know thyself

witch, magic, spiritualism, etc blog. divination readings offered. messages/asks open.

[feministism]

[crazycatsiren]

Grimoire - Decolonizing Witchcraft

On recognizing stealth & covert racism & white supremacy in witchcraft spaces Racist Stereotypes About Magic What you mean to say: Karma Edition Depth and Cultural Appropriation in Witchcraft Racism, Spirituality, and Witchblr Making Magic More Inclusive Accidental Appropriation Closed Traditions Aren't a Monolith. Chakras - What they really are CHAKRAS (are not what you think they are) Recognizing the difference between real history and pseudohistory We are the Granddaughters of the Farmers who Composted their Eggshells

More related posts at: For Pagans/Witches to Beware of My Posts Related to My Practices Religions and Deities

[httpsoftbunni]

The Universal Gesture of the Raised Right Hand

The raised right hand, a gesture seen across various religions, spiritual traditions, and artistic depictions, carries with it profound symbolic meaning. This ubiquitous gesture is often linked to themes of blessing, protection, authority, and enlightenment, and has been shown in the iconography of deities, spiritual leaders, and mystics for millennia. Its recurrence suggests it is more than just a physical movement; it embodies a universal archetype that is deeply ingrained in human consciousness. Through examining the gesture's origins, symbolism, and often suppressed meanings, we can gain profound insights into its role as a bridge between the material and the divine.

Core Symbolism Across Traditions

At its core, the raised right hand symbolizes reassurance and spiritual power. Across different traditions, it conveys a sense of divine protection, authority, and the dispelling of fear. In Hinduism and Buddhism, this gesture is epitomized in the Abhaya Mudra, which translates to “gesture of fearlessness.” The Buddha, often depicted with his right hand raised to shoulder height, palm outward, uses this gesture as a symbol of peace and protection, calming the fears of the devotee. Similarly, Hindu deities like Vishnu and Shiva adopt this mudra to bestow blessings and offer divine assurance.

Christian and Cross-Cultural Depictions

In Christianity, the gesture is closely associated with Jesus Christ, who is frequently depicted raising his right hand in a benediction, signifying the transmission of divine grace and spiritual power. Mary, too, is shown in similar contexts, her hand raised in a gesture of blessing. The raised right hand also carries significance in Sikhism, where Guru Nanak's gesture symbolizes divine truth and guidance. Even in occult traditions, figures such as Baphomet incorporate this gesture to represent the balance between the spiritual and material realms, echoing the principle of "as above, so below." The universality of this gesture underscores its association with spiritual authority across various cultures.

Esoteric Meaning and the Right-Hand Path

Beyond its religious and spiritual meanings, the raised right hand also has esoteric significance. It is often seen as a symbol of the "Right-Hand Path," a concept tied to righteousness, divine order, and enlightenment. This contrasts with the "Left-Hand Path," which is often associated with hidden knowledge or rebellion against established norms. This duality—light versus dark, order versus chaos—encapsulates humanity’s ongoing journey to balance material existence with spiritual transcendence.

Prehistoric and Ancient Origins

The origins of this sacred gesture stretch far back into prehistory. Before the advent of organized religion, prehistoric shamans—spiritual leaders adept at navigating altered states of consciousness—likely used the raised right hand as a nonverbal form of communication with higher realms. Cave paintings dating back over 30,000 years show figures with raised hands, suggesting a deep, intuitive connection between this posture and spiritual invocation. As civilizations emerged, this gesture became more formalized within religious and ceremonial contexts.

In ancient Sumer (around 4000 BCE), gods and rulers were often depicted with raised hands, invoking divine authority. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, deities like Osiris and Isis are frequently shown with their hands raised during sacred rituals. The Indus Valley Civilization (circa 2500 BCE) integrated mudras, symbolic hand gestures, into their early yogic practices. The Vedic texts (circa 1500 BCE) codified these hand gestures within Hindu rituals, associating them with the control of energy and blessings. Buddhism later adopted the Abhaya Mudra, as exemplified by the Buddha, who used it to calm a charging elephant sent by his cousin Devadatta, symbolizing serene power and protection.

