ENLIGHTEN SPACE: STORIES ARE MAGICAL
by Lily Maya by Michelle PellinSPELLS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: WHY WITCHES SHOULD EMBRACE ACTIVISM
by Lady Shay
Letter from the Owner
Wisdom from the Faerie Godsmother: Hospital Visits And Warnings From The Dead
Mindful Paganism: Exploring the Synergy of Mindfulness and Paganism: Unveiling Mindful
Paganism
The Witches' Corner: Spells and Social Justice: Why Witches Should Embrace Activism
The Devil's Advocate: An Otherworldly Chaos: a Review of Watain’s ‘Opus Diaboli’ live DVD And The Darkness Within Pagan Group Listings
Witchy Radar...It's A Thing
Letter From The Editor
Enlighten Space: Stories are Magical
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.
Cover photo credit: pexels-jairo-david-arboleda
Eighteen months ago, I started the journey of publishing Purrfectly Pagan Magazine. Each month I have been so happy to see it grow and reach more people.
I started this magazine as a passion project, pouring my soul into it, and also my own money. I knew I would need to, and I was happy to do it.
I still am. I believe this magazine serves a noble purpose - to educate, encourage, and empower the Pagan community
I keep this magazine free because I want anyone to be able to access it. I love knowing that it helps people who are new to the Pagan Path, plus helps those who have traveled the Path for decades.
I offer free classes about Introduction to Paganism because I want to educate the general public about who we are and (broadly) what we believe, and also letting them know that there are SO many Paths for Paganism. I want to clear up misconceptions, and, I admit, there is an alternative to other religions that stifle, limit, and guilt people.
I have also started a Pagans 4 Progress group locally, with hopes to expand it nationwide. (continued on next page)
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
Will you join me on this quest? The quest to promote Paganism, encourage those on the Pagan Path or curious about learning more? Empowering Pagans in all ways - spiritually, emotionally, financially, and more? Promoting Pagan businesses and authors? Educating the public, those new to the Path, and those who have journeyed for years?
I hope you will consider becoming a one-time or a monthly sponsor. My ko-fi link is
https://ko-fi.com/ladyshay
It would mean the world to me if you would join me.
I wish you Peace, Long Life, & Joy --
Lady Shay BygulP.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
Witches have long been associated with spells, potions, and mysterious rituals. But beyond the realm of cauldrons and broomsticks lies a powerful potential for witches to become agents of change and social justice. In this article, we will explore the reasons why witches should embrace activism and how their unique skills and perspectives can contribute to creating a more just and equitable world.
The Power of Intention: At the core of witchcraft lies the belief in the power of intention. Witches understand that thoughts, words, and actions carry weight and have the ability to shape reality. By channeling this power towards activism, witches can set powerful intentions for social change and direct their energy towards specific causes.
Connecting with the Earth: Witchcraft is deeply rooted in nature, and witches often have a profound connection with the Earth. This connection brings an acute awareness of environmental issues and the urgency to protect our planet. By embracing activism, witches can lend their voices to environmental movements and advocate for sustainable practices that preserve and heal the Earth.
Challenging Power Structures: Throughout history, witches have been seen as subversive figures who challenge established power structures. Today, this rebellious spirit can be channeled into activism as witches stand against oppressive systems and work towards dismantling hierarchies that perpetuate injustice. By actively engaging in social and political movements, witches can use their unique perspectives to challenge the status quo.
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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
WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL (Continued)
Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Witches, historically marginalized themselves, have a unique understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities. By embracing activism, witches can use their platforms to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced or ignored. They can work towards creating inclusive spaces and advocating for equal rights, social justice, and liberation for all.
Rituals for Change: Witchcraft is a practice rich in rituals, ceremonies, and spells. These rituals can be adapted to serve as powerful tools for change and transformation. By infusing their activism with ritualistic practices, witches can create sacred spaces that inspire collective action, healing, and manifestation of desired outcomes.
Building Communities: Witches often form tight-knit communities that support and empower each other. By bringing their community-building skills to the realm of activism, witches can foster solidarity and unity among diverse groups working towards common goals They can create safe spaces for dialogue, education, and collaboration, nurturing a sense of belonging and collective power.
