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I want to apologize to the readers for my 2-month absence from the magazine and you will understand why after reading this article. Eleven weeks ago, I lost the love of my life, my fiancé James Adkins. He was killed in Leominster. So since then, my heart has been destroyed and I’ve haven’t had the will to do anything. But being a psychic medium, I do still connect with him. I still see and talk with him a lot. Even when I don’t see him because he is off visiting and looking after his mom and siblings, he still sends me signs that he is there watching over me.
I signed myself in to the hospital to get some help to deal with his passing. While I was there, he watched over me closely. One day while sitting by the window I saw 2 dragonflies land on the skylight next to where I was sitting. So I looked to the sky and said James give me a sign you're here with me. I kid you not I thought the dragonflies would turn and look at me. Nope my lovable A-Hole, knowing I hate spiders, sent a quarter size spider to sit on the window next to my face! He was the kindest, Funniest A-hole I knew so I knew that it was him who sent the eight-legged demon. (continued on next page)
WRITTEN BY: NIKITA LE FEMME
in my dreams he said to me “I love physically, but just know I will be helped you get the the specific hospital needs your help, and I need you to help him for me. We need to make him part of our chosen family so he is not alone anymore.” I wasn’t surprised as the young person did need a friend and lgbtqia+ chosen family to be a part of.
So although I lost my love and my heart, he is still making sure I’m ok and still wants me to help and care for people in need as he would.
I recently took a trip to Salem Massachusetts to bring the young person for his first time as a new wiccan, while there I spread some of James’s ashes under a big oak tree on Salem Common in the shape of a pentagram , returning him to the ancestors. Just because you lose someone you love and care about doesn’t mean they are truly gone. Talk to them and ask for a sign that they are there and you will surely get one, and they are always there listening even if you can’t hear or see them.
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Nikita is a psychic medium and demonologist from Worcester, Massachusetts, and a direct descendant of Reverend Ralph Wheelock who came from England on the Mayflower.
Nikita has studied witchcraft and spells to keep demons at bay and to protect self and loved ones.
She is also an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church and can perform hand fasting ceremonies.
To contact Nikita, please email her at Nikita.le.femme83@gmail.com
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WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY
I had planned on a lengthy, fiery tirade in this issue, but now I am feeling a bit gentler. That doesn't mean I feel my message is any less important.
I think it's better if a cooler head is in charge of this article (still me, just me after some sleep and coffee).
There is a movement in the US that sends a dangerous message to women: be submissive. Women shouldn't lead. Women should be silent and let the menfolk take care of things.
Well, eff that.
There is also a message from Evangelicals: this is our season, our holiday. "Jesus is the reason for the season" and whatnot.
I say again: Eff every single bit of that.
Pagans and witches need to fight back against these tides. (continued on next page)
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WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY
There are over 1 million Pagans in the US, and our numbers are rising. Christian numbers are waning. There is a shift happening.
We need to make ourselves heard. We need to make sure we never have to go back to (or stay in) the "broom closet".
Our society is incredibly Christian accommodating. Some Christian holidays are celebrated on a federal level. Try going to your boss and asking for Samhain off (because for us it's a solemn event, not just a time for costumes and candy).
Speak up. Speak out. Make yourself known.
It's time to oppose the Christian nature of our society.
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Lady Shay is a Unitarian Universalist Pagan and an eclectic witch. She feels her purpose is to serve the Pagan community.
Shay is the owner and Editor-InChief of Purrfectly Pagan Magazine. She started the magazine in January of 2022 to help her fellow Pagans.
Shay is a Mindful Paganism coach and practitioner. Mindful Paganism is the practice of connecting Mind, Body, & Spirit in order to relieve stress, find our purpose, and rediscover Joy. Shay can be reached via email at ladyshay@mindfulpaganism.com
WRITTEN BY : FAERIE GODSMOTHER
Google, or as I refer to it, “the keeper of all human knowledge,” defines divination as “the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.” This includes everything from talking to the dead to prophesy. Just about every culture has their own tools for divination. Over the years cultures have collided, and overlapped in many ways, so it’s often difficult to know exactly where certain tools came from So when you want to ask your Aunt Birtha what her cheesecake recipe calls for, but she’s been dead for 20 years, you can’t find her recipe book and no one seems to know, you might use a divination tool to ask.
Some of the most common divination tools are crystal balls, tarot cards, oracle cards, pendulums, tea leaves, throwing bones, crystals, animal signs, and spirit boards. Over the years I’ve tried just about all of the divination tools listed above but my favorites are my cards. I’ve been using cards for over 25 years. I’ve had several types of Tarot Cards and Oracle Cards. So how does someone use cards for divination? The simple answer: It all depends on the reader. Every card reader has their preferences. Some like to use one deck. Other readers prefer many decks. Some use playing cards. Some use tarot cards. Others use oracle cards. Some readers use specific types of spreads whereas other readers prefer chaos and don’t follow any rules. (continued on next page)
I’m often asked what the difference is between Oracle Cards and Tarot Cards. The short answer is that Tarot tends to have more structure but there’s a lot more to it than that. Tarot originated as a card game. Whereas Oracle Cards have only ever been used for divination.
