​Animism is a popular concept in metaphysical circles; however, this is not the only subject it holds meaning for.
In psychology, part of Jean Piaget’s cognitive behaviour theory attributes animism to the way children (usually ages 2 through 7) project life like qualities to inanimate objects. So, for example, how they may feel their toys are alive and have their own thoughts and feelings, or how an object may not “like” them if they fall or stub their toe. Carl Jung also used the term animism; however, he used it to describe the dual archetypal images of the feminine and masculine aspects of our subconscious. He described the anima as the female aspect of a man’s subconscious which he attributed to qualities like empathy, emotion, and sensitivity. The opposite of this, then, was the animus, which he described as the masculine aspect of a woman’s subconscious which displayed qualities like intellect, exploration, and activity. It is important to note that every person has both feminine and masculine aspects. The quality we most often display can depend on each person, to varying degrees, and for various reasons. We express these aspects through our hobbies/talents/interests, and we can use them to gain new perspectives and knowledge about ourselves, our environments, and other people. He proposed that each person needed to develop and express both of these aspects in order to continue to “grow” as a person.
Spiritually speaking, animism suggests that everything, whether it is an animal, a plant, a place, or an object, has a “soul” or spiritual essence. If you practice any kind of pagan or earth-based practice, then this is kind of a given. We tend to treat all living things with respect, recognizing them as conscious sentient beings. We may also recognize the spirit of place (genius loci), the spirit of plants (particularly when we are growing them, or harvesting from them), and that everything has its own vibrational frequency, which could be considered its “spirit”. Which is why we talk to our animals and plants, leave offerings/gifts when we take from nature, and keep totems/figures of animals we wish to connect with/learn from, and voice our needs and desires to the gods/goddesses and the universe itself, because yes, it also has consciousness.
Psychology and spirituality are both topics I read/research regularly and in depth. Though I am aware of the concept of animism from both points of view, and have been for a long time, I always sort of took it for granted as “the norm”. I talked to animals and plants as child just as much I did my favourite toys. It never occurred to me that they didn’t answer back/communicate with me in some way. I still talk to animals and my plants. Did you do this as a child? Do you still do it? Did you know that that was what it was called? Do you come across this term/concept in your reading often?

​While not specifically metaphysical terms, the words microcosm and macrocosm are often used in metaphysical books and conversations. While some texts helpfully explain what these concepts are, not all are so accommodating; possibly leaving the reader (or conversation partner) a little confused or without context. What may sound like a couple of five-dollar words, are actually fairly simple concepts. A microcosm is simply  a smaller part of something that has the same qualities/features as the larger whole, which is the macrocosm. They are the same, separately and together. So, for example, a country can hold specific laws, values, history, cultural beliefs/standards, etc..(representing the macrocosm), and each town would still hold those same qualities, but in smaller form (a town, not the whole country). On a larger scale, the universe is made of many particles, substances, and energies, which are also contained in our galaxy (one small portion of the universe as a whole). We can even say that our solar system contains those same particles, substances, and energies, which makes it a microcosm of our galaxy, or the universe itself. As you can see, pretty much anything can be listed as a microcosm, as long there is something with the same feature/qualities larger than it that is the macrocosm.
In metaphysical books, these terms are usually used to describe the universe and man (as they say, we are all made of star stuff). Also, as I see it, as the human race we are one collective, all connected (whether we choose to believe so or not), made up of the same basic parts. As individuals, we are still part of that collective, but with our own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The individual within the crowd, the microcosm within the macrocosm. Sometimes it is also used to describe our relation to the divine. As spiritual beings we all hold the divine within us.
Before today, had you heard these terms before? Did you have a good understanding of what they meant? If not, was this helpful? (I hope so!). 

