Golanv Circle
Tuesday Techniques

Intermediate Practicum
Red Path, Blue Path

Before us, we see a Circle. This is the basic shape of all Sacred Circles, Hoops and Medicine Wheels around the world. For us at 3CMM, the Circle represents Earth, Matter, or Spirit in Matter. It is where we are physically, and where we are Experiencing Matter… Terra Firma. It is how we emotionally feel about that Matter, and it is what how we weight that Matter mentally. As a species, we are not Aware of another home currently ANYWHERE in Matter. So our Magicks and Medicines are here.

Crossing the Circle we see two lines. One is Red, and one is Blue.

Red Path, Spirit Manifesting into Matter

After the Transformative Experience of being born, it is taught that we begin to walk the Red Path of life. Spirit into Matter.  The term "Red Road" is used by Native American Indians and other Indigenous, to describe the Path that each individual travels during their manifested Time here, manifested into a Life of Matter. It is said that those who choose to truly walk the Red Road, or Red Path, are choosing to commit to living their Experienced Life in the best way, in their Highest Benefit. The Sacred Circle, Hoop or Medicine Wheel, is a physical representative of our Sacred Journey as that Spirit manifested into Matter. 

It is a Circle on every spiritual Path because the Circle is a never ending, symbol of “Life Energy without End”.  This is shared in most --if not all-- indigenous and esoteric teachings.

While Experiencing our respective Red Paths, one learns the Lessons of their physical life, or of having a human Experience in Matter. That includes Thoughts and Feelings. As shown, the Red Path runs EAST TO WEST in the Circle of Medicine.

Blue Path, Matter Manifesting into Spirit

Everyone can feel when they have transitioned towards their “end” in Matter. When the Path they are walking becomes “something different”. Reaching this Path, once becomes a little closer to Spirit, or Higher Self. Practices such as Astral Projection, Lucid Dreaming, and Soul Work become more prevalent the further onto this Path we go. After our evolution through the Experience of Physical Matter, Emotional and Mental Aspects, the Transformative Experience of Death, or the return of Matter to Mother Earth, it is believed that we then enter, or arrive on, The Blue Path.

Notice that this Path runs SOUTH TO NORTH as presented.  This is a Soul Journey, with countless manifestations and transformations, as there are many Experiences to be had.

To the indigenous, this is representative of the continued Spirit Journey on the Sacred Circle, Hoop or Medicine Wheel too.  To many North American tribes, this is considered the world of the Grandfathers and Grandmothers. The realm of those who have passed before as Elders or Others and who remain there as Guides, or Helpers. Once on this life path, the Blue Path, the more Awareness is present in one’s Consciousness. We are considered “awake” and able to commune with our Elders and Ancestors more clearly. We can hear the Plant People, Animals too. Some can even hear the Stone People once firmly on the Blue Path in their Soul Journey.

Chosen Paths

We learn, or are taught, that in Spirit those traveling the Blue Path of Transformation (of Death) can continue to learn by counseling those who are on the Red Path of Life from the Other-side, not just a Healer on this plane, we can consciously choose to be a Healer in between planes too.  This is done by utilizing the Knowledge carried from the Experience of Matter to Advise, or Guide, as a Conscious Incarnate. (One who is conscious of these transitory Experiences.)

The Red Path of Life can often be a Spiritual Path too, as we can continually evolve if that is chosen. Once we have had the Experiences of Matter that is needed for that evolution, the Red Path becomes one where harmony and balance are obtained by strengthening the physical, emotional and mental aspects of Self to our Highest Benefit. This can be done by anyone regardless of race or religion, rich or poor, creed, ideas or ideals. 

All Beings go through the Birth Death Cycle, Plant and Animal alike.

Achieving our personal Red Path spiritual significance, or progress, will reveal itself to us almost immediately in the way one acts, or behaves.  This is evidenced in the actions one takes in their daily lives. How we treat other Plant or Animal Allies, including Mother Earth, matter as that energy has value.  It is also evidenced by the relationship we develop between our manifestations of Spirit and Matter on our Soul’s Journey. The benefits will be evident, or they will not if they are not “correct” for us and need a “rinse and repeat”.

