Handy formlas for apotropaic work , Cast off evil and Road opening work

It's been a whole lot of time,  since I had posted something in the "Recipes and formulas" category , where I post formulas, mostly ones I composed  myself, and thought how  those may come handy to people. Now here are few I chose this time, enjoy:

Drive away evil spirits wash

·         Blackberry leaf with pinch of Cayenne Pepper infusion
·         Blessed Salt
·         Spoon of Holy Water
·         Laundry bluing, Indigo powder or at least blue food dye
·         Basil infusion
·         OPTIONAL: Few drops of Pine Essential oil or Pine needles

Make into floor wash and to send  evil spirits back to where they belong, and to clear dwellings from their presence and influence.  Could be made into bath ( careful with Cayenne  pepper    ) to release one from oppression by malignant spirits. In such case You may add Hyssop ,  or combine with the bath recipe given bellow.

Three ingredients Cast off Evil bath

·         Hyssop leaves
·         Eucalyptus leaves
·         White Clover flowers

Add to base of blessed sea salt and Epsom salts If You want to make bath crystals


Road opener European style(d)

Now when I say European, this does not  necessarily refer to those Mediterranean parts of Europe where Abre camino herb has found implement and use, for it  commonly grows in such climate. Although not indigenous here where I am ( Mediterranean part of the Eastern Europe ) I have seen  people growing it, as decorative plant. Europeans have had their  proprietary plants ( dependin' on region )  they used to break blockages and clear  obstacles, and while never called "Abre camino" or road  opening plants, they served the same spiritual purposes . I composed this simple ( and reportedly effective formula ) as result of voracious research of European herbal magick, folklore and ethnobotany.

Here it goes:

- Sesame seeds
- Rosemary twigs
- Chicory root chips

Make it   into a bath or floorwash , or even as  a  powder . You can use Rosemary essential oil instead of the herb, If You wish .


Hope You find use for these, many Blessings ! Shadow :)


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

Hoodoo Peaceful Home supplies and spiritual work

Please note: This post is editon of an older post of same theme I had posted back ago, and felt it needed some correcture and improvement. Hope You like it and find it informative and helpful. Abundance of blessings, and thanks for reading

A line of Hoodoo products/ supplies, derivate from an old Conjure formula , used to cause Peace in Home, which is also another name, under that  these  products may come by.  The aim was to make a family members more kind to each other, more communicative and more cooperative.  Some suppliers offer formulas such as “Blessed home” or “Happy home” which are basically the same , even though they might  focus slightly more of some specific aspect  of domestic happiness , such as money or love.

Anyhow, such magick and products are  spiritual therapy for households consumed with spats, quarrels, arguments, intolerance, even aggression.  Thursday is  a favorable day for such magick, but so can be Wednesday , If we approach that one as Mercury’s day, meaning  that  every troubled home could very much use wisdom and sharp thinking associated with the day. Women may like to cast Peaceful home spell on Tuesday, for it might be favorable to female diplomacy  skills and female aspect in general. This by no means indicates that only women may cast such spells on Tuesday, in fact any sensible diplomatic person can.   Hours of Jupiter and Mercury are  very favorable for such work. 

Saints may be invoked to aid to protect and calm a household, for example, in Orthodox Christian tradition:  St Juliana Lazarevskaya  or St. Prochor of Kievo-pechersk [1] or in Catholic tradition St Joseph, St Martha the Dominator or St. Ana.   For family Harmony St Dymphna may be  petitioned [2 ] according to one source . Virgin Mary seems to be very kind and swift in assistance in such ( domestic ) manners. Some practitioners may also refer for assistance to Loa such Yemaya, Manman Brigit, even Oshun particularly when diplomatic skills are of essence, and also  to  Obatala , who is a sensible, peace loving  and calm Loa, among other.

The spells and rituals can be very simple,  as simple as setting a light or more elaborate to a point where homes are cleansed,  then dressed with washes and powders. Sometimes clothes of family members may be washed with Peaceful home crystals ( bath  salts )  promoting thus serenity and harmony among the family  members.  You can light a blue lamp, to which You have added some Peaceful Home oil, and pray psalms 23^rd, and 62^nd over it. There are many examples indeed.  Here is an  illustrative example of how would I compose such ritual/spell

Harmony in home  spell

·         Clean thoughtfully  Your  house , moving from inward to outward. It would be best to do this early speaking to no one until You are done.  When done You can role the Coconut throughout  the house using Your feet to move it, or You can cense the house with some  cleansing incense, Van Van, or combination of Camphor , Sage and Frankincense may do well.

·         Then write the names  ( in a list ) of all household members on a piece of paper and  cover their names with word peace. Fold it thrice towards oneself and place beneath the bowl to which You have placed Blue candle dressed with Peaceful home  oil. Then pour some “Water of Notre dame”  in the bowl, so it covers 1/3  of the candle approximately  ( less Is acceptable, more would de excessive ) and add some crushed basil and rosemary leafs into the water as You say : “Oh Dear Lord cleanse this home from all  evil, malice, intolerance,  anger, bad luck and sends   luck , peace, harmony and abundance to this home,  and send Lord blessings upon this water,  to sanctify and cleanse this home ! As You have calmed the troubled waters, calm this home Lord as well. Amen !

·         Pour just few drops of  Peaceful home in the bowl. This may not be necessary If You have dressed the candle liberally

·         Now light the candle, and as it burns read Psalm 23^rd or 61^st, or both

·         Go through Your home and using   aspergent   , sprinkle  tad bit of the water in every room.

·         Now place some ( a pinch will do )  peaceful Home powder in four corners of Your house, or yard even,  and  one pinch as near the centre of Your home as possible  , or  before Your front doors.

So be it !

Somewhat more traditional, old-time Hoodoo or Conjure spells, to create a peace in home, may include money symbolism as well, for the abundance  may be every bit important as understanding for a harmonious household. A nice example of such HoodooPeaceful home spell, was gracefully shared on Lucky mojo website.  Cumin seeds  ( with possible addition of Cinnamon  perhaps ) may be used to draw luck and abundance to home as well. Adding some to Peaceful home powder and deploying it strategically make  serve   for such.

Another type of spells I personally love, are potted plant spells,  particularly in   this type of magick,  for effect   of the spells with them tends to be more permanent and even growing constantly with  time. One could for example  write Psalm 23^rd on parchment paper, and place it in the pot with mixed  soil for plants, humus,  and some Churchyard soil. Then one would plant Basil, Rosemary and or Lavender in such plant pot. There is a beautiful example of Planted pot Peaceful home ( Hoodoo ) spell in Miss Denise Alvarado’s “Voodoo Hoodoo spellbook” .