​In Greek mythology there were 9 goddesses, known as the muses, that provided inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. They are said to be the source for the knowledge passed through stories, writing, poetry, dance, and songs, and were worshipped on Mount Helicon. Though it is also said that originally there were only 3 which represented song, practice, and memory, or the three chords of the lyre, depending on where they were worshipped.
While we still refer to someone or something that has sparked our creativity and passion to create as our muse, we don’t really worship or pray to the muses as goddesses like the ancient Greeks did. That said, we still seek out inspiration from sources outside ourselves all the time. Usually in the things that bring us joy, like books, music, art, and even other people. Anything we can perceive with our senses can impel (or compel) us to create, to learn, or simply become passionate about something. It could be a visual thing like an object/picture seen repeatedly, a phrase or song we keep hearing, or something more subtle like a smell or a tactile stimulus that reminds us/makes us think of something. Likewise, anything we do, say, or create can inspire someone else.
Some of what I write about in my blogs is inspired by the books I read, some by good conversation with like minded people, and some topics just pop into my head sort of randomly. Perhaps that is one of the muses whispering to me, maybe it is my intuition/higher self/guides telling me someone needs to read this today, or maybe it is my subconscious trying to get something off its mind. I could not say for certain either way, but I do know that I have been inspired to write these words for you today. The same goes for my books.
Motivation, while not the same as inspiration, can come from the same sort of stimuli. Reading other people’s books often motivates me to continue to write my own, and the music I listen to can motivate me to keep going when I am feeling down or stuck. The difference between them can be thought of as inspiration being  influenced mentally/emotionally for the purpose to create, while motivation is a stimulation designed to cause action towards a particular goal. Both are needed to bring our creative projects to life.
So I guess the questions for today are: Have you ever felt you were inspired by a muse to create something? Have you ever felt someone you know is/was your muse? Has anyone ever called you their muse or told you that you inspired them to create? Do you pray or call out to the muses (or any other deity) when you need inspiration, but seem to be lacking?

​If you are a witch, chances are good you have cast a circle before. There are, of course, different ways to accomplish this. Some are very formal, involving tools, specific words, and even symbols. Some are much more relaxed, using nothing more than one's own body and voice. However you are most comfortable casting when solitary is up to you. When you are casting with a coven, casting can become either a group effort where all, or some, participate, or only one or two members cast regularly. Individual covens must decide what works best for them.
This also goes for when to cast a circle. Whether you are part of a coven or not, a circle can be cast for many reasons. Some people choose to cast one every time they do any kind of magic at all, while some choose only to cast when they feel it is necessary, or maybe they only cast during sacred holidays. Personally, I fall into the middle. I really don’t cast a circle very often, but there is no right or wrong when it comes to this. Not every thing requires a circle, but some people feel more comfortable within one when doing magical work, and some need it be in the right frame of mind to do magic. The point here is that you should never let anyone make you feel bad or “less than” for how you practice, or don’t practice, your craft.
So why do we cast circles? When you cast a circle you are not only creating sacred space, but it is also believed you create a space between worlds. A big reason for casting then is protection and providing a safe space. Not only are we protecting ourselves from possible negative outside forces/interference, but we are also containing and protecting our magical workings while they are in progress. When you are casting the circle, it is common to clear/cleanse the space first. Casting the circle then keeps that space cleansed and ready for whatever work you are doing, like an energetic bubble. As this bubble contains the energy raised during your spell work/ritual, that energy builds inside until it is released all at once, which can raise the potency/efficacy of the spell, especially if one raises a come of power within the circle. This is not always the case. I know some wonderful witches who do amazing work without ever casting a circle.
Have you ever cast a circle before? Are you very ritualized when casting, using tools, memorized invocations, and sigils, or are you more casual; just you and your energy? Do you cast the same every time, or do you cast differently depending on the work you are doing? Inquiring minds would like to know. 

​Today we are going to touch on a bit of Egyptian lore. Something I have always been interested in/attracted to. Obviously, this will be, by no means, comprehensive. Just a simple guide to this popular symbol.
The eye is depicted a lot in Egyptian art and jewelry. Symbolically, it is connected to the gods, and are aspects of power. The Wedjat-Eyes represent the sun (Right - Ra/Re) and moon (Left - Horus). Though, this was not always so, and these associations were not made until much later in Egyptian history. Wedjat refers to the familiar eye symbol used that combines the falcon facial markings that represent Horus with a human eye. The myths surrounding the eyes often have common themes, have feminine aspects (like Hathor, Sekhmet, and Bastet), and describe acts of power, creation, and destruction. Common themes include the loss of an eye, and the eye acting independently (usually in a feminine aspect) to facilitate anything from vengeance to healing.
 