It’s crazy to me that the Tarot Cards that we have come to know as divination tools started as a card game back in the 1400’s. They were referred to as the Trionfi and, according to Wikipedia, the first game played with them was the Tarocchini. The Tarot De Marseilles was the first known deck to be used for cartomancy, the art of divination with the use of cards. The Tarot De Marseilles was used for both card games and occult purposes.
Oracle cards didn’t come about until the 1800’s. The very first Oracle Cards were made in France and they were only used for divination, not card games. No known decks of Oracle Cards were made for playing games.
Tarot Cards are very structured. Most of the current types of Tarot decks used today are based off of the Rider Waite deck, which came out in the early 1900’s. The following information is based off of the Rider Waite Deck because of its extreme popularity all over the world and the fact that most tarot decks made today are structured the same way. They are broken into two sections, the Major and Minor Arcanas. The major Arcana has 22 cards, including the fool. These all have a lot of power and carry more weight than minor Arcana in most tarot readings. The minor arcana is broken up into four suits, just like regular playing cards.
WRITTEN BY : FAERIE GODSMOTHER
I Each suit represents an element, Earth, Air, Fire,, and Water. The suit of coins represents Earth, money, and in a regular playing deck it’s the suit of diamonds. Swords represent air, state of mind, conflicts, and in a regular playing deck would be the suit of spades. Fire is represented by the suit of wands and this suit is all about action, energy and power Wands, in a regular playing deck would be the suit of clubs. That leaves the suit of hearts, which in a tarot deck, is the suit of cups, representing water and emotions.
Oracle Cards are not set up this way. Some oracle decks have structure similar to this and some have no structure at all and I love it. They are the no holds bard version of card reading. They come in all different size decks, with all different numbers of cards, and cards with all sorts of meanings. People often say that oracle decks are kinder and gentler than tarot but that’s just silly. The cards are there only to organize the information that’s coming to the reader, so the kindness and gentleness comes from the reader, not the cards If you think like a jerk, the cards will read like a jerk. If you think kindly, and gently, the cards will read kindly and gently.
I hope that this has been helpful. For those that are newer to the craft, welcome! I will be writing a lot more about divination in upcoming articles, so stay tuned!
Mote It Be!
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Owner of Holly Be Healing, a business dedicated to energetic and spiritual healing. While the business, Holly Be Healing, is only a few years old, Holly’s dedication to helping people has been a lifelong mission and her talent for intuitively knowing what people are feeling and how to help them heal is as skill that Holly has honed over the years Holly taught Shaolin Chuan Fa for 10 years and Yang Style Tai Chi for 5 years. While doing and teaching the martial arts she discovered her love of energy work and started focusing a lot on meditation. She became a certified Chakra Meditation Specialist and certified health coach in order to help people clear their chakras and heal physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Holly has been reading Oracle Cards, and tarot for 26 years privately and just recently added it to the services that she provides through Holly Be Healing. Holly Be healing offers Chakra Meditation sessions, Moving Meditation sessions, and Oracle Reading sessions to clients of all types. Holly has read for all types of people, schoolteachers, massage therapists, stay at home moms, jewelry designers, and even radio stars. She has lead meditation sessions with black belts, teachers, local artists, IT specialists, world renowned artists, and countless others.
Holly is also the co-creator of a unique and fun podcast, "Psychics and Swears," where she and her cohost enjoy doing 5 minute fun readings and interviewing our favorite intuitives. Holly and her partner John Shäden are also the creators of the amazing fragrance, "Moon Owl Moon Water."
To learn more, please reach out to Holly: 475-329-8997
Hollybhealthy@gmail.com
It's a wonderful moment to introduce you to this loving plant! We know that mother nature is always generous, but people can be, too in creating their stories that later become beliefs... and how remarkable it is that we hold to those tales over time... over such a long time...
There are a lot of interesting myths and magical uses of this herb since ancient times. As I could recall, I think the Greeks were the ones that discovered it first...
(continued on next page)
Mistletoe.
In some cultures, mistletoe is usually placed above the entrance door in the belief that it will drift off the evil spirits and also ensure fertility.
Well, for Cherokee people it was just signifying love and marriage. Today, people still find hope in this belief and hang decorations made of mistletoe branches on house doors. There's no hurt in that, right? Kissing under the mistletoe is a magical moment for those who do it.
So I encourage you to go and kiss someone you love! Today, now, don't wait! If they're not by your side then send them a kiss. If nothing, you will have a beautiful moment of sharing Love...
According to Anglo Saxon legend, kissing under the mistletoe was connected to Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. It said that a man had to kiss a girl who found herself under the mistletoe wreath, without realizing it (the lucky one). What happens after is they live happily ever after!
It's fun to read myths, interpretations, and different beliefs all around the world. We all have unique folklore. We follow different rituals or create some of our own, which is still wonderful. We tell tales that last for thousands of years...
(continued on next page)
Beyond all the symbolism, beyond all the beliefs, mistletoe as a plant itself has benefits for our body and mind
The best thing I like about it is that it calms our nerves. If you feel that the anxiety is reaching your inner ceiling, or maybe have restless sleep, this could be your getaway nerve tonic. It's lowering the stress hormones and puts us in a much more light hearted state. Your head will rest, and your sleep can improve. I like to mix it with chamomile flowers, for an even greater experience. Calmness hits within a very short period!
This also applies if you suffer from hypertension. Extracts from the mistletoe lower blood pressure and ease the stress on the cardiovascular system. For this matter, you can brew a little stronger tea.
Furthermore, by lowering the stress level in our body, we are breathing more freely Sore throat, coughing, bronchial inflammation, or any other respiratory discomfort that you may feel can be treated with a hot cup of mistletoe leaves. And this just reminded me of the big NOTE you must follow Always make sure that you're using the leaves of mistletoe herb! Not the other parts.
Berries are beautiful, I know, but they could be toxic, so leave them out. You should be completely safe with leaves.
(continued on next page)
WRITTEN BY: LILY MAYA (continued)
And I cannot leave this part out...
Here's one more interesting benefit of this loving herb...
It can reduce snoring! I bet you love that one! Doesn't matter if you are aware that you do this or you just sleep by someone who does it, it will certainly help both sides, haha. Brew that cuppa and sleep tight, because dreams are magic and nobody likes to be held back from that place. Especially on cozy, winter days...
So, my dearest, if you haven't tried to make a cup of mistletoe tea yet, now is the time. But please, please, please make sure that you use just the leaves like I mentioned above because berries could be toxic and we don't want to play with that.
Wishing you Calm & Magic.
Lily discovered her desire for writing at an early age. She asked her granny to buy her a notebook and waiting for no teacher, she start waving words on paper, with passion and in awe.
In her 20's she gathered some pieces of her work and publish them, becoming an author of the 'Ruthless Silence' poetry book. She then continues to feed her soul through various art forms. Today, as a founder of the Black Rabbit Tea brand, she runs a successful soul-led business and mentors others on their way to building this dream for themselves.
Many of us, when struggling with finding a way to feel a bit more resilient and helpful to this conflicting world rather than be overwhelmed by it, we think about adopting a set of guidelines for ourselves. We might take up yoga, or tai chi, and learn some of the principles for optimal living that they offer. Maybe get some exercise and have our “church” at the gym. There’s an awful lot to be gained from it. Almost any intentional discipline will have wisdom within it meant to teach us how to be at greater ease and strength. It has a ripple effect on our lives.
Choosing a life practice is somewhat like choosing an algorithm. An algorithm is a set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem solving operations. Usually on computers, but metaphorically, in the adoption of a life practice for ourselves, we are literally selecting an algorithm for our daily living.
Setting aside the conflict and corruption which damages our trust in religious institutions, as well as their specifics regarding the metaphysical, the messages they carry, specifically the algorithms for daily living they offer, have inherent within them some fairly irrefutable ideas about how to enjoy an optimal experience of life on this beautiful planet.
These life practice ideas (a.k.a. their dharmas) operate independently from the theology which surrounds their religion (a.k.a. their dogmas) and guide us in how to conduct ourselves peacefully and ethically, how to both seek and offer forgiveness, how to have a happy life, and leave the world better than we found it. That is the source of a life practice we might meditate upon and do our best to follow. Even when we don’t fully subscribe to the theological ideas around which these teachings have ultimately reached our ears and eyes, we can still benefit from their wisdom. The religion is the bottle. The dharma is the message inside it. (continued on next page)
The crucial advice is this: Pick one. Because nature abhors a vacuum, we either choose a life practice for ourselves or one chooses us based solely on the vibe we are throwing out there. What kind of vibe are you throwing out there right now? How are you feeling? What are you wanting? What do you feel you deserve? Whom do you love? The answers to all of these questions together emit a vibration into the universe. And we generally experience life through these lenses, overlapping one another as they will. Our individual worldview plays a significant role in our individual world experience. How we think affects what we notice. It affects the opportunities we recognize. It even makes an impact on the words we choose to describe what we want to others. Life practices help us refine the signal we’re transmitting into the universe. So maybe it’s even time to consider a church for yourself. That doesn’t necessarily mean on a Sunday morning, although that’s often when it occurs. But the rhythm of that could be a benefit to your life, and it’s a ready group of new friends An important caveat in the selection of a life practice: Don't go it alone. We need other people for these journeys. A walk in the woods, as comforting as it can be, is meditation, not church. Church, by definition, is a group of people gathered together for a shared purpose. The purpose is to make our lives better with others around to help us verbalize our understandings and even ritualize them. That's how we get better at them. We’re a communal species, after all.
Of course, I cast not a single judgment against recreational use. But that is a different subject than mindful, ceremonial application of psychedelics, like psilocybin, DMT, LSD, and other intoxicants like THC found in cannabis, to bring about transformation in ourselves. (continued on next page)
But whether or not you choose a church, or even if you’re already attending one, mindfully adopt the principles of a life practice for yourself. When being pulled along by the current of life, it’s the equivalent of climbing aboard a raft, finding that there’s an outboard motor attached to it, discovering there are written instructions on how to operate it, and then setting about mastering the tides. We don’t change the tide in the process, but we most definitely alter our relationship to it.
Wil Darcangelo, M.Div, is the Minister at the First Parish UU Church of Fitchburg and of the First Church of Christ, Unitarian in Lancaster, and producer of The UU Virtual Church of Fitchburg and Lancaster on YouTube.
Email wildarcangelo@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @wildarcangelo. His blog, Hopeful Thinking, can be found at www.hopefulthinkingworld.blogspot.com
In addition to being a witch, I am also a private practice holistic psychotherapist, in desperate need of an update in my branding. As I get ready to redo my entire website, and update my social media platforms, I am preparing for a professional all day photo shoot. (Doesn’t that sound like I belong on “America’s Next Top Model??)
I find it amusing that at this stage of my career, I will be allowing myself to have this spiritually minded young photographer take some photos of me, wearing witchy clothes, holding tarot cards, and “performing” magic. Am I the same person that just years prior, was a humble social worker who had no problem standing up for others, but not for herself, and didn’t fully embrace the power that was available to her?
It's been such a magical journey these past four years after my spiritual awakening, a huge transformation of who I once was physically, mentally and spiritually. The question that I am presented with now is, am I ready to come fully out of the “broom closet”?
For some of you, being pagan is all you’ve ever known. You were raised this way, and feel completely comfortable with it, as it's part of who you are. For others, such as myself, it's been an experience of self exploration to get where I am today. Starting out in this world raised as a Roman Catholic, I’ve had to literally dig my way out of a large empty void, and perform intense shadow work, in order to discover the real truth of the world around me, and find my genuine authentic self. Therefore, for someone like myself raised to believe that Roman Catholics are the one true religion, I find the experience of reinventing myself on camera to have a whole mixed bag of emotions attached to it. By doing this photo shoot, I will essentially be announcing to the universe (or at least the world wide web) that I am, unequivocally, a witch (yikes!). (continued on next page)
Let me take a moment here, a pause if you will, to talk about the feelings associated with this act. Number one a sense of general anxiety, fear, and downright panic, mainly of the unknown Will others judge me? Will family, friends and clients look at me as being less of a person? Will future clients and colleagues look at me as being less professional, and even worse, less credible? Whether we like it or not, our brains make sense of the world around us by judging, and this can cause turbulence when judged unfairly, even when we know deep down that they are projecting their fears onto you.
Another feeling running through me is the feeling of imposter syndrome. Am I really a witch? Have I earned that title? And if so, what does that exactly mean to me? To the community of witches I highly respect? And to the world? At one time or another, we have all experienced an identity crisis. This is one of those times when it challenges me to really step into the shoes (or perhaps boots) of who I want to be going forward. Will they fit me? Am I able to return them if they don’t, or is there no “looking back”?
Finally, deep down, I am experiencing a sense of joy and excitement from doing this. I almost feel giddy, like a little kid in a candy store. For the first time ever, I will be revealing a side of myself that was completely buried for over 30 years, secondary to having a family, working hard to build my career, and religious beliefs that no longer serve me.
Pagan |
WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN
(continued)
I am realizing now that for me, this is so much more than just a photo shoot. It's myself coming out of the “broom” closet, more than ever before. If you are struggling to do the same, I fully understand and empathize with you. It's not easy, especially if everyone around you doesn’t understand, and projects their fears and beliefs onto you If you are feeling ready to do so, my best suggestion for you is take some “baby steps”. Perform one spell for yourself, such as a self love spell. Talk to the trees, and see what they have to say. You would be surprised perhaps to know that they do communicate to us, just not in the same way as we do. Meditate, and start noticing the subtle energies around you. Tune into the animals in your life, domestic and wild. One day at a time, and one act of bravery at a time. Do it at your pace, in your own way. But whatever you do, make it yours, and make it shine. So mote it be.
