April 2023 - Purrfectly Pagan Magazine

Purrfectly Pagan

CHICKEN BROCCOLI AND BIBLE VERSES

by Faerie Godsmother

MAY I ASK, WHAT IS A WITCH

by Michelle Pellin

SURRENDER TO THE GODDESS

by Lily Maya

In This Issue:

Letter from the Editor

Wisdom from the Faerie Godsmother: Chicken Broccoli and Bible Verses

Mindful Paganism: Mindful Paganism In The Workplace

The Witches' Corner: The Importance Of Community For Solitary Witches

The Devil's Advocate: ‘War In My Head’: GG Allin, His Influence On My Spiritual Beliefs And The Need For Confrontation In Magickal Practice

Pagan Group Listings

May I Ask, What Is A Witch

Love from The Other Side Surrender To The Goddess

Say What?

Magick is a complicated thing, and no results are guaranteed. No medical or income claims are made in this publication. This publication may contain adult language. There is a wide array of views expressed in this publication. Read at your own risk. Perform any spells or rituals at your own risk.

If you open some creepy portal or summon an uncooperative demon, it's not our fault.

Letter from the Editor

Dear Reader --

Thank you Thank you for reading this publication every single month Thank you for sharing with your friends and family. Thank you for helping us grow. Thank you for your donations. All of that helps us to continue to bring to you great content and allows us to grow more We appreciate you!

This magazine is Lady Shay's baby I suppose at this point it's more of a toddler She thought it up, and created a safe space for Pagans of all types to express themselves and educate others Lady Shay created this magazine and somehow, by the grace of the Gods and Goddesses I became her first writer over a year ago. Now, she's passed the editorial torch to me and I am very happy to have received such an honor.

Don't worry! Lady Shay is still with the magazine. After all, this is her baby and this baby grew! It grew to the point where a one woman job became a two woman job! Now, she is concentrating on the publishing end, while I concentrate on the editing end. This is all very exciting for us and I hope that you are excited to see the changes too.

By the way, we are looking to add another writer to our eclectic crew! If you might be interested in writing for Purrfectly Pagan Magazine, please send Lady Shay an email at ladyshay@purrfectlypagan.com.

---Holly Broderick

The Faerie Godsmother

P.S. If you are enjoying this magazine, would you consider buying me a coffee? It's just $3, but it would help a lot and be very much appreciated. https://ko-fi.com/ladyshay

THE WITCHES' CORNER

The Importance Of Community For Solitary Witches

WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL

For many solitary witches, practicing alone may be a preference, but it can also be isolating. While the solitary path offers freedom and independence, being part of a community can provide invaluable support, guidance, and camaraderie. In this article, we'll explore why it's important for solitary witches to belong to a community and the benefits it can bring.

1.

Learning and Growth

One of the most significant benefits of being part of a community is the opportunity to learn and grow. Witches of all levels and backgrounds can benefit from exposure to new ideas, perspectives, and techniques Being part of a community allows solitary witches to learn from others and expand their knowledge and skill set. It also provides a chance to share knowledge, mentor others, and help build a stronger, more knowledgeable community.

2. Support and Encouragement

Being part of a community provides a valuable support system for solitary witches. This support can come in many forms, such as emotional, spiritual, and practical. Witches can find encouragement and validation from others who share their beliefs and practices. This support can help them overcome challenges, find inspiration, and feel more connected to their craft

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

THE WITCHES' CORNER

3 Connection and Belonging

The Importance Of Community For Solitary Witches

WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL

Humans are social creatures, and we crave connection and belonging. Being part of a community provides a sense of belonging and connection that can be difficult to find as a solitary practitioner. This connection can help witches feel more grounded, supported, and connected to the wider world. It can also provide a sense of purpose and meaning beyond one's individual practice.

4. Ritual and Celebration

Being part of a community also offers the opportunity to participate in rituals and celebrations with others. These shared experiences can be incredibly powerful and transformative They provide a chance to connect with others on a deep level and to feel part of something greater than oneself. Rituals and celebrations can also provide a chance to honor the cycles of nature and the divine and to deepen one's spiritual practice.

5. Activism and Advocacy

Finally, being part of a community can offer opportunities for activism and advocacy. Solitary witches can join with others to work towards social justice, environmental causes, or other issues important to them. This work can be incredibly empowering and provide a chance to positively impact the world

(Continued on the next page)

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

THE WITCHES' CORNER

The Importance Of Community For Solitary Witches

WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL

In conclusion, while the solitary path can be fulfilling, being part of a community can offer numerous benefits to solitary witches. From learning and growth to support and encouragement, connection and belonging to shared rituals and celebrations, and activism and advocacy, the benefits are numerous. If you're a solitary witch, consider joining a community to enhance your practice and connect with others who share your beliefs and values.