There is a spell that calls for placing Rose of Jericho, in a crystal bowl with  fresh spring water ( to which I would add some Holy water If I had on hand ) and lighting a blue candle, dressed with Peaceful home oil nearby.   Than it’s suggested that the Psalm 62^nd ( ? )*  is read daily over the plant, while observing how the plant “comes to life” . This is said best to be started on  Monday. [3]

And here are two formulas, mentioned in above  discussed spellwork, presented as I myself make them , for my own workings:

Water of Notre Dame

The title says it,  originally it was supposedly ,  to be water from cathedral of Notre Dame , which is located in Paris. However, in magickal workings   it’s white Rosewater, or simply fresh, spring water that had White Roses soaked in it. Other additions may include Orange Blossoms or Orange blossoms water or Hydrosol and optionally  Violet flowers hydrosol. So here is my composition

·         To boiling spring water add handful of White rose petals and let it boil for few minutes, then when  it cooled down ,  strain
·         Pour into Jar and add one  whole white Rose flower, and tablespoon of Holy water
·         Add some infusion of Orange flowers/blossoms , or few drops of essential oil of Neroli
·         OPTIONAL: You may add few drops of Rose essential oil or rose absolute. Note that anything other than pure  essential oil of Rose shall create greasy spots on water’s surface
·         Bless the water  If You like, with a  soothing  prayer or reading Psalms over , for example Psalm 62^nd

 Water of Notre Dame is used  in  cleaning rituals and ceremonies, to inspire and instill peace in dwellings, to repel negative spirits and attract  positive ones, and sometimes for uncrossing.

Peaceful home oil

·         White Rose petals or small white Rose flower **
·         Cumin seeds ***
·         Basil
·         Rosemary
·         Pennyroyal essential oil  or dried, crushed  herb
·         Sandalwood essential oil, or powder

If You like You may add some Lavender  too. Formula like this , other than insitiling harmony and peace in home, has some apotropaic qualities due to Basil, Rosemary, Pennyroyal and Sandalwood,  which may come particularly handy in cases when we suspect  crossing  type work, is reason behind  problems among family members .

Hope You find this useful,  love from Shadow :) Blessings !

NOTES: This  article was composed and written by myself therfore should You desire to use any part of it elswhere online, feel free but add credits : Shadow of Shadow's magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or a direct link to this pots
CREDITS AND REFERENCES:
*Psalm 62^nd is suggested here, most likely since it’s used to bless all sort of things in Hoodoo, although Psalm 61^st  is used for happy , harmonious home
**, *** White Rose and Cumin seed seem to be traditional ingredients of Peaceful home supplies , according to Ray T. Malbrough, furthermore they make for basic ingredients of such products according to this author. While certainly  beneficial to such formula , and in my humble opinion a good spiritual peace agent, most of modern formulas  seem to be based upon  Rosemary , Basil and Pennyroyal. Some people may add Sandalwood, Lavender, sometimes even Motherwort.
[1] as suggested on http://orthodoxwiki.org/Patron_saint
[2] according to http://www.luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html
[3] Paraphrased and adopted from “ Voodoo Hoodoospellbook”, 238^th  and 239^th page, Red wheel/ Weiser,  2011^th , by Miss Denise    Alvarado
IMAGES CREDITS:   White Rose image, is the same used in my previous blog article on this, but unfortunatelly I hav forgotten the credits , all credits to creator. The secon image is a botanical illustration of Cuminun cymunium from www.wikipedia.com and both are used here without any ill will , for illustrative, and explanatory purposes

Hoodoo Reversing spells and magick

PLEASE NOTE: I have had written on this before, but decided it's time to  edit and update my post, which have had grammar and style errors among other  , Hopefully this post should be more readable and clear. Many Blessings, and thanks for reading :)

Hoodoo reversing spells

An important “branch” of Hoodoo apotropaic magick are Reversing spells. They are used alone, or with other Uncrossing or Jinx removal methods to counter, and reverse crossings done on clients or ourseves, especially, when the crossing is strong, persistent and life/health threatening.  Also, most of old time style practitioners, shall suggest reversing supplies and spells, If  evil spirits had been sent to torment one, or have decided  on themselves, to oppress someone. 

Such spells tend to utilize many items , but some more frequently than others such as

*Reversible candles – red wax inside, black outside, reflecting hidden nature of our oppressor, and hence being very handy , If we don’t know  who our attacker exactly is. The double action candles are used as well, except it’s important that they be butted, and then burnt upside down with the enemy’s name written backwards on black part. I wrote on butting candle techniques earlier , in Candle magick post “Conjuring a light” . If the name of the enemy is  to be inscribed on such candle, it's most often done in "mirror fashion" that is written in reverse, the way it would appear reflectd in mirror

* Reversible or Reversing oil – A condition oil containing Rue herb , Eucalyptus essential oil or leaves  and other ingredients that Reverse spells used on someone, send them back , or strong cleansing and uncrossing agents as well

*Crabshell powder – as it’s recorder it’s use by African witchdoctors to remove and  reverse harmful magick from one -selves and others, by means of powdering the body. Also, Crabs are marine animals that “walk backwards”, so according to the doctrine of signatures , makes sense to be used to magickaly send something back, reverse.

*Charms, talismans – Such as Cimmaruta, or Mano Poderosa, symbols believed to deflect evil back to caster. Lapis lazouli stone is said to have same metaphysical properties, to deflect evil back, to it’s source.

*Mirrors – who’d eve r  say huh? Lol Due to their natural ability to deflect , light and create opposite image, they  are used in Magick and Hoodoo likewise to reverse evil spells and spirits

These type of spells are  quite often preformed repeatedly, for nine consecutive nights, if the crossing or jinx is long standing and old, persistent or very dangerous. Sometimes, like with the mirror box spell, this type of spells are preformed only once.

It’s vise to note that sometimes a very strong protection may act as reversal , but  in such case, will reverse only spells, cast after such protection was established. Often Saints are invoked to help in such work, or Angels, most commonly St. Michael The Archangel or St. Cyprian, when evil spirits are involved. 

Sometimes, when our enemy is unknown or very far away, or we have no clues regarding their residence, we are suggested using Glass encased, prefixed vigils , which are very strong, and should be burnt on mirror. But keep one thing in  mind : they have to be poured black on top, red bellow wax, or otherwise You can even hurt Yourself!!!  You can find plenty of suppliers , even by simple inline search which offer then poured like normal, non glass encased double action , red wax on black. Glass encased candles are fixed and can not be butted and burnt upside down, hence, once again, poured in such manner they are either good for crossing someone or harming Yourself. People sometimes  glue picture of enemy inversed where the black wax part of glass encased Reversing vigil is, and their own, in normal, upside position where the read wax is, but the two  must never touch each other !

Perhaps  the most drastical method of reversing Hoodoo magick spells is so called “Mirror box spell” which is essentially a crossing, and therefore , requires cleansing methods afterwards. It’s most often used when the enemy  is well known, and refuses to stop doing harm.

Reversing Hoodoo candle spell
Is a very popular Hoodoo method of Reversing work. For this we use Reversible candles ( Red wax inside black wax outside ) , Reversible oil and Crabshell powder.
Simply

1. Place Reversible/Reversing candle on mirror
2. Encircle it with Crabshell powder sprinkled in clockwise direction
3. Dress the candle ( I do it form middle to end ) with Reversing oil
4. Read Psalm 37th and add a personal Petition so that the spell will be reversed
Some people also read Psalm 55^th for Reversal, Revenge and Righteous Punishment

This is particularly useful in case of very strong spells or when evil spirits are sent to torment one.
Remaining materials are disposed of, away from Your property , If You know the name of person that is to blame for Your condition , bury the remaining items ( materials ) in their yard, to even further supercharge the spell. It is however fine If You are unable.

