Koren #1 @7314
Thu Apr 19 12:50:24 1990
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*     AMARANTH Vol. 1, No. 37: A Pagan APAzine by  Larry Cornett        *
* 9/24/'88  9527 Blake Lane, # 102, Fairfax, VA  22031   (703)352-3791  *
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                       NATURE SPIRIT MAGIC

INTRODUCTION:

Each plant, animal, rock, and other entity has a spirit (consciousness
resonance matrix).  These spirits can join together, in a hive-mind,
as a spirit of an area.  Nature spirits include real biological
intelligences, are psychically powerful, and are much less abstract
and controllable than the Elementals that many magical people who
perform all of their rituals indoors are familiar with.  They can be
extremely powerful allies.  It is possible to sense nature spirits, to
determine if they are receptive to a ritual planned, and to have them
actively participate in magical workings if they are.


SOME EFFECTS OF WORKING WITH NATURE SPIRITS:

Spectacular physical manifestations can happen when working with
nature spirits in the wild.  I have personally seen actual foxfire
mark the boundaries of a magic circle at a location that was
identified as a receptive power spot and attuned to a planned ritual
the day before.  I have seen more than one site attuned for ritual be
dry and comfortable, with a round hole in the clouds overhead, on days
that were cold and rainy at other nearby locations.  Birds have joined
in rituals, flying around the circle when energy was being raised; and
insects, birds and animals have joined in chants.  In addition, the
wind often responds to invocations.  Generally, these spectacular
manifestations happen unexpectedly.

With or without such manifestations, nature spirits often will
channel tremendous amounts of power into the magic being
performed.  It is suggested that you do not consciously try for
specific manifestations.  Let Nature channel her power into the
magic in her own way.  If approached with respect, nature may
give you many pleasant surprises.

Spectacular physical manifestations are not a necessary sign of
success.  If you need a spectacular manifestation and nature
spirits know this, you will get it.  The best success in magic is
on the inner planes and more subtle than such manifestations.
This success involves beneficial changes in consciousness that
last and helpful chains of synchronicity.  In addition, working
with Nature Spirits can also bring a deep sense of partnership
with Nature, and bring new levels of attunement.

To get the best results, perform nature spirit attunement
several hours to several days before the main ritual.  The
purposes of such attunement are to find suitable power spots and
to get the help of friendly nature spirits.  This timing gives
Nature time to gather her children and to prepare to actively
participate in the main ritual.

WHAT TO NOT DO:

If nature spirits are approached with disrespect by attempting
to command them rather than listening to them and inviting them
to work with you, nature spirits may flee, rebel, or attack.  I
once attended a ritual by some pseudo-Crowleyites who attempted
to perform the "Ritual of the Barbarous Names" at a power spot in
a forest and then to extend the circle several hundred yards in
all directions.

While the forest in general had loud insect and frog noises, the
area at which the ritual took place got quiet immediately when
the main ritualist declared that all spirits were subject unto
him.  The vibes from nature could best be characterized as "Oh
yea, Mother...!"  One participant was quickly possessed by an
angry spirit and kept repeating "You killed my children, your
children will never live in peace."  When the priestess stepped
out of the boundaries of the original circle, she was attacked by
bees; and bees covered the Book of the Law.  Magicians should
know better than to attempt to command spirits whose true names
they do not know!


CALLING NATURE SPIRITS:

To make the most out of working magical ritual in the wild, one
should find power spots where nature spirits are receptive to the
ritual planned and approach the spirits with respect, as equals.
In my experience, the most effective power spots for working with
the living intelligences of nature are located in wild areas with
diverse, active ecologies.

When entering a wild area to find a site for a ritual, find a
place that feels good.  Then do the following, either
individually or, if in a group, as a guided meditation: