DragonOak's Wood Shop Blog

Lady Bug as my days Animal Spirit Totem



Yesterday while searching the woods for wind blown and downed sassafras wood, I spied a ladybug. I could see it on a leaf from about 20 feet away as it was bright read that was out of place and not in sync with the area. The ladybug was so red but not a single black dot that is common of the species. As I approach the ladybug, it senses me and gently raises its wings and flies away as if it had not a care in the world.



When incidents like this happen in my life, those that I take a peculiar notice of without knowing the reason why, I take note. Meetings with living things like this ladybug are usually messages and it is worth the time to meditate and focus on what the lesson is from the spirit guide of that species.



So today I took the time to reflect, ponder and meditate on the ladybug. It shows me a world of simplicity, while still retaining complex reactions to my actions. The ladybug teaches me the need for protection while living out my life as usual.



The outer shell of the ladybug is its protection; it is the exoskeleton on the outside of the insects’ body, armor so to speak. For me it is the preparation on a daily basis of a psychic barrier, the white light that surrounds me as I visualize its glow. On a daily basis many people are bombarded with psychic energies that are designed to drain or take away from the internal energy base. Some are direct attacks by psychic vampires who fully understand that they are tapping into another’s energy source. Many of these psychic attacks are from people that steal energies on a subconscious level, children, emotional needy people, the sick, and sometimes the elderly. Psychic tapping can come from a multitude of sources and rather than focusing on the source it is probably better to visualize a while ball of light surrounding yourself, your family, your home, and the things that are more important to you. Be a part of the light, and let the light be parts of you, as you breath see the light grow brighter with each breath. The white light reflects the negative and absorbs the positive energies.



I tend to get a variety of these psychic attacks ranging from the wayward Christian that stumbles upon my web site and recites “Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, I shall rebuke this evil” (prayers like that are designed as an energy attack) to the confused pagan that feels some need to be jealous of my work, for there is no real reason to be jealous of what I do, it’s not like I am some fine Italian crafter. Even the glare from another person while one is out and about can be deemed as an attack, the evil eye so to speak.



By utilizing a small visualized and guided meditation focusing on the light, bathing in it, and letting it be a part of me for the rest of the day, I have adequately protected myself for that day. If I feel the negative energies increase, then I take a few moments of quit time and focus on the light, drawing from my inner source from the solar plexus chakra, where my light adds to the light of protection I have visualized from before.



Once those protections are in place the ladybug teaches me to go on with life, as I would normally do so. The ladybug teaches me to live my life free while reflecting my connections with all in the universe. It teaches me to learn from my interactions in this life so that I may be prepared to move on to the next phase when my time comes.



And most of all it teaches me that beauty and serenity exist virtually everywhere.




Shaman Path Animal Totem
Drawer Altar Table

The Fairy world is so very closely related to nature and as such fairies and the animal spirit guides tend to work very closely together. Working with fairy energy is simple (in a back to nature only the basics kind of way) but slightly more complicated than the animal world. Meaning the fairies can take on a tad more personality and difference of focus.



To even take on the task of defining the fairies guides is enough to fill a small library of information, legends, and lore. For each realm of fairies takes on very different responsibilities and roles than another realm of fairies.



Both the fairies and animal spirit guides take on the role of caretakers of nature. While the animal spirit guides tend to take on more of the different aspects of personality in nature; i.e. the sly, cunning, wise aspects of the fox; the fairies tend to align themselves with the physical aspect of nature. There are as many types of fairies as there are stars in the sky, and each tends to akin themselves to a specific type of plant, mineral, or occasionally an animal. There are fairies of the primrose and those of the petunia, fairies of the oak tree and those of the lilac bush, and then there are those that are akin to the horse and the raccoon.



Each of the types of fairies have their own kingdom and ruler ships. Mermaids, gnomes, trolls, ogres, are also of these kingdoms. Woodland and nature fairies are what we commonly think off from this spirit world but many exist, some not yet known or long removed from human awareness. The most popular, or maybe to say better known of the fairies are the following types:



Elves: Scandinavian lore tells us of the Elven fairies that are kind, generous, and very wise. Dealing with these forms of fairies can teach us much about how to live in balance with nature. Legend says that gifts of honey and sweets to the Elves will be returned in kind.


Dryads: The teaching of the Celts and the Druids tells us of the Dryads that are closely associated to the trees of the forest. Dryads are strong and enduring, living within the hollow of the tree in perfect balance.


Dwarves: The legends of dwarves are varied and wide throughout Europe, and they can be found deep within the mountains, for they align themselves with the minerals of the deep earth. Dwarves are very slow to change and tend to be unmovable on what they feel is important at the time.


Gnomes: The realm of the gnomes is usually deep within the old forest. Gnomes tend to be a little closer to the realm of mankind, lovers of gadgets and machines. The gnomes are curious and very knowledgeable about the physical properties of our realm. Work with the gnomes when you need to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics or the physical world.


Goblins: Goblins show no favor or quarter to the realm of mankind. The goblins are very closely aligned with the sediments of the earth and the process of decay. Because of this association with the earth’s process of breaking down elements back to the basic form goblins are often considered evil. Often the profile of the goblin was used to create many of the gargoyles seen today that guard the roof tops and ward evil from the churches.


Leprechauns: Irish legend and lore teaches us of the leprechauns that are akin to the clover. As the mankind evolved many a leprechaun endeared themselves to the ways of men, finding shiny gold as treasure and beloved of a fine ale or beer.


Mermaids: While many a sailor has been accused of mistaken a mermaid for a manatee or seal, it is the way of this fairy of the sea. The mermaid is akin to the seals and manatee even to the point of being able to shape shift into the seal or manatee.


Pixies: Pixies are a general term for the mischievous type of fairy of the forest is committed to making pranks upon the people that are near. If the pixies have taken to hiding your items, take to music, song, and dance to appease there love of celebration.


Sidhe: Fairy of the Irish lore and legend that is closely aligned with the rose. Planting roses in your yard will almost assuredly attract this fairy realm to you. Working with the realm of Sidhe can actually teach one the areas of beauty, design, and elegance of the forest.


