In Dark and Shadow (Solia Seasonal Post Fall 2016)
With the Dark half of the year approaching, I've decided to hit on some 'Darker' topics. Of course, what one considers 'Dark' is subjective but for the purposes of this post I'll be referring to topics that deal with perhaps more serious or negative aspects (be it countering them or embracing them to one's benefits) of witchcraft and faith as well. With my own personal definition of 'darker' things I also include that which is simply shadowed, mysterious, unknown, or just not as openly talked about; perhaps some taboo in regards to craft and practices.
Left vs Right, Black vs White... What's all this?
A very general and largely accepted definition of White and Black magic would assign workings that are selfish, malicious, materialistic, greedy, or negative as Black magic and those that are benign, helpful, selfless, or positive as White Magic.
With Left-handed and Right-handed styles of magic, some people feel the terms are interchangeable with 'Black and White' magic; assigning the term left-handed for black and right-handed for white. Though, others would criticize the comparison as a vast generalization or even entirely wrong all together. Some would instead assign the characteristics of the Right-handed path as one that follows a more structural set of ethics that is generally seen as more socially acceptable. The Left-handed path then, is simply the opposite; venturing into what may be seen as taboo and/or disregarding a set notion of morality or even dogma for that matter.(On a personal note, I align closer with the later associations in regards to left and right handed if a label and definition are to be given at all and while I detest even saying "White" or "Black" magic I would assign them the same definitions as well in personal preference; That which is more mainstream or socially approved of and that which is not.)
With the second set of associations it is felt that one may easily walk on and within both paths instead of choosing one or the other. There are also those who reject any such types of classifications all together and argue that magic is simply magic and what it done with it is up to the practitioner.
Ethics and your own path
In terms of darker or even left-handed notions, I would by no means ever suggest to someone just starting out on finding their path to walk in the shadows and dabble with unknown or more serious workings be it path or craft. However, I do feel when so much information that is come across upfront disregards all 'darker' magics or topics as bad and not to be meddled with, it can leave a stigma born of fear that rivals and encourages other dogma that would deem any amount of exploring such things as futile and taboo. In my opinion this limits learning, exploration, and growth.
The internet is undeniably an easily accessible resource for those being introduced to witchcraft. And what do you find say if you were to google search terms such as "Dark and/or black magic" or "Left-handed path" or terms of the like? A whole lot of: "BAD. EVIL." or just links to dark and black magic spells. Thanks internet. Way to label something as bad and then simultaneously encouraging just jumping in there. That's not confusing at all *sarcasm*. Not to say there are not reliable sources and this whole notion itself is not only applied to this topic but on witchcraft in general. Always check sources and websites for authenticity and credibility and seek out differing views. Needless to say, this doesn't help the matter much. It can be rather confusing at times when first seeking out information about topics that might be considered dark, taboo, or related.
In fact, for my own curiosity I just now popped open another window and did my own search. One of the first things that popped up on google search for me was a link titled, "Black Magic - Spells of Magic" with the description underneath that read, "..Real practitioners consider spells which fight against, or try to manipulate free will as black magic. Because these spells try to influence the normal life of others ..."
... Okay, lets look at that for second. Now, this may vary depending on your personal definition of what magic is as well as if you believe in free will, however, to some degree wouldn't most witches agree that some level of manipulation takes place with
all magic? And even if you were working a spell for something that was positive in your eyes, would you not still have a goal of your will being done? And unless you are omniscient, can you truly know with all certainty that what you have worked for has not in turn worked against someone or something else from their will being done or the universe's will or a deity or what have you? Even if no malicious intent was present but somewhere down the line there was a shadowed negative impact that may remain unseen to you but felt by another, does that still make it acceptable and therefore keep it from being labeled as black or left-handed? Sometimes even the best of intentions can bring about the worst harm and havoc.
