A Method I’ve adapted for checking and temporarily repairing wards quickly.
All you need is some paper, a pen and something to channel and read the energy (Crystals are a fine example).
Take your piece of paper and your reader and while holding the reader, close your eyes and try to sense the energy of the space and its wards. Transfer that feeling onto the paper.
Once you’ve envision your ward and space, take your pen (keeping your eyes closed) and start scribbling back and forth weaving the energy together in that spot that you see in your mind.
To help find weak spots that need repair I associate certain energy colors and hot/cold signatures with different needs – which is something you can find or create for your personal associations of your wards.
If you do feel an area needs to be repaired, I thicken the scribbling in that area while weaving the energy in my mind. Vice-versa erasing with pen if needed to be cleansed or cleared.
You can also use this method to bind areas or add sigils/runetic protection to the wards.
Before we get into it, I have a little disclaimer:
Warning: Do not attempt this technique if you have serious physical or mental health problems. I take no responsibility for any damage this practice causes you. You have been warned.
So what the fuck is death posture anyway? You’ll hear lots of chaote’s throw the term around without much explanation. Simply put, it is a kind of alternate form of meditation. Of course, it is a little more complicated than that. Austin Osman Spare, the creator of death posture, defines it in the following way in his book “The Book of Pleasure”:
“Lying on your back lazily, the body expressing the condition of yawning, suspiring while conceiving by smiling, that is the idea of the posture. Forgetting time with those things which were essential-reflecting their meaninglessness, the moment is beyond time and its virtue has happened.
Standing on tip-toe, with the arms rigid, bound behind by the hands, clasped and straining the utmost, the neck stretched- breathing deeply and spasmodically, till giddy and sensation comes in gusts, gives exhaustion and capacity for the former.
Gazing at your reflection till it is blurred and you know not the gazer, close your eyes (this usually happens involuntarily) and visualize. The light (always an X in curious evolutions) that is seen should be held on to, never letting go, till the effort is forgotten, this gives a feeling of immensity (which sees a small form ), whose limit you cannot reach. This should be practised before experiencing the foregoing. The emotion that is felt is the knowledge which tells you why.”
So that’s all well and good, but lets put it into some more modern terms. This is the way that I do death posture. Keep in mind, this is just the way I do it, and there is not an “absolutely correct” way to do something in chaos magick. This is just the way it works for me. Feel free to change any of it to suit your personal needs.
1. Find a place where you won’t be interrupted for a while, preferably a nice, quiet dark room.
2. With your back to a wall, close your eyes (closing your eyes is not always necessary, depending on your goal) and stand on your toes. Lock your arms behind your back with your hands interlocked together. Arch your back and extend your neck as far as you can.
3. Your breathing will become/should become more labored and faster, bordering on hyperventilating. You’ll also start to feel tingly and exhausted. It will feel intense, so be prepared.
4. You will begin to feel incredibly uncomfortable, start hyperventilating, and your vision (if you keep your eyes open) will begin to blur, but stay locked in this pose for as long as it is possible.
5. Right before you collapse from the strain, you will enter a kind of altered mental state. At this point, you may feel like your floating, or like your muscles are on fire. While in this state, it will be possible to do certain acts of visualization. This is also when sigils can be charged, or an affirmation can be said.
6. Collapse to the floor and relax. Hopefully, you didn’t blackout, but it is possible. You will probably feel fairly strange but this is normal. Do whatever banishing ritual you feel necessary (I usually go with a laughter banishing, but it doesn’t really matter as long as it works for you) and then get up slowly so you don’t accidentally fall over and crack your head open.
So why the hell would you want to do this? It sounds pretty awful.
