Magick & Medicine with Reverend Richoz

Black Hat Society
Is this ‘official’?

It is a new solar year, so we are taking a new approach!
#WhatsYour24 is a real thing. 

Be today.

Live. Love. Give.  TODAY.

Better yet, RIGHT NOW.  No one is promised “the next breath” by any Deity, on any Path, IN ANY UNIVERSE, FROM ANY TIME, ON ANY PLANE.  If so, Reverend Richoz, ME, I would like to meet them because I need some clarifications. I think Tambra does too. ;-)

Or, maybe they are promised.
Regardless, we don’t judge personal Experiences.
“No two Paths are the same.”

CLEARING AND CLEANSING AIR, AGAIN
We have been asked a very familiar question again, as we are asked quite often.  Not in regards to us per se, but another entity.

“Is this an ‘official’ Black Hat Society?”
(The question usually arrives with a link to a webpage or social media site for the entity in question.)

Our answer to those who inquire, yes and no. 

Yes, in the sense that anyone can operate a BHS.
 
Does that mean their motive is not to sell you something, a service, take or scam you or someone else out of their money. You know, those little IOUs that you spent your life energy earning?
No.  This is where your level of DISCERNMENT comes into play.  It is not always a duck, but if it looks, sounds, feels, smells… or tastes, like a duck, it has a very strong chance that it is.  But if something seems “off”, or “fishy”…. It’s probably a fish and not a duck.  They swim in the same place, you know.  They can smell the same.  But look closely. Do you know what you are looking for? Or, at? Or, why?

Now, does National BHS want to sell you anything?
No. It would be nice, but not necessary. Enjoy “Windows shopping”!

Do we have merchandise?
Yes.

Why?  Buy it or don’t.  We have merchandise because our Community has ideas and we wish to promote that creativity, not draw a paycheck from it.  That is part of the Magick, and Medicine, for our Society. Speaking of our products, they have been used to unite others at various pagan events.  (Same shirts) They have also been used to let others at various places of work know that “I’m out of the closet”.  (Different shirts) Some shirts are even imbued with energy when they are created, ours and the manufacturer. But, that is another blog.

Keep in mind in the United States, and many other places, it is a protected thing… not always enforced, but should be.  (We have helpful links on our legal webpage for legal stuff. Stuff like, The First Amendment has two provisions concerning religion: the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. The Establishment clause prohibits the government from "establishing" a religion. The Free Exercise Clause is pretty self-explanatory to most!)

To continue, the answer is also “no” for those other entities.  It is not ‘official’ only in the sense that they are not all linked with National Black Hat Society™, or Three Circles Medicine™.  Combined, these two wonder twins have become “TCMed National BHS” – and that is how you will most often see it now.  “TCMed California” for example.

Why?  We are all healing.  We embody healing.  We send healing. Especially in the darker months of the year when we are tilted more away from our Star Sol.

Not only does our Society NEED healing, the Earth and all of Her inhabitants need it.  Hel, The Universe needs healing.  Most of all, we each need it as individuals.  We are in dire need of Healing Self.  Healing Self will alleviate SO MANY tribulations suffered around the world and help all of us evolve further in our Experiences of Matter. 

So, super long story short…

Yes, and no. 
If you do not see a Society listed on our Affiliate and Charter page, in the dropdown menu, or in something like a FB group under the TCMed National BHS page, it is not us!  If you are reading this and you are the operator of one of these questioned spaces and want to be recognized here, you just have to align with our very human principles of:

“We SUPPORT Community, PRESERVE Ancestral Knowledge, and HONOR inclusive Magick and Medicine for all.”

After all, “no two Paths are the same.”
Any more questions? ;-)


Be well!
Reverend Richoz, RN

Drive to the Crossroads

“Remember it.”
~ Lâm Văn Tức

“Before closing my eyes and moving towards the vision of Buddha,
I respectfully plead with President Ngo Dinh Diem for compassion towards the people of the nation
and for implementing religious equality to maintain the strength of the homeland for eternity.”
~ Thích Quảng Đức

This was no “fake news” or “made up” media, nor was it the “yellow journalism” of its time. There is also no drug, or medicine, on Great Gaia that will take away the pain of this act, without taking the practitioner of it too.

What I am writing of is Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk - Thích Quảng Đức, who made the choice to immolate on the crowded streets of Saigon on this date of June 11, … but 60 years ago in 1963. His completion of this ancient ritual ignited a chain reaction of energy that was felt, … and seen around the world.

He asked those around him to give the freedom to others of what they gave, and continue to give, to themselves.  To be more specific, “religious tolerance”, an important matter of years ago… and still is today.

This is now the 60th year anniversary of Thích Quảng Đức’s drive to the Crossroads of Life and Death.

The photograph that was snapped of this self-immolation practice is now one of the of the many photographs burned into the Consciousness of the world, and is now one of the most easily recognized.

CROSSING MOMENT
On June 11th 1963, sixty-seven-year-old Buddhist monk, Thích Quảng Đức, requested petroleum be poured over his entire mortal body. Chanting prayers to still his mind – only to moments later, strike a match and set himself ablaze.

He did this in protest against the persecution of Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist.

  HONOR FOR Đức

I honor him as a Teacher.

I honor him as a Craftsman of his Path. With him, over 30 Temples were completed for those who can freely choose to walk the Path with him.

I honor him for giving me confidence in my Knowledge on ceremonial rites, and sharing of ancient wisdom.

I honor him for being one of the leading spiritual figures, representing the Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist Path, with poise --held firm with confidence and dignity.

BACK STORY
In the beginning of the 1960s, religious tension in South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) had escalated to a boiling point. A lot of people from thousands of places around the world were about to be hurt, and hurt badly by the actions of a few. Some would never return home. Some would return only to find they were no longer welcome in the life they once lived. The rest had returned and assimilated as best they could. There was no other way. Vietnam was about to explode.

