The Fruit Of Knowledge

greetings! i'm new to buddhism and i would be curious to know if you have any tips for westerners regarding the practice. i see a lot of people online aggravated by western attitudes at times and as new convert, i would like to avoid contributing to that. thank you!

Hi there :)

I suppose one of the greater issues is that there is a mindset of... shall we say, pioneering and innovation that can be unhelpful when approaching Asian traditions.

Western practitioners like to experiment, change the rules, "fuck around and find out" as they so often say. This works out well enough for them – in fact I think Western practitioners often thrive on their enthusiasm to explore, when it is balanced by discernment – but it is not an attitude that will get them far if they decide to train properly in an Asian tradition.

What we have in Asia that is lacking in Western traditions, are culture, history and esoteric lineages spanning thousands of years, and techniques that have been refined through trial and error with each passing generation. European traditions don't have this kind of unbroken lineage, which creates some distinct differences in mindset.

A Western practitioner might consider themself 'advanced' after 5-10 years of practice. But to become a Buddhist monk, guru/lama or Daoist method master, in that time you might only have just completed basic training (depending on tradition; I'm making broad generalisations here).

There is such a thing as spiritual authority, and Westerners sometimes don't like to hear this. After all, for many, becoming a witch/sorcerer/magician/spiritualist is all about taking fate into your own hands, claiming the universe's power, the church be damned, etc. Asian witchcraft and malefica does exist, however it is not treated as the path of self-liberation and sovereignty as it is in the West, so please do not mistake it as such.

(Diasporic Asians like to claim titles such as 'witch', and this is fine, but just bear in mind this has a decidedly negative connotation when you visit countries in East Asia).

The line between laypeople and ordained monks and priests is very clearly defined, and one is expected to show deference. This does not mean any sort of self-deprecation, rather, to understand one's own limits and keep an open and curious mind. Just as a layperson would not presume to know better than a trained doctor or surgeon.

Therefore, having ample patience will serve you well. You should expect to repeat the same basic practices 100s and 1000s of times, because cultivation is grueling and the path to Buddhahood, Immortality, or what have you, is something that takes lifetimes to achieve.

Now, that may not be your goal. You might simply want to live well in this life, and that is fine. The above message is more for those who aspire for mastery, importance or greatness, but do not yet understand what the journey requires. (I don't claim to understand it myself either).

This might be obvious, but in case it is not... be discerning about who you trust to guide you. There are genuine European/white practitioners who have entered their respective traditions the correct way, and there are Asian frauds and charlatans who have no qualms about using their cultural traditions to con people out of their money. You should respect what people have to say about their cultures and experiences, naturally, but don't use someone's ethnic background as a validation of their skill or character.

Most of all, maintain humility. Humility is the virtue that supports all other virtues. One that I think all of humanity struggles with the most, perhaps because we don’t understand it very well, and our survival has so often required its opposite.

Beyond that, I advise you not to place too much emphasis on seeking knowledge in books or written texts. The main reason for this: published texts on Buddhist practices come from oral traditions that may require empowerment and transmission. The people who publish these texts might not understand this, or they are relying on the good faith of spiritual seekers. One does themself a great disservice if they believe they can bypass the guidance of a teacher from a long-standing lineage.

The other reason is that the wisdom, capacity and personal growth one gains through cultivation is experiential. It can only be gained through consistent practice. A skillful teacher can guide you on the path, but ultimately, the real thing cannot be taught, and all words fail to capture its true majesty.

I hope this helps, and doesn't come across as too intimidating. Take it slow, let the path unfold before you, and enjoy each day as it comes. Keep a green bough in your heart, and the singing bird will come 💚

@/ccultus - another fascist in the occult community

they even have a fascist shop

In this post they are promoting a book they are selling. Order of the Nine Angles is a nazi cult linked to acts of terror.

On their shop website, they're also selling things from Tempel ov Blood, another fascist group.

