The magickal power of the words

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God..." 

The Bible, John 1:1-2 

"One little lie can ruin my day. 
Words are like weapons, they betray. 
When I am afraid. 
One word of kindness, it can save me." 

Madonna, "Joan of Arc" 

The very act of communication is nothing short of a miracle. I cannot agree with the people who insist that the “intelligible” language and writings are what makes us human beings, thus on some level, and in some amount, separates us from the rest of the animals. But I will say, that I firmly believe, that it’s what perpetuates our self-consciousness, and “human-nature”. Moreover, it’s safe to say that the communication, language(s) and the writing, are one of the first products of human kind, which were self-aware, and reasonable to whatever point.

     So what is language, anyway? One of the definitions, provided by the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary is as follows:

“a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings” [1]

     Quite clear, and quite on point. And the reason why You and I can read it, understand and perhaps even share with others, is exactly because we are, as humans capable, to name, describe and communicate things to each other. It is wildly held by anthropologists, that what preceded the communications, language, and ultimately the words and symbols, is the event of hominids becoming aware of themselves. Then they become aware of significance of others, and relaying of emotions, notions, ideas and information’s to them.

     In the Leary’s Eight-circuit model of Consciousness, this would have occurred, when the third mental circuit appeared in human mind, or when the “human” (most likely a hominid at that point), evolved into it. The third mental circuit is, according to this “model” concerned with handling the environment, language, invention, prediction, calculation, physical dexterity, and so on. [2]

     Such event marks the evolutionary changes, and the raise of human consciousness, which made our “primitive” ancestors more organized, united, and productive, enabling them to teach, and spread the experiences and knowledge.

     According to many occultists, the birth of language, marks the birth of use of magick by humans, as we know it today. Humans could then name the objects or other humans, and thus influence or even control them.

Spiritual dimension of words and language

     Many religions, philosophies and mystical systems in the world, assign crucial place to the language, and the spoken and written word likewise, in the spiritual practice in general.

     The Egyptian deity Thoth, held dominion over the writing, science, words, language, and is believed to be the one that taught the human kind the art of magick. He was not conceived, like most of the other Egyptian deities, at the time, but had rather “emerged” directly from the thoughts of Amon Ra. What more, Ancient Egyptians had held, that without Thot’s influence, Universe would never come to be in the form we know it, for he had role in defining and shaping things, noting them down etc. [3] Heka practitioners, thus, always warn of the needed caution when speaking,  expressing wishes or writing the words down, for every word, particularly a spoken one, creates a sort of a ripple effect and changes in one’s life. According to their teachings, the essence of the words is magickal, creative energy, a notion, which as we will discuss later here too, was held by the like of Agrippa too. The names, were also crucial in both Egyptian religion and Magick, as they were the way to secure the afterlife. 

     In Christianity, Judaism, the words precede creation, and the Lord has created the very universe in which we live through the means of word:

     “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it” ( John 1:1-5 NIV ) [4]

     Another term used for Word here ( in many translations ) is the “logos” and while the Gnostics may argue that it does not truly mean “word”, but rather (self)consciousness, it’s more likely that the earlier is the case here. Logos does come from the Greek “lego” which literarily means “I say”, and furthermore, the Gospel of John clearly identifies the Logos with the Second personification of the Holy Trinity, which would be the Lord Jesus Christ. So the Logos in this section can be understood also a creative power of the words, fueled by the Divine power.

     Which brings us to the our next point, an idea, or a notion, which is fairly popular in Ceremonial magick, and mentioned in “Arbatel de magia veterum”, also in the Agrippa’s “There Books of Occult philosophy” which claim that the words and characters ( letters, seals, signatures etc. ) hold magickal power because G’d has ordained so, and it is basically through his divine power that they take effect. [5]

     Thanks to such, the words, contain also a sort of “essence” ( “natural-power” ) in Agrippa’s words, which pertains to the things they describe. Which enables that a living being, or an object, once named, or described, in a way becomes eternal, for even if it’s physical composition disappears, it can always be “conjured” from the memory, or even writings, even if not literally so.

“Here magicians say, that proper names of things are certain rays of things, everywhere present at all times, keeping the power of things, as the essence of the thing signified, rules, and is discerned in them, and know the things by them, as by proper ,and living images.” [6] ( Agrippa, Three Books of Occult philosophy, I Book )

     The words and symbols were thus, in the antiquity, primarily of the concerns of the intuitive priesthood, who were the original scribes, forming the languages and alphabets as we know them. For they could receive the information in forms of words and signs, form Higher Power and spirits, and capture the essence of things relayed through them.

     One final dimension of words, and language, which should be mentioned here, before proceeding on more practical, and common use of words and language in magick, is that the language enables sharing of information, concepts, ideas, in their raw form from one mind to another. Kind of light wireless transfer, or even some crude form of telepathy. We could never really decipher what’s inside another mind, If we were not capable of understanding universal symbols like letters and pictures, charts, etc, and using them ourselves. This is of particular importance in communication with any form of disembodies spirits. The spirits will “speak” to via form of telepathy, but they can only relay information to us in a way we can comprehend, compare, analyze, or illustrate somehow. In short, things we can conceptualize. From this, it’s only logical to expect that the person with more broad education, knowledge, vocabulary will be able to more precisely understand the often cryptic messages of spirts, who can only convey something to us in terms of concepts we already have in our mind. If we can not comprehend or associate something the spirits are trying to tell us, it may not even be “visible” to us at all, or we could even misinterpret it.

Incantation, charms, magick words

     There are many terms, and phrases used both throughout the word, and in the English language alone. They all more or less loosely encompass the use of words and sometimes also sounds in magick.

     So let’s try to define some of them, and see how they are used in magick, and spiritual practice in general.

     An incantation, is simply put, a charm or a spell created by using words. The word is of a Latin origin, being that in Latin “inacntare” (present active infinitive) means: “to say (a magickal spell) upon/on/over something” . Sensu lato, it’s often directly translated to: “to charm”, “to enchant” or “to bewitch”. [7] Hence incantations are said over someone or something, to influence them or it magickally. A term, which is held to be synonymous with “incantation” in the English language, is the term “enchantment” borrowed from the French around XIV century, and means basically the same ( they even have the same roots ), the only difference is that the verb “enchant” can also be used to describe inducing any fascinating, or charming effect upon someone, oftentimes mundane. Hence, the very noun enchantment, or incantation, is not completely unlike the “mantra” of the Sanskrit.

     In magick, incantations are often repeated over potions, amulets or talismans to enchant them, that is infuse with additional magickal power, and designate them towards a goal. They can also be sung, and combined with music, in which case, they’d become “chants”, which we will explain later on, here.

Babyllonian terracota bowl with
incantation in the Aramaic lang.
 inscribed in spiral pattern, often buried
upside down under doorsteps and
used to trap evil spirits

     Some incantations rhyme, yet others don’t. When used in magick, prayers and Psalms, strictly technically speaking, are in fact incantations, spoken words to produce a spiritual, magicka effect. Hence, when a Hoodoo practitioner, for example, raises an opened mojo bag close to his mouth, and speaks the words of prayer or Psalm into it, he is in fact enchanting the mojo, and “breathing life into it” at the same time. Even though I doubt any rootworker would call it enchanting, by name.

