I Use Music In My Own Magical Practice so Much, And I Figured I’d Talk About It, Because Maybe It

anything is possible right

Writing Characters with Superpowers

Look! Up on the blog! It’s a novel! It’s a poem! No - it’s a new SOC Original!

Anyone who knows anything about my writing knows that the one thing I love to write, more than anything else in the whole world, is characters with superpowers. Why? I don’t know. It might be my childhood obsession with X-men: Evolution, or my subsequent obsessions with Static Shock, Batman: Beyond, the Justice League, or any other number of cartoon superhero shows. I started writing about superheroes when I was twelve years old, and I have never gone back.

Of course, writing about superheroes (and supervillains!) for over fourteen years teaches you a few things about how to write superpowers - and how not to. A few people have requested that I make a post about what to keep in mind when writing about superpowers, so here it is!

First of all, when you’re writing a character with superpowers, ignore anyone who says that if you give your character the same powers as another character you’re cheating, being uncreative, or whatever else. Listen, there’s nothing you can write that hasn’t been written, or at least there isn’t much. What counts isn’t the powers, it’s how your specific character chooses to use them! Just because you have a character who is super strong and who can fly doesn’t mean that you’re writing Superman - maybe your character isn’t quite as “Good” or as law-abiding as Superman, or maybe your character is afraid of their own strength and chooses not to use it at all, or maybe they just don’t have a lot of control. There’s a lot of wiggle room, so don’t be afraid to wiggle!

Second, when you give your character superpowers, give them limitations or drawbacks. These don’t have to be directly connected to their powers - they can be a part of your character’s personality instead. For example, I have a character who can unleash devastating amounts of telekinetic force, but she chooses to suppress her abilities instead of using them because she’s afraid that she’ll hurt someone - a fear that stems from her past, where she might have accidentally killed someone with her powers. Her fear of her own strength is a limitation on that strength and on her willingness to use it. You can also take this in the other direction and have a character who is so confident that they are helping that they end up doing more harm than good, or a character who so firmly believes that their powers are the answer to all of their problems that they completely miss the simpler solution. There are lots and lots of ways you can do this!

Another thing to think about, though, is powers-specific disadvantages. Yes, we all know the “Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex” trope/joke, but honestly, most superpowers have some kind of drawback associated with them, especially when they first manifest. If your character is a telepath who doesn’t have great control over their telepathy, they might hear things in other peoples’ heads that they wish they hadn’t, or they might get overwhelmed by the amount of mental “noise” around them. An empath could be overloaded by other peoples’ emotions, especially in a crowd, and a pyrokinetic always has to worry about starting accidental fires, of course. Figure out what kind of trouble your character’s powers cause for them. This can also be a list of “superpower cons” - reasons why your character might want to give up their powers.

That leads me to my next point - figure out how your character feels about their powers! Are they afraid of them? Are they awed? Do they think their powers are super cool, or are they angry that they can no longer lead a normal life? Do they think they need help learning how to deal with them?

In the same vein, figure out who your character can tell about their abilities - every hero needs someone they can trust enough to be their true selves with. It’s not good for people, psychologically, to have to wear a mask all the time, even if the mask is invisible. Your hero needs someone they can turn to in times of sorrow or doubt, whether that’s a friend or a sibling or a parent or a butler.

Your superpowered character needs to have a life outside of their superpowers, but their superpowers should affect that life, too. What I mean is that there are some things that can’t be separated from who we are as people, and superpowers fall into that category. Your psychic character won’t only have migraines when they’re wearing the mask. Your superstrong character doesn’t only have superstrength when they’re wearing tights. They still have lives and families and jobs and things that they have to do that don’t involve stopping (or starting) the latest crime wave, but their powers don’t go away. Show your readers the impact that has on them.

And, last of all, when you’re writing a superpowered character, think about what drives them. Think about what their morality is, and think about their motivation, and think about how that affects the choices they make with and without their powers. Don’t be afraid of the gray areas - sometimes that’s where the most interesting stories happen, in the struggle between what a character wants to do and what they know they have to do.

I hope this helps you out when you’re writing your superpowered characters. Good luck!