Spirituality and Self-Care: Witchcraft embraces a holistic approach to spirituality and self-care. Activism can be emotionally and mentally demanding, leading to burnout and exhaustion. Witches can bring their knowledge of healing practices, meditation, and selfcare rituals to the activist space, supporting individuals and communities in maintaining their well-being and resilience.
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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
WRITTEN BY: LADY SHAY BYGUL (Continued)
Witches possess a unique blend of spiritual wisdom, connectedness to nature, and a history of challenging oppressive systems. By embracing activism, witches can channel their power, intention, and skills towards creating a more just and equitable world. Whether it is through amplifying marginalized voices, challenging power structures, or infusing activism with rituals, witches have the potential to be powerful agents of change. By joining forces with other activists, they can collectively weave spells of social justice, transforming society one intention at a time.
How do you feel about this? Let me know. Drop me an email at ladyshay@purrfectlypagan.com. I'd love to hear from you.
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
I was comfortably snuggled up in bed with my hubby watching Twin Peaks on Netflix. One minute we were laughing at the absurdity of the things happening on the show and enjoying every moment of it The next minute, I was sitting comfortably on the couch at my Mama M.'s house. Mama M. is, or rather, was, my second mom. She's the biological mother to three amazing women and the non-biological mom to many. When I met her eldest daughter back in college, we became friends very fast and I quickly became a part of their family. Mama and Dad M have had a few changes in furniture since then, but the couch I was transported to, was the one I spent many a night on, years ago in college.
So many people were there. Everyone I know and love was there, dead and alive. I could see my best friends and my immediate family walking around the den, where I was, unaware of my existence I could barely hear them and they could not hear or see me at all. They are alive, so they were the color gray.
I was deeply entrenched in the land of the dead. Everyone I knew that had passed away was in vivid colors. I could hear my grandmothers talking in the next room. I could hear my grandpa Jack in the living room complaining about losing puzzle pieces. I saw my aunts and uncles who haven't been alive in years, walking by. My uncle John was sitting on the other end of the couch telling me about his adventures around the world.
I looked down at my hand It was in vivid color, just like all of my dead friends and family. I had on my favorite black comfy pants, and one of my favorite teal shirts. I heard a thunderstorm outside and was experiencing love and an immense sense of calm.
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Mama M walked in the den, beautiful and powerful as ever, wearing a bright cheerful pink flowing dress shirt, comfortable black pants and her hair and makeup were impeccable It was a rarity to see her all dressed up like this in life but when it happened WATCH OUT WORLD! She was a knockout! She is a force of nature in death, just as she was in life. No one gave as good of a dressing down as Mama M. I ought to know. I caught a few of them in my time. While visiting the land of the dead the other night, she dressed me down with the force of hell hounds, and the love of angels.
Mama M.'s voice started out quiet and progressively got louder and she got progressively closer to me. By the last word her face was two inches from mine and her voice had become so loud that I felt it push me through a blackhole and put my soul back into my body. She said, "You're not supposed to be here. You'll be here ONE DAY. BUT TODAY IS NOT THAT DAY!"
Mama M's face turned into a 1,000,000 light yellow butterflies and 1,000,000,00 stars while her voice sent me backwards through the couch, into a blackhole, through a tunnel of fire and back into my body. My body turned over and shot straight up into a sitting position. I was screaming with the volume of banshees and the pitch of screeching violins.
My spouse, who was sleeping by this time, jumped at the sound of my screams. I believe his exact words were, "WTF BABE! Are you ok?!" I told him what happened. We snuggled up and eventually we were able to get back to sleep... eventually.
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by Faerie Godsmother (continued)
The following morning I woke up feeling a little strange. It was hot but my bed was inviting, so I stayed in it for much longer than usual. When I finally arose out of my cozy place, I dragged myself up the stairs to the living room and felt dizzy. I dismissed it to being dehydrated. I had some water and noticed my left ear hurting. So I assumed my dizziness was due to an ear infection. I've gotten ear infections every Spring or Summer for several years, so this was nothing new.
I did my normal ear infection remedies, garlic oil, drink lots of water and antibiotics I had antibiotics left over from when I had dental surgery a few months back. Yeah. Yeah.
I know. You're supposed to finish the prescription and not save them. But I definitely didn't do that. I saved a bunch of them and took them when I thought I had a bacterial infection in my ear. The antibiotics and other remedies didn't work because it wasn't a bacterial infection in my ear. I also had heartburn and double vision.