The air was static. You could feel its tangibility. It still happens today in tense places around the world. Crisis? You feel that. Disaster too. South Vietnam was boiling, literally and figuratively becoming more volatile.

It was known that this was a predominantly Buddhist country that was being ruled by an authoritative president who walked a Christian Path. I am referring to Ngo Dinh Diem (Ngô Đình Diệm in Vietnamese). There were rumors of rampant corruption mixed with actual rampant corruption. The terd was dirty. I heard stories growing up. Stories children of those in the military probably should not have heard, …but we did.

We were listening, we remember, and we know the Truth of a lot of things in this world.

Everyone had their hands in the jar.  All of this “system” conveniently gave itself to the Roman Catholic Church. (Tagalog did the same thing… erm, Philippines. You know, named after the king who was a member of another church.) This was across all of the public services, and often still is around the globe.

Disregard of the president from different Buddhist traditions had sparked street clashes everywhere. See, in Vietnam at the time, you could not have “free choice” as you can now in some places. Not everyone is treated equally. That went for political as well as spiritual.  Balance will come to all things, I say.

Regardless, protests began around Vietnam, especially in Saigon. The clashes were so brutal that it left 9, including children of my spiritual family, dead.  Dead after the violent crackdown that began occurring earlier in May of 1963.

TEMPLE DECISION
The Temple decided that it needed to enact an ancient ritual.

Cautiously, on the 10th of June, 1963, American journalists in Saigon were notified that something unspecified would be happening in front of the Embassy of Cambodia the next day. It is felt that the Elders chose this place because of the then tense relations that were occurring between Cambodia and South Vietnam, not just the intolerance and persecution of their chosen Paths. Everyone was going to see.

Since the Vietnamese Buddhists had already been protesting against the ruling regime of a president backed by the Roman Catholic church. For this reason, only a few journalists showed up.

Amongst them was David Halberstam, a correspondent from The New York Times. Another to also arrive was an Associated Press photographer named Malcolm W. Browne.

The story they were Witness to --unfolded before their curious eyes:

On the morning of June 11th, around 10 am local time, hundreds of Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monks departed the main pagoda in Saigon and began walking. They proceeded to march into a busy and crowded section of crossroads.

A blue sedan led the footslog of the monks.

At the Crossroads, Thích Quảng Đức stepped out of the vehicle accompanied by two other monks. One of them laid a cushion on the street for Đức to sit upon, as he did in the traditional Lotus position. The second monk removed a five-gallon container from the rear of the vehicle, walking it over to Đức. It had already been agreed what would happen next.

Stilling himself, Đức began reciting a short mantra used by Buddhists to calm and bring peace to their minds. He then struck a match and set himself on fire. Instantly the flames engulfed his accelerated body. The on-looking crowd chanted various slogans, some wailed and cried, some even bowed in respect to the burning monk.

10 or so minutes had passed and the lifeless body of the now empty vessel fell quietly to the road. After some commotion and yelling in microphones, the monks carried Đức’s remains away to be buried near the Temple.

The heart remains intact after both the immolation and re-cremation per tradition. It is now enshrined for all to see. Đức and his Eternal Heart both are now revered by Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhists as bodhisattva.

For them, he has achieved enlightenment for their Path.

Đức’S WORDS
Đức stressed in a final letter that he decided to immolate himself to impress upon President Diem the importance of establishing religious tolerance in Southern Vietnam. He went on to write that self-immolation is a sacrifice for Buddhists of all Paths, not just his.  Unfortunately, religious intolerance and further tensions did not defuse in the weeks to come with three additional monks completing this ancient ritual in August of 1963.

A monument now stands near the place of this final crossing.

HEART FOR ALL
It is on this day that I will now embrace silence … and peace in my heart, for those that give and have given their lives under coercion and oppression to something that should have been their inalienable right to choose.
~Reverend Richoz, RN

Teaching Magick Evolves

As we moved through the early 2000s, we began seeing “witch schools” pop up around the world --more accessible than before. Gone were the days of “mail-order” or “distance learning” similar to what was offered in the backs of rare books by Wise Ones such as Laurie Cabot or The Cabot-Kent Hermetic Temple, or hidden deep on a secret message board. Those in the magick community began to experience power in Technomancy as seen by Ed the Pagan …in the booming of internet. Many magick teachers began feeling massive shifts in policy and in practice. The energies of Earth were vibrating more strongly than before. They began to see how different the message of magick could be delivered, with increased ease. Cautiously optimistic about the direction they were heading, more schools rooted and Traditions grew.

Lord Don Lewis and Correllian Nativist Tradition, Christopher Penczak and Temple of Witchcraft, Phyllis Curott and Temple of Ara, Selena Fox -a pioneer in magickal recognition amongst mundane and magickal societies, and Circle Sanctuary, Cyndi Brannen and Keeping Her Keys Covina, Lucien Greaves and The Satanic Temple, and the list goes on and on. Our magickal Elders had paved the way for what was to come. With the brilliance of that future, all of them began to branch out internationally.

A broad look at the last 10 years shows that the pendulum of magickal practice has swung wildly back and forth across the spectrum. Magick teachers are now sometimes saying they feel as if their sharing of esoteric Knowledge has become more difficult, as they grapple with constantly changing communities, especially with societal problems that have creeped into the classroom. The teaching of magick was being challenged by its apparent open door to the influential world of 1s and 0s.

“There’s an increasing amount of responsibility and accountability,” said Reverend Richoz, a long-time teacher who is the Founder of National Black Hat Society and their magick program, All Paths Magick School. “It has become more involved than it used to be as you have to dispel ‘the latest trend’ on various social media platforms such as TT or FB, as well as the rampant gatekeeping that continually occurs.” She also said, “what we do as Practitioner Teachers and Practicum Presenters has become even more important for the evident truth of magick than before.”