Well, yeah. It kind of is awful. That’s the point. I initially said that death posture was a kind of meditation, which is true in a sense. Claudio Naranjo once said:
“The word ‘meditation’ has been used to designate a variety of practices that differ enough from one another so that we may find trouble in defining what meditation is.“
Death posture exemplifies this, as it is meditation, just not in the sense of what we typically imagine meditation being. Like any form of meditation, the primary goal is to attain a state of gnosis (something I will cover more in depth in a later WTF is article), but in attaining this gnostic state, you then use it for a work, whether a sigil, spell, or whatever.
But wait, how do I use a mental state for spellcraft/sigil craft?
You’ll hear me often say this, echoing a bit from bluefluke‘s Psychonaut field manual, but visualization, visualization, visualization. You’ll need to hold the image of what your are trying to accomplish in your mind’s eye when the gnostic state is entered (and preferably for the entire duration of the instance of death posture.) I’ll cover different visualization techniques in a later article.
Thanks to enochtopus for suggesting I talk about this. I think I’ll do sigil magick next, then move on to gnosis and visualization.
Warding can be a wonderful tool, especially if you work with spirits or just want a good protection system. The idea of warding is simple: an object made with intent to protect you from outside forces (particularly malevolent or unwanted ones) whether tangible or intangible. However, the keeping and creating of wards while residing in a house where you keep your practice secret isn’t so simple.
Whatever your reason for staying secret and practicing in private, warding most likely could be of some use to you. Even if all you are trying to ward off is an annoying neighbour or solicitors. Here are my tips and ideas for warding while watched, coming from me, a secret witch with around 5 or 6 years of experience at this point.
Kept in Plain Sight
Keep random objects that you make wards. Not only does this save your hide, but also your bank account. Use what you’ve got. Everything has potential to be magical in some way.
Snowglobes can act similar to witch’s balls (a suspended clear or translucent ball that catches energy and traps it for you to release somewhere else)
Windchimes make good “alarms” as long as you position them where there aren’t any drafts. If you enchant them, they can potentially work as a trespasser warning. If touched by a spirit or energy, they may chime.
Mobiles or other suspended objects (at one point I made a weird three dimensional decagon in math class that I used as a ward) can be enchanted to act as wards.
Mirrors, when pointed outwards in a window, can reflect the energy back to the sender. Some believe that they can be portals for spirits, so you can enchant it to be a one way portal to the other side, that way things can go in, but not out into your home.
A slightly less inconspicuous option involving mirrors is the mirror-lined box (called the devil’s toybox, if I recall it correctly). Basically, mirrors are placed all along the walls of a box, where they point towards the inside. When kept, it is thought that any spirit passing by can be caught inside and taken elsewhere to be released. This is because of the confusing nature of the mirrors. However, if you believe that the mirrors are portals, it may just be an inescapable hallway leading to the doorway of a portal. Again, enchanting it to be a one way deal is a good idea, in my opinion. If you wanted to disguise it, you could pass it off as a neat toy or storage solution for things… Decorate the outside rather mundanely to not only distract any suspicion, but also to lead the intruding spirit to believe it is just a box to hide in or explore. Be sure to warn any spirits you welcome into your home about this to ensure they don’t get stuck.
Hanging ornaments are great, especially during the holiday season if you tend to be festive anyway. Place them on a tree, or hang them from your ceiling if it seems easy enough. Throughout the rest of the year, you can try other warding systems, or incorporate these into something else… Or keep them up. You do you.
Have a necklace? Enchant it. Not only will this ward off any unpleasantries while you are out and about, but it will also do so at home or wherever else. Hang it up somewhere such as a necklace tree or hook on your wall. It can be made of anything. I used to do this with a really cool Edward Scissorhands necklace I got forever ago at Hot Topic. It just screams ward to me. I need to find it again haha
Artwork can be used, especially if you incorporate a sigil or protective phrase. Painting over it completely works, too.
Pillows can protect you while you sleep. Enchant them. If you have decor pillows, you can do the same thing!
Decorate your ceiling fan or blind’s pulley system with enchanted charms, or just charge those that are already there.