-Kyo

subconscious mind

the subconscious mind is what creates everything in your physical reality. it stores all your beliefs and memories. it keeps all your organs functioning and doesn’t stop working even when you’re sleeping. it’s like the powerhouse of the cell

it’s blind not deaf so all your thoughts go directly to it. with repetition of a thought or mental image it will take that and push it into your physical reality

i want to remind you that this is you and not some separate entity that you have to “tap” into. it is also very easy and simple to rewire with ideal beliefs. it took me less than two days. it can take you a day. you decide how long it takes

all you have to do is focus on what you want to experience and stick to it. when you persist you are persisting in what you already have and your subconscious will faithfully give it to you with no questions asked

name your subconscious if you want to and talk to it like your talking to a loyal best friend who only gives you what you desire (i have previously mentioned this)

that is the basics on the subconscious mind and pretty much what you need to know! change your thoughts and change your life, anything is possible

Magical Journaling

When we think of a witch’s tools, we usually think of cauldrons, brooms, and jars filled with herbs. But for modern witches, one of the most powerful tools available is a blank journal. The journal can be an altar, a workspace, a diary, and a grimoire all in one.

Creating a Magical Journaling Practice

One of the benefits of this type of magic is that it doesn’t require a lot of tools and materials. However, there are a few things you may choose to include:

A journal, notebook, or binder. Having a physical journal for your magical practice can help to ground your magic into the physical world. Find a journal or notebook that speaks to you — this could be a composition book from the dollar store, or an elaborate leather bound journal. I highly recommend using a physical book, but if you are unable to keep a physical journal dedicated to your witchcraft, you can absolutely keep one in a Google Doc, a Microsoft Word document, or the Notes app on your phone.

Colored pens, pencils, or markers. These are a great way to include the magic of color in your journal. (See this post for info on magical color correspondences.) Writing your spells in a color that matches your intention can add an extra layer of power.

Stickers, photos, and drawings. This adds a visual component to your written spells. Just like you add things to a physical ritual based on their magical correspondences, you can use images of those things to add energy to journal spells.

A Daily Intention-Setting Ritual

This method of magical journaling is based on an exercise from Lisa Marie Basile’s book, The Magical Writing Grimoire.

In the morning, before you start your day, write your intention for the day ahead. This should be written in the present tense, and phrased in the positive — it’s about what you are doing, not what you’re stopping or trying to quit. Your intention can be anything, mental, emotional, or physical. (For example: “I am opening myself to love in all its many forms.”)

In the evening, before you go to bed, write down what you worked on that day. This can be anything you did that you feel nourished you, and it may or may not be related to your intention from the morning. (For example: “I used mindfulness meditation to become aware of my own vastness.”)

Living with intention makes you more aware of your actions and can be a form of magic in itself. You daily intentions can become positive affirmations that you can repeat throughout your day, drawing strength from the words.

Using a Journal to Cast Spells

You can cast spells on the page of your journal, with nothing more than a pen and paper.

There are four basic parts to every spell: your will, your intention, focused energy, and a ritual action. All of these components can be brought into a journaling session. Your will is your personal magical and spiritual authority — you use your will simply by being aware of it. Your intention is a clear statement of what you want to get out of your spell — in journal magic, this is typically written on the page. By directing your attention to what you are writing, you are focusing your energy. And finally, a ritual action is any act performed in a ritualistic manner — in this case, that act is writing.

When casting a journal spell, it’s best to do your work in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. You might choose to light a candle or burn incense to help set a spiritual/magical mood, or you might not. I recommend meditating on your intention for a few moments before you begin, in order to help focus your energy.

What you actually write is up to you. It could be a simple, straightforward statement of intention, a detailed description of what you want, or even a poem. Feel free to experiment with different methods to see what feels right for you.

Journaling with Sigils and Runes

You can incorporate sigils, runes, and other sacred symbols into your journal, or use them as spells by themselves.

I’ve talked a little bit about runes in a previous post, but here’s a quick refresher: “runes” typically refer to the symbols used in Germanic alphabets before they were replaced by the Latin alphabet. The oldest Germanic rune system, and the one most widely used in magic, is the Elder Futhark. Other Germanic runic alphabets include the Younger Futhark and the Anglo-Saxon runes, which are both descended from the Elder Futhark. There are other alphabets that are used for similar purposes in magic, like the Irish Ogham. The use of these symbols in magic comes from the ancient idea that writing is inherently magical. Both the Germanic runes and the Ogham alphabet were believed to be sacred by the people who originally used them. Because of this, the runes aren’t merely letters — each symbol has a set of spiritual meanings associated with it as well.

