Category: Magical in the Mundane

Witchcraft vs. Ceremonial Magic?

On By benebellIn divination, grimoire, Magical in the Mundane, opinion, personal spirituality, tarot community, traditional witchcraft7 Comments

First posted in a newsletter e-mail 2019 Dec. 5 to talk about my Western Witchcraft I: The Fundamentals and Doctrinal Basis independent study course

What is the difference between witchcraft and ceremonial magic?

I’ve been struggling to understand for myself what the distinction is between witchcraft and ceremonial magic. Because the immediate go-to points of differentiation you often hear people reach for feel kinda superficial.

There are more significant differences between two different traditions under the heading “witchcraft” (or two different traditions under “ceremonial magic”) than there are the alleged differences between the main generic headings “witchcraft” or “ceremonial magic.”

It was all “maleficia“…

Pretty much up until witchcraft or maleficia was no longer outlawed, what we today might associate with ceremonial magic would have been tucked under the heading “witchcraft.”

The law (back when the law cared about public accusations of maleficium…) lumped it all together and while I was doing historic research for my novel, bishops and otherwise powerful men had gotten accused of witchcraft and for being witches (though in those cases, they were probably false accusations; those men were just challenging political power).

Continue reading “Witchcraft vs. Ceremonial Magic?” →

Saturn-Pluto Conjunction & the Great Conjunction 2020

On By benebellIn astrology, Magical in the Mundane, personal spirituality7 Comments

From January 5 – 14, 2020, and then again from January 19-22, Saturn and Pluto will be within 5° of each other. This event is called the Saturn-Pluto Conjunction. Note that some astrologers expand the definition of a conjunction to planets within 10° of each other.

Another significant conjunction, one between Jupiter and Saturn, comes at the end of 2020, called the Great Conjunction, which will take place between November 18 and December 16, 2020. From December 14 – 16, the two planets will be side by side at 29°, or the Anaretic Degree.

Let’s talk about all this.

Continue reading “Saturn-Pluto Conjunction & the Great Conjunction 2020” →

Seals of Solomon Magic Cards by Inna Vinitski

On By benebellIn deck review, grimoire, Magical in the Mundane, personal spirituality, traditional witchcraft7 Comments

Inna Vinitski’s Seals of Solomon Magic Cards are the perfect companion tool to go along with your copy of the Key of Solomon, or Clavicula Salmonis, which I offer a free download of here. So although this deck does not come with a guidebook, everything you need to know about these seals and now to work with them can be found in that free download. I’m going to be making page references to that free download pdf of Key of Solomon.

I think the single most compelling reason to acquire this deck for your toolkit is to use them as easy, go-to charging plates for your charms, talismans, gemstones, crystals, and other metaphysical knick-knacks. Here, Inna Vinitski has already done the work for you. Once you get these cards, consecrate them and voila! Incredible! A set of tools for planetary magic at your fingertips!

This post will both showcase the Seals of Solomon cards, which I urge you to get if you want to deep-dive into working with the Key of Solomon, and also get into what the Key says about these seals, or pentacles.

To start, let’s try a little something, shall we? Below in the photo of the three magic cards, take a moment to gaze at each one, connecting your third eye (that space just between your brows) with the eye depicted on the card back. For one of these three cards, the tug at that space between your brows will feel stronger, more intense than for the others. Note which of the three cards gives you the strongest intuitive sensation.

Remember it, because we’ll be returning to your card selection later.

Continue reading “Seals of Solomon Magic Cards by Inna Vinitski” →

#seasonofthewitch 11 Questions via The Woodland Hag

On By benebellIn Magical in the Mundane, personal, personal spirituality3 Comments

I’m loving the 11 questions for the #seasonofthewitch tag thing that’s been going around the pagan/witchy YouTube circuits, first started (I believe) by The Woodland Hag, so check that out first before proceeding. I’ve also binge-watched many of the video responses so use the hashtag #seasonofthewitch to find them all.

Here are my responses to the 11 questions, but instead of video form, here they are in blog form.

Divination with seashells.

“1. In what way (Witch, Pagan, Wise Woman, etc.) do you choose to identify and why?”

Although I don’t self-identify as witch (because in my native tongue, within the cultural context of my motherland and native traditions, it doesn’t actually make sense), the way I present, my practices, my interests, and point of view are very witchy as “witch” would get defined in the culture and region I am in right now. So when others identify or label me as witch, I’m perfectly happy with it.

I don’t formally self-identify as pagan because I’ve been told by pagans that I’m not pagan and I’m not all that interested in debating that point. Sometimes I might casually use the reference “pagan” just for convenience of terms.

Empath? Psychic? Highly Sensitive Person? Even if I happen to qualify for any of those identity markers, I wouldn’t use them for myself anyway because I’m not so sure I belong or feel like I belong in the communities that currently hold up those identity markers.