I am going to list some other things that you can also enchant for the sake of the length and repetiveness of this post:
Doormats, Wreaths, door knockers, door knobs (drawer knobs, too), windows/curtains, random decor objects, garden statues, light bulbs (as they heat, they can intensify the intent you added), belts, pens, backpacks… You get the idea!
Kept Above Sight
This is one of my favourite tactics. All you have to do is place small wards above the sight level of the people you are hiding them from. Sounds weird, I know. But it works, and you can avoid a ton of clutter and save a lot of space.
On the ledge of a doorway, put enchanted pennies or other coins. Tape slips of paper up there after you charge the sigil on it. Put a string of thread or yarn from edge to edge on the ledge, and enchant it to disarm any negative or unwelcome energies that pass through it.
Bookshelves that are tall and deep make perfect spots for thin objects. They are hard to see from the front, and easily forgotten when seen from the side. You can even stack things on top if you have room between the top of the shelf and your ceiling. If not, this is an even better option, as it will be less likely to be searched for any reason.
Have any hanging decor? Is a part of it out of sight near the top? Place wards there, if you want. Sigils work good in my experience.
Vents. I know, it sounds strange, a tad silly. But if you have vents in high places, you can slip a few enchanted pennies or stones into them… Just be cautious, as this can become a bit bulky and suspicious if you don’t clean it out every once in a while.
Curtains are great for hiding wards that you can stick onto things. Enchant something like a sticker, maybe one of those 3D ones so it holds more energy. Stick it on the back of your curtain near the top, between a fold. I doubt anyone will find it, and if they do… “Well, how did that get there?”
Kept Beneath Sight
Simple enough, and more easily accessible than hiding things above your head.
Beneath the carpet, near the edges, you can slip things under it. Base boards usually have a little space that you can slip things underneath, too. Rugs are similar, I just suggest keeping your ward soft, and sticky so it stays under the rug.
Under your bed, you might have a few slats that keep it stable and supported. Between those and the box spring, wards/sigils can be placed and hidden.
Shoeboxes in your closet are good on their own, but so are the shoes within them. Underneath the sole is a good spot for soft, thin wards. And if you decorate them with things, those can be enchanted too.
Drawers have a ceiling of sorts, whether that be the drawer above them or the counter it sits under. Place wards there too.
Similar to the drawers, the underside of a couch (especially farther in) works well. Other chairs may work as well.
Keep Them in Different Places
Switch up where you put things. Move around the objects so as not to cause suspicion. Ex: why is this water bottle that’s full never used, nor moved? Create a simple rotation system and change it once in a while. This makes it more natural, as most people move decor and such around as seasons or taste changes. However, if you don’t, maybe skip this tip.
self care isnt always lush bath bombs and $20 face masks. sometimes, it’s going to bed at 8pm or letting go of a bad friend. its forgiving yourself for not meeting your impossible standards and understanding you are worth it, nonetheless. self care isnt always luxury, but a mean for survival.
Aries:Against common beliefs doesn’t have to run and move all the time, though it’s a possibility as well. Can’t stand boredom but may enjoy things like reading, writing or similiar things if not the type to run around. Very afraid of the future but manages anyway. Also very insecure about their skills and gets jealous when they see someone’s better at it but doesn’t stop working on it. Not always the greatest at building you up but instead especially good at cheering you up and distracting you.
Taurus: Would literally do anything for their family (as a parent). Enjoys spontaneity a lot but sometimes needs a little push. May determine their their self-worth by how others treat them: if you treat them well they won’t have (as much) trouble thinking well about themselves either and vice versa. Has a fine eye for what other people’s talents are and enjoys making others feel good. Likes observing; notices the small things and appreciates them.
Gemini: Really just wants others to ask them how they are and mean it, even if they don’t want to answer. Have a lot of thoughts going through their head all the time and don’t know how to put them in words. If not so mature yet may have problems with talking, especially if it’s about their feelings because they feel like nobody understands what they really want to say even if others do, when already matured often very good at talking. Enjoy debating and talking a LOT. Also often high-key bookworms.
