just read the FAQ and have a concern: a number of years ago, I was a sperm donor. This means that for the remainder of my life there is always a chance that I am a biological father of at least one child under 3, because donated sperm can keep effectively forever. Does this mean I should never practice advanced ritual work?

[ecosophia]

No, it doesn't mean anything of the kind. I've just added a new sentence to the FAQ covering that. If you have no personal contact with the children in question, it's not an issue.

Very Strange Christian

[(Anonymous)]

Hi, Kallianeira:

I apologize for not replying to you last week. Didn't quite make it under the temporal limbo wire :D

(Here is that thread (and a fascinating one it is, too):
https://ecosophia.dreamwidth.org/338828.html?thread=56746636#cmt56746636
and the sub-thread with Kallianeira's comment:
https://ecosophia.dreamwidth.org/338828.html?thread=56794252#cmt56794252 )

Well, I never dreamed in 17 billion years that I would ever declare as a Christian. All I'd heard about it was media portrayals, snippets of things mega-preachers said, and what I call the "Christianity Narrative". My parents were not Christian and had no use for it. However, my longstanding friend of 22 years, and former martial arts teacher, one day announced he was doing a Bible study. Intrigued, I poked my nose in. I hadn't even known he was Christian till that day-- after 22 years! He turns out to be a "Bible nerd", and as a nerd myself, that suited me just fine.

By the way, many thanks to commentors here back in 2022 who put me onto the Michael Heiser podcast. I wound up getting Heiser's book "The Unseen Realm", and giving a copy to my new study buddy, who also found it quite intriguing. As you can see, I still read the blogs here and I still collect JMG's books. Ironically, JMG was another influence who started me on this path. He gave advice to a reader in early 2022 or late 2021 to read the Bible starting at Acts 1. For probably-metaphysically-induced reasons, it sounded like a good idea to me, so I started reading it too. Like my martial arts teacher, JMG is a trusted source and I trusted him not to guide us into a tome of toxic sludge.

Between what my study buddy has been showing me since early 2022, an awesome study Bible my stepsister gave me in 2007, and some really helpful comments by the commentariat here, I have realized that I am a creature the likes of which has not been seen in 2,000 years-- an adult Pagan who converted to Christianity. In New Testament times the converted pagans were Greeks and Romans (who have had a massive influence on Christianity as it is practiced today, by the way); I on the other hand started out in Wicca in the '90's, dabbled in some other spiritualities after that, and eventually settled on being a solitary Deist.

What's marvelous is that I have been, and am, engaged in a vigorous conversation with YHWH and Jesus. Very occasionally I have heard what I call "the clear quiet voice". Usually, their* side of the communication is songs on the radio-- Christian pop music stations are enormously helpful for this. I'll have a thought-- not even spoken aloud-- and a song comes on which is an answer. It's way beyond coincidence. A newbie would find it eerie, but I just take it in stride now. Sometimes also there is a dream, or a snippet of dream, or something in the material world will do something perfectly reasonable-looking-- but which you don't usually see happen. I'm not sure if this kind of rich spiritual conversation is common among Christians, or not.

You speak of "the mainstream presentations" of Christianity, and yeah, that's a thing. A lot of Christians (I don't know the percentage though) don't seem to get past what's taught in Sunday school. So I tread softly with other Christians; mostly I don't want to upset them and make them sad.

* Speaking of which, I have learned that 98% of Christians believe in the Triune Godhead, or Trinity, which says that YHWH, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all aspects of the same united God. Said Christians can be very, very tetchy about statements which even slightly seem to contradict that. If any such Christians are reading this comment, I apologize for any offense. I have noticed multiple verses where Jesus talks about himself and his Father as if they are separate beings. My study buddy firmly believes that they are not a united Trinity. However, I am still learning and studying-- this and a number of other issues. I will say that when They talk to me and interact with me, there are different "tenors" or "tones" to the communications, which seem like they are from different individuals. Oh, and I got bawled out by an angel once, so that was a third tone. :D

- Cicada Grove

Re: Very Strange Christian

[(Anonymous)]

Not JMG, obviously. But you may not be the only one in 2000 years. My ex-wife started in Wicca, and then at one point took a hard turn into the evangelical Baptist community. (I'm not sure how she identifies today.)

