Yona Circle
Thursday Thoughts
Ethics in Magick 103
Witch Wars, or Gossip?
We have spoken of and heard of many “witch wars” or “magickal gossip” over the years and in our lives as Practitioners. As Clergy, or Teacher, of BHS, it is important to understand the source of such vituperative language and how to react to or diffuse it. In many instances, this fluctuation of energy is unavoidable as strife and change are a part of the Universe. It is how you deal with it that counts.
Generally speaking, this type of demoralizing or inhumane stance is rooted in misunderstandings and/or jealousy. However, a lack of understanding seems to be the primary reason given for these infractions. These attacks are often personal in nature or highly untrue or exaggerated perceptions. It is imperative to not engage in the perpetuation of these behaviors UNLESS they effect you directly AT THAT MOMENT as a Practitioner.
NEVER REACT THROUGH HEAR-SAY!
As a trained Leader of the Arcane Arts, you are understood to have greater poise. Those who deal in these negative energetic matters are simply abusive and regularly have a goal to only create dissension within a group setting, or between Members. Many Paths will actually ‘excommunicate’ (NOT a Xtian word in origin, but derives from Latin - “put out of communication” or “community”) a Practitioner for such behavior.
TALK TO ME
Through continuous exploration of human behaviors, many who use this type of vitriol towards another person or group is simply acting with ulterior motive or has their own PERSONAL issue they are unable to address. Unhealed Shadow. Trauma/trauma. Unchecked Ego. With those who use it for ulterior motives, it is seen that they are attempting to and often are succeeding at being manipulative of a group for their own PERSONAL benefit or gain. For those with an unaddressed personal issue, such as Shadow, it can more often be remedied easily with communication of needs. A trait that many Practitioners are not accustomed to due to Familial Shadow.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountability is key to solving this uprisings of emotions around you. Who started the gossip? What is the source? What are the facts? Are there any facts? Always ask someone to state their source before disengaging them from the group as a seed of disruption that has been planted in the Community.
READ THAT AGAIN.
GATEKEEPING UNTRUTHS
Another angle to view is that of the person speaking the untruth. What authority do they have on the matter? Are they able to even speak on the matter intelligently? Yes, some Practitioners of authority have strong ‘opinions’ but those opinions can be based in perpetual lies themselves. We find that statement to be more true amongst those who are ‘gatekeeping’ in various practices. They deal in “untruths”. These Practitioners tend to tell others that there is “only one way” to practice one’s Craft. Understanding Laws of the Universe and Unconditional Love simply make this “one way” untrue. Even those who feel that Universal Magick or Medicine can be “irresponsible” in their practices, but that in itself is a part of the Cosmic Balance.
Example:
Susie uses Dollar Store candles from a non-renewable source in her Magick.
Does she “have to” or simply choose to because she doesn’t care?
Janie uses hand made, hand dipped, candles from the by-product of the holistic bee keeping that she does in her Magick.
Why? Is it the only thing she has access to? Is she simply being responsible to her environment? Is she humble about the use or “holier than thou”?
The problem that may arise with these two scenarios? One Practitioner telling another Practitioner that what they are doing is “wrong”. We learned this can be construed as a form of Spiritual Gaslighting. Remember that term? (Told ya we build here!)
As an aside, in our personal practices, we can choose either way to supply ourselves. The difference is understanding how many hands have touched what you are about to consume, burn, meditate with, drink, etc. Did you clean the energy from the product? Maybe the person that made that Dollar Store candle was having a bad day and now you are about to attempt a ‘love spell’ with that hateful energy that lingers.
Think about it.
This is a Key practice in Kitchen Witchery, ‘blessing the food’ for ALL, even the Plant and Animal Allies that you are using in your dish. Thanking them for their energetic sacrifice, even a mental nod to them, goes a LONG WAY on the Psychic Plane. You add to that all of the humans that made it possible for you to utilize whatever it is.
The take away is to ask, “is the Practitioner that is being dissident offering solutions to what is being said? Are they creating a problem where there is none?” This is where your careful line of questions, or not, comes in.
We would like for ALL BHS PRACTITIONERS to rise above this mundane issue, whatever it is being made to be, to aid in solutions for our species on a whole. To simply ‘dislike’ or ‘shun’ someone for an opinion is frowned upon in both our Society and most Communities of Pagans. This is especially true in the more advancements you travel.
Find the root. Find the source. Find a solution.
If legitimate ‘wrong doing’ has occurred, it is better that a group openly discuss the matter, often with the offending Practitioners.
Example:
Practitioner A is accused by Practitioner B of harassment.
First and foremost, is it a violation of our chosen Community Laws that govern our place of residence? Was Law Enforcement involved?
