Regardless of which pantheon a pagan feels drawn to, and works with, it is intuitively obvious that certain times and certain days will make for a more effective ritual. But how do we determine those times and days? Read more

A number of studies have shown that a lack of social connectedness causes depression. Volunteering fosters a sense of connection by having people interacting with others in valuable ways and being appreciated, which can help depression, particularly in those who are already in therapy. Interconnectedness is at the very heart of Hermeticism, the study of which could prove useful in reducing depression. I recently wrote a blog, “Mental Health: An Ancient Greek Approach” where I touched on the prevalence of... Read more

Review of Living Magic: Contemporary Insights and Experiences from Practicing Magicians by Frater U.: D.:, Axel Budenbender, Harry Eilenstein and Josef Knecht. The Bonn Workshop for Experimental Magic was formed in 1979 by a dozen people at the Horus Esoteric Bookshop in Bonn. The group was guided by Aleister Crowley’s adjuration to employ “the method of science; the aim of religion”, so as to facilitate objective testing over a period of three years. Living Magic is an anthology of 24... Read more

Serious cases of mental illness should always be referred to mental health professionals. However, those with mild cases who choose to self-treat may benefit from herbs and supplements, along with calling on a couple of Greek deities.   Mental Illness in Greek Mythology In his essay, “Where Does Mental Illness Come From? Greek mythology vs. psychiatric mythology”, Michael Fontaine PhD argues that Greek mythology and psychiatry are closely connected. In mythology, characters are defined by the actions rather than their... Read more

“Orpheus, the famed oracle orator hero of Greece, began to teach a new religion at the dawn of the Archaic Age. Deeply rooted in ancient paganism, Orphism taught a doctrine of peace-seeking, reincarnation, and universal brotherhood. The followers, like their leader, worshiped their gods with song. Eighty seven of these ancient hymns have survived to the present day, and are called The Orphic Hymns.  …  “ Orphic Hymns Grimoire by Sara L Mastros is the fourth well-known mass market translation... Read more

It is said that we should always turn negative life experiences into positive life lessons. Let me illustrate this with a recent personal event.   Negative life experience In early February, 2021, I found myself in a rather nice Orange County Hospital Emergency Room examining my leg and noting that the swelling had reduced by about a half overnight. Clearly the treatment was working. Asking the question posed by Talking Heads in Once In a Lifetime, “Well… how did I... Read more

A relationship with the divine is best brought about through prayer and reciprocity. Prayer The closest writings the Greeks had to the Christian Bible were the Homeric epics, and they would turn to them for instruction. “An example of a formula that can be employed is borrowed from the very beginning of Homer’s Iliad, which opens with a prayer for vengeance to his god by Chryses, the priest of Apollon. ‘Hear me,’ he cried, ‘O god of the silver bow,... Read more

Surviving an insurgency requires a safe haven, while appeals to the divine can fortify physical and emotional wellbeing. An internal FBI bulletin has warned that nationwide protests, which include extremists, may start on January 16 and extend through to Biden’s January 20 inauguration. Trump supporters crowding the steps of the Capitol after displacing police shield wall preventing access   January 6, 2021 violent protest and the risk of future bloodshed On January 11, 2021, AP News uploaded “FBI warns of... Read more

People fear that which they don’t understand, and historically witches have been persecuted. To have celebrities coming out as witches brings witchcraft out of the shadows and into the mainstream. Read more

Oracle Hekataios is the author of “Strix Craft: Ancient Greek Magic for the Modern Witch,” in which he provides unique insights on just what a life of service and devotion to an ancient deity entails. The book is very practical and will equip earnest seekers with the requisite tools to follow in his footsteps. TM: Can you explain the difference between Witchcraft and StrixCraft?   OH: Witchcraft is “craft of the sorceror,” since the word “witch” means “sorceror” or “sorceress”... Read more