I hope that if you were told "you're growing like a weed" when you were young that you did and you continue to do so. I hope you continue to grow, unabashedly despite the direness around you. I hope you continue to bloom and flourish in every brilliant detail no matter what everything else growing alongside you looks like. I hope you grow so tall and strong and proud that nasty words and concrete can't even fathom being able to hold you back.
I’ve been building a little browser-based digital grimoire / webgrimoire for my site, and it’s finally at the point where I want to let other people try it.
https://shrine404.neocities.org/grimoire
It’s still in beta, so im basically just asking people to poke around, play with it, and tell me what works, what feels clunky, and what you’d want added.
It's not a productivity app so don't go in expecting that. I wanted it to feel personal, decorative, a little old-web, a little devotional lol..
I worked really hard on this so if you can give me feedback and maybe reblog I'd be so happy. Again it is FREEEEE.
What it can do right now:
☾ create entries for different sections like spells, materia / correspondences, dreams, lore, links, journals, divination / omens, and more
☾ has an altar / webshrine area where you can make little devotional pages with things like:
shrine images
candles
offerings
blinkies / extra shrine images
shrine frames / styles
relics / decorative bits
“now playing” style details
guestbook / shrine personality features
☾ has a practitioner / about area so you can personalize it with your own path, signs, beliefs, deities, tools, icon, etc.
☾ includes writing tools so entries can be more than just plain text — invocation blocks, prayer cards, omen / warning boxes, poetry formatting, ritual steps, foldaway notes, dividers, and other little text charms
☾ lets entries link to each other, so it can work more like a tiny personal web or wiki instead of just isolated notes
☾ has optional ritual metadata / seals for entries, but they can also be turned off if they don’t fit the page
☾ has backup / export options all grouped together, including a full HTML export option
☾ has different palette / theme options in settings, including lighter and darker modes for readability / vibe
☾ has a header image option and other little personalization settings
A few important notes before using it:
𖹭 it is still a beta
there may still be bugs, odd save issues, awkward layout moments, or parts that need smoothing out
𖹭 it currently saves in your browser storage
so if you use it a lot, please export backups regularly
𖹭 it’s meant to be a little expressive and decorative
so some features lean more “digital shrine / personal archive / weird old web object” than “minimal serious app”
If you try it, I’d especially love feedback on:
✴︎ anything confusing or unintuitive
✴︎ bugs / things not saving properly
✴︎ sections or features you wish existed
✴︎ readability / accessibility issues
✴︎ whether the altar / shrine side feels fun enough
✴︎ whether the writing tools feel useful or too much
✴︎ anything that feels especially charming, broken, annoying, inspiring, messy, or missing
Basically: if you use it and have thoughts, I want them.
This is my weird little beta grimoire child and I’m trying to make it genuinely beautiful and fun to use, not just functional.
Also, if you like strange personal websites / old web things / occult tools / shrine pages / browser toys, you may enjoy it just for that alone.
Chaos Magick is a modern form of occultism that defies traditional structures and dogmas, embracing a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to magical practice. Unlike conventional magical systems that adhere to specific rituals, symbols, and deities, Chaos Magick emphasizes flexibility, personal belief, and the use of any technique or symbolism that achieves the desired outcome. Originating in the late 20th century, Chaos Magick has become a significant and influential movement within the broader landscape of contemporary occultism, attracting practitioners who value creativity, experimentation, and personal empowerment. This essay explores the history, principles, practices, and significance of Chaos Magick.
History of Chaos Magick
Chaos Magick emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a response to the rigid structures of traditional ceremonial magick and the occult revival movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. The origins of Chaos Magick can be traced to the writings of occultists such as Peter J. Carroll and Ray Sherwin, who were instrumental in developing and popularizing this new approach to magic.
The Influence of Austin Osman Spare:
A significant precursor to Chaos Magick was the work of artist and occultist Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956). Spare's ideas about the subconscious mind, sigils, and the power of belief were highly influential on later Chaos Magicians. He emphasized the use of personal symbols and the manipulation of belief as tools for magical success, laying the groundwork for many of the ideas central to Chaos Magick.
The Birth of the Movement:
In the late 1970s, Peter J. Carroll and Ray Sherwin co-founded the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT), a magical order dedicated to the practice and development of Chaos Magick. Carroll’s seminal works, "Liber Null" (1978) and "Psychonaut" (1982), became foundational texts for Chaos Magicians. These books outlined the core principles of Chaos Magick, including the emphasis on belief as a tool, the use of sigils, and the concept of "paradigm shifting," where practitioners adopt different belief systems as needed.
