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Magickal Q&A:
This page is a general informational resource on different magickal topics. It's
not meant to be a definitive source, but instead, should give you a brief
understanding of some of the concepts touched upon in my books. I've chosen
questions that I've been asked by students and acquaintances in the past.
Note:
please know that my fiction novels are just that - fiction. Although I enjoy
utilizing real magickal topics and ideas in my books, many times I expand and
exaggerate those ideas for the sake of creating an interesting and dynamic
paranormal world. So, while some of the magick in my books is real magick, some
of it isn't. Therefore, my fiction books aren't meant to be reference material
for those interested in the paranormal. That's why I discuss paranormal topics on
my blog and also why this FAQ page exists.
For more in depth discussions on magickal topics, visit my
blog.
**************Stay tuned! Updates forthcoming!*********

What is Wicca,
and what is the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft?
Wicca is an earth or nature-based religion that was legally
recognized as a religion and protected by the U.S. Constitution in 1986. It is
founded on ancient practices from Northern Europe that pre-dated the Christian
era. However, it is, itself a young religion, having it's roots in the work and
writings of such founders as Gerald Gardner and Margaret Murray. Gerald
Gardner's written work about Wicca really took off in the late 1940s, early
1950s. Witchcraft, however, would be the term most used to describe the
practices of pagans (otherwise known as "country dwellers") who lived in harmony
with nature and honored nature deities and the cycles of the Earth in the
pre-Christian era and those who have taken up those "old ways" today. (Keeping
in mind that these early practitioners would not have called themselves witches
- this was the title given them by Christian adherents as part of a crusade to
wipe out the old religion and affirm the practice of Christianity. Along the
same lines, the construct of Satan was formed and stories created affiliating
witches with Satanism that to this day have people living in ignorance and
unfounded fear of those who practice Witchcraft or Wicca.)
The difference between Wiccans and Witches is that not all who call themselves
Witches have formally dedicated themselves to the religion of Wicca - although
their beliefs and practices may be much the same as those of Wicca. Wiccans live
by a particular moral code similar to the codes found in many religions. In
particular the Wiccan Rede "Do as Thou will, yet harm none" (paraphrased) makes
clear that Wiccans believe strongly that all people should be allowed to live a
peaceful, harmonious existence as they individually see fit as long as their
actions do no harm to others.
Wiccans honor the individual spiritual paths of others and do not claim to be
the "only way" or only path to God/Goddess. Unfortunately, Wiccans themselves
have often been targets of those who follow certain religions that perpetuate a
"you're for us or against us" mentality and continue to be a focus of misguided
and cruel persecution and prejudice in the religious community. I'm often asked
whether Wicca is like the New Age or Metaphysical belief system. The answer is
that yes, many of the theories and views of those who ascribe to New Age and
Metaphysical belief systems are mirrored in Wicca although there are some
differences. For example, many Wiccans believe in reincarnation, but not
necessarily all do.
Explain Astral Travel. Do you have any tips on how I can
learn to astral travel?
Astral Travel is commonly called having an OBE (out of body
experience). It is based on the idea that a person's physical body is just a
small part of who they are. We are all spiritual beings and our physical
manifestation is one part of our existence. There are people quite skilled in
purposely projecting their spiritual body out of their physical body for the
purpose of exploration. Many believe that there are multiple levels or planes of
existence beyond what we can see with our physical eyes. The Astral Plane is one
such place and is the closest plane to the physical and easiest for astral
projectors to reach. For tips on how to astral project, this is done in a highly
meditative state. It often occurs naturally when we sleep. However, in an awake
but highly meditative state, it can be done lucidly. A wonderful book on the
topic is called Astral Dynamics by Robert Bruce. It's a thick volume on
the subject, but the most comprehensive I've come across and is very well
written. A couple other good books on the subject are Adventures Beyond the
Body and The Secret of the Soul, both by William Buhlman.
What is Reiki Healing and does it work?
Reiki is a healing system that involves the laying
on of hands and channeling a particular energetic frequency for healing. Reiki
was discovered in the mid-1800's
by a man named Mikao Usui who was on a spiritual quest and found texts
describing a special healing formula in a Zen Buddhist monastery. Usui
discovered particular symbols that when visualized and spoken aloud by their
names while laying hands on someone in particular positions, promoted healing in
that person on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. He also discovered
that the ability to channel this energy could be passed onto others through a
special "attunement" process whereby Reiki Master (someone who already had the
ability to channel this energy) could pass the ability onto others. Usui was
known to have healed many people of many ailments during his time. Today, Reiki
has reached the West with a vengeance and is gaining respect and popularity as
an alternative healing modality. I know of at least one local hospital that has
added Reiki practitioners to its staff to assist patients who ask for this type
of healing. The best books on this subject are written by Diane Stein. In
particular Essential Reiki. It was the first book of
its kind to be published and Diane was a groundbreaker. Prior to her work, Reiki
was considered a secret not be shared with the general public, only to be passed
to men, and those privy to its secrets were charging exorbitant sums of money to
those wishing to gain this knowledge.
I
keep hearing about Feng Shui. My neighbor had her house "shui'ed"
and swears by it. What exactly is it besides moving your furniture around?
What is Tantra?
I'm not sure I believe in
Reincarnation/Past Lives, but I want to learn more. Any tips?
How can I increase my Psychic Ability?
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