The last addition from that person's posts:

practices to bond with your deities

i'm most familiar with Greco-Roman deities so i'll use them for examples, but feel free to ask me about a specific deity! which Greco-Roman deity you should work according to your birth chart indications

communication

say "good morning" / "good night" - this is not only out of respect but developing a habit to include them more and more in day to day life

talk to them - whether you're expressing gratitude, praying, asking for advice, or even just talking to them about your day, this will show you are thinking about them and looking up to them. if you feel uncomfortable or can't talk out loud, a journal works just as well

write to them - speaking or journaling, writing is an art form they will appreciate. make journal entries to them, write them a poem or a song. it doesn't have be a fancy, even just phrases here and there will make a huge difference

document your experiences - after spending time with them, write down how it went. keep track of what they seem to like, what they tell you, even small details that don't seem to stick out because when you go back and look, they might stick out then or you might notice patterns

share your food - giving your deity a small portion of your food each time you eat is a way to communicate your honor and respect to them, and also learn what foods/drinks they enjoy

divination - this is more than just tarot cards! there's other forms of cartomancy, there's dowsing, numerology, etc. i personally use astrology <3

connect with their energy - doing activities that appeal to your deity regularly with strengthen your connection with them. for example, my deities are Diana/Artemis and Luna/Selene, so I spend a lot of time in nature, especially at night under the moonlight

honoring

research them in great detail - to get to know your deity, learn everything there is to know: names and epithets, symbols, attributes (plants trees, stones, animals, planets, week days, etc.) domains, family, popular stories and myths

cook a full meal - you can decide on a meal that is associated with them (like steak for Mars/Ares) but you don't have to, either way just dedicating time and energy to make an entire meal just for them will say a lot

altar - this is probably what you will hear the most, but don't feel heavy pressure. it doesn't have to be huge, fancy, or expensive; you can start out with literally just a candle and some leaves. slowly over time decorate and personalize it to your and your deity's liking

offerings - this is more than just sharing your food with them, it's actually giving something solely to them. have you ever been in the mood for a certain food even though you weren't hungry at all? that might be them hinting that they want it. gifts that you think they'd like or you felt called to get, including crafts you made yourself

share your worship - i want to say this is 100% not a necessity, so don't feel stressed if there is no one you can talk to about your deity work. i have no one to talk to about it, but i share freely on this blog and am trying to make friends online who i can share with! not only is sharing a way to show respect and love for them, but others can give you ideas of devotion and connection

creation/digital

going digital is a great way to worship and connect with your deity, especially if you cannot be open about it

make a playlist - include songs that remind you of them or that you'd think they'd like that involve their domains or stories/myths

art - literally any form of art they will appreciate. music like singing or songwriting, drawing, painting, sculpture, literature like reading books they'd like or writing stories, poems, songs, etc., dancing, theater or acting, or literally anything else. you can get specific, like learning an instrument for Apollo

exploring - exploring areas you think they'd like or just new areas in general. you might find points of interest they'd enjoy (like crossroads for Hecate), or see/hear their sacred animals, or find things that coincide with their stories/attributes/symbols

spending time with them through hobbies - the best way i can describe this is through examples: going to parties/celebrating for Bacchus/Dionysus, cleaning and taking care of your home for Vesta/Hestia, gardening for Ceres/Demeter or Proserpina/Persephone, taking care of the ocean for Neptune/Poseidon, the list goes on and on. anything that involves their domain

pinterest board - kinda self explanatory, making a pinterest board (or a physical picture board/wall if you prefer) with images of your deity and their symbols/attributes. here's mine

phone background - setting your phone background as an image or your deity is not only a sign of honor and respect, but will help you develop the habit of thinking of them regularly. can also spark conversation with others without being direct about your worship!

Lucifer

Lucifer is a Latin word coming from the words lux, meaning light, and fero, meaning to bear or to carry. Literally translating to light-bearer.

Lucifer as a Roman Deity

Lucifer has had many faces throughout history. One of these being the ROman deity of the morning star, or Venus, considered the male equivalent of the goddess Venus. He is attributed to being the god of enlightenment and illumination. Lucifer is often depicted carrying a torch, and said to be equal in beauty to the goddess Venus. Due to being the morning star, I can also see Lucifer being associated with war as well. Especially considering his association with learning and knowledge, as well as that Venus also historically had war epithets. 

In the Greek pantheon, they separate the morning star and the evening star into two seperate deities, being Phosphorus/Eosphorus and Hesperos. Eosphorus meaning “dawn-bringer”, and Phosphorus meaning “The bearer of light”. Phosphorus and Hesperos are the sons of Eos, Goddess of dawn, and Astraios, God of dusk. Phosphorus is the father of the Hesperides, nymphs of the evening time and light of the sunset.

