Llewellyn Publications's Blog, page 37

A Modern Spellcaster’s Justice

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The Modern Spellcaster Tarot is a fabulous deck in its own right and is particularly useful for magic users, especially those who favor associating Wands with Air and Swords with Fire. That said, the elemental associations are most visually apparent in the Aces, so anyone who favors the RWS images and associations will be able to easily use this deck.

I really love the Justice card in this deck. It feels alive and engaged, not remote and reserved. This Justice cares about her job and seems to realize the effect her decisions will have on human lives and on the larger world. Melanie Marquis, the author, says this:

Just as the Wheel of Fortune keeps turning, so too dos the wheel of karma keeps spinning and the hand of Justice keep falling. Symbol of human law and karmic order, Justice settle the hash of those that Nature has failed to out through her ordinary whims of fate. Like any living organism, the world strives to achieve stasis, a balance state of being. When things fall out of balance, Justice swoops in to make it fair and make it right. We expect life to be fair, and the realization that it simply isn’t always so can be a bummer. Justice reminds us that fairness, equality, and balance do sometimes get their say. Actions have consequences, and sooner or later, those consequences will catch up to a person to either give them a push forward or to push them down in the mud.

Why You Should Stop “Trying” Right Now: How to Shift Your Fertility Energy

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by A’ndrea Reiter, author of the new How to Get Pregnant, Even When You’ve Tried Everything.

There are many nuances to the Law of Attraction, and many ways to apply it in our every day lives—including fertility. According to the Law of Attraction, like energy attracts like energy. So whatever thoughts or beliefs we are sending out, the Universe HAS to respond with a situation that is an energetic match to it. Every time.

So many times we think we are “being positive,” but we’re actually not. Phrases like “I need to be a mother,” or “This IVF cycle HAS to work,” or “I’m ovulating today, let’s make sure we have sex today,” might sound positive on paper, but energetically it’s a different story. Here’s the problem: The Universe doesn’t care what you SAY, it hears the energy behind it, and THAT’S the energy it sends back to you.

So, going back to the thoughts I mentioned:

“I need to be a mom:” Whenever we “need” something, that means we are scared to death it won’t happen. The Universe hears the desperation and lack, and that we feel it won’t happen, so it brings more of it “not happening.” Instead consider: “It’s going to be so awesome when I’m a mom. I’ve got so much to offer our future little one!”
“This IVF/IUI cycle HAS to work:” That may seem like it’s positive, but what the Universe really hears is “If this IVF cycle doesn’t work I don’t know what I’m going to do.” It hears the fear that my life is going to unravel if this doesn’t work—and therefore calls in that very situation. Instead consider: “I’m so ready to be a mom and this IVF/IUI cycle could be the perfect catalyst. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it worked?”
“I’m ovulating today. Let’s make sure we have sex today:” The Universe hears: “We’ve only got a window of a few hours and we have to both try to not fail or we will miss our only opportunity.” Instead consider: As long as you’re not bleeding you can get pregnant. I’m serious. Some people ovulate twice, some irregularly, and some only the Universe can explain. My client who just got pregnant this month got pregnant a day or two before her period came. Don’t give yourself such strict parameters. Do yourself a favor and plan a date for you partner. Have them plan one for you. Reconnect. Trust that the baby is coming and just BE with your partner.

The same thing that happens with those thoughts happens when we say, “We’re trying to get pregnant.” It’s such a common phrase in our vernacular; we don’t really give it a second thought. And after all, we’re taught from a young age that the harder you try, the more “worth it” your reward is, or the better off you are. But according to the Law of Attraction where like attracts like, the harder you try…the harder you try. So on an energetic level when you say, “We’re trying,” or “We’ve been trying for a year,” we are literally bringing more trying—more reasons why it’s hard. Don’t get me wrong—if your experience has been hard up until this point, it’s valid. Honor it. And I feel for you. But now that you know using that phrase is perpetuating the energy, how might you re-frame it so that you’re calling in the energy you want? Some suggestions from the contest I had with my subscribers were:

We are creating space in our lives to start building a family
We are intentionally and lovingly moving toward expanding our family
We are making space for a munchkin to come in
We are ready for her/him to come in when they’re ready
We’re setting our intentions on bringing our little one in
I’m nourishing myself and making a cozy environment for my munchkin to come in

See if you can use one of these, or better yet, make one of your own that is moving toward the goal you want, versus keeping you in the energetic loop of “trying.” It may sound like an annoying technicality, but it can make all the difference. Where you put your energy matters. Make sure you’re choosing what feels good, versus what scares you.

Our thanks to A’ndrea for her guest post! For more from A’ndrea Reiter, read her article “When Our Fight-or-Flight Response Hinders Our Fertility.”

