Spirit Work Tip

Library Tips For Magic Practitioners

As a Missouri librarian, I've gotten to know my library district pretty well. So here are some tips for you!

Tip 1: Dewey is your friend.

And by that I mean the Dewey Decimal System (a more in-depth list is in that link) is your friend. It breaks down as follows:

000: General Knowledge (encyclopedias, newspapers, almanacs, etc)

100: Psychology & Philosophy (feelings, logic, friendships, etc)

200: Religions & Mythology (Bible stories, Native American myths, classical mythology, etc)

300: Social Sciences & Folklore (families, career, money, government, etc)

400: Languages (English, Spanish, American Sign Language, grammar, etc)

500: Math & Science (arithmetic, animals, rocks, plants, fossils, etc)

600: Medicine & Technology (inventions, machines, farming, health, etc)

700: Arts & Recreation (crafts, painting, music, games, sports, etc)

800: Literature (poetry, plays, novels from other countries, etc)

900: Geography & History (countries, biographies, etc)

If you're looking for ghosts, divination, and witchcraft specifically, look around 133. That's where I've found most of my magic-based books to borrow. You'll also find books talking about people's near-death experiences or reincarnation around this point.

While fiction technically falls in the 800s, most libraries will have it separate from nonfiction. You may still find things like poems or memoirs in the nonfiction section. Some libraries will have the biographies separated into their own section. A few libraries (at least here in Missouri) will have state-specific sections where you can learn more about local stuff.

Tip 2: There are computers and printers to use.

If you can't research something at home for literally any reason, getting a library card will often grant you access to using the computers and printers in the library.

When using the printer, some libraries will charge based on how much ink you use, other libraries will charge based on how much paper you use, and other libraries will charge based on some other criteria.

Be aware that you lose access to these if you reach a certain level of overdue materials or money is charged to your library card until the materials are returned/paid for or the money is paid off. Luckily, librarians are here to help you and can tell you what's missing.

Tip 3: Libraries have more than books.

Seriously. The main branch of my library district has 3D printers, telescopes, gaming systems to use in-building, and more stuff that I didn't even pay attention to because I was scrambling to learn the behind-the-counter stuff. Feel free to ask us for something and we can see if it's in-county for ya!

Audiobooks are often available on CDs and in the form of Playaways, which are like MP3 players with a single book on them. You will need a wire-connected set of earbuds or a wire-connected headset and batteries. Some libraries sell earbuds, but not batteries.

Large Print books will often have their own special designation as LP, but more often they have their own shelf sections. You'll find a surprising number of Westerns there, but there are Large Print nonfiction books.

Tip 4: Requesting materials.

Not finding something you're looking for? Ask the front desk for help! In Missouri, we have the Missouri Evergreen system, which means we can borrow books from all over the state* on the topic you're looking for.

If we can't find it (or you're in a library that doesn't have such a monumental reach), then you can often fill out a book request form. We will then do our best to order the book for you - but be aware that it could take many months, and most of the time, people will cancel their order of the book well before our budget catches up or we even have time to get the book processed and integrated into the system. Patience is key when ordering a new book.

*At participating branches - not every library district in our state is part of Missouri Evergreen.

Tip 5: Self-checkout is a thing.

At least, it is here in Missouri. If you don't want to interact with the front desk, there are often self-checkout stations for books, DVDs, audiobooks, et cetera. Even my middle-of-nowhere branch has one!

Unfortunately, this won't work for other things, like updating your card once it expires or resolving monetary charges (which will both send you to the front desk).

Tip 6: Search the new shelves.

Some libraries like mine will have specially-designated "New Shelves", where you can find a lot of the most recent releases. If you're trying to find something in a particular number that you saw on the search but can't find it, it may be on the new shelf. These get cycled out whenever new books come in, which may mean that you have several months' worth of new releases to dig through.

In short, I hope this helps you in your search through the library! Best of luck to you!

~Jasper

7 DEADLY SINS + VADE RETRO SATANA Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon, France.

Animals in Sea Witchcraft

Hi everyone! I had a lot of questions about animals in sea witchcraft and what they represent so I thought I’d make a list <3  Because the sea is home to many animals and plants of different shapes, sizes, and species, animals in sea witchcraft is important and can make your craft more versatile. 