Lucifer in Abrahamic Religions

Historically, Lucifer was never mentioned in the Bible at all. His name being associated to Christianity nowadays is due to a mistranslation of a poem about a fallen king. However, he is a big part of Christian culture now, and there are myths associated with him. 

Lucifer was said to be the most beautiful and intelligent of God’s angels. He was God’s right hand. Until he defied God. There are many different versions of the fall of Lucifer. 

One version of this story says that Lucifer became overly prideful of himself, his beauty, intelligence, power, that he thought himself worthy of being worshipped equal to God. Because of this, God cast him out of heaven.

Another version is that Lucifer was jealous of Jesus Christ. He gathered the angels and brought forward the idea of worshipping him instead of Jesus. Some of the angels sided with Lucifer, while others did not. There was a meeting between God, Lucifer, and all of the angels in which God said that their rebellion was unforgivable. There was a war between the two sides, but ultimately God and his angels won. Lucifer and the angels who followed him were banished from heaven.

Lucifer in Modern Witchcraft

In more modern witchcraft, there is a tradition which states that Diana, queen of witches, created Lucifer when she split herself into two pieces, darkness and light. She kept the darkness for herself, and Lucifer kept the light. Lucifer and Diana also have a child, Aradia. In this tradition, Lucifer is seen as the god of light, and masculine energy. One of the most influential sources for this tradition is The Gospel of the Witches by Charles Godfrey Leland.

Lucifer in Demonolatry

In demonolatry, Lucifer has many titles. Prince, King, Emperor, Lord. Lucifer is a demon of transformation, enlightenment, awakening, self-discovery, self-empowerment, and more. He is usually attributed to the element of air, and also pride.

Lucifer’s Associations

Anything with the * symbol next to it means that it is my own UPG.

Animals:

Snakes

Rams

Peacocks

Corvids (crows, ravens)

Cats

Spiders

Moths

Colors:

Black

Grey

Gold

Red

Teal

Blue, especially pale blue*

Purple* 

Crystals:

Obsidian

Onyx

Hematite

Celestite

Seraphinite

Garnet

Sunstone

Clear quartz

Carnelian

Ruby

Copper 

I am aware that copper isn’t a crystal. 

Plants:

Apples

Pomegranates

Roses

Cinnamon

Cloves

Lavender

Blackberries

Sage

Black pepper

Garlic

Lilac

Hot peppers*

Other:

Stars

The number 7*

Spring equinox

Autumn equinox*

Offerings

Anything with the * symbol next to it is my own UPG.

Food and drink:

Strawberries

Blackberries

Chocolate

Apples

Pomegranates

Honey

Spicy foods*

Sweet things, especially baked goods

Juices, especially apple or grape

Coffee

Plants:

Roses

Other:

Feathers

Devotional Acts

Shadow work

Learn about the sciences or the arts

Create art of any kind

Face your fears

Learn about any of his associated animals

Magical workings, especially those that fall under his sphere of influence

Learning in general

Developing  your psychic abilities and spiritual senses (the clairs)

Spiritual progression

My Experience With Lucifer

I started working with Lucifer about a month ago. I work with the demonic aspect of Lucifer. I work with him on matters of self improvement, self discovery, and self acceptance. In the short time I've worked with him, I've noticed a huge improvement in these areas of my life, and my overall mindset and mood. I have a schedule that I work with him on: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. My shadow work is also dedicated to him.

Lucifer's energy, to me, feels very strong/powerful but also comforting. Also like a close friend, and someone who will you tell you what you need to hear whether you want to hear it or not. He is very patient and understanding with me as well.

My main forms of communication with Lucifer are pendulum, clairaudience, and feelings. I connect with him most through meditation.

Demon-A-Day: Phenex

Phenex – MARQUIS

Color: Violet

Incense: Jasmine

Metal: Silver

Planet: Moon

Element: Fire (Under Amaymon)

Demonic Enn: Ef enay Phenex ayer

Date (Connolly): March 21-30 (Night time)

Date (Runyon): Sept 23-27

Archangel: Raphael

Origin: Ancient Egyptian Benu bird (Phoenix), also a Fallen Angel, probably from the Order of Dominations as was Marchosias.

