​The moon and her many phases are an important part of many people’s practices. Many spells, rituals, and celebrations are centered around particular moon phases. That said, while moon phases can certainly play a part in whatever we are planning, we should remember that some circumstances may not allow us to do things with perfect lunar timing. This is ok, and we should not beat ourselves up about it or drop our plans all together because of it.
The moon has 8 phases, and each phase corresponds to certain concepts that we can integrate into our lives and into our magic. We begin our lunar journey with the New or Dark Moon.
 
The *New/Dark Moon is the beginning of a new cycle, and as such it is a good time to initiate new undertaking. It is also a time of renewal and rejuvenation, allowing us to take time to align ourselves with our life path and our deepest desires.
 
Next she shifts into the Waxing Crescent phase. As the moon begins to uncover herself once more, we should take time to set new intentions and start the foundations needed to attain those goals and desires we want to work towards.
 
The third phase is the First Quarter. This phase is about gaining the momentum needed to get us where we want to go, pushing forward with our intentions, and removing obstacles that may prevent us from achieving them.
 
This leads us into the Waxing Gibbous phase. Now that we have a plan in motion, it is time to reassess, refine, and adjust it accordingly.
 
Mid cycle now, we come to the Full Moon. At this time the moon has the most effect on water and its tides, and since we are more than half water, some believe it has the most effect on us.** There are many who believe it has a great effect on our mental emotional states. The full moon may have more lore surrounding it than any other phase, as it is the focal point or cause of many legends and myths. This phase is also a time of heightened intuition, completion, and can be a time for banishing or releasing what no longer serves us. However, it can also be used as a time of manifestation. Each full moon also has its own name, and purpose in the greater yearly cycle, depending on one’s cultural or spiritual beliefs.
 
After the moon’s culmination of her full self she begins to veil herself once more; starting with the Waning Gibbous phase. This is a time for self-reflection and introspection. Looking within to see what no longer serves us in our life and on our journey and releasing it.
 
The 7th phase is called the Last Quarter. As we near the end of the cycle, and the New/Dark Moon, we continue reassessing our path/plan, releasing what we no longer need, cleansing ourselves of these burdens/negativities, and preparing ourselves for a new cycle.
 
The Waning Crescent is the last slivers we see before the moon is veiled in darkness again. This is the time to rest from all the work, inner and outer, we have been doing the rest of the cycle. It is time to regenerate our self and our energy, reconnect with ourselves, practice self-care and surrender any final remnants of unwanted energies, emotions, and thoughts that are beyond our control.
 
And a new cycle begins again….
 
This is by no means an exhaustive list of meaning and uses for the phases of the moon, but I do hope that it was helpful to you on your journey. It is always recommended in books (at least the ones I have read) to keep track of the moon phases when conducting ceremonies/rituals, doing spell work, and when journaling about meditation, journeys, and dreams. One never knows what patterns or other insight one might find if they do. Do you keep track of the phases of the moon for your work? Do you note them when you journal your mental or spiritual practices? Have you noticed any trends? Do you have phases when you feel more powerful or affective? Do the phases phase you at all? I would love to know.
 
 
* The New Moon is sometimes referred to as this phase where the moon is fully unseen, and sometimes as when the first sliver of the moon can once again be seen. How you view it is up to you.
**It should be noted that the New Moon also has a significant effect on the tides. Some may feel emotional turmoil or stronger emotions at this time as well.

