Originally Posted by Philomel

I think it does utilize some concepts from Qabala, such as gematrya, but I don't know as much as I probably should about that subject :P

The book is the Tarot by Paul Foster Case. There's his original guide, and then the revised, paperback version I have. I'd suggest the latter, as it has a bit more information and corrects some of Case's typos, and is also a lot cheaper and easier to find. It can get tedious at some points, but it explains, in detail, how to really read them, what every detail on every card means, the proper way to number them, and so on, so it's definitely worth it. I don't know what faith you are, but I'm fairly certain you aren't Christian, and for non-Christians it can get a bit uncomfortable at certain points. It was written in the '40s, and pretty much everyone who knew anything about the tarot back then knew it was specifically Judeo-Christian, so it's written for a Christian audience.

Cashuea: Don't feel silly <3 It was an honest mistake, and you did the best possible thing when I corrected you: rather than getting defensive and insisting you were right and I'm just a magic n00b, you considered my answer. Do you have any idea how rare an experience that is for me? XD And if it makes you feel any better, I used to be a total fluff. I went through the OMGWICCAZ stage for awhile, then I thought I was a druid, and even after I got past that, it took me awhile to get rid of the willful ignorance and sense of entitlement when it came to other religions, especially culture-based ones. So you're absolutely fine, compared to me :P

Qabala, another part of about Judism mysticism that has kind of peaked my interest so some extent. Well, as far as the religious aspect from a Christian's point of view I tend to overlook a lot of stuff like that. I just don't like someone shoving it down my throat if you know what I mean. I will have to find that book on Amazon or something. I have a friend who does Tarot readings for me once a month and I'm sure she would probably like to read it as well.

I don't know much about the Qabala, it is an interesting aspect about Judism.

Originally Posted by Philomel

Cashuea: Don't feel silly <3 It was an honest mistake, and you did the best possible thing when I corrected you: rather than getting defensive and insisting you were right and I'm just a magic n00b, you considered my answer. Do you have any idea how rare an experience that is for me? XD And if it makes you feel any better, I used to be a total fluff. I went through the OMGWICCAZ stage for awhile, then I thought I was a druid, and even after I got past that, it took me awhile to get rid of the willful ignorance and sense of entitlement when it came to other religions, especially culture-based ones. So you're absolutely fine, compared to me :P

Lol, yea. I am still trying to absorb all that i can find on the subject (or at least anything i can get my hands on). Glad to know their are still those out there willing to help a newbie like myself :) Anyhow, any information would help <3

Originally Posted by Blueberry Flavored Syrup

I don't know much about the Qabala, it is an interesting aspect about Judism.

I think so, especially since it's the mystical part of Judism. So far there is a lot of interesting things about it.

I pretty much believe in it. Just not into the whole "magic" idea. My best friend comes from a long line of witches. :) She can read people's moods, sense if the person is good or bad by the vibes she gets, and she can read palms...she never learned how -- she just knows. >.>

Originally Posted by lillian90005

I pretty much believe in it. Just not into the whole "magic" idea. My best friend comes from a long line of witches. :) She can read people's moods, sense if the person is good or bad by the vibes she gets, and she can read palms...she never learned how -- she just knows. >.>

I too have meet people like that. I guess some people just have that ability :yes:
I hope to get that good one day >_>

Yes, I do, although I've never experienced it first hand, ya know? Not that I need convincing to get me to believe or anything.

Basically, what I am saying is I do believe in witchcraft, but I do not know enough about it to think it is a good or bad thing.

I knew a Wiccan in college, but I don't think that counts as a witch, no? Nice girl, she was. I wonder how she is doing.

Originally Posted by lillian90005

I pretty much believe in it. Just not into the whole "magic" idea. My best friend comes from a long line of witches. :) She can read people's moods, sense if the person is good or bad by the vibes she gets, and she can read palms...she never learned how -- she just knows. >.>

You know, some people are just blessed with the gift of foresight or second sight some call it. Those who are, are very far few in between and a lot really and rarely like to advertise it to anyone. Palmistry has some sort of prior knowledge in knowing which line is which but some people have it coupled with some sort of psychic ability of the sort. It's really fascinating when you know someone who has that gift and they are willing to share it with you.