My insurance kicked in that day and the very next day, I was being rushed to the hospital via ambulance. My symptoms were much worse. My vision was going in and out in waves in my left eye. Heartburn was on and off. Ear pain was horrendous, but the worst was being dizzy and not being able to walk without stumbling and crashing into walls. Mama M's words rang in my ears so I called 911. Had she not warned me, I might not be here.
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I was a medical mystery for a full 24 hours. Two EKG's, one CTScan, one MRI, several blood tests, one urinalysis, countless blood pressure tests, five different types of medicines, lots of sleep, two bags of saline solution, lots of loving nurses and doctors and I'm finally better I had vertigo due to a virus in my inner ear.
Vertigo from the virus in my ear made my vision blurry, my ear hurt, and me feel wobbly and stumble. But, as it turns out, that wasn't the scariest part after all. I was a lot closer to death than I ever would have thought. My potassium level was extremely high. Had it been a little higher I would have had a heart attack. Mama M. sent a clear warning to me and I'm glad I listened.
I went into the hospital on Friday night and was out Saturday afternoon. In that short time a lot of mental, emotional and physical healing occurred. Depression brought me to the point of nearly killing myself with laziness and diet and I hit my rock bottom in the hospital unable to walk on my own on the verge of heart attack.
Today, a few short days later, I've made a commitment to increase my vegetable intake, decrease my sugar and potassium intake, and take better care of myself mentally, emotionally and physically. I'm committed to asking for help from the Gods, Goddesses, and the people who love me, when I feel that the mental load is too much. A few days and one trip to the gym and pool later, my mental, physical and emotional health is much better. But I know I'm still towards the bottom of the hole I dug for myself and I'm digging myself out.
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
by Lady Shay Bygul
In today's fast-paced world, the practice of mindfulness has gained significant recognition for its ability to cultivate peace, presence, and well-being. Simultaneously, Paganism, an ancient spiritual path rooted in nature and diverse cultural traditions, continues to captivate individuals seeking a deeper connection with the natural world and their own spirituality Surprisingly, the philosophies and practices of mindfulness and Paganism intertwine harmoniously, giving rise to a profound synthesis known as Mindful Paganism. This article delves into the ways in which mindfulness and Paganism complement and enhance one another, creating a unique and transformative spiritual approach.
Mindfulness: Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness
At its core, mindfulness is the practice of consciously and non-judgmentally directing our attention to the present moment. Derived from ancient Buddhist teachings, mindfulness invites individuals to embrace the here and now, bringing awareness to their thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and the environment. By observing these experiences without attachment or judgment, individuals can foster self-awareness, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner calm.
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by Lady Shay Bygul
(continued)
Paganism encompasses a diverse array of spiritual paths rooted in the reverence for nature and the cycles of life. Drawing inspiration from indigenous traditions, Paganism recognizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and celebrates the sacredness of the Earth. Pagans honor natural elements such as the sun, moon, stars, plants, and animals, seeking wisdom and spiritual nourishment from their interactions with the natural world. Moreover, Paganism often incorporates rituals, ceremonies, and ancestral practices to deepen the connection with the divine and foster personal growth.
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The Synergy: Mindfulness and Paganism Unite
Mindful Paganism emerges as a result of the harmonious integration of mindfulness practices into Pagan spiritual paths. This fusion offers practitioners a profound way to deepen their connection to nature, heighten their spiritual experiences, and cultivate a more profound understanding of self and the world around them.
Deepening Awareness of Nature: Mindfulness invites individuals to attune their senses to the subtleties of the natural world. By practicing mindful observation, Pagans can engage with nature more fully, immersing themselves in the beauty and wonder of the Earth's cycles. Through mindful walking meditations, for example, practitioners can deepen their connection to the land, feeling the earth beneath their feet, listening to the rustling leaves, and witnessing the vibrant life that surrounds them.
Rituals as Mindful Practice: Rituals play a central role in Paganism, serving as sacred ceremonies that connect individuals with the divine and their ancestors. By approaching rituals with mindfulness, participants can enter a state of heightened presence, fully immersing themselves in the sacred moment. The deliberate attention to each step, each gesture, and each word spoken during a ritual enhances the potency of the experience, creating a space for transformation, gratitude, and spiritual growth.
