Michelmas and Angelic times

"The Assumption of the Virgin" , by Francesco  Botticini

Michelmas, also called Feast of Saint Michael  and  All Angels ( which, to me at least, is the most  befitting name actually ) is Christian holiday celebrated on 29^th of September ( according to Gregorian calendar )  or 21^st of November ( according to Julian calendar ) .  The holiday commemorates Angels,   all the hierarchies and all the Angels, lead by St Michael the Archangel, which had defeated and hurled down the Lucifer from Heaven, after the Great war in Heavens. 

It’s the ever present Angels, and their sincere love and guidance and help the provide to human race which is celebrated on this day.   Angels lack the physical body,   because they are made  from different, let’s say more subtle matter,  and they can travel distances nearly inconceivable to human mind in matters of 100^th parts of second, hence why they are often depicted with wings. They’ve also most often appeared with wings to human beings.   Word Angel, comes from Greek “angelos” which means messenger. 

Angelic  hierarchy

Angels had in old days been worshiped as Deities, but the  Council in Laodicea circa AD 320^th  anathemized and banned such practice among Christians .  Instead, Christians established proper way  to pay respect to them, address them and so on.   Angels have also been divided  into categories,  called spheres, triads or Hierarchies, each of which containing there orders or choirs of Angels.  Such division was purposed by Pseudo-Dionysius Aeropagite, [1] and the  orders/choirs are as follow  ( from highest to the lowest , or in descending order ):

·         Seraphim – six winged guardians  of G’d’s Throne, continuously praising the Lord, singing : “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, the whole Earth is full of his glory!”

·         Cherub – Four-faced angels, with faces of human, ox , lion and an Eagle. They guard the way to the Three of Life ( in Garden of Eden ) and G’d’s throne. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, Satan was Cherub.

·         Thrones – Living symbols of G’d’s justice and authority, which appear utmost peculiar, in form of “wheel-within-a-wheel” whose rims are covered with thousands of eyes. They appear in chariot  vision of Ezekiel

·         Dominions – extremely beautiful,  anthropomorphous  angels, who regulate duties of lower angels and preside over nations.

·         Virtues – angelic choir that stands behind Thrones  ( also called Wheels )  ,  monitor and control  the movements of the heavenly bodies to ensure the order in the cosmos

·         Powers – Also called authorities collaborate with Principalities, also called Rulers, and are guardians of consciousness and   history  . They oversee the distribution of power among human beings ( hence the name ) and are extremely loyal.

·         Principalities – Angels with scepters and crown, they carry out the orders of the Dominion, and bestow blessings on the material world. They also inspire people on great acts and discoveries in Arts  and Science, they entice ideas and creativity in humans.

·         Archangels – Called Chief angels, are guardian angels of countries and nations  and they also rule Angels. Traditionally Judaic and Christian sources see that there are seven  Archangels , four  of which are sometimes mentioned as “major”, namely Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

·         Angels – Messengers of G’d, tightly connected and concerned about living things. There are many of them, and  they are what people normally thing of when the word “angel” is mentioned.

Seven Archangels

Seven Archangels is  part of old tradition in Abrahamic religions of grouping Seven Archangels together. The first mention of Seven Archangels is held to be the  one from non-canonical and apocryphal “book of Enoch” , although some believe that  the Seven Angels for the  “Revelations” in Bible are the Seven Archangels: 

“And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them”   [2]

Pope Saint Gregory I mentions Seven Archangels as : Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel/Anael, Simiel, Orphiel and Ragiel.  Catholic church mentions only three Archangels , being the first three listed.

In Orthodox Christian tradition, Seven Archangels are as follow:  Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jegudiel and Raguel. 

Seven Archangels amulets, 1. and 2. seven vowels variations, 3. classic Seven Archangels gnostic amulet, from   " Egyptian magic" by E.A. Wallas Budge  

Kabbalah speaks of ten Archangels ( according to the interpretations of Golden Dawn ) each correspondent to one of the Ten spheres on  Tree of Life, each presiding over one of the ten “orders” also   correspondent to one of the Ten spheres.  

At least four Archangels ( Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel  ) are associated with a planet, cardinal direction and element each, but these teachings are rarely, if ever seen as even remote part of Abrahamic religions, but rather spawn from the occultism and hermeticism.

This  ( Seven Archangels )  is one of the teachings remembered and reverenced  on Michaelmass. 

