Lodestone & Lady's Mantle - Finding Real Magic

Looking for Something Special?

Finding Real Magic
by Carmin

    Myriad Traditions give us very specific instructions on the PROPER way to perform magic, usually contradictory, with the assumed purpose of giving us something to fight about. The top three on the list are the PROPER way to cast a circle, elemental grouping of ritual tools, and last but not least, the legitimacy of someone else's degree or Tradition. Lets begin, shall we?

Is She a Real Shaman?

    Certain traditions, including one of my favorite, the Third Road, created by Francesca deGrandis, do indeed use classic shamanic initiatory principles and techniques, without raping the belief systems of native and third world cultures. This is a rare gem. Most so-called shamans are nothing more than white guys with an ethnicity complex, strong traces of racial guilt and a mid-life crisis attempting to preserve a culture like a butterfly pinned behind glass. Braids, bad mullets, hair dye, feathers and fake tans do not an Apache make. I am part Cherokee , and even being raised within that culture, was not privy to all the" ancient secrets" of my tribe. Because most of it is lost. Racial memories in our double helix. Mom taught me how to use indigenous plants medicinally. How my great grandmother walked the Trail and was so stubborn ("just like me") that she came back, by-and-by. She also taught us the Irish stories and legends, and all about stone soup. To be proud of what we were, and why we were. I still remember a time when it wasn't "cool" to be Indian, Irish, Dutch, or Portuguese. Much less all four. My point is this: You can't have the good without going through everything that was bad about it. The idea that there are many authors claiming fake titles and fake lineage for personal gain, contributing nothing back to their to their "tribe" is reprehensible. There are many things to learn from a myriad of cultures, including your very own.

    Unless you can show me that you were raised within an indigenous culture, and apprenticed with the village shaman/witchdoctor/medicine man or woman, or have an Anthropology degree, and can tell me why you want to share this knowledge, there isn't a stony chance in Tir na Og that I'm gonna attend your class at the local New Age store that's sponsoring you for some nebulous reason

    And finally, a real Witch is someone who worships nature with love, sincerity, and joy.
All these things are expressed in her life, as naturally as a rose unfolds. You will know a real Witch by her intent, and by the eyes.

Part 4 - Circle Casting

"Why We're Here"
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