Learning from Old Ways for Modern Times

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Hexe Claire, author of the new Magical Healing.

In my work as a witchcraft author, doing research in old sources is a major task. And somehow we tend to become a little irrational when dealing with old magical knowledge. Let me explain this a little (you might know it from your own observances, as well).

When we hear about old knowledge, there is a part of us that puts it on a pedestal. This is the true thing, the real deal, the original way it should be. Of course it is important to honour the ancestors and—since our magical tradition has long been suppressed—to learn whatever we can grasp from the old times.

On the other hand, though, this tendency to idealize the past has a catch. It was simply not the way our ancestors thought. Often poor, people would improvise and work with whatever was at hand. Whereas for us today it might be difficult, for example, to obtain the egg of a black chicken for a spell, for them it was easy, because many people were farmers.

If we stick too closely to old recipes and spells, we might think it’s impossible for us today to follow the old ways. But, if we open up to the mindset of our ancestors, we will find many inspirations and approaches we can use instead.

The old knowledge was not always old; it was received and invented in the past, just as new things are coming up today. There where no esoteric shops (and most people would not have had enough money to afford those things anyway), so inventing, experimenting, and relying on what had proven in past to work were the keys.

Ironically, our ancestors often were less dogmatic than we are today, since their reference point simply was: Does it work? If we think about it, our most precious heritage from the past might not lie in passed down recipes, spells, and brews, but in thinking in ways that are flexible, ingenious, and, at the same time, traditional (defining tradition as what had proven to be helpful). If we let ourselves be inspired from this attitude, we follow the true quintessence of the old ways.

Our thanks to Hexe Claire for her guest post! For more from Hexe Claire, read her article, “How to Use Folk Magic.”

Psychic Evolution

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sherrie Dillard, author of several books, including Develop Your Medical Intuition, You Are a Medium, Love and Intuition, Discover Your Authentic Self, Sacred Signs & Symbols, and the new You Are Psychic.

There are a lot of extraordinary things in this world. Life itself is extraordinary. We have these amazing bodies that know how to do so many things, automatically and easily. We don’t need to know how to hear or see or taste, it just happens. We have come fully equipped with all we need to experience and interact with the world around us.

Our physical senses have been refined and perfected over the many thousands of years that we humans have walked the earth. We’ve basically needed and relied on them to survive. We still do, but our understanding of the world and our needs have changed over the decades.

We are evolving and becoming more aware of the multi-faceted importance of energy and how our lives are impacted by things that lie outside of our five senses. Things like electromagnetic energy and sound waves, the energy vibrations that enable the use of cell-phones and the internet. We are also becoming more aware that we are energy and that energy emanates from all living beings. Energy is not only the basis of all matter, but of the non-physical as well.

Psychic ability, or intuition, is the ability to become aware of and put meaning to the energy that surrounds us. This energy contains information carried through vibrations, which we receive through our thoughts, our emotions, our physical body, and through our energy field.

It is just a matter of time before valuing and relying on intuition is more commonplace. There is an intelligence far greater than our finite thinking mind that equipped us with our five senses. It also provided us with intuition, our sixth sense. We all have the innate ability to intuitively receive and decipher energy information. This gift is waiting to unfold and be put to use.

We don’t have to coax intuition into being, overthink its existence or question its validity. Not always as obvious as our other senses, intuition or psychic awareness emerges along side our thoughts and emotions and in our dreams, our imagination and within our gut feelings and other physical and emotional sensations. With a little bit of observation we can become better at recognizing when our intuition is at work.

Once you recognize how and when your intuition naturally surfaces, developing reliable psychic skills to use in your every day life is easier and progresses quickly.

Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz who found what she was searching for when she clicked together her ruby slippers, you too will discover that you’ve had this power all along.

Our thanks to Sherrie for her guest post! For more from Sherrie Dillard, read her article, “How to Tell the Difference Between a Psychic Thought and a Non-Psychic Thought.”

The Importance of a Firm Foundation in Greek Religion

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Tony Mierzwicki, author of the new Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today.

Are you drawn to spiritual practices with a pronounced Greek flavor? Perhaps you have studied Greek mythology or enjoy its representations in Renaissance art? Alternatively, perhaps you resonate with the many pop culture references to it? Whatever draws you to it, there is a familiarity inherent in Greek mythology that is so incredibly comforting and reassuring.

The Greeks left us a spiritual legacy that includes divination, theurgy, and magick. To get the most out of these, it’s important to have a firm foundation in Greek religion, so as to appreciate all the inherent subtleties that would otherwise be missed. Similarly, study of the Qabala is best undertaken with a firm grasp of the Torah, that of Christian mysticism with a knowledge of the New Testament, and that of Sufism with a background in Islam. Below are some books to help get you started.