@Cashuea ~ Chances are, if you don't have the gift, I'm almost one hundred percent sure that you will never get the gift, although it is possible to acquire the knowledge to read palms or read tarot cards which in itself is interpretation and the person getting the reading has to decide how it applies to him or her, but then again you never know, you could end up in some traumatic experience which could trigger such a thing which has happened in the past.

@Izzy Stizzlebonk ~ Well experiencing it is the best opportunity to have had. Once you have had a personal experience you really have a better understanding. Many people claim to be witches but aren't, like myself, I'm not a witch or a warlock, but I do dabble in it which means I'm somewhat knowledgeable.

Originally Posted by Kole_Locke

You know, some people are just blessed with the gift of foresight or second sight some call it. Those who are, are very far few in between and a lot really and rarely like to advertise it to anyone. Palmistry has some sort of prior knowledge in knowing which line is which but some people have it coupled with some sort of psychic ability of the sort. It's really fascinating when you know someone who has that gift and they are willing to share it with you.

Mhm! ^.^ She's basically my sister. The sad part is my parents are HIGHLY against that sort of things. So, I always get into arguments when I want to watch Harry Potter. >XD But Kacie (the one I was talking about) She found it out last year and I believed her because she proved it. She told me she felt a VERY BAD vibe coming from my ex and look what he is now...my EX and a JERK. >.>

Originally Posted by lillian90005

Mhm! ^.^ She's basically my sister. The sad part is my parents are HIGHLY against that sort of things. So, I always get into arguments when I want to watch Harry Potter. >XD But Kacie (the one I was talking about) She found it out last year and I believed her because she proved it. She told me she felt a VERY BAD vibe coming from my ex and look what he is now...my EX and a JERK. >.>

Well some parents feel like Harry Potter gets people wanting to study witchcraft which is not what witchcraft was or we would have laws against it and I know you know that of course, but some people are just overzealous about their issues. Other than having vibes about people, what other abilities does she possess?

I'm 29, and been long out of school. I studied different practices, belief systems, and religions over the years and I learned many things, and now have my own beliefs.

As for witchcraft, belief isn't the issue. It is real. The question at hand should be "do you believe it is morally or spiritually wrong?"

In my opinion, its a matter of morality. If you use the study to do good, then it is morally right, if you use it for negativity, or pain, then it is morally wrong.

I believe that in our lives, we are given choices to determine our own morality. Some decisions are harder than others, but in the end, all decisions have a moral scale. There are too many "unexplainable" things in this world to believe that we aren't meant to find the good in all things.

In my belief system, I feel that our true purpose is to learn, love, and teach. Our knowledge is our purpose. The advancement of our collective knowledge. We live the first third of our lives learning, the second third expanding the knowledge, and the last hoping what we did during the first two thirds was meaningful enough to ensure our eternal happiness, while passing on what we do know to those who are in the first two stages.

However, I also believe that once our bodies pass on, the energy that keeps us alive remains behind, keeping the world alive. I believe that humans are no better than other animals, and in fact, have less of a grasp on how the world works than most others.

I practice Shamanism, an old, and highly reliable spiritual system, older than the bible. The practice is no different than being a doctor, but on a spiritual level, and is one of the only practices that utilizes the world around us rather than a book. Finding a balance, a connection, among all living things, all natural things, everything with spirit energy, and knowing how to use that energy in order to better not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us.

If using the energies of the planet to better our lives and the lives of all things is morally wrong, by any definition, then indeed, I'd rather be morally wrong.

Originally Posted by The Whitewolf Shaman

I'm 29, and been long out of school. I studied different practices, belief systems, and religions over the years and I learned many things, and now have my own beliefs.