Here's an example and something to ponder on. You decide how you feel about this scenario. My husband is currently seeking employment. Income is imperative. So say I do a working in his favor with a job he's had an interview with recently. Now say there is another person who has also had an interview for the exact same position. Lets say this other person is equally or maybe even a tad more qualified for the position and currently in even more financial trouble with a larger family to support than ours. However, that working I did gave way to just a little more push that my husband got the job. That is wonderful for us right? We need income. So did that other family though too and couldn't it be argued that my 'positive' working was in essence working against the other candidate? Another who just wants to support and feed their family as well? Could my best of intentions also been seen as 'Black magic' by the other person? This is where ethics come into play. And I will say outright my opinion on ethics, dark magics and mysteries, and left-handed paths or tendencies: Subjective, subjective, subjective and rightfully so.
Needless to say, while there are sources where one can dig a little deeper into such topics, I fully believe it is up the individual practitioner to discover what they personally agree with and feel comfortable doing and which side of the line, if there is any at all, certain types of magic fall. And to add to that, casting judgment on another for their use, or lack of use as well, of particular types of magic can be harmful and selling yourself short of possibly valuable lessons. Things I would implore others to bare in mind would be two notions: Just because something may typically be seen as 'dark' does not inherently mean that it serves no other purpose than to be malicious. Also, without the night it would perhaps be hard to appreciate the daylight and furthermore how sad it would be to never see the moon shine brightly again casting whimsical shadows of mystery and a different perspective! Balance. Black and white may simplify, and simplification can have it's benefits. However, when instead working with multiple shades of gray, there may be more room for exploration and depth in a learned soul; room to sway, to stretch out, and make mistakes but to grow as well. To know thyself and have more empathy towards others and all of life. To each is their own. One's perception of light and dark will undoubtedly not be seen as identical shades and hues of another.
Stereotypes
No one likes to be stereotyped. Paganism and witchcraft in general have enough. There are however, even among ourselves, even more in-depth stereotypes or assumptions to be found. I'll even provide one of my own personal generalization and one I do not make lightly. I have to say that at times when I've attempted to branch out in the pagan community I have found it to be rather, cliquey and judgmental. As if at any new encounter, each sizes the other, deems if they are serious in their endeavors, and if they would fit in with a previously established group or if they are to labeled as a type not to be associated with. In my eyes, this is not so much a mystery as to why it happens; Gods know a lot of people seek to weed out those only going through rebellious or simply fashionable phases. However, it can be so damaging and off putting to newcomers and I try to remind myself of this as all as the fact that this could just be bad experiences I've had with the community around me.
Furthermore, I've seen stereotypes and assumptions on both sides of the scales. Is the person who openly claims to walk a left-handed path surely selfish and power-hungry? They could be, but equally they just as well may not be in the slightest. Is the person who's never once cast a curse or dabbled in any dark mysteries a fluff and too soft? Perhaps not and they've just never felt need to do so, or maybe even they have addictive tendencies towards negative things and aim to avoid the temptation. Who's to say if you've no other real or deeper knowledge of them as a person? Can we truly know in an instant by a brief description and general labels of their craft and practices what kind of person they are? I would rather think not.
'Dark' Magics
To Curse, or not to Curse...
What exactly is a curse or hex? Some would issue them the same correspondences with the definition of Black magic: magic and workings done with the intent to harm or hinder another. Once I came across the idea that was similar but varied enough to my liking that it has come to be my personal association with the terms. It was the notion that the term 'hex' was the actual working/spell itself that was done with the intention of harming or hindering another, and the term 'curse' was the result and effect.
Which ever definition you prefer, there still remains the question: When, if at all, these types of magic should be performed. This is a question has no right or wrong answer in my book. Only you can decide if a hex or curse would be necessary. I would though, like to throw out a few questions that may be helpful to ask yourself (at least I find them to be) in the event you are contemplating this route in a situation:
-Is the situation dire?
-What is your true purpose and motivation?
-Is there any other route that could be taken to achieve the desired means?
-Is it worth the energy? Will it work as planned or could it work in a way you didn't intend?
-Can you foresee any negative chain reactions further down the road from what you plan to do?
-Do you feel you would receive any sort of backlash from it? If so, would it be worth it to you?
-Will any type of 'payment' be needed for the work? If so, to whom? And what would be appropriate?