Charms for  reversing evil magick

• Hung nine Devil shoestrings on a thread with one Devil's bit root in the middle. Sprinkle all lightly either with Florida water , whiskey or dress with some Run De*il run , Reversing or protection oil. Hung above door or bed.
• Buy a new Round mirror with wooden frame. On the frame draw protection symbols ( such as runes or European Grimoire symbols and seals ). Dress it lightly with Van Van oil or Reversible oil. Set above the doors.
• Place Bad nut on Your doors , it shall act as door guardian and will reverse all evil coming Your way.

Reversing Incense:

 ·         Rue
 ·         Frankincense
 ·         Sage
 ·         OPTIONAL: Pinch of Cayenne

Bur in accompany to spells and rituals to reverse evil upon caster. In her book, Miss Catherine  Yronwode, a hoodoo authority, suggests mixing up Rue and Wood Betony for reversing incense, or Rue, Saltpetre and Cayenne as powerful reversing mixture[1]

Reversing jar spell

Into a jar ,  place Asafoetida, Black hen feather/s, Blackberry leaves, Vandal root, and some item associated with  attacker, such as hair, nailclipings or at least  name paper with their name written “in mirror fashion”, in reverse mode, that is.  Urinate into bottle while cursing the attacker, cap and seal with black candle wax.

Then place the black candle on top of the jar,  and read Psalm 55^th , and also Psam 37^th 14-15 lines:

“The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
¹⁵ But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken” NIV [2]

Let it burn all the way down, and then bury  the jar where Your attacker shall pass ( walk ) over   it. Any spell they might have put on You shall return to them.

Mirror box spell

Mirror box spell may very well be a Hoodoo variation of popular New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo coffin curse. It calls  for a carboard or wooden box inlayed with six mirrors, in which an image of the accursed is placed, usually lain over piled up Spanish moss and sprinkled with powders, such as Asafoetida powder, or Cayenne powder, dried Sage and Crabshell powder.  Then the box is “prayed over” with words that speak of inability  of aggressor to hurt anyone but themselves least they will stop with their wicked doings, and that the more they insist, the more they hurt themselves. Hoodooists warn  that the mirrors used for the inlay of the box must be new, and must not, by no means, “caught” practitioners image.

As said near the beginning  of this article this is somewhat as crossing method, and as such requires personal cleansing as suggested in Hoodoo , after such work.

A  very nice example of Hoodoo Mirror Box Spell  , is kindly shared on Lucky Mojo Website. On another place there is an example of Hoodoo Mirror box spell with a doll, instead of image candle used as effigy, and for ideas on how to properly consecrate Voodoo dolls for such and alike work, as well as information on New Orleans Coffin Curse I warmly suggest books by Miss Denise Alvarado.

Boiling the heart

A folk magick method, often employed in Hoodoo, most likely dateing back to Old Egypt, called for heart to be boiled in water, at the stove,  on Midnight, sticking pins in it,  as it boils. It’s said to be enough to do this so the witch will have pains, and spell upon one be reversed or broken, as noted by folklorist Harry Middletone Hyatt.

I’m thinking, maybe  one could do well, If we would just boil the name paper of the perpetrator ( or just write enemy ) in Four thieves vinegar to which we have added some Cayenne and possibly some Crabshell powder.  Of place those in jar, and place jar on the mirror.

And now, "a little bit of Langikappe", for comparission, an illustrative exaple of one of the spiritual methods popular in urban European witchraft , used   for reversing evil spells back on caster

European binding/reversing evil  to agressor spell

This  very powerful spell, traditional , modern European witchraft  spell/ritual, utilizes binding, as a method to  reverse evil back to caster. The concept is not that far fetched when one really thinks of it, for the person is symbolically binded to mirror , and a sympathetic hand ( domination, restraining ) and thus forced to face the consequences of reversing power of Your spell, should they keep on ( insist  ) on doing harm

One is instructed to place a photo of the one;s oppressor facing a mirror, and on the back of the photo an extened ( so it looks like hand ) black glove is placed. One is to place some Agrimony , Black Pepper or Cayenne and Sage, or a mixture of them, in the glove and then tie all those   together  chanting some soothing words of power, let's say something along these lines:

"All evil and misfortune You send to me,

Reversed back upon Yourself shall be

Untill You stop with it, and repent for what You have done,

Except Yourself, You will not harm anyone,

Face the mirror , power and  justice

every day untill You;ve  meet repentance

And by the power of the Three

As I wish so  mote it be!"


It would be ideal If we would never had the need for  such spells, but alas we do, hope the post was informative and helpful. Blessings , Shadow !

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, so If You desire to use  any part of it elswhere feel free, but add credits: Shadow of Shadows magic k place,  Shadow-333@hotmail.com , or at least a direct link to this post

CREDITS AND REFRENCES:

The literature consulted includes above mentioned book [1], “Voodoo Hoodoo spelbook” by Miss Denise Alvarado, site www.luckymojo.com  , H.M.Hyatt  work  Folklore in Adams county Illinois”

IMAGE CREDITS:  Taken or drawn by myself

Oh to be invisible :)

Throughout the history of fairy tales, and Greek myths and Norse legends, magickal devices meant to enable invisibility to the bearer of same, were indeed a frequent motives.

In Greek mythology , Hades allegedly had possessed the Cap of invisibility , and some versions of Perseus myth speak of him borrowing’ the hat of Athena to make oneself invisible, and so sneak up, unnoticed to Medusa. Similar helmet ( Tarnehelmet or Tarnkappe as called ) was used for such in Richard Vagner’s “Ring of the Nibelung” opera, "Der ring des Nibelungen" in original .

  Cloak of Invisibility was actually not invented by J.K Rowling , for it appears in folklore that is certainly older that Harry Potter franchise, sorry fans O.o
The cloak appears in “The Twelve dancing Princesses” ( originally ” The Worn out dancing shoes” ) a fairytale by Brothers Grimm , and in some Scottish folklore as well. This interesting fairytale can be read here

In the ever so popular trilogy, Lord of the rings, Frodo Baggins is the "bearer" of magickal ring that among other, enables bearer to render onself virtualy invisible. Simmilar ring , according to occult tradition ( and instructions of certain Hebrew alchemist ) had to be created from electrum, in specific date, and the n inscribed with Divine name/s and carried on indicated finger to attain real-deal invisibility.