As for "rich spiritual conversation," I don't know how to tell if it is "common" but what you describe isn't unheard-of. John Eldredge once wrote that God talks to him through bookstores. He's in a bookstore randomly thumbing through whatever is on the table, and his eye lights on a single sentence--totally out of context--that tells him exactly what he needs to hear just then. Me, I suspect it's about listening closely to the currents in the world. (If you don't know Eldredge's work, you might check out Wild at Heart.)

(Apologies that this isn't a question, but just a reply to Cicada Grove's post.)

[open_space]

I have noticed during meditation (I recently increased my time to 25 minutes) that there seems to be also the notion of a "failure", as in, muscular failure: the point where your arms cannot push any more for example. I don't know if the phrase translates well into english but that is what it means. Anyhow, several years ago when I started I noticed that after a while there was increased clarity (very welcome) and increased psychism too (cool, but not always welcome) almost as if a window opened up. This, however, is a different feeling. I have done longer sessions before because there are good sessions once in a while, but by increasing the daily time I feel that by the last minutes, I am close to that point where you have exerted the force you could fathom and I have to mentally push it a little bit. So far the effects seem to be a little the same as with the muscles, it takes time to rest up and recharge but I feel I can push it a little further afterwards. My question is, do the mental sheath/astral body used in meditation also work like the physical body, where it becomes stronger when taken a little further at a time? Or could those last minutes be telling me it might be a little too much?

My other question is, I have a friend who is a public figure and he is dealing with a lot of bad press at the moment, a smear campaign. I was wondering if Mercury is a good correspondence for helping him turn things around, given that he governs communication, and also, sneaking out of prying eyes. The reason for me doubting is because I think he also governs lies, and we don't want more of that. The Sun, perhaps?

[ecosophia]

1) Yes, the same principle that applies to muscles applies just as well to every body (and proto-body -- the mental sheath is very much included).

2) Mercury's your best bet. He rules lies, but that means that he can banish them as well as creating them.

TSW eventually?

[(Anonymous)]

Hi JMG

Several months ago, before the Glastonbury event, I started an SOP ritual aimed at tackling a specific, somewhat neurotic issue I've dealt with much of my adult life that's been the source of a lot of unhappiness. I kept the ritual up for a decent time, then let it go feeling ambivalent that it had done much. It was my first go at a focused ritual of that sort.

Fast forward to now, I've been busy working on scrying the 7 gates, having largely forgotten about the above. But on Friday I had an experience that struck me as this previous ritual finally coming to fruition, in its own time. Several factors, some circumstantial and some from my own efforts towards other goals, seemed to have combined to produce the inner freedom I wanted but wasn't currently trying to create at all: the neurotic problem smashed, destroyed, essentially. There was a sense of having gotten beyond it, of having healed naturally because my attention was finally elsewhere for long enough.

Is this typical of how rituals can manifest?

If so I think I now get what it means to aim directly at your goal, and let reality take care of the means.

Thank you

JH

Re: TSW eventually?

[ecosophia]

Excellent! Yes, that's one of the ways that successful magic can work.

[(Anonymous)]

There seems many methods of calculating the almuten figuris. Do you have a preferred one?

[ecosophia]

Nope. Since I don't practice traditional astrology -- my astrological practice is based on late 19th and early 20th century methods, the sort of thing that was being done just before the field went all goofy for nonpredictive psychological astrology -- I don't use the almuten, or any of the other Arabic points and parts.

Geomancy Book Update

[slithytoves123]

Any chance you'll release (yet) another geomancy book updated with what you've learned in the years since The Art and Practice of Geomancy released? (If you've already done this and I've missed it, my apologies!)

So far I know of three major differences you've mentioned either here or on the main blog (two because you were replying to me):

• If you use a House Chart, the Court (Judge and Witnesses) are an overview of general conditions, not the answer to the question. If the chart perfects, the answer is "yes" and if it doesn't, the answer is "no."