-Is time of the essence? Is it something you may wish you'd not done down the road? Is it something that needs to be done in the heat of the moment? Or stretched out over time and built up? Will you be capable of gather all you might need to perform the working?
As I said, these are just some questions I always ask myself when questioning whether to go with a hex or curse, or something else. If there is anything you would like to add to the list, let me know! Also let my just briefly say that with my own experiences I've seen first and second hand that darker magics may be capricious at times. Take note of the character of any Dark entities you may be working with be it Deity, Otherworldy creatures, or Fae. Some would find it amusing to be fickle if you do not chose your wording carefully and no working, especially those in such serious matters should be taken lightly or without thought and care.
Defense Against the Dark Arts *Insert picture of Snape*...
Defensive Magic
So what does one do if they feel some bad ju-ju coming their way and they want to deflect it with out taking the route of a curse or hex? Well, there are a number of things one can do. Below is a short list of just some methods/suggested workings with a brief description. For more in depth information on each method feel free to ask in forum or I encourage you to seek out more information individually from any sources you prefer.
Shields or Walls
Think of this as enveloping yourself in a protective barrier. The intent of it is to deflect anything you don't want influencing you from getting through. It can be as simple as imaging a protective aura or force-field around yourself when needed or it can be an elaborate masterpiece that you work on from time to time and build it up in ritual in preparation of quick springing it around you when needed. It's your safe bubble and like the method that will be mentioned following this one, strong visualization here can help out tremendously. Visualize it, feel it, make it so and defend yourself.
Weapons in hand
Here you visualize yourself holding whatever weapons please you when you feel threatened; be it a sword and shield, bow and arrow, a staff, scythes, an ax, any weapon that you feel would fit your style. Now, they will not manifest and allow you to take the head of your enemy but they can make you feel less helpless. You can defend yourself even if only on an ethereal realm from whatever nastiness someone may be throwing at your psyche. Sometimes I combine the two methods mentioned so far by throwing up my shield/walls and then in my mind stalk the inner parameters of it, weapon in hand. And I do truly believe in some instances the energy radiated from doing so to put off enough of a, "Don't mess with me vibe." that the threat retreated.
Bindings
Within the subject of defensive magic a binding is a spell that is intended to restrain a person from doing something. Typically the goal is keep them from doing whatever it is one feels is harmful to others. There are a lot of ethics here that could be discussed but this post will already be rather long. I'll simply note that sometimes the line between a defensive binding and a hex or curse can be rather thin depending on personal definitions and the exact working itself.
Rebound and Reversal Spells
I myself do not use these terms as synonymous. Some do. I prefer to label a spell designed to reverse and remove someone's hex/cruse or bad vibes as a reversal spell and send it back to where the negativity came. A Rebound spell is that at it's core but in addition to sending the energy back to where it came, I do so in folds (typically three-fold but more or less can be done.) The intent is to return what was sent out back even stronger; or sometimes if a payment was made for the original negative working that I rebounded then it also becomes even steeper a price to my adversary, adding insult to injury. Again here, questions of ethics could be presented in such workings.
Witch's Jar/Bottle
I almost forgot this one! The idea behind a Witch's Jar is as simple as it is to make, but can be very effect. Basically you take a jar and you fill it up with all the grossest, nastiest, meanest things you can find. I'm talking rusted nails, rotten food, broken glass, barbed wire, bits of roadkill, urine, feces, menstrual blood, you get as nasty as your hearts desire. The grosser and more potentially painfully pokey the better. You then seal it up, dig up a spot at the edge of your property, and bury it. The idea is in lines with the notion that misery loves company, and as a decoy. Negative energy that might be prowling or hanging about will be drawn to the jar and then trapped with in it instead of hanging about you or your family personally.