The Medicine and Magick of Red Path is also more than spoken or written words, the candles we light, the drums we beat, or a rattle we shake, matters. It ALL has power.  It is a behavior, an attitude, a way of living, and the expression of our strength in Self and our beliefs. It means walking strong yet softly, so as to not harm nor disturb other life as we are walking our Path. Red Path is maintaining our Sovereignty and Free Will that is most beneficial to us personally. This in turn evolves our Being towards the Blue Path of Spirit.

But, some of us are not Awake yet, and we are wise to make room for this… with bumpers to help some correct their courses for their highest benefit. There are many different Healing and Balancing aspects to those who traverse the Red Path on their Soul Journey for Self and Others.

Intermediate Practicum
Fear, Life & Magick
by Practitioner Brisk
Yona Circle, Third Degree

GOAL/PURPOSE
The Goal/Purpose in writing this Lesson is for Practitioners to recognize their fears and to not let those fears hinder their workings, or their lives. It is my belief that while we can overcome some fears, we can be served in learning to live with other fears. It is in learning to live with fear – a very real part of our Experience – that we control our lives and our Magick, instead of fear being in charge. I believe this Lesson can be tied to Shadow Work, as well as Self worth.

Most humans are acquainted with Fear.

It exists within us as well as around us. It ebbs and flows. It grows and changes. Sometimes we outgrow a Fear. Sometimes a new Fear appears. In our lives and in our Magick, Fear is most likely a constant. But we don’t have to let it control our choices or our workings.

Born This Way?

Derived from the Proto-Germanic word feraz, Fear can be innate or learned. One example of an Innate Fear is the fear of falling. This is instinctive and has been studied in young toddlers as well as young animals. Many species are hardwired to avoid situations that might result in falling from heights. If you’ve ever stood at or near a cliff’s edge and had a visceral response, then you may have Experienced this fear.

Most humans and other animals carry an Innate Fear of loud noises as well.

Such noises can trigger our fight or flight response. Interestingly, there is some consensus that these two examples are the only innate fears humans are born with, that all other fears are learned. It is possible these innate fears have been with us since the existence of the earliest humans.

(Generational trauma is real. Remember?)

Learned Fears are acquired throughout our lives, evolving and changing as we grow. As babies and children, family members and caregivers imprint fears onto us, sometimes without knowing what they’re doing. “The stove is hot – don’t touch it!” “Look both ways before you cross the street!” “Watch out for that black widow spider!” “That’s the sound of a rattlesnake! Get back!” These are important things to learn, and this knowledge can help keep us safe.

But not all Learned Fears are universal (shared by a majority of people) or rational (as in something that may actually happen). Some Learned Fears are specific to another individual’s life Experience and when that fear is imprinted on us by the individual, it may be harmful or limiting in and of itself. “You’re not tall enough to try out for any of the roles in the school play.” “It’s hard to become a doctor. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment.” “That magickal intent is too big for you to attempt.” Statements such as these may be made with the best intentions, in an effort to prevent pain, for example. After all, pain is a deterrent, and we strive to avoid it. But someone else’s Experiences, disappointments and fears of failure do not necessarily apply to us. In adopting the fears of another as our own, we may be silencing our intuition, or hindering our magickal and life experiences. We know that no two paths are the same, so why would someone else’s fear automatically apply to us?

Has anyone ever tried to dissuade you from pursuing something you were interested in? Has someone told you your idea for a Spell or Ritual was too lofty or wouldn’t work? How did you handle that? Do you have any irrational fears?

Friend, Fun or Foe?

Fear comes in multiple guises. Being able to recognize which Fear is presenting itself at any given moment can help us in making decisions regarding our magick and our lives. When Fear tells you to avoid taking a shortcut through a dark alley at night, it might be wise to pay attention. The same goes for pressure from another Practitioner, insisting that you should burn Oleander as part of a working.

(Don’t!) If Fear is telling you to do some research before you strike a match, listen! There are multiple times in our lives when Fear speaks to us. Sometimes Fear is working in tandem with your Intuition. This can be quite healthy and beneficial. Basically, when Fear is your friend, trust it. Know your Self, and you’ll know what’s right for you, be it mundane or magickal.