• Favorable aspects are not enough to perfect the chart.

• Figures and houses in company cannot be used to perfect the chart.

Re: Geomancy Book Update

[ecosophia]

Just at the moment, those are the only ones that come to mind, and that's hardly enough to make a book!

Best affirmations are about your identity?

[(Anonymous)]

I came across this YouTube video which reminded me of your advice on affirmations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWkR-tifY-U

Basically, this guy is a entrepreneur. He said for one year, he did cold plunges in the morning, meditated, visualized and affirmed his goals like a lot of advice out there says. He visualized logging in to see a certain amount of money in his account. He would have annual goals, break them down into quarterly, monthly, daily goals. It didn't work, he didn't achieve his goals.

Then he realized a few things:
- being obsessed with your goals creates attachment to the goals, you reaffirm your existing state of reality
- you should treat your goals like ordering something online. once you set the order, you don't keep refreshing the page.
- focus on your inputs, develop your craft
- if you do affirmations, don't even think about $X dollar amount or whatever, phrase them in terms of what beliefs someone earning that much would have. If you want to earn $10K a month, one belief might be "I'm the kind of person who maintains focus and eliminates distractions", and not just repeat that in the mirror, but live according to that belief

Do you think it's good advice? Is there a place for this kind of specific "I earn X amount", "I do X" kind of affirmations or the identity affirmations are much more useful?

Re: Best affirmations are about your identity?

[ecosophia]

I don't recommend the kind of affirmations that fixate on specific sums or the like, because those are means, not ends. Very few of us want money just to have money (and those who do, need therapy); we want money to accomplish something else. Focus on the goal, not the means! Do you want to live in luxury and have the things you want? Focus on that. Do you want to have the respect of other people? Focus on that. Is there something specific you want to get, for which you'll need lots of money? Focus on that.

Also, he's dead right that an affirmation must be enacted in daily life. If you really do just want to become a millionaire, for example, you might use an affirmation like this:

(on the inbreath) I see and act on opportunities to make money;
(on the outbreath) I use my money to make more money.

Then act on it. Always be watching for ways to make more money, and act on them when you discover them. Always treat every dollar you make as a tool to make more money, rather than spending it.

More generally, though, identity affirmations are potent, probably more potent than any other kind. You can get very far with "I am rich."

the soul swarm implication

[the_arcane_archivist]

About that alien souls theory, could it be that they are more concentrated in "the West". And this has some geopolitical ramifications, like these:

- these souls choose hate the barbaric autocratic world in the East in order not to reincarnate there in case the West goes through a population decline;
- could migration and sustainment of migration by certain political figures be caused by the swarm, I mean if the western countries have negative population growth it make sense for those in the swarm to reincarnate in other countries and the try to get back to the Western "liberal, progressive" countries. And people in political position that are unconsciously sustaining these people from the swarm to get back;
- once the West fails and the 'autocratic' (as they see it) wins all these souls will be in disarray should we then expect some apocalyptic suicidal cults;
- Europe looks to me like prime example for the study of this phenomenon;

Do you think that this swarm of souls settled mainly in the European culture, with it's colonialist exploitative, model, etc?

If we put this soul swarm model in depopulation models like deagel.com etc, even Peak oil, it makes sense, do you think there are people in the swarm in their occult circle that feel this "quickening", thus their closing the lines around singularity, AI, mRNA therapies, etc, the depopulation movies etc?

One thing that is very rare before 6000 years ago is cancer. Could it be that cancer come from the interactions of these two worlds? I was always intrigued by the esoterical source of cancer.

I am curious what other implications can spawn from this.

Re: the soul swarm implication

[ecosophia]

Okay, first of all, it's a mistake to think that there's anything uniquely colonialist or exploitative about Europe. It so happens that Europe achieved certain technological breakthroughs, beginning in the 15th century, that allowed it to colonize and exploit most of the planet, but there have been colonialist, exploitative powers over most of the planet for millennia. I'd also point out that Buddhism is just as deeply infused with the "life in this world is horrible, the only reasonable choice is to get out!" attitude as any Western faith.