Michelle began her spiritual journey when she was a child after a family trip at age 6 to Salem, MA. After being introduced to the world of the occult, Michelle became obsessed with witches and ghosts, using tarot and ouija to communicate with the spirit world, performing magic for friends and family, reading endless books about the witch trials and ghost encounters, watching endless hours of “Bewitched” and “Charmed”, and even writing her high school senior thesis on poltergeists. Halloween did not go by without Michelle dressing up as a witch, except for the year she was Casper the friendly ghost!
When Michelle entered college, got married, had a full-time job, had children, did foster care and had multiple pets (and somehow kept her sanity in check through it all), things came to a halt for over 30 years. During this time, Michelle continued to use her gifts of clairsentience and claircognizance without realizing it, as she was often labeled “too sensitive”, and was told “you seem to have someone looking out for you”. In 2014, Michelle gained her professional mental health counseling license, and in 2018, she was led by spirit to a holistic healing center in Durham CT called “The Red Barn in Durham”, where she left her full time social work job to have her own holistic private practice. This led Michelle to have a spiritual “breakdown” of her ego, also known as a spiritual awakening!
Michelle’s world was turned upside down, as she was raised Roman Catholic, as she was taught that they were the one “true” religion. Michelle began to question everything, obsessively research, and challenge herself to let go of the guilt, shame and limiting beliefs that attaches itself to anyone who follows this religious path. Michelle felt terrified and exhilarated all at the same time while she was pulling away from a belief system layered in fear, and at times, thought she might be going crazy…
Michelle then joined a spiritual support group, which helped her connect with others who were going through the same process, and also helped her connect to a community of like minded individuals. Relief was on its way, as Michelle learned that others were having the same experiences as her! Michelle’s first mentors were Stephanie Rosally-Kaplan, Reiki Master/teacher/psychic medium, and Jennifer Gaylord, psychic medium, the leaders of the support group. Stephanie and Jennifer helped Michelle connect with her gifts, her ancestry, and her healing abilities. Within a few months, Michelle became a Reiki Master, and was able to use this ability to help others heal on a physical and emotional level.
In 2019, Michelle then met Paul Rice, psychic ghost worker (NOT hunter-Michelle does not believe in hunting people, or animals for that matter!), who would be her next mentor. Paul was teaching a class on how to tap into your psychic abilities in order to help ghosts move onto the light. Paul believed that there were many reasons why souls didn’t move on, and it was up to us to guide them, facilitate healing, and move them on to their version of heaven. Michelle developed her gifts, and realized that she could add clairvoyance to her spiritual resume! Paul was also teaching Michelle how to psychically protect herself, which is absolutely necessary for this type of work (although Michelle believes that humans are MUCH more scary than ghosts!). In 2021, Paul gave the group a formal name entitled “SHONE-spirit healers of New England” in order to continue his legacy (on FB and IG). When Paul retires and moves out of the country in 2023, Michelle will co lead the group, as her passion for rescue mediumship has soared.
In 2020, the pandemic hit, and doing things online suddenly exploded. Many famous mediums who were inaccessible suddenly were available at the request of a Zoom link. During this time, Michelle connected with mediums all over the world, and started doing practice circles and gallery readings that challenged her abilities (and scared her to death!). Michelle’s next mentor would be Kay Reynolds, an Arthur Findley college trained medium who was previously an elementary school teacher, and can work with others in a gentle and encouraging way (which is what Michelle needed!). Kay taught Michelle to develop her gifts even further, and the gift of clairaudience began to develop. Michelle continues to challenge herself, and will be working with more talented mediums in order to gain professionalism, and to learn how to perform trance mediumship.
In 2021, Michelle decided that the witchcraft had been put on a shelf for much too long! Michelle then began her year and a day training with Stacy Salpietro-Babb, an animist village witch who showed Michelle how to forage, craft spells, create sigils, perform tarot readings, read astrology, create self care items, perform rituals, tap into familiars, honor deities, and more! Most importantly though, Stacy showed Michelle how to be proud of who she was, and how to stand in her own truth. Michelle had finally come full circle!
Today, Michelle spends most of her days running her fully remote holistic telehealth practice from her home, encouraging people to be their true authentic selves. Michelle also runs ghost field trips that are open to the public, attends her mediumship and year and a day training classes, performs tarot and mediumship readings in private and at events, and spends time with her family, friends and her cat Loki. Michelle has her own blog entitled “Ghost and Spiritual Musings” on Facebook, where she shares her extraordinary experiences within the ghost and mediumship world. Michelle has also written for various publishings, such as CWPN (CT wiccan and pagan network), and writes ritual and spellwork for her groups.
Pioneer Valley Witches and Pagans group is for Pagans and Witches in the Pioneer Valley, Western Mass, and nearby areas to get together, chat, network, and socialize.