The political climate is also heating up on many levels, causing lines to blur and Practitioners to question their faith and ability to trust Self and practice magick on a regular basis. For instance, Practitioners wrestle with Golden Shadow on almost a daily basis in the sense that if they practice magick, (something they are well versed in) their family or friends will shun them. Or, they feel threatened by coworkers or that they may be terminated from their employment. That is a very isolating thought to face.

Many amongst us simply are not grounded enough in themselves to conquer the shallowness of the afront to Free Will and false ultimatum in these realities. This is our Shadow as a magickal community that we must heal from together. We must learn to stand in our own individual powers. We truly must look at the fulfilling practice of magick and communing with our Divine, as strongly as those who practice and show their faith on their Path, as “no two Paths are the same.”

Beyond the classroom, or where the classroom often leads is clergy. Due to a presence of Christian dogma in the laws for these United States, most states do not even recognize what magickal communities do nor the ordination they bestow upon Practitioners in their own Paths. The State has been inundated with blurry dogmatic lines across the board rather than the states standing to support Free Will for ALL. We live in a country where we allow the whole world in with open arms beneath a statue that some perceive as a visage of Goddess and Unconditional Love, yet we suffer under the laws created by men dedicated to a judgmental and warring God, absent of true Free Will.

Magickal standards have changed over the years, too. The eyes of the Wise Ones, the Seers, are now more open to the world and the Universe on a whole. As a Practicum Presenter at APMS, there are aspects to magick that were not able to be presented before because our global science and technology had not caught up to real occurrences. Now we are able to prove the things we teach with measured precision. An example, “the orb is real as we see it on IR.” (Infrared) Or, we have measured movement of energy or occurrences on cameras and sensors.

Standards for teaching magick have truly tested the mettle of those who have unresolved Shadow or unchecked Ego and finally begun to self-weed in the face of these awakened realities. The toughest change that has occurred has been the adoption of new “textbooks” and new teaching methods that are not always grounded in Best Practices for Magick. This is a standard that can be reached by all Practitioners. We are aware of several Practitioners that teach via the same “prosperity principles” that have infected other dogmatic Paths and caused some of the greatest teachers of their Path to fall. We are not saying Practitioners cannot be magickal in that way, we are saying BE HONEST with those that come to you and live in Truth. Do not deceive beginning Practitioners with “responsibly sourced” when in fact it is imported and made with slave labor. We must support Free Will across the board if we are to expect the same in return.

As teachers of magick, we also recognize that there are social pressures that have influenced the day-to-day practice of the Craft as well. Food. Housing. Safety. Addiction. All are real mundane world problems that a Practicum Presenter is faced with and counsels their students through on a regular basis. Suicide rates have increased dramatically amongst all humans, especially the young. Social media and new technology have given improved tools for teachers to transform learning, but that has also led to an increase in cyberbullying in magick groups and more competition for students’ attention in Craft outside the classroom/apprenticeship role.

Everyone wants to convince you that their product is the best and made with the “best” magickal Intent. Using this candle for your spell is better. This magick school is better than that magick school. When in reality, YOU, the Practitioner, are the key component. YOU are the one who has to walk the Path YOU choose. The individual Practitioners are forced to wrestle with a seeming pack of wild west magicians and snake oil peddlers who follow only God Money through this Cycle of Life and Death. Having “money be your master” is fine but KNOW. YOUR. TRUTH. Know why you choose to walk the Path that you do and the value you place on everything around you.

One of the most dangerous confrontations we have had recently as Practitioners was the attempted burning of The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts. Fortunately, no Practitioners of that Path were killed but rather traumatized. The continued threat upon Free Will for all remains very real in our Society. A lot more talk and conversation need to occur amongst all people, all Paths, to quell and dispel many untruths. Lest we forget, our pagan police Kindred keep a sharp eye out and ear to the ground, warning of impending actions from those who feel threatened by global community change and transformation.

Perhaps as a consequence of some of these shifts, obtaining balanced and accountable Practicum Presenters in the classrooms is tough. This is despite the fact that more people are enrolling, and states have begun to analyze our personal practices as essential to our well-being as functioning healthy and whole people in society. Practicum Presenter voices have increasingly become a priority for National BHS. They are formalizing more teacher-leadership roles, in which Practicum Presenters are given the opportunity to be more involved in decision making policy for the communities in which they live. And, in the last couple of years more teachers have taken leadership roles into their BHS Community and visa versa.

As active members of BHS, they now look forward to being an integral part of the political spectrum, making their voices heard and encouraging more political representation in the United States. We feel that this in turn will help normalize what we see being faced with our Practitioners in the classroom. “A teacher’s job has always been complex with many layers,” said Reverend Richoz. Going on to say, “there are opposing forces that Practicum Presenters are trying to manage. Things such as trauma and mental health and caring for students, not a duality between this faith or the other. At the same time we are also being asked to dig further into our personal strength and fill numerous empty spiritual cups.”

Indeed, many teachers point to the increased focus on accountability, and the changing spectrum of faith as the biggest shift of the decade. There is some bleed over from the secular part of our society into the magickal classroom. We are not driven to “feel responsible” if a Practitioner cannot complete a Craft submission or do Spell Work with others.  Instead, unlike secular school, some Practicum Presenters offer counsel to help the Practitioner succeed in their chosen Path or to make a difficult decision like divorcing their significant other or disenrolling from school this year to return next Turn. There is so much more to “success” than to simply see that Practitioner succeed at the class being offered. Making the Practitioner’s livelihood or perceived existence and integral part of what you are teaching changes the focus of what you are trying to do with magick.

