Forum - Pagan World2024-03-28T22:05:39Zhttps://pagan.world/forum/feed/allMagickal Practice Alongside Science/Tech/AI and Intelligence Augmentation (IA)https://pagan.world/forum/magickal-practice-alongside-science-and-tech-ai2023-03-14T00:34:48.000Z2023-03-14T00:34:48.000ZCosmo Rubiconishttps://pagan.world/members/ChristopherPufall<div><p>(As a starting seed for this topic, I offer up this recent interview video with my initial comments. Bringing science awareness into our practice has increasing interest for some, and has merit to discuss the benefits, negatives, and learnings.)</p>
<p>The YouTube cover image for this March 2023 video (linked below) sort of belies (or oversimplifies upon first impression) the very grounded, substantive discussion and many strong points made in this interview (and Dean Radin's book), and I commend it to anyone here -- <em>or particularly a peer or friend who may be on the fence with a deeper metaphysical path</em> -- who is willing to entertain and season some idealistic thinking within their base of scientific or material-based perspectve of reality -- specifically as regards the paradigm that consciousness is something infusing all existence, and that embracing this notion even an inkling can open one's life to a more holistic way of living and "seeing."</p>
<p><br /> The discussion is also important in highlighting the way some mainstream religious perspectives have papered over their own esoteric-leaning practices behind language and social walls that, as a fearful and often counterfeit collective, are designed to exclude or condemn the more individual, free-thinking, creative experiences of life's vast mysteries. These latter aspects -- free exercise of human minds in collaboration with some pervading cosmic mental essence, or great Mind -- can enrich the meaning and value one gains from living, and thusly be rendered back into broader society as immense, life-affirming value-adds... versus being feared and supressed to the detriment of our gifted human spirit.</p>
<p><br /> So maybe if you aren't familiar with Dean Radin's work, give this recent interview a shot as an intro into the scientific and statistical-based studies he conducts around magic(k)al practices and our potential/actualized connections with non-local, all-pervading Consciousness. Although this may be redundant to some, for others it may spark or reenforce certain aspects of their own personal, secular, or spiritual questions and studies.<br /> </p>
<p>For more on <strong>Dean Radin</strong>:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-radin-9417877">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-radin-9417877</a><br /> <a href="https://noetic.org">https://noetic.org</a></p>
<p><br /> <em>- Cosmo Rubiconis</em></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Video Interview</strong>: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY0XGtijebQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY0XGtijebQ</a><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10997153254,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10997153254,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10997153254?profile=RESIZE_584x" width="493" /></a></p></div>Film Insights and Inspirations for the Human Spirithttps://pagan.world/forum/all-that-breathes-a-film-of-grace-empathy-and-insight2023-02-11T11:34:27.000Z2023-02-11T11:34:27.000ZCosmo Rubiconishttps://pagan.world/members/ChristopherPufall<div><p style="text-align:left;">(I offer up my recent review of a film as a starting seed for further discussion on films and their metaphysical/spiritual and humane insights).</p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>All That Breathes: A Film of Grace, Empathy, and Insight</strong></span><br /><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10961989871,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10961989871,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10961989871?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a><em>Credit: HBO Documentary Films</em></p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><em><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16377862">All That Breathes</a></em> (2022, directed by Shaunak Sen), a Hindi-language film about two brothers who care for injured kites in Delhi, is a documentary of exquisite grace and artistic expression in sight and sound: a pure, sublime distillation of Nurture finding power within the wild, untamed heart of Nature. With gliding, measured movement of pacing and camera, the film gently shapes us into a flow-state of deep connection with the brothers, their family, and the story – and with ourselves.<br /> <br /> There exists a profound wisdom at the film’s core – humble and tender in form, yet wildly transformative in spirit – revealing itself most notably in the quiet and unobtrusive spaces between breaths and thoughts. Poetic yet grounded, the film conveys a narrative of resilience and dedication amidst the turbulent uncertainties of life and decay, and its theme invites us to elevate our global awareness and purpose through service to other life sharing this fragile, symbiotic home.<br /> <br /> In watching this film – one of the best I’ve seen in recent years – I was reminded of the long, masterful tracking shots of Bela Tarr films (as with <em>The Turin Horse, </em>2011), where like a great 19th century novel, we’re allowed space to absorb into the depth of moments and feelings, surrendering ourselves effortlessly scene-by-scene, becoming co-creators in the story’s direction and purpose.</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"> </p>
