superstition
The Everyday Miracle Of Everywhere Magic
Seeing the world through glittering eyes is no longer a walk in the park for the spiritual optimist. There is such a lack of awe these days; so little wonder.
Our society has successfully stripped itself of most of its metaphysical marvels. Yet, magic prevails everywhere for those who still seek to find it. Despite our cynical age of scientific skepticism, techno-futurism and neo-draconian politics, the mystical and miraculous continues to endure in the hearts and minds of those who choose to believe.
I have seen evidence of this everyday magic in my work with many people all over the world, as well as upon many of my travels. I have known it in the devoted spiritual practices and manifesting projects of my clients. I have observed it in the heroic metaphysical endeavors and healing miracles of my colleagues. And I have even witnessed it at almost every birthday party I have ever attended. Yes, most of us have at some point in our lives whispered a silent wish over the candles on a cake! Continue reading
Shadow People, Pixies And Other Unseen Visitors
Whether it’s ghosts, shadow people, Tall Man with a Hat, The old Hag, or pixies, we’ve all experienced mystical beings in some form or another. Some of us have had minor insignificant encounters, while some of us deal with these entities every day. And, there are those who experience very violent encounters with some of these beings. I personally, have had my fair share of the worst kinds of attacks. And, I find myself dealing with the mischievous little pixies almost daily.
If you don’t know what a pixie is, let me explain. They are little spirit beings. About the size of a dragonfly. Some suggest they are cute little fairies, such as Tinkerbell in Peter Pan by JM Barrie. Others depict them as gruesome and very disturbing to look upon. I honestly can’t say for certain, as they move so quickly I have never gotten a good look at one of them. Continue reading
Astragalomancy – Divination With Dice
A bone throwing reading I did for a client recently prompted me to go back to some of my old notes on using dice as a divination tool. Using dice to divine is known as Astragalomancy.
Many of my clients are fascinated by some of the unusual items to be found in my bone-throwing divination pouch. I have some interesting pieces, from the original animal bones I was given during my training in this shamanic art, to crystals and other trinkets which all have a special personal meaning to me. Because of the special meaning attached to each item, it often adds extra depth to an interpretation. I also use different types of dice, which I combine with the bone throwing, including the more familiar dice with numbers to some I have with African wildlife images carved into them. Continue reading
The Rise Of A New Spirituality
In Beyond the Postmodern Mind, Huston Smith writes that “Rationalism and Newtonian science has lured us into dark woods, but a new metaphysics can rescue us”. Mankind will never give up its quest to find spiritual meaning and purpose in this world. This quest is what has been driving both science and religion for centuries.
The Buddha said, “The teacher appears when the student is ready.” The same principle applies to the human species as a collective. We have been exposed to new esoteric and scientific insights as we evolved – always when the time was right and the world was ready. Prominent religions all over the world were all founded on esoteric guidance and metaphysical wisdom delivered at various times throughout history by great teachers and prophetic messengers. But as time passed and these religions expanded, they were often contaminated by human bureaucracy, superstition, doctrine and dogma, which distorted the original teachings. Continue reading
Mooney’s Mansion On Walhalla Road
In 1979, while still in high school, I had a profound paranormal encounter. At the time I was working for my brother-in-law for the summer vacation, to earn a few extra bucks. He operated a house painting service in those days.
He came up to me one day and said: “You will not believe where we are going to paint next!” To my shock and horror he revealed that we would be working at Mooney’s Mansion on Walhalla Road – one of the most notorious haunted places in Columbus, Ohio. I humbly requested to work on another project, but he refused saying he needed all his painters out there, since it was a large project.
Going down Walhalla Road again brought back many childhood memories and it still gave me the creeps. As kids we used to take a ride down the road on our bicycles to go by the old mansion. We hoped to see the ghost of old man Mooney and the place where he was supposed to hang himself off the bridge. Continue reading
Paranormal, Or Perinormal?
Most of us hear the word “paranormal” and a whole host of concepts might come to mind: ghosts, extra-sensory perception (ESP), creatures like Sasquatch or the Loch Ness monster. A good many of us might even have experienced a paranormal phenomenon or two in our lives. But what exactly is paranormal? The answer might surprise you, as will its related cousin, the term “perinormal.”
“Paranormal” comes from the Greek word meaning “outside.” Thus, “outside of what is normal.” On the other hand, “perinormal” takes its root from the word meaning “close to.” So, the term “perinormal” might apply to almost every living person today. Continue reading
The Pentacle – Ancient Magical Symbol
Possibly no other spiritual or religious icon in our culture is as misunderstood as the pentacle, or five-pointed star. Many people automatically believe the pentacle is connected to some form of darkness, evil or satanic worship. This could not be further from the truth.
Along with its powerful symbolism in Wicca and other pagan traditions, the pentacle also has roots in Christian and Jewish mysticism, as well as Native American religion.
Over the centuries the symbol has taken on many meanings. Its most lasting symbolism, however, is that of the five classical elements: Earth, Fire, Air, and Water, with Spirit at its head. Continue reading