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Silence Is Golden: Give Ways to Quietly Make a Difference in a Loud World, by Zoe Howe

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

Over the centuries, witches, folk magicians, and "cunning folk (as we refer to them in the British Isles) have beavered away behind the scenes to help their communities, often by stealth and in most cases without credit. At odds with the performative, virtue-signalling culture of the digital era, there were and remain magical workers and healers who rarely broadcast their works of positive magic, not least because, depending on individual or societal circumstances, such boasting could be misconstrued or lead to danger.

Additionally, as my mother always told me, if you let ego get in the way of this kind of work, one's "gifts" may be taken away. There are many positive aspects to social media, and I love that so many inspiring practitioners have been able to connect with each other and share thoughts and ideas. Through social media we can support and learn from each other, cheer each other on and form global communities in ways we never could before. But, as with all things, balance is vital.

When it comes to working effectively (and, indeed, being a decent human being) the underrated quality of humility is essential. Whatever our path, magic and witchcraft is deep, spiritual work, and we must frequently inspect our intentions. Are we coming from a pure place? Or are we doing it so we can post about it on TikTok, or to appear "mysterious" and powerful? In this "pictures or it didn't happen" epoch, the squeaky wheels often get the grease, but when said squeaky wheel suddenly realizes they aren't the only witch in the village and that others around them have quietly been practicing for years, rather than rejoicing that there are kindred spirits nearby, there can be a sense of competition or a desire for self-justification. I feel this is a great shame and can stand in the way of love, unity, and progress. It's also important to remember that the biggest voice ultimately counts for little if they're not committed to living their magic and doing the work, every day. And a lot of that work takes place—you guessed it—in silence. Without anyone knowing about it. By stealth, if you like.

"Stealth" normally makes one think of sneaky behavior, but how about when you just want to silently do some good for another with no agenda? It's hard for humans to do a nice thing without wanting a pat on the back for it—usually in the form of a thousand likes on Instagram and a flurry of new followers—but when we seriously commit to our work as witches, and we become accustomed to the magic and power within silence, the grip of ego becomes at least a little looser.

Magical work is also, as many of us know, more effective when it is not talked about; when we discuss it with others, we risk our plans or results being inadvertently polluted or knocked off course by people's attitudes, doubts, or negativity. "To know, to dare, to will, to keep silent" is a law many magical folk live by, and for very good reason.

Occult means "hidden," but sweet Venus, how open things are now. Even twenty years ago I would carefully cover my witchy books in silver paper so I could read them on public transport without arousing curiosity, or bury them deep in drawers so nosy landladies wouldn't see them as they snooped about. Let us never forget the value, necessity indeed, of silence and mystery. But it's not just about hiding what's precious to us from prying eyes and mischievous minds; it's also a beautiful act of magic in itself, I think, to want to do something to help or uplift another without expecting anything other than the quiet satisfaction of having done it.

What can you do, by stealth and without seeking credit, to uplift others? Here are some ideas that may sound mundane, but are filled with positive magical potential—and amplifying the magic in the mundane is at the heart of my new book Witchful Thinking:

1. Leave tokens, notes, or positive messages in public spaces for people to find. I used to live in a seaside community where kindly unknown souls would paint an affirming message on a stone and leave it on the beach, on a bench, or under a tree for someone to find. The number of pictures of these stones snapped by delighted passers-by proved that a simple but powerful magic had not only taken place, it had spread for others to enjoy, the messages being received by those who needed them. Alternatively, whenever I was feeling flush, I would attach a pound coin to a postcard with a friendly message encouraging the finder to put it towards a treat. But just a note or a single word can create a shift in someone's day that prompts a butterfly effect.
2. Donate. If you can afford to donate to a charity, it is wonderful to be able to do so. Look into having a tree planted to aid reforestation. Pop the loose change in your purse at the end of the week into a special tin that is just for charity use, and donate it at the end of the month. Alternatively, donating items you no longer use or want to thrift stores can help others, too. If you can afford to do so, you could add extra food to your grocery shop to take to a food bank, or delivering a pack of healthy pet food to a struggling animal shelter.
3. Write a positive review. As consumers, we rely more than ever on customer reviews. We are quick to dismiss a service if we spot a one-star write-up (even if we can't prove whether or not the review was genuine or due to some personal agenda). On the other hand, we all too quickly fall for the product garlanded with fake 5-star praise that's secretly been paid for. As a result, our genuine kind words are like gold dust—as they always have been— unfortunately, many of us only feel moved to write a review online if we're angry or displeased, rather than if we enjoyed something, or received decent service. Take the time to think about a book you loved, a café you enjoyed, a beautiful artisan-crafted candle you bought—anything at all. All of those things have people behind them, people who worked hard and did their best to create something special. Once you've made a list—or even if you can only think of one thing—go online and spread the love. Don't worry about time-scale—your positivity is always welcomed and makes a real difference on so many levels.
4. Send energy. We are sending out energy all the time, anyway—good, bad, and neutral—and this makes a difference, for better or worse, because we are all ultimately connected. With that in mind, I often like to hold a person, an animal, or indeed the whole planet, consciously and lovingly in my thoughts if they are going through a difficult time. One way to do this is to sit quietly and light a candle, concentrating on raising your vibration (the act of lighting a candle alone will help with this). Call in your guardians and guides and request that you are filled and surrounded by the white light of the Divine, of Spirit, the Higher Power, the Highest and Best—use whatever words and terms that work for you. Then humbly request that the guides of the other person accept a gift of healing energy or positive, uplifting thought from you. Ask that, if it is not accepted, it be redirected wherever it is needed and wanted. Then visualize your friend (or a place, or the planet) looking serene and happy, enrobed in light for as long as is needed. When you have finished, say goodbye, thank your guides and theirs, close down the meditation and ground yourself—eating and drinking something is a simple way to do this, or stamp your feet. You could do both, but maybe not at the same time (it could get messy). I also like to tailor this ritual if someone's pet has gone missing, with a prayer to Bast for a cat, or to Hekate for a dog, for example. Hold them in the light and imagine them bounding safely back to their owners, who greet them with relief and joy. (Resist the desire to tell them you've done this when you see them celebrating their return. Just be pleased for them.)
5. Send prayers to those passing over. Tap into old-style "cunning folk" ways by assisting the journey of souls into the next world. One way to do this would be to spend time in meditation and ask the appropriate deities (Hekate, who lights the way, for example) or angels to guide souls safely to the light. It's a lovely way to silently, meaningfully, support others, whether you know them or not. Write a heartfelt prayer to those who have passed, or are about to. Light a candle at twilight or just before dawn: these liminal times are considered to be "thin," making it easier to connect with the other side. Imagine yourself grounded, and picture yourself suffused with Divine Light. Now speak the words, aloud or in your head, while linking in with any others doing the same, on both sides of the veil; you can bet those already in Spirit will be working with you to amplify this work too. Byron Ballard wrote a beautiful prayer for the dead during the first year of the Covid 19 pandemic, and generously shared it with the world. Many people adopted it and recited it every night. You can find it here.