The nice thing about runes is that, for the most part, we have a good idea of what they meant — so learning the runes can be as simple as purchasing a book and memorizing meanings. They’re also tied to ancient belief systems, which makes them a potent source of magical power.

You can use the runes in your magical journal in a couple of different ways. You can draw the appropriate runes in the borders around your spell, or write them over your spell in a different colored ink to add their power to your words. You can also use the runes alone as a form of magic. For this, speak or chant the name of the rune as you write it, and then spend a few moment focusing on it, visualizing your goal, and charging the rune with your intent.

Sigils are a little bit different. Unlike runes, sigils are created on the spot, so the meaning of a sigil is usually only known to the person who designed it. This means that, rather than learning established meanings, you’re creating a new magical symbol with a unique meaning every time you draw a new sigil. Because of this, sigils are directly linked to your will, which makes them powerful conductors of magic.

Here’s a common method for designing a sigil: Write a word or phrase that represents your goal or desire. Cross out all the vowels and/or all repeating letters. Now, use the remaining letters (the ones that haven’t been marked out) to create a design, adding artistic flourishes as you see fit. It’s okay to get creative with this, and it’s okay if the shape of the letters isn’t obvious in the final sigil. For example: if I wanted to create a sigil to manifest wealth, I might start with the phrase “I have more money than I know what to do with.” I then cross out all vowels and repeating letters, leaving me with, “v r y k w d.” Using the shape of these letters as a starting point, I create an artistic design that carries the intention of the original statement.

Sigils are usually used on their own to conduct magic. Draw the sigil in a color that matches your intention (for my wealth sigil, I would use green). As you draw, focus on your intent and feel your energy moving through the pen, charging the sigil. You can leave the finished sigil in your journal, tear the page out and place it on your altar, or display it somewhere you’ll see it often.

Sigils are especially useful for witches who need to keep their practice a secret, because they can be disguised as simple doodles.

Resources:

The Magical Writing Grimoire by Lisa Marie Basile

The Way of Fire and Ice by Ryan Smith

Runes by Kylie Holmes

WANDAVISION DOCTOR STRANGE 2

Types Of Witches Master List

*these are short definitions to be used as a jumping off point for new practitioners- also if I missed any feel free to let me know I’m always adding to my “MasterLists” as I remember or learn more*

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Alexandrian: holds that all participants are priests and priestesses; everyone is able to commune with the Divine, therefore there is no laity.

Angel Witch: works with angels

Animist Witch: believes there is life in all things and sees no distinction between human, plant, animal, or material objects

Air: focuses on the element of air

Augury: Divine omens, signs and symbols 

Axis Mundi Witch: A witch who studies the core idea that there is a central pillar that joins Earth to Heaven.

British Traditional Witch: A witch who focuses on the superstitions and spells that originated in the British Isles.

Celtic: Studies and worships Celtic deities and magick

Cosmic: Looks to the stars, moon, and astrology

Christian: Witchcraft that is performed to honor / or is performed in conjunction with the Christian God as the primary and only deity

Chaos: draws power from chaos focuses on emotions mostly negative

Correllian: practices based on the idea that inner truth is universal in nature. Since Corellian Witchcraft teaches that Deity enters the life of the seeker in a way that can be best understood by them, Deity is key to the beneficial magic of this tradition.

Chthonioi Witch: A witch who practices a variation of the Alexandrian tradition which also includes Greek gods and goddesses

Crystal: Uses crystals/stones and their properties 

Death: focuses on death magic, underworld deities, ghosts. Mediumship

Desert: uses desert plants, bones, sand, desert animals, etc in their practice.

Dianic: Offshoot of Wicca focused on female deities 

Divination: Focuses on many different types of divination.

Draconic: works with dragons and bases a craft around their magick and lore. Very ceremonial magick.

Druids: promotes harmony, connection, and reverence for the natural world.

Eclectic: Embraces any and all magick and magickal work

Elemental: Works with fire, water, air, earth, and spirit

Elven : practices a craft based on working with elves. Usually Norse but can work with other types of elves as well.

Faery: Usually based on Celtic folklore and works with the Fae

Fire: focuses on the element of fire

Folk Witch: "Cunning Folk" ; hereditary witches who follow a path similar to British witchcraft and used their magic and skills for practical purposes which were passed down through generations

Gardenian: based on the polarity of a male and a female, which are represented in covens by the High Priestess and High Priest. The values being: the value of life, the inevitability of death, and the reincarnation after this life ends.

