I mentioned in a previous post about other uses for tarot or oracle cards. This included using them for meditation or journeying, which is also something I put into almost every deck review I have written.  I thought I would take this post to break down and clarify the difference between them.
 
Meditation is a very popular part of self-care and mindful practices. First, I would like to point out that a lot of people think that meditation requires clearing the mind completely, and anything else is failure. This is one reason that people often give up on meditation as a form of self-care, and is not true at all.   
Meditation does require the person to keep an open mind, allowing themselves to keep their mind free to see or experience what is needed and then letting it pass. This can help the practitioner learn control and focus, and usually serves to clear the mind, their emotional state, and promote relaxation. In my reviews I suggest that one could focus on a specific card, using it’s artwork as a focal point to start the clearing process or to trigger certain emotions or experiences to come to the surface to be let go of. Oher visual stimuli like mandalas wonderfully as well.
 
Meditation can also be guided. This kind of meditation has structure and a specific focus. The practitioner’s mind is focused on how/where it is being guided, and the intent behind the meditation.  A pre-made audio guide (made by themself or someone else) is usually used, that has a specific purpose like manifestation, healing, or to make space for an answer or solution to a problem/query to come through. This requires the practitioner to focus on relaxation, their breath, what is being said, and being in the moment. It is also commonly used for stress relief, and relaxation. If a guided meditation sequence is used often enough, a person may be able to go through it themselves without the use of the verbal queues. Using tarot or oracle cards that depict scenes from (or similar to) the ones described in the guided meditation can help with visualization and keep focus; particularly if the person is not good with such things on their own. Practice does make progress.
 
Both types of meditation involve immersing oneself in the thoughts, sensations, and feelings that arise without seeking the story behind them. The experience is meant to allow one to acknowledge, to feel, to accept, and to let go. A process that, I believe, is important to any self-care practice.
 
Journeying is different. To journey, one enters a trance state, usually using drumming or other rhythmic sound to achieve a theta wave state. The objective is an interactive experience where one seeks out spirits/guides/power animals/deities/etc.. in order to obtain answers to a specific query. The trance state and visualization are used to journey into realms like the subconscious, or into other spiritual planes like upper or lower worlds where these beings/entities may exist. This experience is not usually fully guided, even though the beginning may be (to get things started). This is generally considered a shamanic practice, but it can be learned by anyone, whether they consider themselves a shaman, or they participate in any other shamanic like practices. Before entering the trance state, one could start with a meditation on a specific card, picture, query to set a particular intention or obtain a connection with a particular location, entity, etc.. While an intent can be made to connect to something or someone specific, journeying can take us anywhere. Like any practice, we don’t always get the answer we want, but we will get what we need. Journeying requires the practitioner to let go of the expected/desired outcome and let the story unfold as it needs to, taking one along with the ebb and flow of the journey, and can end as quickly as it begins.
 
While these practices are very different, they do have some similar elements, and they can all be quite helpful in one’s spiritual practice and self-care journey. So which one’s have you done? Do you meditate? Do you prefer guided or non-guided meditation? Have you ever journeyed before? Do you use visual tools to help you with either practice? I would love to know. 