<div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="text-align:center;">
<div class="ivm-image-view-model">
<div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex"><img id="ember909" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img lazy-image ember-view align-center" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D5612AQH-ZDhPXKbFaw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1676111857118?e=1681344000&v=beta&t=pTPX_CW9rQVMiy7HamNOrBsXJBIxHNKSOx7ZagjLuHs" alt="No alt text provided for this image" /></div>
</div>
<em>Credit: HBO Documentary Films</em></div>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"> </p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><em>All That Breathes</em> slows time in a way, allowing for heightened senses and deepened perspective: small details at the visual periphery and sounds in the distance become more vibrant and integral to the woven tapestry and aims of the film – a fresh contrast to so much of the hurried, often perfunctory content in the wild these days. On this point, the film <em>Koyaanisqatsi</em> (1982) also came to mind (good company to be in) as another life-changing movie that was artful in using aspects of the filmic medium to shift one’s paradigm for seeing the world.<br /> <br /> In the end, <em>All That Breathes</em> wasn’t just a film that took a couple of hours from my evening; it was an experience that, in a fashion, gave back time by showing ways to embrace the depth and quality of simple moments, particularly through acts of connection and empathy. It is also a film that speaks to honoring the sacredness of wildlife and nature, while reminding us of the small and large destructions we collectively unleash on our shared environments.<br /> <br /> Each viewer may have a different response to this film, based on their frame of reference, yet I’d surmise many will be moved by the gentle elegance of the visuals, the hypnotic beauty of the score (by Roger Goula), and the effortless power of the film's words to convey immense insight. It is perhaps at the level of collective unconscious where I sense the shimmering of deepest impact, particularly upon hearing the film’s final sentence, which resonates with potent layers of soulful meaning:<br /> <br /> “<em>Can you hear me?</em>”</p>
<p class="reader-text-block__paragraph"><br /> -- Cosmo Rubiconis (Christopher)</p>
<h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2"> </h3></div>Have No Heat or Hot Waterhttps://pagan.world/forum/have-no-heat-or-hot-water2023-01-29T13:11:28.000Z2023-01-29T13:11:28.000ZArlene Friedhttps://pagan.world/members/HectubaHestia<div><p><a href="https://gofund.me/68a0a514">https://gofund.me/68a0a514</a></p><p>A pipe burst in my basement and I presently have no heat or hot water. The coldest months are ahead and I really need some help. I am looking to fix my pipes so this doesn't happen again. Please give whatever you are able to. Thank you so much for all of your help, it is greatly appreciated. </p><p> I just had the city inspector come to my home because of the flood in my basement, and it is running into the city street. I have to get this fixed ASAP. Otherwise, he will give me a ticket. I still need another $345 dollars. Please support my go fund me to fix my basement in any way you can with either a contribution or sharing this go fund me.</p></div>Wisdom and Service in our Practicehttps://pagan.world/forum/wisdom-and-service-in-our-practice2023-01-21T21:50:59.000Z2023-01-21T21:50:59.000ZCosmo Rubiconishttps://pagan.world/members/ChristopherPufall<div><p>As there are many threads on this site about magickal practices, I'd like to supplement them by building up some conversation on the wisdom aspect of our practice, and to consider how we might infuse its power into our broader eclectic work and service. This has been at the forefront of my mind of late after reading the superbly graceful book <em><strong>The Art of Witch</strong></em> (Fiona Horne, 2019), from which I will quote a couple of pertinent gems:</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align:center;">“<em>Service is what a Witch is born to do and to become -- not a finite ego-driven human, but a vessel of transformation and transcendence.</em>”<br /> ...<br /> “<em>The secret to making your spells and rituals 'work' 100 per cent is to make them useful in the world, in service for a greater good than your ego. The Universe conspires in your favour and will 'grant your wish' every time, if your magickal goal is truly selfless.</em>”</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">-- <em>Fiona Horne</em></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align:left;">To further expand on this direction, and to anchor this discussion with a focusing word, within the book <em><strong>Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard</strong></em> (Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, 2004) -- a key resource used at <em>The Grey School of Wizardry</em> (<a href="https://www.greyschool.net" target="_blank">https://www.greyschool.net</a>), alongside its <em><strong>Companion</strong> </em>sequel -- a "<em>wizard</em>" is characterized as a lore-master and practitioner of arcane knowledge and magick. Etymologically and importantly, the book notes the word's origination from the Anglo-Saxon <em>wysard</em>, with meaning of "wise one," where its functional adoption is not presently confined to usage within a particular faith, tradition, or gender.</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10946315087,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10946315087,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10946315087?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="281" height="364" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Wisdom - Sapience</em>; </span><span style="font-size:8pt;">source: <a href="https://www.si.edu/object/wisdom-sapience:chndm_1896-3-319" target="_blank">Smithsonian</a>; </span><span style="font-size:8pt;">used under: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0" target="_blank">CC0</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br /> This term <em>wizard</em>, and its aspects of wisdom and manifestation of service, is of particular appeal, and something that is keenly encouraged at the aforementioned <em>Grey School</em>, particularly by its current <em>Headmaster, Nicholas Kingsley</em>. It speaks to an intentional, dynamic, and empathetic way of living and engaging the world -- with a deep-seated love for Nature's vast mysteries, histories, and wonders -- a framing that cultivates clarity and character, allowing for effective and noble marshalling of intent and abilities, both magickal and practical.</p>
<p>The heart and mind of a wizard becomes emboldened and on fire through diligent, continuous study and application of learning, always sifting through noise and chaff to find graceful purity of knowledge and expression -- the beautiful facets of truth and art in living. The practice of wizardry can, if one allows, bring deeper cohesion and balance between Thought and Act, between the Rational and the Intuitive, refining the qualities one creatively infuses into daily acts of service and engagement, giving strength to living a more transparent, integrated life.</p>
<p>The wizard revels in the pureness and exuberant creativity of a childlike heart, yet balances it with the grounding of practical knowledge and a continued resolve to understand and apply principles of the grand Cosmos and its great Mind. The wizard's soul is fed through a lifetime of exploration, refinement, and transformation, leading to the quintessence of Joy and The Good Life, one of virtuous and loving engagement within the body and soul of this symbiotic world and its diverse inhabitants.</p>
<p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10946315871,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10946315871,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10946315871?profile=RESIZE_400x" width="276" height="56" /></a></p>
<p><br /> Ultimately the word "<em>wizard</em>" doesn't have full ownership and lock on these various defining aspects; I use it though to draw upon the historical essence and power of its meaning, so to frame its wider application in magickal practice. In balancing the perspective, I married quotes from <em><strong>The Art of Witch</strong></em> into this contemplation, to emphasize that the heart of wisdom and service transcends boundaries of magickal roles and labels, and can be the keystone of a productive magickal transformation. As a reflection of what its essence encapsulates for me at an intuitive level, this very brief stream-of-thought is made available to start this topic, with "<em>wizard</em>" offered as an anchoring point.</p>
<p>As a complementary notion, I find it useful to season one's path with a fair bit of romance and poetry in perspective. It helps enliven the senses to see things about the world that might otherwise be smothered within life's occasional drudgeries. In turn, the practice and the work gets refined into acts of Art that harmonize within a deeper collective experience of this shared sacred Life.</p>
<p><br /> <em>-- <a href="https://pagan.world/members/ChristopherPufall" target="_blank">Cosmo Rubiconis</a> (Christopher)</em></p>
<p> </p></div>Tools for Witchcraft what's your "go to"https://pagan.world/forum/tools-for-witchcraft-what-s-your-go-to2023-01-03T10:26:01.000Z2023-01-03T10:26:01.000ZJoseph Scott Worleyhttps://pagan.world/members/JosephScottWorley<div><p>So I was currious for those whom do spell work what are your favorite or "go to" tools ? Does it vary based on what the working is? For example for binding spells my go to tools are red thread and rail road spikes. </p></div>Site Visual Design Issuehttps://pagan.world/forum/site-visual-design-issue2022-12-31T21:42:14.000Z2022-12-31T21:42:14.000ZStone Rileyhttps://pagan.world/members/StoneRiley<div><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Hi folks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I'm new in Pagan World, but i'm a paid up citizen, a content contributor, and a graphic artist.