Love Spells
Love itself may not be such a dark topic but there are ethics of it that can be under certain circumstances. I myself could benefit from a Self-love spell and I have performed a binding of souls with my husband at our Hand-fasting ceremony. These sorts of love spells I see no qualms with if all members are participating and willing. Love divination in itself could be harmless as well (I actually consider all divination as dark magic as it deals with the Unknown and what is shadowed.) But where do you personally draw the line? It's a good subject to ponder and know the answer to that question. Do you feel just throwing out some energy that basically says, "I'm ready for love and a partner to love." is a bad idea? What about casting on or for someone else in regards to love? Each person has to answer such questions for themselves, naturally. The only other little snippet of advice I toss out on the subject at hand are a few more questions, which of course are up to you to answer: What is true love and what is obsession and infatuation. What do you truly seek in working with love? Do you feel you can you truly change the inner will of another and make them genuinely feel real love if it was not there before you worked? If so, do you feel it is your place?
Sex magic
In it's simplest form sex magic may refer to just using the energy and release brought about by sex as your method of casting a spell. It can also incorporate the Great Rite and ritualistic and/or spiritual bonding but it's mostly the first notion of sex magic that I refer to when the topic is addressed. I can only imagine that the taboos of this topic stems from ethics associated with how sex is viewed, if it should be performed if not all participants of the act are aware that it is being performed, or if one participant in the sexual act disapproves of the method and yet it is used regardless by another participant, and to what end the method is used.
Pathworking in the Shadows
As I stated earlier, it may not always be the best thing for everyone to just jump into darker and more serious topics right out of the gate. However, I do feel that there can be much learned when at least entertaining the idea of what lessons might be provided by exploring and contemplating your own positions on darker and more serious magics and ethics even if you never participate in them. It's always good to know where you stand on things. One of the reasons I often ask questions in this forum is to genuinely learn, not to just to be nosy. I find that it often helps me establish my own beliefs and refine them when others express their views on things even if I happen to disagree. Who know's? Perhaps I'll see a different view and maybe amend my thoughts or if not then come away with a stronger personal affirmation on own stance.
I would though, always encourage expansion and depth of knowledge of one's own self truths. I have learned a lot from what I would deem as my Shadow Self. I know what a lot of my darkest flaws and tendencies are, what triggers those things and when to keep them at bay or when to use them to my strengths. This of course is still an on going process and there is always more to learn. I've always been a huge fan of two notions in regards to dark topics: Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer, and that their is much strength in knowing your weaknesses.
So as an ending note to this segment I'm going to leave you with perhaps a few other topics that I find inspirational and educational for self growth when reflecting on them:
-What are your views on death and the deceased? What do you think happens when we die? Can you or should you contact those who've passed? What type of role does honoring the dead have on your path?
-Do you work or have a desire to work with any more notably dark deities or entities? Has that taught you any valuable lessons? Would you give any warnings to others who might seek to do so?
-How would personally define some key terms mentioned in this post: White and Black magic, Right and Left-handed magic, curses and hexes, ect.
-Have you ever had bad experiences that gave way to knowledge and growth?
-What lines do you draw in regards to dark magics if you do at all, and where do you draw them?
Tools of the trade
Blood
Blood may seem completely unnecessary in this day in age. We needn't sacrifice the first animals to slaughter to feed us for the winter months anymore but there is something to be said for blood. I would by no mean ever encourage or recommend going out and killing any living creature for the sole purposes of using it's blood in a spell. However, blood that is come across by other means can have equally powerful associations: used in binding, or creating a tie and bond, as payment or an offering and so on. Blood is life and there is power in life.
I once found myself in possession of the blood of an animal that had been poached in our woods. A friend of my father had shot a doe out of season and then didn't even salvage anything from it. Sad, but powerful stuff there. Especially when a circumstance of a friend being wrongly accused of something that could have seriously effected them for the rest of their life came up. Blood from a wrongful death in a working for the wrongfully accused. Power, and at least some use for innocent blood shed. I also saved some bones, hide, and organs. Although I would like to note, the power brought about by things such as blood or even any organic material in relation can be very strong. I will admit that in this particular working I even crossed my own lines of comfort but, in truth, I knew upfront that I most likely would at some point. It wasn't a very nice working to begin with. There was a price paid for it as well. Typically I am not so open about such specifics in my craft but this was a much long past working that I learned a lot about myself with and I have no issues sharing a little glimpse of it for purposes of example and warning as well.