As for whether members of the outlander soul-swarm sense a quickening, that's an interesting question for which I don't have an answer. There have been mass apocalyptic fascinations before now, after all.

It seems to be working

[(Anonymous)]

I thought you might like to know the following.

About three months ago I expressed a suspicion that my much-beleaguered sister might be suffering from attacks by spiritual entities. You suggested that I try regularly performing the Rose Cross ritual (my own adapted version) on her behalf, and also that I invoke certain deities by their Orphic hymns.

This I have done. And it seems to be working. During the last two visits, one yesterday and another two weeks before, she showed no signs of her former mental disturbances. There were no manifestations of persecution by enemies in the woodwork or otherwise hidden in the building, no morbid ideations of her presence causing floods, fires, earthquakes or other catastrophes, nor any other disturbing conceptions. She simply talked, unexcitedly, about matters at hand. It was quite a relief.

This does not mean that all is well with her. She is more physically disabled than ever. She stares into empty space, blank and listless. But at least she is not being tormented by malignant entities, not at any rate as far as I can tell. (And she does still seem to like being read to, which I have often done for her before.)

I mean to keep it up. I have no intention of stopping these rituals in the foreseeable future. I’ve discussed what I’m doing nowhere but here, and I think I’ll keep it that way.

Re: It seems to be working

[ecosophia]

I'm delighted to hear this! By all means keep at it.

[(Anonymous)]

Hi JMG,

I hope you're feeling less cranky (unless it's a suitable mood). I have a follow-up from a query last week re an unsettling incident at tai chi by a woman following me around and her comment (not to me) that she feels strong spiritual strength from me when she's next to me (I misstated this as "draws" strength last week). I looked at the fascinating Dion Fortune book you recommended and performed her sword chop/burn the stump exercise, but wonder why did you think she's a vampire rather than parasitic with a few New Age buzzwords thrown in?

I'm giving the lessons a miss for the foreseeable future - CGD reading of what would happen if I went back was an unsavoury LW Mab RW Coch J Carchar (erm, no). She spooks me!

With thanks for your valuable time and wisdom. I'm enjoying Leyel's Magic of Herbs.

[ecosophia]

When it comes to energy, "vampire" and "parasite" are equivalent terms. There's a difference between that and the true vampire, but those are vanishingly rare these days -- fortunately.

The Way of the Secret Temple

[(Anonymous)]

Hello!

Does the practices in your book The Way of the Secret Temple cross over in anyway with temple technologies?

Thanks!

Re: The Way of the Secret Temple

[ecosophia]

Not in any direct way, no -- my research into the temple technology simply led me to a certain unrelated practice that became central to that book.

The Grail Ceremony

[(Anonymous)]

Hello,

I just finished your book: the Grail Ceremony. Very interesting and convincing arguments were presented and the book requires reading it over again actually.

A naive question: what would be the aim of this ceremony? Surely, it can't be just to gain admission to a secret society.

Regards and thanks

Re: The Grail Ceremony

[ecosophia]

It was originally to become a member of the group that preserved the old temple technology, and to provide (as initiations do) a framework for certain expansions of spiritual capacity. Now? That remains to be seen.

[(Anonymous)]

Dear JMG,

1) An astrologer looked at my natal chart and said I am most suited for careers ruled by Venus. But with the current economic situation and the long descent, Venus careers are not exactly favored. I know much depends on local circumstances and my past experience, but generally, is it better to ignore the natal chart indications and find something that makes more sense given the current situation or follow the astrological inclinations anyway?

2) I received Revisioning the Tree of Life in the mail this weekend. This looks like a really worthwhile program of study! It looks like your expansion of John Gilbert’s teachings connects well with his other two books and takes them much further. Could the completion of the RTOL work fulfill the requirements of the UGC curriculum?

Thank you!

[(Anonymous)]

I had an astrology teacher tell me career(10th house) and work(6th house) could be 2 different things.