An Archetype Across Cultures

Despite regional differences, the raised right hand has consistently symbolized divine connection across cultures. Its prevalence suggests an archetypal truth embedded in the collective human consciousness, one that spans time and geographical boundaries.

Esotericism and the Mystical Hand

In esoteric traditions such as Freemasonry and Hermeticism, the raised right hand goes beyond a simple gesture of blessing. It symbolizes the oath of initiation into higher knowledge, invoking cosmic truths that transcend ordinary understanding. The human hand itself is often viewed as a microcosm of divine creation, with its five fingers corresponding to the pentagram—a symbol of balance—and the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and spirit. Ancient cultures believed that certain hand positions could channel energy flows within the body or invoke universal forces, further amplifying the significance of the raised right hand.

Duality and Balance in Symbolism

The duality inherent in this gesture reflects broader cosmic principles. The right hand is often associated with light, order, and divine authority, while the left hand is linked to chaos, hidden knowledge, or rebellion. This contrast is vividly illustrated in occult symbolism through figures like Baphomet, who is depicted with one hand pointing upward, toward the heavens, and the other pointing downward, toward the earth. Baphomet embodies the balance between opposites, serving as a reminder that spiritual enlightenment requires the reconciliation of dual forces.

Suppression of Esoteric Knowledge

Yet, beneath these surface meanings lies a deeper layer of significance, one that has often been suppressed or reinterpreted throughout history. Many cultures embraced the raised right hand as a sacred symbol, but its more esoteric meanings have often been obscured by religious institutions seeking to control spiritual knowledge. The myths surrounding pre-flood civilizations—such as Atlantis—speak of societies that possessed profound knowledge of sacred geometry, cosmic cycles, and spiritual science. This knowledge was likely lost or deliberately erased after catastrophic events reshaped human history.

Early Christianity, too, contained mystical teachings that were later suppressed by institutionalized religion. Gnostic texts describe Jesus as a teacher of self-mastery, rather than blind submission to external authority. Concepts such as reincarnation, which were central to early Christian thought, were removed from doctrine during Church councils. Similarly, the role of Mary Magdalene as an equal spiritual leader was diminished to reinforce patriarchal structures. These omissions serve to obscure Christianity's esoteric roots, favoring dogma over personal enlightenment.

Sound, Frequency, and Vibrational Truths

In addition to these religious suppressions, the science of sound and frequency also holds a key to understanding the deeper significance of the raised right hand. Ancient civilizations understood that sound shapes reality, a concept encoded in sacred languages like Sanskrit and Hebrew. The standard tuning of modern music (440 Hz) contrasts with ancient systems such as 432 Hz tuning, which is believed to harmonize with natural frequencies. This shift may represent a deliberate attempt to disrupt humanity's connection to higher vibrations, further distancing the masses from their spiritual potential.

The Moon and Frequency Control Theories

Some esoteric traditions even suggest that the Moon, with its perfect size for eclipses, may have been artificially placed in Earth's orbit as part of a control mechanism for human consciousness. Its presence raises questions about its origins and whether it serves as a frequency regulator, locking humanity into specific vibrational states.

Ultimately, the raised right hand represents more than just a symbolic gesture; it embodies humanity's shared spiritual heritage. Its presence across cultures suggests that it encodes universal truths about enlightenment: mastery over physical reality through alignment with cosmic laws, protection from ignorance, and guidance toward higher planes of existence. Yet, much of its deeper meaning remains hidden beneath layers of historical suppression and reinterpretation. By rediscovering these lost meanings—whether through ancient texts or modern esotericism—we can begin unlocking humanity's full potential for spiritual awakening.

The raised right hand, as a timeless and powerful gesture, continues to beckon us toward greater understanding and unity with the divine. It is a symbol that transcends time and culture, offering us an ancient key to uncovering the profound mysteries of the universe. Through it, we are reminded of our intrinsic connection to higher wisdom and the eternal quest for spiritual enlightenment.

