Hiatus Witch

So this is what its like to take a hiatus...

I've been meaning to put this post up for awhile, but have been putting it off, because I keep telling myself, with a wide and hopeful expression, "Oh no, even though you're living in the desert for a bit, you'll totally be able to update!"

...............

Admittedly, its been a rough couple of months. Its especially hard being away from Lore.

So, for an indefinite amount of time (though I'm hoping only for... a month longer), University Witch is taking a hiatus! But at the same time, I feel as if I've somewhat outgrown what I wanted to use this website for...

I wanted a fun, no-bars approach to the life of magick. Magick is a way of life. That thus makes it beyond just merely a religion, its something that's been integrated into your everyday life that now, it would become hard to separate it.

Anyway! Now that my little... blurb is out of the way. I've also taken on a number of personal projects (and cramming my way back into classes this semester), so hopefully we'll see how it all goes!

I'll also be adding a list of essays and guests posts I've done! I've been meaning to for awhile; I should probably do that...

Good luck in all your magick endevours!

Sincerely,
Soull Soothslayer, the University Witch

24th Spell - The Venus, Sara

I got a pet! Er, sort of.

One day, my friend Kieran took me to Lowe's and purchased me a very cute pet. What kind of pet do they sell at a home improvement store, huh?

A pet plant, that's what!

This is a picture of Sara, my Venus Flytrap. Isn't she cute? After reading the care instructions and putting her in the window, my curiosity got the better of me. I decided to look up some of the magical properties for the plant. Of course, you learn a lot when you research.

The scientific name for the plant is Dionaea muscipula. While the common name is of course a direct allusion to Venus, the Roman goddess of Love, its scientific name has its own meaning itself.

The etymology behind the genus name Dionaea is in reference to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love. It literally means "daughter of Dione", whom was noted down as Aphrodite's primary mother in Homer's Iliad. The word muscipula is Latin for "mouse trap". With that in mind, it would make sense that the magical properties of the Venus flytrap, especially if it so reputable as a houseplant, would be good for the protection of the hearth and home.

And the name Sara? Well, the name is Hebrew, the meaning being 'Princess'. So while the name is fitting (she's the Princess of Hearth Protection!), I was thinking about another Sara entirely.

Have any houseplants yourself? Feel free to take a gander in your house! You might be surprised what you find, and what it means! And when you're done, you can leave a comment here and tell me all about it!

Magick in Everyday Life - Mark of the Beast

While flipping through news feeds on the internet, AOL News posted a very interesting article that I thought was worth mentioning.

Witchcraft is a very interesting subject; there's something about it that makes it very interchangeable to the user, depending on their beliefs. The ability to have a choice in the patron deities the God and Goddess represent to you can hold a sort of power to the person. Like in Christianity when people pray to the saints, the patron God and Goddess of the individual's choosing invoke perhaps the same feeling of spiritual gratification--you feel as if someone is taking the time to hear a prayer.

However, one of the biggest subjects on Witchcraft to those whom don't know better is its association with the  Devil or Satan. Now, the Wiccan religion doesn't believe in the Devil. But one cannot casually toss aside that the usage of "demonic" or "satanic" symbols aren't what someone could consider a curse. 


While some people may or may not believe in magick, people are still very aware when they are being cursed, and there is still come fear behind it. After all, whether using the Devil as your advocate or any other type of invoked magickal deity, a curse is still Witchcraft, and thus we still continue to be haunted by this time-old visage of dancing skyclad around a bonfire and sacrificing our cats.

The article outlines an incident at a Walmart that's perhaps close by to where I live; the story takes place in Fort Worth, TX. A woman only known as "Jessica" in the article, tells that when she picked up her car from the auto department of a Walmart after an oil change, a kind associate alerted her of the markings on the underside of her car. In bright blue was 666, and upside-down cross, and an upside down pentagram. Jessica has a feeling of who it was, and the company has apparently reached out to her in this incident.

She even worries if its a curse, which is understandable. Words, feelings, and symbols all have power in their own right. I wonder if she was able to wash it off, or if its stuck on the underside of her car? And if so... does she still feel comfortable driving it?

You can check out the article and video here, while AOL News still has it up.

Beltane Book Publishing!

Happy May Day, everyone! Have you guys noticed I've been absent lately? Beltane is here, and perhaps you've managed to go out and about, celebrate, and make merry!

I was lucky enough in the past weekends to go to Scarborough Faire, a Dallas/Fort Worth area renaissance festival with Lore an my lovable god father. I even got to see people dance around the May Pole for the first time, ever! I've always wanted to see that! And do that, as well.

Beltane is know for spring and birth, and rebirth! So how does the University Witch celebrate?

...By publishing her own book on Amazon!

That's right! I'm happy to present University Witch: A Witch's Guide to Surviving Higher Education for download onto the computer or Amazon Kindle! Click here to visit its page on Amazon!