MIchelmass customs and traditions

·         Michaelmass is a day  which is in occult thought  believe to be highly prominent for works of Enochian magick, magick of blessings, healing and spiritual development and all kind of spiritual work

·         In Europe, particularly Western,  tradition associated with Michlemass  is Curfew, which was a symbolic  hinting the upcoming arrival of the winter. This was most often done by tolling the Church bell each night, in distinct number of strikes, until the Shrove Tuesday. It was also time of the year when household  fires were supposed to be doused .

·         In Serbia and Montenegro, Michaelmas is a “slava” ( lit. feast-day ) but unlike with other “slava” the wheat was not cooked, nor the special cake prepared,  nor had the wine been spilt, for these Slavic people believe “Angels have neither body nor blood” [3]

·         “A great custom in England was to dine on goose on Michaelmas . One reason for this was said to be that Queen  Elizabeth I was eating goose when news of the defeat of the Armada was brought to her. In celebration she said that  henceforth she would always eat goose on Michaelmas day . Others than followed her lead” [4] It’s no surprise knowing this, that one of the alternative names in UK for  the holiday was  Goose day.

·         It’s believed on Balkan peninsula that rising with the Sun on Michaelmas, and then staring into one own’  reflection in the mirror for a while served to prolong youth of the body, and promote longevity. In fact old folk say that If,  one sees image on St. Michael in the mirror, instead of their own, will  attain immortality*

·         There are many weather  divinations associated with Michelmass in UK.  For example : “If Michaelmas brings many acorns, Christmas will cover the fields with snow”, or “A dark Michelmas, A light Christmas”

·         Eating goose on MIchelmas , was apparently  believed ( also in UK  ) to ensure a constant flow of wealth/money throughout the year , which  the following  example of  folk rhyme illustrate: “Eat a goose on MIchelmas da y, want not for money all the year” , or  “He who eats a goose on Michelmas day, shan’t  money lack or debts to pay”  [5]

·         Catching a  ( naturally ) falling leaf and making a wish,  on Michelmas,  is a popular tradition among European people.

·         It was customary in Eastern Europe to eat an apple in the morning on Michelmas, before anything else is consumed,  in order to signify how we  recall the sin of Adam and Eve, and thus indicate our devotion and humility  and servitude to G’d

·         Balkan peninsula folk believe anything  You find important, should be symbolically done 7 times, or asked for ( in prayer ) seven times on this day. Anything that brings us luck should also be done  7 times. If we wish to  be successful in something we must “re-enact” or mimic the positive outcome of the event in some manner  7 times on Michaelmas. [6]

Asking for help from St. Michael the Archangel

Michelmas is ideal day to petition St. Archangel Michael , particularly to deliver us from our own sins, and long standing, and persistent conditions, such as chronic illnesses, mental troubles, heavy and long standing crossings and so on.  I have written on how to  work with St. Michael   on here , before, so You could use that as an guideline to outline some kind of appropriate ritual .  There is also an interesting  spell circling around the net, much like a chain letter  and is called “Three day wishing spell”  which  asks for help from Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael in making three of Your wishes come true.

Seven candles ritual

This is a folk ritual, I’ve seen done on Michaelmas, few times here, on Balkan peninsula. It’s simplicity itself, but  people seem to believe here it has great power.

One is required to light Seven white candles, or seven pure beeswax candles,  on Michelmas, and pray for seven things they need, or one urgent, serious and intricate issue. These things must never be pure whims, they have to be things the petitioner actually needs.  The candles were lined up so as to form a straight line, and lit from left to right. When each candle is lit, one of the Names of Archangels is uttered silently three times. Then the petitioner would light some Frankincense in the censer and  fumigate the area around the candles, three times clockwise. After this the incense would be placed behind the candles. After this Archangels were petitioned, and some people would  recite “Our Father” prayer before and after prayer to the Archangels.  After this the candles were left to burn all the way down, and the wax was disposed of either by burying them in Your own yard, or leaving them near some Church. There are people who would also throw them into river that runs towards East.  

Celestial incense

I’ve came up with the following formula to aid me in my spiritual works associated with Angels, but it also makes a very nice Uncrossing-Cleansing formula . It can be used in ritual work with Angels, and it can be used in conjunction with  Angel oil   .

