apostate

“Do not unsheath me without reason. Do not wield me without valor.”

read it in nrsv(ue) with a commentary, like this one ed. coogan, or online on biblegateway

read it with an introductory textbook, like this one by collins

rely on hebrew lexicons, like sefaria or the bdb

or, teach yourself hebrew with books like those by seow or lambdin

use critical theory resources, like these recs

keep a timeline, like this tumblr one, by you

This is Black Letter Press’ finely made edition of Ars Goetia (2024). It’s edited by Paul Summers Young who, I think, has edited or translated all the BLP grimoires and occult tomes I own. I like his stuff—he aims for (and succeeds at) readability, which is an under-appreciated goal in occult spheres, lemme tell ya.

 As you may recall, the Goetia is a catalog of evil spirits or demons, their seals and the method for summoning and dismissing them. They’re a weird bunch, distinct from the usual portrayal of Judeo-Christian demons and were a big inspiration for D&D’s devils and demons. Their most famous appearance is probably in the 1863 edition of Collin de Plancy’s Dictionnaire Infernal, which boasts gorgeously weird illustrations by Louis Le Breton (who was primarily a painter of nautical scenes, oddly enough).

There are many versions of the Goetia, though, including different spirits and texts from book to book. This edition reconciles five prominent versions — Reginald Scot’s, from a section in Discoverie of Witchcraft (1665); Dr. Rudd’s (circa 1700); cunning man John Harries’ manuscript (circa 1840); Henry Dawnson Lea’s transcription (also circa 1840); and finally, the 1904 published edition by Samuel Liddell Mathers and Aleister Crowley.

Joan and the Whispering Angels

Bonus process GIF under the cut

The Angel, 2017 - Benjamin Victor

Agathon Léonard

In the world of Marketing, Popularity Contests that shove flashy attention-grabbing shiny objects and grandiose opulence, you're meant to feel lesser. Tiktok, Instagram, Social Media - whatever have you - it's meant to sell you a version of Spirituality through resplendent sparkly candles and incense and palatial shrines or altars. The tone that it is selling you is that you're not as good as these other people if you don't have these items. It markets success in your Path and Tradition as being visually appealing rather than functional.

And I want to steer people away from that by reminding everyone that this is not even remotely close to how authentic and sincere traditions look. And feeling as though it is necessary to show off resplendence to validate yourself or to invalidate others as though your status can be emphasised through impressive purchases alone is not how sincerity and devotion to the Divine functions.

If I could "Men-In-Black Neuralyzer" people to get rid of this misconception, I would. The only validation you need is the intimate connection and relationship you have developed with your Divine through sincerity, humility, and everyday acts of devotion.

Most of the "Traditions" (pretend these are air quotes. I'll elaborate in a bit), that you're seeing are most likely just gimmicky displays of wealth and "Spiritual Superiority" through purchase power. They are surface deep at best and more for display than function. Especially altars or shrines that look too pretty.

(Note: I use “Traditions” in air quotes here because what’s often marketed as traditional is frequently disconnected from any living culture, practice, or lineage; and instead built on aesthetic, rather than substance.)

Instead, I want to dial this back a little and help refocus these thought patterns. Particularly, I am going to focus and touch base on ways that devotional work is deeply integrated with everyday life.

This particular aspect is often entirely missed by these Display Pagans who are more playing Dress-up more than functioning in harmony with their work. Often, they are still entirely disconnected from how their gods work and move and breathe. This is particularly going to be helpful for those that are in the "Broom Closet" or are struggling to find ways that they can begin without being so overwhelmed by needing to begin fresh.

Reading and educating yourself is a time consuming task. But that is in and of itself a deeply intimate form of devotion. You are displaying devotion and performing devotional work just by trying to bridge those gaps, form those connections, and find deeper meaning and understanding.

Especially in a western world, it may not necessarily feel as fulfilling. This is largely due to a severe lack of mindfulness in most individuals. Through mindfulness, you will find your connection to "Spirit" and the Divine to not only be smoother and more seamless, but you will find yourself naturally moving to the rhythms and patterns of the Divine you align yourself with.