Original Text from the Ars Goetia:

The Thirty-Seventh Spirit is Phenex (or Pheynix). He is a great Marquis, and appeareth like a Bird Phoenix, having the Voice of a Child. He singeth many sweet notes before the exorcist, which he must not regard, but by-and-by he must bid him to take a human shape. Then he will speak marvellously of all wonderful Sciences if required. He is a Poet, good and excellent. And he will be wiling to perform thy requests. He hath hopes also to return to the Seventh Throne after 1,200 years more, as he said unto Solomon. He governs 20 legions of spirits, And his seal is this, which wear thou, etc.

Other citations of note:

Phenex is a poet and inspires the magician to write and create tomes and works … Phenex is a nature spirit, whom inspires a careful pondering of the places of nature and the animals within it.

From Goetia, Luciferian Edition by Michael Ford

Another daemonic muse for the creative. Invoke Phenex during fire baptisms and rebirth rituals including creative path working.

From Daemonolatry Goetia by S. Connolly

All the sources focus on the idea of Phenex being one quick to deceive if you listen too long, but definitely not a demon who’s going to go out and murder you. Phenex is also known by Pheynex, and the very rare simplification of just Phoenix. Phenex also doesn’t happen to exist in any Hierarchies, ah well. Just a Marquis in Solomon’s original texts who’s lookin’ to get back into heaven.

Demonic Ranking System: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Phenex is pretty much the closest thing to a piece of cake you could find. sure, there are probably other demons who aren’t made of literal fire and whatnot, but all you have to do is tell Phenex you want them to look human and bam. nothing to worry about. they’re basically a muse, hardly even worth worrying about. Great for a first timer or an artsy person, I’ll say.

New terf just dropped

Satanhasa/sideblog is a terf in the satanism community.

Screenshots below. I'd recommend just blocking them.

Demon-A-Day: Barbatos

BARBATOS – Duke

Color: Green

Incense: Sandalwood

Metal: Copper

Planet: Venus

Element: Fire (Under Ziminiar)

Demonic Enn: Eveta fubin Barbatos

Date (Connolly): June 1-10 (Day Time)

Date (Runyon): Apr 25-29

Archangel: Auriel

Origin: Fallen Angel, Order of Virtues. A good spirit.

Original text from the Ars Goetia:

The Eighth Spirit is Barbatos. He is a Great Duke, and appeareth when the Sun is in Sagittary, with four noble Kings and their companies of great troops. He giveth understanding of the singing of Birds, and of the Voices of other creatures, such as the barking of Dogs. He breaketh the Hidden Treasures open that have been laid by the Enchantments of Magicians. He is of the Order of Virtues, of which some part he retaineth still; and he knoweth all things Past, and to come, and conciliateth Friends and those that be in Power. He ruleth over 30 Legions of Spirits. His Seal of Obedience is this, the which wear before thee as aforesaid.

Other citations of note:

Barbatos is a spirit which reveals ‘astral’ grimoires that is methods of initiation which may be found by inspiration via the astral plane. This spirit, who rules 30 legions is an Angelick ruler of the Witchcraft – by nature one comes into being by the communication with animals (body language, posture ect) and the ways of astral shape shifting via dream. 

From the Luciferian Goetia by Michael Ford

Seek Barbatos to stop magician’s personal wars with one another. Invoke Barbatos to communicate with your familiar if needed. Also invoke to protect your home from hidden attacks.

From the Daemonolatry Goetia by S. Connolly

Barbatos is a demon of communication and of protection. He can help you communicate with other animals, other people, and can keep you safe from outside harm and other people’s violent emotions. Along with this, he is also known for being still rather close to his angelic routes. Barbatos goes by no other names and is a subordinate spirit in Pope Honorius’ list of infernal spirits.

Demonic Ranking System: New and A Little Horrifying

Barbatos sounds cool, right? Definitely viable to mess around with and start out with, right? Ehhhhhhh. I’m a litle wary of the demons that do still cling to their angelic past. It can mean that they’re a lot more strict and a bit tougher to work with, but that’s a bit more from my perspective. Definitely has his uses, but just keep that in mind. 

Why You Should Keep Track of the Tarot Cards You Pull

People will often notice patterns to the cards they pull - you’ll notice that certain cards come up more often. This tends to be based on a feeling though, rather than any real data about which cards you’ve pulled - and the real data may surprise you. 