</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">And i believe the color scheme on this site must be changed to improve readability.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">Instead of pale font on dark background, it should be dark font on pale background, because now it actually hurts my eyes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">The current red-maroon background does give a feeling like plush velvet, so it could be used very well as borders, behind big bold headlines, maybe behind photos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">A more readable font would help too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;">I'm also a software coder, so can i be of any help in making this happen?</span><br /><span style="font-size:12pt;">-Stone Riley</span></p></div>Is Our Paganism Shamanism?https://pagan.world/forum/is-our-paganism-shamanism2022-12-29T17:52:34.000Z2022-12-29T17:52:34.000ZStone Rileyhttps://pagan.world/members/StoneRiley<div><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">(This is adapted from my book “Compassionate Tarot Companion”. <a href="https://stonerileydruidclassroom.wordpress.com/2022/11/20/compassionate-tarot-companion-book-overview/" target="_blank">{Free download} </a>)</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;"><strong>Is our Paganism shamanism?</strong></span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">I follow the anthropologists' description of shamanism: An extremely diverse worldwide phenomenon, a form of magic arising from human psychology, present in most or all human cultures.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">I believe our Paganism definitely fits.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">But how can we tell?</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">To start, we might seek a standard definition of Shamanism and see if our Paganism fits that; But unfortunately there isn't any standard definition.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">For example, see the Wikipedia article “Shamanism”. What you'll find is a very long and detailed argument about defining it, with many definitions offered, packed with examples, and going back several centuries.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">However: Among the rest you'll find the definition used by anthropologists today, as i've stated it above. So at least Wikipedia supports my framing of the question.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">But there's more: We can usefully compare our Paganism to the wealth of examples given there and elsewhere in the literature. For comparison i'll use a New England psychic fair as an example of our Paganism.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">Comparison #1: As described in the literature, shamanism typically involves healing of some sort. == At a psychic fair we heal broken lives and broken hearts, perform aura cleansing, and advise the sick on how to live well.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">Comparison #2: As described in the literature, many shamans travel in trance to a realm of strange beings who are symbols of things here, and they help matters here by interacting with those beings. == Doesn't that describe an expert reader with their sentient cards?</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">Comparison #3: As described in the literature, many shamans contact the spirits of the dead on behalf of their community. == Spirit mediumship is exactly this, but on an individual basis.</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">Comparison #4: As described in the literature, every culture's shamanism is uniquely shaped for that culture. == Isn't our Paganism?</span></p><p class="thisdoc-box-title-para-western" lang="en-us" xml:lang="en-us" align="left"><span style="font-size:medium;">And finally: Here as everywhere, shamanism arises from deep in human psychology.</span></p></div>Passing the Torchhttps://pagan.world/forum/passing-the-torch2022-12-12T08:11:57.000Z2022-12-12T08:11:57.000ZCosmo Rubiconishttps://pagan.world/members/ChristopherPufall<div><p>For my fellow wizards, witches, and magickal souls on Pagan World -- here is a sharing of my recent attendance of Passing the Torch ceremony...Adeptus Oberon Zell passing the reigns at Highspire (in late November) to new Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley -- The Grey School of Wizardry.</p>
<p>It was a wonderful time of sharing, with discussions of wisdom, myth, life, beauty, and enlivening our hearts of service -- in essence, celebrating and honoring the pure soul of Wonder and Possibility.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10908158267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10908158267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10908158267?profile=original" width="710" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10999300896,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10999300896,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10999300896?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10908148891,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10908148891,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10908148891?profile=original" width="710" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:right;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10908152476,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10908152476,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10908152476?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="710" /></a></p>