In The Oracles of Apollo: Practical Ancient Greek Divination for Today , John Opsopaus, PhD explores ancient Greek divination techniques and rituals for use today.



The Orphic Hymns: A New Translation for the Occult Practitioner (available this October), are a new translation of the Orphic Hymns by Professor Patrick Dunn where he details how they can be incorporated into contemporary spiritual practice and spellcrafting.



In The Wisdom of Hypatia: Ancient Spiritual Practices for a More Meaningful Life , Bruce J. MacLennan, PhD outlines a nine-month program of spiritual practice based on Hypatia’s teachings.



In Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic , Dr. Stephen Skinner analyzes the Greek Magical Papyri so that their magic will transcend theory and become a real practice.



In Graeco-Egyptian Magick: Everyday Empowerment , I also analyze the Greek Magical Papyri, but my aim is to produce a planetary system of initiation for daily usage.



Moving forward a few more centuries through time, Ioannis Marathakis translates The Magical Treatise of Solomon, or Hygromanteia , and shows that the absolute foundation of ceremonial magic comes from Greek origins.

While each of these excellent tomes can be enjoyed as standalone texts, having a firm foundation in Greek religion, such as that afforded by Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today, will ensure far more “lightbulb moments.”

Our thanks to Tony for his guest post!

Tarot Every Day: Llewellyn’s 2019 Tarot Calendar

Now in its second year, Llewellyn’s Tarot Calendar brings beloved tarot decks into your daily life—and the the 2019 edition just arrived in our warehouse!

This calendar includes twelve beautiful cards at 5.5 x 9 inches (each month features a different card from a different deck).

In addition to the beautiful image, each month includes two or three tidbits plus a comment about the specific image shown. Tidbits include spreads, symbol meanings, tips, journal prompts, and techniques.

Just like with Llewellyn’s Astrological calendar (also in stock and ready to ship!), there are articles at the back to help beginners or to refresh the memory of more experienced readers. Articles include how to begin your tarot journey, a glossary of terms, the meanings of the suits and numbers, the Celtic Cross spread, and the Fool’s Journey.

A Big Message from a Little Creature

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The Animal Totem Tarot is a popular animal-themed deck. One reason is because Leeza created the deck based on interactions with the spirits of the animals and assigned them to the cards accordingly. The temptation would be to categorize them by type, for example, Swords being birds and flying creatures, Cups being water creatures, etc. In fact, one of the Majors is the humble insect the Mantis. Let’s take a look at what the Mantis, as IX, The Hermit has to say:

“Have you ever noticed that things look different in the morning? With just a small period of separation from you and your need for a solution, new options now present themselves. Sometimes waiting is the best way. Sometimes removing yourself, if only for a short period of time, is the best way. Then we turn and head to the light and step into its brilliance with confidence and resolve, just as we wake each morning from our darkened slumber to the glowing embrace of the sun.”

–Message from the Mantis

Many depictions of the Hermit show him in the dark of night, holding a lamp. The lamp has become somewhat synonymous with the Hermit image. But here, the Hermit stands in the light and hold the ultimate lamp between his antennae. Just as the lamp is a symbol of light in the dark, the sun reminds us that the light will always rise again. The Hermit becomes the promise of the light’s return after time spent alone in the darkness. And time alone in the darkness is now what is required. The Bushmen of the Kalahari tell a story of how the Mantis, finding himself in need of a solution that he could not immediately find, would put himself to sleep so that he could dream it. This traveling to the darkness to find what one seeks, and then bringing it back to the light, is an important aspect of the Hermit archetype. It is also a reminder that sometimes we really do need to sleep on it and bring the problem back in the light of the sun the next day to be seen with new eyes. The Mantis teaches that it is okay to have space between yourself and your current problem. This is not to be seen as a delay, but as a way of allowing some time and space to help align yourself with the solution you need.

The Sleep Zone: How to Set Yourself Up for a Good Night’s Sleep

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Ann Todhunter Brode, author of the new Guide to Body Wisdom.

Exactly how we transit from wakefulness to sleep still remains a mystery. Whether you fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow or toss around until you drift off, we don’t really know exactly how this happens. But, we do know what it takes to set the scenario and get the mind-body on board for a good night’s sleep.

Setting up a clean and comfortable place to sleep is important for your physical and energetic body. This means a quiet, darkened bedroom with plenty of fresh, cool air. Be sure you have a good mattress, ample pillows, and cozy covers to help your body let go and feel loved. And, a clear, uncluttered space certainly makes it easier to relax, drop down, and be held in the healing embrace of sleep.

Once the place is ready, you’ll want to get your body and mind ready. Basically, falling asleep is a passive endeavor. Rather than doing anything, you need to undo things…like physical tension, emotional aggravation, and the sticky web of a busy mind. As any insomniac will tell you, pursuing sleep is a futile endeavor. What you need are a few simple practices to help you let it all go and get in the zone where sleep can find you.

