#reiki reverend

[angelaamayahboone]

Path of Light

As a  Spiritual Teacher, Seer, Energy Intuitive/Guide and Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master Teacher, I have consistently received information from the Masters of Light (Heavenly Hosts) for many, many years. I would like to share with you some of this information that was given.  Reverend George Graham Price whose spiritual name was Frater Achad stated in the book of the Ancient Mystical White…

View On WordPress

#alaska #amayah #angela boone #brotherhood #christ #consciousness #energy #enlightenment #god #guide #healer #light #masters #path #seer #sirius energy enterprises #soul #spirit #spiritual

[ambikadevi1008]

My first Reiki Master Teacher, Reverend Beth Gray, who was one of the first 27 Americans to bring #Reiki to the west used to say, "If you want to change your health and the path of your life, you have to change your stinking thinking!" In my Decades of research on the Art and Science of Meditation, what I have discovered is that to master your breathing and the sound of our own voice is the quickest and most direct route to quieting the mind and its incessant chatter. I want to teach you to master breathing techniques to change your relationship with thought. #AmbikaDevi #MindTamer #thought #neuroplasticity #selfcare #Meditation AmbikaDevi.com

[whatisonthemoon]

Let Pinochet go! Let Scientology go!

Let Pinochet go! Let Scientology go! By Miguel Martinez

Concerning an article published in Cristianità, the official magazine of Alleanza Cattolica. which includes CESNUR's director Massimo Introvigne among its leaders.

The January-February 1999 issue of Cristianità has just come out. To refresh the memory of our readers: this magazine is the official organ of Alleanza Cattolica, the right-wing organization one of whose five national leaders ("consultori") is Massimo Introvigne, and to which nearly all the members of CESNUR Italy also belong.

This issue has an article by Introvigne ("Reiki: technique or religion?") and an article in defence of Introvigne (against the Fraternity of Saint Pius X). The magazine claims no fewer than twenty-six activities of CESNUR as part of the "Good battle" ("La buona battaglia") of Alleanza Cattolica.

In other words, CESNUR and Cristianità are synonyms, at least for Cristianità. (CESNUR generally seems a little more embarrassed about the link.)

The "good battles" listed in the magazine include the presentation of Reverend James Gordon Melton's book on Scientology and even a lecture by Eileen Barker of the UK organization INFORM. The latter is under a special heading, "religious freedom", a title reminiscent of Introvigne's famous appeal in favour of Scientology in Germany.

However, this is not the only kind of freedom that interests Cristianità/CESNUR. Another victim of persecution, besides Scientology, receives special attention from Cristianità. This time it is Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, the expressionless Chilean former dictator.

First comes an article on Pinochet, explicitly titled "Let Pinochet go!", by American rightist Pat Buchanan. Then comes an article (four pages long) by a gentleman described as "Senator for life and General of the Reserve, Augusto Pinochet Ugarte". In this article we learn, for example, how Senator Pinochet is "…deeply convinced that those countries which are unable to discover the historical mission they are called on to perform, do not and never will have a future".

I wish to make it clear that I do not intend to dispute the right of Introvigne's organization to campaign for the release of the tough old general.

However, I think this campaign can help readers understand more clearly what CESNUR means by "freedom."

Originally posted here: http://www.kelebekler.com/cesnur/txt/pinogb.htm

#CESNUR #cult apologism #scientology #pinochet #chile #james gordon melton #gordon melton #j. gordon melton #church of scientology #eileen barker #inform

[reikireverend]

The Connection to Reiki and Psionics

The Connection to Reiki and Psionics

The Connection to Reiki and Psionics By: Reiki Reverend, PhD Is Reiki Really A Psychic Ability? Due to its nature, higher ranging psychic, or psionic abilities such as making fire or stopping time can be a difficult idea to consider in reality. But what about ‘lesser’ gifts that range though perception like empathy or precognition? For that matter how about healing methods such as Reiki?   What…