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by Lady Shay Bygul
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3. Inner Exploration and Self-Reflection: Mindfulness encourages individuals to explore their inner landscape with curiosity and compassion. When incorporated into Pagan practices, mindfulness can deepen self-reflection, helping individuals to understand their beliefs, values, and motivations on a more profound level. By observing their thoughts and emotions without judgment, practitioners can navigate their spiritual journey with greater authenticity, fostering personal growth and aligning with their true selves.
4. Ecological Consciousness: Mindful Paganism inherently promotes ecological consciousness by recognizing the interdependence between humans and the natural world Mindful practices, such as mindful eating or eco-friendly choices, can reinforce a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the Earth. The combination of mindfulness and Paganism supports sustainable living, environmental activism, and a commitment to honoring and preserving the Earth's resources.
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Mindful Paganism represents a unique and transformative spiritual path that harmoniously combines the principles and practices of mindfulness with the reverence for nature and ancestral traditions inherent in Paganism. By weaving mindfulness into their spiritual journey, individuals can deepen their connection to the Earth, enhance their self-awareness, and cultivate a profound sense of presence and peace. Mindful Paganism encourages practitioners to engage with the natural world consciously, approach rituals with heightened awareness, embark on inner exploration, and foster ecological consciousness. Through this integration, Mindful Paganism offers a rich and fulfilling spiritual path that empowers individuals to navigate their lives with intention, gratitude, and reverence for the interconnected web of existence.
If you would like to learn more about Mindful Paganism, please visit my site:
https://www.mindfulpaganism.com
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
Funky Stuff in Worcester, MA
We visited Funky Stuff in Worcester, MA, and loved the vibe! Beautiful stuff, friendly staff - we'll definitely be back.
We also visited Dragon's Leyr in Leominster, MA. Such cool stuff! And the staff was awesome. Can't wait to go back!
WRITTEN BY: LILY MAYA
From very early times, people were telling stories. This was their way to pass knowledge, experiences, their way of thinking which all served the community They were able to learn Who they Are, What can they Do, Who they wish to Become.
It all started with stories
Stories have the power: to Inspire to Comfort to Encourage to Awake
Story is energy.
Storytelling stimulates the imagination. We go to that unlimited world where anything is possible. Our mind awakens creative thinking and moves beyond what we see in our everyday world. That's how we get excited about life itself We see past the limits humanity has created
Stories give life to YOU, while you're telling it to the READER while reading (or listening to) it to that MOMENT that you're talking about and to EVERYONE ELSE who hasn't heard it yet Because you raise the energy & send it to the collective as you speak.
In some cultures, storytelling rituals are part of the sacred community s well-being. How beautiful is that?! They gather to share their experiences and provide guidance intentionally.
For example, stories can be used for healing
They utilize personal experiences, encourage self-reflection or address any soul ailments and provide support to the ones in need
All this is happening by just Telling Stories.
These rituals are deeply meaningful, transformative, and shape individuals and communities.
And now I wonder Why did we stop telling stories?
Why we don't let ourselves lose in the story?
And I realized It's about the TRUTH. We didn't stop telling the story. We stopped telling the truth
And true stories matter only
So, I encourage you to live your truth & spread it through the most magical story
If there's magic, there's truth. The world will know it. Because the story is energy
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.
Witches, has this ever happened to you? I was at a drum circle recently with many spiritual folks present, and met a new woman. Her energy drew me in immediately. I took one look at her, looked her straight in the eye, and said “You are a witch, correct?” in which she immediately responded “Yes I am”. Honestly, somehow, someway, I just knew she was.
One could argue that it was because she had on a moon necklace, or because she had on a long hoodie. Others might say I just got “lucky”, even though I don’t believe in luck. However, this was a spiritual event, and many people of all kinds were wearing this type of clothing. Somehow, most witches I have met just know when they are in the presence of another witch.
Many times, I have been out in public, dressed in normal street clothing, especially vendor fairs, looking at the items they had for sale, and minding my own damn business, when I hear someone say “Merry meet!!”. You could call it instinct, an inner knowing, the feeling of the energy, or a psychic pull. What is this all about? Whatever it is, it’s real.
Connection, energy cords, the collective unconscious, etc. Whatever you want to call it, it's a powerful entity. And it's a thing. It’s a pull, a tug, a feeling of familiarity. Like the feeling you get with a soul mate, a bestie, or a sister/brotherhood. It’s an inner knowing. It’s like being a part of something in the universe that is much greater than you.
