Astrologer and Tarot Reader of the Northwest

Alchemy is very much real, yes. However, just like representations of magick in film and television are FX heavy, and full of wishful thinking, so too are representations of Alchemy (for the most part); real magick users casting spells don’t get bright flashes of light around their hands in the shape of arcane glyphs as balls of fire launch from their palms; and real Alchemists don’t put a pile of dirt into a transmutation circle, lay their hands on opposite ends of said circle, and transmute a carved wooden bird out of it of equal mass.

In medieval & renaissance era alchemy, there was no split between inner and outer alchemy, in terms of separate Fields of Alchemy like there is today - Alchemy was both an internal and external exercise in transmutation. In fact, it was believed that the only way an Alchemist would be able to create a Philosopher’s Stone was if they had also transmuted their soul to perfection through the process as well.

And yes, the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone was/is real. But that was not the only goal of Alchemy - The two basic objectives that have defined Alchemy for centuries are the transmuting base metals to noble metals, and creating the waters of life. As noted above, the internal process of purifying one’s soul was closely linked and intertwined with these goals; in the mind of the medieval/renaissance alchemist, one was impossible without the other.

While different alchemists sometimes expanded on this list, there were generally 7 basic steps to the Alchemical Process:

Calcination

Dissolution 

Separation

Conjunction

Fermentation

Distillation

Coagulation

Symbolized in Basil Valentine’s Azoth of the Philosophers:

(For more detail on all the symbolism in the above image, please read the Alchemy Guild’s articles, [What is the Azoth?] and, [The Azoth Ritual] - which is also where the above image was sourced)

And this all started with the Emerald Tablet. [The Alchemy Lab] has the following translation of the tablet:

Truly. Without deceit, certain, and most veritable. That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing. And just as all things come from this One Thing through the meditation of One Mind, so do all created things originate from this One Thing through Transformation. Its father is the Sun, its mother is the Moon. The Wind carries it in it’s belly. Ts nurse is the Earth. It is the origin of all, the consecration of the Universe. Its inherent Strength is perfected if it is turned into Earth. Separate the Earth from Heaven, the Subtle from the Gross, gently and with great ingenuity. It rises from Earth to Heaven and descends again to Earth, thereby combining within it the powers of both the Above and the Below. Thus will you obtain the Glory of the Whole Universe. All obscurity will be clear to you. This is the greatest force of all powers, because it overcomes every subtle thing and penetrates every solid thing. In this way was the universe created. From this will come many wondrous Applications, because this is the Pattern. Therefore am I called Thrice Great Hermes, having all three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe. Herein have I completely explained the Operation of the Sun.

And here is Newton’s translation, found amongst his [recently rediscovered writings on Alchemy]:

Tis true without error, certain & most true. That which is below is like that which is above & that which is above is like that which is below to do the miracles of one only thing And as all things have been & arose from one by the mediation of one: so all things have their birth from this one thing by adaptation. The Sun is its father, the moon its mother, the wind hath carried it in its belly, the earth is its nurse. The father of all perfection in the whole world is here. Its force or power is entire if it be converted into earth. Separate thou the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross sweetly with great industry. It ascends from the earth to the heaven & again it descends to the earth & receives the force of things superior & inferior. By this means you shall have the glory of the whole world & thereby all obscurity shall fly from you. Its force is above all force. For it vanquishes every subtle thing & penetrates every solid thing. So was the world created. From this are & do come admirable adaptations whereof the means (or process) is here in this. Hence I am called Hermes Trismegist, having the three parts of the philosophy of the whole world That which I have said of the operation of the Sun is accomplished & ended.

Sometimes we just get some terrible bouts of luck that just needs to end and go away. Here’s how.

Get yourself a candle. Red’s a good choice but gold or white will also work. You might want to go with a smaller candle here, like a votive or even a tealight. Added bonus: one with a cleansing or comforting scent. Or burn incense or aromatherapy oils in the background for that cleansing/comforting scent. Super bonus round: Start with a cleansing scent during the spell and once it’s done and the candle’s burned down, start the comforting scent. Examples: cleansing might be mint, citrus, sage, etc but comforting might might pumpkin, vanilla, or apple.

Charge your candle with intent or visualize you goal! Alternative, just TELL the candle what you want to happen or carve it into the wax. This depends on your personal practice and if there’s enough space on the candle to even carve things into.

If you’ve got it, use a good luck oil to coat your candle. Or use luck drawing herbs. This’ll depend largely on your practice and stuff on hand. I tend to use clover and cinquefoil (five finger grass) personally but YMMV. 

Light your candle and chant:

Trouble has come my way,

Bad luck and bad times are bad friends

i turn them away. Unwelcomed and unwanted, 

I break this cycle now.

[blow out the candle. Take a deep breath and release it. Light it again, saying the following]

With this new flame, I bring good luck into my life

Good things, beneficial things, will happen

And when this candle died, my good luck will live on

Mana “potions” that boost your energy (orange juice or energy drinks with sigils drawn at the bottom of the glass/can?)

