Occult Writing

Bright Spirits

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Days 20 and 21

Unforeseen circumstances kept me away from the computer yesterday, so I could not report on my meditation. The tree we had pruned turned turned its attention to recovery, going quiet. While not exactly sulky, it definitely indicated it preferred solitude to conversation. It radiated the same energy today, so I left it alone, and checked in with the other plants about the yard. The rose bush continued to be in bright spirits, trying to bloom despite the cold weather.

Although the house seems to contain a single presence, the front and back yard shelter a host of them. I expected to encounter a single genius loci there, but as of yet that is not the case. Instead, I must negotiate harmony with a much larger group of locals. This isn’t bad by any means, but it makes for more active conversation!

Ash Tree Branches

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 19

My family got down to practical work today around the backyard. I tried to prepare the ash tree we were pruning in advance, explaining why we were trimming its branches, but I’m not entirely sure I got my point across. It still seemed at least mildly annoyed, so I did my best to reassure it (and my somewhat guilty conscience) during the procedure. I managed to gather a future wand and stang from its branches, though they will take some time to dry. With these, I can not only direct energy and travel to the Otherworld. I can also continue to show the tree spirit my appreciation going forward by incorporating its offerings into my rituals. The rest of its branches will be taken to the eco-station or used as kindling, with as much reclaimed as possible.

Tree Talk

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 18

A particular area of my backyard continues to feel standoffish despite numerous visits, with offerings and dialogues doing little to soften its skittish energy. Because of this, I consulted a nearby tree today for advice on how to approach this feral spirit going forward. Balance again seemed to be the word of the day. However, this does not necessarily mean maintaining a compromise between our current positions. The ash tree pointed out that we both will have to use ingenuity and new techniques to make a relationship work. Both parties will have to change their way of acting / feeling — no small task to be sure. I expect something of an uphill battle with this little patch of garden in the upcoming seasons, but I am determined to find harmony yet.

Cause and Effect

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 17

There was a second lesson in yesterday’s footprints in the frost. The trees pointed it out this morning, and then today’s reading underlined it.

“The worker of witchery knows that the toucher is touched. This is an old saying in witchery warning that all that we touch touches us back… Needless to say, this wisdom far from lacks moral muscle. In fact, it provides the witch with the lens through which to discern all actions and reactions within the very weapons life that is the witch’s Goddess. And the spirits and magic we conjure also conjure us.” — The Flame in the Cauldron, Orion Foxwood.

Though slower to speak than some I have dealt with in the past, the land spirits in my yard have undeniably left their mark on me already. Even when I meditated with them today, my energy instantly began to slow: to go to ground and relax. Whether due to the season or their innate nature, I can call on this tendency in the future when I need to calm down. I wouldn’t want to draw on it for high intensity, big energy rituals unless I want to anchor myself, but it is still good to know how the spirits effect me. I can use this to plan out my work around them more efficiently going forward, in harmony.

Footprints in Frost

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 16

Frost covered the ground this morning. Everywhere I went in my backyard, I left tracks behind; they stood out startlingly clear against the grass as I looked back at my path. I could see every stop I’d made, every place I’d been.

This weighed on my mind as I entered meditation. Everywhere I go, I leave a trace behind, visible or not. Yet as supposed “owner” of the land, I often leave more than footprints in my wake. Regardless of whether I do so respectfully or not, I make changes to suit my family’s longevity — and that leaves marks. Again, I suppose it will come down to balance. We’ll have to achieve the best compromises we can. That’s the only way to live in harmony with the sprites around us.

The land felt… slower today, the plants a little harder to reach. Winter creeps closer, turning down the pace.

Take Notice!

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 15

Odd noises. The sudden scent of perfume when no one in the house wears it.

After not wanting to talk yesterday, the spirits demanded attention this morning. Yet it wasn’t the house speaking so loudly, but the land — and reasonably so. Since the weather turned, I’ve spent more time working indoors with the house sprite than I have with them. Balance is important to maintain. I have to look after the property and its spirits as a whole, without neglecting any portion.

So, despite the snowy drizzle, I took my offerings outside today. Instead of meditating, I walked the boundaries of my backyard, touching and talking to the plants along the way. The fall season ended sooner than we hoped, so much of the pruning and weeding my family intended to do still needs to be done. I cataloged what absolutely must be taken care of to protect the plants before the worst of the snows arrive. The tension in the land’s energy seemed to back off, but I sensed I must be more careful with my focus in the coming weeks. I can’t ignore it.

Advice From the Trees

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 14

When I checked in with the house spirit this morning, I sensed it did not want to communicate. Perhaps yesterday’s activity tired it? Regardless, I took the hint. I made my offering and left it alone. It had been some time since I had meditated on the front yard’s energy, so I turned to the land instead. I spoke to the sprites there about a particular change that we would have to make – one that had weighed heavily on my mind. They indicated I must accept the situation, so I might as well do it with grace. Good advice there, and I’ll give it my best efforts.

Recharging

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 13

Yesterday’s spooky movies never manifested. Other events intervened, and we delayed celebration until today, when the family gathered for food and games instead. I concentrated on family fun rather than spiritwork this afternoon, fitting in only a quick offering and dialogue. This was not a day for deep metaphysical connections but mundane ones.

Thanksgiving

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 12

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend. The exact day varies depending on your family, with some ending up with multiple turkey extravaganzas from Saturday till Monday. That’s a lot of bird! My family avoids the poultry and steers towards vegetarian recipes instead. That doesn’t mean this holiday isn’t about us spending time together and giving thanks for what we have. After years of wishing, we’re very grateful to have our own home.

I’m taking the house sprite’s advice to balance work with pleasure today, and will keep my efforts around the property to some light cleaning. The main plan is to enjoy an afternoon of spooky movies with the clan. When I touched base with the house spirit this morning, its energy seemed a tad more chaotic than it does during the weekdays. I’ve noticed this trend whenever more people are in the house. It doesn’t seem upset, simply stirred up (excited?) by the presence of more people.

I tried to ask the house sprite how it it preferred that we show it our appreciation, but the response I received was not what I expected. I wanted a concrete answer: what incense to use, or whether I should go out an find certain adornments… That kind of thing. What I received was a wave of affection – and the feeling that we should share such we each other and the house. No more than that. It makes sense, but it was far more simple than I’d predicted.

Balance

Oct 2019 #Spiritwork #Domagick Day 11

My congestion cleared — and, with it, my ability to communicate with the house sprite. Today, I concentrated on our home as opposed to the land around it, and asked the house sprite how it felt about the new residents.

The house appreciates our eye for progress. It likes that we want to maintain what works but also make changes that will update and even improve how it functions. However, it pointed out that it enjoys ours offerings too. I shouldn’t view these as extras or indulgences on top of our regular hard work. Those moments act as vital points of connection and should not be ignored as I move forward. Both must be kept up in equal measure for a content house spirit.

Moreover, the sprite cautioned I shouldn’t given into my anxiety and work all the time. I should make an effort to enjoy what the house is for instead: fun and family. These aren’t extras but necessities. Again, it’s a balance I must be mindful of going forward.