Sprites : The sprite fairy often appears in a glow as if in spirit form. They are closely associated with the oak and the acorn. Their season is that of the fall and the time of the harvest.


Working with fairy energy can be interesting to say the least. Fairy energy can bring you closer to realizing how everything in our world is so closely connected. Even a single action in the realm or our environment can bring about a myriad of consequences. I once cleared part of my property without asking permission of that fairy domain, and spent the next three years having my personal items constantly hidden from me.



The energy of the fairy is focused much like that of a child; innocent, focused, and delights in the simplest of things. And they can get upset; as have been the brownies since the encroachment and disregard man has developed for nature. So appease fairy energy when you have the privilege of working with it. Offerings of honey in the garden, milk in some cultures, can go a long way with these wonderful beings.



Most common methods of connecting with fairy energy is:



Physical sensitivity, astral travel, meditation, lucid dreams, and vision quests.

Creating Truly Magickal Ritual Tools

 

The methods and procedures behind the old magickal rites for
creating truly magickal ritual tools include a four-fold process.  To enter the deeper realm of magick, we must
consider the process by which the tools of that very magic are to be made.  Based on my studies of the occult and deeper
forms of magic, there are four dimensions, properties, or elements used in the
creation of magickal tools.  The
physical or material properties, the emotions or vibrations, the focus or will,
and the actions or rituals compromise the four elements of magic. 

 

The more effort and personal energy we put into creating a
magickal tool, the more magick or power that tool contains.  In some ways the process by which we create
magickal tools is akin to art.  The more
personal energy and time we extend, the greater the creative force that will
prevail.  And like great art, over time
the result will be sustained and magnified. 
I do not write this as the law of magick, I write it as an option to
consider when creating or even purchasing your magickal tools.

 

While the creation of a truly magickal tool is not complex;
it requires more input than just mere faith. 
I truly appreciate the neopagan movement, and it’s seeking to define
itself as more open and less judgmental style of spirituality than the more
“mainstream” movements of today.  While
being accepting of and more tolerant with methods, procedures, and “rules” of
the order, they tend to encourage the free thought, and intermingling of ideas.  This is as it should be in my opinion,
because the source of personal spirituality must be discovered rather that
dramatically acted or blindly followed. 
But in the process of tolerance, it is important to acknowledge and
remember, the rituals, practices, and methods of old, lest they be lost. 

 

First is the element of the physical properties.  This can be determined by asking the
following questions.  Keep in mind, the
more magick put into the process, the more magick and energy we can utilize from
it.

 

1. What
   are the raw materials of the item, i.e. the wood, herb, stone, etc.? 
2. Were
   the materials grown or harvested specifically for a magickal purpose?
3. Do
   those elements have magickal properties that correspond to what you want
   to the tool to be utilized for?
4. Was
   the material harvested from a magickal location, i.e. druid oak groves,
   cross roads, conjunction of lay lines, your personal meditation place,
   etc.?
5. Was
   the material harvested during the right magickal time, i.e. phase of the
   moon, planetary alignment, season, etc.?

 

The second consideration in the realm of magickal dimensions
is the emotions or vibrations of the materials and/or item.  Everything in the universe resonates a
specific vibration for that element, as humans we relate this vibration to the
emotion.  As such we can actually change
the vibration state that is linked to our emotional state.  So the following questions are a guideline
to determine the level of magickal input the said item has:

 

1. What
   was the emotional state of the environment or area when the materials was
   harvested, i.e. was the area being traumatized by clear cut timbering, or
   strip mining, or was it a hidden area that looked un-trodden by human
   feet?
2. What
   was the emotional state of the person that harvested the materials i.e.
   happy, anger, unsettled, etc.?
3. Meditate
   and focus on the item, its base materials, and try to align with the
   current vibration state of being. 
   Does it align with the purposes of the tool you are trying to
   create?
4. What
   was the emotional condition during the rituals consecrating the material
   or tool and subsequently in preparing or using it?
5. When
   you use the tool what is the emotion state you are in?  And consider how those energies whether
   conscious or subconscious are entering into the tool.

 

Next consider the “intent” that was put into the elements
and the magickal tool.  Ask the
following questions concerning the focus, will, or thought that went into the
magickal item. 

 

 

1. Is the
   item being created as it wishes to be? 
   Take time to meditate on the current state of the materials and/or
   item, and try to answer if that is what it wants to be?
2. Was
   the intent if the harvester or creator good or malignant?
3. What
   is your focus or intent with the magickal tool?
4. Does
   your focus or intent align with the same intentions of the material or
   magickal tool?
5. Does
   your focus and intent with the tool align with the state of being or
   wishes of that which is the subject of the spell or ritual?   An example would be if I were to focus
   on changing the color of a flower from pink to white, and my wand and
   crystal are the charges for that spell, does the flower wish to be changed
   from pink to white?

 

And the last level in creating a tool or making an existing
tool magickal is the element of action. 
These usually center upon how the item was consecrated, how the item is
used, and the rituals or actions behind the use of the tool.

 

1. Were
   the materials and/or item consecrated within the rights and traditions for
   its created purpose? 
2. Are
   the rituals appropriate for the materials and/or tools?  In a ritual working with earth
   elementals would you build a magickal pail of water?  Water washes earth away.
3. Are
   the materials and/or tools being used during the appropriate season or
   time?  It is similar to using snow
   during the summer.
4. Do the
   materials and/or tools work well with the deities, spirits, or elements
   that are the center of the ritual? An example would be to use a wand
   during the invocation of a deity like Thor, when a blade or hammer would
   be far more appropriate.
5. Are
   the materials and/or tool being used or brought to action in alignment
   with their natural properties? 
   Crystals focus energy while stones like hematite absorb certain
   negative energies.  Does the tool
   require the strength and power of the oak, or the bending and change
   properties of the willow?

 

 

For me to put this subject into relative terms, lets take a
simple book of shadows and go thru some basic considerations of its relative
magickal energies.  If I was to go down
to Kmart and purchase a spiral notebook to act as my book of shadows, is it
magickal?  Yes but very low in the
magickal energy and capabilities.  The
resources used to make the notebook, the creation or making of the spiral
notebook, and how the completed item was transferred to my stewardship, had
little or no magickal input.  So this
makes its capabilities very low on the magickal scale. So far the only magickal
property here is my intent when I buy it to be a magickal book.  Once I focus on the spiral notebook,
consecrate the book, add my spells and rituals into the book it becomes a
magickal force, but only retaining the properties I put into it.