​I was reading a book recently by a magic practitioner and author named Kerr Cuhulain called Full Contact Magick. In chapter 18 of his book (I would quote the page number, but there are none, which I found a little annoying, but that is a personal problem) he recounts a story he calls “Big Rocks”. I have read this story in multiple other sources before, and you may have heard it before as well, so now I will give you the gist of it.
A professor stands in front of his class with a large glass jar. In this jar he places some large rocks and asks his students if they think the jar is full. Of course, they say yes, because he cannot fill the jar with any more large rocks. He then produces a container of gravel and proceeds to full the spaces with the smaller rocks. He then asks them again if they think the jar is full. Less students agree that it is now full. He then produces a container of sand and proceeds to pour the sand into the jar filling it up even further. By now most of the students have realized what is going on and know that the jar is not quite full. The professor then produces a jug of water and pours it into the jar filling any remaining space in the jar. Finally, he asks his students what they think the demonstration meant. In this case, it was a group of business students, and one answer was that he was demonstrating that no matter how much you think you can get done in a day, there is always room for more. Well, as you might guess, this was not the point at all. The professor explains that what he was really trying to say was that the large rocks he put in first represent the big things in life. They are the things that are most important to you. If he had not started with those rocks, in the end there would not have been room for them. His point was that we should make space for what is important to us. Whether that is our family, our religion, or job, or any other number of things you can think of (this is a highly personal question after all). If we focus on all the little worries and stresses in life we can forget the bigger picture.
If this jar were to represent your life, the big rocks would represent the bigger more important things, the gravel would represent the everyday events (good or bad), stresses, and concerns that persist or are consistent. The sand would represent the little things that happen day to day that may make us happy, or bother or inconvenience us, but are small singular events (like some guy that cuts us off or getting the last donut in the case that you love). The water represents everything else.
I think this is a good thing to remember; in life, and in our practices. Life gets busy, and we tend to stress out about a lot of stuff that probably doesn’t matter much in the long run. It mostly feels so important or overwhelming only in that moment. We also often put our own wants and needs on hold for the people in our lives that matter to us. This can lead to upset, resentment, and a feeling of being unfulfilled and unhappy with our lives. It is surprising how much better our lives can feel when we take time for self-care (something I wrote about in a post from 2024 called Find Your Joy), and remember what is actually important in the grand scheme of things. What are our goals? What are the things (big or little) that actually bring us joy? What will be important to us a year from now, 5 years, or even 10 years from now?
Perhaps now is a good time to stop, take a few deep breaths, and let go of what ever you are holding on to that does not serve you. Regardless of how much energy you have already put into something, if it does not serve you then let it go. Focus that energy into something worthwhile. Afterall, it was really only a waste of time and energy if you didn’t learn from it.
How do you feel about this story? Have you heard it before or was this the first time? Did it change your perspective any?

​In my last post I used the term hypnogogic to refer to the state before falling asleep when a person is between awake and asleep. In this state people can often hear or see things that they may not have if they were fully in either state (awake or asleep). People commonly report seeing movement, shadows, or even full entities/apparitions, hearing unexplained noises like voices or sounds like their name being called, footsteps, or a ringing phone. Some even report a feeling of falling. While not everyone knows the term for this, approximately 37% of people (asked) have experienced it.
There is, however, another term that is used to describe the same phenomenon in the “opposite” state. The term “hypnopompic“ is used to describe that same sleepy state that happens upon first waking, when the person is not quite fully awake and aware, but not actually sleeping. Approximately 12% of people (asked) have also reported to see and hear the same paranormal-like events during this time as well. The difference between the two is really about timing, but it does seem that less people experience these auditory or visual perceptions during the hypnopompic state. IN this case these experiences are sometimes attributed to the continuation of a dream sequence.
Another sleep related phenomenon is sleep paralysis. During REM sleep the body is rendered paralyzed so that the dreamer does not act out their dreams, which could lead to serious harm. This condition could happen in either of the above-mentioned states. This has happened enough that there is even myth/lore related to it. Stories of the paralysis demon, the Night Hag, succubi/incubi, or even divine punishment/tests of faith have been used to explain sleep paralysis. Such creatures could visit in the night to feed off one’s emotions/energies. Perhaps they even controlled one’s dreams in order to facilitate the proper response so they could feed.
While I have not personally experienced sleep paralysis (that I can remember), I have experienced seeing apparitions, hearing voices (like my name being called or what sounds like a tv is on) in both states, and have many times felt like I was suddenly falling during a hypnogogic state (which I read once is also often attributed to astral projection).
Of course, while it cannot fully explain these phenomena, science does offer an explanation involving brain function, or rather a disruption of proper function, during REM sleep. While this is a very plausible explanation, it is neither concrete nor does it really explain some of the more interesting/mysterious paranormal-like occurrences. At least, not for me.
So what do you believe? Have you ever experienced physical, auditory, or visual events during either of these states? Have you experienced sleep paralysis? Did you see or feel anything seemingly unexplainable at the time? Does the scientific explanation make the most sense to you or do you feel it comes up a bit short?
 