“With National BHS, money is not a motivator. We present this Knowledge, for free, to as many members as we can each Turn of the Wheel. We do however expect Practitioners to do the work, and in a timely fashion. While it may appear “rigid” to an outsider, those in the classroom understand how fluid learning magick really is --once you allow your Self to truly walk the Path, whatever that is to you. We do not involve ourselves with perceived “witch wars” which emanate from social media and those with lesser experience or less understanding from various Paths. Some Practitioners indicate that the public perception of teaching magick continues to be sadly, somewhat negative,” said Reverend Richoz.

Even so, Practicum Presenters are cautiously hopeful that the tide is turning with social change around the world. The Wise Ones and Presenters concur that there would be great impact if they all simply walked away. “We cannot. We are called to hold our torch light higher than ever before to blaze this trail in to our collective future. We are driven by forces stronger than you or I alone. We cannot walk away with still so much further to go.”

For more information on National Black Hat Society or any of the mentioned individuals, follow the links attached to their names above.

“Is this an ‘official’ BHS?”

Themis - Goddess of Justice

Fourth Sunday
Beginning Personal Practice

You Found Us!

 We are glad you are here.
There are a few things we need to talk about though.
The first, you are loved. You have Unconditional Love within your Self AT ALL TIMES. More on that magick later.

The second, know that we have many who are on this plane to “sacrifice” themselves for others, not just who “Mark” wrote about from that Path’s book, “New Testament” section. Truth be told, many of the Abrahamic faiths show how the forgiveness of “sins” takes place in several of their books. ALL SINS are “forgiven”. But, lest we forget, those of human authority on this plane of Earth save that authority to forgive “sins” for themselves —according to them, either by “Divine Right” or because we gave it to them as our elected official. That INCLUDES some in our judicial system.

Your vote does count. GET. IT. BACK.

Place that as a high priority when you are on the Wardonless/Matronless side of incarceration.

Now, let’s get dirty!

We believe there are victimless crimes and then there are crimes against personal Free Will. Infringement upon the Free Will of another is where the National BHS lens views most of these matters. To be clear, a “victimless” crime is one that all parties consent to and no one is injured. To further that statement, it is only “victimless” if the accountability of the individual participating in the crime does not suffer.
Read that again.
The infringement upon the Free Will of another, the victim, is the other from the aspect of energy that you effect.

When we begin this Journey, we have to ask our Self some hard questions. Do you truly own what you did? Do you, the only one who knows the Truth, accept what you did? Or, maybe you really are innocent. Maybe it was a “wrong place, wrong time” incident. No matter where you stand, we at National BHS believe you are where you are, for a reason. EVEN IF YOU ARE INNOCENT.

Now comes the harder part. Change must come. It is the only Universal Constant. CHANGE. (This is where the “Incarcerated Innocent” come in. Your mission is two-fold. You have your Cycle to Manifest in —as well as lead those lost in their Cycle. Do NOT succumb to the bitterness of the system in which you are now a part of . A diamond is forming inside you and we have faith in your ability to evolve. For those that have infringed upon Free Will, read on, with love.

To balance the interruption of that person’s energy as you infringed upon the Will, you “serve/d Time.”

This is how Divine energy flows through this Universal Cycle. This goes beyond understanding that a law of the land we choose to live in/on was violated. This is the understanding that we came to through our day to day observations of the Cycle. Energy seeks to maintain homeostasis. For example, Water equalizes in Space. Atoms will give up electrons, or share them, to balance. All energies balance Universally. It does this in many directions and many ways. Taking that person’s car of which they spent their life energy on obtaining, caused the Universe to balance back out with you serving Time in exchange for the Life Energy you took. Another example, you murdered that person - infringing upon their Free Will of choosing to live. You thereby are serving Time with your “life energy”. IF this person had wanted to die, had chosen to die by their Free Will, they would have. All “crimes” can be viewed through this lens.

To view it the other way, look at when you have that “stranger” buy your gas or groceries. Their energy is freely given to you. When you DO decide to help your Elder neighbor change their air filter or mow their lawn, you have effected an energy exchange with your Time of experience. To justify these actions in your mind, ask your Self, “what am I doing right now?” Are you benefiting or being your best Self BEFORE you were spreading the Love, the energy, around? Were you working to maintain your homeostasis or were you stagnating and inviting involuntary change into your life? What we do with our Time is how we mold our Experiences. How are you molding yours? How are YOU Manifesting?

We also must understand that Death is as much a part of the Cycle as is Life. Time, Space, Will, and Dimension are all connected too, as a Golden Thread connects it ALL. You cannot throw a rock into the pond without creating ripples. Even when it is seemingly frozen, you mar the ice. Everything you do is energy for change.

Guide yours well.

It is an extremely jagged pill of individually perceived reality to swallow and many do not. They come in to this life and sleep, wake, eat, poop, work. Rinse and repeat. Take Prozac, numb out. Become addicted to food, altering substances such as crack, heroin and alcohol, numb out. Buy useless consumables, numb out. Point their fingers everywhere else… but their Self, numb out. Where are YOU?

Think about it.

Why? Why do we hate accountability so much? Why is our species choosing to NOT listen to that small voice inside? You can give a million and one reasons “why” … but they are not a Truth that cannot be healed from or overcome like diamonds and pearls. Why?

To Further the Journey

If you are not experiencing peace and joy, presume to understand NOTHING. Understanding comes from PRACTICE. Contemplate the above passages. Spend Time with them. Journal or write about them. Then, sip from the Knowledge of Self offered by these humans without judgment. Can you find your pearls of wisdom. What can you hear without opinion? Sit with these as well. Sleep with the contemplations they may bring. Ask your Self, “why do I feel this way about it?”

Misunderstanding Miracles

Carol Howe: The synopsis of this video is: If you cannot grow past the FIRST LESSON… this Journey is going to be difficult. Learning that all around you holds ONLY the value you give it. YOU give that animal/place/thing the power that it has. It, whatever “it” is, …it is only being “it”.  

