Magical in the Mundane, Building Faith

 

Magical in the Mundane, Building Faith

This New Moon Cycle, I decided to focus on opening the roads and inviting blessings and prosperity into my life. On Monday, during the hour of Saturn, I performed a ritual, seeking the Angels' assistance to remove obstacles. I crumbled bay leaf, rue, and money-drawing powder (which I bought in college, hoping I wouldn’t need it by now) and ground them in my mortar and pestle while whispering incantations, asking the herbs for their help. Fun fact: I got my mortar and pestle from a museum that was giving away art supplies to teachers in need (yup, that’s me).

Over the years, I've built up my collection of magical items. I try not to purchase too many new things, instead hoping (or asking) my spirits to bring them to me. Recently, I wanted a bike because—I realized—running is absolutely terrible. BoJack Horseman was spot-on in that assessment. A couple of days later, my partner surprised me with a good-quality used bike he got for free! It’s moments like these that remind me to trust that everything I need will arrive and things will work out. I would also like to commend my fellow practitioner friend who recites the Heptameron while running a 5K in preparation for a marathon. That couldn’t be me, but I respect and honor my own limitations.

Returning to my road-opening ritual, I sprinkled the freshly ground powder onto my tea light candles. I prayed to Cassiel to empower the herbs, working together to strip away falsehoods so that seeds could be planted and later sown. I whispered my wish for my dreams to become physical realities—that they would be planted, grow, and be ready to harvest by the next cycle. I lit my five candles in sequence, following Starr Casas' advice on candle magic: from top to bottom, right to left, and finally the center.

After completing the rite, I went downstairs to clean up as an additional offering. This also provided 'action' to my spellwork. Words without action mean little, and magic without grounded action doesn't hold much weight either. As my grandmother would say, it’s “not worth its salt.” Even the simplest actions can be magical, like doing the dishes.

Weeks prior, I faced many challenging situations that led me to self-examine and reassess my priorities. These hurdles forced me to confront self-sabotaging beliefs that were polluting my reality. I discovered the roots of deception in my psyche, where false beliefs about myself created patterns blocking my success. It wasn’t until I was doing the dishes—a mindful activity—that I was able to reflect on the past and process lessons without excessive worry about the future. This breakthrough came from being fully present, connected to a daily task.

Everything's magic if you make it.

There’s a beautiful simplicity to magic that many scholars dismiss. I respect the authors and occultists who have made magic accessible—libraries and the Internet are invaluable! However, it’s worth noting that many of these academics are men. Women's contributions have historically been overshadowed—or blatantly stolen—by men. The male perspective on magic often aims to gatekeep knowledge, making it sound more intelligent.

Fuck that.

There’s nothing impressive about making a subject difficult to learn. This haughty approach to magic is unnecessary.

When I began studying witchcraft, I first dabbled in basic practices (tarot cards, prayers, lighting candles, and making potions/tea) before delving into ceremonial magic. At the start, I thought I needed every herb, book, and handcrafted item for results. Ten years later, I believe this approach hindered my personal magic. As I mentioned in my article "Devotional Magic," after the initial 'introduction,' casual interactions to maintain a friendship with the spirits are sufficient. Offering incense to the angels regularly during the corresponding hour builds a lasting relationship. But don’t get complacent now! Special celebrations and rites are important too. Realistically, though, you can’t throw a birthday party for everyone every weekend. Time and energy are limited!

I’ve seen the most effective magic occur after years of dedication to regularly communing with my guardian spirits. Now, a simple glass of water and a prayer can do the trick. Life's Wheel never stops turning; we all hit low points. True friends, family, and allies will be there with you through all phases. They know you’ll be 'good for it later' and, frankly, they care about you. Devotion in all its forms has a purity, an unconditional love, that material objects can’t replace. Sincerity and authenticity earn the greatest respect. Showing up just as you are.

Willie Carver has a wonderful poem called "Neckbones." My favorite line is:

I was good enough to talk to God just as I was.

I had the honor of watching Willie read this poem at a Pride Festival. He performed it in the oldest Presbyterian Church in the city. Standing in front of the altar while reciting this poem, seeing a “big gay hillbilly” speak from the same place as a priest or deacon—equal in presence and power—was unforgettable. Showing up as your true self is Divine. The Gods aren’t Gods because they’re perfect; they’re Gods because they’re wholly themselves.

'Know thyself' was prophesied by the Oracles of Delphi for a reason. The journey of self-discovery empowers magic more than any item one could acquire. Status, homes, friends, family, money—it all disappears. What’s left? Just you.

I am a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, and my favorite scene is when Angel (spoiler alert for a show that aired in 1997) becomes Angelus and corners Buffy. With a sword pointed at her, Angelus mocks, “That’s everything, huh? No weapons... no friends... no hope... Take all that away and what’s left?”

Angelus lunges with his sword, and Buffy catches it between her palms, eyes closed.

Buffy Summers opens her eyes and, with calm determination, says:

“Me.”

When you have nothing, you discover your true worth. What I despise about more religious doctrine is how they plant seeds of unworthiness; when people doubt themselves, they’re easier to control. They sing of unworthiness, yet God still loves them. Shame-based doctrine traditionally emphasizes human unworthiness to accentuate God's grace; it is time to distinguish between being "unworthy" (failing to meet a standard) and being "worthless" (having no value). We are all valuable because we are simply human.

We all deserve grace, love, and forgiveness. We are all part of the Divine and one instance away from losing all worldly means. Humility and genuineness keep one on the path of the Great Work. Authenticity and stripping yourself beyond status to your Core is the journey of being human, the conscious choice of living with integrity through life’s hurdles is Divine.