Mindfulness begins small. So does Devotion. As there is no need for grandiose displays of self and action, you can find the divine in the smallest act. Just thinking of and holding the Divine in your heart as you take your first sips of coffee for the morning - holding that liquid in your mouth to taste it fully while imagining and connecting to the energies of the Divine - and then swallowing it to take it fully into your body? That's a form of devotion. Of Offering. Of imbibment. Can't leave out an offering? Drink and eat while you remain focused, mindful, and aware of the Divine you wish you could share that food and drink with.

Does anyone have to know? No. It's between you and the Divine.

Worship wasn't loud and obvious. It was mindful. Slow. Paced and taken into the very actions you perform. These are Lived traditions. Which means they're embedded in everyday life.

Cleanliness is a common theme in most Traditions. Cleaning, tidying, and maintaining the harmony of a space is often critical to maintaining Order and energies of a space. This is important to the Divine in most traditions. And so just sweeping or wiping your space down is important. This can be done devotionally - hell, I do all cleaning devotionally. Even my little table I am writing this one. I have to get water and wipe it down because I've spilled a little coffee on it and some incense dust. When I do this, I will do so with mindfulness and intent to be maintaining, cleaning, and up-keeping my space with harmony.

These actions can be performed with a god or a Divine in mind. It is inconspicuous and mindful and respects the forces that you are working in tandem with.

Your intent and sincerity with how you engage with the world around you is more powerful than any flashy shrine or altar. Devotion and worship is not hidden. It's always present. It's a mindset. It's a type of mindfulness and awareness. Devotion doesn't "Look" like anything. It's felt and it is expressed through how you move and how you feel and connect.

The Divine were never separate from the self or the home and the world. They live in the bread you eat, the water you wash with, the sun on your skin, and the truth your speak.

Now that I've dragged that on long enough - and goodness knows I could go on about it for years… "Broom Closet Friendly Ways To Perform Worship and Devotion"

Cleaning: Do so with mindfulness and sincerity. It may seem small, but cleansing does not need to include smoke and incense. It's how you carry your energy through a space as you clean and who you think of or to whom you dedicate your efforts to that matters more than what you have.

Offering your food to the Divine when you eat: even if you cannot leave anything out or if food is scare. You can consume your food and drink your beverages with mindfulness and dedication.

Journaling and writing: Keeping a journal or a folder on your phone or laptop is helpful. Something private. Connected. You can also make e-shrines through a private discord server where you can build your own digital temple or shrine. Keeping a folder of saved photos on your digital device of choice is also a nice way to show devotion. A lot of people have Pin-Boards on Pinterest dedicated to their Divine.

Writing continued: Poetry and works you've written that are dedicated to your Divine Beings is also a wonderful way to connect without needing much of anything. Songwriting. Prose. Even musings about how you feel about the Divine is important. Even if you keep a small book that has small words such as "I saw a butterfly today and it reminded me of you". Tiny books or notepads could be small devotional shrines you carry with you.

Portable Altars: Altoids Tins and small containers in similar shapes and sizes are common for Portable Altars. Go to the library. Print some small pictures. Fill the tin with a tealight. Or a few stones and rocks you have. Whatever you wish. Just dedicate the tin or container to the Divine in question.

Cheap Perfume?: No problem! This can be your own special way of anointing yourself.

Washing your hands: If you're going to pray, wash your hands beforehand. Wash your face. Cleanse yourself mindfully.

Showering / Bathing: when you do this, do so with mindfulness to cleanse and purify. Cleansing is not vanity. It's devotional. Your body is a bridge between the Divine and You.

Drinking Cups: If you have a specific vessel you use such as a reusable water bottle or coffee mug, dedicate that item to the Divine in question.

Colour: Use or wear colours dedicated to the divine in question. Is there anything you can make? It doesn't have to be fancy. It doesn't have to be expensive. You can use what you have. Even if you just have thread that shares a colour with the divine in question. Knot it. Tie several knots into it in prayer or dedication to the Divine. Wear it.

Hair: Braid your hair. Tend to it. Take care of it in devotion to the Divine.

Remember: You don’t need to hide your faith. You just need to remember that the sacred is already woven through the ordinary. You only need to meet it there.