I used to write a lot of deck reviews. When I did, my focus was on giving people the necessary basic facts about the deck that might help someone choose the right deck for them. This always included card size, type of art work (pictures included), what kind of deck it was (tarot, oracle, Lenormand, etc..), the information the companion book provided, any changes/irregularities in the deck format or content, and more. In the end, choosing a deck is a personal matter, but I felt such information is helpful when you are on the hunt for new additions to your reading experience. In the course of researching and using approximately 250 decks for review I learned a lot about the diverse ways these decks can be used, so I also started including other ways decks could be used to enhance not only one’s readings, but other facets of spiritual work as well. I also learned much about how the various spread types and reading styles can influence a reading, the reader, and one’s overall experience.
So, if you read, whether that is for yourself or for others, what’s your style?
Some people prefer larger, more elaborate, spreads (like the Celtic Cross) to glean as much information as possible, while other’s prefer smaller, less complicated, spreads. These can provide quicker, more general answers that can be elaborated on later, provide a general direction for the reader to expand on, and so on. If you are the type who likes to mix things up a little, you might choose the spread based on the question you are asking, the time you have, or the type of deck you are using.
Once you have chosen your deck and spread, asked your question, and dealt your cards, you may end up with more questions. Now you require clarification, which can be gained by drawing more cards. Some might choose to shuffle and deal again, perhaps asking the question differently or asking about a certain aspect of the previous reading. Other’s prefer to pull clarification cards. This can be done by simply shuffling and asking about that card/answer. However, there is nothing stopping one from grabbing another deck, or even from another system entirely! (Aside from cards you can also use runes, crystals, and other divination systems).
Mixing tarot and oracle cards can bring about some very interesting results. Oracle decks answer questions quite differently than tarot. Many provide information about the energies that surround a situation rather than describing the situation or the people involved. This can be quite helpful, as sometimes it can be much easier to change or enhance the energies that are influencing you or the situation than directly changing the circumstances directly.
This brings us to the other uses for the cards. Clarification does not have to end with the reading. Using the card that is causing you concern or confusion in meditation or journeying may bring you more insight. As well, meditating or journeying with a card that represents the energy or outcome you would like to manifest can also be helpful. These same cards can be used in spell work to achieve your goals or desires. If you are using your cards for shadow work, the same principles apply.
So, how do you tarot? Do you use multiple decks? Do you use only certain spreads? Have you ever made your own spread for a particular situation? Do you use your cards for something other than readings? I would love to know.

Spiritually speaking, when the topic of animals is brought up, the first thought usually goes to power, spirit, or totem animals. As a spiritual guide or companion, these can be any type of animal since no physical contact with a living creature is required. Connections with these creatures can be made through meditation, visualizations, pictures, sculptures, jewelry, or any other way you can think of. As an added bonus this means that those guides or companions can also be creatures that are either mythical or exist on other planes of existence (such as dragons, unicorns, phoenix, etc..).
 
However, there are plenty of animals that are called (or we call) to guide us, usually referred to as totem animals, that we can have physical contact with. We keep these animals as pets, companions, work animals, and sometimes familiars. When we keep animals as pets they actually perform some spiritual or energetic work for us that we may not see. They are energetically attuned to others and their surroundings in ways we may not be, allowing them to sense stagnant or unwanted energies that may be held or brought into our home and ourselves. Spending time with them or allowing them roam free within our home space can help break up these undesirable energies, allowing them to release and creating space for more positive and inviting energies to come in. Many studies have shown that owning a pet can decrease a person’s stress levels and increase physical and emotional health. The two main animals that come to mind, of course, cats and dogs.
 
Cats are a popular choice for a familiar, as they are usually known (in the spiritual community) for their ability to see and sense things humans usually cannot. Given this ability, they are often regarded as excellent spiritual protectors. In some cultures they are considered psychopomps; able to travel between the planes to guide souls or deliver messages (covered in a previous post). Studies have also shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr has healing benefits, and energy healers may consider them aura cleansers.
 
Dogs are also popular, and considered protectors, but on a more physical level. That said, I have witnessed dogs “see” things that others have not. They are, of course, considered excellent loyal companions, and can also help decrease stress levels and elevate a person’s health. Petting them, playing with them, and even talking to them can be very therapeutic. They can act like furry little emotional sponges that always seem to know when we are not well or upset. They often teach us lessons about joy, devotion, and balance.
 