Combine:

·         Camphor resin
·         Powdered Bay Laurel leaf
·         Angelica root
·         Frankincense tears
·         OPTIONAL: Powdered lemon rinds or few drops of Essential oil to scentless talc base

And burn on charcoal blocks to honor the Angels ( and Archangels )  and get their  assistance in any matters where You may need their help.

*wether actual, corporeal immortality was what folk refer to with this, it’s hard to say, however, it’s seems to be rather  an “poetic” way to suggest aging extremely graciously, which meant looking decades Younger than one really is, and being extremely healthy

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

CREDITS AND  REFERENCES:

 [1] http://www.aren.org/prison/documents/religion/Misc/The%20Celestial%20Hierarchy--Dionysius%20the%20Areopagite.pdf 

[2] Retrieved from: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%208:2&version=NIV
[3] acc. to writings in “Kalendar za Srecne Dane” ( lit. Calendar for the lucky days ) by “Jasna Jojic Pavlovski
[4] Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSVlxT525vo
[5] As under [4]
[6] As under [3]

IMAGE CREDITS: First image is from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Francesco_Botticini_-_The_Assumption_of_the_Virgin.jpg   used for illustrative  purposes here without any ill will,
Second image is my own creation. The third image is from "Egyptian magic" by E.A. Wallas Budge, page 178th
 

All Hallows Eve when the veil is thin 4

I’ve written about  Samhain, or the All Hallows eve before, on here, and I shall try to do so in the future , If possible.  For me it’s one of the greatest times of Power throughout  the year, and mind You, I am a Christian J  The nature, around us on this day, simply resonates with such intensive and  hastily energies, that even the tad bit sensitive people can not fight the feeling  of “something out there, in the air” .

It’s a  great time of power, which is plainly foolishly neglected sometimes.  And it should not be. It’s  ideal time to create charms, make oils, potions, powders, bless candles and alike, for any spiritual work done on this day will be greatly empowered, and much stronger that it normally would.  It’s indeed the time of wonders, and miracles, the in-between time, when the veils  nearly completely dissipate , to allow this and the world(s) beyond to meet, and  interact.

The Celebration of All Hallows eve,  so celebration of Samhain ( Celtic-Gaelic festival , prior to Christianization  ) have deep roots in celebration of death, and the dead. Hence, this is an ideal day for spirit communication and necromantic rituals, as well as devotional rituals and ceremonies to our ancestors and beloved deceased people.  It’s also the  best possible time to appease ghosts, or any sprits, which You might have  aggravated, or offended. 

It’s also amazing day for spiritual growth, power raising as well as longevity , and rejuvenation magick and rituals. The  extraordinary energies of the day, make  such goals achievable, in a fragment of time which would otherwise be need  for them.

All those spirits walking feely among the living on Halloween, it would be an utter shame,  not  to conduct some guidance and divination work. And being that the veils between the worlds are the thinnest  on this day, throughout all the year,  “the lines are open”  for any intelligent influences from “beyond” which  affect our readings. Great insights have been gained on All Hallow’s eve, and  this is nothing  new , really, it’s simply often neglected, which is a pity. Seeing a good chance, wise shall seize it, You know.

Let not be Your decorations, just that, an empty vast fetishes without proper reasoning between them.  So instead of paper and plastic, tacky, pap, toys, have some place for herbs, vegetables and fruits, straw dolls,  Jack O lanterns  , crystals and stones that resonate with this time of the year, You can consult Samhain correspondences   , to help You with  Your choices.

Dark(er) side of Halloween

Be cautioned though, as this is time of wonders, make sure You are not faint of heart, If You decide to engage in necromancy, and darker aspects of the magickal art. On this day, the results may astonish  and even terrify You. So, be careful what You wish for.

Whatmore, as much as this is a great time of power for people and spirits of good nature, so much is for those vindictive, ill-spirited ( mind not the pun ) humans and non-corporeal entities as well.