​The idea that two souls are actually two parts of the same soul and are so deeply connected that they seek each other out in each lifetime trying to make themselves whole/complete is not a new concept. While it is said the first use of the word soulmate was first known to be used by the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in a letter in 1822, the first known mention of the concept was in Plato’s Symposium which was written somewhere in the 4th century BCE. The symposium is a fictional story about 7 real men at a banquet (that never actually happened) who are challenged to speak praise about the god Eros (the god of love and sex). It was in Aristophane’s speech that told the story of how people (our primal ancestors) used to be creatures with faces on opposite side of the body. Much like two people back-to-back, but with round bodies. They tried to climb to Mount Olympus and Zeus cut them in half, separating the two halves into individuals. Thus creating the idea we were not “whole” and could potentially spend eternity searching for our other half in an attempt to regain our primal nature.
The concept that we are in constant search for the perfect mate that “completes” us is the basis for many romantic movies, tv shows, and books. It has even been specifically mentioned in some (I recall a particular episode of Bones in which she tells the tale to Booth). We, as humans, put a lot of time and effort into finding a “perfect” mate, that person that just feels right; feels like home. One of the common misconceptions about soulmate theory is that this has to be a romantic connection, when really that was not stated in Plato’s story. One’s soulmate does not have to be a romantic partner at all. Some spiritual beliefs say that our souls travel in groups. That throughout our reincarnations our souls will have stronger relationships with those in our group, though the dynamics of those relationships change with each incarnation. So two souls may be lovers in one lifetime, but siblings or parent and child in a another, or even just good friends. If we are truly here, lifetime after lifetime, to learn lessons to further our soul’s growth, then it would make sense that we would need different teachers in each lifetime, that other souls in our group would need to play different parts so we learn different lessons and support each other in different ways each time.
One part of this story that is rarely (if ever) mentioned is that there were three types of primal creatures. There were males that were descendants of the sun that had two male parts, females that were descendants of the earth that had two female parts, and hermaphrodites that were descendants of the moon that had a male and a female side. After hearing this my daughter pointed out that she would have thought the female aspects would have been descendants of the moon, and I had to agree, but that was how it was written.
So, if we have a soulmate, would that soul play a predominate role in each of our lifetimes? Would we learn our greatest lessons from the other half of our own self? Would the role they play have to be different each time? I don’t have all the answers, that is one of the great mysteries of life. Maybe we will find out on the other side, just to forget it again and start all over. What do you think? Do we have a soulmate? Is there someone out there that completes us? Do we travel in soul groups, helping each other to learn and grow? Or maybe we are all thrown in together like a giant spiritual science experiment to see what happens?