View On WordPress

#channeled healing #channeler #empathy #energy healing #grand source faith healer #healing channel #healing psychic #intuition #intuitive channel #intuitive development #Parapsychology #precognition #Psionics #Psychic Abilities #psychic awareness #psychic gifts #psychic healer #psychic healing gifts #psychic protection #Psypog #reiki #reiki and psychic gifts #spiritual guidance #Spiritual Guidance - How to Channel Spirit #types of healing #types of psychic gifts #willed healing

[poltrack]

Avalon Healing Arts Tour

Avalon Healing Arts Tour

PeaceWorksNH PeaceWorks, New Hampshire, LLC is located in Temple, NH. It is the location of Avalon Healing Art Barn Studio and Sanctuary. I attended a mini-tour of the Avalon Sanctuary led by founder Reverend Barbara Thorngren, M. Ed. Barbara is an education, Interspiritual Minister, Reiki master, and workshop facilitator. Reverend Barbara Thorngren M. Ed. A Working Homestead Avalon is a working…

View On WordPress

[ascendedtravelerelos]

Earth Angel Prayer of Protection

"As my roots flow through the Earth, they will all know what I'm worth. As my hands reach to the sky, I spread my wings out and I fly.

No one knows me like I do, those who claim to have no clue. I fly with Angels, and the Fey. Their protection flows through me each day.

I seek Union with the Earth and Stars. I know truly just how fond of me they are. With every step I take, breath I make, thoughts I claim. That no battles fought through fire and flame will claim my name.

They only work to carry me, up to the Light eternally."

- Ascended Traveler Elos (Reiki Reverend)

#earth #earth angel #angel #angels #angelic #prayer #earth prayer #angel prayer #angelic prayer #Fae #Fey #faeries #faerie #fairy #healing #healing prayer #reiki reverend

[samwisethewitch]

How Find Safe Groups, Teachers, and Authors in the Pagan and Witch Community

In my last post, I talked about how to recognize if a group is a cult or is using cult techniques to control its members. As I pointed out in that post, cults can be based on any ideology -- including pagan spirituality or secular witchcraft.

So now that we know how to identify the bad teachers and groups, how do we find communities, teachers, and resources that are safe, healthy, and helpful?

Obviously, the first step is to compare any teacher, group, or author to Steven Hassan's BITE model (the four-part model of Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional control used by cults to control members) and see if it matches up with their behavior -- anyone who employs the BITE model is not someone you want to involve in your spiritual journey.

Beyond that, here are some more things that you SHOULD look for in a teacher, author, or group:

1. A safe teacher, author, or group prioritizes the individuality, independence, and autonomy of every student, reader, or member.

A good teacher can share information and even their own personal experiences without telling students how to think or what to believe. The same goes for authors. Safe teachers and authors encourage students/readers to use their own judgement to decide if what is being taught is right for them.

Likewise, a healthy group may be founded on a common belief or practice, but group members recognize that each person's experiences within that framework are going to be different.

Be wary of groups with imbalanced power dynamics. If a group has a clear hierarchy (official or unofficial) with some members getting special treatment, ask why. Some pagan groups do perform ordination, and it's normal for students pursuing ordination to get extra training or coaching from leaders. But even then, they should not be treated as if they were superior to other group members.

Avoid groups that put pressure on new members to make public commitments, such as baptism, initiation, or ordination. Again, some groups do offer these, and that's perfectly fine. What isn't fine is new group members being pressured to make major commitments before they feel ready for them. In groups that offer these commitments, they should be available for students who feel ready for them, but should not be treated like the default or like they are mandatory.

2. Safe teachers, authors, and groups are honest and transparent about where they get their information.

If you're considering buying a book on witchcraft, paganism, or any other spiritual topic, perform this quick test before you do: flip to the back of the book and look for the "Resources" section. In a well-researched book, this section will be several pages long. In a really good book, it will include sources from non-pagan, non-witch authors, like historians and scientists. If the book doesn't have a resources section, or if the resources section is especially short, don't bother with it.