So keep in mind that on this day all sort of spirits walk the Erath freely, without constrictions, and limitations they normally experience, seeking avenge, or simply taking enjoyment  in  works of mischief , and evil.  The masking festivities, originate from customs, which served for protection, for the mask is the powerful tool for protection from, and confusion  of ghosts, and low(er) level spirits.  The very latin term for mask “larvae” shares meanings of mask, and spirit.  Even the latter, Medieval Latin word for it “masca” while quite  different in terms of letters and pronunciation, preserved the meaning which could be translated to : mask, specter or nightmare   [1]

Jack of Lantern, is another powerful charm   ,  and the light which emanates from it glaring, fiery eyes, and mouths is believed to hold the power to vanquish  evil spirits, and demons likewise.  I spread some Basil, Blessed salt  and Angelica root  on the bottom of mine, and make sure the candles I light in them are blessed or pure was made.  I believe they confer extremely strong protection,  very much needed on  this day. I’m not trying to act all smart, or overly cautious , dull and old-fashioned,  this is the day when all sort of things happen , good and bad. It’s very stupid ( feel free to get insulted ) to take this day  and  the magick of it lightly, and simply go to reckless parting, and  give in to mindless  cravings . Of course, we can only warn those carrying for warnings.  What one does with it’s personal safety is just that, personal thing, but don’t  You expect help from people when You fall into hole, If everyone yelled You will, and You mocked them for it ;) Arrange Jack o Lanterns strategically around Your house. Swift herbal charms, like branches of Rowan, Hawthorn, Basil springs tied and hung together with red yarn, St John’s wart, Dev*l’s shoestrings on a lace, Dev*l’s bit  roots and others, will provide protection when hung in home, or carried on person.

Finally take great care of Your personal possessions, as well as any personal concerns ( nails, hair, clothes with Your sweat and DNA ) for If You have enemies, and they get a hold of such, they can work strongest of crossings on You, on All Hollow’s eve.  Which is why You should take all the laundry hanging to dry inside after sunset, and make sure not to do any nail clipping or hair cutting etc.  If You come to suspect someone could have stolen  something Yours, sprinkle Yourself and Your clothes very lightly with powder made of  Motherwort, Mint and either Red brick dust or Graveyard dirt, to kill the  link between You and stolen personal concern/ item.

 Madness of Halloween

Be it due to plain suggestion,  or some kind of  spiritual influence, cosmic radiation or other, All Hallow’s eve is the day when people go plain nuts.  I see it as plainly coming in touch with the darker aspects of both personality and soul/spirit, and inability to cope with them or channel them properly.  The plain collective “hysteria” the holiday entices is equally to blame though. Regardless, all sort of crazy things happen on Halloween.

And I do not mean “conspiracy theory/Satanism/New World’s order ritual/evil occult/etc”  junk. That’s just product of delusuional minds and self-righteous Christians, who really only focus on persecute- homosexuals-and-witches false doctrines, which, it’s wise to note here, are trending in parts of Christian community for centuries, but they were never and are not part of Christian teachings and doctrines.

I was more referring to strong psychic energies, which cause people minds to haywire  in a way lol. Here are just few examples to illustrate it:

·         In Tennessee, law bans certain sex offenders from dressing up and taking part in public celebrations of Halloween . In New York "Operation Halloween: Zero Tolerance", prohibits sex offenders from wearing  costumes and even answering doors on Halloween, to trick-or-treaters . In Orange County, California, offenders not only can not answer the doors, but must also post a sing outside that there is not trick or treating at their residence. Some people admittedly, perceive these measures as silly and without foundation, but some statistic researches do support the theories that criminals get  “more active” on  Halloween, but this does not really include sex offenders [2]

·         In Russia,  on 2005^th , on Halloween eve,  happened an outstanding outburst or “epidemic” of alcohol intoxicated people in  Voronezh ( South Russia ), in  such number that hospitals were full. Bottles of Vodka  were latter shown to have contained  antifreeze ( like proplyene glycol )

·         All around the Europe, as well as in America, certain individuals  and groups, with either delusional disorders, or radical cultic viewpoints and agendas, hunt dogs and cats , sacrifice them, mutilate and torture in extremely heinous ways.  The L.A. Times, had in more occasion than one, wrote about animal sacrifice on Halloween and precautions needed to be taken to prevent such [3]  Please keep in mind , that these are mostly acts of vandals, hooligans and sick people,  they are not work of cults and people into occults, least it happens incidentally, and even then it’s probably unrelated to Halloween

·         People like to get rid of old candies, and the Halloween is ideal chance for that. Kids , and their parents however, in vast majority seem to be oblivious of this fact.   Some on the other hand go as far, as perpetuating the Urban myth that some companies, or groups of people, or individuals intentionally temper with the candies, adding hazardous or lethal substances to them, or drugs. [4] If You ask me the real danger lies in date-expired and not properly stored  candies, which people seem to completely ignore , as well as possible overeating and quite rarely hyperglicemia ( You’d be amazed how much sugar can some people ingest before they throw up lol )

Do those prove something peculiar , and supernatural occurring on All Hallows eve ? Maybe not, but they are certainly suggestive and utmost interesting  findings . It’s not impossible that such human behaiour is  caused be excess of  psychic energy, which   unprepared mind simply can not process and channel properly.