I thought of publishing it on the Kindle, especially due to my post, Techno-Witchcraft when I received my Kindle for Yule. You can download and check out the sample before purchase! It has the Table of Contents in it, so you can look it over to see what's in the book before deciding on purchasing though purchasing would really help me out considering I'm still unemployed, hahahaha...;;. 

May you all have a happy Beltane! Look forward to the next University Witch post!

Love,

Soull Soothslayer, University Witch

Famous Witches: Watanuki Kimihiro + HAPPY 1st YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Salutations, Witches and Mundanes!

Today is a special day, April 1^st! Not only is it April Fools Day, but also the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of University Witch! Yes, this blog started last year on April 1^st, and a lot has happened since then. The blog has definitely grown, and I want to give a shout-out to every single person who came and read any of the articles, tried any of the spellcrafting projects, and those who spread the love! But enough about sappiness.

This particular Famous Witches: Real and Fictional course is dedicated to my favorite little witch, who's birthday also happens to fall on this very day! So, without further delay, lets celebrate our one year anniversary with a little bit of magick!

Introducing, for the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION~

Watanuki Kimihiro

Also known as “The Space-Time Witch” or “The Shopkeeper”

So who is Watanuki Kimihiro?

Watanuki Kimihiro is a fictional character, created by CLAMP for the series xxxHolic, which crosses over with Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. He starts off, presumably, as a normal teenage boy, however hosts a strange attribute: the ability to see spirits. They also happen to follow him around, because his blood smells very good. The series follows his supernatural exploits under the witch Yuuko Ichihara, who owns a shop that can grant any wish. Watanuki makes the wish for the spirits to stop following him, and thus becomes employed under indentured servitude to the witch. With the help of his friends Doumeki (whom repels spirits), Himawari (a girl whom deals out bad luck unintentionally), and the pipefox Mugetsu (a sort of guardian for the young man), Watanuki spends his days outside of school encountering zany supernatural antics. The series also focuses on how he ties in with the characters Princess Sakura and Syaoran.

What makes them special?

Watanuki is an “ordinary boy” who, though magick and strange circumstances, becomes something extraordinary. Throughout the series he begin developing powers that always lay dormant within him, such as being precognitive (the ability to see the definite future, not just what may be), and also is known by otherworldly creatures as being a kind person, as well as a great cook (does that make him a Kitchen Witch, then?). He also has the ability to walk through dreams, and travel the astral plane.

The turning point for Watanuki is that he eventually takes over the wish-granting shop he was once employed under. Soon, his powers grow and he becomes one of the most powerful witches in the universe, spanning dimensions.

Where can I learn more about Watanuki?

You can check out his story in the manga and anime series xxxHolic, but he can also be spotted in the sister series Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, and well as other CLAMP works such as Kobato, Drug & Drop, and Blood-C.

While xxxHolic for the most part can be comedic, it is a suspense-genre show, and there can be some parts in it that can potentially be creepy and also, violent. Be advised, before deciding to watch with children!

Supernatural Statistics:

Name: Watanuki Kimihiro

D.O.B: April 1st

Sign: Aries

Alliance: Neutral

Known for: His good cooking, good-tasting blood, precognitive powers, dream-walking, wish-granter

Familiar: The pipefox, Mugetsu

Tool of Choice: -None-

Thank you, everyone, for taking a look at this particular post. I'm happy to have managed to survive with this blog one year. I hope I am able to spend another with out, and continue to bring you information on all things magickal!

Merry Meet, and Merry Meet Again!

Soull Soothslayer, the University Witch

23rd Spell - Goldstone

Finding a job is hard.

For people who have wondered where I've been the past couple of months, here is your answer. Job hunting. Still. Oh, and of course wallowing about in my own depression.

"Why does no one want meeeeee."

Which feels true. There are days when I sit and seriously wonder who did I piss off? Well, you know, other than the hex that my girlfriend's grandmother put on me. A part of me wonders if this is some kind of frutation of this event. But, like a good University Witch, I decided to attempt to remedy my rut in various ways.

1. Cleaning. We started cleaning up the apartment with Lore in an attempt to stir up any built up negative energy. It certainly felt good, at least, but its not going to get the bills paid.

2. Keep searching. Though blind ads or online applications (I have no idea how many I've filled out or how many resumes I've turned in), I merely kept putting it in (and looking through my email, I was on average sending out 3 applications a day! 

3. Wallowing in self-pity and misery. WHHYYYYYYY MEEEEEEEEE.

4. When all else fails--

...Magick.

One of my recent endeavors was going to a pleasant little shoppe in Dallas called The Labyrinth, a metaphysical shoppe that my friend Kieran and I will visit from time-to-time on Saturdays. A couple of weekends ago, we gazed at the candles and I spotted one that looked like could do the trick for my dilemma. The color and label caught my eye:

[Prosperity OOH LA LA SHINY CANDLE]

...No that... wasn't the actual label but, its an accurate representation of my thought process as I reached with entranced, child-like eyes for the yellow-and-green candle. Since I was unfortunately broke, Kieran was kind enough to buy it for me in an attempt to boost my good fortune.