Exploring Shadow

Alan Watts: What is mostly understood from this video is that in the whole scheme of life there has to be Shadow. Without Shadow, there is no substance. No contrast in our reality. Own your traumas, whether they are a “big T or little t.” YOU. CAN. HEAL. Even Golden Shadow can mar change, as it is a beneficial part of your Self you ignore because it displeases others.

If you choose, you can heal. We do admit, it takes Time, but you gotta do the work if you want to Manifest change for your Cycle of Life and Death. Start at the start. It is a difficult task, but you need YOU to do it.  

The Bigger Picture

Kanye West: For this one, he stresses that YOU are a free individual, let your consciousness of “what is” show it. Look and listen to all that is around you. While your body is in one place, your mind is in another. Where? Why? Pay attention to the reality that which is outside of you is attempting to sell you and realize where you in fact are. We are ALL born not walking.

Finish LIne

Did you manage to complete all three videos? Did you find a pearl? Now, begin your Journey. Start new. FOR REAL THIS TIME. Stop trying to find a new bottom. You know, and I know, the ultimate bottom is death for our current Cycle. Are you ready for that? Think about it. What has power over you, preventing you from being your BEST self? Fear not, even if death is imminent. You are not alone.

Play the tape out and let’s get started. Let’s get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.

The only person you deceive with your perceived purpose actions is YOU.

Blessings to you,
Reverend Richoz, RN


P.S. If you follow the Christian Path, this is a good reading of Mark.
(New International Version as read by David Suchet.)

 “It is not the healthy that need a doctor.” ~Jesus

“Notice He said, ‘HEALTHY’.” ~ Reverend Richoz, RN

Beginning Sigil Craft: Feather

For thousands of years in magick, Deities have had “bird” minion, partners, pets, sidekicks and the lot. Many animal spirit guides come in the form of winged creatures. You find their symbolism everywhere from art to tarot and everywhere in between.

The first Path we walk with our “winged creatures” in time is in the company of the Element: AIR.

In ancient human it was quite the sight to behold, a creature that could willfully and effortlessly (seemingly) take to the air. Early human began to spin tales of our Air Brethren. These creatures became harbingers of Death, signs of peace and angel presence, to carriers of the souls of the dead. Ancient Romans used them for a form of Divination called Augury. Rulers would ask for a “sign” on major decisions and a “seer” would interpret the birds’ behaviors as a “positive” or “negative” sign.

Folklore became continually filled with them. Their stories developed and omens or messengers from the Gods or angels were heard around the world. Not only was the Element Air seen but a connection between Earth and Sky were made by the blessed creatures.

For many, there is no stronger symbol for Air. They say if you are “gifted” a feather, find one on the ground, make a connection to it. Reflect on it. What were you doing, saying, or thinking when you found it? Can you remember what you were thinking at the EXACT moment you discovered it? Many believe these are messages from Beyond the Veil for someone in the realm of the living. Or, some Paths believe it is from a Spirit, or even from the Fae. Feathers are also symbols of travel. Not just physical travel, but travel with the Mind and Spirit. Other possible meanings for “feather” are:

♦  A sign to be Grateful: Feathers are a reminder to count one’s blessings and be thankful for the good things going on that we may not be acknowledging.

♦  A sign to Elevate: Feathers are a symbol of levity. When seen, they remind us ease up on all the seriousness. Take a breath, relax, enjoy. RISE UP and be kinder to others.

♦  A sign to LISTEN to that Inner Voice: Feathers can be a prod from our Higher Self to LISTEN. They too can be from a God/dess to LISTEN to that bigger voice. You have to ask yourself if you were looking for an answer without asking the question.

♦  A sign of Love: This is often from those Beyond the Veil. There is someone or something that wants to reach out to us. It wants to tell us things are going to work out. OR, they may be telling you to again, RISE UP. Stay above your situation at hand.

 These beloved gifts can also be used as magickal tools, other than to waft your burnings with, the colors themselves can be used in SpellCraft.

Color Correspondences:

Remember, no matter what THESE definitions are, go with your Intuition. It means far more to a Practitioner personally than a commonality amongst others.:

Red – good fortune, passion

Orange - Energy, change and success or creativity

Yellow – success or acknowledgement that you are on the right path

Green – health, healing or prosperity

Blue – a spiritual connection or awakening and inspiration

Purple - personal power and growth. Increase in Spirituality

Pink – love

Black – on occasion, bad luck, death, warning that protection of Self is needed.

Brown – home, hearth, grounding or friendship.

Grey – peace.

Black & white – averting trouble or change is coming.

White – you are being watched over, faith and hope.

Bird Correspondences:

Mother Earth has more species than we humans take the time to know. Without reaching too deep into the beauty She has for us to admire, here are the Air Brethren who sometimes bestow us with their sacred feathers. From around the world, each bird has its own meaning but there are commonalities of correspondence:

Blackbird - poetry, inspiration, music and a stronger connection with meditation

Blue Jay - joy, happiness and light

Black swan - dispel negative energy

Crow - wisdom, knowledge and helping us to let go of unwanted feelings, thoughts or negative energy.

Duck - growth, transformation, release of old to prepare for new

Eagle - inordinate amounts of energy, bring peace, happiness and protection *

Hawk - bring the magic of “the hunt” (whatever the Practitioner is hunting for)

Ibis - directly connected to Thoth the Egyptian god of Wisdom and Writing. The ibis reminds us to tap into our creative side and gain wisdom already within

Magpie - magick, divination skills, wisdom and change

Pigeon - peace, love and communication

Seagull - connected to the sea, humor, silliness, and using the resources given to you

Robin - new projects, plans and beginnings

White swan - purification, cleansing, beauty and positive energy

*PLEASE NOTE: Many of these species are protected the world over. Please verify the source of ALL feathers, that NO BIRDS were harmed. Poaching is an illegal activity in most countries.

