Crone Musings Bookclub: Recent Episodes
Lily Maialen
Join your host, Priestess Lily Maialen, in the exploration of different philosophies and practices within the world of paganism and the occult one book at a time. Ready to know?
Sorry for the delay! My excuse - TAXES! Ugh. Glad they are done for this year. :)
In today's podcast we are learning more about energy - especially that we do NOT have to be spiritual, a witch, or any other religion to learn how to harness it and use it. Some people probably do it all of the time and are not even aware.
Tune in to learn more!
This chapter deals with energetic magick outside ritual or spellcasting. Including but not limited to kitchen and herbal magick.
In the introduction, I read a bit about the 'hado' of water. Here is an in-depth look at the study - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Emoto
Tune in to learn more techniques to enhance your magick!
The exercises in this chapter give us an opportunity to put action behind what we've learned about using existing spells or writing our own.
Speaking of spells, the Storm Moon is up this Friday and Ostara is Sunday. This is a great time to practice what we've learned about raising energy.
Friday I plan to do a spell for Ukraine - some witches used this past new (dark) moon for a Ukraine protection spell.
Here is a link to the article I mentioned -
https://wildhunt.org/2022/03/occult-practitioners-prepare-for-global-ritual-to-aid-ukraine.html
In this chapter, Mya talks about rewriting existing spells around your current intention. These can be spells you've already written or those you find in a book. I have a little Book of Spells that is perfect for a quick spell!
She also brings new awareness to correspondences and their purpose.
Listen in and try the first exercise~
In this chapter we are learning the art of raising energy and directing it into an object or out into the ethers.
Where do you feel your passion? In your Heart Chakra or Solar Plexus? How about the Sacral?
Mya Ohm teaches how to reach inside and pull up passionate energy to put behind our spell-work - like using a rocket booster! :)
Tune in to learn more!
Now that we've learned how to sense energy, in this chapter we will learn how to manipulate the energy for our spellwork.
Raising energy is difficult unless you know how to do it and what works best for you. AND, raising energy is a must for spellwork as your desire and will are sent through this energy out into the Universe to carry our request.
We will be doing Chapter 3 exercises in the next podcast.
I've recorded a little meditation similar to the meditation in the Exercise section of this chapter.
Enjoy!
I'm back! So sorry for the lapse in podcasts. Got so busy in the beginning of the year that time got away from me. :) Thank you for your patience!
I've decided to close the Patreon for now as I have found that there is a considerable learning curve to making videos to post on Patreon. That being said, I am going to read and discuss the exercises at the end of this chapter since they are worth reading.
Energy can be tangible once you become used to how it feels. You can develop your ability to sense energy through the exercises in this chapter.
Ready to explore a new experience?
Hope you all had a great holiday season! I apologize for the long hiatus, time flew by so quickly, it didn't feel as long as it was. :)
In this chapter Mya talks about learning to 'feel' energy. It is tangible and once we learn to feel energy, it makes it easier to work with.
There are several exercises for this chapter and I will be providing videos for some of them
on my patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cronemusingsbookclub.
Woo hoo! This is a great book for spellcasting and understanding the energy involved in magick.
The author, Maya Om, has been active in the craft since 1998 and brings new wisdom to the act of spellcasting and witchcraft - understanding the energy behind it.
In the first chapter, Ms. Om, talks about knowing yourself and really defining your intention when casting a spell. She provides a list of questions to ask yourself before creating a spell for your intention.
Ready to be a powerful Witch?
This will be the last chapter for Dr. Edith Fiore's The Unquiet Dead. We are moving into a more festive time and the Season of the Witch is coming to a close. :)
We've learned much about spirit possession and lost disembodied souls. Now it is time to learn what to do if we are experiencing unwanted guests.
In this chapter Dr. Fiore gives us ideas on how to clear our home of an unwanted spirit(s), then to shield it from further invasion. Toward the end she offered an example of what to say to a spirit in your home.
Ready to help a spirit?
We have learned much about spirit possession but in this chapter we will learn how spirits can enter through our Aura.
Dr. Fiore advises the various ways spirits can enter our auras and possess us. Certain lifestyle
choices, severe depression, and even during surgery!
Listen in to get more details . . .
'Tis the Season of the Witch!
In this chapter, Dr. Fiore elaborates on how a person might feel if possessed by a spirit.
Those who suffer addictions such as alcoholism tend to have wounded and torn auras. Auras are part of our spiritual protection and when broken open allow spirits to enter and possess
a living person.