[shadow-book-wren]

Herbs and Flowers Magic Properties(tbc)

Rosemary - memory, anxiety, sleep, cleansing, purifying, learning, healing, love, lust, protection, wisdom, mental power

Turmeric - healing, strength, vitality, purification, abundance, joy, prosperity

allspice - healing, energy, love, luck

pepper - courage, protection

sage - health, immortality, longevity, protection against negativity, protection, purification, wisdom, wishes, anxiety

bay - divination, good fortune, healing, anxiety, money, prosperity, peace, protection, happiness, purification, love, tranquility

oregano - peace, love

parsley - protection, power, strength, lust, purification, prosperity

garlic - protection against evil eye

cinnamon - aphrodisiac, passion, love, luck, prosperity, success, spiritual vibrations, energy, purification, healing, protection

cayenne - healing, removing blockages, protection, strength, motivation, courage

clover - fidelity, protection, love, money, success, animal protection, luck

pine - health, healing

nutmeg - money, prosperity, good luck, protection, psychic abilities, happiness, love, health

cloves - healing, love, friendship, cleansing, protection, abundance

thyme - health, courage, eliminates nightmares, attracts loyalty, affection, psychic abilities

ginger - energy, speeding things up, love, prosperity, success, power, healing

mint - avoid jealousy, dreams, protecting, prosperity, joy, fertility, purification, love, success, lust, travel, money, luck

chamomile - love, healing, stress-relief, calming, sleep

lavender - purification, concentration, love, healing, sleep, dreams

jasmine - divination, innovation, attraction, dreams, love, beauty

mugwort - psychic powers, protection, lust, fertility, prophetic dreams, divination, relaxing, tranquility, banishing, consecration

peach blossoms - luck, prosperity, romance, love, passion, affection, harmony, peace, health, longevity

peony - protection from hexes, luck, prosperity, business success, attracts fairies

rose - divine love, self-love, friendship, healing, domestic happiness, lasting relationships, closeness with nature, divination, tranquility, harmony, psychic ability, spirituality, protection, luck

lemon grass - openness, communication, clear mind, love, luck, libido, psychic abilities, calming

chrysanthemum - longevity, mental clarity, optimism, protection, solving mysteries, soothing grief

pink Himalayan salt - purification, grounding, abundance, prosperity, self-love, cleaning, growth, protection, peace, calming

palo santo - cleansing, positivity, good fortune, creativity, love

sweet orange - optimism, charisma, confidence, restoring aura, attracting love, fertility, abundance

bergamot - protection, purification, calming

ylang ylang - sexual attraction, persuasiveness, peace, love, anxiety and depression relief, fairy magic

geranium - prosperity, happiness, healthy pregnancy and fertility

eucalyptus - purifying, cleansing, good health, protection, negativity

sandalwood - calming, anxiety, purification, protection, healing

anise - peace, tranquility, awakening of psychic awareness, luck, spiritual connection, psychic and magic power

jojoba - healing, protection, purification, grounding, meditation, love

frankincense - cleansing, energy, uplifting, inner peace, balance

peppermint - mental clarity, prophetic visions, success, prosperity,

cedarwood - love, growth, longevity, psychic powers, healing, money

tea tree - cleansing, protection, uplifting, energy, memory, love

vanilla - sex, calming, good luck, love, empowerment, happiness, growth

catnip - beauty, happiness, attraction, love, friendship

[x-miles-x]

And all of them make you a bad bitch!

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Rabbit Gazing At The Moon :: by Huang Quan (16th century).

All things coming to limit of their course reverse into their opposite or change form. This is why “tigers, deer and hares,” explains Pao-p’u-tzu [Baopu Zi], the celebrated fourth-century alchemist, “live for 800 years and then their hair turns white; they change into wolves and foxess who live 500 years, and then take human form.” -Isabelle Robinet, ‘Metamorphosis and Deliverance from the Corpse in Taoism’

[windvexer]

When it comes to spirit work, proper manners and respect will carry you very far

[windvexer]

Many a situation of disturbing portent has been resolved with, "excuse me, but our goals here are [x], how can we resolve this with you?"