Yes: Most Societies, in upholding the Community Laws, will go ahead and excommunicate a Practitioner with public knowledge of the “why” as the legal documents (court records) are public information. Not gorey details but it will be open amongst the group and ‘open comment’ is usually allowed – “holding the wand” (similar to Robert’s Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedure) is used for group involvement.
No: Asking the ‘whys’ becomes an essential role of the Leadership. Was it a violation of Community Law? No? Was it a violation of personal law inside the Society? Maybe.
Through thorough questioning and NOT accusing by Leadership, hearing BOTH sides, it was determined that Practitioner A told Practitioner B that they “looked good”. Practitioner B took the statement as a “come on” or an “unwanted or unwarranted comment”. That keeps it in the Society Standards versus Community Law breaking arena. As a Leader, the group must decide if this Practitioner is a ‘repeat offender’ or if they are not respecting their peers versus a misunderstanding between parties. Was distance kept? Was it said in passing? Accountability on BOTH parts must be recognized because the transverse can also be true.
Example: Practitioner B has reported three other Practitioners in that last six months for ‘harassment’. Practitioner B’s Shadow Work and Ego Work must now come in to question. These other Practitioners were either found to have simply said nothing to Practitioner B or made a simple compliment such as “you look nice today”.
This latter example requires a little more finesse in the role of Leadership. It is advised that you NEVER speak to a Practitioner alone about serious matters. Always have another Leader with you or a Junior Leader, or if none are available, a trusted – unbiased – Society or Community member. If all else fails, National BHS is in the process of developing an ombudsman role for either an individual or group of individuals for certain matters.
You can ALWAYS seek National BHS help.
Advise the Practitioner in question of this involving others and allow them the opportunity to accept the meeting of minds or to exit peacefully from the group. This last ‘solution’ is not really a solution as these Practitioners who choose to exit a situation rather that face it often go on to cause continuous gossip OUTSIDE of the Society or in another group.
As a Leader, you will always see personality differences, doctrinal differences, practical differences, etc, inside the Society. Remember, “no two Paths are the same.” We model the peace and sensibility of one who is here to practice Medicine and Magick, not criticize or judge another Practitioner. With that said, consider carefully the validity of ‘eyewitness accounts’. How are they connected to the Accuser? How are they connected to the Accused? It is well known that fabrications exist in our Society and the World at large.
Advanced Practicum
Cleric Practitioner
One of the qualifying aspects and key abilities of one who has accomplished the Journey through to their Third Degree equivalent, Yona Circle, is the role of Cleric Practitioner. This is the ability to step up at any moment and lead group, Society, or Ritual. This includes the ability also can include you being able to be in the psychic and spiritual counselor role for anyone who seeks that guidance inside your group, and sometimes out. Most gatherings we find are ideal but at times other situations arise that may require more out of us than we were expecting.
How is one to handle that?
RITUAL
It is expected by this point, after Yona Circle, That you are comforable enough in YOUR OWN personal practices that you will have the basic steps of Ritual down or know what is to be occurring at the event that is being attended at the time, whether through TCMed or a BHS. Most o fthose attending Practitioners simply look for basic needs to be met with fellowship and NOT a complicated Ceremonial Magick, unless that is what was planned to begin with. As a Cleric Practitioner, if you do not already know, rituals such as Consecrations and House Blessings are some basic Magick to be knowledgeable of. Even if it is something you have NEVER plan to do. There have been moments when many of us have had to step in and help out, they are not how someone else may have done them, but have a method in mind. Start thinking about these rituals now.
Developing those techniques begins around one’s ‘second degree’ or in Golanv Circle Did you? Did you bless your own home? Most of us do this way back in Wahya Circle, but have a rough idea on how to do it.
A basic formula to commit to memory if you do not already have one is thus:
(In the order of your chosen Path)
Earth – Grounding and thanksgiving (hunger)
Air – Casting
Fire – Invocation; Transformation
Water – Ancestors and toasting (thirst)
Spirit – Act of Power (Ritual)
All Elements can be used for Blessings.
Specified Rituals will have their own requirements of course. It is always good to know those basic ones and make note cards until one is able to speak off the cuff. As far as ‘words’ to Rituals, yes, some have specifics, but no matter how beautifully written, when the Spirit or Divine speaks through the Practitioner or moves the moment, it is best to go with it. We DO NOT judge or critique fellowship. EVER.
Reverend Richoz has been moved by Divine Spirit many times. Its quite off putting to those who don’t know what they are observing. Quite moving to others. Reverend Richoz describes it as “high channeling”.
The point of any Ritual is to raise energy for its Intent. When you work off a ‘script’ ONLY it often limits the energy that can be raised. “Side rails” or “bumpers” as it is perceived are kept by not allowing natural energies to flow. We are always better served when speaking from the Heart, especially once you understand the basics and can accomplish the Ritual or Rite.
TEACHING
As described before, one of the duties of a Cleric is teaching. Not only are Practitioners of Yona Circle able to teach what they know, they can also cohesively construct a learning session on any subject they have encountered, Experienced or not. The class itself is not dependent on what is being taught but a matter of sharing cohesive thought with fellow Practitioners. This is a wonderful way to explore topics that you are not necessarily familiar with but are eager to share in the exploration of knowledge. “I am intrigued to learn this with you…” or, “here is what I found, let me share it with you”. It is a wonderful example of ‘curiosity’ to share with others.
The opportunity is coming soon for you to Walk amongst your peers in virtual space and share.
Prepare. Verify your resources. Prepare some more. Then, let the Spirits help guide the moment! Socialize when all is said and done, looking to have open dialogue and answer brief questions if time and space allow.
FEES
As a general rule, National Black Hat Society and its Affiliates do not charge for their services. We stand by the principle that knowledge is free. If you are utilizing a location for Ritual or Class that requires a ‘fee’, alert attendees that a donation is appreciated or you may participate in an “in-kind” barter -- discreetly. If this Ritual or Class is for a longer event, is it through your State or National Affiliate? Charter? Did National sponsor the event? If not and this is currently being set up, REACH OUT. Sometimes, due to state regulations in various places, we cannot help to charge for events.
Keep in mind that public parks are often ideal for events (permit dependent), as well as coffee shops and metaphysical shops. On the rare occasion you can find a local library that will let a class be held for a small fee. The very fortunate have access to private property within the Society, such as personal homes, backyards and farms.
“People do not care
how much you know,
until they know how much you care.”
Listen as much as you speak. Remain balanced. Above all else, excuse yourself from a situation if you feel it is not able to be handled responsibly and with accountability at this moment. If you find Ritual attendees are at odds or class participants have a disagreement, gently remind them that “no Two Paths are the same”.
If it escalates, ask them to leave the event or class as they are being disruptive. If it goes beyond that or becomes too heated, do not hesitate to involve law enforcement. We are often seen as the guide for many of these situations, using our utmost discretion.
DO NOT ENGAGE IN ARGUMENTS OR DISAGREEMENTS.
We are not here to debate personal dogmas in a public setting at National BHS. Again, NO TWO PATHS ARE THE SAME. Stand your ground and hold your head high. Be proud of where you are, what you represent and what you have to offer this World. You have accomplished quite a bit and will accomplish plenty more.
CLASSIFICATIONS
Ritual/Rite is typically classified as:
Open (Public)
Semi-Open (BHS/Members, Students, and their families only.)
Closed (BHS/Members Only)
Most of the time this is space contingent.
DISSEMINATING INFORMATION
If you have something to distribute at your class or ritual, have several start points instead of waiting for the item to pass from person-to-person or from one basket, or one table. Unless it is a ‘registration’ type set up, have your information or item on SEVERAL tables or coming from the four corners of your cast circle space. This pushes great energy into an area much like turning on a fire hose versus a garden hose. Again, space is to be considered. Work with what you have.
KNOW NO STRANGER
Even though someone may be present or in attendance that is not a Practitioner of Three Circles Medicine, another pagan, or even interested in what you are doing or saying, they may still be willing to help you accomplish your goal. Do not hesitate to allow them to help pass out that thing or help clean up. The Divine sends us aid in many forms. Be gracious. That act of grace from you in and of itself can often turn the heart of even the most staunch and principled human to be more open to others’ thoughts.
BOLD EXTRAVAGANCE
When participating in Public Ritual, there is a level of flourish or extravagance that is expected by some. Not necessary, but places like movies and television have not helped us keep this natural. Especially if Deity or Elements are involved. Explore correspondences that can be used for your ritual. Color. Incense. (Used sparingly if indoors. We assure you, most Paths do not use ‘hypoallergenic incense’ – be concerned about participants but do not cater, simply advise them to alert you if there is an medically diagnosed condition to be aware of, not someone’s ‘preference’.) While we wish for everyone to be able to participate, not everyone can at every moment. Help the event correspond with its Intent.
Thursday YA2
General - Journal - Book of Shadows
SUBMISSION: YA2 THU THURSDAY THOUGHTS
(Due by Sunday)
QUESTIONS: How do you feel after reading this week’s Lessons? Did it persuade you one way or another in regards to your Path or personal practices? Have you considered becoming a Teacher or Cleric with Three Circles Medicine?
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