For example, I'm in a good job i don't like but I need to provide for my family. I consider this work. My career points to mercury which is writing, astrology, hermeticism.

[betwixttheworlds]

Hi JMG,

This morning, while doing the MP, I noticed my card for Regulus on my altar. I thought this would be a perfect week for attempting a Regulus talisman consecration. I have several days free and I will be alone. Would you believe that after my exercise, I found that Regulus was culminating with an applying, waxing moon in a trine today? That's just amazing.

These communications don't come as thoughts, they come as a sudden hunch, out of nowhere. Almost like, Hmmmm, I should check this out. I wonder how other people perceive communications.

[ecosophia]

Clearly Regulus is trying to get your attention -- good for you, that you noticed and responded.

I used to have communications come that way. Nowadays there are usually words involved, but it took a while and a lot of practice for that to start.

Salt

[(Anonymous)]

Hey JMG,

There have been several comments about salt deficiencies in the last few weeks. Two days ago, I felt a little light-headed and confused, as I sometimes do, and got the impression that I should eat something. As I'd had breakfast shortly before, I realised that it couldn't be a need for sugar and remembered the salt posts. I ate some salt crystals from my altar bowl and started looking up symptoms of salt deficiency. Most of them seem to apply, so I've decided to try snacking on salt whenever I feel any of them for a few days and seeing what happens. So far, I've had a lot less cravings for junk food.

1) Does the altar salt serve any purpose in the GSF system other than being used in the lodge opening? In other words, is it safe to eat as long as the bowl stays roughly half full?

2) There's been some discussion on why salt has gotten the reputation it nowadays has. You proposed some connection to practitioners of evil magic not being able to eat salt. I have two related but different hypothesis:

2.1) The visiting sixth plane souls might not be able to stand much salt either. If they're really as disgusted by life on earth as their various religions indicate, perhaps they have a poor relationship with Calas, i.e. salt? (I know you explicitly point out in the GSF book that Calas is alchemical salt, not table salt, but I'm operating under the assumption that the alchemists had a reason to call their salt salt).

2.2) Putting on my tinfoil hat, I'd argue that certain parts of modern life expose people to demonic influence (internet pornography comes to mind, but also social media or, nowadays, the technology that must not be named¹). If this is in some way intentional, depriving people of salt might serve to reduce their defences.

—David P.

1: Is that a rule here too? Your montly open post disclaimer seems to imply that you don't want LLMs discussed on any of your forums but unless I'm blind, you don't state that anywhere here.

Re: Salt

[(Anonymous)]

This is not really about magic, but wouldn't it be easier (and tastier) to remedy salt definicies by, say, making a small pot of plain rice and dribbling soy sauce on it?

Christian magic instruction books

[(Anonymous)]

Hello JMG and everyone else, hope that you're having a good day.

My question is simple: what are some good Christian magic instruction books for a novice such as myself? I have some experience with meditation although I don't do it daily, I do however pray several times a day and will sometimes do silent prayer qs a form of meditation...

Anyway, let's not ramble any more. I hope you have an answer to my question.

Bless you all

MWT

Re: Christian magic instruction books

[(Anonymous)]

As you addressed everyone else too, I let myself barge in with a recommendation: Experience of the Inner Worlds: A Course in Christian Qabalistic Magic by Gareth Knight. Although, ironically, it makes heavy use of the pagan symbolism of the Arthurian legend, I found it worthwhile and beginner friendly.

[jenniferkobernik]

Any reports from anyone who has done the cell salt protocol for 36 months?

Do the 36 months need to be consecutive?

[ecosophia]

1) I certainly have. What do you want to know?

2) The sources don't say. Further experiments are probably called for!

Mothman and me

[neptunesdolphins]

The other day, my son commented on my growing Mothman collection (Mothpeople?). I feel attracted to The Mothman as a spirit. I ended up with I guess an altar to Him. What do I do next?

Since the writings about The Mothman is mixed, how do I know if I am being taken for a ride? Current writings seem to say that He has evolved to a more substantial being that lurks but not malevolent. My interactions so far have been positive with getting advice such as "I carry ancient wisdom in my bizarre little bones."