Maybe you aren’t a cat or a dog person though. There are so many other creatures we can create these bonds with that probably don’t get as much credit as they should. They can perform the same energetic break up/cleansing just by being present, and also have spiritual reasons we may be more drawn to them. These include (but are not limited to):
 
Hamsters/Gerbils: As a guide they can teach about resourcefulness and cycles.
Rats: Linked to the unconscious and the shadow self.
Snakes: Always given a bad reputation, but are more accurately associated with transformation, hidden wisdom, and the primal life force.
Turtles: Teach stability and patience. As the saying goes “Slow and steady wins the race”, in this case, to wisdom.
Fish: Are linked to abundance, but, as creatures of water, which symbolically represents the emotions, they are also linked to the deep inner thoughts and emotions that area present in the quiet depths of self.
Lizards: These creatures love to bask in the sun, and therefore, are connected to solar energy. They also tech transformation and adaptation.
 
Each of these creatures can come in a multitude of varieties, each one with a more specific message, so I am speaking in generalities here, but the overall message is there. On a side note, you are not limited to physical contact with just house pets. One can create a special bond with larger animals like horses, goats, pigs, sheep, etc.. as well. You can connect with more wild energies in other ways as well, like making friends with local crows/ravens or other birds, creating bee and butterfly gardens (fairies love gardens too), or contributing to charities that support wildlife preserves or other helpful resources. It is, however, not a good idea to feed wild animals, as they may become dependent on you, or stray too close to people who would not see that as desirable (too many animals lose their lives like this).
 
There are a few reasons that animals can show up on a spiritual level in your life. Whether you choose them or they choose you, it may be as part of a soul contract. Aside from the physical health benefits, they are excellent teachers of concepts like patience, unconditional love, and presence. They can also accurately reflect or emotional state (especially dogs and cats), which is helpful in shadow work. Not to mention, as more than one school of thought teaches, the physical manifestation of ailments/dis-ease can be rooted in emotional or spiritual issues that are not dealt with. 
 
So, are you a dog or a cat person? Or perhaps you prefer some other kind of companion? Do you work with spirit, power, or totem animals that you also have as a pet? Has your pet ever alerted you to something you did not otherwise notice? Do you, like me, feel rather incomplete when you don’t have an animal companion at home? Have you ever thought of your pet as more than just a house companion? I would love to know. 

A psychopomp, from the Greek word Psychopompos, meaning “guide of souls”, is a spiritual entity that is most known for guiding souls to the afterlife. Many cultures across the world have deities and/or creatures that perform this task. These are some of the few beings that can enter the underworld and return safely on their own. Some of the most popular that you might be aware of are Hermes, messenger of the Gods and guider of souls (among other things), Anubis, the God of funerary rights and protector of graves, and Charon, the ferryman that transports souls across the river Styx. However, the Aztecs had Xolotl, The Celts have Ankou, and Haitian Vodou has Papa Ghede, to name a few more. Valkyries from the Norse tradition also fall under this category, as they are tasked with choosing the souls that are to enter Valhalla after dying in battle (though, this is not the only way to get into Valhalla. If you know, you know).
 
Spiritual entities like this are also known for delivering messages between worlds. Archangel Michael is one of these, though you may know him better as a spiritual protector rather than a messenger. Across many cultures there are also animals that are able to cross into the other world, as well as other worlds/planes, to receive or deliver messages. These include (but are not limited to) familiar ones like ravens (not just Odin’s companions Huginn and Muninn), crows, and owls, as well as other, perhaps not as familiar/well known for this like vultures, deer, frogs, bats, and dogs. While they do not guide souls to the afterlife, they are still often considered psychopomps due to their ability to cross between worlds.
 
Animals are not the only corporeal beings that have been known to survive venturing between worlds to guide souls. While we may see earthly spiritual leaders as guides of souls while they are on the earthly plane, shamans are an exception here. They are not just spiritual leaders and healers. In some shamanic practices they not only help guide souls into/towards the afterlife, but also help usher souls into life as they are ready to be reborn.
 
These spiritual beings play in important role in the life death cycle. Regardless of our belief system, we cannot know with any certainty what awaits us after our earthly physical experience has come to an end. I do not believe we are meant to. Death is not a topic most societies talk about freely and openly (though perhaps we should start?). I would hope that the thought of the existence of such powerful spiritual soul guides would be a comforting one. I am curious to know if it comforts you at all…? Have you ever encountered or worked with one of these psychopomps in your spiritual practice, or even your everyday life? Have you ever received a message from a creature or entity that is known to cross worlds like that? I would love to know.
 