As for witchcraft, belief isn't the issue. It is real. The question at hand should be "do you believe it is morally or spiritually wrong?"

In my opinion, its a matter of morality. If you use the study to do good, then it is morally right, if you use it for negativity, or pain, then it is morally wrong.

I believe that in our lives, we are given choices to determine our own morality. Some decisions are harder than others, but in the end, all decisions have a moral scale. There are too many "unexplainable" things in this world to believe that we aren't meant to find the good in all things.

In my belief system, I feel that our true purpose is to learn, love, and teach. Our knowledge is our purpose. The advancement of our collective knowledge. We live the first third of our lives learning, the second third expanding the knowledge, and the last hoping what we did during the first two thirds was meaningful enough to ensure our eternal happiness, while passing on what we do know to those who are in the first two stages.

However, I also believe that once our bodies pass on, the energy that keeps us alive remains behind, keeping the world alive. I believe that humans are no better than other animals, and in fact, have less of a grasp on how the world works than most others.

I practice Shamanism, an old, and highly reliable spiritual system, older than the bible. The practice is no different than being a doctor, but on a spiritual level, and is one of the only practices that utilizes the world around us rather than a book. Finding a balance, a connection, among all living things, all natural things, everything with spirit energy, and knowing how to use that energy in order to better not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us.

If using the energies of the planet to better our lives and the lives of all things is morally wrong, by any definition, then indeed, I'd rather be morally wrong.

To us, it is real and then it becomes a question of morality indeed, but some people don't believe. Shamanism is really fascinating, I'm not very knowledgeable in that area except that American Indians had it in their culture and many others in the world as well-- not sure if it was a form of paganism or animism. I definitely agree with you on your last statement, how if you want to make the world a better place through a different method and you're going to be persecuted because it is not the chosen or preferred method that society would like you to be used and they are going to demonize you, then I would be Beezlebub himself lol.

Originally Posted by Kole_Locke

@Cashuea ~ Chances are, if you don't have the gift, I'm almost one hundred percent sure that you will never get the gift, although it is possible to acquire the knowledge to read palms or read tarot cards which in itself is interpretation and the person getting the reading has to decide how it applies to him or her, but then again you never know, you could end up in some traumatic experience which could trigger such a thing which has happened in the past.

So its something you born with? :( Shame, i really wish i could be able to do such a thing. Is it the same way with magic?

Originally Posted by cashuea

So its something you born with? :( Shame, i really wish i could be able to do such a thing. Is it the same way with magic?

Well gifts like telepathy, visions, even telekinesis, and prophecy are usually gifts people are born with but sometimes they can be latent and don't show up until later in life. Magic as in withcraft now anyone can do if they have faith. It takes some reading and studying about how it works. According to Raymond Buckland's Guide to Witchcraft, he says that meditation is one of the beginnings to practicing witchcraft. You have to start opening up your dormant parts of your mind by focussing on meditation. Then ritual like instruments that a witch uses, but not always does one have to be dogmatic about everything, but it does aid in the visual sense in focussing the power of the spell being cast. I'm not a witch, I'm someone who dabbles and studies it. You are just as able as I am because I was born with no gifts and I still dabble.

I believe is psychic abilities and mediums and things of that nature. I do not believe in "magic" per say. I can read cards, runes, crystals, auras, energies, and the such but not everyone can. You can't just teach someone that sort of thing. That is the read I hate books that try to teach you how to do things. They do not work.

Witchcraft is defo real.
I don't practise it but..I know other people do.

It can be considered as many things. I'd like to delve in the supernatural... but when I'm less vulnerable.

Witchcraft is real.

Someday I probably will practice, but age prevents me (as do my parents).

:(

Originally Posted by Mystic

I believe is psychic abilities and mediums and things of that nature. I do not believe in "magic" per say. I can read cards, runes, crystals, auras, energies, and the such but not everyone can. You can't just teach someone that sort of thing. That is the read I hate books that try to teach you how to do things. They do not work.