 

Now lets take this theory to the more magickal input side
into the equation.  On the eve of a
waxing moon (increasing energies) I find a willow tree that has been struck by
lightening.  With permission and a gift
of fertilizer, I take a branch from the tree and cut it into a set of witches
runes.  I burn the runes as near a full
moon as I can, and proceed to charge the runes in a bath of moonlight.  Then upon a dark moon I consecrate the runes
before the goddess Hecate in ritual as prescribed by the old traditions.  Now do you see the power in a ritual tool
created in such a way?  And as such this
is how many of my tools are created, by the old traditions and rights.

 

So take care and consider the elements and methods of
creating your ritual tools.  There is
much to say about following tradition and the old rights.  Although there is nothing wrong with
following your own personal path, and your own choice of deity, ritual etc, I
recommend that you do not completely throw out the wisdom and knowledge of the
ancients.

Animal Guides



Animals are similar to the elemental and thought form entities, in that they are very focused energies within their realms of being, yet have the ability of more complex behavior patterns. Animal spirit guides are able to communicate in thoughts that form words that compromise language skills in our understanding. So while in the physical realm we may not be able to converse with the animal guides, in spirit and in thought there are no barriers to communication.



These spirit forms have evolved into a more complex state of being that learns skill and focus. The Fox is sly, the coyote is the jester, the owl is wise are examples. Animals have evolved into a more complex form of life and because it requires survival skills and talents in order to live in balance. By the combination of those talents and skills the animal spirit guides has gained precedence in certain behaviors and/or traits that can be passed on to mankind.



Dealing with animal spirit guides is very exciting and a time of extreme opportunity to learn. Animals are mostly benevolent and willing to teach their specialties. While some animal guides are weary and slow to come forth based on the proven nature of mankind to destroy, those will teach when they see that someone is worthy of the animal’s knowledge and wisdom. By living in balance and seeking to repair rather than destroy, weary spirit guides are often encouraged and willing to teach their skills.



Common mediums of animal guides are lucid dream, meditations, astral travel, vision quests, and physical realities. If someone sees an animal, while on a quest or journey, the should take time to meditate and communicate with the spirit guide of that animal, it is trying to reach that person to open awareness of the animal’s various skills and talents. While outside often these animals will approach in a very gentle yet magnificent manner. For instance one could observe the dance of the butterfly while eating lunch outdoors. Times when someone is approached like this, they may be drawn that that animal in an almost hypnotic level, staring and watching while becoming oblivious to the world around them. Concentrate, those are the times the animal spirit guides is communicating even on a subconscious level.



A typical exercise for working with animal spirit guides is to each day become observant of the environment. Learn to stop, listen, and look around and become aware of the life that abounds. As practicing this observant skill watch closely for any form of life that seems to make itself known. The butterfly that lands on someone’s arm, the squirrel that crosses the road right in front of a moving car, or the bird that swoops down and catches a bug in mid-flight. These are all examples of the attempt to contact, become aware and then in a quiet place focus on that animal and what it means. Meditate on the animal spirit guide; visualize the spirit of that animal hunting, running, playing. Take the time to practice visualizing interacting with the animal spirit guide, playing, feeding, and even communicating. In many ways working with animal spirit guides is taking the time to learn, understand, and know that animal just like one would take the time to get to know a new friend.



A common method of animal spirit guide contact is via people’s dreams. Many times people will spend most of a day explaining a weird dream they had, often those dream includes animals in some shape or form. Be observant and focus on the meaning of that animal and its area of specialty. Dream journals are a great way to keep in mind what the dream was, what animal that was in it, and can be a method for developing trends of animal contact in the dream world.



Animal guides are absolutely amazing to work with. Many animal spirit guides may require time to earn their trust, which is understandable as mankind systematically destroys their habitats.



7 Common Animal Spirit Guides that are often overlooked



In a world of global warming and the nearing of catastrophe, there are certain species of animals that the population is exploding. While most species are rapidly falling into extinction a few are thriving. This means those animal guides are trying to contact mankind in a last ditch effort to save and thwart mans own destruction of himself. Below are 7 animals that are thriving; can you see the common message?



Ant - prosperity, earth power, unity

Cat - independence, magick, abundance

Dog - devotion, protection

Insect (any) - power, spirituality, renewal

Mouse - trust, self-examination, persistence, devotion

Rat - courage, mystery, cunning, frivolity and fun

Raven - creation, magick, illumination





Spirit of the Raven
from Beyond Altar




10 Gemstones of Power

Poltergeists



The Poltergeist is commonly known as the mischievous ghost. It can be the noisemaker, item mover, certain visualizations, and other manifestations that often are intended to be of a nature, which at the very least causes concern for the residents or nearby people.



Some paranormal experts consider the poltergeist and the thought form to be the same things. While I tend to rate the Poltergeist on a slightly higher level of sentience, I tend to believe it comes from the same source. And being of the same source, just a state of evolution from thought form to sentient poltergeist, it can be difficult to decipher the difference. The problem is when the thought form energy has taken on such an identity as that of the poltergeist, it does not know the difference. The poltergeists "personality" is much more expanded and complicated, evolving from the pure emotion that created it. But in time and delving in the history of the spirit guide and/or poltergeist you can eventually decipher the difference.



Much of the current research into poltergeist activity show a high occurrence of the involvement of women under the age of 25. Some research even shows that the woman are totally unaware that they are creating the activity on a subconscious level. Furthermore, activity that is not a direct result of their physical involvement, I believe will eventually be connected to a psychic phenomena created by the very women, in other words the creation of thought form entities.



The mischievous poltergeists that are not created from thought form tends to be spirits that have not moved on to the next dimension, derived from expert opinion and research. The actual poltergeists are those spirits that have not or refuse to transcend to a higher state of consciousness. And these Poltergeists (by expert opinion) can be broken down into two different types.