Before I list all the animals and what they can do for your craft, I want to talk about first how you can implicate characteristics of the animals. You can use the sound they make during rituals or spell casting to incorporate their characteristics or make your spell/ritual stronger. You can use a picture or statue of them to incorporate in rituals, or carry a statue or picture of the animal to give yourself their characteristics. You can put the picture or statue under your pillow (if the statue is small enough and you’re okay with it) to bring you dreams that pertain to their characteristics. 

Sea turtles These are very old creatures, so they carry with them the characteristic of wisdom and patience, and because of their shells, they also carry the characteristic of protection and strength. They can also represent home, and carrying home with you wherever you go- a characteristic of being rooted. In Hawaii, they represent good luck.  Uses: Use for good test scores or quality work, rooting for yourself or others, insight, and anxiety.

Dolphins Dolphins are very fun and intelligent creatures, carrying with them the characteristics of intelligence, charisma, playfulness, open-mindedness, helpfulness, community, love, and companionship. They are one of the more versatile of ocean animal totems, because they can represent so much. Depending on your intent for using the dolphin in your craft, the characteristic will come out into your work. Some other characteristics might also come out to help make your work even more versatile.  Uses: pretty much anything honestly. Mainly used for companionship, such as strengthening bonds that might be strained or broken. 

Manatees Manatees are an underrated animal in witchcraft. Manatees have the characteristics of relaxation, flexibility, open-mindedness, patience, and self acceptance. In our world today, we have no time to slow down and relax or take 5 minutes to reflect on ourselves. When stressed out or stuck in a tight situation, try incorporating the manatee’s energy into your work. The energy of manatees will slow you down and give you the relaxation and open-mindedness you need to reflect and will give you the self acceptance you need.  I highly suggest using this animal in your craft.  Uses: Stress relief for yourself or others, depression, anxiety

Whales There are many different kinds of whales, all with different characteristics. As I don’t what this post to be too long, I plan to go into all the different species in a different post, but for now I will share what characteristics are generally attributed to whales.  Whales carry the characteristics of power and creativity, as well as friendship/friendliness, and emotion / self discovery and awareness. Because of their size, their power shines through. The unique and individual songs whales sing represent their creativity. Whales represent friendship and friendliness, as well as some undertones of patience.  Whales can reach deep depths of the ocean, representing ourselves reaching deep into our minds and emotions and bring about self understanding, discovery, and awareness. The whale can help us understand our emotions and who we are.  Uses: Good for when you or someone you know feels weak or helpless, good for calming after someone or yourself has done something against you or someone else, as it helps to calm and understand.  Rays Rays are a popular creature at many aquariums and during many sea life tours. There are multiple species, like the string ray, manta ray, butterfly ray, etc.  Just like with the whales, I’ll probably go into them into another post but say the general characteristics.  Rays represent fluidity, grace, flexibility, protection, and camouflage/blending in. Rays move with grace, carrying a go-with-the-flow and fluidity and flexibility characteristic. Because they are called “the birds of the sea,” they also carry a characteristic of freedom and flight. Use rays in your work when you want to let go of something that might be causing you stress and bring your mind to a place of go-with-the-flow, as well as getting out of the situation gracefully and protected. Rays also help with blending in to surroundings, and can be helpful especially helpful for people with anxiety.   Uses: Anxiety, procrastination, stress

Jellyfish Jellyfish are known for being dangerous because of their stingers, but they can teach us important lessons. Jellyfish carry the characteristics of harmony, balance, responsibility, and learning from our mistakes. They can also represent self love. Jellyfish represent harmony and balance, being in harmony with the environment around them and being balanced. They represent being cautious and being responsible, looking around for danger before stepping into the water. When we dive in head first into something we haven’t taken the time to reflect on, we can get stung, so jellyfish represent learning from our mistakes. They can also have an undertone of self love, as once put in danger or feeling threatened, the jellyfish will attack and won’t put up with someone walking on them. 