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

Wisdom from the Faerie Godsmother

Chicken, Broccoli and Bible Verses.

by Faerie Godsmother

It was very late. My guy had just gotten home from work and was cooking himself some chicken and broccoli. I was at the kitchen table, on my phone working. By working, I mean I was perusing various forms of social media adding content to various groups on our company's behalf.

I found myself totally engrossed in all the goings on in the different social media groups. Who's crocheting shawls this week? Who's getting ready for Beltane? Who's cooking for their family's holidays? You know... The usual... and then it happened.

Then all of sudden I hear my guy yelling something about Biblical broccoli. He startled me, so, I dropped my hilarious meme machine, i.e. my phone, and asked what happened. He started mumbling about how he would have to eat "Jesus Broccoli "

While he and I have very different views on just about everything, there's one thing we do agree on. We reject the Christian/Catholic way of life We were both raised in it and we both decided long ago that it isn't for us.

We know that there are all sorts of religious organizations that make and sell all sorts of things. We were very surprised to find Bible Verses on our generic bag of frozen broccoli though.

(Continued on the next page)t

Chicken, Broccoli and Bible Verses

by Faerie Godsmother (continued)

I was both surprised and angry to find Bible quotes on my bag of broccoli. I started thinking about how religious indoctrination really is everywhere. It's literally everywhere. There are parent associations rallying to have the public school system changed so that they teach creationism with their god being the creator. The bible is quoted all over the place on TV and movies. There are hidden and not so hidden Biblical messages in all kinds of moves. Food chains, craft stores, movies, and now it's on our food packaging.

Meanwhile names of Greek, Roman, Celtic, and Egyptian Gods and Goddesses are used for all sorts of brand names and relatively few people even recognize it. Few people even recognize that Pandora, Gaia, Amazon(s), Aorus, Morrigan, Dian Cecht, Brigid (Brigit), and many many more are the names of Gods, Goddesses, deities, or in some way honored by Pagans.

Most people just know that they are company names. Or they may know that they are important to people of various religions but think of those religions as being in the past and therefore less important than their own religion

I've caught myself doing it. I've caught myself saying things like, "Horus was an ancient Egyptian God. He was the one with the falcon head." What I should have said was, "Horus is an Egyptian God that has been worshiped since ancient times. He's the one with the falcon head." There is a slight difference between those two descriptions but one implies that Horus isn't real and isn't worshiped anymore and the other implies that he is still worshiped and is a very old God.

Wisdom from the Faerie Godsmother

Chicken, Broccoli And Bible Verses

by Faerie Godsmother (continued)

I'm sure that I am no the only Pagan who sometimes refers to the Gods and Goddesses of other Pagan cultures in the past tense. Maybe if we talk about each others' Gods and Goddesses in the present then those Gods and Goddesses won't be used for cheap branding purposes. Maybe, just maybe they'll be revered again.

Don't get me wrong. I love many of the companies that are named after some amazing Pagan deities, like the ones mentioned above. At one point I was on a first name basis with my local Amazon driver. Pandora has gotten me through many a workout and Brigit provides many nifty tools for the average money bungler. But none of these companies gives credence to the Pagan deities that they're named after.

Perhaps people ought to think of the implications of their actions, before they put Bible verses on their packaging, or name their company after Gods and Goddesses that they believe to be non-existent. I doubt that anyone would want to isolate a group of cultures with their branding.

Isolating people means less sales! Who would want to do that?

Biblical broccoli isn't my thing, just as Perephone Pomegranite Tea might not be yours.

About Faerie Godsmother

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

Mindful Paganism

Mindful Paganism In The Workplace

by Lady Shay Bygul

Mindful paganism is a practice that combines the ancient beliefs of paganism with the principles of mindfulness. It offers numerous benefits that can be applied to the workplace, promoting a positive and productive work environment.

Benefits of Mindful Paganism in the Workplace

1.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Mindful paganism can help reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace. By fostering a deeper connection to nature and the cycles of the earth, practitioners can feel more grounded and centered.

2. Improves Focus and Productivity: Mindful paganism can improve focus and productivity in the workplace. By practicing mindfulness, employees can stay present and focused on their work, without being distracted by outside stressors.

