The Contemporary Mystic

(This image of Hekate is by yuliayael. Find this and more art at  Instagram  and  Facebook. ) Today is Halloween, Samhain, a time when the Dead and those in-between can communicate and cross realms more easily, making it ideal for connecting with Hekate. Jason Miller's Sorcery of Hekate session begins today. Having previously taken his course, I can attest that it has significantly enriched my connection not just with the Witch Queen, but also with my overall magical practice. The guiding theme and mantra I embraced while taking the course was, “All roads lead to Hekate.” For years, I intermittently made offerings to the Lady Cloaked in Saffron. I explored Liber Khthonia by Jeff Cullen and participated in various rites. I even encountered a Grey Lady one night while walking to the crossroads. However, the Serpent Maiden always seemed elusive to me. Unlike other deities I had worked with, she was never as outspoken. Recently, I've come to understand that she was silently ...

On the day of Sol, initiate this ritual during a transitional hour, with dusk being the ideal time. Anoint a candle using orange essential oil. Next, present the candle and a glass of water to your spiritual allies and the Sun elemental spirits, seeking their aid and guidance in your work. Outside, using a fire pit or a heatproof dish with matches, start jotting down the things you wish to let go of on pieces of paper. Any type of paper will suffice; I often use cardboard or other materials that need recycling. Make use of what you have. Once you've recorded what you want to release, say them aloud and toss them into the fire. Declare that you are releasing and burning away the ties that hold you back. Feel free to write down and repeat this process as many times as you desire. As the papers turn to ashes, watch them drift away, and remember that you are free, whole, and complete.

(This content draws inspiration from Aidan Wachter’s Self Reclaiming Rite and Ora North's I Don't Want to Be an Empath Anymore .) Cup of water Tealight candle Cane sugar Start by cleansing and grounding yourself. I create holy water then using a sprig of rosemary, dip the sprig into the water and tap the pressure points throughout my body while vibrating the phrase, “IAO.” Once you’ve cleansed yourself, find a comfortable position; I prefer sitting. Place a tealight candle into a cup of water and sprinkle cane sugar on top of it. Take several deep breaths, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Visualize white light filling your lungs and body as you breathe in, and imagine smoke flowing out as you exhale. Light the candle and begin reading: I am shattered , Yet I remain complete and whole. I honor who I was , I honor who I am , I honor and welcome who I am becoming . I reclaim the pieces of myself I once lost , I reclaim the strength I had surrendered . I forgive myself for dis...

(Block Print by Emily Louise Howard) Over the years, I've explored the Gates in Rufus Opus’ Seven Spheres. Although I haven’t reached the Saturn Gate yet, I've made offerings to the Old Man Death and had powerful experiences the other Planet's energies. The Sun felt natural, providing a vibrant, electric energy. My Mercurial traits made the Wednesday initiation comfortable. Surprisingly, the Venus Gate proved to be the most challenging for me which was shocking. Who can resist the charm of love and why was it so difficult? During the Rite of Venus, I recognized my long-term relationship was codependent, leading me to sacrifice my identity for love. I felt as if I had been slapped with a harsh reality. Wasn't Venus supposed to represent sunshine, love, and flowers? I left the Rite with the mantra engrained in my head: Don’t forget yourself, your needs are important. I was incredibly emotional and felt like everything I was operating by was wrong because it was—I was put...

Jealousy is a prevalent human emotion, often rooted in personal insecurities. It frustrates me greatly when people lash out at others instead of concentrating on their own development. The evil eye is a curse usually cast through a malevolent glance, usually fueled by jealousy. Recently, someone subconsciously directed the evil eye at me. There was a toxic individual who, whether intentionally or not, acted disrespectfully towards me. When I kindly asked them to change their behavior otherwise I would remove myself from the situation, they chose to ignore me and bad mouth me claiming I was being harsh. After a third party confronted the toxic person about their actions, they sent me an apology through text. Upon reading their message, I suddenly experienced a headache and a feeling of dread and unease. My heart began to race rapidly, and I wondered if it was merely anxiety stemming from my disdain of confrontation. I also perceived the apology as lacking sincerity, which led me to wond...