First is those spirits that have not moved on, and really either don't know how or do not realize they are in between dimensional existences. These are regular entities, which had regular lives, and visited regular place. They are much like communicating with friends and family that are here today. When they become Poltergeists is when they become frustrated, when they want to be heard or noticed. These poltergeists are not trying to bring about fear as much as they just want to be heard. They are confused and do not know to move on.



When we come across Poltergeists that have not moved on, it is more our duty to encourage them to move through the light. These past spirits need to be assisted to move on and transcend to a higher state of being. If we refuse that act, in my opinion, it brings about bad karma that will need to be worked out in time.



The other type of Poltergeist is the one that REFUSES to move on. These actually find favor where they are and find that they can "feed" of the negative emotional energy we emit. That is why they make us afraid, the more fear they create, the more they can "feed" from the energy, and the stronger they get. They do receive benefit from the place they are in. The key is not to give them fear, it does not allow them to get strong enough to move objects, slam doors, and such if they cannot draw off negative emotions. But much preparation and discipline is required to keep ones emotional levels in check in order to not provide them with feed frenzy type of energy like fear. And DO NOT taunt these entities, that is part of the process they ploy you in to build up the energy they feed from, in other words you are playing their game.



These can be very dangerous entities, just like any person in this time stream can be dangerous. The difference is they need your negative energy in order to get stronger, and the stronger they get the more they can do. Learn to balance your energies and how to emit a more positive flow of energies and these entities will quiet down, and slowly be forced to find another or move on to the next phase of being.



Personally I feel that poltergeists are an advanced state of thought form energies as I wrote in: Working with Thought Form Hub and Working with Spirit Guides (see below)



Only to see the thought forms develop a personality and consciousness to a point of being and reacting to event and people around it.



Also a small note that often-mischievous fairies may be lumped into the category of Poltergeist, which again is a totally different state of being.



Working with Thought Form Entities



Working with Spirit Guides




Egyptian w/Pyramids
Spirit Board

June 16, 2008

Not even really a blog today. I am tired, my head hurts, and my blood sugars are out of whack. When my blood sugars do this I tend to get quit melancholy and border on depression.

I just need to focus on my work today. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, so at least I can rant to her about how I feel.

Last week I learned of an old high school friend that passed away. He had terminal brain cancer. I only knew him for a couple years and we have not spoken or talked to one another in 26 years. I called him the last fall and we spoke a couple of times over the phone.

His name was Royce “Rocky” O’Donnell and he is my friend. Rocky was a simple kind of person, which enjoyed the basic elements of life. He loved to hunt it was his passion. Even as boys the time we spent outdoors hunting deer and elk created a bond that until now I never realized how important it was.

Rocky dreamed of hunting, loved the Dallas Cowboys, revered his cousin “Bubba”, and thought Ted Nugent was the king of Rock-n-Roll. We hunted together, we got into lots of trouble together, and we even fought together, Rocky is my friend.

I miss Rocky. I keep getting the impression that when my time comes and I enter the next phase of being, there will be Rocky with the big stupid shining grin on his face saying, “Hey duuuuuuuuudddddddeeeee, It has been a looooooong time”. I look forward to that time.

Because Rocky is my friend, I post a copy of his obituary in the hopes that a small piece of him will live on and know that he is missed.

As posted by the Payson Roundup: http://www.paysonroundup.com/section/obituaries/storypr/34550

Obituary:
Royce (Rocky) O'Donnell died May 27, 2008.
He was born in Phoenix in 1964
Mr. O'Donnell was a master big game hunter and was a hunter from his early childhood.
He was an accomplished actor, appearing in movies such as "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" and others.
He loved his family, especially his nieces and nephews, friends and most of all, his dog, Sheba.
There was not a bigger Dallas Cowboy fan.
He will be missed greatly.
Mr. O'Donnell is survived by his father, Royce O'Donnell; mother, Rose Jones; stepmother, Debi; nieces, Carisa Haas, Jessica Weinland, Davanna Chestnutwood and Lanie O'Donnell; nephews, Tyler O'Donnell, Cody O'Donnell, Steven Tubbs and many other nieces and nephews; sisters, Susan Tubbs and Dovie Chestnutwood; brother, Bob O'Donnell; grandparent, Gladys O'Donnell; and one great-niece.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 31 at Payson 1st Assembly of God Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to Payson Community Kids, 300 W. Wade Lane, Payson, AZ 85541 or the Payson Humane Society, 812 S. McLane Road, Payson, AZ 85541.

Working with or more like around Thought Form Entities



Emotion, intellect, and our very thoughts are brought about as tiny electrical impulses in our brain. Thus thought is energy, and can be utilized as such, even to the point of leaving a lasting impression on time itself.



Have you ever walked into a room where everyone was very quiet but you could feel the stress? Then you learn that the people in the room had just experienced an argument, fight, fearful situation, or other conflict. That is the energy you feel that was directed and created from the situation. When energy like that is multiplied from a variety of sources or a very intense individual situation it can create a thought form, a residual impression of what was and a way of the though form becoming of its own existence.



In most cases this thought form will dissipate fairly rapidly and discontinue to exist. But rarely the thought form will actually gain energy, grow stronger, and even in some cases develop its own identity. These are very rare situations of multiple individual imprints of thought or from the imprint of a very extreme situation as experienced by an individual.



These thought forms come about mostly from intense emotions. Emotions like hate, anger, and violence are often the source of the creation of thought form entities. Yet love, compassion, and passion with the same amount of intense imprint can create thought from entities also. Pagans of many different paths touch upon this when working with visualization technique and will magicks. As time evolves along some of these paths, the pagan caster can learn to shape the very reality around them by focus and the essence of their will. Likewise, people untrained through an intense emotion can create a thought form into a dimensional reality that is not focused. When thought forms are not focused they seek to create an identity to say, much like a purpose that is within the realm of their creation.



Scenes both bad and good can create thought form. Mankind today puts way to much emphasis on the horrific, troubled, and negative thought forms made popular by horror movies and legend. Today this type of entity is also seen as a residual haunting, as the show Ghost Hunters likes to define it. In those cases the entity replays itself over and over, defining it purpose as the event itself. On rare occasions the thought form can evolve to attaching to an item or individual, and in very rare cases that thought form could react and become “aware” of the environment around it.