Likewise, when you're attending a class or group meeting, teachers and leaders should be open about where they got their information. If a teacher doesn't specify where their information is coming from, don't be afraid to ask them -- if they can't answer off the top of their head or they dodge the question, you may want to consider finding a different teacher.

Don't be afraid to ask teachers and group members for book recommendations! Most witches and pagans do a lot of reading, and will have no problem giving you a list of their favorite resources.

If you notice that a teacher or group is only using books from one or two authors, that's a red flag. This goes double if a teacher or author only uses or references books that they wrote themselves.

If a teacher or group relies heavily on information from a single author, do your own research into that author's legitimacy. For example, Silver Ravenwolf was a very popular Wiccan author in the '90s and early 2000s, and a lot of older witches still recommend her books to newcomers -- but a quick Google search will reveal that Ravenwolf is extremely controversial and has been accused of knowingly spreading misinformation in her books. If a teacher or group relies heavily on Ravenwolf or other authors that have been publicly exposed as frauds, you'll want to take what they teach with several grains of salt.

(For the record, the points in this post are based on the work of cult researchers like Steven Hassan, Margaret Singer, and Luna Lindsey. See? It's not that hard.)

3. Safe teachers, authors, and groups are open to analysis and criticism.

If you really want to know an author's integrity, look at how they respond to their negative reviews. Someone who accuses those who disagree with them of being ignorant and small-minded, or of "persecuting" them is not someone you want to rely on in your spiritual journey.

Likewise, if you're considering joining a group, pay attention to how they talk about ex-members. A healthy group is able to acknowledge that what they offer isn't for everyone, and doesn't take it personally when someone leaves.

A good teacher will lead class discussions that encourage questions from students. Avoid teachers who belittle students for asking "stupid" or "irrelevant" questions, or who refuse to answer questions on certain topics. You should also be wary of teachers who use canned answers that don't really address what was being asked.

4. A safe teacher, author, or group leader is qualified, approachable, and down to earth.

Determining someone's qualifications gets a little tricky in witchy and pagan communities, because many of these traditions don't have a formal clergy, and I have yet to see an accredited school offering degrees in magical theory. In some cases, the only qualification a person can have is being an experienced practitioner.

But there are some cases where you can -- and should! -- ask someone for their credentials. If someone uses a title like "High Priestess," "Elder," or "Reverend," make sure they were ordained by a legitimate religious organization. (Even if a group isn't legally classified as a church, you can still research them and their reputation.) If someone is teaching a formal system like Reiki, they should be certified to teach in that system. Any time someone claims to have a certain title, status, or certification, ask to see the paperwork to prove it.

A good teacher is accessible. If they charge for their services, the price should be reasonable for the service being offered. It's entirely appropriate for someone who is putting a lot of time and energy into teaching a class to expect payment, but it isn't appropriate to overcharge or exploit people.

A good teacher, author, or group leader is down to earth and approachable. They don't claim to be anything more or less than a human being looking to share their knowledge and experience with others.

Avoid anyone who claims to be an incarnated deity, angel, demon, or other non-human figure, or who claims to be the spouse, consort, or child of such a being. Avoid anyone who claims to be a reincarnated master or historical figure. Be very skeptical of anyone who claims to be on a unique divine mission or have been "chosen" by a higher power. These are all common tactics used by cult leaders to gain respect and worship from their followers.

If a teacher, author, or other authority figure asks to be "paid" for their services with sexual favors or says you have to have sex with them as a form of initiation, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY AND NEVER LOOK BACK. Any person who tries to coerce you into sex is an attempted rapist, and you need to get away from them as soon as possible, no matter what title or authority they have.

5. A safe author, teacher, or group believes in science and history and does not try to discredit them.

Contrary to popular belief, you can have faith in magic, divinity, or some other cosmic force and still believe in science. Paganism and witchcraft are no less compatible with science than any other spiritual practice.

