New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
Shadow work is a term that is widely recognized as being rooted in Jungian psychology. It is commonly understood as a process of facing hidden aspects of ourselves in order to achieve greater understanding of our nature. However, this work is often cloaked in the idea or concept that we will need to face negative aspects of ourselves in order to gain more self-awareness. I agree, facing "negative" aspects of ourselves is absolutely a part of this process. However, I am suggesting that we need to identify who or what is labeling these aspects as "negative." Who is the judge in these situations? Is it societal judgements? If so, we must examine the society that classified these aspects as ...
When I wrote my new book Once Upon a Place, I was fascinated with the symbolism and imagery of stories: from fairy tales to myths, from movies to epic adventures. In my research, I found many symbols that resonated with me and my understanding of the human experience. But I also found something unexpected: guidance from past storytellers about moving forward on a path of strength with lessons in personal growth. In other words, I discovered these stories not only show "the hero's journey" and its images of adventure; they also teach us how to use these images to support ourselves on our own very real paths. In fact, I learned eight very clear lessons that teach how to create a hero's ...
Warding magic is often neglected by modern witches, but it is a fundamental and fairly simple part of our craft. Warding magic is protection magic, usually aimed at safeguarding homes, buildings, stables, and the people and animals within them from unwanted spiritual disturbances, negative energy, or malicious magic sent against them. It is an ancient and persistent form of magic widespread throughout the ancient world and still found in country areas up until this day. Warding magic wasn't limited to witches and the cunning folk either, but was employed by ordinary people who used witch bottles, lucky horseshoes, iron nails, witch balls, acorns, glass wands, witch marks and hex marks, ...
What does it mean to follow "The Old Ways?" As we move into the second quarter of the 21st century, we are seeing less and less of this term. Popular in the eighties and nineties, we have seen a drastic drop in the usage of this term. But why should that be? Perhaps it is a backlash of many people who have used the term incorrectly in the past. Back when it was popular, it was used as a kind of "catch-all" phrase for Pagan traditions of all kinds. As well, it was used to define aspects of both Wicca and Witchcraft that often had very little, or nothing to do with the actual old ways. Instead, people were using it to justify a modern tradition, giving it a veneer of age and authenticity. ...