Following the sun/moon Ra/Horus theme, common correspondences are:
 
Ra (Sun God) – Right Eye: the sun, power, violence, destruction, and protection.
Animal aspects include the Cobra (often depicted with the solar disc), and the lioness.
 
Horus (Sky God) – Left Eye: the moon, protection, well-being/healing, offerings (both ritual and funerary).
 
Both of these symbols are used for protection, depending on your needs. Amulets, and jewelry can be bought and worn, or they can be made. Tattoos have also become popular. There is so much more you can learn about the myth and symbolism of the wedjat eyes. I encourage you to google it, or better yet, pick up a book!
Are you, like me, attracted to ancient Egyptian lore/culture? Do you feel a connection to them? Would you use the eye of Ra or the Eye of Horus in your magical practice? 

​If you pick up any self-help, witchcraft, or spiritual practice book these days, one of the first things they will suggest to you is to keep a record of the work you do. Usually this is in the form of journaling, which can be done as a written record or a voice recording. Regardless of what you journal about, or how you do it, records can be important. There are many reasons to keep a journal. Some examples would be:

1. Monitoring your progress for a task or project
2. Keeping track of what does or does not work for you during spell work
3. Remembering dreams so you can analyze them later or see if there are repeating themes/dreams
4. Monitoring your thoughts/feelings during different moon phases and/or seasons
5. Recording your sabbat/esbat celebrations
6. Keeping track of your divinatory insights during readings
7. Noting signs you see so you can interpret them or see patterns as the emerge
8. Remembering things you would like to try when the timing is right for you

Really, you are only limited by your own needs and imagination.  You can journal about anything you want. There are plenty of beautiful journals out there to write down your every thought for almost every budget; or you can make your own if you are crafty.
In my youth I used to keep personal journals (which I still have in storage). Now I mostly keep track of tarot and other divinatory readings that I feel are important, and recipes for oils/balms/tinctures/etc.. that I use. With all the other writing that I do, journaling everything else seems a bit much. If I kept a journal for every psychology and spiritual book I read I would have hundreds of them laying around by now.
That said, not everyone likes to write, or to keep a written record of their practices, let alone their thoughts and feelings. Journaling can seem more like a chore than a helpful tool if you don’t like to write. Sometimes we just jot down a few notes in a notebook or make a sticky note so we don’t forget, and that is perfectly OK. Personally, I have notebooks all over my house that I use to keep track of things I need/want to remember later. I wish I could say I was more organized than that about it, and I guess it is kind of an organized chaos, but that is just how it works for me. Whatever works for you is what you should do.
So the question is, are you a stickler for writing everything down? Do you like keeping a written record at all, or do you prefer to write down only the essentials? What is your writing/record keeping style?

​I love learning about new things, and divination systems are no exception. I came across this particular system wile searching for books on another topic. The book I read was “The Art of Lithomancy” by Jessica Howard, whom has been practicing Lithomancy for 20+ years. While I have used runes (both Elder Futhark and Witches ’Runes), and have used crystals to clarify during a card reading, I have not practiced lithomancy specifically. If you do happen to find or create your own set, it could definitely be used as a clarifier with other divination systems, it is also a system all on its own. 
Lithomancy is a form of divination that uses rocks, crystals, and other items such as bones and shells to answer questions much like runes or tarot cards do. One of the interesting things about this system is how customizable it is. While you can buy premade sets, it is quite easy to make your own as well. There are several types of sets you can find that correspond to the planets, astrological signs, chakras, or basic question concepts like money/health/protection/love/the elements/etc... If you decide to make your own, you can use whatever type of set or a combination of sets that work for you. Also, if making your own, you can choose to use stones and other items that correspond to the meaning you apply to that stone, and you can draw corresponding symbols/letters/numbers on them. Just like bones or runes, the crystals/rocks are cast onto a flat surface. This can be open (like a table or the floor), or closed (like into a box), and you can use a blank surface or a cloth/board divided into boundaries/sections. Whether you buy a set or make one, you can also add a personal stone to make readings a bit easier. This stone represents the querent (the one asking the question), and in a reading, becomes the center from which the reading is done, reading from the center outward. If a personal stone is not used, then the reading generally starts from the bottom (closest to the ones casting) up. The idea behind making your own set it to intuitively provide each stone/crystal/item with a meaning (that resonates with you) and then charge it with that intent. While you can find many books on the meanings of objects/crystals, what is important here is what it means to you. Like all divination systems, one’s intuition is a vital component, however, the total customizability of this system does have the potential to make it much more personal.
So, how do you prefer your divination system? Do you prefer a system with rules and set meanings, or would you rather one that you can mold into whatever suits your personal style? As someone whom prefers oracle over tarot, but also likes to use runes, I fall somewhere in between. I was drawn to the idea of the planetary set, and the healing applications for the chakra set. When I created my own sets of Witches’ Runes I was drawn to use stones that corresponded to the meaning of each stone, so that aspect also appeals to me. What about you?
If you want to learn more I recommend reading Jessica Howard’s book. It isn’t very long (at 86 pages), but it is a good introduction to the topic. 