Halloween lore and superstitions

Here are some common Halloween lore and superstitions according to  amazing  “Witches Halloween” by Gerina Dunwich

·          Also an  tradition associated also with Michaelmas , catching the naturally  falling lea on Samhain is done   for health , and wishes coming true

·         Casting a headless shadow on Halloween some see as death omen

·         Child born on Halloween is seen as able to see and converse with ghosts and spirits and immune to their attacks

·          Observing our own Shadows on Moonlight on Halloween may bring us bad luck

·          If the Samhain fire goes  out, it has to be rekindled by  or with a lighted sod from the home of a priest. 

·         It is believed that if a person light a new Orange color candle on the Halloween , on the Midnight, and lest it burn ‘till the sun rise, he or she will have a lot of luck

·         On the other hand baking bread and journeying after Sunset is not only bad luck but also dangerous

·           “  A very old spell that hails from Ireland calls for the fresh blood of a Young rooster to be sprinkled a t the corners of a house to keep it safe from the haunting of ghosts and the spells and curses of sorcerers.   “ [5] 

Now, having those  covered J let’s proceed with some spells and rituals ideas:

Pet Protection spell

Pet protection spells   are traditionally ( as of  more recent days, anyway  ) , done on Halloween .  The methods vary, but here is an swift and powerful example.

Take few hair of the pet You wish to protect.  Write it’s name , or draw it on a piece of red paper, and wrap the hairs in it, along with some  salt,  dry basil leaves,  dry mint or  dry sage.  Light a green candle then,  set the paper with hair alight on the candle’s flam e and say :

“I seek protection for this animal, my beloved friend,

Bring it longevity, health and put all of its ill to an end.”

Scatter the ashes   in Your yard,  or sprinkle them into  the river.   This spell is often done either outdoors , or in a bathtub, due to fire hazard, and nasty odor  produced when the Keratin  from the hair ( or feather if it’s bird )  combusts.  If You are doing it in the tub, which would be very practical, just flush the remaining ashes down the  drain .

 

Mirror wishing spell

NOTE: The following  three spells come from the same source, used for compiling superstitions associated with Halloween  in this  article,  from the brilliant and concise “Witch’s Halloween”

The first one is a wishing spell, as wishing spells are frequently done on Halloween. It’s well written, and simplicity enough, hence why I decided  to post it here for Your convenience.  Mirrors are, spiritually considered , to have, among others, power to double things, which is the idea with this spell :

“     This simple et potent spell dates back to antiquity and is a Halloween tradition, among many witche s. To perform this spell You will need three things: an ordinary mirror, a candle that has never been lit before, and a sincere wish.

     Begin after sunset on Halloween night by lighting a candle with a match. If You desire You may anoint Your candle with three drops of Your favorite ritual oil, prior to working this spell. Turn off the lights in the room and stand before the mirror,  holding the lit candle in Your hand ( the hand You normally use for writing ) . Gaze into reflection of Your own eyes and clear Your mind of all thoughts, except for those pertaining to Your wish. Visualize Your wish coming true as You whisper the following incantation:

“Looking glass and  Witch’s flame,

Let they powers interweave,

Grant the wish that I proclaim,
On this most enchanted eve
My secret wish is  … ( state Your wish )
So mote it be !”

Gently place Your lips upon the mirror to seal the spell with a kiss.  The secret wish mirror spell  is now complete, but take care not to reveal Your secret to anybody or  it will not manifest. “ [6]

Spell to vanquish weakness

NOTE: Samhain, as I’ve mentioned already is ideal time for dealing away with something nonproductive,  hazardous, bad, obstructive, something that keeps pulling us back, and needs  not to be so. The following spells, from the same source listed for the previous, employs banishing powers  of the fire element. Dragon blood, among others, possesses banishing and strengthening qualities, and black candles are used to  remove something negative.

“    One modern Halloween spell to destroy weakness calls for the following items:  parchment paper, Dragons blood ink, and a Samhain bonfire.  If an outdoor fire is not possible, do not despair.  A black candle and any fireproof container such  as an ashtray or, a iron cast cauldron, can be used to take it’s place.