Some alcoholics have committed horrible acts while in a blackout but not
remember anything about it the next day. Dr. Fiore feels this is when the spirit takes over the host. This also happens to people with addictions to various other drugs.
There are various symptoms of a possession and Dr. Fiore gives examples as well as the discovery of when and how the patient became possessed.
'Tis the Season of the Witch!
I have a new microphone! NO MORE interference from AM Radios. :)
In Chapter 4, Dr. Fiore tells us about NDE's (Near Death Experience) and the common threads in their stories of what happened when they nearly died.
In Chapter 5, we learned of reasons spirits may not immediately cross over - family issues, revenge, or pure ignorance that they are dead. Very interesting thoughts on this as we explore why a spirit refuses to enter into or run from the 'White Light'.
Ready to think of other dimensions?
The awareness of spirit possession has been around since biblical times, it isn't a new phenomenon. Many cultures have varying beliefs around spirit possession and how it comes about.
In today's busy culture - as a collective - spirit possession is considered to be a lot of hocus pocus and a pastime for those inclined to believe in 'anything'. But when evidence presents itself to an individual, it is more difficult to deny.
In this chapter, Dr. Fiore cites biblical passages around spirit possession and discusses different cultures and their approach to spirit possession.
Ready to learn more beyond the Veil? Perfect time of year as the veil becomes thinner.
Just what is 'spirit' possession?
Is it the same as 'demonic' possession?
How do you know if you are possessed by a Spirit?
These are the questions Dr. Fiore brings to light in the first two chapters of the book.
She describes a few of her cases that led to the discovery of spirit possession thus prompting her to research more and more about this phenomenon.
Bye the way, I will be ending these little descriptions with 'Tis the Season of the Witch' through the first week of November. Because . . .IT IS! :)
Since Chapter 12 is so short, I decided to combine it with Chapter 13.
In Chapter 12, Penczak shares his experiences with others and their connection with the Higher Self. Do you recognize the voice of your Higher Self?
In Chapter 13, Penczak discusses the various ways and reasons to invoke a Spirit. For example, shape-shifting, riding, and channeling are methods of invoking a Spirit. Need to feel more confident for a job interview? Invoke a Spirit who inspires confidence and wisdom like Athena. Listen in to get a more detailed description of each . . .
Ready to ride?
"WE ARE CREATOR GODS. The same ability used to create us from the Great Spirit is an inherent power in all of us." Introduction to Chapter 11Imagine being the powerful creator you are. It's hard to fathom with our third dimensional mind. Think of the times you wished for something so much that through various channels,
you got what you wanted.
I started singing for rain in the spring because AZ is so dry. Then we had a very wet monsoon season - something we haven't seen in at least the last five years. Did I bring rain to Arizona? Maybe - or maybe I just ASKED for it and with everyone in AZ having the same desire brought
the rain.
So, this chapter will be a good challenge for some of us that tend to think small. :)
Ready to create?
This is a long chapter so I only read a portion.
Some really great ideas on how to connect and incorporate the help of the elemental kingdom. Lack a green thumb? Work with the plant Deva to find out how the plant thrives.
"As we have spiritual allies to help us in our higher aspirations, we have allies responsible for the material world . . ." Book Excerpt
In this chapter we learn how to connect to the Devas in the elemental kingdom as well as learning a bit about their hierarchy.
I have had numerous experiences with the elementals so I know this to be true but how interesting to think of a crystal with a residing Deva.
For ritual, this chapter gives us a more in-depth view of our elemental allies - Earth, Fire, Water, and Air.
Ready to meet the Fae?
Surprise! I mixed it up a bit. I was feeling a bit magical and looking to pull an oracle card for the day. I chose the Goddess Oracle deck but a picture of 'You are a Goddess' popped into my head. So, I just closed my eyes and concentrated, asking which Goddess wanted to speak today and Lilith came forward. Once I started reading I just felt we need to interrupt our normally programmed podcast to honor Lilith.
There is a short invitation toward the end - set in music - taken from the book.
Please enjoy!
Here is a link to the book 'You are a Goddess' if you would like to look it over.
"Any Spirit who has adopted the role of protector is your guardian. They are the easiest Spirits to call."Most people believe in a guardian whether it be guardian Angels, or other protector in the metaphysical realm.
In Chapter 9, Penczak discusses the various protection methods we can invoke in times of crisis or simply feeling intimidated by a situation.
He also speaks more broadly about the role of guardians in our lives and what protection is offered and what protection is off limits.
Ready to meet your Guardians?
"Everyone works with a power animal. We all have an animal nature."In this chapter, Penczak discusses power animals and totem animals.
How are they the same? How are they different?