With the condition of the laws of physics, polarities exist and are actually required within our dimension of time and space. Negative charges and existence of thought into the form of an identity actually require the existence of positive charges and therefore positive thought forms. If you ever have the opportunity to contact a positive thought form, meld with it, cherish it, and learn from it; yet be sure to distinguish your own feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Both types of thought form identities can provide valuable lessons. Most do not speak in language, or communicate as people do, but those though forms can provide you with a focused emotion or even a range of emotions.

The rare, very rare, thought form that has developed into its own identity can speak, react, and interact with others around. Those types of thought forms tend to mimic, resonate, or focus on the situation that created them. Sometimes they may even replicate behaviors and or personality traits of the person or persons that created them. In these cases it can be nearly impossible to distinguish if it is really the spirit or the thought form created by that spirits identity.



In any case, when working with thought form identities, care and precaution must be taken in order to distinguish your owns emotions, feelings, and thoughts from those that the thought form is trying to impress upon you. Sometimes the attachment or impressions from a thought form can break down the differentiation of the two separate identities. This can sometimes be referred to as possession. Training, discipline, and focus are highly suggested before working too close to a thought form identity. To explain this a little clearer, when one walks into a “haunted” zone and for no reason suddenly become overwhelmed by despair, sadness, and depression. That is the thought form attempting to meld with the individual. Become focused that those feelings are not your own, keep conscious of a division between your feelings and those of the thought form.



A lot of current haunting activity is merely the creation of thought form. Not all, not even most, but there is a lot of activity in recent years and it seems to be on the rise of thought forms leaving residual impressions. This can include many different instances, listed below are examples of thought form energies:



Disaster areas:

These can include places we have seen in recent months where mass death resulted from the consequence of a natural event. Tsunami’s, hurricanes, and earthquakes are examples of situations that can cause a large emotional imprint into a thought form.



Mass homicides.

Regions of ethnic cleansing like Dharfur, Croatia, and even the Natzi Concentration camps made into historical monuments. Lots of suffering creates a complex identity and often the site of what many consider mass haunting.



A site of a murder.

Where one is murdered and the life is ended abruptly, horrifically, or without just cause seems to create a very heavy imprint on occasion. These types of thought forms are generally confused and misguided, since the life was taken before the individual felt it was time.



Places that experienced suffering and inhumane conditions.

Places of slavery, prisoner of war camps, or even the suffering seen in the poor districts. Thoughts of resentment, bitterness, and anger build and build as the rich get richer and the poor suffer more and more.



And like the physics of the universe, everything provides and equal and opposite reaction. For the positive.....



Birthings have created huge thought forms.

The creation of life, and along with it pride, happiness, and hope all are known to create thought form identities. Some may refer to these thought forms as angels or spirit guides, and in a way they are.



Sexual intimacy.

These are sites where the passion of two becomes the identity of one. Then it proceeds to create a very strong passionate thought form. An example of these would be to walk into a room or location and all the sudden become sexually aroused. Being alone one can generally rule out pheromones, and if one is a female it can often rule out male testosterone as being the cause, and provide a possibility of this type of though form.



Intense love:

The longing for a loved one can create a thought form identity that is a haunting seen very often. The woman that waits by the sea shore for her husband to come home. Or the mother waiting for her son to return from the civil war are examples



Sites of intense celebrations.

Places where happiness abounds and people had reason to celebrate. Parade streets of large cities can be such sites. Mardi Gras creates similar thought forms.



Sadly as a species we tend to focus on the negative thought forms rather then the positive. Giving credence and rise to the negative, and watching the positive dissipate and move on to the next phase of its existence.



Pentacle Talisman




Principles and Magicks of the Elementals



How to make a magical dream pillow

Working with Elementals



The base of all existence, those building blocks we are made from and of are the elementals. The ancients considered there to be four types of elementals fire, earth, air, and water. The Eastern traditions add metal and wood to these base elements.



Elements do not speak in traditional languages or forms; elements are the base of existence, the building blocks of everything that exists. Elements are focused upon that substance or area which is the elements form or state of being.



Other examples of the attributes of the elements are:



Earth = stable, mass, rooted, and stationary.
Fire = consuming, passion, motivation.
Air = thought, communication, ideas, awareness
Water = emotion, love, compassion
Wood = Stability with some adaptability, growth, subject to change
Metal = Strength, endurance, test of time




EARTH ELEMENT:



Earth element is stable, mass, rooted, and stationary. It teaches us how to add more stability, strength, and longevity in our lives. But since earth element is a base being earth can also bring about negative attributes to its condition of being. Too much stability can bring about laziness and gluttony, negative attributes.



Positive aspect of the element of earth includes how it nurtures us, cares for us, and provides us with our needs. Working with the element of earth is strongly associated with agriculture and horticulture. Strong physical labor is enhanced by the element of earth, picture Atlas carrying the world on his shoulder – that is the essence of this aspect of earth. Also under the realm of elemental earth is strongly associated to the world of animal life, just likes it does for mankind earth nurtures and cares for all life. Physical sensations, the cycles of life and death, patience, steadiness, and well-being are traits all taught by the element of earth.



Negative traits of the element can include stubbornness, fixation, slothfulness, hoarding, and insecurity.



Colors of the earth elemental include brown, black, and deep greens



Symbols for the element include the Pentacle, Salt, Most Rocks and Gemstones, and Soil.



Winter is the Season related to the earth element.



Earth element presides over the North Quarter or compass point



Tarot suit related to earth element is pentacles or coins.



Astrological rulerships of earth elements: Taurus, Capricorn, and Virgo



Counter elements to balance are: fire and air.



Methods of using the elements of earth in ritual or spell weaving: Using gemstones or crystals as focus of the spell or ritual will provide endurance and strength. Kitchen witchery or herbal magic is strongly associated with earthen elemental magicks. Using the soil of earth to bury representations of problems will allow the elemental to slowly dissolve the situation away, time heals all wounds and earth is a master of time. Offerings to the earth will provide good health and long life.