3. Enhances Creativity and Innovation: Mindful paganism can stimulate creativity and innovation in the workplace. By allowing employees to tap into their intuition and inner selves, they can approach tasks and problems with a fresh perspective. (continued on next page)

Mindful Paganism

Mindful Paganism In The Workplace

by Lady Shay Bygul

(continued)

4. Promotes Emotional Intelligence: Mindful paganism can promote emotional intelligence in the workplace By encouraging employees to be present and aware of their emotions, they can better manage their own emotions and respond to the emotions of others.

5. Fosters a Sense of Community: Mindful paganism can foster a sense of community in the workplace. By participating in rituals and celebrations, employees can connect with each other and form meaningful relationships.

How to Incorporate Mindful Paganism in the Workplace 1. (continued

Create a Nature-Inspired Workspace: Bring elements of nature into the workplace, such as plants or natural lighting, to create a more grounding and calming environment.

Mindful Paganism

Mindful Paganism In The Workplace

by Lady Shay Bygul

(continued)

2. Encourage Mindful Breaks: Encourage employees to take mindful breaks throughout the day, such as by practicing breathing exercises or spending time outside.

3. Participate in Rituals and Celebrations: Host pagan rituals and celebrations in the workplace to promote a sense of community and connection among employees.

4. Foster Creativity and Intuition: Encourage employees to tap into their creativity and intuition in the workplace, whether it's by brainstorming new ideas or exploring different approaches to problem-solving.

5. Promote Mindful Living: Encourage employees to live mindfully in all aspects of their lives, both in and out of the workplace. This can include practicing mindfulness exercises, connecting with nature, and being present and aware in their daily activities.

(continued on the next page)

Mindful Paganism

Mindful Paganism In The Workplace

by Lady Shay Bygul

(continued)

Mindful paganism offers numerous benefits in the workplace, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and productivity, enhanced creativity and innovation, and a sense of community. By incorporating nature-inspired elements, promoting mindful breaks, participating in rituals and celebrations, and fostering creativity and intuition, employers can create a positive and productive work environment that supports the well-being of their employees

About Lady Shay Bygul

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

Purrfectly Pagan Marketplace

Surrender To The Goddess

Nurture The Feminine

WRITTEN BY: LILY MAYA

“When your sensuality is activated you are in the right frequency of receiving what you have asked for ”

-Lebo Grand

This is the herbal Goddess who walked into my magical garden.

I cherish her. She's here to nurture all lovely women.

Each one

She came to love You.

She can access the places within you that no human can

Lady's Mantle.

Lady’s Mantle is commonly used to treat skin conditions (such as redness, eczema and acne), as well as digestive complaints, menstrual issues, and other female health related and spiritual challenges. She's that magic wand we all desire. Smooth on the throat, and comforting inside the body She can calm the nerves & help with sleep issues as well, but that is not her main intention. She's made for deeper healing

(Continued on the next page)

Surrender To The Goddess

Nurture The Feminine

WRITTEN BY: LILY MAYA (continued)

I remember the days when I had to stay home curled in bed on a beautiful Spring day. Why? Well, you tell me... When biology hits, nothing can save you… (so I thought!)… until I met this particular herb. Pain and heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles are long and safely gone! No more pharma' pills, no more killing joy!

Welcome Sunshine and living these days like they're any other day. Mental PMS symptoms? No more. None of that. No f*ng more!

Hell Yeah to the Magician, Nature.

If you didn't know, many women have only one week of the month when they feel 'themselves'?! Only ONE week!!!!

First comes the Pre-Menstrual Week, then the week during the cycle, then the PostMenstrual week… and then… the week where we actually get to feel comfort, ease & enjoy our body and mind in complete serenity.

One week!!!!

Unless we use what nature has already created for us…

There are several main things that Lady's Mantle can do. I'll list them here first, and then take you to the magic

So, regulating menstrual cycles & relieving discomfort is her biggest power.

Supporting reproductive health is the second one.

Properties that can help soothe and heal digestive issues.

> The central part of our body is her main seat for healing < Ease inflammation, throughout the whole body. And, she can heal wounds. She has magnificent antiseptic properties that can help kill harmful bacteria. (continued on the next page)

Surrender To The Goddess

Nurture The Feminine

WRITTEN BY: LILY MAYA (continued)

But the physical is not all that there is.

There's also the mystical… the energetic values that this one is bringing…

She's the Protector. The one that keeps the negative energy far, far away from you, as well as the evil spirits. You know that feeling that suddenly gives you the creeps? If you scan the life within you and find nothing to really be worried about, be sure that those creeps are just negative energies that you pick up somewhere. We all do it. But rest assured that they can be repelled quite easily.