Spread and Evolution:
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chaos Magick grew in popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The movement attracted individuals interested in a more personalized and experimental approach to magic, free from the dogmatic constraints of traditional systems. As Chaos Magick evolved, it incorporated influences from psychology, science fiction, pop culture, and postmodern philosophy, reflecting its eclectic and adaptive nature.
Principles of Chaos Magick
Chaos Magick is characterized by several key principles that distinguish it from other forms of magical practice. These principles emphasize flexibility, pragmatism, and the central role of belief in achieving magical outcomes.
Belief as a Tool:
One of the core tenets of Chaos Magick is the idea that belief itself is a powerful tool in magic. Unlike traditional magical systems that require adherence to specific beliefs or deities, Chaos Magick posits that the act of believing—regardless of what is believed—is what makes magic effective. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt and discard beliefs as needed to achieve their desired results, treating belief as a flexible and dynamic tool rather than a fixed truth.
Paradigm Shifting:
Closely related to the use of belief as a tool is the concept of "paradigm shifting." In Chaos Magick, a paradigm is a framework of beliefs, symbols, and practices that a magician temporarily adopts to work a particular spell or ritual. A Chaos Magician might shift between different paradigms—such as using Kabbalistic symbols in one ritual and invoking Lovecraftian deities in another—depending on what they find most effective for their goals. This fluid approach allows practitioners to draw from a wide range of magical and cultural traditions.
Pragmatism and Results-Oriented Practice:
Chaos Magick is inherently pragmatic, focusing on what works rather than adhering to tradition or doctrine. The effectiveness of a magical practice is judged solely by the results it produces. This results-oriented approach encourages experimentation and the development of new techniques, as well as the modification or abandonment of practices that do not yield desired outcomes.
Use of Sigils:
Sigilization, a technique popularized by Austin Osman Spare, is a central practice in Chaos Magick. A sigil is a symbol created by condensing a specific intention or desire into a visual form. The practitioner then uses various methods to "charge" the sigil with energy and launch it into the subconscious mind, where it works to manifest the desired outcome. Sigils are valued for their simplicity and adaptability, making them a popular tool among Chaos Magicians.
The Gnostic State:
Achieving a state of altered consciousness, often referred to as the "Gnostic State" or "gnosis," is a key component of Chaos Magick rituals. This state of mind, in which the practitioner is highly focused and free from distractions, is believed to be crucial for the successful performance of magic. Various methods, such as meditation, chanting, visualization, or sensory deprivation, are used to induce gnosis.
Practices of Chaos Magick
Chaos Magick is known for its eclectic and innovative practices, which can vary widely from one practitioner to another. The following are some of the most common practices associated with Chaos Magick:
Sigil Magic:
As mentioned, sigil magic is a cornerstone of Chaos Magick. The process typically involves creating a sigil by writing out a statement of intent, removing duplicate letters, and arranging the remaining letters into an abstract symbol. The practitioner then enters a Gnostic State, charges the sigil with intent, and either destroys or forgets the sigil to allow it to work subconsciously.
Magical Experimentation:
Chaos Magicians often experiment with a variety of techniques, drawing from different magical traditions, religions, and even pop culture. This might include invoking gods from different pantheons, working with fictional characters as if they were real entities, or incorporating elements of modern technology into rituals. The emphasis is always on what is effective for the individual practitioner.
Deconstructing and Reconstructing Beliefs:
Chaos Magicians regularly engage in the practice of deconstructing and reconstructing their beliefs. By deliberately adopting different belief systems, even those they do not inherently believe in, they explore the effects of belief on reality. This practice often leads to a deeper understanding of the fluid nature of reality and the power of the mind in shaping experience.
Use of Pop Culture and Modern Symbols:
One of the more unique aspects of Chaos Magick is its embrace of contemporary symbols and icons from pop culture. Practitioners might use characters from movies, comic books, or video games as symbols in their rituals, treating these figures as modern-day deities or archetypes. This reflects Chaos Magick's adaptability and its focus on personal relevance over tradition.
Psychological Techniques:
Many Chaos Magicians incorporate psychological techniques into their practice, drawing from fields such as cognitive psychology, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and hypnosis. These techniques are used to alter consciousness, influence perception, and reinforce the practitioner’s intent. The integration of psychological methods underscores Chaos Magick's pragmatic and results-driven approach.