Cancer: Can be one of the coldest signs if you push them too far. Probably better at everything artsy snd creative than you. Wants to be a good friend but doesn’t always enjoy listening to you complaining (who can blame them). Often very sensual, even if not as much as Taurus. May not have powers of recall like Scorpio or Taurus moon but will still remember the important things, even if you think they weren’t important or that they’re long forgotten. Usually loves animals and animals love them.
Leo: Most likely loves (little) kids, even if they don’t want to have them. Very generous and affectionate if they like you but no matter if they do or don’t, as soon as they feel like you take their place in their family (which can also be their friends) or there’s a high possibility of someone they love liking you better or giving you more or even the same amount of love and attention they’re going to attack you and it definitely won’t be a nice experience, no matter if you actually had the intention or not. Probably loves it when friends and such play with their hair.
Virgo: Often good at team work, even if it does not have to look like it. If you ask them if they could do you a favor, chances are they’re going to say yes without asking what kind of favor, even if you’re not friends. Can be pretty blunt at times. Is not only smart but also often looks smart. Does care about what others think of them but is also the type to just say ‘fuck ‘em’ and do their own thing.
Libra:Loved by everyone. High-key romantic and in love with love but as soon as a relationship is starting to get serious becomes scared and wants to be free again. Their friend’s problems are important to them, no matter if they show it or help you with them or not. Gets along with almost everyone immediatly. May have trouble showing friends love in a way that seems completely sincere.
Scorpio: Doesn’t seem deep and intense at all. Actually is. You have literally no idea what they’re feeling and if you do, consider yourself lucky. Hates being weak or weaker and may not be honest about their emotions. Wants to be successful and in control so they can’t stand others being better at something than them. Wants you to know that they love you and that you can trust them even if they don’t always show it.
Sagittarius: Standards as high as the Empire State Building. Works very hard but is still pretty lazy. Fun as hell to be around and has a unique and endearing wit. Probably plays science quizs at home. Won’t judge you for your beliefs but still wants you to believe in what they believe in. Enjoys being outdoors as much as spending weeks in their room with netflix and a toilet.
Capricorn:May not want to admit it but is super scared that nobody will ever love them. Good listener if they want to but not the best at making you feel good about yourself. Will want to help you but they’re always their first priority. If they make you their first priority, know you’re lucky my friend. Often has a good relationship with at least one parent or looks up to them. Doesn’t like crowds and parties a whole lot.
Aquarius: Often very popular and everyone enjoys being around them. May have been bullied or made fun of when they were younger though. Most of the time they don’t like having someone around when they’re feeling sad or are having a break down. May not only be but also feel the need to be unique and a rebel. Because of this they often have very unique interests and hobbies and they may enjoy clothes that seem somewhat different. This doesn’t mean they have a bad taste, just a different one. Their taste in all kind of things is usually a bit off but still bomb.
Pisces: Very sweet, even if they don’t like it. Very blunt, not often though. Complains a lot. Lovely to look at, especially when they’re in love and/or adore someone. Don’t give themselves enough credit for their skills and talents. Probably better at everything artsy and creative than you, just like Cancer moon. Music is their best friend, next to their imagination.
we somehow found our love for the occult and decided we wanted to dive in head first, and then didn’t realize where to start
“is this a good one?” we say as we skim through the tiny metaphysical section at our local bookstore, and walk out with a mishmash of titles from various authors, all with conflicting opinions
we jot down notes in old school notebooks because that leather grimoire we found online was too expensive
we ditched the books we read over and over again and turned to the internet, hungry for hidden knowledge
we all stumbled upon spellsofmagic.com and tried to do the unthinkable before realizing that it wasn’t working and got discouraged
we realized that *gasp* you can write your own spells, but how?