We have Meetups every two weeks. I'm trying to plan some more interesting outings and activities, set stay tuned! You can find us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pioneerwitchesandpagans/?ref=share and for those not on Facebook: https://meetingplace.io/PVW
Merry Meet! This group is for Pagans of all types (wiccan, neopagan, Celtic, etc.) in or near Fitchburg, MA, to meet and socialize. It's also a welcoming place for those who are curious about paganism. We have online gatherings for those who are not local. Join here: https://www.meetup.com/fitchburg-pagan-meetup-group
(Writer’snote: I am writing on these topics as a special Samhain piece. The last in the ‘Govt’ trilogy will commence next month. I just wanted to write about something else. Deal with it!)
(Anotherwriter’snote:about halfway through this article, I started celebrating Samhain with a few rum and cokes. This article is lousy with depictions of torture, cussing, cursing, and other assorted naughtiness….. What do you ambidextrous anorexic alleycats want from me? Nice reviews on flowers and sugarcube igloos? F*ck off!!! Reader discretion is stronglyadvised!!!!)
“Jesuswept…”-FrankCotten,Hellraiser
“Someofthemwanttoabuseyou,someofthemwanttobeAbused”-Theeurythmics,sweetdreams “Bowdownbeforetheoneyouserve.You’regoingtogetwhatyoudeserve.”
~NineInchNails,HeadLikeAHole
‘Thank You, Master. may I have another?’: The Importance of Blasphemy/Sacrilege in My Practice & the Unhealthy Spiritual S&M Relationships of the ‘Pious’ I Grew up in a Catholic family in New England. The lens through which I witnessed and express my views on Christianity has its origin from this experience. I attended catechism(CCD) each Wednesday evening and went to Catholic Mass on Saturday afternoons. I was given first communion in second grade and made confirmation at 14, to which I had to pick a Saint as my name. I chose Saint Lawrence. Saint Lawrence was Martyred in 284 A.D. during Emperor Valerian’s persecution of the Christians by being roasted alive on a gridiron. As the legend goes, his last words were ‘I’m done on this side, would you please flip me over?’ though I am not a Catholic anymore, and loathe Christianity with every ounce of my being, I respect balls. He is the patron saint of comedians (and BBQ pitmasters, lol), and those of you who relish my depraved and morbid sense of humor certainly shouldn't find it surprising that I chose him. (continued on next page)
Alchemy (part 2): staring into the sunwheel with a head of horrors/ the blind
Christianity has a torture fetish. Not just Christianity, but all the Abrahamic faiths do. Judaism and Islam similarly can't get enough gore and guts and screams and tears. It is their kink. And since I am writing this, last minute as usual, on a gorgeous Samhain afternoon, I thought that I would drag you through a few favorite topics of mine. Torture, black humor, and blasphemy. Ain't life dandy?
These 3 Amigos of carnage must be the vanguards of the most toxic and gross S&M relationship known to humankind That being between the limp dick cuckold gimp followers and their Master Daddy: Yahweh. He, for all intents and purposes, is a cruel, vindictive, capricious, jealous, narcissistic, and incompetent deity if their ever was one. And the pious literally flog themselves bloody for his approval. They live to lick his leather boots clean and toss his salad. Suffering is surprisingly NOT a sacrament, and I am genuinely shocked is isn't. From the texts, it seems to be the grandest Heavenly pastime. During the Black Plague, crowds of fearful, ignorant peasants beat their backs raw and oozing in blood atonement so the good lord would hopefully spare their mediocre and pathetic lives. Yet if my existence was shoveling mule sh!t and eating moldy bread stew whilst groveling to some noble douche nozzles, bring me the fever and boils!!! There is a slew of these types of stories. From the Holy anorexics to the Filipino men who crucify themselves every easter. Suffering gets them stiffer than a Jesuit at Chuck E. Cheese’s. And let's not forget another heartwarming party favor of the self-righteous: Torture, ahoy!!!!! (continued on next page)
Torture is how they get the answers they want. From the stake burnings of our ilk to the Inquisition. Christians love torturing others whilst feeling so Vindicated. They would pull your fingernails out, set fire to your armpits, put all types of fun tools in the orifices, pull eyes out with hot pokers, etc. and the devices invented for such activities were a renaissance in and of themselves(pun intended). There was the judas cradle, a wood, and steel pyramid that the torturers would force a prisoner to straddle, then they'd add lead weights to the poor f*ck. There was the pear of anguish, which was one of the fun toys inserted into the unwanting holes of some guy or gal for heresy, witchcraft, homosexuality, not recycling, the list goes on. The pear was a mechanized copper or bronze pear with a series of gears that when the leaf key at the top is turned, would open inside said poor chump. Some even had a spiked end that would stick into the flesh, causing unbelievable destruction and infection. And there's everyone's favorite, the Iron Maiden (‘The Trooper’ plays in my head). The Iron Maiden was an iron sarcophagus, usually molded in the shape of a lovely lass. The accused would be chucked inside and as the cover was closed, internal, strategically placed spikes would pierce the flesh in nonfatal yet unimaginably painful spots such as the arms, legs, stomach, lung, liver, and eyes There's also the rack, the pit of disappear, the iron chair, the brazen bull, rat torture, I could go on and on and on…. The imagination and constitution of these sadistic f*cks were and are limitless.