​I have been reading some books lately where the authors make definitive statements about how others should shape their practice. Personally, I have a bit of a problem with that. To me, an author’s job is to present their knowledge and experience to their readers as unbiasedly as possible. In most metaphysical books I have read, the author specifically states that the ideas expressed within are their own and that the reader should take only what they need. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. These other authors, though, write like their way is the right way.
The opinions expressed by two specific books I have recently read seem to further two superstitions I have come across in my many years of practice. They both revolve around the purchasing of tool of the trade. One is that you should never buy your own tarot decks, and the other is that you should never buy your own crystals. A superstition is defined as a widely held belief in a causal link between a behaviour/action and a particular consequence that has a supernatural base. An example would be knocking on wood or carrying an object for luck. In this case, that purchasing either item for oneself would diminish its energy or ability to function for the purchaser, if they keep it. I have not only read this, but have heard it at several markets and fairs I have attended. I will state at this point that if that is what you believe then that is perfectly fine. My question would be, why do you believe that? If your belief is based on your own personal experience, then great. If it is because someone told you that, or it was something you read, then I would encourage you to look at their motives for saying such a thing.
Often, these types of statements are passed on from person to person without question. If you heard it from someone you know or respect, it is easy to just take their word for it. There is, at this time, to known origin for either of these beliefs. My research has posited that there are several reasons they may have come into circulation.
One reason is a form of gatekeeping. It makes the item, or learning to work with the item more mysterious. If the knowledge has to be passed down, the item bestowed, or the person needs to be initiated into the process then it is less likely to become more mainstream, and the people who already do it seem to be more credible and more powerful. In this case, I would say that learning to do something on your own, with or without a teacher, is perfectly acceptable. You may have an innate talent, your own type of connection, or you may learn to work with talents/skills you never knew you had. There are many books on how to develop your intuitive abilities, a skill we all possess to one degree or another.
Another reason for their wide spread is that older customs may have been misinterpreted or created by certain groups because working with such tools may have been taboo. Even today there are people who discount or try to discredit many different intuitive or “supernatural*” skills/abilities because they have not been proven to exist (or be effective) by modern science in a lab somewhere. While this is a slow process, there has been some headway here, though I do not think all research in this area has been published for public consumption.
A third possibility is the generalization of already widespread “superstitions”. For instance, it has been said that opal was once considered a talisman of bad luck because it was associated with witches, sorcerers, and the evil eye. On the other hand, it would be considered lucky to be worn by someone born in October, as that is considered one of that month’s corresponding birthstones. It was also believed in some places that a crystal would attach itself (energetically) to whomever received it, and the intentions of the giver influenced the energies of the crystal. It is possible that the superstitions surrounding this stone became generalized for all crystals in general. What is true for one, could be true for all, so to speak.
The fourth reason, and final of this post, is politically motivated. Especially concerning crystals. I do believe that everything we use should be ethically harvested. There is no reason to destroy earth just to possess something. That said, a couple of authors I have read lately have firmly stated that one should ONLY use crystals that have been found, that you should ONLY ever own one crystal, or that if you cannot find/stumble across what you feel you need you should put that need/want out to the universe so that someone else may provide you with it. I find these statements to be very heavy handed and rather judgmental. Different crystals provide different energies/abilities. As a healer, I have used many different crystals for various purposes. While a single person may feel that one particular crystal is all they need for their own purpose, I do not feel it is right to make some feel guilty about what they feel they need. I also believe that if it is meant to be, then the universe will put it in your path, whether you have to purchase it or not. If it feels right to you/you connect with it, then it should not matter how you procure it, as long as you don’t steal it. That would just be bad juju.
Regardless of the reasons for passing on such “rules” for purchase, I would encourage my readers to question everything. What rings true for one person, may seem completely wrong for another. Also, even though books (on any topic) are written like the information is solid facts, what we know about the world/universe around us is always changing. After all, we once believed the sun revolved around the earth, and that atoms were the smallest units of matter. We must be open to new ideas and information, and be willing to change our point of view when new evidence is presented. Sometimes, it is a matter of faith until proven fact. No judgement.
How do you feel about these “superstitions”? Do you purchase your own decks or crystals? I know that the very fist tarot deck I ever had was a gift, but I have bought many decks myself since then, and they all work just the same for me. How about you? What are your thoughts or experiences? I would love to know.
 
 
*Supernatural, in this case, referring to abilities like energy healing, mediumship, any of the “clairs” (any of the psychic gifts like clairvoyance), and other such skills.
 

​Have you ever seen shadows that move out of the corner of you eye? Maybe you saw a human shaped silhouette move in a dark room? What did you see? Was it even there, or just your imagination at play?
There is a lot of speculation around what shadow people are. I have read everything from demons to egregores. Each theory has its merits, who knows which one, or ones, are correct. Maybe we will never know for sure. Their motives, if they have any, seem to vary. Some accounts of sightings tell of warnings of danger, some say they felt menacing, angry or negative, while others say they were just there, and then they were gone.
From a psychology point of view, shadow people are often attributed to hypnagogic hallucinations, which is when the brain sees things that are not there when you are in that groggy half-awake/half-asleep state. This can sometimes be accompanied by sleep paralysis. They say it can happen when the temporoparietal junction in the brain is stimulated and can be a symptom of extreme stress, fatigue, anxiety, abuse or overconsumption of antihistamines, or even some psychotic disorders. While I do love psychology, I believe these phenomena cannot be boiled down to mere mental hallucinations.
So what about the other theories? Could they be demons come to terrorize us in the night? Could they be a warning of danger? One book I read proposed that seeing them was indicative of a bigger problem. That they appeared, like bottom feeders, to feed of residual negative energy caused or brought by worse entities in the area. Still others claim they are another/shapeshifted form of djinn (trickster demon or spirit, made of smokeless fire, able to possess humans. They come from Arabic and Muslim lore). The other theory mentioned was that they are an egregore. This would be an entity created by the thoughts/feelings/intent of a person or group of people, usually for a purpose, though they can be made unintentionally. I am not inclined to believe all shadow people are this, though some could be; particularly if they were created unintentionally.
We cannot talk about shadow people without mentioning the Hat Man. If you have never heard of him, he is a shadowy figure described as wearing a trench coat and a hat that resembles a fedora. Usually these sighting are reported as having a malevolent energy, though a few sightings have also been reported as a brief appearance as a warning. One difference commonly associated with the Hat Man that is not with other shadow figures is either bright red or dark pools for eyes. The psychological causes for seeing him are the same as those for shadow people. While there have been many accounts told of the Hat man, all with similar descriptions, the “scientific” consensus is that it is a “widespread shared experience” and complete fiction.
One thing that I question about either experience is how it is perceived. Does the knowledge and experience of the person determine how they perceive the intent of the shadow figures? Does one’s own fear direct that experience to be more negative? Would a wider knowledge base of the paranormal bring a more curious or even positive reaction than a fearful one? They do say that, generally speaking, we fear what we do not understand.
There is much that happens in the human experience that science cannot readily explain, and sightings of any sort of spiritual or ghostly phenomena are mostly ignored or even mocked. What we should keep in mind is that throughout time anything that could not be explained at the time was thought to be magical or the work of the gods (whichever ones they believed in). Every day our “modern science” proves things we once denied were possible (quantum physics in particular). Just because we cannot explain something does not mean it isn’t so, and just because we can explain it doesn’t make it any less magical that it is so.
So what do you believe? Have you ever seen a shadow person or the Hat Man? Were you afraid, or do you think you would be if you had this experience? I would love to know.

​When practicing one’s craft, any number of tools can be utilized. There is, however, sometimes a moral dilemma when it comes to using once living things. This in my opinion, comes down to personal preference. As long as it is done ethically I see nothing wrong with incorporating once living things, or even living things in your practice. Whether you practice herbal or kitchen witchery, grow your own plants for medicine, have a familiar, or any number of other tools commonly ascribed to witchcraft you are incorporating living things into your craft. If you believe in animism; that every natural thing has a soul, this expands out to crystals, metals, the landscape, and even the weather (like rain, thunder, and lightning).
 
So what do we mean by “ethically done”. Well, it could mean that you use sustainable practices when you harvest or wildcraft herbs and other plant material. Maybe you only take that which has already fallen from the tree or plant. Perhaps you research where your crystals and other materials come from before purchasing to make sure they were ethically mined/harvested/sourced. Whatever your practice, it is generally accepted as customary to ask the plant or land spirit for its permission first, and leave an offering such as tobacco, some water, or a small gift when you are done, if you are collecting it yourself. 
 
That said, what about more controversial items such as bones, and animal skins? Some may say this is not ethical, while some work very closely with animal spirits/essences and use these items to create a closer connection to them. This ties in closely with a previous post I made about magical otherkin practices/beliefs. There are some shamanic practices that use animal parts as well. There are many people whom practice this type of craft. The author Lupa has, in her many books on the subject, talked about her experiences with animal skulls and the spirits she has met (and worked with) that were still attached to them. If you are interested in this topic I highly recommend picking up any of her books, many of which can be found on Amazon. While I would not recommend that anyone go out and kill an animal for their skull or skin to use in magical practices, if you hunt for food, or you find them from ethically sourced places locally or online*, these items can be used, once properly cleaned and cleansed. My first personal experience with animal furs kind of creeped me out, though I am unsure how ethically harvested it was (it was a gift), since I have not had that experience since then. It may have been some residual negative energy from when it was killed, I could not say for certain.
 
This phenomenon is also found with crystal skulls. There are many stories of spirits that were housed in, or housed themselves in crystal skulls that were purchased by people who were not necessarily aware of it at the time. A spiritual consciousness is not limited to crystal skulls either. Many objects can be used to house spirits or other types of consciousness.
 
This topic could also extend to blood magic. This can be a very touchy subject indeed, because blood carries the essence of life. Regardless of whose blood it is, it is generally considered a very potent magical tool/ingredient. There are many people who would never use even their own; fearing the consequences of doing so. Spilling blood was a once a ritual act used in cultures around the world including Aztec, Mayan, Ancient Egyptian, and Greco-Roman cultures. Though perhaps not as prevalent or dramatic as tv/movies have made it out to be. There are even some cultures today that still sacrifice animals like lambs or roosters. Not all blood sacrifice has to do with animals, or even spilling a lot of blood. Sometimes a single drop is all that is used. A small vial of drawn and preserved blood given as a symbolic gift would be considered an act of deep trust. I would consider this to be a very personal act of magic, and not likely widely practiced.
 