Methods of connecting with earth elements include bear feet on the earth. Physically touching the earth provides a bond that will allow the earth element convey its strength and wisdom to you. Meditation is shorts while sitting allowing your legs and feet to touch the ground are advised.




FIRE:



Fire is a very fast acting and sometime consuming element. Fire element’s nature is to change the structure of whatever it touches into new state of being. With the element of fire one must take precautions when working with its very nature. A running hose, or bucket of water, even a fire extinguisher is not to much. If small fires, embers, or hot mishaps seem to happen around you a lot, the element is trying to speak to you, it may be time to listen.



Positive aspects of the element of fire include passion, lust, sexual frenzy, and virility. The quote “lighting a fire under your butt” deals with how fire initiates action, provides motivation, and drives the individual for completion. People that embrace the element of fire are often very driven and fast acting. High in passion and well endowed with courage is the element of fire. Fire is at the very heart of transform, clearing the old and making something new, much like the story of the Phoenix.



Negative aspects of the element of fire can include stress, nervous, and tension. Anger and sometimes the result of physical violence can be attributed to too much fire. The element of fire can create a synergy of burning out if it is relied on too much; balance is required to pace the element and its traits.



The Season of the element of fire is summer.



The athame or sword, candle, and the sacred fire itself symbolize fire element.



Deep yellows, reds, oranges, and golds are the colors of the fire element.



Fire elements realm is the South quarter or compass point



Tarot suit related to the element of fire is Swords.



Astrological rulerships of fire elements: Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo



Counter elements to balance are: earth and water.



Fire magicks include fire divination, candle magicks, and rituals to the Sun. Burning a piece of paper with defined problem symbolized the banishing of the situation.



Methods of connecting to the fire element include fire scrying. Never ever try to touch fire, and take all necessary precautions when working with fire, its nature is to consume, that is what it does. When fire scrying be sure that the fire is enclosed and can not spread, and you are in a position that if you fall over, fall asleep, or become hypnotic you do NOT fall into the fire, again it will consume. Candle gazing is another probably safer and controlled method of fire magick.




AIR:



The element of air represents the realm of thought and imagination. Air elements provide the very process by which we think, rationalize, and hold our memories. The air element can aid our ability to express ourselves and enable the clarification of the process. When making decisions utilize air to provide focus and reason.



Negative traits with a lack or an over abundance of air can include confusion, headaches, and miscommunication. As with all the other elements balance is the key, and when one is over influences taper it with a counter element.



Air element is of the season Spring.



Air presides of the Quarter or compass point of the East.



Symbols that represent air include most wands, some athames, and incense (represented by the plume of smoke that arises).



Tarot suit represented by air is the wands or staves.



Astrological rulerships of the element of Air: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.



Counter elements to balance are: earth and water.



Colors that represent air are white, light yellows, light greens, and light blues. The lighter the color the better because air itself is translucent.



Air magicks include visualization skills and the spoken word. “So Mote It Be” is an affirmation of the element of air. Voice travels by air and verbalization is the element of confirming and strengthening spell weaving. The very being of voice creates an atmosphere that is supported by air. Think of it this way, in space there is no sound because there is no air to vibrate the waves, air is fundamental in voice magicks. Reciting a poem, spell, or chant adds to the element of air reinforcing the magick being utilized. Visualization is another method of reinforcing magickal spell weaving, and even the elements of goals completion of day-to-day life.



Methods of connecting to the element of air include every day of our lives. We are in constant contact with air. Incense that has some smoke plumes provide a visual connection to reinforce the times we work with the air element.



WATER:



As with the other elements water is essential element in the existence of life. It is in essence life itself, the way it flows, and how it represents the journey we make thru life. Water purveys under the realm of divination, intuition, compassion, and general emotions. Water presides over the physical elements of conception, pregnancy, and the womb. With a balance of water life’s journey flows natural and content.



Negative traits of an imbalance of the element of water can include over emotionalism, dramatic, and can be overly reactionary based on feeling rather than balanced thought.



The season of the fall is where the element of water presides.



The water element abides in the realm of the West quarter or compass point.



Colors that represent the water element are blue, light grays, and ocean greens.



Symbols that represent the element of water include the cup and chalice.



Tarot suit represented by water are the cups or chalices.



Astrological Elements of the element of water: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.



Counter elements to balance are: air and fire.



Scrying bowls and divination work with the element of water magick. Water poured in a scrying bowl is said tell the future and enable visions that work with spirit guides. It is said that problems writing on a willow leaf and set adrift upon the water will cleanse the situation and take the problem away. Water magicks work well with issues that deal with emotions like love, hate, and happiness, even fear.



Methods of connecting to the element of water include ritual baths, standing in the rain, and sitting with your bear feet in a lazy stream. Water cleanses and visualize it flowing over your as you seek to understand the element of water.



Elementals are neither good or evil, they are singular in perspective. They work with what they are and only that. They have not progressed or transgressed to emotion or feeling or even thought for that matter.



Care must be taken when working with the elementals. Fire can burn literally. When the elements come to you take what they have and move on, their perspectives can skew our thoughts and lest we become singular like them, care is very much advised.



Most often they come lucid dreams, meditation, astral travel, and some times physical. If every time you turn around and you see fire, things burning, it may be they are trying to contact in order to teach you something.








Element of Fire Altar



Magickal Properties of Oak



Methods of Contacting Spirit Guides

This article-blog-lense is a definition of the different methods of contacting spirit guides. Each type of method for contacting spirits is listed in order of existence upon the dimensional planes, from the base (primordial) to higher levels of existence (nirvana). This is based on my own experience of 25 years of study into the occult, methods and mediums of conjuring (meaning to call forth) spirit guides, and spiritual insight.

While there may be recognized experts in this field, and some of my material may coincide with their synopsis of this subject, this article-blog-lense is still based on my own experiences. An important method to acquiring an understanding or knowledge of principles or spirit contact is to derive as much information as possible. By utilizing alternative sources you can gain a perspective that is affirmed and substantiated as a primary method used by more than one source. Truth is eternal and can only be determined by you, always test what you learn and if you do not feel it appropriate move on, that is your truth.