These are just a few examples of straightforward but profound acts of compassionate magic, and they make a quiet but powerful difference in the world—to others and to yourself. What simple acts of "stealth" magic can you conjure?

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2022. All rights reserved.

I am often amazed by how people really do exhibit the nature and traits of their zodiac signs, myself included. My question is, how can it be that people born in a certain sign all seem to act the same way? Why do our sun signs influence our behavior? How does this work?

Don

Susyn:

Astrology is a fascinating science. The fact that the Sun and surrounding planets in our solar system influence a personís nature has been apparent for centuries; it was even studied by the ancients thousands of years ago.

When babies are born, they are highly sensitive to light, sound and everything around them. At the exact moment of their birth, they are imprinted by the details of the experience and absorb every influence present. The location of the Moon and other planets at the time of a person's birth thus has a profound impact on that individual.

Because the sun is the largest body within our solar system, our sun signs have a great impact on our personalities. Just as our environments affect our development, the signs we're born under exert a powerful influence on us. For instance, if we had both been born in Hawaii, we would be more likely to take up surfing than dog-sledding and would naturally gravitate toward summer clothing over winter wear. Though the influence of the sun and planets is more subtle than this, it often shows up in direct correlation to the thoughts, behaviors and preferences associated with each sign of the zodiac.

I think of an astrological natal chart as being similar to an LP or CD. The position of each planet creates a permanent skip or marker in the chart that is activated each time another planet crosses over it. This is the reason some of us are more sensitive to the changing phases of the moon or other aspects that land on our natal markers.

If you keep track of which sign the sun is in at any given time, you will notice that it affects everyoneís actions - even if they were not born under that sign. For example, people tend to buy real estate, focus on financial issues, or gravitate toward physical activities more when the sun travels through an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn). During the sunís journey through a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), people tend to turn their focus to more spiritual and emotional pursuits.

Of course, there are some people who don't act like their sun signs. When this happens, it's usually because the sun was in a hiding position when they were born. People who are born with the sun located in the twelth house of their chart or during a solar eclipse will tend to take on the traits of their rising sign instead. Because all the planets and their locations have a direct impact on a person's nature, it's helpful to have an astrological natal chart drawn up to get the full picture.

*****

Oceania:

In Chinese astrology, we supposedly share traits with everyone born in our year - how is THAT possible?!

Of course, just because I bring healthy skepticism to astrology doesnít mean I donít enjoy reading my horoscopes! I find them to be sources of wisdom and inspiration, often carrying meaningful and thought-provoking spiritual messages. I appreciate Susynís horoscopes here at Kajama and I receive Rob Brezsnyís free will astrology by email. Heís the author of one of my all-time favorite books: Pronoia is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings.

I am not a professional astrologer, so I will try to answer your questions from the perspective of my own field of expertise: psychology. In my view, you could say that all people fit all of the astrological sign descriptions, and you could also say that no one fits any of the astrological sign descriptions.

All people fit their own sign description and every other sign description because all traits are human traits. To make my point, I will create a simplified version of the Zodiac: Leos breathe, Capricorns sleep, and Virgos tend to enjoy eating. Iím being silly, of course, but if I use the traditional descriptions, it still works: Cancers value family, Libras seek balance, and Taurus folks enjoy earthly comforts. We all fit ALL of the descriptions at least some of the time!

There is another phenomenon at work here. When we approach a task with the preconceived notion that there could and should be a match, we are much more likely to find that match. Weíll ignore items that DONíT fit and notice those that do. The human mind is suggestible and is prone to create order from chaos and find meaning in randomness.

There are four Sagittarians among my circle of friends and family. If I pick any one of them and look at the list of Sagittarian traits, I would have to say: yes, yes, yes and yes! Of course, though we share general human traits, each one of us is also unique. If I wrote a detailed description of each of them, they would all sound very different, for each one of us is as unique as a snowflake.

You mentioned sun signs, which are what daily horoscopes are based upon. I understand that professional astrologers also prepare more specific, personalized horoscopes as determined by the date, time and place of your birth. While this ancient art may seem to be remarkably insightful and accurate, I believe my psychological perspective is just as valid.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.