    Using the Dragon’s blood ink, write on the piece of parchment whatever weakness of weaknesses You wish to be rid of. Crumple up the paper as You concentrate upon  Your intent, and then either toss it into   the bonfire,  or set it  ablaze by holding it above the flame of the black candle and then placing it it into the fireproof container. As the parchment burns to ashes, so, too, will Your weaknesses be destroyed  by flames of magick. “   [7]

NOTE: If You  are to work indoors and hence use the “cauldron version” , I suggest collecting at least some of the ashes, if not all, and burying them in the ground, on sprinkling them in graveyard, to further supercharge the spell. They can also be flushed down the toilet , scattered on the wind  ,  released into body of water,  so anything that would ritually mimic either spreading of  human ashes, or burial.

Rowan Tree protection spell

NOTE: From the same source, as previous two. Rowan is always held  to be  an extremely strong protective  botanical, much due to it’s association with Fae. Hence it was believed that branch of it, is a symbol of Faeries protecting the one who wears it or the house that bears it, on their front entrance. But for this it must be gathered politely,  offering some small token to Fae after, You’ve asked for permission to cut, and plead the Fae not to be angry , but to   confer You protection. Alternatively You can collect broken or fallen twig. Neglecting  to do so, more so on Samhain, could potentially make ghosts, and bewitchment the least of Your worries. I assume that Gerina Dunwich  simply assumed this is a well known fact and did not stress in the following spells, for she mentions that in some of her other works, like “Herbal magick, a witch’s guide to herbal enchantments, folklore and divinations”

“To keep Yourself safe on Halloween  from  bewitchment, ill wishes, or evil doings of supernatural beings, cut a branch of the Rowan tree that is covered with red berries. With a red thread attach it to Your clothing or hair as You thrice recite the following magickal verse:

Rowan tree and red thread

Gar the witches dance their dead.

The Rowan three has long been regarded as the most magickal of all trees, and it’s protective powers are legendary. “ [8]

A little bit of lagniappe

More spells on Halloween,  I’ve posted in my earlier articles:

When the veil is thin I http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2010/10/all-hallows-eve-night-when-veil-is-thin.html  
When the veil is thin II http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2011/10/all-hallows-eve-when-veil-is-thin-2.html
When the veil is thin III  http://shadowsmagickplace.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-night-when-veil-is-thin-iii-just.html
If You can go to New Orleans, or are close to it , check out these links as well:
New Orleans Halloween I http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/seasonal/halloween.html
New Orleans Halloween II http://www.examiner.com/article/halloween-voodoo-hotspots

 There You go , have a Happy Halloween, and Carpe diem !

 

NOTES: This article was   written and composed by myself, hence If You wish to use 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 REFRENCES:

[1] acc. To/ see more on : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mask

[2] acc. to/ read more here : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/emilyhorowitz/manufacturing-fear-hallow_b_4135793.html

[3] Here is one of the Articles http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/27/news/mn-47240

[4] More here: http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/halloween/a/Is-Halloween-Candy-Tampering-A-Myth.htm

[5] Dunwich, Gerrina,  Red Wheel Weiser, "Witch's Halloween" various pages

[6] as under [5]

[7] as under [5]

[8] as under [5]

IMAGE CREDITS:

First one is taken by myself

Second one is from http://guides.wikinut.com/img/359gnrush1pk69o2/Halloween-Pumpkins.

Third one is from http://solacetemple.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/candles.jpg  both used here for illustrative purposed, without  an y ill will

Black Onyx magick

“Within every onyx is imprisoned an evil nocturnal demon

that causes terror and nightmares to plague any unfortunate

individual who wears this stone to bed or sleeps within its

range of influence, according to ancient gemstone legend.”

Dunwhich Gerina, in “Dunwich’s guide to gemstone   sorcery” 163^rd page

 

Onyx is a mineral that occurs in various colors, though we will be discussing the  black variety here. 

Natural black Onyx with stripes

Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, and is cryptocrystalline, “consisting of fine   intergrowths of the silica minerals quartz and morganite” [1]  We can distinguish  it from Agate, it’s close “relative” ( another variety of chalcedony , which can also occur in similar colors ) by stripes, which appear  in ( natural ) Onyx ,  and are parallel, as opposed  to concentric,  or even chaotic ones that occur in Agate.  Another common form/variey is Sardonyx, which is yellow-brown-orange-ish in color with white stripes, which sometimes You can find  labeled as Yellow Onyx, or Brown Onyx, also Marble Onyx.