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Why does this happen? I believe that witches are able to use energy for a wide variety of reasons, especially to protect themselves. Remember that 90’s song “I’ve Got The Power” by Snap? Witches have that power. Magic is a tangible entity in our lives. We know how to protect ourselves with it, and therefore, other magical beings can feel it surrounding us. I also believe that, in general, our auras are healthy and vibrant due to the regular use of magic, and are easier to detect.
Whatever it is, if you haven’t already, see if you can tune into witchy radar. Chances are, you already know exactly what I’m talking about!
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 & 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
WARNING: ADULT LANGUAGE
Within by John Shaden
“Let’smakeonethingclear.Theworldthatyouliveinishollow.Itisplainandsimpleandcontains onlymatter,thatinitself,doesnotpossessanythingoflastingvalue.Theonlywaytocreate somethingofdignityandtruebeautyinthisworldisbylookingbeyonditsborders.Tosearchoutside ofthemundaneandenterintoconnectionwiththatwhichliesbeyondthesafetyofestablishedform. Tostepintotherealmofliberatedwilderness,ofuntamedfireandofthatancientchaosforwhich everytrueandpotentartisthasbeenamouthpiece.Thereisagreatabyssbetweenthisworldandthat place;anabysswhichveryfewareeverabletocross.ButbymeansofMagickandcommunication withtheDivine,therearewaystopenetrateintothatvastdarkness,tothatwhichliesbeyond.To buildbridgesandopengatewaystothatvastandwondrousplacethatliesoutsidethebordersofthe world.Thisisthewaywehavechosentolookuponthespiritualcharacteristicsofourwork,andthis iswhyitisDivine.Itactsasamediatorbetweenhighandlow,alinkbetweentwoworlds,andwehave chosentocallitWatain.”-Erik’sopeningstatementfromOpusDiaboli
“Iamnotasociopath.Itaketoomuchpleasureinthemiseryofotherstobecalledone.”-Erik Danielsson,Watain
(continued)
I am an explorer. A seeker of the darkness and the transcendent gems within the inky black void. One of the most rewarding gems I uncovered is music, particularly Black Metal.
The gems are found in almost any genre with true artists with real intent expressing themselves freely and unrestricted. Black metal is an entire genre sprouted from bloody, charred, stinking earth. Between Arsons, suicides, murders, and other assorted flavors, Black Metal is as infamous as a mass murderer with the body count of a plague. But out of that bloody void, one name stands out above all: WATAIN.
Named after a track from the US Black Metal band VON, Watain is a deformed, howling hellspawn of a band. A true child of the night. I could sing (or scream) the praises of this band forever My bias is very, very unprofessional, and I do not care I could literally go on about every track on every album and perhaps in another issue I will go into detail
Each record released has different flavors of hellish, Satanic Death noise. But tonight, under a full moon, I shall review their live DVD, Opus Diaboli.
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by John Shaden
If you have not had the pleasure (or vomitous misery) to see Watain live, then this is a great start, a way to test the waters and get a glimpse of what you’re about to experience. The only thing akin to witnessing Watain ‘in the flesh’ would be perhaps stepping blindly through a minefield.
An entire stage filled with bones, fire (everywhere except in the states, thanks a lot, ‘Great White!!!), rotten animal carcasses and trophy heads bring the stench of death and decay. It fills the air and mingles with the smell of burning incense In front of the drum riser is an altar with various alms of the black work: candles, red and black carved with their symbolism, ox or pigs blood flowing oh so liberally, various totems, an ancient looking machete and a chalice made out of a real human skull.
Then the music kicks in and it is sheer f-ing mayhem onstage, total sensory overload. It's simply magickal I saw them on Friday the 13th, on a full moon in December 2019 I've never seen a better live band in all my years. No other band has brought me the type of spiritual transcendence that I experienced at the Watain onstage ritual.
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by John Shaden
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But I digress. I am here to speak on the DVD. This incredible work isn't just a regular live show recorded for posterity. This thing is almost an arthouse film from the bowels of an unspeakable evil. Soul-burning tracks spiked with weird, disturbing poetry of the damned mixed with tiny specks of view behind the temple walls. The first track to kick things off is the ripping ‘Malfeitor’. It works the ravenous crowd into a goddamn frenzy
I personally know some of these metal maniacs, they don't play around. They are an ungovernable lot of dedicated psychos that I can proudly call my brothers and sisters. (It's no secret that I am a member of Watain Disciples Worldwide. Rank: Death Dealer).