There are also other ways to gather blood though as well if you don't mind getting a little messy and there is that strong of a need for it; being ready and waiting with a Kleenex to dab some up when accidental bumps scraps and bruises happen, scavenging through the trash for band-aids or anything else that may have been tossed out by those who blood you need. The same type of scavenger methods can apply for other bodily fluids or hair and things of the like though I highly recommend you are entirely sure that what you find is from the person you need it to correspond with.
I also have no personal qualms with offering my own blood, by sanitary means, or using it to create a stronger tie between me and my personal spiritual items/tools.
Bones, hair/fur, organs, bodily fluids
Any of these things can be used symbolically or to tie association of their origins to the working.
Mirrors
I adore mirrors in dark and defensive magic. I mean.. I would hope it fairly apparent. They reflect. Excellent in protection as well as reverse and rebounding spells.
Candles
Two candles in particular some find very useful in reversing and rebounding spells; Candles that are equal parts half black and white, or candles that have black exteriors with either red or white cores. Also, in darker dealings, one may bruise a candle to assist in working up some magic with a punch by beating the candle, stabbing, sticking pins in it, and other things of the like. Of course not to the extent of rendering the candle useless.
Bottles
Bottles can be very handy for submerging and entrapping.
Herbs
I always recommend doing additional research on herbs as while they may have qualities that align with certain correspondences, they may also have other lore that may be better suited for something else. Not to mention a lot of variations on lists depending on their sources. Here though, is a short list of some herbs associated with darker workings and/or protection:
Countermagic
Agrimony, Ash, Centaury, Flax, Motherwort, Pine, Rue
Funeral Herbs (in regards to the grieving, purification, or in honor of the deceased)
Anemone, Asphodel, Bluebells, Comfrey, Cypress,Iris, Lavendar, Mandrake, Marjoram, Marshmallow, Myrrh, Parsley, Periwinkle, Poppy, Rosemary, Sandlewood, Thyme, Violets, Willow, Yarrow
Herbs of Immortality (in regards to wisdom/knowledge or things that transcend worlds and time)
Apple, Chervil, Coriander, Heather, Honeysuckle, Life Everlasting, Mistletoe, Penny Royal, Periwinkle, Primrose, Red Clover, Sunflower, Verbena, Willow
Protection
Alfalfa, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Ash, Bittersweet, Blessed Thistle, Birch, Cedar, Chamomile, Clary, Cloves, Coriander, Cowslip, Cotton, Cumin, Dill, Dragon's Blood, Elder, Eucalyptus, Flax, Frankincense, Fumitory, Garlic, Holly, Hyssop, Iris, Lilac, Mandrake, Marjoram, Mint, Mistletoe, Mugwort, Mullein, Myrrh, Oak, Peony, Quince, Red clover, Rosemary, Rowan, Rue, Sage, St. John's Wort, Sesame, Snapdragon, Sunflower, Valerian, Verbena (Vervain)
Psychic Ability
Camphor, Centaury, Cloves, Marigold, Uva Ursi
Repels or Banishes Negativity
Agrimony, Asafoetida, Cloves, Dill, Elder, Flax, Lilac, Periwinkle, Sage, Wormwood
Rituals of the Dead (in regards to communing and working with the deceased)
Basil, Bay Laurel, Bluebells, Chervil, Frankincense, Lotus, Pomegranate, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Willow, Yew
Sex/Sex magic
Henna, Orchid, Patchouli, and too many aphrodisiacs to mention.
Visionary Herbs
Angelica, Bay Laurel, Celandine, Celery seed, Corn flower, Cucumber, Kava Kava, Mescal, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rowan, Thorn Apple, Unicorn Root, Verbena (Vervain), Watercress
DISCLAIMER: While I believe I edited out all of the toxic herbs that may be been listed, If I missed any let me know. With that said,
NEVER CONSUME AN HERB THAT YOU DO HAVE KNOWLEDGE AS TO IF IT IS TOXIC OR NOT.