I think I made my point. (continued on next page)
Alchemy (part 2): staring into the sunwheel with a head of horrors/ the blind leading the blind to ice cream and LSD
WRITTEN BY: JOHN SHADEN
So, why am I bringing this up? Isn't humanity awful regardless? Yes, absolutely. I hate the human race as a whole and as a concept. But the level of sheer brutality these ‘faiths’ have dumped not only on Pagans and Satanists but on themselves, is downright sickening. It's abuse on a terroristic level. And if you want a little glimpse of what it was like back then, or worse what it would be like if they were still rocking, just watch any of the Isis executions and it will give you an idea of what it must have been like to not be in the yhwh/allah club. (Just a sidenote, whoever edits the isis execution videos is incredible. It’s movie/tv quality editing. To see such talent used in that manner. Go ahead and judge me, I do not care) That brings me to…. Well, me. Why are blasphemy and sacrilege so important to my practice? These acts of denouncement are but one of my many vehicles of devotion. They are a statement of allegiance to the Gods and Goddesses I love and a vow of unending loyalty. No different than any other faith, honestly. Just like them, I have a sworn enemy. And the followers of that enemy are combatants in a very real war that I and any other person disgusted by the teachings of said faiths are engaged in. another use of blasphemy is propaganda. In any properly fought conflict, propaganda is a necessary tool in gaining support and trashing the enemy. As the frontman and chief lyricist of my music project Carnivorous Storm, blasphemy is not only propaganda but a symbol of pride, liberty, and solidarity. It lets the isolated know that you got their back and that they aren't alone. Others feel the same way they do. (continued on next page)
Bureaucratic Alchemy (part 2): staring into the sunwheel with a head of horrors/ the blind leading the blind to ice cream and LSD
WRITTEN BY: JOHN SHADEN
Also, writing for this wonderful publication has given me a platform that I never have to be worried about being canceled from. In a world where everyone is offended before a single word is uttered, I can come on here, beat my chest, and howl like the werewolf I am. I may be a bastard, but I am a bastard that loves freedom, my family, a cocktail from time to time, and telling the lord to go f*ck himself with the cross he nailed his charlatan son on. And with that, have a happy and festive Samhain (sow when) ;p
P.S. If you are enjoying this magazine, would you consider buying a "coffee"? It's just $3, but it would help a lot and be very much appreciated https://ko-fi com/ladyshay
John Shaden was born on a leap year in 1988. He is a musician, black magickian, and a chaos gnostic satanist John has had a keen interest in the occult and left hand path since as early as he can remember. He was born and raise Catholic, John found himself spiritually crippled and in his late teens decided to look into the darkness for answers and he found them. Through ritual magick and in communion with the divine, John has been able to sharpen his skills as a psychic and practitioner of the black work.
John founded an occult order known as the, “Order of the Oblivion,” in which he and his fraternal brother work with other occult organizations in forwarding their goals of gnosis, strength, and apotheosis in 2018. Along with his spiritual path, John has been the front man for the black metal band, “CARNIVOROUS STORM,” since 2018.
John has been a writer since he was a young boy, taking inspiration from authors such as Hunter S Thompson, E A Koetting, Michael W Ford, Charles Bukowski, and Sun Tzu. He has been published on many online forums and websites along with publishing his own work on Brilliantbias.com and various other websites over the course of the last 15 years.
Holly Broderick and John Shaden have teamed up to create an amazing psychic duo, in 2022. They call themselves, “Psychics and Swears,” and have helped numerous people with all kinds of issues They have assisted several families get closure in 4 different cases of murder. They work very hard to be sure that their clients know that they are cared for, treat them with dignity and are important to their work all the while using cheeky language and humor.
WRITTEN BY: MAMA FAYE
Goddess of magic, Mother of Night, all hail Hecate this night.
Many of us have heard the call of Hecate, and many are left wondering at the interpretation. A guardian of doorways and one of the old world’s master key keepers, Hecate is an invitation to embracing new opportunities. She presents you challenges designed to force you to grow by leaps and bounds. A truly empowering mother, she cares, but doesn’t coddle. Keys, especially skeleton keys, are iconic tokens of Hecate. (continued on next page)
Hecate is not a goddess for the weak or lazy. She will help you, but only if you put in the work. She will hand you the key, but you have to walk of your own accord through the doors she holds open for you The Eternal Gatekeeper, Hecate walks between the realms, guiding those who honor her to the next and beyond. For those devote, who put in the work, no matter how dark your situation gets Hecate will see you through.