I have heard at times that what my mother does is a form of shamanistic practice, but I like to mimic her– she repudiates all labels and just talks matter-of-factly about her interactive relationship, her experiences, and her perspective of Spirit, of spirit worlds, and that’s that. I’ve adopted a similar approach.

I do call myself a tarot reader, however. Because I read tarot cards. I also call myself an astrologer. I’m a feng shui… I refuse to use the word “master.” Consultant sounds a little clinical and dry. I guess I don’t mind occultist.

Stuff you’ll find on the bookshelf in my home office.

“2. What does my daily practice look like?”

My daily practice isn’t about certain forms of devotions I have to do and it doesn’t always necessarily even appear “spiritual” (or maybe more accurately, ritualistic, ceremonial…). It’s not about burning incense, lighting candles, reciting prayers or mantras, meditating, going into ritual space, going before my altar, or my favorite– Instagramming my witchcraft. =)

Continue reading “#seasonofthewitch 11 Questions via The Woodland Hag” →

Order the 2020 Metaphysician’s Day Planner + the DIY SKT Mini Printables

On By benebellIn Magical in the Mundane, promotional47 Comments
My own selected cover design, based on Iris (1896) by Eugene Grasset. You’ll get to custom design your own day planner cover. Dozens of design options will also be included with your order.

Order the 2020 Metaphysician’s Day Planner today! We offer this custom-tailored package year-round, so order any time! Delivery within 7 business days to your e-mail inbox.

$25

  • Metaphysician’s Day Planner for 2020, with your birth chart (in Whole Signs) and 2020 solar returns chart in the front pages
  • See below for all features in the Day Planner
  • The 400-page Metaphysician’s Guidebook (delivered as a pdf e-book, with an additional option to order a physical copy)
    • The Guidebook includes basic instruction on how to read your birth chart and solar returns chart, run transits forecasts for yourself, and insights into the key astrological events of 2020
    • A break-down and explanation of each section in the Day Planner and how to optimize your work and planner organization with those sections
    • Insights into how to work with the grimoire end pages and integrate metaphysical study into your everyday life
    • Basic name analysis with numerology tutorial (for both personal names and business names)
    • Basic medieval geomancy tutorial
    • Lifestyle articles on time management, goal-setting, achievement, how to deal with failure, and more
    • 2020 void of course moon times
    • And so much more!

$30: All of the above + digital files for the SKT Vitruvian Mini do-it-yourself tarot deck

Click to enlarge.

For those who’ve never purchased a metaphysician’s day planner before, see below links to previous versions and you’ll get a sense of the contents.

How to Pre-Order

STEP ONE:

Either send $25 for the day planner only,

Or send $30 for the day planner + do-it-yourself SKT Mini tarot deck printables.

Send by PayPal or GooglePay to abelldelivers@gmail.com.

You can also click on this link: https://www.paypal.me/benebell

STEP TWO:

E-mail me at abelldelivers@gmail.com your completed Order Form (see below).

  1. Name as you want it to appear in the book:
  2. Date of birth (month/day/year):
  3. Time of birth:
  4. Location of birth (city, state/province, country):
  5. City, state, and country of residence for 2020:
  6. Size option, from the following (check one option below):
  • [ ] Standard US Letter Size, 8.5” x 11”
  • [ ] European A4 Size, 8.27” x 11.69” (210 mm x 297 mm)
  • [ ] Trade Paperback, 6” x 9” [Warning: Font sizes 7 and 8 used; less space to write in; minor changes to grimoire pages to fit the substantive content into the smaller page size]

If you send $30, then in addition to e-delivery of your 2020 day planner files, you will also receive e-delivery of the do-it-yourself SKT Mini Vitruvian deck files along with a unlisted link to a video tutorial on how to craft your own mini tarot deck from the files.

Click on hyperlinked photo to read more about the SKT Vitruvian Mini do-it-yourself printable deck.

The SKT Vitruvian Mini do-it-yourself tarot printables is a $5 add-on to your Metaphysician’s Day Planner order. You’ll get printable files to assemble the two-piece deck box, 80-card deck, and even a little white book.

Continue reading “Order the 2020 Metaphysician’s Day Planner + the DIY SKT Mini Printables” →

Holy Anointing Oil Silent Auction

On By benebellIn Magical in the Mundane, personal spirituality, promotional9 Comments

I’m offering by silent auction the remainder from the large batch of holy anointing oil I crafted specifically for the SKT Vitruvian decks. What’s left after anointing the decks is five (5) one ounce (1 oz.) amber glass bottles with glass eye droppers that we will offer by silent auction. All details below.

My purpose for anointing every deck was to clear it of any malefic or potentially baneful energies in the material and to energetically protect it for the rest of the deck’s lifetime.

You can use this oil to consecrate and bless any object or space intended to be sacred. Every time you perform a space clearing, after you’re done, anoint the corners of that space (four corners or eight corners, depending on your preferred approach). Anoint your altar tools or ritual tools with this oil. Anoint talismanic jewelry intended to be used for personal protection from malefic or baneful forces.