Magickal Uses

Feathers can be used as charms, amulets, talismans, medicine pouches and as stated, spells.  They are a ready made fetish (a charm with magical powers) and can be fashioned into healing sticks, fetish pots, prayer sticks and wands. They can be used anywhere the Element Air is needed. Magickally, feathers hold much power Spiritually. It is to our Air Brethren’s benefit that we clarify what our Intent is BEFORE we utilize any part, especially the “feather” in any Craft.

Beginning Sigil Craft: Star

A Sigil is one’s Intent condensed into a single glyph. Whether it is a “word”, “picture” or a “mantra/phrase”, it is built to receive a Practitioner’s Will and Focus.  They are a powerful Craft that are encoded with one’s unique purpose. Only decipherable by the Practitioner, their Intent is to remain a secret as the Universe works to align and deliver one’s desire through that cosmic power.

Once designed and activated, a Sigil can be utilized in a variety of ways.

These sigils can be carved, drawn or painted in many ways:

- A pie crust with specific ingredient before baking (Kitchen Witchery)

- Carved into particular firewood before burning (Fey Witchery)

- Carved into candles before burning them (Universal Witchery)

- Painted onto rocks with environmental “paint”and buried or setting them out for the Elements (Elemental Witchery)

- Drawing them into the steam on a mirror after a Ritual shower (Sea Witchery)

There is NO LIMIT to where a Practioner can place these Sigils of Will and Intent nor WHO can utilize this Practice. Cardea, Babalawo, Voudouists, etc. ANY Practitioner can utilize this Universal power.

But before a Practitioner can employ a Sigil, the method of creation must be decided. Do not overthink it, keep it simple, a complicated sigil is not needed for most “every day” Works.

There is NO definitive method for creating a Sigil, only the elements that Sigils typically contain and the fact it must be charged/activated to work are common amongst all practices. The following outlined method is one of the more common, simpler, methods. Feel free to experiment to find what works best for your Craft or Practice.  

Step 1. Write Your Intent

All magic begins with Purpose. A Practitioner’s Intent is the most important piece of that working. Sigils a great way to practice writing and actualizing Intent.

Step 2. Remove Any Vowels and Repeats

Looking at the Intent written down, erase or mark out all of the vowels and any letters that repeat, eventually leaving only one of each consonant from the original Intent phrase or word. 

Step 3. Simplify the Letters (Optional)

You can break down the letters into simpler shapes (lines and curves) or leave them as they are. (Example: “breaking letters” – make a “p” into a “line” and a “curve”.  A “s” becomes two opposing curves. Etc)

Step 4. Arrange the Shapes

Manipulate these final shapes. Try laying them in different manners, directions, on top of each other, etc, to try to fit them into a single glyph. It will take some time to “feel Intuitively” about what the final shape will be but DO NO STOP until it FEELS RIGHT. It is a symbol of your Will and you will find it difficult to Focus on something you do not like. Visualizing your Intent through what you see will not come and the Work will fizzle out.

Step 5. Activate/Charge the Sigil

In a few cases it may be enough to simply draw the Sigil to activate it. Especially if this undertaking includes other elements such as herbs, colors, stones, planetary alignments, etc. But there are other Works where “a bit more” is needed. It helps to visualize the Sigil Work changing form as it does its work for you. For example, the pie baking and the Sigil changing color or carved into wood, it burning to ash and returning to Earth or drifting into the Air.  One can even imagine the Sigil on the candle melting with the wax and being trapped in it OR released into the Air with the power of Fire burning it away, etc. See in your Mind’s Eye the ways your Work is going to change. That in itself Charges or Activates it.

Sigil Notebook

Some Practitioners do NOT keep their Sigils. It is a “one and done” type Work. Other Practitioners keep record of Charging methods uses ONLY. Even others keep a record in their Book of Shadows as these are considered SpellCraft and can be reached for multiple times, especially if a Practitioner has what they call a “positive result”. (Chaos Witchery/Sigil Witchery) No matter one’s method, be consistent, be concise.

Happy Sigiling!

History of the Conical Hat

"You can choose a ready guide, in some celestial voice.

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

 You can choose from phantom fears, and kindness that can kill.

I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose free will."

~Neil Peart

Let us delve into WHY “Black Hat Society” was chosen. 

Come, take a walk with me through the words of history. Our first stop will be short, here is the “why” for color.

 By definition, “black” is the absorption of ALL colors in the visible spectrum. The CONES in our eyes perceive this as “nothing” being reflected or refracted from something. All light is absorbed by that thing (Newton’s). This is perceived as a ONENESS to me. ALL things are absorbed because all things are as one. Furthermore, I do not subscribe to any preconceived notions or prejudices forced upon society over time. With that, I am neither a Theist nor Atheist. I believe there is a little #TRUTH in ALL THINGS. Even something that only exists in thought, “is”. That which is not perceived, or does not exist in thought, “is” too.

 I digress. Let us talk more about the history of this millinery success. This hat has traveled through human existence for thousands of years. The conical black hat has carried with it meanings of power, both positive and negative. Most recently, a hat of this style (conical black felt) was discovered on mummies from around 4,000 years ago with the “Subeshi Witches”, found on the northern Silk Road trade route.  (Although, we now understand that those around the World who were known as “witches” often did not even cover their heads or wore simple scarves instead.)

“Moon Witch” 3000-4000 BC

Before 1000 BC, also known as the Bronze Age, priests (a title that has ALWAYS referred to “elder” , “one with knowledge” or “wise one”) would wear golden conical hats that stood almost 3 feet tall. These hats were decorated with sun and moon symbols, indicating that their wearers were star-trackers who were able to analyze the sky to study celestial bodies and predict the weather. This is not such a mystery today. Seeing the power these people commanded from others around them by simply paying attention to their environment, dogma was taking notice.