Now, I have nothing against their candles. In fact, I purchased one about two week prior to that one--a beautiful white one with the label [Visions] across it that worked wonders for the dreams I was attempting to decode. However, this particular candle didn't seem to do anything for me, as pretty and good-smelling as it was.

Those two weeks passed and still no job.

I was coming up close to my third solid month of being unemployed. That's when we started really cleaning up the apartment in an attempt to cause some havoc... or rather, disperse it.

While I was cleaning out the bedroom, I pulled out a strange handful of stuff. A quarter, a dime, a nickle.... and a small plastic bag with a stone inside. I stared at it blankly before I realized what it was--a Goldstone, which is known for "creating prosperity from nothing", in a tribute to alchemists from times past.

I held the stone in my hand quietly, staring at it. 

There are times when you feel like all hope is lost. But then there are small moments that make you feel... maybe things will be all right.

...If I was the type, I would have perhaps started crying.

Out of relief, of course.

And many thanks.

Another Sabbat has passed us, and the end to the first month of the mundane New Year is over!

I recently wrote an article about being a witch. I've learned through it that there are a lot of people that perhaps feel the same as I do, that they neglect their spiritual selves in favor of maintaining the strain of their day-to-day life. Admittedly, it can be hard and stressful. I was very moved by the multiple private messages I got from it. I hear from such a variety of different individuals, that I was touched by all that I read.

When I did go through all of them, I realized: this is the reason I write. This is the reason I maintain the University Witch blog, why I keep learning, why after awhile of beating around the bush, I fully embraced my faith for all that it is.

For those who stumbled upon here because of the article, or for those who follow the site, or even for those who come here for the first time!... thank you very much!

Love,

Soull Soothslayer, the University Witch

22nd Spell - The Curse

When I answered the phone groggily from my bed, Lore's grandmother was on the other line, and she was casting a voodoo hex on me.

I stayed on the line as she chanted my name, basically told me to die and get hit by a car or something, and said that the “devil was going to take my soul” before hanging up on me. I stared blankly at the phone for a moment, before setting it down on the bedside table, and laying back in bed with the confused look still on my face. Lore was in the bathroom at the time.

My body was shaking.

But it wasn't in fear, oh no.

It was almost as if a surge of magickal energy had rushed through me, practically begging me to put it to use. It was consisted entirely of a strange mixture that included rage, justice, and just plain will-power. I couldn't believe what had happened.

Lore has had problems with her family but I had thought her grandmother and her were all right. I could only imagine what Lore's mother must have said to her to get her riled up like that. She just threatened my life over the phone. Wasn't that grounds for some minor legal action? Why did it always come down to suing each other with Lore's family?

I was still tired, but I was sincerely thinking about calling the cops. Sure, she used references to cursing me and casting voodoo on me and all of that, but in the end, she was still hoping that I'd be killed. In the end, I decided doing anything wasn't worth it in the long run, at least not for what seemed like some foolish family feud.

During the conversation, all I had managed to say were a few things. Most notably, at the end, when I stated, “...Your words will do nothing to me. You're asking for my evil to come back to me... and I have done nothing, and so, nothing shall happened.” I know the Threefold Rule. I also know basic multiplication. Times it by three, ten, one-hundred, how every many numbers you want: when you multiply by zero, you still get zero.

Why, one must wonder, do people cast curses? While this is a long, drawn out explanation with plenty of history behind it (perhaps I shall go over it at a later date), there is one thing that always comes to my mind when I think of curses.

Before Lore left for work, I had done a protection spell on her. I took sage and burned it in the house, around every door and window, and in every room. We both shook the Witch Bottle. She looked to me with that usually smiling face of hers, but her usual, slightly-cocky look was gone and filled with worry as she gazed at me. Lore told me she was anxious.

“I'm not,” I stated faintly as I held the steadily burning sage incense stick in my hand. “...Because no harm will come to me.” But curses don't just vanish into thin air. They will always go somewhere. “...But your grandmother is foolish. She's trying to curse me... and we all know the best way to hurt someone...

“Is to hurt the people you care for,” We both said in unison.

When she left the house, I stood in the dining room, moving the stick on incense in front of me, around me, meditating, zoning out, and allowing myself to become completely focused on the scent of sage and the calming air around me as I enveloped myself into an attuned state.

Cast whatever curse you wish on me

It will only come back to thee.

Harm not I, nor yourself, or she.

But if pain comes with the retribution

Then I hope you learn your lesson.

Only one can rain down hatred and hurt

Your God, my God, our God.

Heed these words:

I bear you no ill-will

Just the inevitable.

If you ever find yourself in a bad position in life, and someone curses you, always be wary. No, not all people believe in magick, but there is magick in every person. You curse someone by wishing them misfortune and hurt fueled by your own hatred... so think about everything that you say.