When working with Spirit Guides the most common mediums used are as follows:

Meditation This is the act of disciplined contemplation and reflection. Highly disciplined meditation is set towards the goal of enlightenment and possibly the connection with spirit guides. It is the process of silence and reflection, proper breathing is critical, and finding that peaceful quiet place of the mind is essential.

Until one is experienced with meditation, it is best to start with guided meditations that are available on recordings from many different vendors. In many of these recordings a verbal guide will take one through the steps necessary to achieve balance, serenity, and peace. Once there one may be guided into a secret garden, or a beach, or even a mountaintop. Then one will attempt visualization techniques to create a world around their mind.

Once someone has developed a safe quiet place that is their own it is much easier for the guides to approach. In meditation one is less apprehensive, it is their created space, and they control the environment, so there is a level of safety that is designed into the creation whether it was subconscious or not. By this time become aware of the subtle messages that abound in the spirit world. It just takes that quiet time to be able to listen.

Astral Projection: A deeper form of meditation. But in this case the person can often travel via spirit form to other places, or other planes of existence, and sometimes very rarely they can travel time. Astral Projection is a method of such deep meditation that one is able to utilize the eternal energy form (spirit) and for a time leave the body. First one should master the meditations, and then slowly move into the Astral Projections. Taking very small steps and learning slowly.

It is unusual but possible to lose oneself in the astral. It can be much like taking a walk in the woods and becoming so involved in the journey that one actually forgets their way. The difference is with Astral Projection the spirit is always connected to the body via a silver cord. Remembering that on astral journeys is essential.

By utilizing astral travel one can learn to ascend or descend the dimensions that exist. And as such this guide is writing in my personal awareness of those levels, beginning with the primordial and ascending to that state of all being. By achieving the multidimensional travel among the planes of existence one is able to become aware of lessons and possibilities that exist that never were considered before.

Automatic Writing: This is the practice of allowing the spirit guide to control the writing hand and the ability for them to convey written messages. The use of a dedicated folder, binder, or other resource that holds paper is recommended.

Focus, relaxation, and the overcoming apprehension are essential in automatic writing. When a guide takes over and begins to write it is a very symbiotic relationship. It is a relationship that is mutual and giving from both sides. Focus on allowing the pen to write, not what is should write. Automatic writing is not about focusing on the words, it is about allowing the action. I have even known several artists that utilize similar methods for there various mediums. Allowing the paint to flow and become what it is meant to be is a way to think about it. An alternative to writing words is the drawing os symbols or pictures in order to convey a message, that is a method of automatic writing also.

Hand Crafted
Wooden Automatic Writing Journal

Ouija Spirit Boards: This is the use of a center planchette on a board or other written medium that the spirit guides can move to spell out messages. Often used by two or more people for those that are concerned about contacting a spirit alone. When used by more than one person it increases the effectiveness and likelihood of contact because physical apprehension is lower from those participating. The phenomenon is that people tend to think the other is moving it, and thus actually allowing the spirit to manipulate it more freely.

Spirit Boards are an old medium that some have traced as far back as Egypt. It is merely a method similar to automatic writing of allowing the spirit guide to control the planchette rather than ones arm or hand. A simple board with the letters of the alphabet and numbers are all that is required as minimum. Personally I hand craft wood spirit boards using symbols that are know for attracting spirits and I infuse the boards with 9 moon elements that are traditional for spirit contact.

And one last note on Spirit Boards, way to much fear and propaganda have been hyped into the Ouija Board. That fear propaganda sells a lot of movies, books, and does great at revival meetings. I have never been attacked, mocked, beaten, haunted, or anything negative by a spirit board in the 30+ years I have been using them. The worse situation I had was a 16-year-old boy who had a tendency to monopolize the board because he was lonely. There is nothing to fear but fear itself when using a spirit board.

Hand Crafted Wood Spirit Boards

Seances: Usually utilizes the use of a medium and one or more participants to conjure spirit guides. This is a combined meditation that focuses energy into the medium in order to open the minds eye to those that are around us.

Closely related to the Spirit Board and a séance can be conducted with a spirit board. It is the method of several people coming together in order to summon a specific lost loved one or spirit as in the movies. But in the occult world it is more the method of contacting what is near at the time. Often spirits follow family members hoping to get a few last messages in before passing to the other side.

Sadly this method has seen its fair share of charlatans, spiritual vampires, and power mongers. I do recommend anyone that participates utilize a fair amount of scrutiny during the event. I also recommend establishing psychic barriers not as much for the spirits as for the potential psychic vampire mediums.


Divination Wood Portable Table

Vision Quests: An ancient tradition common with old European, African, and Native American traditions. It is to exercise extreme physical action in order to allow the mind to enter a state of connection with spirit guides. This can include sweat lodges, physical exertion (running in the heat), and some cultures use hallucinogenics to enable the vision quest.

Like meditation and astral projection methods, vision quests take a fair amount of preparation on all three levels. Physical, spiritual, and mental disciplines are essential in order to have an effective vision quest. Take time to prepare, exercise and get the physical body in shape. Focus on cleansing the spirit of negative energies. And take time to contemplate the journey you are going to participate in. These events should not be taken light heartedly, but rather seriously.

Invoking Spirits: A method most commonly utilized by pagans, gypsys, and some mediums to call upon specific spirits and draw them into the presence of the group. Sometimes utilized during seances, but most often during pagan ritual in order to commune with loved ones, diety, fairy, mythology, and the magic of earth herself.

Invoking Spirits most often utilizes a ritual that embraces the elements of the spirit being summoned. The ritual takes into consideration the elements that the spirit prefers, to include; herbs, incense, flowers, stones, and etc. Often it entails the casting of a circle and the recitation of a poem, ode, or song to the spirit. And then it proceeds to commune with the spirit for lessons to be learned or messages to be conveyed. These rituals can be conducted in solitude or group formats

Sensitivity: This is usual by a person, medium, or clairvoyant that is aware of his/her surroundings. I personally believe that all people can develop this talent with discipline and practice, but some are naturally inclined and born with such a talent. It may be auditory, visual, smell, touch, emotion, or just a knowing of what is near.