​ For those who have not heard about cord cutting, it is a great way to cut connections with people, places, or events that may be causing you pain, sucking energy from you, or drawing negative energy to you. The theory is basically that cords are created whenever we meet/interact with someone. If the interaction is brief, the cords may be thin and weak, and even may dissolve themselves on their own, as long as the interaction was not emotionally charged (and therefore more memorable). Stronger cords are formed the longer we interact with them, the more emotionally charged the situation or relationship is, and the more ties we have to them (other connections like family, friends, work, etc.. are involved). These cords work both ways, since the more time, energy, and thought we put into a person/situation the more we feed it/build that connection. Cutting these cords can cut back on the negative impact these people/situations have on us. That said, doing this just once may not be sufficient to fully clear the negative connection. Sometimes it has to be done multiple times, especially if the connection is particularly strong. 
While we generally focus on the negative cords that are attached to us, they are not necessarily always a bad thing. We create these cords with everyone, and some of our relationships will be mostly positive. We can cut cords with people we care about to clear the energy between us and someone we care about as well. Cutting the cords does not mean cutting them out of our lives. Sometimes we just need to pull back some of our energy that we are pouring out to others and create a healthy boundary, because people don’t always realize how much they depend on us (take from us energetically), or we don’t see how much we are giving until we just can’t anymore. It is just a little bit of self-care so we don’t over extend ourselves.
To cut cords you need a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted until you are finished. The first phase involves envisioning the person, place, or situation you want to cut cords with in as much detail as possible. Try to use as many of your senses as you can. Don’t worry if you cannot reference all of them, not everyone is good at visualizing, or recreating smells or tactile sensations. Just do your best. Name them (or the place/situation), and open yourself to them. Notice how they/it makes you feel.
Now try to visualize the cord attaching you to them/it. Notice how it looks, try to feel how it is connected to you. Before you try and cut the cord either say (out loud or in your head) that you are taking back what belongs to you, and giving back what belongs to them, or feel yourself taking back your energy/power into yourself and pushing theirs away from you back through the cord. You should do this with compassion. Even if it is someone/something negative, you are simply giving/taking back, not feeding it more energy. Once you have separated and taken back what is yours, you can then cut the cord. How you do this is up to you. You can envision some sort of weapon to cut it with (sword, lightsaber, axe, scissors, etc..), or pull it out like a plug; whatever works for you. This will leave a “wound” where the cord was attached. You can heal this wound by visualizing one of the elements to help you, like fire to cauterize it, or water to wash it away. You could also heal it with energy like white or violet light, Reiki (should you be attuned), or any other method that works for you.
Once you have done this, the last phase (though not necessary if you feel you are done with it), is to let it go. I like to envision whatever/or whomever I have just cut cords with on a small floating island that is tethered to a chain or rope that I am holding. By releasing the chain/rope I am letting go of it, thereby releasing its hold on me. If it was something negative, I like to envision myself releasing a flaming arrow at it just to solidify I am truly done with it. However, if it was something/someone I still care about I would release it with love.
You may have to repeat this process several times to be sure it is done. It is not a one-and-done kind of solution. Like all work on the self it takes time and effort. If you are cutting cords with something negative you will want to consider whether you can cut contact with it/them completely so more cords are not created or the remaining ones are not strengthened. If you cannot cut it/them out completely, then you should repeat this process regularly to lessen their/its impact on you.
Have you ever done this kind of work before? Is this the method you use, or similar to it? Would you try this method? 