...Because it will come back to you.

21st Spell - Techno-Witchcraft

Lore always cracks jokes at how technologically-challenged she is, but that's truly not the case. Entirely, at least. But, I'm a gadget and tech-nerd, so automatically my tech-savvy trumps hers. I love the newest shiny things, even if I can't afford them. An important part of magick to me is to find it in everything... even in science and technology. Though, any other form of media will tell you that science and magick don't mix together (anyone ever read Saiyuki)?

A couple of days ago, I got one of my Yule gifts from Lore in the mail. It was a little belated, but I didn't mind at all. So what was this gift?

A Kindle Touch.

"Heavenly Lights" only included with the addition of imagination.

When I initially received it, I thought it was a strange gift. I wasn't a big fiction reader, and had no idea as to what I would use it for. Though, it would be a great gateway to start reading more, but it was missing the feel of holding a real, hard book in your hands.

So what could I use it for?

I thought about it for awhile, but when I looked more into its features (it even had its own email address, how cool was that?!), an idea struck me.

I had always been tech-savvy, on the go... the idea of a portable library suddenly became extremely intriguing. While no, it could never truly replicate the feel of an actual library, the thought was certainly powerful in its own right: so much knowledge at your fingertips. And, with the ability to import documents onto the Kindle, I immediately fell in love with the idea:

An electronic Book of Shadows.

I immediately downloaded a few starter books and things of interest for the beginnings of a BOS. What did I want to put in here? I decided to start with basic things such as a book on amulets and stones, as well as one on herbs for magickal as well as practical uses. I was never very big on spellbooks, but I thought that if there were any that did catch my interest... I could keep them on here! Also, with the document uploader, I could easy write notes and put them on the Kindle, or email the Kindle itself!

I gave it a name: BOSS, which is short for... well, you wouldn't get it.

I had written a book over a year ago, which was what prompted me to start up this blog. Since all it does is sit on my computer collecting dust, perhaps I'll publish it so it can be downloaded as an eBook. Wouldn't that be swell? I had often thought of tech ways to have a BOS... and really, this is a lot smaller and cheaper than a netbook, or keeping it all on an easily losable USB drive that you still have to plug into a computer.

So what does Lore have to think about all of this so called “techno-witchcraft”?

Lore has her own idea for the Kindle... a Kitchen Witch's compilation of recipe books.

Clover Comic - Holiday Hangover

And a Happy New Year!

There's only a handful of hours left! We're reaching another magickal time in our lives... the passing of yet another year for our Mundane counterparts, and perhaps even ourselves. The New Year is perhaps the closest thing to a global holiday as the world will ever get... at least for now. Who knows what will happen during the mysterious year of 2012?

As with tradition, people come up with New Years resolutions! Do you remember what resolution you made last year? Did you keep it? I certainly didn't. The key to making good resolutions is to be specific and not be vague! Saying "I play to lose weight" leaves far too much wiggle room. Are you padding yourself for the fall of failure? Saying something like, "I plan to lose 5lb every month". And make sure you do the research before committing yourself to a plan.

"Wow!" You might be saying to yourself. "So what will you plan for the New Year?"

My resolutions are as follows:

1. Obtain a New Job. I'm going to need something that pays a but more (or at the very least, allows me to work full-time) in order to keep up the place Lore and I have. Also, something fresh and new for the new year is always a good thing.

2. Get a car. The public transportation in Texas is absolutely horrible. Going to need a car to get around. This can come into play anytime after I get a job. The new job takes priority.

3. Dedicate one day a week to University Witch. In the later months, I felt as if my activity was lessening. I don't love University Witch any less! I had originally put "dedicate more time", but I saw myself about to fall into that vague trap! I just need to make sure to get on the ball and keep up with it, and try and offer new, fresh things. And speaking of new and fresh things...

4. Start on the Clover Comic. I've been pushing it off, but the longer I do, the worse it will be. I am going to make the Clover Comic the first post of the new year. And this is a good resolution I can fill out immediately! So be on the look out!

5. Love Thyself. This is an important rule for me. Sometimes I feel as if I am not the greatest person, or sometimes even a failure of one, but I need to realize that, as long as I love myself, and that there are people who love me, that I shouldn't hate myself, or be afraid. As long as I think I can be something great, I can keep on living. And remember, for everyone else who may feel the same, that if anything, you can count on the power of magick to help you though! University Witch, and Magick Users University, can always be your home!

To all Witches and Mundanes in the world,

Have a Happy New Year!

With Love,

Soull Soothslayer, the University Witch

20th Spell - Behold! The Magickal Housewife!

The New Year was fast approaching, and I knew that I needed to work on some major changes in my life, and everything surrounding it. For instance...

Lets pretend I can draw for a moment and assume this is garbage.

...Oh, wait.

I really needed to clean.