Between nearly every track, the band gives a glimpse of their apocalyptic vision. To listen to a person with similar spiritual beliefs and practices explain so perfectly the path of the Satanist without betraying any gnosis (knowledge of spiritual secrets) to outsiders was quite impressive. And then, like a rogue wave, you're slammed by more abrasive, jet black storms of black metal.
I can only imagine the horror an outsider looking in must feel when confronted by such vicious chaos and blasphemy For the casual music listener, I'm sure this sounds all over the top That is because it is. But for those few who crave the wild as a drowning man craves air to breathe, it is spiritual ecstasy.
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WARNING: ADULT LANGUAGE
by John Shaden
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The final track, a damn near fifteen minute blazer named ‘Waters of Ain’, has literally brought tears to my steely eyes on multiple occasions. A love song to death, and a bitter longing to return to that place of no return, man, it just gets me. Hook in mouth, landed Johnny. The lyrics are poignant and savage yet beautifully orchestrated by E., singer and songwriter extraordinaire.
“Do not mistake me for a star, though I shine like them at night. But behold, instead, the darkness in between them; the Devil’s Light.” - Waters of Ain by Watain
Exquisite Absolutely gorgeous and emotional and true Us outsiders who are drawn to the dark path have all felt this feeling before. A feeling of knowing you are but an alien on this planet, and cursed forever to feel lost until air no longer fills your lungs. Many men think of death, very few call it by name. Like a desperate pup to a parent.
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by John Shaden
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Opus Diaboli is a work of art. A grotesque and gorgeous roller coaster straight to the yawning abyss. Those interested in the Occult may enjoy it, the casual curious pedestrian of art and music might enjoy it or at least find it interesting. But it is truly intended for the feverish few, the outlaw spirits who yearn for the other. I give it 5 burning churches out of 5. I leave you with the perfect Epitaph for the cursed and proud. The last line from ‘Waters of Ain’:
‘So now, I must leave these shores
Never to return
So i set my sail towards the setting sun
At the end of the world.’
FTW//TTD
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.
We have been asking readers what kinds of things they would like to know about Paganism, Magick, plant medicine, and energy healing. Last month there was a question regarding IBS and plant medicine that I would like to expand on and I have a few new questions about Grimoires, how to work with deities, and how it's possible to do readings from a distance Some of the people who wrote questions this month would like to remain annonymous so I will just be posting their questions without their names.
M. C., wonders, "If you have IBS will tinctures be better on the stomach and can it be as powerful as ingesting in other ways? I used to take a number of plant medicines and would have IBS symptoms. Then I stopped taking them suddenly and noticed after a couple weeks that my stomach issues had become much better so I haven't gone back."
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not a disease or typical disorder. It's group of symptoms that effect the digestive system and cannot be easily cured because it does not have a single cause. It has many possible causes. We talked a little bit about that in last month's issue, but this month I thought I would go into a bit more detail about things that can help with some of the symptoms.
Ginger is one of the things that is most highly promoted for possibly helping IBS symptoms. Ginger, has been found to help people in varying degrees. For some people it's extremely helpful. For some it's a little bit helpful and for others it's not helpful at all. The symptoms that ginger is most effective with are diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. My feeling about this is that ginger affects some of the underlying causes but not others, but that is just my feeling.
On the other end of the spectrum constipation can be a major symptom for people with IBS In that case, things like slippery elm, and rhubarb can help.
Sometimes IBS is caused by an imbalance in gut flora. Gut flora is the bacteria that naturally lives in your intestines. Certain medicines and different foods can cause your gut flora to be out of balance and make it difficult for you to digest your food There are all sorts of foods that can help with this, including but not limited to Greek yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
The biggest issue with answering this question is that there are as many answers as there are people with IBS. So I've decided to dedicate some time in each issue to talk a little bit about health and different plants/foods that can help us.
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Hollywood would have you believing that a Book of Shadows, or Grimoire is a magickal book bound in human flesh and written in human blood. If you're a Hocus Pocus fan you may also believe it has an eye that can see everything in the middle of the front cover.
Grimoires, can be bound by leather, and in some places may be bound by human flesh but I assure you that they do not have a working eye that sees all in the middle of the front cover.