Can you name a time when Fear was your friend and served you well? Are you someone who likes horror movies? When a “gotcha” moment happens on the screen and you spill popcorn all over yourself, do you feel a bit of a thrill?

If this describes you during moments such as these, Fear may be fun. Many humans feel a “rush” from being scared in controlled environments – situations and places where we are considered to be “safe.” Scary movies, haunted houses, escape rooms, extreme roller coasters – these are a few examples of places/situations a person may actually enjoy because of the fear factor. There’s nothing wrong with this, just as there’s nothing wrong with someone who doesn’t enjoy such experiences.

Do you have a favorite “scary” movie? Or do you enjoy “thrill-seeking” in controlled environments?
Please elaborate.

When Fear serves no useful purpose or functions as a deterrent in your life or Practice, it is a foe. Most of us have experienced Fear as foe at some point in our lives. “I don’t know enough about magick to try that working.” “If I do this, I’m probably going to mess it up and that will be worse than not trying.” “I didn’t start studying magick soon enough and now I’m too old.” These sorts of thoughts can pop up for any Practitioner at any time. More often than not, this is Fear lying to us, telling us to “play it safe” or to “stay in our lane.” The Fear of failure that was imprinted on us at a young age has morphed as we’ve grown, and it may try to attach itself to our choices in our lives and in our magick.

While each Practitioner chooses for themselves how to conduct their magick, if someone allows Fear to choose for them, it will be apparent – in the scope of the magick, in the execution of the magick, and ultimately, in the results. When Fear is your foe, it is not to be trusted.

Which/Witch Fear?
So how do you know the difference between Friend, Fun or Foe Fears?

There may be times when this is more easily said than done. For instance, consider a Practitioner who has a lifelong debilitating fear of snakes. This might be manageable. And yet, Snake has presented itself to this Practitioner, as a Guide. This can be confusing and uncomfortable. This Practitioner may feel at odds as to whether they can work with Snake as a Guide, even if they know there may be great power in what Snake has to teach, to share. It is possible to hold space for conflicting feelings. This Practitioner can accept Snake’s guidance AND exist with fear of snakes. It may not be easy, but we can do hard things.

Recognizing that you are indeed feeling Fear can take practice, as Fear can be tricky and may present itself as practicality, or as a rationale for example. If you think Fear is “pulling the wool over your eyes,” ask your Self questions such as Am I in danger? What am I afraid might happen? Did someone else tell me to be afraid of this? If I’ve always been afraid of this, am I still afraid of it NOW? If I fail, will I still be okay? Will this choice bring harm to others?

Answer honestly and pay attention to your answers. This is how we grow. Once you recognize Fear is attempting to sit in the driver’s seat, you can then discern which type of Fear you’re dealing with. In identifying and naming our Fears, we can work with them to grow into our finest version of our Selves. The best way to get to know your various Fears is to know your Self. (Read that again.) When you know your Self, you are better able to know the truth of what you are feeling. Trust that truth. Your truth.

In short, trust your Self. When you feel such trust within yourself, Fear will not control your life or your magick. Your hands will be at the wheel.

Works Cited - Sources Utilized for Article

Quotes from the following:
1. Elizabeth Gilbert, from Big Magic
2. Katharine Butler Hathaway
3. Colette Baron-Reid
4. Marianne Williamson

Tuesday G72

General - Journal - Book of Shadows

SUBMISSION: G72 TUE FEAR WHEEL (Due by Sunday)
After reading through the Lesson, please choose 3 of the questions below,
answering each with at least 3 sentences.

1. Has anyone ever tried to dissuade you from pursuing something you were interested in? How did you respond?

2. Has someone told you your idea for a Spell or Ritual was too lofty or wouldn’t work? How did you handle that?

3. Do you have any irrational fears? Please elaborate.

4. Can you name a time when Fear was your friend and served you well? Please explain.

5. Do you have a favorite “scary” movie? Or do you enjoy “thrill-seeking” in controlled environments? Please elaborate.

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Lessons are subject to change without notification to Practitioners.
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