Familiars are a big part of a Witch's journey. Penczak tells us that black cats are not the only familiars!
Listen in and see where your animal lay within you. You may be surprised
to learn of an animal that you see all of the time but never thought . . .why?
Ready to unleash the animal within?
"Spirit Guides are like long-lost friends. In fact, they probably are lost friends, beings we have known in this world or the next who stay behind the veil."
~Introduction to Chapter 7
In this chapter Penczak gives us a sample of questions to ask our Spirit Guide(s).
Where did you come from?
Did I know you before?
What is my life mission?
Building a relationship with a Spirit Guide is no different than meeting a new friend. Just because they have been around you doesn't mean you know your Guide. Get to know them and enjoy this journey of discovery!
Wouldn't it be awesome if you had people you could reach out to during difficult times or just when you're lonely? We do! We have many allies just waiting to meet us. We just have to reach out and begin the journey to meet them.
In this chapter, Penczak, discusses the various types of Spirit Allies and how to discern between spirits that we encounter on our spiritual quests. Not all of them will have our highest good in mind.
Do you experience strange phenomenon in your own home, work, or space? Penczak discusses the difference between malevolent spirits and helpful spirits and how to rid your personal space, home, or office of unwanted energies.
Ready for your meet and greet?
We are doing one of the exercises in Penczak's book - Journeying
PLEASE do not listen if you are at work, driving, or in any other position that requires you to be fully present in your working mind for your safety and the safety of others.This is not a DEEP meditation, your brain waves will slow down especially if you meditate often.If you are new or kind of new to meditation, here are a few things to keep in mind:
It is normal for your mind to wander.
It is normal to tingle in your feet or hands.
It gets easier with practice. :)
I will be guiding you today so that will make it easier for your working mind since it will listen to my voice and your imagination and sub-mind can speak to you in images.
Ready to fly?
Get your meditation station ready - add crystals, candles, incense and since we do not have music, pick a meditation piece.
In this chapter Penczak goes into detail on the various methods we can use to "tune in to the right frequency. . ."
There are many different methods to tune into the right frequency and tapping into your inner psychic. Altered states of consciousness, tools like the pendulum, tarot and more.
We will discuss the ways to altered states that are safe and easier than most would believe.
Lots of info in this one! Ready for the journey?
"EVERYBODY on this planet has a support team . . ."
Even if you have never really been 'religious' or 'spiritual' doesn't mean you did not have a spiritual support team. You may not have recognized their presence but maybe you did and dismissed it as something else.
Having allies beyond the Veil makes life a bit easier because you learn through your Ally's experiences and guidance. Having Allies won't change the difficulty in life, just give you tools to navigate those dark and trying times. Even minor irritations.
I laugh with my Guide. I know he knows me well and is not offended or put off by my Capricornian sense of humor. Through my own experiences, I've learned to trust my allies more and more.
Working with Spirits takes time, but it is well worth the journey.
In this chapter, Penczak takes us through specific examples of the differing forms of Spirit:
Deities
Elementals
Interdimensional Beings
Animal Totems
Devas
Constructs...and more.
This is a longer episode than most but listen in and get a wealth of differing examples of Spirit through the eyes of various cultures and belief systems.
Ready to open your mind?
Do you remember the analogy of the Angel and Devil on opposite shoulders?
In this chapter Penczak discusses our inner Guides including, of course, our Higher Self.
"If you think your unconscious self as your lower self, your deep intuitive natural wisdom then there is a counter, or balance - a Higher Self. The Higher Self is a fully conscious and aware aspect of our being." ExerptHow is the relationship with YOUR Higher Self?
Ready to look within?
This book is amazing!
I read this book back in 2011 so I am excited to read it again. Sometimes when you read a
book once and you go back several years later, it seems something stands out that didn't
before. Or something you didn't necessarily comprehend prior suddenly becomes crystal
clear.
If you are just embarking on a relationship with the Spirit world, this is one of the best books to read. It has lots of exercises and rituals you can use to start your journey.
"From ancient Egyptians to modern-day witches, King Solomon to Native American shamans,
individuals throughout time have possessed the power to work with the spirit world.
But it's not necessary to be a Tibetan holy man or ghost hunter to communicate with the
other side. Everyone has friends beyond the veil . . ."Ready to meet your personal guide?
I skipped Chapter 12 as it seemed to be a reiteration from other chapters. So. . .we are on the last chapter of Isis Unveiled. :(
But, our next book will be 'Spirit Allies' by Christopher Penczak. It is a shorter book so it won't take as long to get through. :)
This chapter does not disappoint! MB, in her usual sardonic writing, discusses how she believes this myth developed. I definitely concur!