Avoid anyone who tries to twist history to make themselves look more sympathetic. Any author, teacher, or group who talks about "the Burning Times" or claims that there was a unified "witchcraft cult" in ancient Europe is either a liar or willfully ignorant. These things never happened. We know they never happened because there is no historical evidence to support them and a lot of historical evidence that disproves them.

Likewise, pseudoscience should not be taught as fact. You may hear people talk about how your emotions vibrate at different frequencies which have the power to positively or negatively affect your life -- what they won't tell you is that these ideas come from a book about political theory (Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins) and have no scientific evidence to support them. Or, you may hear people say that psychoactive medications block your psychic abilities -- how can this be true, when most medications are derived from the same plants and herbs that witches have been using for healing magic for centuries? Most of these conspiracy theories have little to no backing in the scientific or witchcraft communities, and they have no place in a spiritual learning environment.

Most importantly: If YOU feel uncomfortable, then it is not the right group for YOU.

A group doesn't have to be cultish or unhealthy to be a bad fit for you and your spiritual path. Ultimately, both witchcraft and paganism are highly intuitive, and you will have to do what feels right for you.

#this completes the trilogy of 'how to make sure you don't accidentally join a cult' posts #(and yes i'm aware bridal mysticism is a thing) #(but bridal mystics typically don't claim to be the One True Spouse of their god) #(before anyone @s me) #baby witch #witch #witchcraft #witchblr #witchy #green witch #kitchen witch #student witch #college witch #coven #wicca #wiccan #pagan #paganism #heathen #heathenry #norse pagan #norse polytheism #kemetic paganism #kemetic polytheism #hellenic polytheism #hellenic paganism #hellenic pagan #celtic paganism #celtic polytheism #irish paganism

[ecoeconomicepochs]

Hunab Ku The Great Mother (Goddess) / Divine Feminine provides the materials that make up our mortal coil and periodically reconfigures us according to her divine plan imo, We are due for a tune up. Cosmic rays are said to alter DNA...  A Reverend of the Circle of the Sacred Earth congregation drew the embedded (corporate) logo as part of a Reiki session between 2003 - 2005 that stipulated Cape Hatteras Light House. Cape Hatteras island is home to the Shackleford Horses that are used for genetic drift studies - implying in my opinion, that the Mother Creator has a plan for her own creations / Galactic Superwave collage Dr. Paul Laviolette / Dr. Susan Joy Rennison / Mayan Hunab Ku / Star Trek Universe

#2012 #2017 - 2021 7 year tribulation #superwave #climate change #climate #DNA #RNA #metaphysics #Divine Feminie #Hunab Ku #Mayans

[revvirginiamcintyre]

Greetings from your Spiritual Alchemist I am formally trained as a spiritual healer AKA energy healer. I am trained in other modalities as well. I am a certified Reiki healer. I believe all healing is from a Divine Source. With this in mind I surrender and take direction form the One Beyond the Stars in all my healing sessions and incorporate other modalities including messages. I may use vibrational , color, sound, and more. I receive clients in my professional space,I travel , and will do remotely or in zoom, and other on line channels. We have technology as a gift and we can use it! We would be remiss to do otherwise! Call me for more information or to book a session! Much love! Reverend Virginia McIntyre

[derekhernandezfuentes]

Dr. Reverend Maria Rivello-Riveros, my former Reiki Master, an Organizational Leadership Doctorate from University of South Florida and Saint Petersburg College, and wife of a male Acupuncturist next to Dr. Yali Fan Acupuncture Clinic from the years 2010-2013, in the same plaza, might be a Kult Leader connected to Japanese Reiki Healings to Arizona and New Mexico in the Tampa, Florida. She might be capable of sending people psychic visions by computers, wifi or mysticism in which she shoots and kills the person with a black pistol-like gun with the person’s spirit inside the physical victim. But she anticipates in locking away psychic eyewitnesses into psychiatric hospitals where other kult members, gang members, serial killers, pedophiles, and cannibals are waiting for a “Meet and Greet”. The psychic vision might have been sent as a fake by a third party intruder who cyber hacks their victims.