     Also the common, short prayers from the books such as “Egyptian Secrets” or “Pow wows of a long lost friend” are a typical examples of incantations. Some even rhyme, but most do not.

     A charm, on the other hand, is a rather ambiguous term, often synonymous with the term “spell”, and used to describe anything from a magick word to an object such as amulet or talisman. In mundane terms, it represents a quality of someone, which is much like charisma, a quality of likability, allure, or appeal.   As a verb, it can be understood as making a delightful, astonishing effect upon someone, making someone like you. Here are some definitions from the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

“: something that is believed to have magic powers and especially to prevent bad luck

: a small object that is worn on a chain or bracelet

: a quality that causes someone or something to be very likeable : an attractive quality

…

1

a :  the chanting or reciting of a magic spell :  incantation

b :  a practice or expression believed to have magic power

2

:  something worn about the person to ward off evil or ensure good fortune :  amulet “ [8]

     Here, we shall focus on the charms as magickal words, or symbols formed with the use of words, as the other meanings have already been explained, or do not fit under the subject of this particular article ( ea. Amulets and  talismans, bracelets, appeal etc. ). 

     A charm in magick would therefore be a word, or phrase believed to possess special power. Kabbalistic Divine names, which are inscribed upon talismans, chanted or etched into candles even, are in their own way charms. It should be noted here, though, that observance or use of the Holy Names as charms, is in Judaism prohibited, and condemned, but alive and prominent in mystic systems that sprout from it, or Christianity.

     There are many charms which consist of words, magickal phrases, Barbarous names, deities names etc. written in a certain fashion, or in a geometric pattern, that thus become magickal, and exhibit splendid powers. Some wellknown examples would include Abramelin squares, or other magickal squares like the SATOR square, ABRACADABRA triangle, OKNOTINOS charm for removing fever, and various other folk healing charms , of which I wrote before in greater length, providing various examples. Some of them need to be written down, but some can be spoken, making them thus a cross between an incantation and a charm, as it were. Such example is one of the uses of the Shebriri charm, which is recited, to defeat the demon that can cause blindness, and poor eyesight, often associated with the water metabolism disorders too. Such patients are instructed to chant:

“My mother told me to beware of Shabriri, briri, riri, iri, ri!” [8]

     Sometimes, the very characters, graphemes, and signature, in magickal alphabet or a common one, alone, or combined minding some specific arrangement, are used as magickal charms. Each letter of Hebrew alphabet, for example,  is in the Western traditions correspondent to a certain Tarot card from the Major Arcana, planet, numeric value, symbol, or even element. Vibrating them ( pronouncing in a vibrating voice ), on inscribing on  amulets and talismans, produces a magickal effect.

     Magick words, sensu stricto, are any words use in magick, or as a magick formula. Incantations, charms, or lengthy and complex invocations and evocations in Latin, random barbarous names, or spoken charms, are all words of power, hence magik words. Thus all that’s said before, in regards of incantations and charms, applies here too.

Chants and the power of sound and singing

     Chanting for example, is the continuous act of singing verses, words of names, with a spiritual meaning or significance, often in repetitive manner, and all for the purpose of producing a spiritual effect. At least in religion and magick, that is. Hence, chants, which oftentimes rhyme, or have certain metric regulations, alternating rhythmic patterns and so on, serve to both

a)      invoke the aid of some Higher power,

b)      to alter the state of consciousness.

     Continuous loud recital or singing of the mantras, is what we call chanting, in magick. When part of a religious rite or a ceremony, and the act involves more individuals, the resulting effect may be, that the chanting people raise an enormous amount of energy, and start feeling how the boundaries between them are melting away, and they become united in worship, and/or religious ecstasy. An example of such is the “Canto Gregoriano” or short Gregorian chants, used in Christian masses. It’s often reported that the pious people have learnt the melody and the meaning of the chants through merely partaking the mass, without even previous knowledge of the Latin.   [9]

     Furthermore, the very sound of words and letters, which is created by uttering them, has a magickal effect. Vibrating the letters or words may induce trance, or broaden the spiritual awareness.

 

     Each note, is assigned a color and planetary correspondence, combining thus the magickal power of music and sound, with the words and rhymes  alters the state of consciousness, and produces powerful magickal effects.

The Language(s) of magick

     While many New-Age practitioners would laugh at the very mention of a “magickal language” or the “language of magick”, it’s really not a risible notion at all, but one with a lot of common sense and experience behind it.

     Of course that any language can be used in magick, in fact pretty much any sound can. But, using a specific language, which is not Your mother tongue, for magickal practices, had been a legitimate, and glorified magickal practice at least since the medieval times. We can conclude such, by observing the influence of Kabalistic magick,  and use of Psalms in to  affect one’s luck, health, prosperity etc. This medieval concept relayed that the Psalms, particularly those by David, contain certain “seed sounds” or “hidden syllables”, which being uttered, would complete specific tasks, and  reach specific goals, magickally. [10] Furthermore, Divine names, and Angelic names, as well as all sort of acronyms ( take “AGLA” as an example ), sometimes genuine Hebrew phrases, sometimes corrupted versions, appear in the host of invocations and evocations of Higher, that is, Ceremonial magick, particularly Solomonic ( Grimoire – style ), type of magickal works.  They remain untranslated, although sometimes phoneticisied in the respective language of the book editions, because they are believed to hold power to compel spirits and command them to do our biddings, restrict their power that could otherwise hurt us and more. All sort of Divine names, from Kabbalah, including the ineffable, unutterable and the most Holy Name of the Lord ( “IHVH” ) as such, are inscribed on talismans and amulets even of completely unrelated mystical or religious traditions,  because the experience has taught the magickal practitioners that their efficacy would be foolish to neglect. 

     Hence, some magickal languages are traditionally associated with spiritual practice and magick, 

and even believed to hold magickal energy in their very graphemes, symbols and alphabet. Combining them in specific ways, can born new magickal phrases or names of power, and the Sanskrit and the Hebrew are great examples of this.

Magickal alphabets comparison table,
from top to bottom: Theban, Enochian ( Celestial ),
Malachim, and "The Passing of the river" 

    In the Hebrew spiritual and mystical practices, we can find many names of G’d. Ranging from monogrammata, or the Hebrew letter “Hey” that represents the breath of Lord, through which the Ruach (living beings )  came to be on the 5^th day of Creation, to the 216 letters name of G’d, or rather 72 three-letter names of G’d, that are generally most  well-known due to the popularity of all sort of Practical Kabbalah movements and schools that make great deal of using them.  These 72 names of G’d are attained by means of permutation of the letters from the specific there verse of the Old Testament in Hebrew (14:19-21, all three verses having exactly 72 letters), that is by combining the first letter from the first verse, with the last letter from the second verse, and the first letter from the third verse, and so on, following the same patter for each of the letters. The result are 72 triads of names, referred to as “Names of G’d” , which depict and embody specific qualities of the Divine and manifestation of His power. In the theoretical Kabbalah, these are meditated upon, for spiritual insight, and development, whereas in the practical Kabbalah they are used in a more pragmatic way, being inscribed on amulets, such as two 36-names amulets, each to be worn on one hand. [11] Being that these very names/words and phrases, are used in spiritual practice only, in their natural form, it would certainly not be unprecedented to call them a form of magickal language on their own. Or a part of one at least. 