In magick and occultism , attaining virtual or “practical” invisibility was ( thankfully ) a subject treated with respect and care, which resulted in abundance of magickal techniques fo r attaining the same . From potions to Higher magick spirit invocations, many such methods survived , and are still used today. Some can seem downright simple, as simple as carrying a plant or stone in proper manner, but are very effective , powerful nevertheless. For the key is in knowledge how to employ something, with intention, in proper magickal manner ;) Creole people have a nice saying regarding that : “nothin’ can be ‘da conjure, and anythin’ can be ‘da conjure’”

  But the question remains, being a subject of debate of occult scholars and those aspiring to such, werther or not, the actual invisibility ( the “real deal”, transparence etc ) is possible. I personally do not doubt it for a moment, to be possible. First off, many supernatural entities are very capable to being invisible. Whatmore, they spend most of their time being unseen. And I also believe that humans can become invisible, even by will. Such operation success though most often depends on difficult ceremonies and hard to attain, rare tools or charms. It has actually to do with devotion, for If You want to do wondrous things using magick, like with everyting else in life, You’ll either have to be insanely lucky, or You’ll need to pull up Your sleeves and do some hard work. Most modern spells and spiritual techniques offer practitioner what seems to be , a form of glamour, which makes one unnoticeable to others , and as long as attention is not ( intentionally ) drawn to oneself, one is simply not perceived by other human beings, despite being physically there, having a shadow and mirror reflection. To me it’s more than acceptable, for If You are to go about it wisely , the only person noticing that You are not actually transparent shall be You , yourself. The result will be same nevertheless. If You however want to scare people by making them see floating cigarette You hold in hand, You’ll have to try very hard, indeed, show determination, devotion and lots of effort . Sometimes even sacrifice something. But enough with that, let’s move on practical part ;)
 
Magickal invisibility timing

Saturday and Monday , and hours of Saturn and Moon may be most beneficial for such work. But the holiday which was always tightly correlated to invisibility is Midsummer, Summer Solstice or the Feast of St. John’s birth ( 24th of June ) , when Fern seeds are traditionally gathered for various magickal uses. Chicory root is also plucked , in a specific manner on this day to attain invisibility. Solomonic traditions associate Capricorn time with Invisibility. Traditionally for such “magckal operations”, certain parts of the day, namely twilight and midnight ( sometimes also dawning ), are most favorable.

Simple charms with herbs and stonesn for invisibility

  Let’s go through few illustrative examples of simple, yet powerful charms that enable one wide range of effect, from simple less noticeable appearance, or less attention drawing to virtual invisibility, as folklore suggests : • According to Albertus Magnus , carrying and Opal wrapped in Bay Laurel leafs should provide invisibility or at least unsociability to the bearer of the charm • Similarly, Heliotrope stone, carried wrapped in Heliotrope leaves or dressed with Heliotrope oil should so the same [1]

• Wreath of Amaranth flowers worn as Crown, particularly when collected in certain times of power and enchanted properly is amazingly powerful invisibility tool that can make one virtually unnoticeable
• Seeds of Ferns, carefully gathered around Midnight on Night of St. John, then carried in pouch bag or sprinkled in Your path are said to confer invisibility to the user 
• Similarly Hellebore ( Christmas rose ) collected and dried with intention ( flowers and leafs ) sprinkled before one, as one walks, shall enable one to go around completely unnoticed as long as one does not draw attention

Invisibility potion

Several books[2] on magick, particularly those dealing with magickal herbalism , speak of potion made of poppy seeds soaked in red wine for 15 days. Such potion is later ingested, to become invisible by will. None of the sources is clear though on whether or not the potion’s effect is reversible, and how it’s actually used/ingested ( ??? ) . Judika Illes in one of her works suggests drinking it for five consecutive nights. Other sources I’ve consulted, however, make no reference of such ( “application method” ) or perhaps the preferable time for making such potion. Since such potion is to essentially “reduce” someone’s visibility, I suggest soaking the seeds in vine during the descent (waning) of the Moon.

The notorious black cat bone

Although the usage, and folkloric methods of attaining the miracleous black cat’s bone, had been popularized and dealt with in terms of Hoodoo and Conjure, I can assure You it might not be indigenous to such ( African-American folklore aimed here, not Hoodoo as a system of magick ). Such bone, was among other uses , employed to become invisible, by placing it in the mouth. It would create actual invisibilit y , then mirror reflection/image disappears, and one can not be seen even if addressing to others of touching them. For I have been taught methods described in folkloric accounts on Hoodoo, long time before I ever heard or read the very word Hoodoo, or even Voodoo. Growing up in Eastern Europe, I was told of ( heck I had been taught ) methods of attaining the black cat’s special bone, which when placed in one’s mouth shall turn one invisible. As a little child, I have had listened of such methods, from cunning old folk, willing to satisfy ever pending curiosity of kid, interested deeply in spiritual and intangible. It’s also present in various European grimoires, so that could be how it “entered” Hoodoo. The same methods applied. The poor animals were supposed to be cooked alive, sometimes with some seeds or tree branches, at midnight , on crossroads , and until the meat would fall of the bones, and that special bone would appear floating, or would be recognized according to instructions ( specific morphologic/ anatomic location, near the scapula, or bone that’s colored differently often black, or by placing each bone one by one in mouth, for testing etc). Hoodoo methods recorded by folklorists such as Zora Neale Hurston or H.M.Hyatt , if differ, differ insignificantly and may simply be local, or even individual ( subjective, informant’s ) variation . Now I have never cooked a living cat, nor , as I believe, would I ever do it, but I decided to discuss the method in this post here, for it’s folkloric and educational value. And If You’d like to read more on it , I warmly suggest following webpage: http://www.luckymojo.com/blackcat.html

Higher magick methods

Many “politically correct” Neo Age practitioners, may describe attaining invisibility via magickal mean, as earthbound , profane, downright practical and shallow. If we look on it from such perspective, invisibility has really no place in Higher magick ( Ceremonial magick, Solomonic magick etc ) which ever deals with invocations, evocations and honors elevated aims and spiritually uplifting aspirations. Well , the higher magick offers some of the most elaborate and effective methods for attaining invisibility, and as one author stated “favored by royal spies…” [3]
among which are some of the “forefathers” of modern Ceremonial magick. Anyhow, here is the example from “Clavicula Solomonis” often used to illustrate image magick as well:

  “Make a small image of yellow wax, in the form of a man, in the month January and in the day and hour of Saturn, and at that time write with a needle above the crown of its head and upon its skull which thou shalt have adroitly raised, the character following. ( see Figure5. ) After which thou shalt replace the skull in proper position. Thou shalt then write upon a small strip of the skin of a frog or toad which thou shalt have killed, the following words and characters. (See Figure 6.) Thou shalt then go and suspend the said figure by one of thy hairs from the vault of a cavern at the hour of midnight, and perfuming it with the proper incense thou shalt say:

-- METATRON, MELEKH, BEROTH, NOTH, VENIBBETH, MACH, and all ye, I conjure thee, O Figure of wax, by the Living God, that by the virtue of these Characters and words, thou render me invisible, wherever I may bear thee with me. Amen. And after having censed it anew, thou shalt bury it in the same place in a small deal box, and every time that thou wishest to pass or enter into any place without being seen, thou shalt say these words, bearing the aforesaid figure in thy left pocket: -- Come unto me and never quit me whithersoever I shall go. Afterwards thou shalt take it carefully back unto the before-mentioned place and cover it with earth until thou shalt need it again.” [4]
imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"> Another,

Higher magick spell, or rather ritual/ceremony, promises no glamour, real invisibility, however requires dead man’s head, and 9 days of devoted watering the same, among others. In the mouth of the head, bean seeds ( beans ) are stored during the whole ceremony, and are upon accomplishment of the same, placed inpractitioner’s mouths to render them invisible ( yuck ! ) We can notice the curious method of deployment of invisibility charm-item once again ( like in the case of black cat bone ) it’s placed in the mouth