Afraid of the big, bad, Satan? Listen in . . .
"During the intermediary period between his bodily death and the disintegration of the
astral form, the latter bound by magnetic attraction to its ghastly corpse, prowls about and sucks vitality from susceptible victims. The man, having shut out of himself every ray of the divine light, is lost in darkness and therefore clings to the earth and the earthy."
~MB
This is a really good chapter where MB discusses the theory of vampires, incubus and succubus. These disembodied souls looking to prevent the disintegration of their astral soul.
Ready to know more?
In Chapter 9, MB shares more of her theory on reincarnation and what happens to a Soul who has chosen to live criminal and materialistic lives.
She also cautions the unexperienced when it comes to working with disembodied souls as they are still disembodied humans and will have the same tendencies that they had on Earth. Many witches caution the same. Learn before you experience.
Good chapter!
Don't forget - the Worm Moon is Full tonight!
Finally!
MB speaks more broadly about her theory around Elementals and Elementaries - there is a distinct difference.
Since I haven't studied much about elementals, her take is very interesting indeed.
This chapter also explains why MB does not support reincarnation or the actual sighting of a departed spirit.
Ready to 'know' more?
I decided to skip Chapter 7 since it is just a reiteration of the prior chapters 4-6.
Also, we are going to be doing Chapter 8 in two parts since it is quite long.:)
In Chapter 8 - Cyclic Phenomena - Helena discusses the various 'Adams' that are alluded to in the first chapters of the Bible. She believes that there was more than just one Adam, that our Creators - the Elohim - created earlier prototypes of 'man'. All, were called 'Adam'. This is according to the Hermetic philosophy. These prototypes were an effort to get a 'perfect' Adam. One that can house our Spirit within a physical body.
Interestingly, Zecharia Sitchin, believed we were seeded by extraterrestrials and there may have been 'trial' beings on earth until one could be developed where he could exist on earth.
Since our creation, we have moved through evolutionary cycles called Yugas where upon the end of one cycle, we begin to emerge onto the next more evolutionarily advanced that prior.
Interesting . . .
Almost without exception, ancient and medieval scholars believed in the arcane doctrines of wisdom . . .The four elements of our fathers, earth, air, water, and fire, contain for the student of alchemy and ancient psychology-or, as it is now termed, magic-many things of which our philosophy has never dreamed. Introduction to Chapter 6 of Isis UnveiledIn this chapter, Helena discusses more about magnetism and animal magnetism - basically our primal self and spiritual self AND the "groundlessness of magic being superstition and sorcery" with her findings.
Basically, she is reminding us that we are Gods and Goddesses in embryo.
Ever wonder what keeps your Astral body in your physical body?
Do you find yourself yearning to break free and fly through the ethers? Only to find that your physical body is tethered like a weight that pull you back.
Helena Blavatsky talks about this magnetic phenomenon in this chapter that begins by
saying:
A work upon magico-spiritual philosophy and occult science would be incomplete without a particular notice of the history of animal magnetism . . .Join me as we immerse ourselves in Helena's conversation.
Chapter 3 mostly describes a conglomerate of global theories behind psychic phenomena - i.e. the Hindus, Egyptians, and Plato-and their differences as well as similarities. It was a bit of a dry read but informative. :)
Chapter 4 - As above, so below - bring creation from the ethers to physical manifestation through the act of the Creator's will. "The great Universal Idea willedand the cosmos sprang into existence."
"Science rejects many a thing today which she may find herself forced to accept tomorrow . . ."
Helena Blavatsky
Is it enough for man to know that he exists?
MB writes about man as creator and the manifestation of our will - To know - To Will -to Dare- and to Keep Silent -
Are mediums really able to channel disembodied souls or is it just a show?
Can disembodied spirits of the dead cause physical disruptions for the living?
Do animals have spirits?
Get MB's take on all of the questions in this episode . . .
Merry Meet, fellow Travelers -
In this episode I dive into the history of Madam Helena Blavatsky and the first chapter in her book - "Isis Unveiled".
This is a weighty book and a great journey for Pagans and all who are interested in traveling back to Helena's time on earth and her take on Polytheism, death and rebirth, as well as Earth's physical evolution. She emphasizes our connection to nature as we are made of the same material. Mother Earth's evolution coincides to our collective evolution - THAT is interesting indeed.
Below are some links to material I mention during this episode.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Helena-Blavatsky
https://theosophy.wiki/en/Hodgson_Report
https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Spirits-Remembrance-Susan-Raven/dp/1905570376