Uses: Use during divination or prayer before making a big decision, or use the jellyfish for reflection after a mistake you made to help you learn from it and get out of the mistake a changed person.  Otter Otters are incredibly friendly and cute animals, and are a famous attraction at zoos. Otters are more of the smaller marine creatures, and can represent being one fish in a whole ocean full of them. Otters carry the characteristics of usefulness, wit, curiosity, freedom, and relaxation or “wind down time.” Otters are easy going and can help after a stressful day of work or school, or just a stressful day in general. They are extremely witty and can use the resources around them, such as when they use rocks to open shells for food. They represent freedom in that they are happy where they are, and happy as an individual, like being a small part of a huge ocean.  Uses: Use the otter when someone you know or yourself has had a stressful day,week, month, year, etc. Use the otter to become more witty and see solutions in the area around you, even when there seems like there is no solution.  Seal Seals are another popular sea creature, and represent open-mindedness in seeing two sides of a story and seeing different view points. They represent difficulties that will come to you and the balance to fight against or go with the difficulties. Seals can see above and below water, two entirely different worlds, so the seal can help you see two entirely different worlds of the same story, or can help someone you know to understand. The two ways of seeing the world also represent two paths that you can take- you can either fight against difficulties that come your way, or just swim along with them and let them pass. If you are having difficulties balancing your life, maybe balancing personal and professional life, the seal can help with this too.  Uses: Use the seal whenever there are 2 options and you don’t know which one to take, or use it when you want further understanding.  Orca / Killer Whale The orca is part of the dolphin family, unlike what the name suggests. Orcas carry the characteristics of understanding, peace, intelligence, community, and quick learning. Orcas are intelligent and are quick learners and can easily learn new tricks, whether these be taught or something they learn themselves. They bring about peace and understanding, as often times people misunderstand orcas. If you feel misunderstood, use the orca. Orcas travel in pods and create their own distinct “language” within their pods, so they can not only represent community and relationships, but also the orca has a meaning of understanding one’s language and using one’s words.  Uses: Expressing yourself, especially in the case that someone has misunderstood you and/or your relationship with someone is deteriorating or is broken. Also can be used during studying or reading to learn things quickly and absorb knowledge.  Seahorse The seahorse is a popular animal in many aquariums. Seahorses represent uniqueness, love, good luck, rooting/anchoring, and determination. Because of the uniqueness in not only their appearance but also in the way they procreate, seahorses represent uniqueness and can bring out the uniqueness in you. They are monogamous, and sea horse couples rely on each other, which represents the love the seahorses bring about. They are a symbol of good luck. They anchor themselves to plants like grasses and can be helpful with rooting/anchoring. Because these little creatures have small fins, they can easily tire and die from exhaustion, but they keep going, representing determination and endurance.  Uses: Use seahorses before working to root yourself and anchor yourself. Use them during spells or other work that takes a long time and determination to accomplish, such as energy or spirit work. You can also use the seahorse to strengthen relationships, especially love.  Shark The shark has the characteristics of protection, power, awareness/alertness, understanding, and determination. Sharks are territorial creatures, feeling threatened when something is in its territory and always ready to strike back if something gets too close. They protect their territory, and they have immense power. They are always aware and alert of their surroundings, and are constantly moving forward, representing determination. Like the orca, sharks are often misunderstood, so they carry the same meaning as the orcas.  Uses: Use the shark when you feel threatened and want to be more aware and alert and want protection from whatever is making you feel threatened. Use the shark when you want power and determination. The shark is especially good for people with anxiety, and are good for people who are or want to be head strong and confident.  Starfish The starfish, or sea star, is a very common attribute of the sea. When we sea pictures of the beach or sea, we will generally sea sea shells or star fish. These beautiful creatures carry the characteristics of aliases and blending in, disguise, balance and harmony, wishes, and flexibility. Sea stars can be called many different names, and hence represent aliases and disguise. This can also translate into them blending in, as well as how they blend in with their surroundings. They can see black, white, and gray, and represent a balance and harmony, like yin-yang. There will always be a little black in the white and there will always be a little white in the black, and nothing is set in stone or perfectly outlined. Because of their star shape, they represent wishes and prayer, and can be helpful during these actions. 

Uses: Use the starfish for making decisions and during prayer or when making wishes. This can also be in spell casting or potion making to heighten the potency of the spell/potion. Use the starfish for blending in and going by unnoticed. 

That will be all for now, but if there are any animals you want to know the attributes of or want to know what attributes go to a certain animal, please message me and I’d be happy to help!  Overall you can use these animals in any way, whether you use their energy for spirit work, energy work, potion making, spell casting, rituals, worship, prayers, divination, dreaming, etc. Keep in mind that you need to have an intent that you want the animal to bring out, and be open minded to having other effects resulting from the use of the animal as well.  The sea represents harmony, balance, self love, self acceptance, self discovery, self awareness, emotion, power, beauty, and so much more, so the use of pretty much any sea animal will also carry the attributes of the sea. It mainly depends on your intent for using the animal.  I hope this helps with your craft and hopefully it helps all of you every day, whether you have a good or bad day.  Thanks for reading!