​When it comes to drawing in or deflecting certain energies, a popular method used is to create either a talisman or an amulet. I have seen these two terms used interchangeably; however, this is not exactly so. Let’s break it down.
An amulet is described as an item (like a trinket or piece of jewelry) that provides protection Wikipedia says “the word "amulet" comes from the Latin word amuletum, which Pliny's Natural History describes as "an object that protects a person from trouble"”.
Whereas, a talisman is said to be an object of magical power that attracts good luck. Meriam-Webster describes the origins of this word as “The English language may have borrowed talisman from French, Spanish, or Italian; all three include similar-looking words for a lucky charm that derive from an Arabic word for a charm, ṭilsam. Ṭilsam traces to ancient Greek telein, which means "to initiate into the mysteries."”.
Both of these magical objects can include sigils or writings and are charged with the particular intent they were created for. They are both, also, often beautiful and inconspicuous ways to carry a magical object with purpose out in the open without attracting undue attention. Sometimes we can create one without really meaning to. This can happen when we buy an item like a ring or pendant that has a sigil/symbol on it that already holds meaning to us, like a pentagram, the evil eye, or a four-leaf clover. We already believe that symbol holds a particular power or meaning for us, and so we project that intent onto it whenever we use it or carry it with us, thus charging it with that intent.
That said, regardless of what you call it, it is the intent you put into it that matters most. The rest is semantics (which I know I can be a bit picky about sometimes, but that is a “me” problem lol).
Are you a crafty witch? Do you like to make your own amulets/talismans, or buy them and cleanse/charge them for your own purpose? Or is it all situationally dependent? 

​Often, when we hear the words vibrational healing, we think of sound. Our minds go to tools like singing bowls, tuning forks, vocalizations, or frequencies played on machines, for the most part. However, that is not what is always meant. As you may already know, we all vibrate at our own frequencies, as does everything in this world. Everything from physical things like plants and animals, as well as nonphysical things like thoughts and emotions. Some of us can feel those vibrations on a conscious level (like empaths or sensitives), and others are more aware of them at a subconscious level, like when we get a “good” or “bad” feeling about someone just by being around them. We usually refer to this as our intuition or a “gut feeling”. Either way, we are picking up on the vibrations around us, and using that information to make decisions. We can also harness that information to help us heal.
When it comes to vibrational healing, there are two prominent theories I am aware of. The first is treating like with like. This happens a lot in homeopathy, where the practitioner would determine what the issue is, let’s use a poison as the cause of your problem. They would then take that same poison and dilute it to the point where the actual poison is no longer detectable in the solution, but the vibration of the poison remains (a principle akin to Bach’s Flower Essences). This dilution is then given to the patient. The idea being that the two same frequencies would cancel each other out.
The other theory is that of opposing vibrations of the same frequency would cancel each other out. The comparison here would be like playing the same chord on a piano, but different octaves. The example for this I found in “The Hidden Messages in Water” by Masaru Emoto, where he describes how opposing emotional vibrations can be used to heal us. Some of the examples he gave were:
Gratitude to heal issues cause by Hate
Kindness to heal issues caused by Anger
Presence of mind to heal issues caused by Pressure (stress)
 
I would like to point out here that it is widely accepted that negative emotions and emotional stress can (eventually) cause damage at a physical level. This shows that one’s emotional wellbeing is very important to overall health. By learning how to tune into our own bodies and personal frequencies we can learn to recognize when things feel wrong or “off”, and deal with them before they become a physical issue. That sounds pretty amazing to me.  
Either theory can be used on a physical, emotional, or spiritual level. The point of both is to use one frequency to cancel out the other. So, regardless if you fancy using physical tools like singing bowls, tuning forks, and/or vibrational medicine (like Bach’s Flower Essences), or you prefer less tangible tools that look more like self-care and shadow work, you can utilize vibrations to heal.
If you suffer from any health conditions/issues, have you considered if they have emotional roots? Would you be willing to explore that avenue? Do you tune into your body regularly, or do you wait until you have physical symptoms? Have you ever asked someone what you (energetically) feel like to them? Are you curious?