     So we have seen that a language, can, due to its  prominent use in spirituality and magickal qualities contained in its symbols ( once again, we can compare them to the “rays” of the “natural power” Agrippa has written of ), be treated as a magickal language. But there are more criteria that can set a language apart as a magickal one.

     One of them is general consensus of the spiritual people and practitioners, greatly due to universality of the language, which can be seen as either parental or influential to the languages they speak, as their first language. This would be Latin. In my humble opinion the most magickal language of them all. Not only that it’s universal ( or at least it was ) in magickal writings and texts, such as the medieval grimoires, but it’s greatly favored by all sort of spirits, particularly the celestial and infernal spirits. As most of the practicing mages of Ceremonial magick will readily attest. The language itself, initially, had most likely  found its way to magickal European grimoires thanks to Christian monks and their diligent work on preserving and copying books of interest, and their  occasional, personal interest in the occult. Keeping the texts of interest from the profane people, or even general masses, writing them in Latin, was pretty much an act of cryptic coding, more so taking in consideration the level of literacy and education back in those turbulent times. Therefore, it’s somewhat a traditional value to use it in spiritual works and writing about it.   Finally, learning to use and understand Latin, at least the bits used in magickal workings, is an act of devotion, and a sort of a “curtain” that separates our spiritual work from the mundane. The same way some people leave daily offerings to their deities, even though that deities themselves do not need them, but always appreciate or even demand them, the Latin language in magick is a form of specific action system that is reserved for spiritual practices, and dealing with spiritual, physically intangible ( most of the time, anyway ) beings.

     So to summarize, while the use of a specific language in Your magickal working is definitely not mandatory, it is beneficial for more than a few reasons, namely:

·         Separating the spiritual and mundane work, keeping and perpetuating the traditional values

·         Showing respect and devotion to the spirits, favouring the spirits

·         Keeping words of power secret from the preying, curious or ill-intended eyes

·         Making the magickal information we gather, or write down accessible to practitioners all over the globe, if they use the given language in their works, regardless of their mother-tongue, or ethnical/religions/other-kind background

     Hence, one does not have to become a fluent Hebrew, Sanskrit or Latin speaker, but taking care to learn and use some of it, be it just the phrases, adds to the sanctity, importance, and uniqueness of Your spiritual practices, separating them from the mundane one, while developing devotion and awareness and pleasing spirits. It also adds that timeless quality to something that very well deserves it.  Certainly worth of try If You ask me. 

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it elsewhere online, fee free, but do add credits; Shadow of the Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com    or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFERENCES : 

[1] Retrieved from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language

[2] According to/read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-circuit_model_of_consciousness

[3] According to :  Joann Fletcher  in “Ancient Egypt”

[4] Retrieved from: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&version=NIV

[5] Leitch, Aaron “Secrets of the Magickal Grimoires; the classical texts of magick deciphered”

[6] Retrieved from: source listed under [5] page 144^th  

[7] According to  http://www.wordsense.eu/incantare/  ;  http://latin-dictionary.net/definition/23079/incanto-incantare-incantavi-incantatus

[8] acc. To “Amulets and Talismans” by  E. A. Wallas Budge

[9] acc. To “Encyclopedia of Magic and Ancient Wisdom: The Essential Guide to Myth, Magic and the Supernatural” by Cass Eason

[10] acc. To http://www.luckymojo.com/secretspsalms.html

[11] acc. To http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/Esoteric/esoteric.html   and http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/1388270/jewish/72-Names-of-G-d.htm

IMAGE CREDITS:

Picture 1

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/62/86/7f/62867fbdada30b83e31af98eafd13818.jpg

Picture 2 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/63/4c/08/634c08d38c13adff5d564f660ba5b424.jpg

Picture 3 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/0e/02/31/0e023173897ba90e1ba7904fc9da5462.gif

The 1^st and 3^rd  are edited digitally by myself, all used here for illustrative,  and educational/explanatory purposes without any ill will 

Rekindling the Spiritual flame

     Numerous things can cause us to start feeling spiritually “exhausted” at some point of our life, or can deplete us of spiritual energy. We can neglect the spiritual aspect   of our lives, and thus become inert, lost, confused and troubled mentally. Sometimes we simply have too much to deal with, on a mundane, everyday level, so we start neglecting our spiritual being.

     Not only does the human soul become thirsty of spirituality, much like our bodies become hungry of the daily bread, but neglecting our spiritual life, leaves us much more vulnerable to attacks from the spiritual realm. Be it that they come from corporeal, or non-corporeal beings.  Furthermore, ignoring spirituality, and spiritual hygiene, causes tremendous imbalances in our subtle bodies, eventually, affecting our physical bodies as well, causing illnesses and conditions of all sorts.

     The worst thing about the whole situation, is perhaps the fact that it’s hard to reconnect to the spiritual realm and our own spirituality. It’s not unlike the hypoglycemia which occurs when we fast for example. In such situation, our brain, deprived of the glucose, it’s only “food” ( if we overlook it’s ability to temporary be sustained on some essential fatty acids and ketone bodies ) , becomes less productive, and we cannot think clearly, regardless how we try, and ironically become unable to see the simple solution of taking in some more sugars, for example. This is why I hope You may find the ideas and solutions suggested in this article helpful, should You ever find Yourself in a situation like this.

     Finally, for those who practice magick and occult, disregarding spiritual life, will seriously decrease their spiritual “prowess” and aptness and success in spellcasting, ritual and spell work. They might start feeling blocked, or as If their spiritual “tank” is on the low, pretty much very drained.  Replenishing their spiritual “routine” fixes this condition, and they are able to practice   as they were, or even better, again.

     I remember an episode of the TV show “Charmed”  ( I think the name was “The Eyes have it” )  that depicted one of the protagonists,  Phoebe Halliwell, blessed with abilities of premonition and levitation, barely able to use her abilities due to the fact she had been neglecting her life as a witch/practitioner for way too long. With a little help of a charm that augments spiritual prowess, and most importantly with her own involvement in “witchy” works, her talents and aptness were replenished.

     While exaggerated, and embellished in the true Hollywood fashion, this fictional example still does an amazingly accurate job of depicting this condition.