Garden/Floral: focuses on flowers

Green: Magic based on gardening and herbalism 

Hearth: Practices magick focused on the home

Hedge: focuses on astral projection & herbal medicine

Hellenic: Worships Greek gods and goddesses

Hereditary: Handed down a bloodline of witches

Kitchen: Likes to mix food and cooking with magick

Kemetic Witch: A witch who follows a path with a focus on the Egyptian deities.

Lunar: Works with the lunar cycles

Laveyan Satanic: Witchcraft worked with the idea that satan is a concept, rather than a real person or entity (loosely put; it’s a very detailed concept). Also known as Satanic witches who fit the secular description.

Left-handed Witch: A witch who often breaks taboos.

Norse: Based on the religion of Scandinavia 

Nocturnal: focuses their practice at night

Marijuana: type of green witch that uses MJ in their practice

Mermaid: sea witch that works with mermaids.

Music/Art Witch: uses music/sound and performance in their craft.

Right-handed Witch: A witch that practices magic that is guided by social norms.

(Theistic) Satanic /Luciferian: Witchcraft that is often centered around honoring and/or working with Lucifer and other forms of Satan in spellwork and prayer

Scandinavian Witch: A witch who practices and studies Danish Folklore and some Norse traditions.

Science: A form of magick in which both metaphysical ideas and scientific facts/theories are mixed in together by the individual practicer

Sigil Witch: Also known as Word Witch, these practitioners use sigils and words weaved into their magic

Sea: Practices water based magick 

Secular: Does not worship deities

Shaman: Enters altered state of consciousness 

Slavic: practices their craft influenced by Slavic deities and folk lore

Solar: uses the sun in their craft

Solitary: Practicing by ones’ self; not included in a group 

Swamp: lives in swamp lands or near, uses plants and animals that are found in swamp lands in their practice

Sun: uses the power of sun in their practice

Traditional: One who practices witchcraft by honoring and using old and ‘traditional’ ways of magick; this type of witch might be one to practice modern methods of magick, but they might also stick to traditional concepts or techniques

Time Witch: uses magick to manipulate time(line)

Thelema Witch: A witch who uses the occult philosophy founded by Aleister Crowley, which centers around ceremonial magic and Egyptian rituals.

Weather: focuses on weather in their practice, sky deities, weather divination

She’s coming. DOCTOR STRANGE: IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS (2022) | dir. Sam Raimi

I absolutely love writing scripts and seeing it play out in the 3D. I feel like a movie director / my own genie 🧞‍♀️🧞🧞‍♂️

Bone Correspondents

Note: Only aquire bones from ethical sources.

Ankle - catalyst. movement. moving on.

Antler - Cernunnos. deflecting. earth. endurance. hope. masculine energy. protection. strength.

Arm - blocking. helping. lifting others up. support.

Claw - balance. discovery. fighting. knowledge. opportunity. protection. struggle. 

Finger - endurance. fluidity. progress. 

Foot - endurance. hard work. independence. journeys. leaving things behind. luck. movement. moving on. travel.

Hand - art. artistic ability. creativity. energy. holding something or someone close. letting go. 

Hip - endurance. keeping it together. strength.

Horn - aggressive protection. cursing. determination. stubbornness. the home. wealth.

Leg - endurance. long journey(s). movement. strength. taking a stand. travel. 

Nail - (See claw) something or someone lost.

Skull - astral work. communication. deep thought. divination. stubbornness. spirit work. the mind.

Spine - asserting oneself. confidence. courage. level-headed. pride. support. 

Tail - adaptability. agility. alarm. cursing. distrust. secrecy. 

Teeth - communication. defense. fear. frustration. learning a new language. news.

Toe - balance. changing luck. help. money. prosperity.

Wing - adventure. comfort. deviating from the norm. hope. luck. movement. new adventures or endeavors. sending or receiving messages. travel. wishes.

Wrist - flexibility. hard work. strain. 

Victorian Slangs For Spell Code

Gigglemug (always smiling)

Bitch the pot (pour the tea)

Got the mobs (temporary sadness)

Tight as a boiled owl (drunk)

Poked up (embarrassed)

Sauce-box (mouth)

Cupid's kettle drums (breasts)

Not up to dick (unwell)