I was waiting for the right opportunity, and it came to me on Tuesday, the 27^th of December. What luck! It was close to the end of the year, so this was the perfect time to begin my venture. Lore was going to be out for the day with her friends, so I rolled up my theoretical sleeves and started doing what I've probably been meaning to do since we moved into this place.

Really, really clean.

I didn't know where to start—that was how overwhelming the mess was. Since Lore's younger brother was going to be staying for a bit at our apartment come this week, I decided to start on the living room, since that was where he was going to be sleeping at. It only made sense that was where I planned on starting my Feng Shui journey.

As soon as I started cleaning... it felt awesome.

I could literally feel all of the built up negativity that had been lingering in the apartment vanishing. I ruffled up messy counter tops, deciding to start simple and just get rid of any trash. Now, when you think trash, you think, well... what goes into the bin everyday. No, we didn't just have garbage laying around everywhere. But at the same time, we did.

Old receipts, junk mail, the coupon circulars, old magazines, paycheck stubs, old sketches, directions to people's houses, business cards we would never look at, wrapping paper and tissue paper from Christmas... nothing escaped my purifying gaze as I plowed through the living room, dining room, and bar area. I was slowly becoming shocked about just how much crap was lying around!

After almost two hours, I finally eliminated all of the trash in the living and dining room.

I was the goddamn goddess of this condominium!

I sat down, taking a breather from all the work I had been doing. Just by eliminating trash, this place looked so much better! It seemed that the mess was really just clutter that had taken over everything. Now, it was a matter of starting in one place, and slowly filtering everything into the appropriate rooms. If I was able to get that done, I could target each room of the apartment individually, without worrying that books that needed to be on the shelves in the closet were strewn about the living room, or hairbrushes and the straightening iron was sitting in the living room when they needed to be in the bathroom.

I decided to start in the dining room, since there were things merely sitting on the dining room table... when that was supposed to be the table for eating or, sometimes working as we didn't have an office room or anything of the sort. I kept on stealing glances at the Christmas tree that sat innocently in its corner in the living room. I would have to figure out what to do with it later.

For now, I began in the dining room. I started sorting out things, before I realized the carpet was really catching my attention. The next thing I knew, I was on my hands and knees, showing no fear as I reached underneath couches and collect trash and tokens of livelihood. Sure enough, rubbish, rubbish, and more rubbish. I tossed them into another trash bag, now on my third. I even somewhere along the way took off the ornaments from the Christmas tree, moved chairs and vacuumed. I realized we needed a better vacuum than the one we had.

As I cleaned, and the space became, well, actually that, I felt... cleaner. Energized. The more I cleaned, the more invigorated I became. I was dispelling all the negativity that had latched onto my house... and it was glorious!

Glorious.

For some reason, as I kept on cleaning, its purifying abilities soared me to higher spirits. I couldn't wait for Lore to get home... maybe she would feel it too. Suddenly, the ability to succeed in everything I tried or did seemed to come soaring at me. Every moment I cleaned, I felt great.

Thinking of cleaning from a magickal perspective made it easier for me, as well. Imaging myself as some kind of scholarly mage utilizing my awesome techniques to purge the demons that dwelled in my abode certainly made it all the more interesting.

There's still a lot more to do, but, at least now, the living room and dining room are clean!

Happy Yule from University Witch!

Seasons Greetings from University Witch!

Here are a few words from the witches here at University Witch! May all of you Witches have a great Yule, and to all Mundanes, Happy Holidays! ♥

May all your wishes come true this holiday season.

Love,
Soull Soothslayer, Lore Sagemaker, and Clover ♥


Want to make your own holiday cheer like the ones above? Head over to Bonnie Games and create your own!

19th Spell - What Santa Stands For

This is a poem I wrote about what happened to me at work. I hope this can inspire you to make sure you have a happy Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah... whatever you celebrate, and to make kind choices this holiday season.

What Santa Stands For

Twas the night before Sunday

And all through the mall

All the people were shopping

Guest Services standing tall.

When the phone suddenly rang

And I answered it true:

“You've reached Guest Services

How may I help you?”

The woman on the line

Her voice cold, she would relay:

“I'd like to file a complaint.”

Much to my dismay.

I pulled out the paper and pen

To get started

And this was the story

She greatly departed:

On the mall's second floor

Where Santa Claus was

Where the children were lined up

For their pictures, all abuzz.

After a two hour wait

They finally got through.

The pictures were taken

But oh, what to do?!

She had left her purse carside,

No money to pay

So she whipped out her cell phone

For one right away

But one of the helpers

They laughed in her face!

And stepped in her way

Right in front of her place.

And humiliated, she left

With her child so sad

But there was still one last thing

That he wished to be had.

The five-year-old boy

With his smile so bright

Said: “May I have one of Santa's

Cookies tonight?”

So the mother, though miffed

Paused to let him take the treat

But this was the kicker

What truly rang defeat!