Just as a little side note, a fun fact if you will. In psychology a psychopomp is considered the mediator between the conscious (ego) and the unconscious self, or maybe it is one’s Higher Self..? Sounds to me like a whole other topic for discussion. Tea anyone? 

​Our ancestors lives revolved around cycles Their very survival depended on understanding the cycles of the seasons that dictated what food would be available, and what shelter they would need. They respected the cycles of day and night. The protective life-giving light of the sun, and the mystery and uncertainty of the dark. Eventually marking the phases of the moon as spiritually significant.
These days, we don’t put as much importance on these cycles. Unless they are part of your spiritual practice, or your job (like a farmer), we don’t pay them much mind beyond what we need to wear, what the driving conditions may be like, what holidays are approaching, or what vacation we would like to book.
While we may all but ignore most of these cycles, there are two that are natural to our body. If you are a woman you are familiar with your menstrual cycle, and how it affects (or sometimes dictates) your life/schedule. We also all have a natural circadian rhythm. This is your internal biological clock that not only regulates your sleep cycles, but also other processes like the release of hormones, and body temperature. While our bodies naturally regulate these cycles for us, as humans, we spend a lot of time and energy exerting control over them, trying to bend them to our will. Whether through pharmaceuticals, technology, or just our own will power, we work to alter these rhythms to suit our needs or current lifestyles. We do this with they larger cycles too, like the seasons, creating mechanisms and evolving technology to grow crops, manufacture meat, and manipulate the weather.
While these advances have benefited us in many ways, like being able to sustain larger populations, it has also caused disconnect between ourselves and our planet, and even within our own bodies. Instead of working with/respecting the natural cycles we strive to control them, but at what cost?
What do you think would happen if we, as a society, decided to eat what our bodies needed, according to what should be available in that season, and adhere to the larger cycles of work and rest, according to the seasons? Would our physical health improve? What about our mental health? Would it cause us to have to cooperate and coordinate within our communities more? What kind of society do you think we could/would build if we listened to our bodies and lived in accordance with Earth’s natural rhythms?
There are plenty of people out there that do try to do this. Whether that is through their spiritual practice, or to create a more practical (and peaceful) lifestyle (like homesteaders and even preppers). Regardless of the reasons, more and more people are looking to reconnect to this planet and each other. Our current societal structure of 9 to 5 work days, high stress, convenience foods, and lack of self-care make returning to a “simpler”, less anxiety inducing lifestyle difficult, but not impossible. As more and more people gravitate towards this, I wonder how we, as people, and as a society at large, will evolve and change.
How about you? Do you listen to your own natural cycles? Is it a spiritual or more practical practice for you? If you have made these kinds of changes, did you notice what affects it had physically, mentally, spiritually (if any)? If you haven’t, are there changes you would or would like to make? I would love to know. 

Salt is one of the most common, yet potent, magical items in your kitchen. Over the centuries salt has functioned in a mundane capacity such as currency, preservation, and culinary uses, as well as for magical purposes. At one time Roman soldiers received salt as part of their pay because it was a precious commodity; time consuming to both mine and process. Its use as a preservative for food made it invaluable in a time before refrigeration. Eventually, as with many other mundane objects turned magical, superstition quickly surrounded it.
 
It is common knowledge today to throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, as the left side has long been associated with evil or malevolent energies. The left Hand Path is considered a dark path (though I would not consider it evil), and even some Christian beliefs say the Devil sits on your left side. However, there are plenty more superstitions connected with salt. In places like Germany, Scotland, and Normandy it was once spread in and around the butter churn to deter witches from spoiling it, and in the Ozarks it was once said that witches didn’t like salt, so if someone complained about food being too salty they were a witch. Many cultures around the world have had their own beliefs as well. In Ireland it was used in conjunction with prayer to cure those who were considered “fairy struck”, and in Egypt it was burned on hot coals in the desert to protect travelers from evil spirits.
 