Whatever you want to call it, magic, energy, or something else... like mana--na-- sounds too much like some fantasy video game lol...hehhehe. Seriously though, you're right about there being a lot of books out there that just don't have correct information in it giving people false hopes which is really shitty in my opinion. Some things like practicing meditation though are helpful and some that tell you how to set up alters and the kinds of things that enhance people's ability to access that part of the mind, but they cannot be one hundred percent relied upon. Yes, and somethings just cannot be taught, and books that claim they can are totally full of shit.

@Estyss Eon ~ That's cool to be able to believe in something that you have faith in, but how are you vulnerable right now? It's also a huge advantage to know folks who are experienced in it to show you the ropes of how it all works. That's worth a lot more than just having a book for sure.

@Princess Cupcake ~ Well just make sure you practice for the right reasons and it always helps to have friends who practice as well as a way of helping each other, solitary practicioners are a few but groups are even less. Reading about it is a good way to start out. Learning the history and the origins and about where it is now is a good beginning.

I tried going with the books at first and it made everything harder so I just did things through feeling and I'm right on. I love when people tell me I'm wrong and I KNOW they are lying just because they don't want me to know something. I do agree with guides being helpful some times though but everything should be how the person feels it otherwise it's just not going to work for them.

Originally Posted by Mystic

I tried going with the books at first and it made everything harder so I just did things through feeling and I'm right on. I love when people tell me I'm wrong and I KNOW they are lying just because they don't want me to know something. I do agree with guides being helpful some times though but everything should be how the person feels it otherwise it's just not going to work for them.

The craft is an art really, it's like music when playing an instrument, sometimes you have to find a fingering or pattern that comes natural to you or how you hold your pencil or pen or paintbrush when you sketch or paint. Books are more of a guide, you can't relie on them one hundred percent, but some books are more credible than others and that is what is so frustrating. I wished they actually had classes in witchcraft or study groups-- I know that's what covens are for, but finding a coven to get into is not in the least bit easy.

Originally Posted by Kole_Locke

The craft is an art really, it's like music when playing an instrument, sometimes you have to find a fingering or pattern that comes natural to you or how you hold your pencil or pen or paintbrush when you sketch or paint. Books are more of a guide, you can't relie on them one hundred percent, but some books are more credible than others and that is what is so frustrating. I wished they actually had classes in witchcraft or study groups-- I know that's what covens are for, but finding a coven to get into is not in the least bit easy.

I too wish they had classes or something we could take, most books ive read are their faked or too advanced. As far as covens.. i can't find any in the Tulsa area and probably couldn't join one due to the fact im hiding my faith. Don't worry though, i am sure i can get better one of these days.

I believe most definitely that everyone has power inside of them,
and it takes a lot of determination to build up the willpower to make change for yourself and others.
also, being with like-minded people is really hard when you're in the sticks, like I am.

The closest I can get to finding a teacher would be the internet.
and I agree with Kole... Not all of -that- is reliable either.

So it's a difficult journey,
but if you have the faith to go forth,
you'll get better and better.

Originally Posted by cashuea

I too wish they had classes or something we could take, most books ive read are their faked or too advanced. As far as covens.. i can't find any in the Tulsa area and probably couldn't join one due to the fact im hiding my faith. Don't worry though, i am sure i can get better one of these days.

Well, better opportunities will arise as time goes on. Just keep reading and studying and doing things that are within your ability and practice meditating and increase your knowledge on the subject. Those things you can do, more doors will open as time goes by. You never know, I'm sure you can make new friends as you get older and when you get into college the world seems to open wide for us.

@Luna Eleven ~ Like I told cashuea, just keep studying and reading and increasing your personal knowledge of the subject and continue to speak to like minded individuals and share ideas, you never know what could happen. Always follow your gut feelings and your intuition and always be on the look out for when new opportunities present themselves.

I wished the witchcraft movies were more realistic, but I guess that is the point of a movie is that they really aren't that true to life.

*Believes in witchcraft* >> n.n'