Did the “Three Wise Men” derive from here? Was a conical hat worn to the birth of this particular messiah? They did follow a star after all.

None the less, their meteorological ability, misunderstood by many, caused the priests to be referred to as “king-priests” and were thought to have magical powers. These acted as mediators between Divinity and human. As such it was also believed that they had access to a divine knowledge that enabled them to look into the future. Much of this was simply the ability to follow “cause and effect”. It is from this early use of conical hats that led to the traditional star-spangled wizard’s hat that we recognize in clothing today.

There was some thought of the Babylonian Jews at this time wearing conical hats themselves by choice. Possibly a conquered people from Iran? Scythian? Their warriors were described as wearing “conical hats” from cuneiform inscriptions found from that time. Regardless, they were forced to then wear them as a form of discrimination from the Islamic groups of Iraq. This “public identification” carried on for thousands of years for anyone connected to this hat.

Jump forward in time to the “Christ Era”.

Scythian Depiction: 600 BC

In the 6th to 10th century, also referred to as The Dark Ages (the first half of the Middle Ages from 500 to 1000 AD) not a lot of history was able to be kept. This was a very volatile time during human existence. The Roman Empire fell and a lot of writings and knowledge were lost to the ages. The collapse of the Roman Empire lead to a lack of a kingdom or any political structure. This caused the churches of the time to take control and they became the most powerful institutions in Europe. It was during this time the Church began taking elements of “heathen” culture and Old Religion to appropriate for their agenda of conquer and expand.

Turning to the 11th century, the conical hat seemed to have been morphed into use as the Mitre, an accessory vestment, by the Church. There is quite a debate about this. You can observe from various timeless Brotherhoods of Xtianity, that the conical hat remained in use. The Spaniards are the main ones that held fast to this piece of attire. Intolerance and its representation of “wrongness” continued for the hat. It began being used for those serving “penance” with the Church.

The Practitioners who walked this Path were called Penitents. Traditionally in Spain, those wearing the conical hat were known as capirotes. It was used during the times of the Spanish Inquisition as a punishment. Is it not interesting that those who colonized so much of the world, “punished” their own in this way? Bastardized as many things were from the histories of previous peoples, the condemned by that Tribunal were obliged to wear a yellow robe – saco bendito, also known as a blessed robe that covered their chest and back. along with the hat. The hat was a paper-made cone on their heads with different signs on it, alluding to the type of crime they had committed. For instance, those to be executed wore red. The were also green, white and black colors worn.

The Church’s power began to waiver again and they had to do “something” to bring it back to their grasp. One of their thinkers, whom I believe was connected to the Inquisition, began looking around for ways to do this. In 1214, The Dominican Order was established in the Catholic church. The first group on their radar was the Manicheans. For more than a thousand years, since the Roman Empire was in power, war with the Persian Empire (Middle East) which included the Manichaeans, carried on. The Manichaens were seen as representatives of a foreign power and as dangerous aliens, even though they were but a small section of Persia.  Sound familiar?

The Mani had not been supporters of the Persian Empire's wars with other lands, including Rome, but that was overlooked. The Romans persecuted the Manichaeans, while Jews were also being persecuted.  And without the backing of the brute power of a major state in the Middle East/Persia, Manichaeism would all but disappear in the future. They were considered “outcasts” in their own society. I wonder if they wore “conical hats”? Do you know who the Yazidi are? You should.

While this was happening, we move further into the 12th century with our hat. The Mongol Queens from the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, were wearing these conical hats too. Originating from the Mongol heartland in the Steppe of central Asia. By the late 13th century it spanned from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Danube River and the shores of the Persian Gulf in the west. Khan’s was a competing empire for world dominance. None the less, there were no real differences in men and women’s clothing for the time but the Mongols needed to be seen from great distances, hence, the tall conical hat. This empire would not last against another… and the hat traveled.

Capirote of Spain. 1200 to current.

As the story goes, Marco Polo brought back a sample of this hat to Europe in the 14th Century. The voracity of land grabs had already begun in the World. Mother Nature was being raped and disregarded and “fashion” became more important than meaning or purpose. The women of the time began wearing a conical hat called a hennin, not as Practitioners, but as fashionistas of their time. Very much unlike the willow-withe and felt Boqta (Ku-Ku) of Mongolian Queens. This appropriation became known as “the princess hat” and was worn tilted back on the head and veiled with brightly colored fabrics.

The “witch”, a word now derived from the Old English nouns wicca with an Old English pronunciation: [ˈwɪttʃɑ], meaning 'sorcerer, male witch, warlock' and wicce, the Old English pronunciation: [ˈwɪttʃe] for 'sorceress, female witch', actually becomes murky in meaning and language after this. The “witch” hunts were now well under way. The “witches”, Babaylans, Bruxa, Hexen, Babalaô, Stregheria, and anyone else who were in the way of the Church’s dogmatic control and conquer of the world, were punished, or the attempt was made to dissuade the natural practices of the people they colonized and the indigenous were assimiliated.

Since the beginning of its blighted past, the conical hat has stood to represent those outcast by their society. This seemed more prevalent in the later half its history. Why? The perpetuation of it being “negative” began with the Church.

It is the opinion of many, the wearers of this hat were hold outs of Old Religion, Earth-Minded Folk and others at the turn of “the Christ event”. Because they did not or would not subscribe to what they were being sold, they became outcast from the forward momentum of society at that time. “Those in power”, i.e. Rome and later Europe and North America would not stand for anyone that did not conform to their forward march of greed and exploitation of Earth and “lesser humans”.