Culinarily speaking there are at least a dozen types of salt. However, magically speaking there are three main types used, each with their own purpose. (These can vary between traditions and personal experience).
 
 

• Table or Sea Salt offers purification when used to cleanse/consecrate objects like altar or magical tools, crystals, etc.. and can even be added to water to cleanse one’s home (like floors and walls.) It has also been used to represent the Earth element on altars or in ritual, have a grounding effect, and used to create the sacred circle where ritual or spell work is performed.  
• Black Salt is primarily used to create a protective barrier, which is commonly done by creating a salt line across thresholds or liminal spaces like on window sills and in doorways, but can be used to create sacred circles for magical workings as well. It has also been used in spell work for banishing, warding off evil energies/entities, and breaking curses.
• Pink Himalayan salt is used for purification, but in a different way. It is meant to “purify” one emotionally, promoting emotional healing while fostering self-love and bringing harmony to relationships of all kinds (not just between lovers).

 
In some ancient cultures it was used as an offering to deities. Two such deities were the Aztec goddess Huixtocihuatl, and the Mesopotamian goddess Ninpumuna. It was even mentioned in the bible (Leviticus) that every offering of grain and animal placed on the altar had to be seasoned with salt.
 
As you can see, salt has been a big part of both mundane and magical practices for centuries. I find it interesting that some beliefs/superstitions around salt are said to repel or indicate/implicate witches (as they are said to not like it), while it is also used in many magical practices to purify and protect them. Just an observation.
 
So how do you use it in your magical practice? Do you use more than one kind? Do you keep your magical and culinary salt separate? Does salt hold any superstitions for you?  I would love to know.

Spaces like crossroads and roundabouts are considered liminal spaces. They allow the practitioner to enter a space/state physically, mentally/emotionally, or spiritually that allows for or helps facilitate transition between a current and a wanted state. Magically speaking, we can use these spaces to manifest, diminish, set boundaries, remove obstacles, see potential paths, make choices, and many other things. There are many Gods and Goddesses that are associated with crossroads. Some that you may be familiar with are Hecate and Hermes (Greek), Kali and Lord Bhairava (Hindu), Mercury (Roman), and Papa Legba (Vodou), though there are many others across other cultures. Crossroads are also excellent places to connect with or leave offerings to these deities.
 
Crossroads are pretty common spaces these days, as city and country road ways are built primarily on intersecting streets. While it may be a little more difficult and much less practical to use city streets as a place for magic, considering how little privacy one would have, and it may be more difficult to properly bury or leave offerings in a respectful manner, it is not impossible. As more people have/need to live in cities for convenience urban magic has become more popular. What will be will find a way. These intersections are a great place to help you see the paths before you, make choices with the available options, or see/find a new path entirely. It is tradition to offer the Gods/Goddesses of these special spaces an offering when here, and they make good places to bury spells that require something to be trapped, absorbed or transferred. There are many superstitions involving crossroads, such as that they confuse wandering spirits (so victims of suicide or criminals that were executed were often buried there), deals with the devil were made there, and magic done to change a person’s luck were performed there (the negative energy or “bad luck” would be swapped with a passerby).
 
Roundabouts, a growing traffic trend (at least where I am from), can also be considered liminal spaces. However, they are not quite a crossroad and would be used differently for magical/spiritual practices. The streets of a crossroads intersect, while a roundabout has no actual intersecting streets. It’s cyclical design is made for different magic. As a liminal space, it is still used for the same types of magic (transition, manifestation, protection, diminishing/letting go, etc..), however, the practitioner would utilize the momentum of energy as it travels around the circle. The constant motion of the traffic that traverses every day can help build its momentum, if you set that intention. Depending on where you live, roundabouts have two different functions. If you live in countries like the UK, Ireland, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, all places that drive on the left side of the road, traffic moves through the roundabout in a clockwise motion (Deosil). This builds energy that is great for building things up. Like calling in abundance, building a boundary, or changing one’s fate/luck for the better. However if you live in places like Canada, the USA, France, or Germany, where the traffic drives on the right side of the road, the vehicles, and therefore the energy, of the circle, travels in a counterclockwise (widdershins) direction. This energy flow is better suited to banishing, diminishing, and removal magics. Thus, spells for letting go, banishing, binding, and secrecy would be well performed here. One could also consider them a ready-made circle that could be turned to a scared space as well. Kind of makes one long for a nice abandoned town, don’t you think?
 