Simply put, a Grimoire is a book of spells written by a practitioner of magick. It's up to you how you want to start your Grimoire because it's a deeply personal thing. Each spell that you choose to put into it is yours to keep. It's important to' note what each spell is for and go back and write how well it worked, or didn't work.
Some people do a lot of warding spells over their Grimoire, while others leave the protection of their Book of Shadows up to chance. Some practitioners hide their spell books and some display theirs at home, like my spouse. His is proudly displayed on his altar and sometimes his stuffed Baphomet (Baphey for short) holds it.
To make a Grimoire all you really need is a journal that you feel a spiritual connection to. You'll know it when you see it. It will call to you from whatever store shelf you find it on. You can also make one from a hard cover book with blank pages and add a cover of your liking to it. The way you write in your Grimoire is entirely up to you.
What is a Grimoire? How do you make one?
The answer is, there is not just one single way to work with deities. There are all different types of ways to work with deities There are certain traditional prayers, offerings etc Each one is a little different so they like different things but there are some basics.
Deities are Gods and Goddesses. They're are thousands from all different parts of the world. They are often thought to be much like ourselves, creative, thoughtful, strong, wild, passionate and flawed to a degree. They are relatable, and have relatable problems and situations.
If you want to connect with a deity, do your research Find out if it's a deity that enjoys wine, or likes fire. See if they enjoy beautiful tapestries or bones. Read up on their temperament. Are they feisty or mild? Are they a war God and destroyer or a gentle creator? It is imperative that you know about them so that you are prepared to have a connection with them.
Give them a special place, perhaps even an altar of their own. A lot of deities like and/or need their own space, while others are perfectly fine having a space on your regular altar.
The altar or space on your altar dedicated to the deity should be particular to them Make sure that they have things there to let them know that they are the star of that space. Pictures, poetry, prayers, crystals, drinks they like, food they like, and things of that sort make great offerings
Upon initial contact, I do not suggest asking for help. A lot of people go right to Gods and Goddesses when they need help, and there's nothing wrong with that, but imagine someone you've never met coming up to you and asking for you help with something You've never seen or heard of this person before and they come up and ask you to help them obtain $1,000,000.00, to cure their family member of cancer, to get them a bigger house, for world peace, that their child aces their exams, etc. You would likely feel put off and used. I know I would So try putting things out for them on your altar, praying to them and thanking them for their presence in your life before you start asking them for help.
It's always exciting when we discover a new talent. Isn't it? For the last few years I have been doing oracle card readings remotely. I used to think that I had to be in the physical presence of the person to do readings
Back then, I connected with the dead, but not very consistently I had a bunch of witchy things and I practiced my version of Paganism but I was too afraid to make an official altar. My bookshelf turned into an unofficial altar. I had loose relationships with a bunch of deities but I did not have a specific place for any of them, other than among my other things on my bookshelf.
Then 2020 hit I lost my job several times I had a tiny side business where I taught meditation classes. I lost that took, because the world shut down.
My friend Laura suggested that I do oracle card readings or tarot readings online. I told her I couldn't do that because I need to be in the same room as the person. She looked at me dead in the face and said, "Don't be ridiculous Energy is like Wifi You plug into source, have your own energy field, and reach out to others to gather information."
There's a lot more to this story that includes a dead palm reader, a radio host, facebook, and my headbands, but I'll tell that part another day. So, I set up an official altar, and started doing 5 minute free readings on Facebook and found that I can tap into other people's energy from afar Recently I found that I can do much, much more than that!
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
I got much better at talking with the dead which has lead to a lot of interesting tasks, like helping solve murder cases with private investigators and family members. It has also lead to remote viewing and working with a paranormal investigator on a cold case.
I'm not bringing this up to brag, or show you my greatness. I'm bringing it all up to show you that sometimes we have no idea what we are capable of until we allow ourselves to think bigger. We have to think outside of the box. Years ago, I never thought I would be working cold cases with a paranormal investigator and helping the police I never thought that I would be living mostly off of my talents as a psychic, medium, witch and writer. But here I am, doing it.
Life is too short to spend it doing things that make you miserable. Find the things that bring you joy, peace, calm, and fill you with a sense of purpose. Do those things. If there's a way to live off of those things, do that.
I promise you. You'll be much happier.
---Holly Broderick The Faerie GodsmotherP.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