I’ve kept track of the cards I’ve pulled in my single card readings over the past three months, and here are some things I’ve noticed: 

I pull one card more frequently than any other card. In my case, that card is The Magician. It’s really useful to know - not just suspect - that one card turns up constantly for me. 

Some cards don’t actually appear as frequently as I think they do. I recently pulled the Nine of Pentacles and thought, “Again?? Why do I pull this card so much??” but when I look at the actual data… I’ve pulled other cards way more frequently. I think it’s a form of the Baader-Meinhof effect - a card can stick in your brain for some reason and you remember it as appearing more often than it actually does!

There are interesting things about the cards that I don’t pull. In three months, these Major Arcana cards have never come up at all: The Emperor and The Devil. I can look at the data of what archetypes don’t appear in my life and draw some interesting conclusions. I’ve also not drawn a single court card (page, knight, queen, or king) from the suit of swords - swords tend to deal with conflict, which I maybe have less of during this particular time in my life

I can identify which suit and which numbered cards appear the most and the least in my readings. While the totals of Swords, Wands, Cups, and Pentacles I pull are pretty close to even, Wands eke out a little bit higher total than the others. Cups and Pentacles are tied, with Swords coming in last. If I didn’t have this data, I’d probably assume I pull Swords the most - because they leave the biggest impact on me when I do pull them! Of the numbered cards: I pull Aces of any suit the most, and Twos of any suit the least. This makes for some interesting patterns: The Magician is sort of the “Ace” of the Major Arcana, as well. Aces are about a very singular willpower whereas Twos are about partnership and duality. Through this pattern I can identify the focus the cards have on my life at this particular point in time.

I pull Major Arcana cards more than is statistically likely. The Major Arcana makes up 28% of the deck, but 39% of my pulls. The Major Arcana are more associated with long-term messages, and so my life may have more long-term type changes needing to be made during this period.

This is a quick guide to how you might interpret some of the overall themes you notice:  Minor Arcana: temporary, easily changed, daily life, current situation Major Arcana: long term, archetypes, themes, life lessons, current lesson Wands: spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion; energy, motivation and passion. Cups: love, feelings, relationships and connection; emotions, intuition and creativity Swords: action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict; thoughts, and words Pentacles: work, business, trade, property, money and other material possessions Aces: new beginnings, news, movement in a positive direction Twos: duality, connection Threes: creation, creativity, growth, action Fours: stability, structure Fives: tension, conflict, challenge Sixes: relaxation, harmony, reevaluation Sevens: mystery, disruption, adjustment Eights: action, movement, growth, change Nines: contemplation, reflection, looking to the next step Tens: conclusion, culmination, new beginnings, complexity Pages: youth, vitality, fascination, learning, and focus Knights: adventure, energy, missions, conviction, willfulness, recklessness Queens: curiosity, openness, expressiveness, creativity, flexibility Kings: authority, leadership, expertise, mastery, inflexibility

I am not sure if this is helpful or needed but as I used to be associated with scarlet and melias, I know a couple of blogs that subscribe to their beliefs.

@/ sugaglos (makes art inspired by scarlet's posts, also posts abt lilith) @/ thalis-karatzas (is someone who works with them and provides spiritual services alongside them) @/ warriorangel36 (literally their pinned is a masterpost of scarlets posts. that being said, after double-checking, it seems they have hidden themselves from search results) @/ yharnam-moon @/ belial-always-wins @/ adrianna-gemini (dormant since may 2022)

Really thank you for your message, it can help spread awareness. It is helpful and needed. Since I don't know who are you and I had that option, I checked myself, and you are right. To my followers and others (if you don't know what's the matter, scarletarosa and melias are basically running a cult):

- I recognize sugaglos, they are indeed clearly associated with scarletarosa and melias.

- thalis-karatzas - all the most recent posts are reblogs from melias, scarletarosa, and sugaglos

- warriorangel36 - I cannot find them too, either removed from search or blocked me. So I cannot say anything.

- yharnam-moon - initially one may not see it among the social and political posts but there are several reblogs from scarletarosa.

- belial-always-wins - pinned post is the Serpents of Antiquity promo, all the most recent posts are reblog from scarletarosa and melias

- adrianna-gemini - either hidden from search or blocked me.

(checked 13.04.2013)

Lucifer

By Federico Ferro