Sensitivity encompasses a link or bond between a person and with a (or several) spirits. It is that connection that allows people to hear, see, smell, or visualize the message being sent. This type of connection can be trained but takes great time and energy to acquire the discipline. Some people may have a natural tendency for this connection due to an accident, genetic precondition, or training since childhood, and thus require little or no training or discipline. Children that are allowed to believe in these connections rather than being ridiculed or shunned are much more likely to carry it into adulthood.

Lucid Dreaming: By far the most common and maybe the easiest method of contact. It is the process of remembering your dreams. Focus meditation before one goes to sleep with the last thoughts to remember the dreams. I also advise using a dream journal next to the bed in order to write down the dreams when one first awakens.

Relaxation and contemplation are the effective means to completing lucid dreaming. It is similar to meditation or astral journeys, but allows the mind to take over during periods of rest. Physical distractions are less likely during lucid dreaming and often for people of higher stress levels it becomes a preferred method of contact. The key is to focus on the dream, write down the details, and then contemplate the meaning the next day.

How to Make a Magical Dream Pillow




Hand Crafted
Wooden Dream Journal

There are surely more methods that can be added here but for the sake of this blog, and based on my experience these are by far the most common.

Wolf Spirit Guide and other Animal Totems

The magic and wisdom of the oak tree




The Oak tree is tied with culture and magic back to the beginning of mankind. Tall and majestic is the tree, hard is the wood of the oak, and acorns provide sustenance. These are reasons the oak has become a very important tree across many lands. This article provides some insight and lore about the ancient oak.



Many cultures come to revere the oak tree as a magickal tree, potent and full of energy. Because early man derived many resources from the tree, acorns for food, wood for fire, and in some cases even the trunk for shelter; there has been a long relationship between man and the tree.



Native American children used to play “tree tag” where touching a tree provided the person safety. Traditionally this safety tree was the oak tree. Many Native Americans viewed the oak tree as a symbol of strength with many supernatural powers. In fact, the tradition of “knocking on wood” is said to be of Native American origin in order to avert the failing of a boast or hopeful prediction. The tradition believes that it is bad luck to boast, claim victory, or predict bounty; in today’s culture we would consider it to “jinx” a situation and therefore knock on wood to avert the failing.



Because of the tendency for the oak tree to be struck by lightening many cultures related the tree to the gods of the sky. Native Americans related it to the sky god, Nordics related the tree to Thor, and the Greeks related the tree to Zeus. Hercules is often depicted carrying a club, staff, or wand made of oak. And to him the tree was sacred because of its tendency to attract lightening.



A tradition that may date back to the times of the Celts and the Druids is the ashes from oak wood fires were deemed to be magical. These ashes were said to protect the bearer from lightening and fire. Burning the leaves of the oak will purify the atmosphere, and alternative to some incenses used today. Some used the ashes as magically talismans and in spell weaving for good health and longevity.



Oak groves were very sacred to the Druids and Celts in kind. Druid legend says that embracing the tree within a sacred grove can provide answers to question previously left void. Serpent eggs, the odd growth bulbs of oak trees were used in magickal charms. Wands of potent magic were made of the oak.



As a method of divination the druids would listen to the wrens in the oak trees or the rustling of the oak leaves for messages and whispers of things to come.



Druids taught that using oak with spell magic would assure success. Druids also focused a marriage ceremony around the tree to assure a long and sustained union, based on the oak trees symbiotic relations ship with mistletoe. Oak being of the male God, and mistletoe being of the female Goddess, it symbolizes the eternal union of both.



Druids also taught that during the time of Yule all fires were extinguished. Then the Yule log made of oak wood was set ablaze to start the year anew. And people of the area would start their fires from this source.



Acorn was a base in magicks used to assure fertility, being a symbol of the seed. And such, because the acorn also represents immortality, there is a strong association and using the acorn during the sabbet of Samhain. Part of the decorations, eating the acorn, and centering the ritual upon the acorn is such uses.



Because the oak is of the polarity of the male qualities, it is an excellent source for making magickal tools like athames, staffs, and specific wands. Magickal properties of the oak include longevity, stamina, prosperity, presence, will, and liberation.



Gypsy tradition tends to hold the same truths about oak, as did the Druids. The oak groves are sacred and spell weaving in a grove assured success of that spell. In these same groves it was possible to commune with the fairy realm, for the oak is home to many a Fae. Many warriors used oak as a protective talisman, as their armor was “padded” with oak not only for the strength of the wood, but because the wood is magickal. Wonderful gypsy traditions include a child’s game during the fall to catch the falling leaves of the oak; each one that is caught assures a surprise during the winter moons. Plant an acorn during the waxing moon and it is said to draw gold to you.



Other lore, legends, and uses of the Oak include:



Tradition says that acorns are gathered by the light of the day, while the wood and leaves are harvested during the light of the moon. Pour fertilizer, water, crystals, or wine on the roots to thanks the tree for their sacrifice.



Acorns should be placed in the window to ward evil. Also acorns hung in the window from the sill are said to bring prosperity and luck to the home.



A handful of oak leaves in a bath will cleanse the water, allowing rejuvenation of body and spirit.



White oak bark teas can break up congestion. Acorns are said to treat constipation. Teas made for the oak bark in general are said to provide relief for hemorrhoids.



Oak wood fires are said to draw off illness and disease.



Some old scripts purport of a charm made of three acorns, the casters hair, bound and tied, blessed under a new moon and a full moon, for a full year, will provide a charm to last a lifetime.



Nordic and other legends also say that the Oak tree is the gateway to the three worlds of the Shaman.



Wearing an oak leaf on the chest next to the heart is said to protect the wearer from lies and deceit.



Other deities that are considered related to this tree are: Herne, Wodin, Perkunas, Jupiter, Cybele, Rhea, Pan, Erato, Hecate, Dianus, Janus, and Brighid. The oak is the tree of Dagda, Chief of the Elder Irish Gods.



Legend says that King Arthurs Round Table was made from a Giant Oak Tree.



So remember the Mighty and Majestic Oak the next time you prepare a spell, ritual, or focused meditation. The tree has much to offer as we make our journey in this realm.



Real Oak

Witches Wand



Magickal Properties of Trees




10 Primary Pagan Gemstones