View On WordPress

[askderekluna]

Dr. Reverend Maria Rivello-Riveros, my former Reiki Master, an Organizational Leadership Doctorate from University of South Florida and Saint Petersburg College, and wife of a male Acupuncturist next to Dr. Yali Fan Acupuncture Clinic from the years 2010-2013, in the same plaza, might be a Kult Leader connected to Japanese Reiki Healings to Arizona and New Mexico in the Tampa, Florida. She might be capable of sending people psychic visions by computers, wifi or mysticism in which she shoots and kills the person with a black pistol-like gun with the person’s spirit inside the physical victim. But she anticipates in locking away psychic eyewitnesses into psychiatric hospitals where other kult members, gang members, serial killers, pedophiles, and cannibals are waiting for a “Meet and Greet”. The psychic vision might have been sent as a fake by a third party intruder who cyber hacks their victims.

View On WordPress

[tsglexingtonkentucky]

SCOUTED WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL #StayConnectedLexington

1. Carson’s - Carson's  Introducing 'Carson's Cuts'! A new take out option starting today! Fresh steaks and seafood to take home and grill! An all new way to enjoy Carson's! Call: (859) 309 - 3039 - click here for menu!

2. Varsity Print - currently open, but with abbreviated hours Mon - Fri 10 am - 4 pm.  They're sanitizing and cleaning any surfaces that customers may come in frequent contact with, and we're offering free shipping on online orders or curbside delivery for in-store pickups. Shop ONLINE!

3. Aura at Home - Anxious right now? Aura at Home can help. Owner Barb Bacon is Usui & Karuna Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Akashic Record Consultant, Crystal Intuitive, Crystalline Alchemist, Medium, Professionally Trained Interior Designer, Lighting Designer, Spiritual Coach & Reverend & Wellness Facilitator.The extra care and intention they put into selecting the crystals makes them different. Offering the largest and finest selection gemstones, minerals and fossils in the state of Kentucky. ONE Session with Barb, one trip to her crystal barn, and leaving with crystals and other minerals that speak to you will change your life! Check out Aura today!

4. Peggy’s - Looking for the perfect Easter bucket fillers?! Peggy's has something for all ages! Just give them a call and they will even text you pictures and shop with you over the phone! Free delivery and shipping! Fill those buckets - shop now! 

5. Lucia’s World Emporium - Offering curbside and free shipping to customers.They will answer any messages via email, call, and social media about any products and give a live tour or send pictures. They are donating 10% of all gift card sales (you can purchasse thru the wbesite) to the Guatemalan Relief Fund. Shop Lucia’s Fair Trade Marketplace!

6. Hourglass Aesthetics - Hourglass is committed to providing excellent service and care to all customers. As new updates develop, Hourglass Aesthetics will communicate any additional changes or recommendations. Need product? Order via phone - call for information on curbside pickup!

7. Carl Meyers - Offering phone sales and can ship anywhere, whether you can make it in or not!  Call for product details, images, and more information.

8. Dogwood Home Furnishings - Now offering FREE local white-glove delivery services for all purchases! Whether you find your dream piece in the shop/online or a special ordered piece, they are happy to offer this service as a way to say thank you for supporting their local business! Call TODAY!

[reikireverend]

Spiritual Guidance - Asking For Spiritual Protection and Guidance

Spiritual Guidance – Asking For Spiritual Protection and Guidance

Spiritual Guidance – A Blog Series by: Reiki Reverend, Ph.D. In-depth yet light-hearted spiritual guidance, general spiritual advice, and discussion based on different ways for you to enrich your spiritual awakening process. This article is about: Asking For Spiritual Protection and Guidance The second most important aspect of any healing practice lies within the first few moments prior to…

View On WordPress

[v8311667]