Significance and Influence of Chaos Magick
Chaos Magick has had a profound impact on modern occultism, influencing both magical practice and the broader cultural understanding of magic. Its emphasis on flexibility, innovation, and personal empowerment has resonated with a new generation of practitioners who seek a more individualized and adaptive approach to magic.
Democratization of Magic:
One of the most significant contributions of Chaos Magick is the democratization of magical practice. By rejecting rigid hierarchies, dogmas, and the need for formal initiation, Chaos Magick has made occult practices more accessible to a wider audience. Anyone can become a Chaos Magician, regardless of background or experience, as long as they are willing to experiment and learn.
Cultural Impact:
Chaos Magick has also influenced popular culture, particularly in areas related to the occult, science fiction, and the countercultural movements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Concepts from Chaos Magick, such as paradigm shifting and the use of pop culture symbols, have found their way into literature, movies, and art, reflecting the movement's broad cultural reach.
Challenges to Traditional Magic:
Chaos Magick challenges the conventional understanding of magic by questioning the necessity of belief in any particular system or deity. This has led to debates within the occult community about the nature of magic, the role of belief, and the effectiveness of traditional practices. Chaos Magick's focus on results over tradition has encouraged many practitioners to rethink their approach to magic.
Influence on Postmodern Thought:
Chaos Magick is often associated with postmodernism, particularly its skepticism of grand narratives and its emphasis on individual experience. The movement’s fluid approach to reality, belief, and identity aligns with postmodern ideas about the constructed nature of reality and the multiplicity of truths. This has made Chaos Magick particularly appealing to those who resonate with postmodern philosophy.
Conclusion
Chaos Magick represents a radical departure from traditional magical systems, offering a flexible, pragmatic, and highly individualized approach to occult practice. By emphasizing the power of belief, the importance of personal experience, and the value of experimentation, Chaos Magick has redefined what it means to practice magic in the modern world. Its influence extends beyond the occult community, challenging cultural and philosophical assumptions about reality, belief, and the nature of power. As a living, evolving tradition, Chaos Magick continues to inspire and empower those who seek to explore the mysteries of existence on their own terms.
Lemon balm is known for its soothing properties and making a tea or infusion out of it can help you reduce stress, insomnia and anxiety as well as improve your digestion and general mood.
INGREDIENTS:
• lemon balm leaves (fresh or dried)
• hot water
• honey (if desired)
Prepare your water while washing and drying your lemon balm leaves (if fresh). Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and drop the leaves in the water for at least 10 minutes. I usually stir it a couple times as well.
After that, you can filter and serve your lemon balm infusion!
Adding a spoon of honey can make it delightfully sweeter; you can serve it hot or wait for it to get cooler and make a refreshing summer drink out of it.
🍃 Lemon Balm Properties
• attracting love
• renewal
• emotional healing
• purification
• warding off evil
• attracting positivity
• anxiety and stress relief
• enhancing clairvoyance and intuition
• promoting longevity
• improving memory and focus
• excellent help for digestion
• antiviral
• analgesic
🍃 What to do with the used leaves?
I personally always use fresh leaves and prefer to keep the used ones and let them dry for future works in spells - it's a pity to throw them away!
If you used fresh leaves and you too want to let them dry for future use, lay them in a single layer on a cloth, baking sheet or paper towel and place it in a dry and dark place away from direct sunlight. Good ventilation is important as much as flipping them from time to time. The leaves should dry in two-three weeks max.
Once you're sure they're dry (touch them to make sure) you can gently crush them and store them.
If you do not want to use fresh leaves, you can dry them beforehand and make the infusion later on!
⚠️Important: lemon balm is usually safe, but high doses may not be suitable for those affected with hypothyroidism. Also be careful in using it during pregnancy. Always be sure you're safe before handling any herb.
Critical Thinking Witch Con 2025 ~~ Sept 26th - 28th ~ ~ A Virtual Convention ~
In 2025 we have built our virtual Con around the theme of: Critical Connecting: Conscious Communication In A Conflicted World. Join us while you discover and discuss some of the different ways we interact with each other and with the world. Connect, learn, and get involved with a community of science-minded witches and seekers from around the world.
Stream live with us and your community members in Zoom and Discord!
Access to the recorded videos and your community in the Discord.
Scholarships available!
Tickets on sale now! We can't wait to see you there!
About the Critical Thinking Witch Collective
Formed in 2021, we connected to make space for critical thinking witches of all kinds; witches who research, apply scientific reasoning, learn from history, and question assumptions and biases.Connect for less cult of personality, conspiracies, and questionable hierarchies; and more critical thought, common sense, and world-wide coven of community.