Today I'm thinking back on the discovery that people get freaked out by animism because it makes them feel like everything is alive and judging them. Here's something that hopefully helps with that.

You know pets? Love 'em. Probably if you've had a pet you've done stuff like change clothes and fart in front of that pet. Normal stuff that you probably wouldn't do in front of just any human, but your pet doesn't judge. It just figures you're doing normal human stuff. Because that is exactly what you're doing.

That's how I figure most spirits see us, if they're even paying attention to us. Just an animal going about its business.

Does this help?

Learning the history behind your Gods is one of the easiest ways to dismantle the allure of “danger” that being raised monotheistic sometimes places on the very concept of syncretic worship.

Like, for example, when you realize how many gods of the Greco-Roman Pantheon(s) are borrowed or heavily influenced by other cultures you’ll realize that there’s no concept of “true” Hellenic or Roman worship. You’re worshipping a bunch of Gods only some of whom are rooted in only-Greek or only-Italic concepts and cultural ideas. A lot of Them are Syrian, Celtic, Iranian, Egyptian, Sumerian, Anatolian, etc. - or are influenced enough to lose this “purity” of self.

Worshipping this religious cluster is by definition being syncretic, I would say. Because Greek and Roman Pantheons are by definition syncretic. You’re fine. You’re not “disrespecting” anyone by doing this.

Sulfur and Satan

Sulfur as an element

Sulfur (or sulphur in British English) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16.

Sulfur is the tenth most abundant element by mass in the universe and the fifth most on Earth.

Historically and in literature sulfur is also called brimstone, which means "burning stone".

Sulfur is an essential element for all life, but almost always in the form of organosulfur compounds or metal sulfides.

Sulfur is one of the core chemical elements needed for biochemical functioning and is an elemental macronutrient for all living organisms.

As a solid, sulfur is a characteristic lemon yellow; when burned, sulfur melts into a blood-red liquid and emits a blue flame.

Sulfur, usually as sulfide, is present in many types of meteorites.

The distinctive colors of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io are attributed to various forms of molten, solid, and gaseous sulfur.

Elemental sulfur can be found near hot springs and volcanic regions in many parts of the world, especially along the Pacific Ring of Fire; such volcanic deposits are currently mined in Indonesia, Chile, and Japan.

The radical anion S3− gives the blue color of the mineral lapis lazuli.

History

English translations of the Christian Bible commonly referred to burning sulfur as "brimstone", giving rise to the term "fire-and-brimstone" sermons, in which listeners are reminded of the fate of eternal damnation that await the unbelieving and unrepentant. It is from this part of the Bible that Hell is implied to "smell of sulfur" (likely due to its association with volcanic activity).

Early European alchemists gave sulfur a unique alchemical symbol, a triangle at the top of a cross (🜍).

Left: alchemical sign for sulfur/the combustible elements/Pallas

Center: 2/3rds of the Trinity sign, inverted/inverted phosphorus sign

Right: the alchemical sign for brimstone, an older/archaic name for sulfur.

In alchemy

Sulfur or soul, the principle of combustibility

Sulfur represents the soul in Alchemical philosophy. It is a volatile principle that relates to the individual essence of a being and expresses itself through unique compounds that are typically found in the oil of any given substance.

In association with Satan/Lucifer

Fire and brimstone frequently appear as agents of divine wrath throughout the Christian Book of Revelation culminating in chapters 19–21, wherein Satan and the ungodly are cast into a lake of fire burning with brimstone (Greek: λίμνην τοῦ πυρὸς τῆς καιομένης ἐν θείῳ, limnēn tou pyros tēs kaiomenēs en thei).

Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Brimstone, an archaic term synonymous with sulfur, evokes the acrid odor of sulfur dioxide given off by lightning strikes.

The church fathers brought the fallen lightbringer Lucifer into connection with the devil on the basis of a saying of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (10.18 EU): "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning."

Sources

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_and_brimstone

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemical_symbol

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfur

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_and_brimstone

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_in_Christianity

http://www.alchemycology.com/sulfur/

Finally, the promised list!

Of Bald Mountain

Luciferian Reading List

I’ve been asked for book recommendations many times, and finally decided to make a more comprehensive list I can direct people to. As I cont

baphomet + components (free to use)

The True Saviour

The Light-bearer

Abandoned the heavens

For the world

The Liberator

Wanders the earth

As a guide

As a teacher

So that we may gain

What was hidden from us

Enlightenment

Freedom

And the power

To be our own gods

By Salem Addams