As you can see, there are many ways to incorporate living or once living things into ones practice. The question is if and where you draw the moral line. Where do you draw that line? Would you use animal skins/blood/body parts? Would you use your own? Is this an ethical quandary for you?
 
 
*There are places that provide ethically sourced furs and other animal parts online (in Canada) such as https://medievalfur.ca/ that works with local indigenous people, and https://loosemoosetradingpost.ca/ that also donate to the conservation of wildlife with each purchase.

​The Akashic Records are thought of as a cosmic compendium of universal knowledge. One might imagine a giant cosmic library with a book for every soul, every living thing (not just humans). Every book containing a record of all past, present, and future events that pertain to that soul/living thing. It would be difficult to truly comprehend just how much information/knowledge is stored there, but the possibilities seem endless. This universal memory bank is not a new concept, and is seen in cultural belief systems like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Theosophy. Parallels can also be found in Tibetan and Egyptian traditions as well 
This vast collection of knowledge is said to exist on the mental plane, and, with enough work, practice, and training, can be accessed by anyone. Like anything else, this will be more difficult for some than others. I know a few people who have accessed these records, and can help others do the same, though I have not done so personally. 
This is not just passive information though. Accessing this library gives one the opportunity not just to learn what was, is, or might be, but also to make change, heal, and gain insight into personal lessons and life purpose. This could be done for one’s current or past lives. Imagine being able to see the lessons your soul has learned, how things unfolded, and bring healing to places/times that need it. Or to see the possibilities of what may be (on one’s current path), and be able to “correct course” for the greater good. The potential for not only personal/soul healing and growth, but that of the collective as well is incredible, and possibly a bit overwhelming.
There are many guided meditations/journeys available on YouTube, in books, and workshops/courses that one could use to learn how to access the Akashic Records for themselves. There are also individuals who are already connected, that could do it on your behalf for a fee. The temptation to do so could be great for some people, daunting for others. While it is nothing to fear, I would suggest doing so after giving much thought to what it is you wish to learn on your visit. This journey takes some focus and dedication, and should not be taken lightly.
Have you heard of the Akashic Records, or maybe you have visited them yourself? Is this a journey that interests you? Do you know anyone that has taken it? 

 This may or may not be a familiar term for you. It is certainly not a topic that is talked about much, and is written about even less. I can count on one hand the number of authors I have found that mention it, and their definition of which is something that may vary depending on the author. This topic ties in with animism as well as totem animals and animal guides, all of which I have covered in a previous post. Many cultures have spiritual practices that involve animals that guide followers in life or refer to key parts of the persons personality. Even non-spiritual people use animal references to describe people, their personalities and habits, or physical features. Many cultures see the connection between modern humans and our more primal animalistic ancestors. A time when where we were not so disconnected from nature, and we knew our place within the natural cycles.
My first purchase on this topic was a traditional tarot by Siolo Thompson called The Otherkin Tarot. Siolo basically defined otherkin as those creatures that were part human part animal or animals that acted like humans/had human characteristics. So, the first part of the definition would include creatures of myth and legend like mermaids, centaurs, and satyrs. These creatures, described in many myths, also fall into the more commonly used category of cryptid. The second category in that definition would include some our beloved childhood characters like Peter Rabbit, or Winnie the Pooh and friends, or the lovable characters from movies such as Zootopia. That particular tarot deck comes with a large companion book that covers the basics of otherkin from this perspective. It has some nice artwork as well.
The second definition for otherkin has a more magical purpose. It has been used to define those that feel they have a special connection to the animal kingdom, or a certain animal in particular. Under this definition, the connection made with the animal counterpart is done through trance work. This is a shamanistic-type magical working. The practitioner connects with the spirit or essence of the animal in question on the spiritual plane or by channeling them so as to make a personal connection with them. They may do this for a number of reasons. They may be trying to channel certain prominent characteristics they feel they lack that they would like to apply to their own lives, enhance personal qualities they already have, channel that energy/essence for healing, ask for guidance, or even just connect better with nature or the spiritual plane. The practitioner could have a specific animal they connect with, or the animal could vary depending on the needs of the practitioner. I have read of some practitioners using bones, skins, or other animal parts in their ceremonies, some use certain herbs or other tools, and others use no tools at all. The way the animal spirit/essence is invoked/evoked is personal to the practitioner. I have had this definition of otherkin described under another term; therianthropy. This term was used more acutely as the person believing they are, in spirit/essence, that animal. It was described in conjunction with shapeshifting, but both of these terms used in this magical context, share many similarities. Regardless of the term used, both describe workings that use trance work, connection with spirit animal/essence, and a deep connection with our own animal nature.
One difference I have only found one author write about, puts vampires in the same category as otherkin. In this case they are referring to the vampire as something non-human with human characteristics. Which, I guess, could technically be true, but I don’t agree with this categorization myself. I will not go into vampires in this post, though I will likely make one in the future.
Have you ever heard the term otherkin before? How would you define it? Have you channeled or reached out to animal spirit for guidance? Would you?
 