Florida has some interesting laws on yoga adjustments and Reiki hands on. However, if you are an ordained minister you are allowed to perform these healing practices. Soooo, I'M ORDAINED! You can call me Reverend Murray 🤩🤩🤩 #authentic #letyourfreakflagfly #be100percentyou #restorativeyoga #breathewithme #letgo #letgotogrow🌱 #essentialoils #yogi #yoga #yogaahhwithvanessa #yogateacher #yogaintheville #nicevilleyoga #850yogastrong #850yoga #savageunicornyoga🦄🌌🕉 (at Niceville, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YYjHwAbhg/?igshid=p4ft9o32r19r

#authentic #letyourfreakflagfly #be100percentyou #restorativeyoga #breathewithme #letgo #letgotogrow🌱 #essentialoils #yogi #yoga #yogaahhwithvanessa #yogateacher #yogaintheville #nicevilleyoga #850yogastrong #850yoga #savageunicornyoga🦄🌌🕉

[ascendedtravelerelos]

Multidimensional Self - The Spiritual Split Part 1

Find More of My Blogs At https://reikireverend.com

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong ‘here?’ Have you ever felt as if you were not supposed to be in this relative place and time, but continued to exist for unknown reasons? Do you often have thoughts that are of yourself, but not quite what you really believe in or follow?

These are all common facets of a topic less known to most. The ‘split.’

In plain psychological terms, a ‘split’ occurs when one has received or perceives immense traumas or goes through a series of unfortunate events that their mind perceives as ineffable to their core logic, and thus must be categorized under a completely different or ‘new’ persona in order to cope and push forward. In many cases, this happens without the person’s prior understanding or will for such a thing to occur.

In this case, someone can go most of their lives in a relatively normal way or manner without much to do with the events or happening that originally caused the disturbance. In some cases, however, the healing journey of the mind will either manifest events or be triggered to perceive the altered persona or state of mind which can recall these events in one way, shape, or form. This can be very harmful to one’s state of wellness and being if trekked without proper aid and assistance.

Spiritually speaking, similar things can cause this to occur as well such as a rapid opening of the senses and perception of other worlds or timelines. What is most interesting is that more times than not, the very same stimuli that cause a psychological split can also cause a spiritual split as well. Let me explain in an example.

Enter Jimmy.

Jimmy was a young boy of a fair demeanor. He never really put himself in harm’s way because he knew much better of the consequences from his family. He was mild in attitude but very wise for his age. Some would say that Jimmy would one day aspire to great things. That would be until one day Jimmy found himself experiencing a series of unfortunate events.

First, it would be him stepping in a pile of dog droppings on his way to school. This left him ill at ease because his mother had just bought him new shoes and he knows that she will be very unhappy that he didn’t pay closer attention to his step. This would lead him to have a very unbalanced day at school, so when the normal bully encounters Jimmy.

In most circumstances, Jimmy managed to avoid the bully because he never really took it upon himself to be a target. However, with the new smell in literal tow, the bully immediately honed in on Jimmy’s scent and furthermore his new shoes. Slightly extravagant as Jimmy was with his style, the bully proceeded to make grand gestures at how his smelly shoes would ruin his focus in class and their strong coloration would be of no help to this endeavor. Jimmy was highly embarrassed.

Normally, Jimmy would have stayed silent at the bully’s attempts to rouse fervor within him, however already perceiving his day to be less than ideal, he felt very confused with himself. Before he could collect his thoughts, the bully made a pass at his mother’s judgment of his footwear and Jimmy for the first time in his life experienced rage.

It would be a fair thing to mention at this point that such feelings were not foreign to Jimmy. He always thought ill of this bully for his actions, even occasionally seeing in his mind how badly he would pummel the bully should ever the just cause arise. Such thoughts never surfaced within Jimmy as they scared him, but this day was already quite different. This day would be the day when Jimmy finally lost his composure.

Jimmy clenched his fists in anger and lost consciousness. Something had taken over Jimmy to where he was no longer witness to his deeds or even his thoughts.

Soon after the teacher would manage to separate them, she noticed enough of the situation to call for Jimmy’s parents immediately and request emergency assistance for the now bleeding bully. By the time Jimmy would calm down and regain his sense of self, he was home and under high scrutiny by his parents. Namely, his mom.