Heath “potions” that boost your health (i.e. honey-lemon tea for colds)

“Enchanted” jewellery (Amulet of Potent Mana, which gives you energy [sunstone?]; Ring of Blocking, which helps you roll with the punches of daily life; Necklace of Sneaking, which helps you lay low and blend in when you don’t want to be bothered – great for introverts in public places)

SIGILS, THINK OF THE SIGILS: Sigil of Resist Fire, for coping with “fiery” arguments or people; Sigil of Resist Frost, for coping with cold and heartless people (or, just saying: Resist Fire and Resist Frost can help you get through your least favourite seasons); Sigil of Resist Magic, to protect you from minor malevolent spells cast in your direction

Shielding meditations = Holy Light protection shield for priests or paladins (like WoW)

Different types of armour: “rogue armour” is a leather band tied around your wrist, to promote subtlety, sneaking, and persuasion (marksman armour can be the same, but charged differently to promote precision, speed, and patience); “mage/spellcaster armour” is a cloth or bit of silk around your wrist, to promote magic, grace, and wisdom; “warrior armour” is a metal bangle (or maybe a really thick necklace that looks like a gorget), to promote strength, leadership, and confidence

Sword keychains used as “enchanted” weaponry (yes they sell sword keychains; I have one). Enchant it and wear it to promote whatever you want (combat frost/fire, promote “warrior” traits). Just make sure wherever you go with it, you’re allowed to have it; as some places consider it a weapon.

Ritualize playing Video Game…I say this because I like to replay Twilight Princess around autumn as that game means a lot to me. Replaying it restrengthens the values of the game in my life.

Devote playing a game to a deity or other entity…Not strictly witchy, but it’s a good idea nonetheless! Similar to the ritualized game play I mentioned, you could start a new game dedicating it to the deities. (Just maybe don’t God of War and dedicate it to the Greek Gods…Just saying.)

Divination using a d20, like I do at my shop!

Also, I know this has been done before, but your devotional play reminded me: creating shrines in Minecraft.

new blogpost: http://www.astrologymarina.com/2016/06/changing-your-personality-with-astrology.html

But last time I reblogged one ten/fifteen minutes later I got a call offering me a job

But I reblogged it because I was waiting on hearing back from the job. So there you go.

Eight Forms of Creating Potions

Yes, this is from a Hogwarts text, however, the information contained therein is accurate and relevant and certainly worth sharing on this blog, if only to fully expand upon the type of material I hope to cover here.

Infusions

An infusion is a form of water based potion, similar to a tea, and best suited for immediate ingestion of delicate ingredients such leaves or petals. To make a magical infusion: pour boiling water over your ingredients in goblet and leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Strain before drinking if necessary. The leaves in an infusion need to steep longer than your average herbal tea, to allow enough time to release their phytochemicals, which are the active ingredients of the potion.

Decoctions

A decoction is another water based potion designed for immediate ingestion. However, it is a more concentrated brew than an infusion and is usually reserved for tougher ingredients such as roots or bark – where prolonged stewing is needed to release the phytochemicals.  A decoction can also be reduced, which is to say, it can be made more concentrated by prolonged simmering which evaporates the water. To make a decoction: simmer your ingredients in water in a cauldron over low heat for 10-30 minutes; then strain. Reduce if necessary with further simmering over a low heat.

Tinctures

A tincture is an alcohol based potion. It fulfills the same function as an infusion or decoction but with the added advantage that it will keep for up to a year. A tincture is suitable for both delicate leaves and tougher materials such as bark as the alcohol releases the chemicals very effectively and in a similar way to the prolonged simmering of a decoction. To make a tincture: steep your ingredients in vodka or another spirit for a week. This allows time for the alcohol to release the active elements in your plant materials. After a week, strain off the liquid into a vial and store for up to a year. Administer sparingly, a tablespoon at a time.

Vinegars

A vinegar fulfils the same purpose as a tincture except that vinegar is used instead of alcohol. Prepare your vinegar in the same manner as a tincture and store for up to a year. A vinegar is useful in the case of alcohol intolerance or where the herb used is particularly bitter as the vinegar will mask it to a great extent.

Syrups

A syrup is the most palatable form of potion. Here magical ingredients are preserved in a sugar solution. A syrup is another potion that will keep for up to a year. It is best suited for occasional use at it is very sweet and could cause tooth decay if taken regularly. A syrup can be taken by the spoonful or alternatively diluter in water in a similar manner to a fruit squash. To make a syrup: first make an infusion or decoction of your ingredients and reduce if necessary. Strain and add sugar to the potion, stirring frequently, until the brew won’t dissolve any more sugar and resembles a syrup. Store in an airtight bottle in a cool, dark place.

Poultices

A poultice is a wad of chopped plant material that is held in place directly over a wound by a bandage. To prepare a poultice: chop your fresh herb and apply directly to a wound or infection. Hold in place over the wound with a bandage. If using chopped dried herbs rehydrate them with some water first. If the herb is tough and hard to handle, try adding some vinegar diluter in water to your poultice.

Fomentations

Fomentations or compresses are cloths that have been dipped in an herbal solution – such as an infusion, decoction, or a tincture – and then are applied to a wound. To prepare a fomentation: first create the required infusion, decoction, or tincture. Then dip your cloth into the liquid, quite liberally, and apply. It is important to use a very clean cloth to prevent the spread of infection.

Salves

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Midheaven is who I want to become, based on what I think I am lacking and believe will help me achieve what I want in life. I will fight for this.