 
*If you would like to read more on this topic, I would highly recommend anything written by Lupa, and if you want to know more about the specific magical workings of otherkin practitioners, I would recommend the book called The Book of Satyr Magick by LotusWulf Satryrhorn.

*Disclaimer: I would first like to say that I am not a doctor, this is in no way medical advice and should not be used as such. You should always consult a licensed medical practitioner for your medical needs. This blog is for informational an conversational purposes only and is strictly my opinion. 

​Over the centuries there are certain truths that witches and other spiritually oriented people have sort of taken for granted. Knowledge that has been handed down; taught to future generations. Wisdom gained through the connection and communication with nature and the universe. Things that could not, until recently, been proven by science. As a society people tend to put more weight behind what can be proven in a lab than the knowledge that was passed down. Historically, before something is “proven” by whatever the current scientific methods are available, that “knowledge” is discredited, and called into doubt, even when positive results are obtained by practitioners time and time again.
One of the biggest areas that “science” has cast doubt on is herbal medicine. People all over the world have been using plants to heal themselves and others dating back at least 60,000 years. A good example of this is white willow bark. This can be used as a natural pain medicine, and was the basis for our modern aspirin. The salicin in the bark was synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid in 1853 by Charles Gerhardt. While this new lab made drug is more fast acting than its natural counterpart, it can cause stomach irritation (on the list of side effects). This particular side effect does not usually occur when using the willow bark, because the bark does not damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. So while the “modern” pharmaceutical approach has extracted the main healing component and created a faster acting version (something greatly appreciated in our instant gratification society), it failed to include the rest of the natural healing components that prevented the negative side effects.  This is not new information. However, if you were to ask your allopathic doctor for a natural alternative, they would cast doubt on any claims anything natural could help you, and then prescribe you some lab made pharmaceutical. Thankfully we have alternatives, like naturopathic doctors, we can see, though they are not covered (at least not fully) by our current medical system.
That said, there are books out there like Herbs Demystified by Holly Phaneuf, PhD ( a biochemist and drug researcher) that show the research that has been done on plant medicine to give a better view of what has been proven to show results. I am greatly appreciative of books like this because I actually make herbal wellness products, so when nay-sayers do question or comment, I have something they cannot refute to show them.
What gets me about all of this, is that these natural medicinal practices are called “alternative medicine”. I find that interesting, because all of these techniques existed long before allopathic medicine was created. Wouldn’t that make allopathic medicine the “alternative” to the pre-existing natural medicine? If you have not heard the term, allopathic medicine is the “modern” approach that focuses on the symptoms of the dis-ease, rather than finding and treating the root cause. It is rooted in the current scientific methods of testing to diagnose and then treat current symptoms. This approach has allowed for great strides in health and medicine to be made, but I do find it interesting that it completely discounts its own roots, and even actively works to discredit its predecessor. Even long-standing practices like acupuncture, chiropracting, and reflexology are still looked down upon by many allopathic doctors today. I am sure you can guess how I feel about that by now. I am, of course, thankful for the knowledge gained by that allopathic system, I am certain it has saved many lives. However, I do believe these two systems could, and should, coexist together. I do not believe they should be in competition with each other at all. I know of many practitioners of natural medicine, energy works, and other such wonderful healers that would never tell a person to not seek out the opinion of an allopathic doctor, but I have yet to meet a doctor (or even pharmacist) who would recommend a naturopath, or other natural/energy healer for treatment.
What do you think? DO you feel these are both mutually exclusive practices? Or do you feel, as I do, that they should coexist in a mutually respective and cooperative manner for the health and well-being of all?