She yelled at him, screaming very close to his face, “I taught you better than this! You should know better! Now we have to explain to the police why you stabbed that poor boy with a pencil!”

Jimmy was in shock at this news, he was unable to cope with the situation between her yelling and the events that lead up to it. He began to cry, but his mother continued pressing on.

“How are we going to live in this neighborhood now? What are we going to do about this? You’ve embarrassed this house and yourself! All because of what?”

At this moment, she would finally smell what lead this day downhill. The now dried stains on Jimmy’s shoes would be all she would need in her assessment for her to lose herself as well. She began to experience rage.

Jimmy that day, for the first time in his life, felt his mother’s red hand. That day, in when Jimmy, as he knew himself, would fade away to preserve all of the good he once knew of his mother before this moment. Locking it away deep as the unspeakable happened.

From that day on, Jimmy was no longer Jimmy, but an altered persona. The timeline in which he knew trauma such as this became his reality. “Jimmi” was now who walked among the world that had become too much for Jimmy.

Have you experienced something like this? Would you like to learn more about how to heal from these experiences and become ‘whole’ again?

Subscribe to my blog for part 2 (coming soon) where I will also give you details on how to overcome these types of events and grow.

Following part 2 I will be releasing a holistic service aimed at helping people accomplish this goal through healing and coaching.

I am not a psychologist, only a Holistic Health, PhD. If you are suffering in a way that would be harmful to yourself or others, I encourage you to see immediate medical assistance. I will not be offering any help outside of my qualifications.

Love and Light

#healing #reiki reverend #spiritual guidance #free spiritual guidance #energy healing #intuitive channel #multidimensional healing #spiritual #spirituality #psychology #split #disassociation #identity #mental health #mental healing

[samwisethewitch]

How to Find Good Witchcraft Books (Baby Witch Bootcamp Ch. 4)

This post is loosely based on the fourth episode of my Baby Witch Bootcamp series on YouTube. In that video, I recommended some of my personal favorite books on witchcraft and spirituality. But, after some thought, I decided it would be more helpful to give y’all some guidelines for how to find worthy resources for yourself.

After all, your interests may be different from mine, and the books that have shaped my magical practice may not interest you at all. But the standards for a good, trustworthy resource are constant, so that’s what I’ll be addressing here.

Research the author’s reputation and credentials.

There is no “university of witchcraft,” so sometimes the only credential an author can have is being a lifelong practitioner. However, some magical traditions do require initiation and/or have a more formal structure. For example, Reiki (which is not technically magic, but many witches still have an interest in it) cannot be learned from a book — it can only be passed down by a Reiki Master. If you’re reading a book about Reiki, the author should specify which Reiki lineage they were initiated and certified through. (Even then, reading their book does not mean you are initiated!)

Likewise, if someone claims to be a member of the clergy, whether a Christian reverend or a pagan high priestess, look into how they got that title. What religious group are they associated with? Did they attend seminary or some other form of training? Were they ordained? If an author does not have this information readily available (such as in the “About the Author” section of their book), be skeptical of their claims to religious authority.

Even though not all authors who write about witchcraft will have been initiated into a formal tradition or will be ordained clergy (and not all of them need to be!) most authors will have a reputation of some kind. The best way to figure out if an author is legit is to see what experienced witches think of their books.

Try Googling “[author’s name] + controversy” or “[author’s name] + scandal” to see what comes up. Have they been called out for spreading misinformation or for problematic behavior in the past?  For example, Googling “Silver Ravenwolf controversy” will bring up several articles about bad information in that author’s books.

It’s also a good idea to look that author up on social media — both their own profiles, and the tags associated with their work. Is there anything on the author’s Instagram or Twitter that seems like a red flag? What are other social media users saying about their work? Some authors will even have a blog, so you can read some of their writing for free before deciding to buy a book.

Even if an author’s books aren’t super popular, you can still read reviews and check out the author’s social media. This doesn’t always weed out bad resources, but it is a good first step.

Just because a book is popular doesn’t mean it’s a good resource.