Both crossroads and roundabouts can provide and excellent space for magical workings, if you can find the privacy you need and the time. Have you ever used one for your work? Would you? Did you ever consider a roundabout as a potential magical space? Do you now? I would love to know your thoughts.    

Have you ever read a book or heard a theory that started out promising/interesting, but then, as you get deeper into it, it starts to grate on you? Maybe it is a slow process that, over time, you feel a disconnect with that train of thought, or perhaps it is a sudden realization that you no longer vibe with what is being said. However it happens, I believe in following one’s intuition, even when everyone else seems to think it is a good idea. In my posts, and in many of the reviews I have written over the years, I have always said to take what feels right to you and leave the rest.
 
There will be times when we learn or hear something that sounds good on the surface, but a deeper look makes us second guess. There will also be times when it out right repulses us. When this happens it usually results in the person closing the book, refusing to listen, or even arguing/debating/ranting about it. As (what I call) a completionist, I will always finish the book (which is what happened recently, which is what sparked this post). I like to think that I am open to debate/discussion on any topic, even when I feel the other opinion goes against what I believe or currently know to be true. That said, I also know I am quite stubborn, so this is a factor too. Most people I know do not read the books I do, so there is not usually someone to debate these topics with, though some ranting may happen (just ask my friends).
 
What I think is important at these times is not so much the topic we are so against, as the way we react to it, or rather, the motivation behind that reaction. When I find myself reacting so strongly to a topic I have to wonder why. What about this topic has struck a nerve? Is it simply contrary to my current knowledge or beliefs? What am I objecting to, the information, the person presenting the information, or how the information is being presented? Am I opposed to all of the information or just part of? Is my disapproval based on my own morals/values, my religious/spiritual practice, or personal experience? Do I really oppose this information, or is my reaction based on views/opinions other people I respect or care about think/have expressed?  These are all valid and, in my opinion, important questions to ask. The answers can tell us much about ourselves, and our shadow side.
 
Recently I read a book that made me feel some kind of way. At first the theories presented seemed rather sound, but as the book went on it started to feel…inauthentic. I did question whether my initial reaction had to do with one of the people who wrote part of the introduction, as I am not particularly fond of them. While I did not enjoy that part, I like to think I gave the book itself a fair chance. At first it felt like the author was describing a spiritual path that seemed reasonable. In fact, it sounded much like many spiritual books you would likely find on any shelf in the bookstore. However, as the book progressed, it described beliefs and techniques/exercises that absolved the reader/practitioner of accountability for their actions, asking them to deny or repress their feelings and their shadow side, all under the guise of enlightenment. If you have been reading my posts, you know that this kind of theory/practice would not sit well with me. It would, in fact, fall under one of my recent posts about spiritual bypassing. I almost did not want to finish the book after getting a little over half way through it. Particularly after writing that post. However, I did finish it, regardless of my opinion of it.
 
It is difficult to expand and grow as a person if we do not expose ourselves to new and different thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. We are certainly not going to agree with everything we hear and see, and that is ok. We all have our own path. However, I do think it is important to listen to and discuss these differences. You never know what kernels of truth you may find for yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to finish every book you start, or participate in discussions/debates that will ultimately lead no where except anger and frustration. I am simply saying that when we come across the ones that rub us the wrong way, we should question why they do. Perhaps we could also ask ourselves what different morals/values, upbringings, cultural beliefs, and personal experiences could they have had that led them to this opinion/theory that is so contrary to our own. These questions could help us understand not only ourselves, but others as well. It is ok to agree to disagree, and to travel our own paths however we feel is right. That said, a little understanding can go a long way.
 