Meanwhile, Point Pleasant (W.VA) is having their annual Mothman festival this month. So He could be a positive influence these days.

As you can see, I am confused by The Mothman and his attention to me.

Re: Mothman and me

[ecosophia]

That kind of experimental pop culture Paganism is outside my knowledge base -- what offerings would one make? If anyone else has suggestions, I'm all ears.

Zarcayce

[(Anonymous)]

Perhaps you could explain the meme? As far as I understand, the ego is the last thing to dissolve before the cycle of reincarnations on this plane of existence ends. Not to mention (if what I've learned is correct) that the literal translation of Satan in the Bible is ego. Perhaps it's Lucifer trying to get rid of the ego? I don't understand.

Re: Zarcayce

[(Anonymous)]

Satan translates to "Adversary."

Patrick

Zarcayce

[(Anonymous)]

Adding something else to the comment asking to explain the meme, I know that the ego and the magical personality exist (which would be purifying the ego) and I am using Rudolf Stainer's language.

Gnostic lessons question

[(Anonymous)]

I am feeling drawn to the gnostic lessons and am starting the order of the cleric, and I feel strongly the need to do the ceremony at end when I complete the lesson. My question is, will my unbleached druid robe be acceptable for an alb or do I need to acquire a plain white robe just for this? Thank you very much for all that you do and all the teachings you have shared!

Re: Gnostic lessons question

[ecosophia]

An unbleached robe will do just fine. About half the UGC clergy I knew wore unbleached robes or albs.

Ecosophia Prayer List

[tunesmyth]

At this page is the full list of all of the requests for prayer that have recently appeared at ecosophia.net and ecosophia.dreamwidth.org, as well as in the comments of the prayer list posts (printable version here, current to 8/30). Please feel free to add any or all of the requests to your own prayers.

If I missed anybody, or if you would like to add a prayer request for yourself or anyone who has given you consent (or for whom a relevant person holds power of consent) to the list, please feel free to leave a comment below.

* * *
This week I would like to bring special attention to the following prayer requests, selected from the fuller list.

May HippieVikings's baby HV, who was born safely but has had some breathing concerns, be filled with good health and strength.

May Trubujah's best friend Pat's teenage daughter Devin, who has a mysterious condition which doctors are so far baffled by necessitating that she remain in a wheelchair, be healed of her condition; may the underlying cause come to light so that treatment may begin.

May Mary's sister have her auto-immune conditions sent into remission, may her eyes remain healthy, and may she heal in body, mind, and spirit.

May Liz and her baby be blessed and healthy during pregnancy, and may her husband Jay (sdi) have the grace and good humor to support his family even through times of stress and ill health.

May Jack H's friend Sheima, a Sudanese refugee in the UK, find a favourable resolution regarding her right to stay in the UK, which has been imperiled over a technicality. (8/30)

May 5 year old Max be blessed and protected during his parents' contentious divorce; may events work out in a manner most conducive to Max's healthy development over the long term.

May Patrick's mother Christine's vital energy be strengthened so she can make a full recovery from the hysterectomy and follow-up issues and resume normal life.

May MindWind's father be completely healed of his spinal, blood, and cardio infections; may his continual and immense back pain be lifted, and may he be strengthened to bear what cannot be lifted.

May J Guadalupe Villarruel Zúñiga, father of CRPatiño's friend Jair, who suffers from terminal kidney and liver damage, continue to respond favorably to treatment; may he also remain in as good health as possible, beat doctors' prognosis, and enjoy with his wife and children plenty of love, good times and a future full of blessings.

May DJ's newborn granddaughter Marishka and daughter Taylor be blessed, healed, and protected from danger, and may their situation work out in the best way possible for both of them.

May 12 year old Sebastian Greco of Rhode Island, who recently suffered a head injury, make a prompt and complete recovery with no lasting problems.