<p> </p></div>Stones and Crystals informationhttps://pagan.world/forum/stones-and-crystals-information2022-12-08T21:44:04.000Z2022-12-08T21:44:04.000ZLuciennehttps://pagan.world/members/Lucienne<div>Hey there, all!So, is anyone else having difficulty with identifying stones and crystals you come across? I can’t just go out and buy or order crystals and stones online, so I am always on the lookout for stones and crystals throughout my day-to-day. I have acquired several stones and crystals that just felt worth picking up, but other than simple white/clear quartz I am finding it impossible to identify my finds or to be able to research them and their possible magical uses. Any suggestions for where to turn? My device’s camera is broken so Google image search is out, and I tried Scott Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic but without pictures it’s impossible to determine if any one is a match for the one I’m looking for at any given time. Also, a lot of images I find of various stones are tumbled and polished or cut, and mine are all rough, so it is sometimes difficult to make a visual match. For example, I was walking my dog earlier and found a black stone just sitting atop the snow, covered in just enough of a dusting of snow that I couldn’t get a good look at it, even brushing it off, so I brought it in and ran it under water. It is smooth-cornered triangular, opaque black with silver flecks and streaks of gold running through it. It has a warm energy to the touch, and I can feel the vibrations of the stone in my hands. However, when I tried to research it, I can find several that look right, or close to right if they were unpolished like mine, but I have no clue what it is or how to find out. Any suggestions?On a related note, does anyone know of places to contact for free stones or crystals or how I can get my hands on stones and crystals other than those I can find around my home and neighborhood? I appreciate any help and look forward to the point in my journey when I can pay it forward to someone else in need of something I no longer need.Thanks to all who respond and Blessed Be.</div>Any thoughts or information on dream walking?https://pagan.world/forum/any-thoughts-or-information-on-dream-walking2022-11-29T17:47:05.000Z2022-11-29T17:47:05.000ZSirenLeohttps://pagan.world/members/LindaMackert<div><p>I am researching dream walking because I fully believe I am doing it unintentionally. </p><p>Does anyone have any information they would like to share?</p><p> </p><p>Thanks in advance! </p></div>Wiccan and Pagan history being forgotten?https://pagan.world/forum/wiccan-and-pagan-history-being-forgotten2022-10-10T21:44:51.000Z2022-10-10T21:44:51.000ZArlene Friedhttps://pagan.world/members/HectubaHestia<div><p>While taking a part in the historic event of the The Sacred Order of Paladins presents: The Road to Parliment-2022 Correlians Live! Telethon, I found that I had learned so much from all of the guests and talks that took place over this weekend. The expirence was amazing, eye opening and energizing all at the same time. I did however realize, thanks to Lord Donald Lewis, that many of us are forgetting our roots, where we came from, the history of Paganism and Wicca, not to mention, many of the major events that has taken place over the past several decades from the Pentacle Quest, the Satanic Panic, and many more. These need to be taught and to us and to never forget. If we forget about our past, we are doomed to make the same mistakes in our future. </p><p>We have a new generation that is up and coming. Many of them know about the nitty gritty of the Craft, but not our struggles. It is time to change this and my agenda and goal is to not only create a class on Witchschool, I am also going to write a book about these events. I will interview the Big Name Pagans and discuss about the history, the major events that they took part of to bring us where we are today. </p><p>In NYC we used have several shops in the city. Two of the most famous men were Herman Slater and Edward Byzinski. Unfortunately they are now both deceased. Some of the other BNPs out there no longer alive were Donald Michael Craig, Isaac Bonowitz, and Morning Glory Zell. Oh the storys they could tell. </p><p>I look forward to taking on this project and seeing where it will take me. </p></div>Regarding Grimiores, Books of Shadows, The Book of Ways, etc.https://pagan.world/forum/regarding-grimiores-books-of-shadows-the-book-of-ways-etc2022-09-04T00:22:48.000Z2022-09-04T00:22:48.000ZJoseph Scott Worleyhttps://pagan.world/members/JosephScottWorley<div><p>So how do you have yours organized? Did you follow a "guidline" for organizing it? Has yours like mine changed over the years to the point your current rendition doesn't even look like the same hands penned it? Or is it a perpetual disorganized mess? What do you have in it? </p></div>Books, books, & still more