I always keep up with protection spells. There are infinite dimensions, and infinite energies within them, leaving plenty of room for opening yourself up to something powerfully horrific. I believe demons that respond to exorcism were created by the consciousness and framework of Christian theologians, but there are infinite kinds of other dark energies that can infest your body or space. Some are aliens that only exist in higher dimensions. Some are constructs created by human consciousness or trauma. Some are troubled human souls that stayed on earth. There are innumerable possibilities. Look at Skinwalker Ranch and the horrors that came through that portal. There are infinite reasons to protect yourself.
For those new to chaos magic, or who are unfamiliar with the terminology, a servitor is an entity created by a magician to perform certain tasks autonomous from its creator.
Phil Hine writes in Condensed Chaos: Adventures in Chaos Magic that servitors are essentially a kind of psychological complex created "by deliberately budding off portions of our psyche and identifying them by means of a name, trait, symbol", after which "we can come to work with them (and understand how they affect us) at a conscious level.”
Servitors can be created to perform a wide range of tasks, from the specific to the general, and may be considered as expert systems which are able to modify themselves to take into account new factors that are likely to arise whilst they are performing their tasks. They can be programmed to work within specific circumstances, or to be operating continually.
Phil Hine, Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic (New Falcon Publications, 1995)
Note: While some purport that servitors are a part of a ‘thoughtform continuum’, starting with ‘unintelligent’ sigils and eventually getting to the complexity of egregores and godforms, I think it would be prudent to mention that I don’t think I agree with the distinctions people tend to make between servitors and thoughtforms, namely that servitors are simpler and have less agency than thoughtforms. I can see why it may be helpful for some to keep them disparate but I find the separation unnecessary especially since there are certainly instances where servitors can be sophisticated enough to harbor agency and even intellect.
Generally, I’ve seen magicians follow a model similar to Austin Osman Spare’s sigil creation technique to encode a particular intention for a servitor to operate within. Alternatively, a magician may choose to create servitors from negative aspects of their psyche so they can interact with those traits as personal ‘demons’ and eradicate them. This is to say there are probably limitless ways you can program a servitor to aid you in your magical and mundane life.
When creating a servitor, I begin with a similar mindset as creating any other magical tool by first determining my intentions. What do I need help with? What am I seeking? Try to take note of the thoughts and emotions that are influencing your intentions and even try to imagine what things will be like after the task is complete; by collecting and holding all of this mental data during servitor creation, you can strengthen the complex it is born from.
Note: This is why I find there can be varying degrees of success when trying to use a servitor that someone else has created. While someone could have had great success with their servitor and enthusiastically shared the steps for its creation, you do not have the same psychological and magical ties to that entity and therefore may not really be tapping into what makes it tick.
During this inception process, also consider the level of sophistication you want your servitor to have. Ask yourself questions like:
Is your servitor made for one specific task and then it is banished or does it work in perpetuity (or until you stop it)?
Do you have to summon it each time you need it to perform a certain task? If so, how?
Is your servitor like a magical automaton, doing a set action like a machine, or can it learn from its experiences and adapt how it operates?
Does your servitor have a lifespan? Are you able to resummon the same entity if needed again or would you create a new version of itself?
Does your servitor have agency?
Does your servitor communicate? If so, how? Can it interact with other beings besides yourself?
Does your servitor require energy or sustenance? What does it require and how often?
By having set rules or constraints baked into the creation of your servitor, you can ensure it operates the way you want it to.
As you are thinking of all of this, picture what your servitor looks like, how it moves, if it has a sound or a voice—the more detail, the better.
Give your servitor a name and a sigil. You can create the sigil based on the servitor’s name or task using something like Austin Osman Spare’s sigilization technique or something more abstract. (My personal divination deck, much like Sakura Kinomoto’s cards in Cardcaptor Sakura, also houses an entity in each of the cards and the art on the card is essentially the entity’s sigil.)
Before launching your servitor, determine a ‘kill switch’ for the entity if anything goes sideways or you need it to cease working immediately for any reason. This can be a phrase or an action but make sure it is something you cannot accidentally do. If you connect your servitor to an object, simply destroying that object would also work.
Finally, with all of this information at hand, you can launch your servitor. You can do this as you would fire off any other sigil or you can choose to do something more ceremonial. (The defunct account @trollkunnig outlines a method of essentially ‘contracting’ a servitor in this post.) At this point, you can tether your servitor to an object, if you choose to do so. I have also connected a servitor to an additional object after its programmed task was completed with a renewed intention and a course of action should its original services be needed again.