On the Moss’ scale, Onyx is said to have 6.5 units firmness ( durability), and the streak is white.

As a semi-precious stone it is very popular among jewelers and  people who buy  and wear jewelry.

When You’re looking to get an Onyx stone, caution is needed though. More so when searching for black Onyx.  Some  of what people offer as Black Onyx is actually a low quality Agate, painted black to look  like it.

Even the common Black Onyxes most of us own, and use in crystal therapy or magick,  are cooked either in honey, oil or sugar syrup, so that the organic matters  infiltrate spaces between microcrystal structures  and give it black tone. After that it’s boiled  in Sulphuric acid  to make the color permanent.  [2]

Now let’s proceed with therapeutic and magickal qualities of Onyx  

Black Onyx in  crystal therapy

On a physical level, Onyx is extremely useful in healing  conditions related to teeth, bones, feet , bone marrow and blood. [3]

It corresponds to root chakra.

Psychologically,  Onyx is a wonderful mental tonic, that helps overcome longstanding conditions of grief, mourning and sorrow.  It helps integrate different aspects ( particularly those negative )  of personality, into personality as whole, and accept them.

It’s an advising  and guiding stone, that helps in difficult time by supporting, and providing  that priceless gift of wisdom,  discernment, and  also helps make the right choices.

Worn around neck it inspires chastity and reduces libido.

 It was once taught that Onyx can be used to prevent premature childbirth, as well  to ease the process itself, when placed on the body [4]

It’s also said to sharpens the senses ,  fortifies  self confidence and strengthens healthy egoism [5]

A German Saint and mystic Hildegard fon Bingen, in her work “De Physica” suggest placing Onyx for a while in mouths , when heavily depressed or tormented mentally, and the stone is said to remove these feelings rather swiftly, but it must then  be cleansed thoroughly.  She  had also suggested   using it in wine to treat swollen glands, as You can see from the  example bellow.

Black Onyx in magick and sorcery

Onyx, as well as jewelry made from it can be worn as amulet to ward off misfortune, protect from evil magick, instill bravery and grant spiritual wisdom.

Here are the correspondences associated with this enticing stone:

·                 Planetary ruler –   Saturn and/or Mars

·                  Elemental ruler – Fire

·                 Numerical correspondence – 6

·                  Energy – projective

·                 Birthstone of  -  Capricorn, Leo

·                  Time of Year* –  Samhain, July ( according to Hebrew  teachings ) and January ( Agripa )

·                Angelic  ruler – Gabriel ( according to Agripa )

Onyx can be used in persuasion and controlling magick, as well as affecting someone’s sleep, which  had to do with it’s Saturnian/al  nature.

Also it can be used to deflect black magick, and send it back to it’s source, which I will illustrate with a spell from a renowned author latter in text.

According to an old magickal treatise , called Book of Wings, from 13^th century, Onyx engraved with Camel’s head or a pair of goats among the Myrtles, confers practitioner the power, to conjure and subdue and control demons.  In fact the stone itself, was believed to draw attention of demons, and could possibly cause oppression by them, least worn along with Sard [6]

Onyx spell to induce nightmares

Mix some powdered black Onyx, with powdered  bread crumbs, and sprinkle very discreetly on the bed of the person You wish to induce nightmares to. If this is impossible try this:

Get a picture of person in question and write their name nine times on the back of the picture. Holding an black Onyx stone in Your projective stone, tell it what You want it to do, to cause nightmares and disrupt the peaceful sleep of N.N. Now place it on the picture. Light the incense made from Star Anise, Tobacco and Mullein leafs, and waft the smoke, or better yet blow it, so that it descends  on the Onyx and image of the person, which is bellow it. Do it for 8 more times , so total 9. Each time You do it You may speak some words of power.  Remove the stone in the morning and tear the pic up, saying how You release the person from the spell, least You wish it to be ongoing.  If You ever want to use the Onyx for something else, make sure to clean profoundly prior to use. You can for example bury it in ground for few days, or leave it in salt for 9-21 days.

NOTE: I do advocate casting harmful spells on anyone,  I composed this spell, and included it here for educational and illustrative purposes. Should You decide to use it,  I WILL NOT be held responsible for any possible outcomes. With that being said, use Your brain, think before You act, and this is a good advice in general.