books.https://pagan.world/forum/books-books-still-more-books2022-08-13T01:38:45.000Z2022-08-13T01:38:45.000ZJoseph Scott Worleyhttps://pagan.world/members/JosephScottWorley<div><p>So if you're anything like me you tend to be reading through multiple books at the same time. Just out of curiosity what books are you all going through presently? I; myself, am readying through Welsh Witchcraft (A guide to the Spirits,Lore, & Magic of Wales) by Mhara Starling, The Crooked Path (An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft) by Kelden, & A book of Pagan Prayer by Ceisiwr Serith</p></div>Regarding Spell-work & Witches Craftshttps://pagan.world/forum/regarding-spell-work-witches-crafts2022-07-18T00:30:49.000Z2022-07-18T00:30:49.000ZJoseph Scott Worleyhttps://pagan.world/members/JosephScottWorley<div><p>So anyway I was wondering if anyone was interested in sharing any spells or witches-crafts they have done? </p><p>I'll share this money drawing witch bottle spell I recently came up with. </p><p>Needed items :</p><p>one clear or green jar ( I used an empty and cleaned pasta sauce jar) , black salt (made with dragons blood, patchouli, sandlewood, and sage ashes), a green or white candle , some green gems or green glass beads (if you wish to get fancy and decorate your jar.) Somthing to carve a "sigil" into the candle (or a paper to draw it on should you be using a birthday candle ) </p><p>Steps:</p><p>Step 1 Make the blacksalt as you do other stuff , no need to make it for this specific spell. </p><p>Step 2 Clean & Cleanse your working altar, & individual spell componants same as you would for any other working ( I prefer to use a sage & citrus incense for this) </p><p>Step 3 Add the black salt to the bottom of the jar (high enough to hold the candle firmly while it burns)</p><p>Step 4 Create a money or wealth drawning "sigil" and scribe it into the candle or drawn it on paper (if using a paper sigil place the jar on it while the candle is burning)</p><p>Step 5 Charge the lot with your intent </p><p>Step 6 Light the candle and let it burn to completion </p><p> </p><p>Asa note this can be done in conjunction with filling out job applications &/or seeking promotions at work as well. </p><p> </p></div>Devotional Wiccahttps://pagan.world/forum/devotional-wicca2022-07-16T10:34:38.000Z2022-07-16T10:34:38.000ZRev Mike Chttps://pagan.world/members/RevMikeC<div><p>I posted this to my discussion group and it was an interesting topic that I wanted to share more widely:</p><p>A teacher once said to me when talking about Wiccan forms of prayer</p><p>"Prayer Wiccans don't pray! "</p><p>Yet, We do pray, some fo us pray a lot actually. Typically the idea in Wicca is that we are partners of the divine so it's somtimes argued that we don't need to pray. Sure we do spells and we invoke the Gods and Goddesses in our rites but this is not the same as prayer. Yet I have also had the experience the longer that I practice this path the more devotional of a Pagan I become and the more that prayer becomes important to me. </p><p>So is devotional practice important to your path? What does this devotional practice look like? If you don't have one why don't you think it's important? If this topic is new to you how might you approach being devotional?</p></div>What exactly are botanical extracts?https://pagan.world/forum/what-exactly-are-botanical-extracts2022-04-22T05:09:49.000Z2022-04-22T05:09:49.000ZElizaMathehttps://pagan.world/members/ElizaMathe<div><p>Are you looking for a new way to improve your skin? If so, you should look into products that contain botanical extracts. While many people are under the impression that botanical extracts are only for smoothies, they’re also a superpower skincare ingredient.</p><p>Botanicals are an added benefit for most cosmetic or skincare products and for those looking for results with more natural ingredients, these extracts are the perfect addition to your skincare routine.</p><p>What exactly are botanical extracts? Read this guide to find out!</p><p>Related: What to Know About Skin Absorption</p><p>What Are <a href="https://www.bestnutras.com/plantbased-ingredients/botanical-extracts" target="_blank">Botanical Extracts</a>? Where can I find them?<br />Botanical extracts are plant materials with concentrated therapeutic properties. They occur in powdered or liquid forms, and you can extract them through steam distillation, cold pressing, or oil infusions.</p><p>Once this process is done, you have a highly condensed ingredient that is absorbable and effective at targeting specific skin concerns.</p><p>Botanical extracts exist in various skin, hair, and dental products and are concentrated forms for herbals purposes. People have also used them in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and as research progresses, companies can harness the benefits of these extracts even more precisely.</p><p>Botanical extracts allow for the skin to replenish. They also contain many healing properties and have antioxidant effects.</p><p>They’re usually added to skincare products for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Since botanical extracts are highly concentrated, you’ll often find them lower down on the ingredient list. This is because ingredients are listed in volume, and just a little bit of a botanical extract can go a long way.