She's associated with Love and Fertility. Because of her strong devotion to the woman's reproductive health. That's what she fights for. If you find this herb in magic, she's there to attract love or to promote fertility in women.

Prosperity. Wealth. These are her secret uses as well. She wants you to flourish in every aspect of your life. Ask her to get you what you wish for, and she will meet you there! Ask her, and your desire will be fulfilled. Here we can add one more related mystical use - Divination practices.

But with all mentioned above, her main purpose is HEALING.

Healing the body. Healing the mind.

Enjoy this herb as your favorite cup of tea, and energy advocate.

About Lily Maya

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.

May I Ask, What Is a Witch?

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN

The other day, I was teaching a beginner mediumship class, and someone in the class asked me “May I ask what is a witch? The word scares me.” When I went to answer this question, I hesitated. Although I have gone through my year and a day training, as well as my initiation, I have never truly answered the question for myself. Although I knew in my heart what the answer was, I had never taken the time to verbalize it. I decided to look it up for myself in order to create my own definition. Little did I know, the internet was of no help.

Looking up the word “witch” in a google search, I found this from the Oxford languages site: “A person thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones, popularly depicted as a woman wearing a black coat and a pointed hat and flying on a broomstick.”

(continued on the next page)

May

I

Ask, What Is a Witch?

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN

(continued)

Then, from Wikipedia, “A person (especially a woman) who is credited with having usually malignant supernatural powers.” The Collins dictionary defines it as “In fairy tales, a witch is a woman, usually an old woman, who has evil magic powers. Witches often wear a pointed black hat ” From the Free dictionary, I found this “A female thought to have special powers derived from the devil; a female sorcerer; an ugly evillooking old woman.” Wow! I was in disbelief and

shock. I could easily list more of the same nonsense, as the search seemed endless. The results were truly disconcerting and heartbreaking

I was already aware that Hollywood had taken advantage of the witch, and gave it a dark stereotype (for example, “The Wizard of Oz”). However, viewing the google search just solidified why this woman is so scared of the word. The internet has literally taught her to be (or at the very least, solidified her beliefs taught to her by religion). How can I create a much improved definition when there is so much out there to the contrary? Sadly, the days of the witch hunts never truly ended.

I told myself I still need to give this a try. I started with a list of qualities that I believe embodies most true witches:

1. A person who identifies as male, female or non-binary, who is connected to and honors everything in nature, including plants, animals, humans, the elements (earth, fire, water and air), the planets, the universe, deities, ancestors, and spirits.

2. A human who works with energy in their daily life to manifest through magical practices what they want for others and themselves.

3. A personage of any religion or faith, walk of life, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, race, age, occupation, or experience who dedicates themselves to the craft.

4. A mortal who sees the magic in daily life, and is open to the experiences they and others around them create.

(continued on next the page)

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN

5. A living soul who understands and respects the power of the spirit world, and at times, works with them to achieve a magical goal.

6. A non-conformist who isn’t afraid to not fit into society’s definition of “good” or “bad”, and knows duality is toxic, and keeps us separate.

7. A magic practitioner who is “cunning” (can use their skills and knowledge to create any working), and continues to build on their skill sets.

8. An individual who is passionate about being true to themselves, and helping others be this as well.

9. A healer who gives of their time in service to others to help facilitate wellness and provide guidance for the past, present and future.

May I Ask, What Is a Witch?

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE PELLIN

I believe a modern day witch is all of this and more. I believe this breakdown is simply scratching the surface of what a witch truly is. I challenge you to use these meanings when others pose the question, “What is a witch?” in order to break down the walls and stereotypes that exist. Perhaps one day, there won’t be so many who are scared of the word. (continued)

About Michelle Pellin

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.

Pagan Groups

Pioneer Valley Witches & Pagans - Western Massachusetts

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

Fitchburg Pagan Group in Fitchburg, MA

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

List your Pagan group here for free!

Contact Shay for info:

https://www.purrfectlypagan.com/contact.html

The Devil's Advocate

‘War in my head’: GG Allin, His Influence On My Spiritual Beliefs & The Need For Confrontation In Magickal Practice

by John Shaden

GGAllinisanentertainerwithamessagetoasicksociety.Hemakesuslookatitforwhatwereally are.Thehumanisjustanotheranimalwhoisabletospeakoutfreely,toexpresshimselfclearly.Make nomistakeaboutit,behindwhathedoesisabrain.”