     Another thing that should, or rather must be considered as a possible cause of such “blocked condition”, is a spell/curse/hex by someone else. Binding spells are often cast, with a very clear and precise aim to prevent someone from being able to use their full spiritual potential. By a practitioner whom person in question had wronged somehow, or they plain and simple wish them ill. If such is the case, a reading/divination will reveal it, or one can try with and unbinding spell ritual first, no harm would be done If one was wrong. I have addressed the methods of unbinding, and cord cutting in one of my previous articles on here, titled “Cutting the ties that bind” 

     Finally, some people might suggest Road opening, or Blockbusting type of spiritual work as a “cure” for such condition. I would not be that fond on blockbusting in this particular case. Sure it will remove what’s blocking us from practicing successfully, yet that might prove to be a too quick-and-easy solution for our own good. Instead of regaining the strength to do something we were previously able to do, blockbusting would just temporarily remove what has weakened us, hence, we’d run a good chance of getting stuck in the same situation, as soon as similar overwhelming conditions arise. Replenishing Your spiritual prowess, as suggested in methods like those later in this  post, will instead make us “larger” and more powerful than the obstacle once again. Blockbusting in my opinion works better for obstacles that appear unexpected, out of our control, once we have never faced before and those would could not really break in time ourselves, for example. Road opening   is  also a good choice, because it, among other things brings the new energy, and new opportunities. But I wrote about such spiritual work before too.

    Spiritual work, meditation and prayer as a solution

     If Your spirit is starving of spirituality, feed it. Prayers, meditation and/or any kind of spiritual work will help. It may seem to You like You can no longer do it or focus enough, and it the begging, during first few attempts it may indeed feel so, but keep in mind this is just a side effect of Your confusion, and spiritual inertness. If You feel You can not do it alone, attend some classes of yoga, or meditation, or, like Christians do,  go on some pilgrimage to visit some Holy places, monasteries. Ask someone to read a few prayers for You, Your local pastor, Your friend who practices spiritual work etc.

    When feeling lost, or “out of touch” Wiccans have a nice ritual that You can employ. They fill a dark colored bowl with spring water, and light a blue candle just above and ahead of the bowl, letting the flame reflects on the water’s surface. If they are outside they may do the same catching the Moon’s reflection, and stars’ in the bowl. My Wiccan friend, who taught me this little ritual would chant, as she watches the reflection of light in water: “Water and sparkling light, restore my mind, lift my spirit, let intuition be my guide”.

   Us Orthodox Christians, will often pray to the St. Uriel, the Archangel, who is said to infuse human hearts with fire of love towards G’d, as well as to rekindle the spiritual spark in our hearts. One of such prayers, traditionally said on Thursday is as follows:

“Oh holy St. Uriel, come to our aid with your legion of
angels! Intercede for us that our hearts may burn with the
fire of God. Obtain for us the grace to use the sword of
truth to fight against all that is not in conformity to the most
adorable will of God in our lives.” [1]

     Or this one:

     “Uriel, St. Archangel of the G’d , with Divine light illuminated, and over-abundantly filled with fire of flaming love, throw in a spark of  that (very)  fire,  in my heart that has gone cold, and my soul darkened with sins, with Your light illuminate. Oh Uriel Great Archangel of the G’d, You are the luster of Divine/G-d’s fire and illuminator of those darkened with  the sins; illuminate my mind, my heart, my will/willpower by the force of Holy Spirit, and direct my feet to the path of repentance, and ask the Lord to deliver me from the torments of hades/hell, and all the enemies;  visible and invisible, now and in the ages of ages. Amen!” [2]

     A traditional witch, or magick practitioner, might visit the seashore, or river shore ( or wherever the water meets the land, even though the seashore would be the  most preferable for this kind of work ), light a fire there, and invoke the classical elements to infuse their physical body, spirit, and mind, to empower, and restore them. Such ritual can be easily individualized and composed.

     There is a nifty little method said to increase spiritual awareness and spirituality in general, that requires one to draw a spiral, on a piece of paper, and place ( for example, frame  and hang as a picture ) , somewhere where they will be able to observe it daily, preferably for a set period of time, let’s say, 15 minutes. 

Materia magicka and timing

    The best time for any rituals, spells or spiritual work, done to attune to the spiritual world, or replenish spirituality and empower oneself spiritually, is Monday in the hour of Moon. If it’s the full Moon, all the better! But it can really be done anytime, and other auspicious periods for these type of work are days and hours of Saturn and Jupiter.

    Various botanicals and minerals that augment spiritual power, or increase spiritual awareness can be used.  To name just a few botanical agents: Verbena, Galangal, Solomon’s seal root, Rue,  Master root, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Chamomile, Gardenia,  Althaea roots,  Flax seeds, White Mustard seeds, Benzoin, Rose etc.

    Minerals include but are not limited to Clear Calcite, Amethyst, Charoite, Sugilite, Chiastolite, Ruitiliated Quartz ,   Kyanite, Sodalite, Lodestone, Labradorite and so on.

     Spirals, and in particular the triskelle, are favorable as symbols and charms to aid in such work. Spirals naturally entice spirituality, and the triskelle or the triple spiral  will set things in motion, especially those dormant and stagnant which  spiritual prowess and spirituality are in this case. Of course, ambles of specific religions  are always beneficial and suggested.  Chalice of holiness, from the  6^th and 7^th Book of Moses is another good example.

     So for example a piece of Sugilite with  triple spiral drawn on it, carried in a purple bag with some Solomon seal root, and Verbena will empower one spiritually and magickaly, and help them empower and  feed their spirit.

     A simple linen cloth that "caught" few drops of willow juice, can be used as talisman to increase spiritual awareness and aptness. 

Ritual to rekindle spiritual prowess #1

     If for some reason, one finds themselves blocked,  on  the spiritual level, to remove these blocks, and strengthen and rekindle spiritual talents, take a piece of Ruitiliated Quartz, a purple candle and a bit of “Master key oil” ( You can substitute with: “Power oil” or “Holy spirit oil”   or even cold pressed, natural Olive oil as well ); dress the candle, anointing it from the top towards bottom, and place it on a small plate. Under the candle You can place a name paper with Your name written 7times inside a seven-pointed star, or Your name written in a continuous spiral,  many times.  If You do so, also place a piece or personal concern, like a hair from the top of Your head on the paper. Place the candle atop it, the crystal next to it, light the candle and recite:

Psalm 51:10-12

Isaiah 40:31

Psalm 23^rd

Prayer to the Holy Spirt, or Prayer for the 7 gifts of Holy Spirit, either one

     Wait a bit more in silent meditation, watch the candle burning, and then take the Rutiliated quartz and carry it with You  at all  times for a full week. Let the candle burn all the way down. You may place the wax remaining from the ritual, alongside the petitioner paper, and crystal in a purple mojo-bag and carry it, or You can bury it, along with the paper and personal concern under some large tree. You could alternatively toss it into a running water, or at a seashore, during the tidal period.

     This is best done some Saturday, or on the Night of the Full Moon.

Ritual to rekindle spiritual prowess #2

     This should be done, just before the dawn, some Saturday. One will need a piece of Clear Calcite, a single white candle, preferably beeswax, a glass of water, and some Frankincense incense. It would be of great use to take a spiritual cleansing bath, or bath with Hoodoo blue ( Laundry bluing )  , and dress in new, preferably white clothes. They don’t have to be expensive at all, just new. Plain white T shirt, and white pants/ skirt / dress/ whatever. 