</p><p>So, just because they’re listed lower on the ingredient list doesn’t mean they’re any less effective.</p><p>Where do botanical extracts get their powers from?<br />Plant botanicals are very potent, and it makes sense that they can pack a punch in the antioxidant compartment. Many plants contain high levels of a chemical compound called phenols that act as antioxidants and help combat free radicals and oxidative stress.</p><p>Plants and flowers need to survive under harsh UV lights and some natural mechanisms to flourish. When these are utilized in an extract, the same benefits are available for your skin.</p><p>What’s the difference between tinted moisturizer and foundation? Click here to find out!</p><p>Types of Botanical Extracts for the Skin<br />When reading skincare product labels, you won’t just see ‘botanical extract” listed as an ingredient. Instead, the label will list the exact type of botanical extract. Here’s a list of some of the most common types of botanical extracts, as well as what they can do for the skin:</p><p><a href="https://www.bestnutras.com/alpha-arbutin-powder.html" target="_blank">Alpha arbutin powder</a><br />While it may sound odd to put pine bark on the skin, this substance can dramatically reduce free radicals in the skin. These molecules can age your skin, and<br />Alpha arbutin powder can help regenerate and duplicate your skin cells. You’ll often see this extract in lotions and moisturizers.</p><p>Pine bark can also help reduce wrinkles and replenish collagen levels. If you apply products with pine bark extract continuously, you’ll be sure to ward off wrinkles well into your 30s and beyond.</p><p>Pine bark extract can also help reduce redness, inflammation, discoloration, and skin photoaging. It can also help decrease melasma areas in the body.</p><p>Related: Is Thinking About Wrinkles Giving You Wrinkles?</p><p>Eucalyptus Extract<br />Eucalyptus is often touted for its calming and anti-nausea effects. However, it’s also powerful for the skin, as it can increase the skin’s water holding capacity.</p><p>If you suffer from dry skin, you likely have low ceramide levels. Ceramide is a natural fatty acid that creates a barrier for the skin and helps it lock in moisture. Eucalyptus can help those with low ceramide levels who are suffering from dry skin, as it can stimulate the production of this compound.</p><p>Eucalyptus can also contain antibacterial and antiseptic properties. That’s why you’ll often see it in creams that treat cold sores, cuts, insect bites, eczema, and cracked heels.</p><p>Aloe vera plant closeup.<br />Aloe vera plant closeup.<br />Aloe Vera Extract<br />Chances are, you’ve applied aloe vera on your skin after getting a nasty sunburn. Aloe vera is one of the most popular botanical extracts in the world, and its use dates back many centuries.</p><p>Many psoriasis patients use aloe vera for relief. Additionally, you’ll find aloe vera in many over-the-counter skincare products, as it contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and antioxidants. The chemicals in aloe vera help boost the skin’s immunity and delay the formation of wrinkles.</p><p>Aloe vera also binds with collagen in the skin to make it more elastic and supple.</p><p>Coffeeberry Extract<br />While coffeeberry is a lesser-known skincare ingredient, it’s quickly making its way to the top of many dermatologists and skincare specialists’ lists. This is because coffeeberry can do many amazing things for your skin.</p><p>Coffeeberry comes from the coffee arabica plant, and it contains powerful antioxidants that can replenish and renew your skin. This is an ingredient you want to look for when buying skincare products!</p><p><a href="https://www.bestnutras.com/sea-buckthorn-powder.html" target="_blank">Sea Buckthorn Powder</a><br />Sea buckthorn extract is another excellent botanical extract. This botanical extract is naturally high in vitamin C, so it can help heal the skin and repair your skin by improving its protective barrier.</p><p>Sea buckthorn also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are commonly found in fish and other seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in anti-aging skin care products, as they help revitalize and brighten the skin.</p><p>Soy Extract<br />As the name suggests, soy extract is extracted from soybeans. Soy helps to stimulate collagen production and fight the visible signs of aging to produce younger-looking skin. As women age, they tend to lose the elasticity of their skin.</p><p>This is because their bodies start making less estrogen, which contributes to collagen production. Luckily, soy extract contains phytoestrogen, a hormone that supplements the natural depletion of estrogen, so your skin can continue producing collagen and fighting the effects of aging.</p><p>Chamomile Extract<br />A popular tea flavor, chamomile is also a powerful botanical extract for the skin. Just as chamomile can help calm you down and soothe your mood, so too can chamomile extract help calm and soothe your skin.</p><p>This extract can fight inflammation, itchiness, and redness and heal wounds and scars. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can fight acne and eczema.