“To Make oneself Invisible. Collect seven black beans. Start the rite on a Wednesday, before sunrise. Then take the head of a dead man, and put one of the black beans in his mouth, two in his eyes and two in his ears. Then make upon his head the character of Morail. When you have done this, bury the head, with the face upwards, and for nine days, before sunrise, water it each morning with excellent brandy. On the eighth day you will find the spirit mentioned, who will say to you:
"What wilt thou?"
You will reply: "I am watering my plant."
Then the spirit will say: "Give me the bottle, I desire to water it myself."
In answer, refuse him this, even though he will ask you again. Then he will reach out with his hand, and will display to you that same figure which you have drawn upon the head. Now you can be sure that it is the right spirit, the spirit of the head. There is a danger that another one might try to trick you, which would have evil consequences—and in that case your operation would not succeed. Then you may give him the bottle, and he will water the head and leave. On the next day-- which is the ninth--when you return, you will find the beans that are germinating. Take them and put them in your mouth, and look at yourself in the mirror. If you can see nothing, it is well. Test the others in the same way, either in your own mouth, or in that of a child. Those which do not confer invisibility are to be reburied with the head.” [5]
Goodl luck If You try becoming invisible Many Blessings , Shadow

NOTES: This article was composed and written by myself, and therfore, should You wish to use it elswhere online, add credits, Shadow of Shadow's magick place, shadow-333@hotmail.com  or a direct link to this post
CREDI TS AND REFRENCES:
[1] According to Judika Illes
[2] Namely : “Magick potion” Gerina Dunwich , “Encyclopedia of magickal herbs” Cunningham Scott
[3] Aaron Leitch made such reffrence in his "Secrets of grimoire s"
[4] Quoted from: http://www.sacred-texts.com/grim/kos/kos15.htm  , for discussion and explanatory purposes , with no ill will  
[5] Source “Grimoirum Verum” , quoted here for explanatory, discussion and informative purposes, without ill will
IMAGE CREDITS: The first image is from www.artinfo.com and is used here for illustrative purposes without any ill will, and depicts an musician Goty e, in a still from his video "Gotye feat Kimba" Somebody that i used to know"

The symbols are from Clavicula solomonis, found on Sacred tetxs website, as given above, in credits, and is used here in explanator y manner, without any bad intentions

Magick for overwhelming times, guidance and mind empowerment

Many people, and spiritual workers and magickal practitioners in particular will face times that are challenging, stressful and confusing. In such times, we need guidance and mental empowerment , wisdom and discernment. We need those things, just as much as our bodies need air or daily bread. And often schooled councilors are simply not equipped to deal with specific problems ailing us, particularly those that dwell in spiritual as much as in physical.

  Some are even more prone to be taunted by our own mental flaws, and not just lack of wisdom , but such inhibiting feelings as fear, or sensations of instability and insecurity. Lunar kind, such as Cancers are particularly of feeble , and unstable mental nature, tormented by strong perceptiveness, and lunatic nature. Of course, such nature is not limited for Cancers only, nor it has to be permanent or even constant.

  Sometimes, life simply gets overwhelming, more so when people face major “rites of passage” in their lives, when facing difficult choices, clouded by bivalence or ambivalence, or simply get tired of fighting. In such cases person starts felling fear , and eventually gives in to inhibitive and down-putting feelings, which may result in depression or even desperation. In such cases we seek guidance, wisdom and mental empowerment from our Higher source and Spirits of all kind. New Agers suggest connecting to one’s “Higher self”. I am personally very dubious of such techniques , for to me, higher self is “superego”, which is by no means, completely infallible, aspect of personality . New Agers idealize and present epically and fantastically concept of one’s personal Higher self , making it seem all knowing and powerful. Such homocentric theories , are by definition bias and exaggerated .

Sometimes we can refer to wiser , or more experience human, those that are usually represented by “The Hermit” tarot card, seen in archetypical mythical/historical figures such as Lord Christ while on Earth in his physical form , Plato, Merlin etc. However , it is often more practical to address spiritual force. Be them Ancestral spirits, deities, Celestial Spirits or G’d itself. In this post I will present some examples of such spiritual methods . Now before I proceed on these particular method, I’d probably be better to note that, many spells fall under this “cathegory” wisdom , prophetic and vision spells, etc. hence the particular methods discussed here might be a variation, or combination of such.

Guidance magick correspondences

Angels, Aerial spirits and entities, Mercurial Spirits are called upon for insight, guidcance and wisdom. Colors associated witch such spells are Purple, Yellow/Gold and Blue. Also some Solar and Jupiterian aspects may come handy indeed. Symbols may include all sort of different universal archetypes such as Allseeing eye and Eye of Horus, that represent ability of insight and clarity through confusion, owl representing knowledge and wisdom. Elven star for Spiritual guidance and spiritual knowledge, certain bindrunes and runic charms, Mercury pentacles, Jupiter, Solar pentacles and so on. Best days for such operations are Wedensday and Sunday , and of course Monday If we are to seek answers through dreams.

Words of Power

Can be any You find inspirational, empowering and , of course, agreeable with You. Being a Hoodoo practitioner and student, and Christian by religion, it is only natural that I like prayers and Psalms for such, however that does not mean I never use rhyming incantations, or other form of words of power. Furthermore, in one of the spells I’ve written while composing this article I used rhyming charm. Pagans may invoke aid of, or petition Minerva, Hekate, or Thoth etc, with proprietary pagan prayers and invocations. I like to use 23rd Psalm for Guidance, as well as some others ( for example : ) as well as heart-kindred prayers. Some of the following seem brilliant for such work:

Prayer for Guidance

Lord, guide us in your gentle mercy, for left to ourselves we cannot do your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

That could be followed by this one, for example

Prayer For God's Inspiration

Father, may everything we do begin with your inspiration, and continue with your saving help. Let our work always find its origin in you, and through you reach completion. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN [1]

For example one could light three White candles in front of Image of Holy Trinity or Crucifix, and Place a vessel with some Holy or Consecrated spring water between them, then read the prayers given above, followed by a heart-full petition/ prayer or our own . You can then sprinkle tad bit of water on Your head and use some to trace a symbol of Cross on Your forehead d . Various Saints can be called upon when having mental troubles, battling confusion and in need of guidance. Some examples being Virgin Mary, Saint Dymphna, particulary when we are stressed or on the border of nervous breakdown, or St Cyprian for guidance , particularly regarding occult mastery, and to fight off occult attacks on our mind. People having difficulties with their studies pray for Inspiration to Holy Spirit, students of Law petition Abraham , and students of Medical sciences petition folk Saint St Jose Gregorio Hernandez. Orthodox Christian students would often pray to [2] Three Hierarchs, or St Justin the Philosopher for help ( among other, depending on the part of the world there are regional differences) , when their studies become hard and overwhelming. Medicine students of Christian Orthodox faith pray to St. Cosmas and Damian , as well as to St Panteleimon. When Orthodox Christian are facing a difficult situation there is a host of Saint’s they can adrees to, among others St Cosmas and Damian , St David the Prophet, Holy Archangel Raphael and other. For spiritual help , consolation, and compunction Orthodox Christian shall pray to Alexios , Man od God, or St Seraphim or Sarov among other On St Cosmas and Damian and suggested methods of petitioning them I have written before , here

Symbols

Not an excessive list, but few suggestion of symbols used in guidance, clarity, wisdom type sprirtual wor k may include: All-seeing eye, Key, Elven Star, Mercury Pentacles, Fourth Pentacle of Jupiter, Awen druid symbol, Vegvisir , Hugrunes