Mental tonic

Make a Mint tea ( You can optionally add few leaves of Sage ) , let it cool down, and pour into a clean transparent glass, or bottle. Place an Onyx inside and then place , the glass/bottle with it atop a healing symbol, such as that one on the picture.  You can also use Cho ku Rei Reiki symbol, and I myself love to use “Flower of life” blueprint, to place bellow all sort of herbal remedies, tonics, and potions.  Solar kamea will do brilliantly as well.

Place Your hands over it and say some soothing words of power. Psalm 3^rd or something along these lines will do:

“Remove the confusion, banish the pain

Relieve the sorrow, make it vane
Restore the peace and grant the wisdom
Heal the mind , bless it power and freedom”

This is  best done sometimes before midday, ideal day for work being Sunday. Then let it sit on exposed to sunlight ( if possible ) from midday to one hour pm. Then remove the Onyx, sweeten with  honey and lemon If You wish, and drink to heal troubled, confused mind, and to end “all-over-the-place” or “air-headed “ state.

Scott Cunningham’s reversal spell with Onyx

I’ve mentioned before how Onyx can, and is used in defensive magick, and I promised an illustrative spell. Here it is:

“A defensive spell: Place a square mirror on your altar. Set a purple

candle before it so that the flame is reflected in the mirror.

Empower nine onyx stones with reflective, or defensive, energy.

Place one piece ofonyx three inches from the candle's right side. Then

place eight more stones in a semicircle around the candle, working

from right to left, until the candle is half-ringed with onyx toward you,

but is clear of it in front of the mirror.

Light the candle. Visualize the onyx as collecting the negativity

and sending it into the candle's flame. Then see the flame acting as a

lens, focusing the negativity and sending it into the mirror.

The mirror is a doorway onto the spiritual plane. The negative

energy is sent through it back to the original sender.” [7]

A wonderful and pragmatic spell, which  employs Saturnian correspondences and natural, protective qualities of Onyx, which I warmly recommend.

Protective and wealth Feng Shui cure  with Onyx

Not a spell per say,  but a rather good Feng shui advice,   quite nifty

Place a  couple of  Pi Yao amulet made from Onyx in Your workplace in Your money area or lucky direction ,  to both protect Your money, Yourself from evil, and inspire steady flow of  wealth  energies. [8]

Crystal charm bag  for difficult times

In a mojo type bag, combine and carry:

·         Black Onyx Stone

·         Unakite

·         Sun Stone

This crystal  charm bag will help You through difficult times, will lift You up when You are to fall,  and when You’re about to give up. It will also provide wisdom and energy needed  so badly, when we are  dealing with challenging tasks,  and in midst of tribulations.   Pouch bag can be purple, white or orange, although the color here, is obviously not an  imperative.

 

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

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

*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

[1] About the “intergrowth of Quartz and Morganite” , according to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onyx

[2] According to information in specialized magazine “Blago Zemlje” ( lit. translation “Treasure of Earth” ) , Serbian Edition , by De Agostini  Hellas , no48, 2013^th , original “Il magico monod di minerali & gemmi”  , also published in UK in 2007^th , in USA published under the name “Real Treasures” , find out more about it  here: http://www.deagostiniusa.com/ecm/web/dea-us/online/home

[3]  Judy Hall “ The Encyclopedia of crystals”   pages 206^th and 207^th

[4] According to writings in “Dunwich’s guide to gemstone   sorcery”  by Dunwich Gerrina, pages 52^nd

[5] As stated on this beautiful, informative site : http://crystal-cure.com/onyx-gem.html

[6] According to same source  as under [4] page 78^th

[7] Retrieved from : “Cunningham’s encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Meatal magick”  page 119^th by Cunningham, Scott, Llewellyn publications 1996^th year  edition, Minnesota , used here for illustrative, educational and informative purposes, as well as discussion and reviewing, without any ill will.

[8] According to http://fengshui.about.com/od/Crystals/f/what-is-black-onyx-and-black-obsidian.htm

IMAGE CREDITS: The first image is from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Onyx.jpg used here for illustrative and explanatory purposes, without any ill will, the second picture, with instructions on making an Onyx vine, was made and edited by myself, the third picture depicting  healing symbol  is from http://www.ancient-symbols.com/healing_symbols.html , again used here for illustrative and explanatory purposes without any ill will