[windvexer]

blessed is the spirit worker who has worked in customer service

[morningmagicma]

This take is so important! Not all spirits respond well to the "I command you, I summon, I demand..." terminology. Unless it's for a banishing, I couldn't see why it would be best to get a spirit to work with you. For example, a spirit who was a slave in their life would not respond well, if at all.

Also, props to that customer service comment! It's the same rationale/approach.

[i-was-today-years-old-when]

TIL a family in Georgia claimed to have passed down a song in an unknown language from the time of their enslavement; scientists identified the song as a genuine West African funeral song in the Mende language that had survived multiple transmissions from mother to daughter over multiple centuries (x)

[ancestralia]

In 1997 Amelia’s daughter, Mary Moran, and other members of the Moran family were invited to Sierra Leone, West Africa, where they were welcomed in Freetown by Sierra Leone’s President and then flown by helicopter to the country’s interior.  There, in the small village of Senehun Ngola, Mary and Bendu Jabati met and sang this song together for the first time.  Years earlier, Bendu’s grandmother had told her that this song, which had been passed down in her village from mother to daughter for centuries, would one day reunite her to long-lost relatives.

In addition to finding out where in Africa her ancestors were abducted into slavery, Mary Moran discovered the meaning of the Mende song: a processional hymn for the final farewell to the spirit, it was sung in Senehun Ngola by women as they prepared the body of a loved one for burial.

(The OP's link leads to a site with a recording of the song sung by both Mary Moran and her mother, Amelia)

[windvexer]

cleansing as fate-changing and thrifting as death work

Up late and having silly little thoughts. Began replying to another post but started talking a lot about death and didn't want to be weird on someone else's post.

I think that magical cleansing is supposed to be that thing that can remove energy from prior events.

I think that's a part of the very profound magic of consecration. To make something magic is (in the way I work, at least) to end its prior life and rebirth that object into a new trajectory - a new path of fate. You close the door on what it used to be and, as a witch, choose a new fate for it.

And I think inasmuch as witches meddle with fate, that's what cleansing is too.

Not fate as in, the iron-clad railroad tracks of destiny. If those even exist.

I guess when I say fate I mean, trajectory. The path something is on. The metaphysical dust and pollen that marks where the object once came from, that a witch can sniff out as plain as day.

I think that sometimes, cleansing shouldn't be considered to be the metaphysical version of scrubbing something with soap and water. I think that cleansing is sometimes best framed as psychopompic; that the witch is ushering in a gentle, sweet death for the old life of that object, and rebirthing the object into a new life that is innocent and pure.

The cleansing isn't one of scooping up and tossing out crude "energies," but of cleansing that object of its own past, it's old future, and giving it a new present and a new path to walk.

In a sense, cleansing can also be healing and releasing. Perhaps for a witch, thrifting an object is an observation of death craft: stopping at purgatory and finding an object ready to be reborn again.

And I don't think any of this is very hard to achieve. I think that by virtue of being a witch, you can do it. I think you can cleanse this way just by words, or with a little incense, or with fresh water. It isn't that there must be some special fate-meddling spell;

I think you've just got to know what it is you're doing. That you can say to yourself, yes - with a thirty second charm, with a rhyming couplet and a stick of incense, I have the power to meddle with fate. I'm allowed to choose what I think is best for this object, and what I choose will be woven into that grand tapestry. And - snip the thread, weave something new.

Easy, easy.

[libraford]

Hmm... thinky thoughts about spells and such.

I know that the most common rhetoric is that intent powers the spell, but I also think that it's possible to overthink and psych yourself out. Like I know that a lot of people who have told me that their first spell worked really well, followed by somewhat of a lull as they studied more.

And it's like art, I think. Like yeah, you can study for years about the theory but you can still get gunshy when it comes to putting pencil to paper. But you're a little kid and you're given paint pots and a sheet of paper and you just get to go at it with your fingers and toes and you make... something. Is it art? By technical definition, yes. Are you proud of it? Hell yeah, I made this part with my foot.

And I think... I think that my most successful spells are the ones where I didnt pay attention to the rules (such as there are rules in spellcrafting) and just kind of did my own thing, measured with my heart.

So maybe it's not intent. Maybe it's just the pure chaotic energy of someone with a spice rack and a fuck around and find out spirit.

