The Contemporary Mystic

(Painting by Delaney Marie Designs) Ritual of Union with the Holy Guardian Angel Stand in a quiet, sacred space. Slowly trace a circle clockwise three times with your finger, envisioning a golden, protective light forming around you—soft yet strong, encircling you and the room in radiant safety. Face East, arms open wide. Feel the breath of life stir around you fresh, vital, awakening. Point outward and say: “Come, Element of Air, attend and empower this circle.” Turn South, and as you do, envision flames dancing bold, alive, illuminating your spirit. Say: “Come, Element of Fire, attend and empower this circle.” Turn West, and imagine water swirling around your feet cool, flowing, sacred. Speak: “ Come, Element of Water, attend and empower this circle.” Face North, grounding into the energy of soil, stone, and root. See the earth rising to meet you. Say: “ Come, Element of Earth, attend and empower this circle.” Place a tealight candle in a bowl of water before you. If desired, dress t...

(Painting by Nicole Gadbois ) For many years, I was hesitant to delve into justice and baneful workings. It was a mental hurdle I had to overcome. Part of it stemmed from my people-pleasing tendencies, and I never wanted to be perceived as 'mean' or 'bad.' This was definitely due to societal conditioning growing up as a cis woman; you're taught to be nice no matter what, even if you're uncomfortable. Finally, after starting therapy and my healing journey, I began reclaiming parts of myself through every boundary I set, whether it was at work, with friends, and eventually with my mother, with whom I have been no contact for two years now. You cannot control others, but you can control the access they have to you. I have never been more at peace in my entire life. This work, coupled with getting to know Saturn through ritual workings, has helped me immensely. Your heart, mind, and solar plexus are the powerhouses of your emotions and creativity. Your mental space...

] (Image made through Canva without AI) Months ago, I wrote about the Divine Feminine and my experience with the Seven Spheres work and the initiation of the Planetary Gates. I discussed how the Gate of Venus was one of the most emotionally difficult rituals I had ever done. It brought to the surface the realization that my relationship at the time was built on a foundation of betrayal—and my efforts to prove I was worthy of love. After a year of deep therapy and sound healing sessions with Nicole Gadbois, I discovered a vital truth: I have always been worthy. I was conditioned by my upbringing to believe I had to prove myself in order to be loved and accepted. This belief stemmed from being raised by an abusive alcoholic caregiver and influenced who I chose to date as an adult. Now, approaching my thirties, I recently found poetry I wrote as a teenager. It’s surreal to think that ten years ago, I graduated high school early and moved out on my own to escape my home life. In many ...

(Image made through Canva without AI) I n my personal life, I've been discussing my views on witchcraft and spiritual beliefs with certain friends and family more often. They have been asking me more questions, which I greatly appreciate. I find that when people ask thoughtful questions and seek to understand, it's an intimate act of love and care. I've often kept my spiritual beliefs close to my chest. This stems partly from my upbringing—growing up Catholic there was an aspect of fear of judgment which is common among church elders. After I left the Catholic Church I briefly explored New Age Christian churches, attended a Universalist church, and now am fully embracing my eclectic views of paganism. I could never fully grasp the idea of an absolute truth and was never interested in discovering the so-called Truth of the Universe, which religion and the church often seemed to propose. This is why I tend to stay away from groups like Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis...

] (Image made through Canva without AI) After hosting Nicole Gadbois on Strange Talk , I embarked on a profound journey as a volunteer in her case study, participating in four sound healing sessions as part of her studies with The Academy of Sound Healing . While I initially approached this practice with skepticism—having once dismissed sound healing as mere New Age mysticism—I can attest to its proof transformative power. Through these sessions, I have felt an undeniable shift in my creativity, my spiritual awareness, and my physical and mental well-being. Each session stripped away harmful expectations, both self-imposed and societal, leaving me more grounded and authentically myself. Beyond my psychological and spiritual growth, I’ve also experienced a significant decrease in physical pain. I have lived with chronic ovarian cysts for most of my life, along with hip and back pain worsened by scoliosis and past trauma. Since attending these sessions, my pain has noticeably lessened, ...

  (Image made through Canva without AI) Exploring Hekate's darker aspects reveals the multifaceted nature of the Gods and Godd esses, much like our own complexities as humans. It's crucial to keep this in mind when invoking their presence. Apollo, for instance, is the God of the Sun, a celestial body that nurtures life and provides energy, vital for the growth of crops. While he is also associated with medicine, understanding healing requires knowledge of disease and its transmission. This duality highlights the potential dangers of such knowledge and the importance of exercising control over it. In the earlier stages of Apollo's myths, he is portrayed as a headstrong young deity, but over time he learns to embrace and wield his power responsibly. This evolution is explored in "Apollo and Artemis: The Origins and History of the Twin Deities in Ancient Greek Mythology." While fire and creation can be challenging, mastering self-restraint and the art of healing is e...