Crystals and Gemstones for guidance

Other than handful of traditionally used mind empowering and guidance stone, the rest draw from modern inspiration of crystal users. The so called “New age” stones very popular nowadays, are supposed to elevate mind spiritually and connect user to Angelic or other ( Higher Intelligence ) beings and therefore enable their guidance. Stones that were traditionally used for guidance, are supposed to empower the mind of user, direct it and provide clarity. Sometimes the very crystal “being “ is advisor by nature such as Onyx. Here are a few suggestions:
• Fluorite – provides wisdom and mental clarity, helps cognitive process by spiritual insight, where and how much needed , balances and empowers mind
• Blue Tourmaline – Said to give answers, and show directions, particularly when using natural wands – according  to Judy Hall
• Onyx – a great comforter and advisor in times of need, teaches us how to raise when fall and make things better and triumph over failure, becoming victorious. Fights disorders caused by misbalance of serotonin, such as depressive disorders. Hold in palm to receive advices, or place in mouth for few minutes to remove melancholic feelings ( placing Onyx In mouth was suggested by Hildegard fon Biggen ) , though after such use I’d advise good cleansing. Can be used to repel mind crossings.
  • Amethyst – Sobers and strengthen the mind providing spiritual insight, guiding and intuition and peaceful sleep, which is so often lacking in cases of mental troubles, distress etc. Also it is a brilliant stone for ( in such cases ) so needed Aura cleansing
• Prehnite – Inspires spiritual wisdom and contact with Celestial beings
• Selenite – calms, sharpens and focuses min d, helping and promoting spiritual contact\s
• Seraphinite – helps people find their Higher purposes, get in touch with their “Higher self”, greatly broadens spiritual awareness
• Lapis Lazouli – deflects negative energy directed towards one’s mind, empowers mind, provides wisdom and strengthens spiritual gifts, acts as “blockbuster” stone
• Sodalite – opens spiritual perceptions, opens and strengthens the Third eye
• Orange Calcite – heals mental disorders , removes fear and depression, balances emotions, removes obstacles standing in Your way to achieve Your best potential Galena is said to “Brings strength, courage and ability to face difficult times” and “Helps one to recover personal power” according to Crystals cure website [3] .
Blue Opal helps overcoming self imposed “hazardous” or “limiting” programs and strengthens personal courage. Petrified wood is so very powerful in removing obstacles and helping us reaching goals that we are having troubles with, and smoothing our path, and removing obstacles that may linger on it. Those are just few of my own suggestions based on cross-referencing Judy Hall’s and other gemology authorities writings and personal experience. Other stones You may want to learn more of and use, are Angel Aura Quartz, Angelite , Moldavite, Petalite, Staurolite, Merlinite, Danburite, Blue lace Agate, Herkimer Diamond, Larimar, Mangano Calcite Without further ado, let’s proceed to formulas I’ve written and/or collected for this occasion :)

Conquering mind oil

I composed this formula aiming for conquering confusion, mental problems, and mind crossings, while providing mental strength, excellence, guidance and spiritual insight. Could also be somewhat a good general “Wisdom” type of condition oil, as well as a form of mild domination oil, to overcome or dominate someone mentally. Combine

• Solomon seal’s root
•Master root
• Bay Laurel leaf
• Sage
•Mint
• High John TC root
• Flax seed

Use essential oils or dried botanicals with exception of Solomon s seal root, Master root and High John TC root. All in base oil, preferably Olive oil, or mixture of Olive and Flax oil. Add a Vit. E capsule or tincture of Benzoin.

  Give me a sign spell

This spell should provide guidance in form of signs, and omens, be it in dreams, visions or real word around You. Set an altar with images of Guiding Spirits ( I use Angels ), some fresh Mint branches, Altaea roots, a glass of water and a white, haint blue or purple candle ( I like to use so called Angelic influence candles ), and a piece of virgin paper or parchment, a fireproof dish or censer, and a Blue tourmaline or fasceted quartz crystal. If You have some soothing oil on hand, dress the candle though, that is optional. You can inscribe the candle with Elven star.

   Place the fireproof dish between candle, glass of water and Mint and Althaea roots, placing them so they form a Triangle around the Censer/dish . On the paper, write Your question as concise and clear as possible ! Light the candle, then set the paper parchment on fire , and holding the crystal in one, and paper/parchment in other hand and as it burns say:

I beseech signs from above,
I seek solution
So into through these flames
I send my petition
Guiding spirits, hear my plea
Send signs and omens now to me
End my confusion , bring tranquility
Bless me with Wisdom and with Clarity.

  Save the ashes, and then release them in the wind outside. Carry the crystal with You, and be perceptive.

Divine inspiration charm

In a purple fabric or pouch ( mojo ) bag combine

• Pentacle of Jupiter
• Onyx stone of Blue Tourmaline, Purple Fluorite, Prehnite or Seraphinite shall do as well
• Piece of Solomon’s seal root
• Some Sage
• All seeing eye charm or small Crucifix
  • Mint leaves
• Flax seeds or Anise seeds

  On the outer surface of the charm, one may attach a small (skeleton ) key charm

Stray not direction spell

Draw a “Vegvisir” rune on a piece of parchment paper. Place a Blue tourmaline wand/stick on it, and swirl it asking for directions of something, or someone. The wand’s point shall indicate the, right direction. I suggest wrapping the Crystal in parchment and when put away, or carried alongside on trips to prevent getting’ loss.

To See in a Vision Anything from the Past or Future The following dream incubation/prophercy spell comes from classical grimoire, and can, with tad bit of imagination be finely used for guidance through dreams: "The two N N which you see in the second small circle mark the place where you put your name [see To Make a Girl Come to You . . .].
To know what you will, write the names in the circle on virgin parchment, before sleeping, and put it under your right ear on retiring, saying the following orison: Orison O Glorious Name of Great God the ever-living, to whom all things are present, I am Thy servant N. . . . Father Eternal, I beg You to send me Thy Holy Angels, who are written in the Circle and that they shall show me what I want to know, by Jesus Christ our Lord. So be it Having completed the orison, lie down on your right side, and you will see in a dream that which you desire to know. " [4]

The symbol mentioned in spell ( To make  a girl  come to you )  can be found in one of my previous posts on love conjurations

NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, therefore, should You wish to use any part of it elswhere online, add credits: Shadow of Shadows magick place or Shadow-333@hotmail.com  or a direct link to this pots.
CREDITS AND REFRENCES:
[1] http://cathedralofsaintmatthew.net/LifeResources/Prayers/PrayersForGuidanceAndWisdom.htm
[2] as suggested here http://orthodoxwiki.org/Patron_saint
[3] http://crystal-cure.com/galena.html
[4] quoted from “Grimoirum Verrum”, for explanatory purposes, without any ill will
IMAGE CREDITS: The Image showing "Guardian Angel guiding kids" is from and old German postcard. The Vegvisir image is from www.wikipedia.com, page on Vegvisir

Pacts with demons and Contract with Adversary

Pacts with spirits are common thing in magick and occultism that can really be seen from various perspectives. Sometimes among deities themselves, according to myths, like in Egypt, where goddess Mut was a subject of complot of her “fellows” who thought how  she has become too powerful at certain point. Taking sides in common confrontations of deities in Greek or Roman polytheistic pantheons was almost what we might call “every day “ common thing. The pact does not always necessarily carry malevolent connotation, although that’s very possible indeed. Not all “pacts with Dev*l” are misnamed agreements with Crossroad spirits, Trickster spirits or Chthonic creatures. There are people , be them practitioners or not that consciously and willingly step in such pact.