     Then, arrange Your altar. Set a white candle on it, If You have some nice, posh,   candleholder that You’ve been saving for special occasions, You can use that. Place a glass of water next to the candle, and state that it’s an offer, and token of gratitude for benevolent sprits, spirit guides, and any spirit interested in helping You.

     Now take a piece of cleansed, and charged Clear Calcite in Your hand, sit comfortably in front of Your altar and meditate a bit on Your state. What could have cause You to  stray away from spiritual way of life, when did it happen, how ? Try to evoke memories, in Your mind of doing spiritual work, attending spiritual services, whatever, and try to relive the emotions.

     Some 10 minutes before the Sunrise, place the Clear Calcite next to the candle, and light the incense. Fumigate Yourself,  then the altar, then the room, and place it also on the altar.

     A minute or two before the Sunrise start chanting:

“The darkness came and I got lost,

The part of me I love the most,

The spirit’s strength, and spiritual light,

It went away, far from my sight,

But with faith and hope, to be my guide,

I’ve found it again, it’s by my side,

No longer lost, I found my way,

With dawn light comes, it’s here to stay!”

    

     Light the candle and repeat the chant two more times. Watch candle’s flame burning a bit, then go about Your business. When the candle has burned all the way down, and extinguished itself, take the wax remaining, and the Clear Calcite. Bury the wax on some fertile grounds or in forest, and carry the Clear Calcite with You, keep it on the altar, or store in some nice, private place,  for example on the shelves where Your books on spirituality/occult are,  or among Your candles and occult paraphernalia.  

     It is done.

Seven day candle for spirituality and spiritual power

     Inscribe each of the seven segments of the candle, with one of the following Divine names:

1.Yud Yud Yud

2. Mem Lamed  Hey

3. Hey Zayin Yud

4. Daled Nun Yud

5. Vav Vav Lamed

6. Hey Hey Hey

7. Mem Yud  Kaf

     These should be written in  the Hebrew alphabet of course, first letter on the right here, would start from left in Hebrew, obviously.

     Dress candle with  the “Holy Spirit” oil , anointing the candle from top to the bottom, or from ends to the middle, and burn a segment/portion daily,  as You speak Your prayers and words of power, related to spiritual uplifting etc.

Bath against “spiritual fatigue”

·        *  Hyssop

·         * Rue

·        *  Basil

·         * Verbena

·         * Pinch of Sage

·         * OPTIONAL:  Laundry bluing 

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, If You wish to  use any part of it elsewhere online, feel free, but add credits; Shadow of the Shadows Magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFERENCES:

[1] Retrieved  from: http://orthodoxprayers.tumblr.com/post/37829495215/thursday-archangel-uriel-the-fire-of-god   posted here for educational, illustrative  and discussion purposes, without any ill will.

[2] My own translation of the original prayer, which was in available in Serbian here: http://www.crkvenikalendar.com/molitvenik.php  The words in brackets, or separated by the slash ( / ), are alternative. The prayer contains archaic words like the “add” ( Hades or Hell ), which could be translated in one way or another without losing their original  meaning.

IMAGE CREDITS: Images used here wer e taken, created and edited by myself

    

                                                                                                                                                                  

St. Joseph of Cupertino , the flying patron of students and air-travelers

     St Jospeh of Cupertino (originally, in Italian; Giuseppe da Copertino) was born in 1603. ( June 17^th ) in what was  back then, a kingdom of Naples. 

     

     It is said that he started experiencing ecstatic religious vision as early as in his childhood, which,

St. Joseph portrayed flying and
carrying a cross 

alongside his tendency to be airheaded, and act impulsive with outbursts of anger, made him very unpopular. He was scolded not only by people around him, because of this, but also by his mother. [1]

     

     After school he tried becoming a shoemaker, apprenticing with his uncle, but was not very talented for such. What he really wanted is a religious life, being very spiritual and religious ever since childhood, but inadequate education, and his likeliness to get things wrong, and forget about the chores assigned to him, caused his application to join Conventual Franciscan friars to be rejected ( 1620. ) as well as him to be dismissed after 6 months of service by Capuchin Monks near Taranto ( also 1620. ), and he was therefore, forced to go back to the scold of his mother. [2]

    Soon after returning home, he finally got accepted into Franciscan monastery, although to work as a stable boy, and care for the horses. He was said to have begun to change at that point, becoming better composed, and more serene, and his simplicity of life, piousness, and devotion have additionally impressed the monks so he was finally given chance to study for his priesthood. While he had more success with studies than ever before, they were still quite bothersome and a burden for him, but seems that Divine Providence wanted so that he become a priest. It is said that the examiner, conveniently, and accidentally picked the question, about which St. Joseph knew best, and in regards of which he was well versed, hence he finally became ordinated.     [3]

The Flying Monk

     Even after becoming a priest, St. Joseph of Cupertino was somewhat of an unorthodox, he was extremely pious, much like zealots, and is said to have eaten solid food once a day at best, fasted, and added bitter herbs to his soups such as Wormwood.

     He was more famed, or also notorious, at least among fellow monks, because of his miraculous levitation episodes. It would happen that during the mass he would get so deeply into prayer, that he would ecstatically levitate, often kneeling in the air, unresponsive to   pretty much anything, but his superior’s direct orders. The other monks would find his  sudden levitation disruptive, and some were even scared of them, because back then, such  supernatural abilities were deemed signs of demonic presence or involvement with dark magick and occult, and could have very well bring one before the Inquisition.

     According to the records, and lore and legends, the mere mention of G’d or spiritual matter, was often enough to set this saint off flying.  For example, on one occasion he levitated in the air during the singing of Christmas carols, soaring high in the air, before the altar, “knelling” in prayer, and on another occasion he  “ferried a cross thirty-six feet high through the air to the top of a Calvary group as easily as one might carry a straw” [4]  which is a scene often depicted in iconography related to him. He was popular and respect among the people, after many witnessed his miracles, and was often flocked and consulted for advices and help by them. He was said to have been   very devoted to Virgin Mary, and to have advised people to pray to her a lot, always having praiseful and inspiring words for her life and   work.

     He was beatified in 1753. and then sanctified 1763., ten years later.

Patronage, and Hoodoo spiritual work

    

     St. Joseph of Cupertino, was declared a patron saint of air travelers, pilots, exam takers and students, particularly poor students.

     However, he is seldom petitioned in Hoodoo, because the modern, marketers Hoodoo, wants us to believe that there is a list of Christian Saints which you can work with in Hoodoo, and which are Saints as recognized by Protestant Christian denomination. I for one, find this notion ludicrous, and misleading, being that Hoodoo was influenced by Catholic Christianity, at least originally, not Protestantism. 

     Nevertheless, many practitioners, including myself, preform spiritual work with Saints which are not on these Hoodoo lists, such as St. Cosmas and Damian   , or this Saint for example.