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Do-It-Yourself SKT Pocket Notebooks

On By benebellIn free download, Magical in the Mundane, Spirit Keeper's Tarot, tarot, tarot community3 Comments

This is a 2.75″ x 4.25″ saddle-stitch notebook you can easily make yourself from 3 sheets of loose print paper, 1 sheet of adhesive sticker paper for printable labels (these are typically free from UPS or FedEx), scissors, a stapler, and a corner rounder is optional.

I like this DIY pocket notebook because it’s easy to make at home, doesn’t require any specialty tools or expensive materials, and most important of all, fits in the back pocket of your jeans or easily with a pen in your jacket pocket. That makes it really convenient to travel with.

Continue reading “Do-It-Yourself SKT Pocket Notebooks” →

SKT 3″ x 5″ Tarot Stickers (Template Download)

On By benebellIn free download, Magical in the Mundane, personal spirituality, Spirit Keeper's Tarot, tarot, tarot community5 Comments

These are free downloads of SKT tarot sticker templates. Each sheet consists of a three-card reading that’s a form of energetic intention setting. You can print these out in color (sepia tones) or grayscale (if your printer only has black ink).

The following templates are formatted to print on the 3″ x 5″ blank rectangle labels by Avery, Label No. 94213. You can order the blank rectangle label stickers directly from Avery here. Direct from Avery, 10 sheets (that’s 30 tarot stickers in total) go for $8.00 plus $3 flat rate shipping, so $11 for 30 tarot stickers. That’s not too bad. It’s not great price-wise, but not too bad. Also, the more sheets you order, the more economical the price.

After you print out one of the selected sheets of tarot stickers (each sheet consists of three cards), start with the left-most card. Place the fingertips from your dominant hand on the tarot image. Close your eyes, relax your breathing, and focus your thoughts on the specific goal you want to achieve or what it is you want to manifest. Visualize that goal coming to fruition.

Then transform that visualization into light. Intuit what color light such a goal, outcome, achievement, or manifestation would be if it was in the form of light energy. Send that beam of colored light from your head, down through your arm, out the fingers of your dominant hand and send it into the tarot image, feeling yourself press that energy into the card.

Repeat for the center card. Repeat again for the third to the right. Take your time. Do not rush the process. Remain calm, confident, and self-assured from beginning to end.

I like to affix these stickers onto the glass of three white pillar candles. Set these three candles out somewhere meaningful to you. Every time the candles are burning, the powers and beneficent forces of the selected cards are activated and sending those energies into your space, enriching your environment.

Continue reading “SKT 3″ x 5″ Tarot Stickers (Template Download)” →

Planetary Lithomancy by Micki Klein

On By benebellIn astrology, divination, gemstones and crystals, holistic horoscopes, Magical in the Mundane, personal spirituality6 Comments
Click on any of the photographs for an enlarged close-up view.

I can’t fully convey to you how excited I am about Micki Klein’s Planetary Lithomancy divination set. A while back she had launched a crowd-funding campaign over on Kicktraq to self-publish the divination set, but sadly it did not gain the traction it absolutely deserved. I wish she had reached out to me at that time to help her signal boost, because I would have promoted the heck out of this! I’m so in love with what Klein has created. This YouTube video, “Planetary Lithomancy” by Micki Klein, explains the divination system pretty well.

I confess that I got to tinkering with the divination system before even opening its companion guidebook, but don’t worry– I’ll be reviewing it with the guidebook and getting to Klein’s approach. First, my own. =)

As soon as I saw the board with the astrological houses and keywords, as an astrology enthusiast I felt I immediately knew how to operate this thing. I was so excited by the concept I didn’t even continue rummaging in the kit that Klein had sent me. Instead, I ran upstairs and started picking out gemstones all on my own, from my personal stash, for the seven sacred planets and two of the main Hermetic Lots.

Continue reading “Planetary Lithomancy by Micki Klein” →

Reading the Akashic Records with the Tarot

On By benebellIn cartomancy, conferences, free download, Magical in the Mundane, personal spirituality, Tao of Craft (book), Taoism, tarot, tarot community, tarot exercises3 Comments

PLEASE NOTE: The following content only represents the downloadable handouts from an in-person live master class presented at the 2019 Masters of the Tarot Conference at the Omega Institute. No online equivalent to that master class is included here, and what’s accessible is just those supplemental handouts and a copy of the PowerPoint.

What are the Akashic Records? Are there special requisites before gaining access? What are its origins?

My presentation at the 2019 Masters of the Tarot Conference will be an exploration of the origins of the Akasha from an Eastern perspective.

From there, let’s consider how tarot is a microcosm symbolic of the Akashic macrocosm.

Continue reading “Reading the Akashic Records with the Tarot” →