Have you ever read a book or participated in a spiritual debate that really got under your skin? Did you stay/continue reading, or did you distance yourself from it? What is your first response to dealing with uncomfortable or opposing topics, argue, retreat, or just listen and not participate/ignore? Do you question why you feel a certain way about things, or just accept that you do? I would love to know. 

In a few of my previous posts I have written about the power of positive thinking, and its effects on magical/spiritual endeavours. Usually, this is a very positive thing, however, there are limits to this. Sometimes it can be taken too far. The point where it crosses the line between positive thought over to spiritual bypassing.
So what is spiritual bypassing? Well, this term, coined by transpersonal psychotherapist John Welwood in the 1980’s, refers to when a person uses an extreme positive mindset as a long term solution to avoid facing emotional discomfort. While it is not uncommon to distance ourselves from a difficult situation in the moment to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety, allowing ourselves some time to evaluate the situation, and to act accordingly rather than react rashly, avoiding it all together can have negative consequences. This is why shadow work is so important. Those emotions we deem negative do serve an important purpose. Emotions like anger, fear, shame, grief, are both natural and healthy when not taken to extreme or allowed to fester. They can alert us to danger, provide needed context, and allow us to process difficult situations so we can grow emotionally and spiritually. If we suppress, ignore, or avoid them, they can turn toxic. Indulging in spiritual bypassing can not only stunt one’s personal growth, it can cause other issues like emotional confusion, codependency, or the acceptance of otherwise unacceptable behaviours like over stepping boundaries.
There are a few ways that spiritual bypassing behaviour can be recognized within oneself or in others. These can include:
Forced Positivity: I am sure many, if not all, of you have heard the term “toxic positivity”. I am not a huge fan of this term, but it does provide an accurate visual. You may know or have met someone who always seems so happy and positive all the time, and look like they have their whole life put together, with never a negative thing to say. You may recognize some of these familiar phrases that are often used by people during stressful or uncomfortable situations like “everything happens for a reason”, or “just send it/them love and light”, or “just think positively and it will all be ok”. While these can be comforting in the moment, it can be damaging to simply dismiss how you feel about something/someone, or feel that in order to be a spiritual person you must “rise above” your feelings rather than acknowledge, accept, and process them. Not every terrible or traumatic event is “just” a learning experience from the universe.
Emotional Numbing: This can mean being numb to your own emotions, or those of other people. This is usually done by suppressing or denying those emotions using something like meditation or prayer as an escape.
Detachment from Reality: This one is like stepping out of the self and looking in. Detaching from the situation under the guise that the current experience or one’s physical/emotional needs are not important; that as spiritual beings we are above such things, and therefore, they are irrelevant.
Faux Forgiveness: Forgiveness is important, but sometimes we rush to say we forgive someone before the situation has been fully processed. One might do this in order to avoid thinking about the person/situation all together, or so that we seem more enlightened or “spiritually superior” (an “I am the better person because I took the high road” mentality).
You might be wondering how all this relates to the metaphysical or the practice of your craft. Well, spell craft can be used to aid in spiritual bypassing. Using spells to gain what we might deem as justice for ourselves/others, cursing/hexing, or just simply trying to “let go” before we have fully processed what has happened and how we are feeling can all play a part in spiritual bypassing. Again, it is important to do the shadow work and really process those thoughts and emotions before reacting or trying to “just move on”.
Now this is not to say that many of these things, in moderation, can’t be helpful along our spiritual journey. Sometimes we do need to avoid a possible emotional overwhelm in the heat of the moment. I can definitely say I have been guilty of many of these, especially before studying psychology/shadow work as much as I do now. Many of you can probably say the same. There is no shame in that. Recognizing and acknowledging it, and seeking help when we need it are steps in the right direction on any spiritual path.
So, have you experienced spiritual bypassing? Do you know/have you met someone who is like this? What was your impression/experience? I would love to know.