“

-JohnWayneGacy,DeathRow

I first became aware of G.G. Allin as a sprite young man, about 13ish. I was a snot nosed little punk and had a love of the Extreme. Extreme wrestling, extreme sports, yes being a child growing up in america in the 90’s and 00’s, ‘extreme’ was the buzzword attached to literally everything. Even f*****g Doritos. I was your typical burnout teenager, Marilyn Manson and KMFDM t-shirts, weird idiot “freakshow friends,” who all wanted to grow up to be like Bam Margera…. I know, it was pathetic. No, I needed to find my heroes somewhere else And ironically I found it in a movie called CKY3 The CKY tapes were basically traded like underground snuff porn in the early 2000’s. A buddy would get a copy from a drug dealer, or their older brother (who was also a drug dealer). It consisted of Bam Margera and his merry prankster doing dumb skits, raising hell and being d*ckwads everywhere they went. I loved it. It was funny, fresh, and most importantly, it was extreme!!!!

(continued on the next page)

The Devil's Advocate

‘War in my head’: GG Allin, His Influence On My Spiritual Beliefs & The Need For Confrontation In Magickal Practice

by John Shaden

(continued)

But, little did i know that one segment of the 3rd film would change my life…. It's sad to say, but it did. In this film, they take a trip up to New Hampshire to visit the grave of G.G. Allin…. I had no idea who this guy was (they went up to have the guitarist of CKY to piss on G.G.’s grave)... but the dude claimed to be a ‘diehard fan ‘ of Mr. Allin…. Why piss on his grave??? It seemed counter intuitive. I still was confused by the end of the film, but that name stuck in my mind like abc gum under a detention desk. It wasn't until I became a freshman in high school where the legend of G.G. Allin became known to me A friend of mine popped in a VHS tape with the words ‘HATED: G G Allin & The Murder Junkies’. I had no idea what I was about to see. By the time the film was over, I was entranced. Shocked. Slightly sick to my stomach…. I was a fan.

My dumb friends and I would talk all the time about starting a band, the ‘craziest band of all time.’ We were a bunch of skate nerds in slipknot shirts. We didn't know anything about crazy. But here was a guy, virtually unknown, who took extremes as far as anyone would or could, even going to prison and being arrested countless times. I dove in, learning anything and everything I could and trying to decipher the myth from the man.

People, even the hardcore punks, either love him or hate him. Mostly hate. Most folks wrote him off as just an insane person or an attention whore, or both. But I always saw more in what G.G. did as an artist. G.G. was connected to something otherworldly.

(continued on the next page)

The Devil's Advocate

‘War in my head’: GG Allin, His Influence On My Spiritual Beliefs & The Need For Confrontation In Magickal Practice

by John Shaden

(continued)

In all religions, there is a concept called ‘Divine Madness’ Whether it be Saint Simeon dragging dead dogs by a rope behind him through the streets or the Mad Mullah, Mohammed Abdulle Hassan acting like a f*****g whackadoo. These people were communing with forces beyond human comprehension, and I believe G.G. was one of these people.

G.G. called what he did his ‘Mission,’ through his eyes he was on a crusade. A crusade against a world full of hypocrites and people whose souls had stagnated. He was trying to light a fire under the collective asses of humankind.

He wanted you to confront terror, to have to fight for your very life if it came down to it. When you went to see his show, you were entering gladiator school, the real world. A world where there is grime and filth and decay, a world where predator and prey are locked in a dance to the death and there are no limits or laws No cubicle or ties or f****g khakis. He wanted you to feel alive, if only for a second.

G.G. was, very well unhinged, and maybe even he wasn't fully aware of what his mission was or where it might take him. But, like many prophets of history before him, he followed the call with unshakable faith, gave up any worldly possessions that wouldn't fit in a brown paper bag, and stalked the earth until he died.

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The Devil's Advocate

‘War in my head’: GG Allin, His Influence On My Spiritual Beliefs & The Need For Confrontation In Magickal Practice

by John Shaden

(continued)

That's something to be admired. G.G. didn’t have an easy go of things. In fact, it was a lonely, suicidal nosedive after a very rough life. But he believed in himself. I'm sometimes asked why I believe in what I do. I tell people that my spirit pulled me in that direction. Since I was young I heard the call, it took me a while to crack the code, but I did. I confront things head on, even when it terrifies me, because that's what G.G. taught me.

Go for it.

About John Schaden

John Schaden 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.

Say What?

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