See my previous note about Silver Ravenwolf. There are a lot of very popular books and authors that many witches will tell you are hot garbage. There are also a lot of very shallow, surface-level “Witchcraft 101”-type books that are popular because of a good marketing campaign, an Instagram-worthy cover, or some other superficial factor, but contain very little actual hands-on instruction.

(Note: There’s nothing wrong with Witchcraft 101 books, and in fact I recommend starting with more “beginner-friendly” books until you figure out what aspects of witchcraft you want to focus on. But just because a book is for beginners doesn’t mean it can’t have depth to it.)

I’m not saying don’t read popular books — some things are popular because they are genuinely good. I’m just saying that you shouldn’t buy a book only because it’s popular.

Look for a well-rounded “Resources” section.

If you want to know if a book is worth your time, flip to the back and look for the “Resources,” “Bibliography,” or “Further Reading” section. In a well-researched book, this section will be several pages long. (Obviously, if the book is especially short and/or only covers a single topic, the Resources section may be shorter, but it will still be there.) In a really well-researched book, it will include sources written by non-witch, non-pagan authors like historians, scientists, and psychologists.

If you’re reading a book about mythology or paganism, the Resources section should contain some primary sources (or as close to primary sources as possible). For example, Morgan Daimler’s book Odin: Meeting the Norse All-Father, lists multiple English translations of the Poetic Edda in its bibliography. A good book about Wicca will reference the writings of Gerald Gardner, the founder of modern Wicca, and probably also Aleister Crowley, even if the author does not agree with their views.

If a book doesn’t list the author’s sources, it’s probably not worth your time. Either the book is poorly researched or the author is intentionally being vague about where they are getting their information. Either way, that book is not a transparent resource and should not be used as a reference.

Avoid authors who use vague phrases like “scientists say ___” or “the old witches knew ___.”

This goes back to being transparent about sources. A lot of writers will use wording like this to give their claims the illusion of authority.

“Scientists” could very well refer to a small group of fringe scientists (or pseudo-scientists) who are not respected by the mainstream scientific community. For example, some “scientists” have voiced support of the anti-vaccination movement, but no respectable medical professional is going to tell parents not to vaccinate their kids. If the author doesn’t say who these “scientists” are, they may as well write “My friend Steve, who once took a high school physics class, says ___” for all the credibility it gives them.

The problem with claims about the “witches of old” is that witchcraft is not and never has been a unified tradition. Witchcraft is a practice which has existed in different forms within many cultures throughout history. Even witches living on the same continent at the same time would have very different practices based on their local environments, religions, ethnic heritages, etc. If the author does not specify which magic tradition they’re referring to, the information is pretty much useless.

Avoid any other vague wording or claims to authority that don’t provide an actual source.

Don’t be afraid to fact-check an author!

Do your own research outside of the witchcraft books you read. If you’re interested in mythology, read books written by historians and archaeologists, not just witches. If you’re interested in energy work, read books by doctors and scientists, not just energy workers. If you’re interested in herbs and plants, study their medicinal as well as magical uses. You get the idea.

If an author says something that sounds weird to you, or that seems to contradict what you’ve read in other books, don’t be afraid to do some research. If it turns out to be bullshit, you probably want to take everything else in that book with a grain of salt.

On a related note: some older books contain incorrect information not because the author was dishonest or misinformed, but because that information was widely accepted as true when the book was written, but was later disproved. For example, many academics used to believe in a unified “cult of the Goddess” spanning the continent of Europe in ancient times. This has now been pretty thoroughly disproved by archaeological evidence, but you’ll still see some older books referencing it.

Hopefully these guidelines give y’all a better idea of how to find books to lean on as you’re developing your craft. Research is a big part of witchcraft and paganism, so finding good resources is very, very important.

#baby witch bootcamp #baby witch #witchcraft #witch #witchblr #witchy #witch books #books #book review #bookworm #bookblr #pagan #paganism #wicca #wiccan #tarot #astrology #my writing #mine