     Consequently the lack of information on how to “work” with these Saints appears, which is thankfully overcame by   testimonies and sharing of generous people who worked with these Saints, and their experiences become an invaluable sources.  That being said, before writing this article I looked this saint up in Anna Riva’s “Devotion to the Saints” and  Ray T. Malbrough’s “The Magical power of Saints”, and there was no entry on him.

     His feast day is 18^th of September, and his herbs are Wormwood and bitter herbs, so You could mix Wormwood and Frankincense in an oil devoted to him, along with a piece of dry bread.

      An internet search yielded more results, which indicate how to work with this Saint in Hoodoo:

·         Purple or brown candles dressed with All Saints Oil are good  for working with him

·        *  His devotion places can be near the window, as he liked the outdoors

·        *  Offering of bread and fruits are fine, but as an  extremely humble Saint, he will truly cherish a  company, smile, belief in G’d, or some charity to those in need  

·         * A fine prayer to work with him can be this one:

“O humble St-Joseph of Cupertino, singularly favoured by God, implore the Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind and strengthen my memory in the search of His Truth and Wisdom. May I succeed in offering God my finest work and may I grow in Knowledge, Understanding, Humility and Charity. May everything I learn in life be offered in faithful service to God, from whom flows that Wisdom which leads to eternal life. Amen.” [5]

     I’d presume that the best day to work with this Saint is Wednesday, and of course his Feast day, although, obviously, one can petition the Saint whenever the need arises.

Don’t forget it’s the Mercury retrograde time  be careful, vigilant and wise J If You need make a charm to protect You for its evil influences.

Many Blessings, Shadow

NOTES:  This article was written and composed by myself. If You wish to use any parts of it elswhere online, feel free but add credits  Shadow of Shadows magick place,  Shadow-333@hotmail.com  , or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFERENCES: 

[1] According to the Wikipedia entry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Cupertino

[2] as under [1]

[3] According to the:

[4]  Cited from the source, which is listed under     [3]

[5] Courtesy of Miss Aura, a rootworker, who shared her experiences on working with St. Joseph of Cupertino on the following forum/message board http://forum.luckymojo.com/working-with-st-joseph-of-cupertino-questions-and-thanks-t19951s30.html

IMAGE CREDITS:  The image is from http://www.catholic.org/files/images/saints/72.jpg used here for illustrative purposes without any ill will

Chiastolite, the stone of transformation and spiritual protection

     Chiastolite is a naturally occurring mineral, a form of Andalusite ( Al₂SiO5 ), and is easily distinguishable by it’s black, cross shaped, inclusions of graphite. Most of the time it’s a brownish-gray in color, sometimes with dark red parts as well, and when cut in halves ( the natural specimens ) once can clearly see the cross pattern inside.

Left: rough, "slabs" of Chiastolite, right polished tumbled stones

     The very name, originates from the Greek “chiastos” which means, “cross marked”, [1] and also “cruciform” or “crosswise”. It’s hardness on the Mohs’ scale is 6.5-7.5 , the strike is white, and the luster is vitreous. It can withstand high temperatures,  without alteration,  and is for this reason used    high-temperature resistant ceramics and refractories. The faceted specimens exhibit the pleichroic effect ( “change” color depending on the angle from which they are observed )  and are for this reason valued among jewelers, and used in the jewelry. [2]

Use in magick

     This auspicious natural talisman, has been used in healing and magick, for hundreds of years, already. It was believed to be a sign, or even gift from G’d, and it was, and still is, reverend as an amulet that negates curses and hexes. Today, it’s  also frequently  used to shield from, and fence off, psychic attacks. So it’s a powerful stone for spiritual protection, or, it’s a protective agent per excellence, especially against harmful magick.

Charming Chiastolite crystal
skull  :) 

     It is also a very spiritual stone, that both, uplifts spiritually, but grounds those that hold it, preventing that the spiritual experience gets the best of them. What more, it’s said to ground a spiritual experience, or insight, making it more understandable and permanent. 

     According to renowned author and crystal-therapist Judy Hall, the stone is a gateway to the mysteries as well. It facilitates astral projection, and helps people understand and explore the immortal   nature of souls. It is related to death, and rebirth, and is believed to ease the transition of the soul form physical to other planes, thus helping those who are passing away. The stone    can provide answers to mysterious events and occurrences. [3]

     It’s an inspirational, and creative stone, which also boosts analytical faculties, and aptness in solving problems, which is connected to its use in crystal therapy.

     It has the power to turn the conflict into harmony, and to dispel negative thoughts, sensations, and energy. That’s the majestic transformation power of the stone, to turn the negative into positive.

     Additionally, it’s said to unite and draws elemental forces, due to the cross pattern, most likely, empowering thus spiritual work, and magickal rituals and spells.  [4] This is why people sometimes place it on their altars.

      It’s also seen as a stone of good luck, and is believed by many to be  an amulet against the  evil eye, or the glance of malice 

     It also has power to turn the  calm confronted people, and turn conflict situations into more productive ones. Hence why it could be useful to carry to  workplace , if the colleagues tend to argue.

     Like any other stone/crystal/mineral  , Chiastolite is also associated with planets, it “vibrates” with certain numerical value, and it channels energy, projecting or drawing it ( in this case, the stone is versatile, so it both receives and projects energies, equally well ), and here are some of the correspondences for the stone:

·        * Planetary ruler: Various, Saturn

·         *Elemental ruler: Various, or all  the 4 classical elements

·         *Numerical correspondence: 7

·        * Energy: receptive and projective

·        * Birthstone of: Libra and Virgo [5]

·        * Time of year* : Samhain and Lammas

·         *Angelic ruler: possibly ( ! )** Sandalphon or Cassiel

Use in crystal therapy

    

     Chiastolite has relatively broad spectrum of “prescriptions” in regards of treating  somatic and psychological aliments, and some of the suggestions are as follow:

     “Healers use chiastolite to lessen fevers, rheumatism, balance the immune system, fortify nerves, and increase lactation in nursing mothers.” [6]

     It’s also said to increase ability to solve problems, find different approaches and solutions to them , or to conquer them using analytical faculties, which the stone greatly enhances. It also dispels fear, illusions, and non-functional, old, thought-patterns. It reduces excess of acid in organism, and is said to be able to repair chromosome damages, and even treat paralysis.  [7]

    It’s empowers any chakra, if laid over it  , and it’s extremely efficient in repairing auric damages, and filling up auric holes etc.

Spells and rituals

Dispel negative elements     

     Create an elixir with spring water and Chiastolite. Add to it few drops of Holy water, and a smallest pinch of salt. A drop of Camphor essential oil may be added as well,  or a pinch of finely powdered / pulverized Vervain, If You feel so inclined, but  it’s certainly not necessary

     Now either put it in a spray bottle, and spray around the place that is disturbed with negative vibration, has “thick” air, or feels extremely “wrong” , or pour it into a ceramic lamp, light a candle and let it diffuse and dispel negative elements, replacing them with creativity and harmony.