The girl with the plate

Smiled back and then said:

“Did you pay for a picture?”

And the mom shook her head.

And as the boy was reaching

For that glimmering tray

The girl did what I feared:

She pulled it away!

“Unless you pay for a picture

You can't have a sweet.”

And the mother with stunned eyes

Was glued to the feet.

I could hear the mother seething

Though she said nothing at all

And with these final words

She ended the call:

“Thank you for helping

I hope something can be done

To placate my still crying child

My son.

“I had said Santa stands for giving

And charity too

And his day with him was ruined

Don't you think so too?”

And she hung up the phone

What could I say? She was right!

Merry Christmas to all

And no cookies tonight.

Have a Happy Yule and Happy Holidays.

Love,

Soull Soothslayer, the University Witch

Magick in Everyday Life - Santeria Curse

This is a new segment: Magick in Everyday Life. While it is not a lifestlye post, due to the fact that it is not my own everyday life, these posts are. Well. You're about to see.

I found this news article on the Huffington Post. It seems someone wanted to use a little magick to get what they wanted... and it backfired... big time.

Here is the article itself: it is only being copypasted here in case the link above becomes broken or the article is taken down, and is in no way my own writing.

Two North Miami Beach Police Department employees have been fired

for plotting to put a Santeria curse on the city manager.

Officer Elizabeth Torres, a 24-year veteran of the police department, 

and Yvonne Rodriguez, an office manager for police chief Larry Gomer, 

were caught plotting to use birdseed to cast a spell to make Lyndon 

Bonner "go away" in August before a round of planned departmental layoffs.

Torres told Rodriguez she had previous success with the curse, having

 made her son and daughter move out by sprinkling it on the front porch

 of their home, according to the police report.

Investigators say the pair were upset with the "negative climate" in the

 department, and hatched a plan to similarly curse Bonner by gaining 

access to his office. Torres admitted to police that she brought the 

birdseed to Rodriguez, then approached janitor Esther Villanueva, 

asking her to sprinkle the birdseed in Bonner's office as she cleaned.

The two were busted when Villanueva reported the incident to a supervisor. 

Though Torres confessed to the plan, she told investigators it was just a 

superstitious idea and the pair meant no harm.

"It was kind of a joke, kind of a superstition," she said, according to 

interview transcripts. "It did have bases in religious knowledge I had from

before...As misguided as it may seem, this idea popped into my head, 

and I thought, 'Well, it can't hurt anybody.'"

"Ultimately, the city manager really doesn't have anything to worry 

about. In Santeria, you can't just spread bird seed and make the 

supernatural do what you want it to do," Michelle Moldonaldo, a Professor

 in Religious Studies, told WSVN.

The pair, who were fired last week, can appeal their terminations.

I say this in the best way: this is what makes being a witch worth it. Hearing about hilarious things like that.

I decided to post this article because it brought up something very interesting: the power of belief. The Professor was correct: you cannot make the supernatural do what you wish it to. Magick, spell work, etc, is merely a powerful, energy-enforced prayer to the God and Goddess to have the odds work in your favor. just like belief, these people were not tried because many did not have belief in the curse that the individuals were attempting to place--there found no real threat to it. But did you notice how their boss did?

Back in the day, as most witches know, being accused of witchcraft was a devastating crime, which would easily lead to being tortured and even eventually killed. However, it seems even things as horrible as curses can appeal to even those whom are not full-on believers of magick. It would seem like a great thing, wouldn't it? The ability to cast magick and do whatever you want...

I wonder if these two knew about the Wiccan Rede, huh? Hahaha~

History of Divination - Pyromancy

Ready for a little divination? Here at Magick Users University, we want to be able to instill a little learning one article at a time. History of Divination is a great class, and maybe with it you will find the divination technique for you! Good to see you've joined us! So what's on the agenda for today? Lets find out!

Pyromancy

“Honey, I predict the flames in the kitchen say... we're not going to have a kitchen in ten minutes.”

+ A Little History

So what is pyromancy? Pyromancy is as it sounds: it is the art of divination using fire and flames. Technically, the diviner uses signs they see within the flames in order to predict the future or outcome of events, or see back into past events for answers or revelations.

There are some publications that denote that this mystic art originally used a sacred flame. What could possibly make the flame sacred? The flames used while burning human and animal sacrifices were a good start. However, fire is known for ritual cleansing and purification. Perhaps the mere power of fire made it a candidate for use in divination. A second alternative was to use the flames that were ignited in torches.

+ Pyromancy Today

With the usage of flame, and the ability to make fire with literally anything, pyromancy can be easy to do, albeit dangerous. Pyromancy in bonfires during a Sabbat is probably the most common, as it is a large enough flame to divine and see signs within. Also, if you have a fireplace, during the winter it could be something fun to do while huddling around to fight off the cold.

+ How to Pyromance

So how does one read the flames? It is up to the diviners discretion as to what the signs tell them, however, here are a few things to take into account.