[morningmagicma]

Well said op

[morningmagicma]

hi :) could I please get a general love reading possibly?

Hi ! So, I focused on the type of energy of the next love coming toward you.

This next love will definently be worth someone who makes you feel like you are the center of the universe. They actually give you a lot of attention and adoration! Associated signs are Aquarius and Libra.

[morningmagicma]

Hello, thank you for doing readings 🤍

I was wondering if I could have a general career path message? I’m feeling a little lost in life right now, just needing a little guidance.

thank you

-m.o

Hey you're welcome! I figure we all need some help every now and then. Thanks for your patience!

Here's what you got !

What type of work would be best suited for you?

So theres a heavy emphasis on giving back and adding value to others lives. Such as working with a non profit or something involved in the community. I feel when we are lost, its partly because things can feel like they have no meaning. But I definitely do sense a nurturing energy. Definently working with plants, kids, and or animals. Very earth based like hands on and/or contractual situations. Gardener, Artist, Teachers, Managing finances, Mentor, Non profit administration

What are the paths to those options?

Firstly, believe in yourself than you have the ability to feed your soul and find yourself. Hope is important here. To help with overcoming that lost feeling, take some time to yourself, get away from the areas you're used to seeing and relax. Get your mind quiet enough to think about what you want to do next; what you have passion for. Those career paths are associated with principled business, so they would be extremely contractual.

What's blocking you from this?

That same unsatisfied feeling and a bit of loneliness. Maybe you feel like you dont have many people to turn to for advice? However, theres at least one person you're not noticing who tries to help or can.

Some numbers to look out for: 4, 444

I really hope this could shine some light on your situation.

Best 🙂

[morningmagicma]

Hi 😊 I hope you’re doing well. May I ask you a reading please ? I’m seeking a general guidance however I don’t know how to frame my question. I’m in a turning point in my life (esp in my studies/career) however I don’t exactly know where it leads me, so I’m seeking your guidance regarding this 🥺 thank you and have a nice day. S

Hey (:

So this turning point is leading you to something that can bring you success and money. Like a gateway to the start of many different opportunities. I do see this as being a contract, like a new job or internship that can be a bit overwhelming. Very competitive and comparative environment. Advice would be to learn as much as you can to prep yourself for the next change.

Hope this helps!

[morningmagicma]

Hi. I saw that you’re open for free readings. I hope it’s okay to ask more than one question. If not, then I’m open to whichever question you choose to answer/feel called to answer.

That said, my first question has to do with what I can/should focus on right now, in terms of energy or healing, that would help prepare me for what’s coming in the near future, and what can I look forward to in the near future, in terms of energies, opportunities, in career, etc?

Something else I’m very interested in is a possible new friendship/relationship with a guy I’ve been very romantically interested in for a while, C. If you’re comfortable answering, I’m open to knowing if something will start with him, and when, and if so, what can I do be ready for it? I’m also generally curious to know (once again, if you’re comfortable answering) the extent of his thoughts of me, what he likes about me, how he feels and where this connection can, and will, potentially go?

Thanks for sharing you time and energy. I’m really interested to see what comes through! - K🎨

Hey! So I phrased this into 3 questions:

1. What should you focus on?

For career and opportunity, you have to think ingenuity. How will you do things differently to advance or accomplish a goal? Its suggestive of getting advice from a more experienced person. But definitely be open to doing something different. Along with this its important to stay practical as well.

2. How will things progress with C?

I got one card that was strong enough to stop there. But I see things progressing with optimism.

3. What do they think of you?

They can definitely see you as a worthy and ideal partner. They simply like your mind and how you think.

[morningmagicma]

hello! I’d love to request a reading ❤️ my name is Shannon (cancer) and my question is what lessons do I need to learn at this time? thank you!

Hey Shannon,

So here's what I got from your reading: You're needing to learn and practice the natural, most powerful ways of your purest self. For this, I'd suggest deep inner healing, shadow work, and assessing and releasing childhood traumas.

Hope this helps!