we spent hours compiling correspondences for every herb and spice in our kitchen pantry, and dug through boxes to find our old crystal or seashell collection from when we were kids thinking “i could probably use these for… something”
we spent too much money on candles and incense before realizing we could get them cheaper online
we practiced drawing sigils and symbols to make them perfect before crumpling up the paper and starting all over
we learned to go outside and look at the moon to see what phase it was in and how we could possibly use that to our advantage
“what cardinal direction was for fire again? south?” we went back to the drawing board, digging through our notes to find the section in which we wrote down the information before giving up and doing a quick google search instead
we set up wiccan altars because we didn’t know that there was anything else out there at first
we learned about intent, and made sure that we were careful to stir our tea or coffee in one direction or the other to set the mood for the day
we would squint at bottles of body wash in the shower to find the ingredients and quickly figure out how to use them for magick: “jasmine and lavender? i think that’s good for peace or something”
we say little incantations when we cook dinner, or pour food for our pets – “bunny, you are happy and healthy. enjoy!”
every witch has gone through their own version of uncertainty and unknowing when they first started practicing. everyone’s path is different, and the situations leading up to our current state, made us the witches we are today. your path is yours, and yours alone. don’t let anyone take that from you.
@fightfortheftr (April 19, 2018): There have been a lot of inaccurate reports that the FCC’s repeal of #NetNeutrality will officially go into effect next week on April 23rd. That’s not true. It’s a bit more complicated than that. Ready? Here we go:
Its understandable many journos are confused by this. It’s legitimately confusing. The FCC order said it would go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, which would have been April 23rd. But, it still has to be approved by the Office of Management & Budget.
There was another FCC filing in the Federal Register that would imply the earliest the OMB could approve this (and its worth noting that approval is basically just a technicality) is actually April 27th, but its likely to happen some time after that, possibly even weeks after.
The most important thing for EVERYONE to understand is that nothing catastrophic or dramatic is going to happen immediately when the FCC rules go into effect. Telecom shills will immediately start saying “See? The sky didn’t fall, we never needed #NetNeutrality.“
They’re lying.
The ISPs aren’t going to immediately start blocking content or rolling out paid prioritization scams. They know Congress and the public are watching them. Rather, the death of #NetNeutrality will be slow and insidious. You might not even notice it at first.
And that’s the worst part. What will happen is over time ISP scams and abuses will become more commonplace and more accepted. They’ll roll out new schemes that appear good on their face but undermine the free market of ideas by allowing ISPs to pick winners and losers.
Over time we’ll see less awesome startups. Less awesome videos. Less diverse online content. And we’ll see more content that our ISPs want us to see. The Internet will be watered down and manipulated. It will change forever in ways that harm our democracy.
But it will take time.
So: don’t fall for ISP lobbyists talking points. They’re ALREADY claiming that #NetNeutrality was never needed since the sky hasn’t fallen, and the rules haven’t even gone into effect. But also don’t panic. The Internet is not going to die next week. Keep calm and keep fighting.
The Senate will vote in a matter of weeks on a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to block the FCC’s repeal. Now is the moment to get engaged.
If you live in a state shaded in red, tell your officials to get their freaking shit together and help support the CRA for #NetNeutrality. If you don’t live in a state shaded in red, help those people. Call, Message, Text, something!
Unknown bounds is a 17 plus LGBTQ exclusive discord server for all forms of magic.
Unlike other servers, we are a book club that reads everything from folk magic, to chaos magic and witchcraft. In the past we have read Graveyard wanderers and Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits by Emma Wilby.
All the books and activities in this server are 100% free.
We also are starting new optional activities like tarot/divination activities, and have frequent server wide discussions. This server is good if you want more resources or you just to meet new people.
If any of this sounds interesting, you can apply here (X)
The application process was made to weed out any unwanted people. (TERFs, fascists, racist and the like).
Candlelight-magick 