Charm of spiritual aid

     When someone is in dire need of spiritual assistance, of the benevolent spirits, due to some misfortune, trauma or illness, combine in a purple mojo bag:

·       *   Chiastolite

·       *   Aquamarine

·       *  Altaea roots, or Star Anise seeds

     And dress the bag with “Spirit guide” or “Healing” condition oils. Any of the spiritual colognes, such as Florida water, or Kanaga water will also do just fine. Hold the bag in hands, light a white, purple or beeswax candle and pray, and ask the spirits to help. Leave the bag, alongside candle, glass of water and some fresh mint leaves on the altar until the candle burns all the way down.

     Then the candle can be given to the person in  question, or even slipped underneath their   mattress, to draw help of kind spirits.

NOTE:  This article was written and composed by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it elsewhere online, feel free, but add credits; Shadow of the Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com    or a direct link to this  post

*While  it’s only natural that certain gemstones take  special place in certain   magickal times, certain periods of the year, be it even a single day , it should be obvious that  this does not imply that these stones can be used only  in/on these  given  times.   Crystals themselves  are pretty much equally powerful all year long, If properly maintained ( cleaned and charged ), of course

** My own suggestion, I have not been able to found any association of the Cross stone, with any of the Angels or Archangels in the sources available to me. But the colors, shapes, properties of the Stone resonate with the two mentioned Archangels, strongly.

CREDITS AND REFERENCES:

[1] According to:   https://crystal-cure.com/chiastolite.html

[2] More here:  http://geology.com/minerals/andalusite.shtml 

[3] “Crystal Bible; a definitive guide to crystals” by Judy Hall, 2005^th edition

[4] According to the   “Encyclopedia of crystal, gem and metal magic” by  Scott Cunningham; pg. 87^th Llewellyn publications

[5] Sources disagree; for example Gerina Dunwich, in her “Dunwich’s guide to gemstone sorcery” states it’s a Virgo birthstone, whereas http://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/chiastolite.html ties it to the Libra

[6] Retrieved / quoted / cited from :  https://crystal-cure.com/chiastolite.html  for educational, explanatory and discussion purposes, without any ill will

[7] According to the source listed under  [3]

IMAGE CREDITS:

Slabs  of Chiastolite ( first image ) from

http://www.fossili.it/immaginiprodotti/andalusitegrezzo.JPG  used here for illustrative and explanatory pruposes without any ill will

Thumbed Chiastolite from Crystal cure http://crystal-cure.com/pics/chiastolite-tum.jpg used here for illustrative and explanatory purposes without any ill will

The skull made from Chiastolite is from,    http://www.skullis.com/ProductImage/4100124/Chiastolite-Crystal-Skull-03.jpg     and is once again used for illustrative and     explanatory purposes without any kind of ill will 

The power and symbolism of the Red Egg, and Paschal origins and mysteries

     As I am writing this the Easter, according to Orthodox Christian denominations that follow the Julian calendar ( old ) approaches. In fact,  the Easter is tomorrow ( 12^th April 2015^th ). 

     So I decided to write a little something about the tradition of dying/coloring  eggs, in Christian tradition, and hopefully to help dispel that silly, urban myth;  how it’s a Pagan tradition. Not because I have anything against Pagans, for the record; I have Pagan friends, but because I loathe the New- Age trend of watering down the tradition, and mixing up and confusing facts. On top of all New Agers and Neo-pagans then proceed to insist how it’s The (!!!) Truth, when in fact is just their own misinterpretation. In a very belligerent, and I must add spamming fashion, parroting their nonsense ad nauseum, in hope that a thousand times repeated lie will become just like the truth.

     One of the bluntest examples is related to the tradition of egg dying around Easter. Claiming that it’s related to old Germanic deity Eostre, or Ostara and Spring Equinox, they are in fact trying to appropriate, and claim authorship over such archetypical symbols such as spring, egg, rebirth, red color etc. It’s beyond reductive, absurd, and unfounded.

     Egg symbolism, and dying eggs traditions

     First off, egg is not a Pagan symbol, because as a symbol, it predates any organized religion. Monotheistic and polytheistic. Dyed eggs have been found in prehistorical graves, alluding most likely to early perception even among the prehistoric human, of egg, as a symbol of life, and vitality.

     The unearthed shells were often dyed with either red ochre, or blood, in the territory of what it’s now modern Ukraine, for example. [1]

     Eggs have reportedly been decorated ( usually Ostrich eggs  ) in Africa since the dawn of human, there.

     Egyptians have been dying eggs, mostly for use in their funerary rites, as early as 5000 years BC.

     Zoroastrian religious people have dyed eggs, on their New Year, Nowruz, which falls around Spring Equinox [2]  . Another practice of egg dying that predates Eostre cult. In fact, it’s noteworthy to mention that the first written records about Eostre, date back to the eight century AC ( Bede ) [3] while the Christians have been celebrating the Easter as early as from the 2^nd century AC. Hence, all the, extremely spurious symbolism and egg myths associated with Eostre, at least in written records form, came much later.

     To sum up, symbolism of the egg is universal, so the egg is no more pagan in origin than the wheel or fire.

     Egg is a universal symbol of creation, sometimes the thing from which the life emerged; vegetative, Divine, or chthonic. Worldwide, it’s a symbol of affection, happiness, opulence, health, birth and resurrection.  It’s also associated with the springtime. In the Hebrew tradition, it’s a symbol of promise. [4]

     Finally, it’s also a symbol of Cosmic Egg, or Brahamanda ( in Vedic mythology ) and Orphis egg ( in Greek mythology ), from which, respectively, the very universe hatched and expanded, or the primordial, hermaphroditic  deity had.

     Ovoid shape, the egg shape, is a traditional shape used in occultism and talismanic to represent Akasha, the Ether, or the fifth element which is the Spirit. [5]

    

The Term misconception

     The only thing that, albeit very loosely, correlates celebration of Christian Easter with Eostre is the name.  And that’s only the case in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic counties and diaspora (!!). In fact, Christians will often use the term “Pascha” instead, or “Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord”.

     However to the many English speakers, Easter is a mundane word, with no connotation to Pagan’s month name, or fertility festivities;

“Some Orthodox Christians discourage the use of the word Easter, believing that the term has roots in pagan rites of the spring equinox and overtones of fertility. Most English speakers are unaware of the etymological origins of Easter, however, and use it without any sense of pagan connotations, and so Easter is also used by many Orthodox English speakers.

The origin of the term Easter comes from the Germanic name for the month in which the Christian feast usually fell, and so, just as the American civic holiday of the Fourth of July has nothing to do with Julius Caesar for whom July was named, neither does Easter have anything to do with the pagan goddess Eostre, the namesake of the month in which Pascha fell. “ [6]

     Christian symbolism of the Egg

   

     For the Christians, egg has additional symbolism, aside the universal attributes. It symbolizes and empty tomb, or the tomb of Lord Jesus, whereby the hard, shell exterior symbolizes the stone which was used to cover the entrance to the Christ’s gravesite. Breaking the eggs on Pascha symbolically represents breaking off the stone on Christ’s grave, and just as the little chicken hatches from the egg, so does a new life, Christ rises from grave, defeating thus death. Hence to the Christians, egg is not merely some fertility symbol, nor is associated with the rabbits, those are things of popular culture, and commercialism.