[morningmagicma]

Opening Free Readings from 9/6/22 - 9/17/22

I was drawn to open up free readings again as we are currently going through a powerful cycle as we approach the Harvest Moon on 9/10. Very close to the turning point- the autumnal equinox. While all questions are welcomed, those dealing with yearly lessons, what's approaching, and transformation are favored at this time.

Send a private message or a public ask and I'll have your reading done the same day or early the next.

Again, I can work in a wide range of topics so ask me anything.

What energies have you built? What will you continue to build? And how will those answers impact the rest of your year?

[bestiarium]

The Abayifo [Ashanti mythology; Ghanaian mythology]

Witchcraft was feared and hated among the Ashanti people, who live in Ghana. An Abayifo is a kind of witch who practises black magic. They were always female but male sorcerers also existed, these were called Bonsam and they were far less common than Abayifos. An Abayifo looks like a regular woman but often has at least some hair on her face. They have the ability to shapeshift into a large variety of animals, including owls, parrots, fireflies, lions, hyenas, vultures, flies, elephants, snakes and so on. Sometimes they wore a belt made from snakes around their waist. Witches are associated with Sasabonsam, a mythical creature who became associated with the devil after Christianization of the local folktales.

They are known to attack people and suck blood and because of this, they are often associated with vampires in modern retellings. But they are not undead. All witches knew one another and were in league with each other. They had their own society with separate functions such as executioners and court officials. In fact, if you are an Abayifo you could recognize other witches by the red smoke that rises from their heads, which is invisible to normal people. 

Abayifos were feared and had the ability to curse a woman so that she could never have a child again. At night, these people would walk around the village naked, carrying a magical talisman called an atufa. During the night, their skin would glow and you could see a humanoid figure of light in the darkness. When they came upon the house of a suitable victim, they would turn around and press their buttocks against the wall of the house. Their talisman would then connect to the body of the victim. I am uncertain whether this is a magically warped connection, or the object would physically elongate to connect the victim to the witch, but the Abayifo would then suck blood through their talisman. The next morning, the victim would be ill and would die soon, usually on the same day. Before doing this, however, the witch would try to obtain a small part of their chosen victim. This was usually a tuft of hair or a fingernail, but it could also be an inorganic object such as a bead.

When walking around at night, Abayifos have some sort of connection with the spider webs around the village, which are spun around the doors of houses. When a door opens, the witch can feel the vibration through the webs and is immediately alarmed. This way, they can avoid detection.

A child cannot become an Abayifo, they have to be adults. There is also a significant restriction on the powers of an Abayifo: their magic only works on people of their own clan. In addition, there is a saying among the Ashanti people that an Abayifo, no matter how fierce she is, eats on her side of a river but cannot cross the stream. I am uncertain whether this is a metaphor or intended to be taken literally, meaning that a witch is unable to cross running water.

An Abayifo usually owns a large pot, called a bayi kukuo, and owning such an item was often enough to prove that somebody was a witch. For this reason, witches would hide these pots, often in enchanted hollow rocks that opened when the Abayifo spoke the words “take this pot and keep it safe for me”.

It is forbidden to shed the blood of an Abayifo. If it was necessary to kill one, she should be strangled rather than stabbed or cut. But it didn’t always come to a lethal struggle: there are stories of women who admitted to being an Abayifo and were marked on the palm of their hand with a firebrand. They were allowed to live but were banished from their village. In addition, the people would send a message to neighbouring settlements that a witch has been marked and that she should not be allowed entry into a village. In practice, this was usually a death sentence. Another method of execution was to force the accused witch to drink a special poison. If she managed to recover after swallowing the poison and throw it back up, she was free of suspicion. When this happened, the one who accused her of being a witch had to pay a huge fine, which was often enough to ruin their family.

Source: Rattray, R. S., Religion and Art in Ashanti, 1929. (image: an illustration of a vampire by Avery Sky Williams)

[morningmagicma]

Hi! I was looking into some ritual work, and I saw that you sometimes do companion spells? Are you still doing them/can I hire you for some spellwork?

Hey! Yes I'm still doing companion work. I also do a variety of spell work as well. You can let me know more about what you're looking for through inbox or email:

[email protected]