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?