As we slipped into the 15th century, thousands were dying at the hands of those in power. It was at this time the Spanish, Magellan, was attempting to colonize the Philippines. The first tribes approached — killed Magellan. The danger of witches became a widespread public concern world wide. Urbanization and increased trade with foreign lands, along with epidemics of plague and cholera resulting from that trade, the onset of the Little Ice Age, upset feudal and religious hierarchies, ALL gave way to a convoluted mindset. “Something” had to be the cause. The was NO personal accountability amongst the colonizers. The Church began inserting their own ideologies into the indigenous cultures and villainize ancestral stories that have been held for tens of thousands of years in oral tradition. There was a widespread sense that the uncontrollable forces of change were destroying all order and moral tradition and the Church had to be in control. Persecuting witches redefined society’s moral boundaries and secured who was in agreement with the power. Egos ran unchecked. This shift lent a leg up to allowing, and almost requiring, the demoralization of Self if one did not conform or think or act like the majority in society. Differences in people, like those who were LGBTQ+, although a part of us for thousands of years, were persecuted by the Church.

While we are passing through the 15th century, let us also consider the possibility that the witch’s hat is an exaggeration of the tall, conical “dunce’s hat” that was popular in the royal courts of the time as well. Or, let us consider the tall but blunt-topped hats worn by Puritans and the Welsh, who also had separate ideas than the majority. No matter what the fashion, pointed hats were frowned upon by the Church, which now associated points with the horns of the devil to maintain its power and fear-mongered agendas.

 Let us also consider, somewhere along the way, an artist took creative license and added a brim to the timeless conical hat. Why would they do this?

Brimless, conical hats had long been associated with male wizards, magicians, Jews, Mani and many other societal outcasts. And, it was a male dominated society as the shift was happening. Goya even painted witches with such hats. It is possible that an artist added a brim to make the hats more appropriate for women (according to the fashion “rules” at the time) and to better fit this agenda of forward motion and subservience of others. One theory holds that the stereotypical witch’s hat came into being in Victorian times or around the turn of the century, in illustrations of childrens’ fairy tales. The tall, black, conical hat and the ugly crone became readily identifiable symbols of wickedness, to be feared by children. Hence, more fear-mongering was created in the name of control by the Church.

On the runway. 2010

I do not feel I need to retell the rest of the history of the conical, now brimmed, black hat of the last 500 years. You should all be aware of the many “witch” trials by now. You have walked through history of the last several thousand years with me. You see where it comes from. You see why Georgia Black Hat Society, and National Black Hat Society, have the Mission Statements they do. You see, my fellow Practitioner, why I take the stances that I do and want to hold to a belief of ONENESS of all things, just as my kindred folk of the previous thousands of years have done. Not war. Not creating Shadow unnecessarily for any people. Not greed. Not driven by Ego. Not conquering my neighbors’ houses while wearing the now hijacked “black hat” of the social elite.

Harmony. Love. Unity.
THAT is what this all means to me.

 More to come.

 Blessings.
Reverend Richoz, RN

Kitchen Witchin’ with Lady Robin: Dandelion-It’s not a weed!

Hello and welcome to Herbal Sunday! (Or, whatever day you are reading this!)

Stop, make a wish and blow your dried dandelion!

Most consider dandelion to be an aggravating weed but the health benefits are astounding. First of all dandelions are edible. Yes, you can eat them! They are particularly good on top of a salad as they have a slightly bitter taste similar to arugula. Also, you can cook them just like a vegetable. I’ve personally not tried them that way but each to their own, I’m just here to educate. Now, to take a look at all the good things this herb (yes, it’s classified as an herb).

Benefits of dandelion:

They contain vitamin A, B complex, & C

Contains minerals iron, potassium and zinc

Naturopathic uses: Purification and detox

Antioxidants work to eliminate free radicals in the body that cause premature aging

Helps inhibit the growth of and induce death in cancer cells

Disorders of the liver (jaundice)

Mild laxative

Mild analgesic

Stimulant that aids in weight loss

Can help regulate blood sugar

***do NOT consume dandelion if you are on medications for bacterial infections and see our

medical disclaimer.***

Y’all know I’m all about making teas so here goes:

You may choose to make root tea or flower tea just keep in mind to use the young, tender leaves otherwise they will be bitter. Also, harvest your dandelion away from a heavily trafficked area to avoid all the nasties. Find about 10, pick the stems, leaves & flowers. Harvest, rinse and pat dry. Cut them or grind with your preferred method. Add parts to your cup, or place into a tea ball for infusion. Bring your water to a rolling boil and pour in cup.

Let it steep for at least 5 minutes — I like it a bit stronger so I add a bit more and steep it longer.

You can use coconut oil, honey or brown sugar for healthier alternatives to processed sugar. I absolutely recommend this particular herb, so give it a try! Those things are everywhere. Mother Nature is an excellent provider.

Blessings!
Lady Robin

Kitchen Witchin’ with Lady Robin: Moon Water

Moon water has many uses and is a very simple yet effective addition to your spell workings.

Moon Water can be made on either the full moon or a new moon depending on your Intent. You may use it for rituals, for your Water element or drink it! Remember that you’ll need a pure water and a glass or ceramic container with a lid.           

   *** USES in Spellwork:

Personal Development, manifestation spells, activating a poppet, consecration of magical tools & crystals, banishing bad energy. As with all magick the possibilities are only limited by the Practitioner.

  ***Other Uses:

Watering plants, ritual baths, ritual recipes on feast days, making tea or potions.

    ~~How it’s done~~

Put your pure water in the container of your choice, cover it so that nothing gets in it, then place it in the direct path of moonlight while chanting, or the words of your choosing.   Something simple will work:

     MOTHER MOON SHINE YOUR LIGHT

     IMBUE THIS WATER THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT

After that, cover it and leave it be. Retrieve it in the morning before the sun hits it and store it accordingly. Moon water is ready for use and stays good up to six months if kept sealed and/or refrigerated.

I cannot stress how important it is to focus energy on your Intent. Intent is the key to successful spell casting!!

Love and bright moonlight blessings,

Lady Robin