    Traditionally Christians would abstain from eating meat (least the fish on certain days), eggs, milk, or any animal byproducts during the Lent period ( 40 days prior to Pascha ), and the eggs were thus something that was tabooed during the period, in order   to stress out the Divine symbolism embodied in them. This is still a living tradition among Eastern Orthodox Christians, as well as some Eastern Catholic Christians. [7] Hence, the first thing the pious taste, after the communion that is, on the Pascha is an hardboiled egg. Not the chocolate one lol.  

     Christians have been dying eggs in Europe from the XII century, and in Slavic countries ever since the XVI century, which was done to commemorate the miraculous and joyful resurrection of our Lord Christ, who thus saved human souls from perdition, and ensured them eternal life. This is why, the eggs are traditionally dyed in red color, even though in modern times, eggs are being dyed all sort of colors or even decorated with intricate, and meticulously created art, such as is the case of Ukrainian “pysanky” or “pisanki”.

     The oldest technique for this complex method of art decorations    is so called “batik” technique where the special tool, having a quill top pen attached to it, was used to    dispense the melted beeswax over the eggshell, creating decorative, and symbolic patterns, ranging from phytmorphic, over eternity knots to Christian symbolism and inscriptions, such as the Paschal Christian greeting: “God has risen!!!” [8]

    But the red dyed eggs still remain the most favorable, and most traditional kind for Christians. The red color on them symbolizes Blood shed by Lord Christ, life, resurrection, and vitality, also rebirth and health. The first egg dyed red, during particular Paschal season, usually whole red, or decorated with a Cross, or words “God has risen!”  is set aside and kept in home during  the  whole ( following ) year, as a powerful talisman to protect the house from lighting, thieves, misfortune, sickness and epidemics and evil spirits and spells. In Serbia and Montenegro, such eggs is referred to as “Cuvarkuca” (lit. House-guardian), and is kept in some special place in home, often on display, to protect it. After a year has passed, it’s either buried in the ground, or tossed into a running water, and then replaced by a new one. [9]     

     Eggs dyed red are also associated with the miraculous event associated with Mary Magdalene that took place when the Christ resurrected according to Christian legend. The Legend comes in a few variations, in one of them Mary Magdalene came to the tomb of Christ on the third day   after the Crucifixion, only to find and empty tomb. Upon seeing the risen Christ, the eggs she was carrying in basket turned red.

    “A different, but not necessarily conflicting legend concerns Mary Magdalene's efforts to spread the Gospel. According to this tradition, after the Ascension of Jesus, Mary went to the Emperor of Rome and greeted him with "Christ has risen," whereupon he pointed to an egg on his table and stated, "Christ has no more risen than that egg is red."

After making this statement it is said the egg immediately turned blood red” [10]

    In a third legend Mary Magdalene  encounters some Roman soldiers, and greets them with “Christ has risen!” to which they mockingly replay that Christ is risen as much as eggs are red, which results in rain of red eggs falling down on them, striking them with awe and terror, in front of the revelation.

     The power of the red egg, folklore and beliefs among the Christian folk

     Following are some beliefs associated with the Paschal dyed egges, particularly red ones, prevalent among the pious Christian folk

·         The First egg boiled and dyed red for Pascha is set aside to guard home from thunder, thieves,  evil spirits, spells, and misery and illness  ( Serbia and Montenegro, Peninsula ) Several “pisanki” are   saved for the same purpose in Ukraine and Russia

·         The same egg is dipped inside a vessel with water and freshly plucked flowers, blossom and Rosemary twigs, on Palm Sunday, overnight. The next day, the household members, and children wash their face with this water to ensure health, beauty and longevity.

·         Among the Czech and Slovak people, young men hit young women ( lightly ) with birch or willow twigs, and sprinkle them with water, and in return the girls give them red dyed eggs. This is said to confer to the girls beauty and good   health.

·         In Germany and England people dance around hard boiled, dyed eggs on Easter, taking care not to break them. This is sometimes referred to as Egg-dance, or hop-dance in England.

·         Pysanky or pisanki, with spiral motifs can be used to trap demons. A blessed Pysanky can be used to find demons hiding in dark corners of someone’s house ( Ukraine )

·         Cloth that was used ( or a napkin ) first dyed egg on Pascha ( in Balkans ), or the “Cuvarkuca” ( in Serbia and Montenegro ), or  the first “pysanky” in Ukraine, was believed to retain healing powers for the  time of year, and was used in healing rituals.

Benediction of the eggs

     The Paschal, or the Easter eggs, are traditionally blessed by Christian priest, in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and are then exchanged among the pious, and given as alms to the poor, believing to bring blessings and health when eaten.

     In Serbia and Montenegro, an old European custom survives, and  lives even nowadays, and consists of egg  knocking contest, where the two parties knock eggs, which will result in one being broken and other remaining whole. The owner of the “whole” egg is considered a winner, and also gets the other party’s broken   egg, as a  reward, and moves on  onto the next opponent, doing so as long as his egg remains whole.

     In any case, eggs, most often chicken, boiled and blessed on Pasha, or the  Feast of the resurrection of the Lord are held in belief as powerful blessing and healing tool, as long as You don’t eat too much that is J That would merely give one   a stomachache  and possibly constipation J

    Here is an old prayer, fro the Latin Rite Romanum, used to benedict the  Easter eggs:

“Lord, let the grace of your blessing + come upon these eggs, that they be healthful food for your faithful who eat them in thanksgiving for the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever! “ [11]

NOTES: This article was written/created by myself, so If You wish to use any part of it  elsewhere online, feel free but  add credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place , Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFERENCES:  

[1] more about Ukranian tradition of dying and decorating eggs ; http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CE%5CA%5CEasteregg.htm

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowruz

[3] Acc. To  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre  

[4] According to “Illustrated Encyclopedia of signs and symbols” by Marc O’ Connell and Raje Airey

[5] As stated in: “How to make and use talismans”   by Israel Regardie

[6] Quoted from: http://orthodoxwiki.org/Pascha  ,  used here for educational and explanatory purposes without any ill  will

[7] More about it here: https://melkite.org/faith/faith-worship/holy-week-traditions

[8] According to:  https://melkite.org/faith/faith-worship/holy-week-traditions

[9] According to  Dr. Vesna Marjanovic, from the Ethnographic museum of Belgrade; more here:  http://www.blic.rs/Vesti/Dodatak/183594/Jaje-je-simbol-zivota translated and paraphrased here by myself, for educational ,  explanatory and discussion  purposes, without any ill will

[10] Retrieved from:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_egg , used here for educational and explanatory    purposes without    any ill will

[11] Retrieved from   same source   listed under [10]  , for educational and illustrative purposes, posted here without any ill will

IMAGE CREDITS: Image used was taken, and edited by myself