Going to sleep at night is totally different than getting up in the morning. At night, you’re closing up shop, quieting down, and letting go. Sleep experts suggest that we set aside at least thirty minutes to dim the lights and slow down before bedtime. This interlude is vital for unwinding the day and preparing for rest. This is not the time to turn on the news, have provocative conversations, read a technical document, or watch a disturbing movie. This is the time to meditate, do restorative yoga, read poetry, or listen to soothing music.

This is also the time to be mindful of your body. If you feel tension, let it melt into your gentle rhythmic breath. Feel the natural flow of inhale to exhale move the through every part of your body. If you run into tension that feels dense, locked down, or numb, don’t try to figure it out. Just be patient and let your body breath work on it. If emotional issues or logistical problems snag your mind, send them away on the next exhale. Create a lot of open space to breathe in the sweet, slow, drowsy air of sleep. When your body is relaxed and settled, it’s in the sleep zone and ready for bed.

Once you’re in bed, follow the five steps of good sleep hygiene (S.L.E.E.P.):

Support (good bed and pillows)

Let go (release tension to the movement of breath & pull of gravity)

Exhale (fully)

Expand (inhale)

Pause—lingering in this peaceful place until sleep gathers you in and carries you away!

And, if you happen to awaken in the middle of the night, just remember how to S.L.E.E.P. again.

A free instructional video of the five-steps to S.L.E.E.P. can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9spJ2p0rZk.

Our thanks to Ann for her guest post! For more from Ann Todhunter Brode, read her article “Sensible Intuition: How to Develop Good Body Sense and Use It Every Day.”

Mystical Faerie Gets a Fresh Face

You guys! I’m so excited about the new edition of the Mystic Faerie Tarot! This charming deck has always held such a special place in my heart. In the years since it was first published, the desire of borderless decks increased. In fact, we now do our decks almost exclusively borderless because our customers prefer that. Who wouldn’t? More space for the art that we love so much, right?

The book is staying the same, but the cards and box will be different. Not only is the box redesigned in our new hardboard magnetic case design, the image will be updated. Here is a peek at the new box and a few of cards without borders (the text with the card name will be added).

Can Queer Magic Be Used by Non-Queer People?

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Tomás Prower, author of La Santa Muerte and the new Queer Magic.

Well, can they? Queer magic, on the surface, appears to be a new phenomenon. It seems like the positive result of the liberalizing of society and the globally increasing acceptance of queer individuals. With the fertile ground of open-mindedness and tolerance, queer people appear to be finally free to develop their own magic. But is this really true? And if so, is it a type of magic that hetero cisgender people can do? Should they do it?

I know, that’s a lot of if/then questions in succession, but let’s briefly tackle each answer one by one starting with queer magic being “new.” No, it’s not new. Queer magic has been practiced by queer people all over the world for as long as humans have been interacting and influenced by the natural and spiritual worlds. In my book, Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality & Culture from Around the World, there are numerous examples of how queer magic has been practiced throughout history and the globe, but the quick answer is that queer magic is nothing new. Modern technological innovations (like the Internet), ease of access to information, and the liberalization of human thought has just allowed these queer magic workers to finally share their stories and, more importantly, be heard.

So now that we know that there is millennia of queer magic spells, prayers, and rituals out there to discover, can non-queer people utilize them effectively? Or is queer magic only efficacious when done by queer people? Here’s the answer to that. Why can’t they? Many queer people utilize non-queer spells, and do their spells work? Yes! Since we didn’t know our history, queer people have utilized spellwork designed for and by heterosexual, cisgender people. Yes, it has been modified when necessary with the substitution of words, tools, and correspondences, but if queer people have been successfully using non-queer magic, then why can’t non-queer people can use queer magic successfully?

And lastly, should non-queer people engage in our queer magic? Again, why not? You don’t have to be Greek to develop a meaningful and potent relationship with the Olympian gods. You don’t have to be Middle-Eastern to find spiritual fulfillment in following the teachings of Moses, Jesus, or Muhammad. You don’t even have to be a practitioner of Buddhism to experience the healing effects of meditation. And so on. Magic, like music, is a universal language. It knows no borders, races, sexualities, orientations, or moralities. Regardless of who you are, so long as you feel the music and hit the right notes, you will create sounds of beauty. And so long as you feel the spell and do the necessary steps in ritual, you will create efficacious magic. Tapping into the ALL of the universe that is beyond human divisions and labeling is the goal of all magic. And if that ALL was limited by human divisions and labels, then it wouldn’t be the ALL, now would it?

Our thanks to Tomás for his guest post! For more from Tomás Prower, read his article, “Why Is Queer Magic So Powerful?.”