</p><p>Walnut Extract<br />Walnut extract is becoming a more and more popular ingredient in skincare products. The kernel, shell, and walnut leaves all have unique properties to improve your skin.</p><p><a href="https://www.bestnutras.com/spirulina-powder.html" target="_blank">spirulina powder </a>contains astringent and antiseptic properties that help heal and clean the skin. As such, you’ll find this extract in many scrubs and cleansers. spirulina powder can also help tighten the skin, and because of its high vitamin B5 content, it can help health hyperpigmentation and dark spots.</p><p>Whole walnuts in jar sitting on red towel.<br />Whole walnuts in jar sitting on red towel.<br />How these plant and herb extracts supercharge your skincare routine<br />If you’ve been to the drugstore or makeup counter at least once in the last five years, it’s not easy to miss the fact that “natural products” are reigning supreme. “Infused with [insert your favorite herb, plant, or nut here]” is the new normal for the beauty industry.</p><p>You might think it’s a fad, but the science shows that the addition of botanical (or <a href="https://www.bestnutras.com/herbals" target="_blank">herbal</a>) extracts significantly improve your skincare performance.</p><p>How We Use Botanicals at Perfect Image<br />At Perfect Image, we use botanical extracts for their soothing properties. Considering that peels do increase your chance of sun sensitivity, our products incorporate botanical extracts to provide powerful antioxidant benefits for further skin protection and healing.</p><p>Because of the nature of acids, which do a great job of exfoliation but are known to be sensitizing and occasionally drying, we add in essential botanical extracts like cucumber or green tea to ease irritation and redness and speed up the healing process.</p><p>Botanicals are an added benefit for most cosmetic or skincare products. These extracts are the perfect addition to your skincare routine for those looking for results with more natural ingredients.</p><p>Related: How to Help Your Skin During a Pandemic</p><p>Botanical Extracts Final Thoughts<br />Now that you have a better understanding of botanical extracts and how they can help your skin, you can shop for skincare products more knowledgeably. As we said, you’ll always see the botanical extracts listed on the ingredients label of <a href="https://www.bestnutras.com" target="_blank">Bestnutras</a>, so always be sure to check before buying.</p></div>Changeshttps://pagan.world/forum/changes2022-03-21T03:05:15.000Z2022-03-21T03:05:15.000ZDevore Mogerhttps://pagan.world/members/DevoreMoger<div><p>Has anyone noticed some changes to their body,I have the most peculiar ear ringing ,not all the time ,not annoying,sometimes like a whistle, or a buzzing,low pitch high pitch ,sometimes one ear sometimes two,I've even had 2 whistles going in one ear also I'm seeing alot of recurrent numbers especially 111 and 1111 almost everyday.</p><p> Devore</p></div>What Pagan or Pagan Friendly Video Channels and Podcasts Do You Follow?https://pagan.world/forum/what-pagan-or-pagan-friendly-video-channels-and-podcasts-do-you-f2022-03-12T21:49:47.000Z2022-03-12T21:49:47.000ZMary Hawkhttps://pagan.world/members/MaryHawk<div><p>Tell us about your favorite Pagan or Pagan-Friendly Video Channels and Podcasts! We have a listing for both. Let us know what we need to add! </p></div>Pagan belief's in the middle ages to renaissancehttps://pagan.world/forum/pagan-belief-s-in-the-middle-ages-to-renaissance2022-03-11T20:02:56.000Z2022-03-11T20:02:56.000ZHeidi McCrearyhttps://pagan.world/members/HeidiMcCreary<div><p>Blessed be</p><p>I am writing a thesis on behaviors in middle ages to renaissance. I am looking for resources in regard to pagan societies in the middle ages. I would greatly appreciate your suggestions</p></div>What is your favorite stone or crystal?https://pagan.world/forum/what-is-your-favorite-stone-or-crystal2022-03-11T03:00:53.000Z2022-03-11T03:00:53.000ZMary Hawkhttps://pagan.world/members/MaryHawk<div><p>Tell us about your favorite stone or crystal. Why do like to work with this particular stone or crystal? Is it just one specific stone or a type of stone? Where do you like to get your stones and crystals?</p></div>New Year Resolutionshttps://pagan.world/forum/new-year-resolutions2022-01-02T20:34:04.000Z2022-01-02T20:34:04.000ZMary Hawkhttps://pagan.world/members/MaryHawk<div><p>Does anybody want to share their New Year's Resolutions they would like to share?</p>
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<p> </p></div>What are some of your full moon rituals?https://pagan.world/forum/what-are-some-of-your-full-moon-rituals2021-12-07T23:11:27.000Z2021-12-07T23:11:27.000ZThe Witch of Wonderhttps://pagan.world/members/WitchofWonder<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9889906875,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9889906875,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="284" height="284" alt="9889906875?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p></div>How Did You Become a Pagan?https://pagan.world/forum/how-did-you-become-a-pagan2021-12-05T17:36:04.000Z2021-12-05T17:36:04.000ZMary Hawkhttps://pagan.world/members/MaryHawk<div><p>Share your Pagan story with us!</p></div>