This post is part of my Magi Praxis series. If you have any suggestions for future topics, or you have attempted anything I have shared and want you share your experiences, please send me a message! I am always happy to go back and provide further explanation as well. ☆
Witchcraft can be a powerful tool for protection, but it is important to approach it with respect and caution. Here are some tips for using witchcraft to protect yourself:
Set intentions: Before you begin any ritual or spell, it is important to set clear intentions for what you want to achieve. Visualize yourself surrounded by a protective energy that keeps you safe and secure.
Use protective symbols: There are many symbols that are commonly used for protection in witchcraft, such as the pentacle, the evil eye, and the hamsa. You can wear these symbols as jewelry or draw them on talismans to carry with you.
Use herbs & crystals: There are many herbs and crystals that are believed to have protective properties in witchcraft. Some popular options include black pepper, rosemary, black tourmaline, and amethyst. You can use these herbs and crystals in spells or carry them with you in a sachet or pouch.
Create a protective charm: You can create a protective charm by combining herbs, crystals, and other materials in a small pouch or container. This charm can be carried with you or placed in your home to provide ongoing protection.
Use visualization: Visualization is a powerful tool in witchcraft. Visualize a protective bubble of energy surrounding you, or imagine yourself surrounded by a circle of protective light.
Call on deities or spirits: If you work with deities or spirits in your witchcraft practice, you can call on them for protection. Some popular options include Hecate, Artemis, and Archangel Michael.
Cast a protection spell: You can cast a spell to protect yourself from harm. This can involve creating a protective circle, calling on the elements, and using candles, herbs, and other tools to set your intention and create a protective energy.
Create a protective sigil: A sigil is a symbol that is created to represent a specific intention or desire. You can create a sigil for protection by writing out your intention and then using the letters to create a unique symbol. This symbol can then be charged with energy and used for protection.
Use divination: Divination can be a helpful tool for identifying potential sources of harm or danger. You can use tarot cards, runes, or other divination tools to gain insight into potential threats and take steps to protect yourself.
Practice grounding & centering: Grounding and centering can help you stay grounded and focused, even in stressful or dangerous situations. This involves connecting with the earth and your own inner strength to create a sense of stability and protection.
Remember that protection is not a one-time event, but an ongoing practice. Incorporate these tips into your daily witchcraft practice to create a strong and lasting protective energy around yourself.
These are my Arcana Tiles - a custom tool I created for divination. This is 100% my own design, and is a combination of Runes & the 22 Major Arcana cards of a tarot deck.
The symbols were created by staring long & hard at the original Rider-Waite deck. Some are clearly more obvious than others, but these are in order from The Fool to The World.
To read them, I scoop them into my hands and shake'em like bananas. This is not a quiet process. I like the clacking though. Then I toss em out like runes on a piece of fabric.
Face down, removed. Off or half off the fabric, removed. The remaining tiles are read.
This tends to read like a timeline, a literal or metaphorical map, or just a few groupings of advice. I try to keep them as close to their original positions as I can.
They also tend to "point" to each other in a way that weaves the story.
This also makes an AWESOME tool to elaborate on existing tarot readings too. I'll toss 'em on a spread and watch it flesh out the story more.
I've tried to explain the reading method to people before. It's probably 50% intuition & 50% method, but either way it's extremely accurate and way fun.
The best part, is that your Craft doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.
The weirdest responses on my post about the uselessness of witchcraft blacklists have been the ones that are folks saying "there's no value in reading an author who did [problematic thing]. Why would you do that?"
And I'm like... to better understand the effect that person had on the culture? To understand how they changed (or in some cases were largely responsible for) the modern witchcraft movement?
Because some of us think it's important to understand where this community came from? Or what the origins of certain practices were? Or what myths still exist within our community because of what those people wrote? Or just because we're curious?
And, like, let's remember I'm not advocating anyone read these people's works. When beginners ask me for advice on Wicca, I usually tell them to avoid Buckland, and that Gardner isn't worth reading. I'm just saying we shouldn't forbid people from reading them, or judge them for doing so.
Fuckin' A, dude. We're witches. Understanding why and how we do things is fundamental to a lot of our practices. The history of modern witchcraft (like most things involving white people) is full of folks who don't have clean hands. If you think you can only learn lessons from angels, you'll find yourself in an empty classroom.
Do you want some coffee too? @thanksforthecoffee - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
