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Thoughts on the Second Pentacle of Mercury
The description of the Second Pentacle of Mercury has one of the most enigmatic descriptions among the pentacles of the Key of Solomon. “The Spirits herein written serve to bring to effect and to grant things which are contrary unto the order of Nature; and which are not contained under any other head. They easily…
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The Fourth of Mercury: A Magician’s Academy
One of the more intriguing and elusive pentacles in the set is the Fourth of Mercury. Of this pentacle, the following is said: “This is further proper to acquire the understanding and Knowledge of all things created, and to seek out and penetrate into hidden things; and to command those Spirits which are called Allatori…
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Pentacles for Entrepreneurs
As the founder of Practical Occult I know what it is like to be self employed and work to get a small business off the ground. It is amazing and rewarding to have the level of autonomy associated with being your own boss, but it’s a lot harder and more stressful than working for someone…
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A Game of Hearts
The Love Question is one Practical Occult has sought to address in 2023’s Love Magic class. This was done by approaching the sorcery behind the subject in a method that, while not shying away from the realities of life, still strove to remain ethical, focused and complete. The goal was to provide education that the…
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The Omen – Death’s Misunderstood Gift to Necromancers
The Omen, Death’s generous gift to us, yet, still the feared and dreaded messenger to the living. The polarizing elements of an omen are widely known and categorized into good and evil. Not dissimilar to other divinatory messengers, omens are sent to deliver a message from the intersecting worlds. An omen is a happening, believed…
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Daily Carry: Christa from Kthonia Ritual Apothecary
A daily carry is a current trend that I have found useful on countless levels. This wide and sorcerous world is full of many mysteries, miracles, and lessons. As small children, we are all taught to “Look both ways” before we cross the street. The reason seems pretty obvious once it’s pointed out as a…
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Mercury Success
From the Veritable Key of Solomon: “For the success of Negotiators, Travelers, and Students.” In the Veritable Key of Solomon there is a pentacle under Mercury with the description “For the success of Negotiators, Travelers, and Students.” Working with my scryer, the spirits revealed that this pentacle was created for the wandering scholar who travels…
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A Garden of Roses: Picking the Right Venus Pentacle
At first glance, selecting the right Venus pentacle might be difficult, even for the most discerning of individuals. From the grace-maker of the 2nd of Venus to the various forms of love-drawing glamours of the 3rd and the 5th, one has a variety of copper-colored shine to add to one’s life. When viewing them merely…
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Fifth of Mercury: Clearing the Path
One of the most effective staples of folk magic practices the world over is the timeless Road Opening Spell. For those feeling stuck, for those feeling trapped or for those feeling stagnant, this magical strategy can and has changed a person’s stars and set them back on the path of momentum towards their goals. As…
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Navigating Mercury Retrograde
Practical solutions for Mercurial troubles The dread that creeps into people’s hearts concerning the retrograded motion of the planet Mercury runs the gamut between mild annoyance to outright, lifestyle-altering fear in the minds of the occult community. Those who lean heavily on astrology debate endlessly the nature, impact and details of this celestial phenomenon and…