The color of the flame. Colors already have presence in magick, with red for power, and blue for calming... such colors are also within fire, so keeping in mind the colors you primarily see is important.

How high the flames are. Sometimes you can get an intense spiking flame, other times is low to the ground.

The way it burns, of course. Is it slow burning? Is it eating away quickly at the articles used to keep it aflame? Its it tilting? Did it suddenly go out? While the latter was considered a bad omen, all of them are taken into account. When you do your own divination, write down what you feel the flames mean to you! It can help you complie your own resource as to what you see within the flames, and soon, you'll be telling your relatives what you see at the Yule Log burning.

+ Magick Users University Approved Resources

The Occult Sciences (1855), by Edward Smedley

The Complete Manuel of Occult Divination: Volume One (1912), by A.E. Waite

We here at Magick User's University hope this lesson has broadened your horizons! Make sure to follow us on Twitter or check us out on Tumblr!

Witch's Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Its time to strap in for the holiday season. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving for our American readers, and then the day after is the dreaded Black (magick?) Friday! In order to assure complete and total nirvana, we are putting up a small list of tips for these upcoming two days! So, what can one as a witch do to assure greatness? Well... University Witch offers up just one thing!

1. Don't cast spells.

You might be surprised to see that this is the first on the list, but allow me to enlighten you. This of everything happening around you. You might have family over. You could be taking a break from getting that turkey ready, or putting together your purse for Black Magick Friday. You might be rushing about, or maybe the other members of your house are as they prepare for the festivities. With all of this spare energy being strewn about, this is probably the worst time for doing any sort of spell casting. Casting spells take energy, concentration, and most of all, a calm spirit. By doing this, you are just asking for things to go awry.

2. Do take the time to thank your patrons.

In a time of family, health, and wealth, thanking your patron deities for all they have done for you so care is always a good step in deepening your bond with them (or buttering them up for that prosperity spell you're going to cast). Before digging into your food, just thank them that you're still a witch before digging in. There's no harm in that.

3. Don't eat too much.

This is basic knowledge. While you want to pray to your patrons, you don't want to have to bow down and offer tribute to the one that lives in the bathroom, right?

4. Do wear an amulet on Black Magick Friday.

While spellcasting may not be in your best interest, passive magick and “ready made” magick are always handy, especially on Black Magick Friday. You can always read stories of people being trampled and getting hurt because of the “amazing sales” going on. If you are one of the people who partake in this shopping bonanza, please do yourself a favor and wear an amulet before you head out. It is of course, great for your protection, and all you have to do is wear it. It does the work for you.

5. Don't forget... to have fun.

While this holiday may be stressful, make sure you are always enjoying yourself. If you're not, there's no reason to do it!

Have a great Thanksgiving, and may the God and Goddess be with you!

Love,

Soull Soothslayer

18th Spell - The Power of Magick

There are times as a witch, in which magick is so close, and yet so far.

Yesterday, I was in pain.

Like this only fifty-billion-trillion times worse.

I was having... you know. Those kinds of pains. Cramps. And thus, I awoke a little before 6am, to the pounding of my stomach... and the next door neighbor playing obnoxiously loud music.

Lore was asleep beside me. I lay in bed for a little, hoping to get back to sleep, before the irresistible urge of having to go and use the bathroom hit me, and I was forced to get up. I heard Lore move beside me, waking up. Honestly, the next hour or so was a blur of me using the bathroom, me groaning in pain, and Lore bringing me a heat pad she conjured up out of heated dry rice and a washcloth.

Rice never felt so good.

Its like, once I feel better I also have the means to make breakfast.

After Lore called the police on the neighbors playing their music (this has happened a few times before), and I watched her move around and swear all over the kitchen, she finally managed to head back to bed to get some sleep. During that time, I took an Excedrin in efforts to fight off the pain.

Normally, I can take half the dosage, because I just don't take any kind of medication that often. But, as I went to sit in the living room so I didn't disturb Lore by tossing around, the hours passed.

Eight rolled around.

Then nine.

The Excedrin didn't work.

I was still in agony. So I just took another, now up to the normal dosage. That was around 9:30am. I made coffee for Lore, since she was getting up to head off to work.

But the pain didn't cease.

Lore made a cup of lavender tea for me, holding it under my nose for me to sniff it as I hunched over one of the chairs in the living room.

"Lavender tea relaxes the muscles," Said the Kitchen Witch, giving me a pitying look. "...I'm sorry I can't do anything else for you."

And off to work she went.

It was as I was laying on the couch, waiting for my friend Kieran to come over with a stronger pain medication, that a thought struck me:

Why didn't I use magick to help me?

Wow, yeah. Duh, self.

But it was as those thoughts came to me, that I realized a flaw in my logic. I wanted to count on magick to heal me, but I was in so much pain, I didn't really believe it could help me. Normally, I relied on magick first, then turned to drugs (kind of like most rappers before they appear in court), but this time, I had done it the other way around and relied on painkillers first.