Even the culture is influenced by such motifs. Italy counts more than ten ( possibly more ) bridges called “Ponto del Diavolo”, and plenty more appear in Europe ( France , Germany, there is one in Welsh If I am not wrong ) many of which are, according to legend(s), created as a result of the pact with the De*il, or possibly some spirit perceived  at given point as such.

Many works of art, music in particular are said to have came to be with the help of certain spirits. A prominent, well know example in African American culture, particularly among blues musicians and in the  Conjure community is the case of Sir Robert Johnson , who publicly claimed how De*il taught him how to play guitar on crossroads. It has ever since become one or many examples of Crossroads lore and meeting, and teachings  about Black man of the Crossroads  , in Hoodoo and Conjure community. They do however say , how this ( legend ) is actually related to contemporary fellow of Robert Johnson, called Tommy Johnson[1]

Then, there is a popular , and If I may add , notorious classic work , The Violin Sonata in G minor, more famously known as the Devil's Trill Sonata , by Giuseppe Tartini ( 1692 – 1770 ) , technically extremely challenging, said to be a result of pact, or at least teaching of De*il , as actual Christian figure. Though why could have  the malevolent spirit acted as teacher to Tartini here,  is still a mystery . Here is how Tartini himself described the experience in Lalande's Voyage d'un François en Italie (1765 - 66):

"One night, in the year 1713 I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy. I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and - I awoke. I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the "Devil's Trill", but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me." [2]

Whether or not he had actually sold his soul, we may never know.
An American minister and folklorist H.M. Hyatt , in his anthropological account “Hoodoo, rootwork , Conjuartion , Witchcraft’ noted  down some narrative  methods of contacting and getting help from the Crossroad De*il, or Black Man of the Crossroads, a manifestation of Crossroad spirit , as seen in Conjure community. Due to Christianization, people started calling this spirit De*il , and ritual and magickal practices associated with it “selling the soul”. It is worth mentioning here that those terms do not have literal meaning, nor do they share Christian perspective of them among the Hoodoo and African-American Conjure people. Also unlike in Christian Medieval ( and contemporary , why not ) thought , this spirit, if paid , is paid most often in silver coin “per lesson” or with graveyard dirt ritually collected in his honor. This is why such rituals mostly start in graveyard and end up on Crossroads. While some anthropologists try to associate this spirit with the Teutonic Der Tefuel , it is much more likely that Crossroad spirit is simply some of the Lwa that reside on Crossroad , acting like road openers or trickster spirits ( Papa Legba, orCarrefour even ) Crossroads spirits often teach various mental skills or manual dexterities, like playing guitar or benjo as mentioned above in text, or like in following excerpt from Hoodoo – Conjuration – Witchcraft – Rootwork” as kindly shared on Lucky Mojo website:

349. If you want to know how to play a banjo or a guitar or do magic tricks, you have to sell yourself to the de*il. You have to go to the cemetery nine mornings and get some of the dirt and bring it back with you and put it in a little bottle, then go to some fork of the road and each morning sit there and try to play that guitar. Don't care what you see come there, don't get 'fraid and run away. Just stay there for nine mornings and on the ninth morning there will come some rider riding at lightning speed in the form of the de*il. You stay there then still playing your guitar and when he has passed you can play any tune you want to play or do any magic trick you want to do because you have sold yourself to the de*il. [3]

In Italy, especially in places like Venice and notorious Benevento, it is common belief that certain witches freely and willingly sell their souls to Christian De*il, despite the fact they are not Christians themselves , in exchange for great occult powers. Sometimes, according to the folk, soul is not the price, rather service and partnership are.

In Balkan Peninsula folk magick, pact with all sort of natural and chthonic spirits are so very common, that I could not possibly elaborate even just the common ones here. Hopefully , I might on some other occasion  , dedicate a longer, more elaborate and comprehensive blog post to it. I shall howeve r, mention few examples here. In Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, parts of Croatia and Romania, it is common to make pact with a chthonic spirit called “Tartor” which is described as “water De*il” , though called so most likely due to Christianization, much like it’s case with Black man of the Crossroad in Hoodoo. To make a pact with it, witch must enter cold water naked, with untied, loose hair and pledge to loyalty and service. Sometimes , this is not enough , for Tartor may ask for Young pretty girl, which the witch or Cunning women shall provide. The girl enters river naked, with loose hair as well, and is often forced to intercourse with the mentioned spirit. Pact with this spirit is also the answer to a deadly condition, when he fascinates Young men that accidentally fall asleep near river in bad hours of night, or near the watermills , a cultic place in Balkan traditional and folk witchery. In such case cunning men ( or women lol ) shall take the young men to make a pact with the spirit, and so to be saved from drowning, in which would the condition otherwise result. Similar is the pact with Smeu, a parasitic dragon –man creature of Balkan folklore, with whom girls or boys ( for he, dragon Smeu is androgynous and can take on gender which he feels like ) can create a pact, where he does them favors and get sexual service in return. Unlike Tartor, despite his harsh nature that leaps more on malevolent side, Smeu ( also called Zmei, Zmeu etc ) is not seen as De*il nor identified with it.

My friend Artemisia, has recently shared with me some brilliant information on Fae lore in Bulgaria, among other including examples on how are pacts made with Fae there. In Eastern Europe folklore, pacts can be made with fae Folk , and are usually less threatening and dangerous in nature than pacts with chthonic or demonnic spirits. Typical examples would be pacts with “Diva Samodiva” as known in Bulgaria ( known as “Vila” in Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro and some regions of Croatia ) which is made in more ways than one. They can “brother” ( verb, become brothers with ) Young man who would show themselves as worthy by respecting Nature and protecting it, respecting forests , meadows, plants animals and fighting for them. A less humane way would be stealing their veil while they bathe and returning it only for a favor, or for marriage as Young man of Balkan would do, for these Fae are extremely beauty and have enchanting, dazzling eyes that can mesmerize any man [4] .

In Eastern Europe, folk songs, and tales speak of sacrifice bound pact with River Fae and Water De*il’s , where an animal or even kid in some cases would be offered as part of pact, and in return the mentioned spirit would not torment people and village. Today it’s more often to offer green branches, bread, rice, or wheat as tribute to all sort of River entities, while either evoking them or simply appeasing. It’s still perceived as form of pact, often done repeatedly over some time.
Now I will be mentioning later in text how did the Balkan folk perceive pacts with actual de*il and what was needed for such.