May Marko's newborn son Noah, who has been in the hospital for a cold, and Noah's mother Viktoria, who is recovering from her c-section, both be blessed with good health, strength, endurance, and protection, and may they swiftly they make a full recovery.

May Brother Kornhoer's son Travis's fistula heal, may his body have the strength to fight off infections, may his kidneys strengthen, and may his empty nose syndrome abate, so that he may have a full and healthy life ahead of him.

May Princess Cutekitten, who is sick of being sick, be healed of her ailments.

May Jack H.'s father John continue to heal from his ailments, including alcohol dependency and breathing difficulties, as much as Providence allows, to be able to enjoy more time together with his loved ones.

May Audrey's friend's daughter Katie, who died in a tragic accident June 2nd, orphaning her two children, be blessed and aided in her soul's onward journey; and may her family be comforted.

May Kevin’s sister Cynthia be cured of the hallucinations and delusions that have afflicted her, and freed from emotional distress. May she be safely healed of the physical condition that has provoked her emotions; and may she be healed of the spiritual condition that brings her to be so unsettled by it. May she come to feel calm and secure in her physical body, regardless of its level of health.

May Pierre and Julie conceive a healthy baby together. May the conception, pregnancy, birth, and recovery all be healthy and smooth for baby and for Julie.

May SLClaire's honorary daughter Beth, who is undergoing dialysis for kidney disease, be blessed, and may her kidneys be restored to full functioning.

May 1Wanderer's partner Cathy, who has bravely fought against cancer to the stage of remission, now be relieved of the unpleasant and painful side-effects from the follow-up hormonal treatment, together with the stress that this imposes on both parties; may she quickly be able to resume a normal life, and the cancer not return.

May Kallianeira's partner Patrick, who passed away on May 7th, be blessed and aided in his soul's onward journey. And may Kallianeira be soothed and strengthened to successfully cope in the face of this sudden loss.

May Linda from the Quest Bookshop of the Theosophical Society, who has developed a turbo cancer, be blessed and have a speedy and full recovery from cancer.

May Corey Benton, whose throat tumor has grown around an artery and won't be treated surgically, and who is now able to be at home from the hospital, be healed of throat cancer.
(Healing work is also welcome. Note: Healing Hands should be fine, but if offering energy work which could potentially conflict with another, please first leave a note in comments or write to randomactsofkarmasc to double check that it's safe)

May David Spangler (the esoteric teacher), who has been responding well to chemotherapy for his bladder cancer, be blessed, healed, and filled with positive energy such that he makes a full recovery.

May Giulia (Julia) in the Eastern suburbs of Cleveland Ohio be quickly healed of recurring seizures and paralysis of her left side and other neurological problems associated with a cyst on the right side of her brain and with surgery and drugs to treat it, if providence would have it, and if not, may her soul move on from this world and find peace with a minimum of further suffering for her and her family and friends.

May Liz and her baby be blessed and healthy during pregnancy, and may her husband Jay (sdi) have the grace and good humor to support his family even through times of stress and ill health.

May Debra Roberts, who has just been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, be blessed and healed to the extent that providence allows. Healing work is also welcome.

May Jack H's father John, whose aortic dissection is considered inoperable and likely fatal by his current doctors, be healed, and make a physical recovery to the full extent that providence allows, and be able to enjoy more time together with his loved ones.

May Frank R. Hartman, who lost his house in the Altadena fire, and all who have been affected by the larger conflagration be blessed and healed.

May Open Space's friend's mother
Judith be blessed and healed for a complete recovery from cancer.

* * *
Guidelines for how long prayer requests stay on the list, how to word requests, how to be added to the weekly email list, how to improve the chances of your prayer being answered, and several other common questions and issues, are to be found at the Ecosophia Prayer List FAQ.

If there are any among you who might wish to join me in a bit of astrological timing, I pray each week for the health of all those with health problems on the list on the astrological hour of the Sun on Sundays, bearing in mind the Sun's rulerships of heart, brain, and vital energies. If this appeals to you, I invite you to join me.

Re: Ecosophia Prayer List

[ecosophia]

Thank you for this as always!