If I didn't believe in my own magick, surely... it wouldn't work. Admittedly, I also couldn't muster up the strength to even get off the couch to get my wand.

...And I had also started shouting out expletives and taking the patron's name in vain. Magick probably wasn't going to do much for me today.

"WHY HAS GOD FORSAKEN ME?!" <-- Actual quote

17th Spell - For Sale, Vampire Blood, Cheap

Lore and I were headed out to Sprouts for some groceries, but it was on our way that we walked passed the Dollar Tree, and within its clear glass walls stood a magnificent display of Halloween-themed decorations. Its cheap plastic Shangri-La was the most glorious I had seen since the Sabbat came to mind.

“Lore!” I exclaimed, grasping her arm with a bright smile. “Can we go inside before we go to Sprouts? Please? Pretty please?”

Lore glanced down at me, and, in a tone that said she would humor me, replied, “Yeah, sure. Lets go then. We got time.”

It was within the store that we purchased a goblet that read “Vampire Blood” on it. It matched the ones I had gotten that said “Witches Brew” and “Spider Venom” last time. Also, since our ice cube trays were starting to crack, we spotted a silicone one that made ice cubes in the shape of pumpkins.

“Oh, this is cute!” I exclaimed as Lore picked it up. “Lets get it!”

We wandered around the store for a bit more (mainly because its always interesting to see what's lurking in a dollar store). I asked Lore if we needed anything from here before we went to Sprouts. As we headed down an aisle, we paused by all the leg razors, and I snagged a pack before heading to the line.

The cashier scanned all of our items, and looked down at them for a brief moment with a perplexed look on his face. Lore looked down as well, before she burst out laughing.

“What?” I asked, confused, before the cashier picked the items up as he placed them in the back, going, “Huh, Vampire's Blood goblet—I wonder who's blood that's gonna be—oh, and some ice cubes to keep it all chilled and some razors...looks like someone's gonna be cuttin' tonight.”

The other people in the line looked as us as all three of us started laughing. The collection of items reminded me of a 3am Wal-Mart purchase... but it was only 7 in the evening at this point. But strange things like this happen once in awhile. Lore and I snickered about it with one another as we made our way into Sprouts.

Monday is the big day! ♥ May all your Samhain's be merry!

Love, Soull~

Looking for something to do for Samhain? Check out my guest post on the Pagan blog A Witchy Life to brew up some ideas to make your Halloween fun!

Patron Deities 101 - Amaterasu

Glad to see you could join us in class today! Here at Magick Users University, we strive to promote education as well as fun in our classes! Today, we'll be bringing you a new patron deity!

Today's honorable goddess is...!

*~ + AMATERASU + ~ *

天照

She'll outshine you, always.

+ About Amaterasu

Amaterasu is a Japanese goddess who represents (or is) the sun for the Shinto religion in Japan. She is one of their principal deities, to the point where people worship her solely. That group is widely known as “the Cult of the Sun”. Shinto is the indigenous spirituality of Japan and the Japanese people, which carries and connects the traditions of ancient Japan and modern day Japan.

Her full name is Amaterasu-omikami, (天照大神-天照大御神) which means “the great August kami who shines in Heaven”. Kami means “spirit”, though the word “god” is also used synonymously (so one could assume it would mean a “higher” spirit than of say a mortal).

She is known to be a beautiful and radiant goddess, born from the left eye of the god Izanagi as he purified himself, whom then went on to become the ruler of the Higher Celestial Plain. She was so bright ad radiant that he sent her up a long ladder to the Celestial Plain, where she has ruled ever since. However, the world was shielded in a period of darkness when he brother, the god of storms, created a stirring on earth so noisy it frightened the beautiful Amaterasu, and she hid in a cave and covered it with a rock. It blotted out her rays, covering everything in shadow.

However, the trickster god's dancing beckoned her out of her cave. A mirror had been hung in front of it, and, curious to see the beautiful light she saw (which was merely her own brilliant reflection) closer, she came out, bringing light to the world once more.

+ So what makes Amaterasu patron goddess material?

She is an important part of Shinto religion, thus making her a very prominent goddess and deity. Being the goddess of the sun, you can be sure that Amaterasu will bring beauty, light, and clarity to your life and magick, along with also things like warmth, radiance, and growth.

+ Holy Statistics, Soull!

Name: Amaterasu (天照)

Alternative Names: N/A

Nationality: Japanese (Shinto)

Type: Sun Goddess

Physical Appearance: A typical Japanese beauty with pale skin, black hair, and constantly radiant

Colors: Red, white, and gold/yellow

Day of the Week: Sunday

Attributes: Radiance, beauty, sun magick, warmth, and growth

Want to see any specific gods or goddess in Patron Dieties 101? Leave a comment here, or if you're into more Zany antics, check us out on Tumblr!