Contract with the Wicked one in occult and Medieval Christian tradition, and on Dr Faust


According to occult teachings, one could acquire a contract with the fiend, via means of Higher magick work, such as Invocation and Evocation of spirits. Christian theology agrees on such , although perceiving what’s called as Higher magick as demon worship, sometimes.
In her "Encyclopedia of Witchcraft", on 194th page, Rosemary Ellen Guiley provides all alleged terms those that wanted pact had to fulfill, among other, denying protection of Christian G’d and Virgin Mary, mocking of baptism, foreswearing of old name , getting new godfathers renouncing the old ones etc. [5]
In Eastern Europe, particularly in Balkans, according to folk tradition there are various methods of entering a pact with demon or making a contract, all sharing some common traits, among other not bathing for a specific amount of time, not praying and not cutting hand nails for 40 days , sometimes less. After that the person was to visit chtonic places, such as Crossroads, Watermills , or under large dead tree trunks. Then it’s suggested that the person in question invokes demon with personal invocation that usually included renouncing of all good and pledging to service evil. In exchange, most often great occult powers were received.
The practitioner, willing to sell their soul for favors, power, money or whatever, would often used the demonic signatures, or sigils, to contact the demon or the Wicked one itself, and the rest would go as any bargain. Sometimes these items ( sigils ) needed for contact or acquiring more occult power were given to practitioner by spirits themselves, or shall I say demons, some of which were obtained from classical grimoires such as Goetia, “The Lesser key of Solomon” or “The Great book of St.Cyprian”.
The person in subject, that wanted a pact, had to renounce Christian G’d , or If they have not been Christian, pledge to loyalty to the fiend. Contracts would then be made, in actual physical form, one taken by the Wicked spirit and one reserved by practitioner.

Typical examples of such deals would be that of Louis Gaufridi ( 17th centry Priest ) and the Wicked spirit himself. Louise was allegedly given power to fascinate, bewitch , enchant and seduce by blow of mouths.[6] The “Malleus Malleficarum” text speaks of such pacts with the fiend, particulary among witches to procure spending occult powers and abilities, which they accordingly used to wreak havoc and cause misfortune, as suggested in mentioned work. Such people were also said to have been branded by means of senseless spot on their skin, which could not be affected by pain or physical injuring, This was taken as “diagnostic criteria” indicative or witches that consorted with demons, most commonly Wicked one in person.
However other demons have been keen on such pacts as well, even lesser one. Peter Stubbs or Stumpp ( also spelt Stubbe ) admitted being given magickal belt, that enabled him to become man slaughtering and devouring beast, by will, by an incubus demon.

Sometimes Dev*l shall send other demons to close the bargain in his name . Like in the famous legend about Dr Faust, who feeling unfulfilled with the knowledge he had, offers himself to the De*il. The Wicked spirits sends an emissary instead, called Mephistopheles who nevertheless closed the pact with Dr Faust, that was to end in De*il himself obtaining the poor man’s sould nevertheless. Many believe that, at least the protagonist of the legend ( and latter of the Goethe’s novel ) was an actual, once alive person. However the identity of true Dr Faust remains vague, although speculations and theories of it exist. It’s widely believed that the figure was actually Dr. Johann Georg Faust , that lived at the end of fifteenth, till first half of sixteenth century, and was known as magician and alchemist with an degree in divinity from Helidelber g university. Other common belief is that ( one of the many possible sources of the legend ) it was Johann Fust, Johann Guttenberg’s business partner. Be it as it had been, the legend is alive even nowadays nevertheless, spreading it’s influence and warning even to pop culture, and is present in jargon speech and phrases, “Faustian deal” being one suc h example, denoting a bad barging/deal, where the price heavily surpasses gain, and therefore is no t really worth of same.

Breaking the pacts


A pact with the spirit can be broken in numerous ways. Now, it’s worth nothing here the semantics I use ( and have used throughout this article ) ; I see pact with spirit as possible deal with any non human entity, whreas the “contract” is what is used in phrase Contract with the demon or Dev*il, entities present only in Judeo- Christian religions, which does not imply people of other religions , or magicko-religious traditions or systems of all kind, could not make contract with De*il, for if they wanted to, they might be able.
So, the pact with the spirit can be “dissolved” according to Higher magick teachings, and while there are few universal methods, each is adjusted to specific spirits with whom the pact is to be broken. It refers to correspondences , for breaking a pact with Moon spirit, You’ll among other need silver or white robe, altar cloth, candles , Moon correspondent incense etc. Many pacts with spirits are made so they can be broken at any point, although sometimes people are warned that the spirit would retaliate, which I consider to be utterly rare, If possible, especially in mentioned case. Many occultists accept three methods of interaction with the spirit :

• Devotion – long tome practice associated with spirit, including some kind of worship, or offerings or appease
• Ceremony – Basic invocation or evocation techniques, use to make spirits do our biddings or cause what some see as voluntary possession others as channeling or being driven etc
• Drama – combination of aforementioned and creation of thoughtforms or rather so called god-forms to act as some sort of channel of the deity [7]

Each of mentioned can be seen as pact. But a pact which is informal in nature, and as such can be dismissed at any point. The key with “dissolving” even more formal pacts with spirits ( as aforementioned ) is in respectful treatment, appeasing the spirits and thanking them, but clearly showing You are to break the pact from whichever the reason You might have. Like in the example with the Moon spirit I mentioned. For a more standard procedure example I encourage You to look into this , brilliant, post:

http://aaronleitch.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/breaking-pacts/

What about contracts , as contracts with Demon’s or Dev*l , which are very formal in nature indeed, according to many, all with physical contract existing.
Well , truth be told weather it is always possible, remains a subject of fiery debates   among occultists. In   Christianity there is a method of undoing such pact, and it involves a form of exorcism, which according to written Middle-age testimonies would result also in retrieval of physical contracts,
Even though that was of secondary value, really.
For an example of such, traditional exorcism, used for breaking pacts, I shall once again refer You to :
http://aaronleitch.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/breaking-pacts/

Where Sir Leitch has provided example of such ritual as well , for one’s convenience and for it’s educational value

An Christian Saint and Mystic St Alfonso Maria De Liguori following steps are undertake to break a pact with a demon :

• Renounce and abjure any contract with Satan.
• Destroy all writings, talismans, charms, etc., connected with the black art.
• Burn the written contract, or declare you regret and reject it.
• Make restitution for any harm done, insofar as is possible.


[8]

Sometimes before or after this one could take Hyssop baths , reading 51st Psalm , perhaps for 13 consecutive days , and confess sins. I think that the maxima “prevention is the best cure” applies very good here though

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NOTES: This article was written and composed by myself, therfore,d If You wish to use any part of it elswhere give credits ; Shadow of Shadows magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com, or a direct link to this post
CREDITS AND REFFRENCES:
[1] according to Lucky mojo, website Crossroads entry, for link see under [3] bellow
[2] from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil
[3] quotation is from http://www.luckymojo.com/crossroads.html
[4] Written contribution by Miss Artemisia , a dear friend and knowledgeable magick practitioner
[5] According to Rosemary Ellen Guiely book : http://books.google.me/books?id=NHosWhaeWDQC&pg=PA194&lpg=PA194&dq=louis+gaufridi+pact&source=bl&ots=Jj9-PIAhPg&sig=NUHI7duCRly3aeJm29T-FJYRuws&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9tQRT9qFC6XP4QTp5ZjCAw&sqi=2&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=louis%20gaufridi%20pact&f=false
[6] According to same source as listed under [5]
[7] according to Gerald J Schuler as noted in his work “ An advanced guide to Enochian magick”
[8] http://witches.monstrous.com/the_pact/page-3.html
IMAGE CREDITS: The original image showing only hands engaged in handshake, was from Flickr.com, and was then largely edited by myself