The original holy trinity, Mother, Maiden, and Crone, Hecate is also known as the Triple Moon Goddess, with an owl at her side. Seen as keeper of the dead, she must also be the mother of reincarnation. She is sometimes depicted with three heads, with or without three bodies. This is symbolic of her domain over life, death, and rebirth, and watching the cross roads. These three heads are sometimes depicted as the animals of her domain, the wolf, snake, horse, deer or owl, living together in oak woods. These animals are often found in art and lore surrounding the Goddess. When honoring and caring for these animals, we honor Hecate. Oak, being the tree of Hecate, her forest being all oak. We honor the Night Mother by caring for and planting oak trees, by making things from oak, her branches, even her leaves.
Mother of witchcraft, Hecate empowers those who call upon her to rise up and fight, to live in your power and purpose through her divinity. Call on Hecate for justice for the abused and victimized, or to banish those who would do us harm (continued on next page)
Like any good mother, Hecate is a healer. Work with Hecate in times of ailment, injuries, sickness, and childbirth to receive her blessings Praying to Hecate over your moon water, will enhance goals of healing, cleansing, and can be used for invocation. You can also use this moon water to water an oak tree, wolf, dog or horse to honor Hecate.
The Mother Of Nyght, the Triple Moon Goddess can thus be worked with under any moon, but it is the Dark Moon that is her most sacred eve of all phases. Honoring Hecate during a New Moon will ensure you a month of her support, healing, and blessings.
As we transition into the darkest days of the year, we honor Hecate in November on the 16th, beginning at sundown until sundown the next day.
In the early days of Greece, statues were erected at the entrance of cities, or placed near the entrance of homes, to ward off evil spirits. Should you hear the call to Hecate, be sure to honor her to receive her blessings.
To honor the Mother of Night, with me on November 16th, join me on Facebook at Lightworker Mama Faye!
Hail Mother Hecate!
In honor of Native American history month, and my ancestors, I wanted to share with you something special. It is a legend of women in my tribe, gifted with love, empowered by our very own Mother Earth; this is the story of the Ghigau.
Ghigau is a Cherokee prestigious title meaning “beloved woman” or “war woman”. The title was a recognition of great honor for women who made a significant impact within their community through medicine work, shamanism or exhibited great valor on the battlefield. This title, most significantly, came with the responsibility of leading their council.
Age was not a merit of earning the title of Ghigau. These women, though all so different, shared many natural born similarities. Their love for their tribe was far above their love for themselves. They were wise, old souls. It was said that they spoke with Earth Mother. It seems to me, they were extensions of Earth Mother. Care givers, sometimes to such a bitter end they would fight to protect, without question or hesitance. They were warriors, when the need arose.
Ghigau were in many ways witches. As many witches are drawn to a certain kind of element or work, a Ghigau woman was the same. Elemental, plant, or animal magic were all common draws for Native American practitioners. These stories have been passed on over fires, but many have been lost to the ages. The Cherokee have a long and strong history of female leadership.
Though the last recorded Ghigau was 17 year old Nanyehi “Nancy” Ward. Born in 1738, Nanyehi lead her people to victory against the Creek after the death of her husband in battle. She believed in peace, and thought the survival of her people depended on them being able to coexist with the white man. She later married a English trader to help establish this peace. More of her story is written than any other Ghigau woman known before her.
Though this word has nearly been lost to time, it strikes my heart deeply. What is a true Ghigau? A wise woman, a loving woman, a caring woman, a magical woman, a warrior woman, an empowered woman. If I were to ever target my aspirations in this life, it would be to live up to these things. To be remembered for these things. To honor these traits. What a world it could be if more of us strived to be a Ghigau woman, to live as she, to love as she, to give as she. What importance is it, to remember the Ghigau legends, and the memory of the Ghigau? As we move closer to the solstice, we embark on a journey of potential. What we make of that potential is up to us During this time of year, we often find ourselves setting goals or resolutions to self-improvement.
In this brutal, hostile world, I ask you what attributes you truly think will serve you best as we step into the next. Is it tighter abs and a smaller waist size that will give you pride this time next year? Or might it be something bigger?
Mama Faye
Seven times published in paranormal fiction and dramatic suspense, Faye is currently in the creation process of her first nonfiction production.
Lifelong artist, Faye has a unique style of blending creating a visual feast of color and texture through her often nature inspired abstracts Her art knows no limits and is most often found coating privately-owned walls across the midwest. Custom requests are all the artist is currently making available for sale at this time.
Mama Faye is a lifelong practitioner of eclectic arts, the extra-ordinary, and the other worldly. Faye uses her gifts and knowledge to benefit her clients and to help guide those ready along their road to healing.
She can be reached via email at themamafaye@gmail.com.
