Adventures in Alchemy

Magick is less about rules and more about intention, presence and energy. In this podcast, we'll discuss several of the misconceptions around magick that can be keeping you stuck and not getting the results you crave.

I didn't put an experiment in this episode, but I recommend you examine your beliefs around magick, especially if you have some of the ones discussed on the show and decide if they still serve you.

Links from the show;

Here is Daniel Foor's website: https://ancestralmedicine.org

Here is an Amazon Affiliate link to Daniel's book, Ancestral Magic: https://amzn.to/2SY3iH4

If you want to book a Magick 101: Planning & Tweaking your Daily Practice one-on-one with me, learn more here: https://bookme.name/dailyalchemy/one-on-one-daily-alchemy-practice-coaching

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

I've talked before about Magick and how there are two kinds of magick that we do, daily alchemy or daily practice and occasional big rituals. The New Year can be a moment that calls for a big ritual. If you're not listening at the new year no worries, you can do ritual anytime that feels right to you. There's a New Moon and a Full Moon every month that are perfect times.

I want to share three kinds of rituals in this episode:

1. Burning bowl
2. Dumb Supper
3. Seven Spheres

Here is a link to a very old version of the burning bowl I shared on my blog. Sound quality is not the best, but you'll get the gist: https://dailyalchemy.com/create-magical-new-year/

Here is a link to a wiki how on how to hold a dumb supper: https://www.wikihow.com/Host-a-%27Dumb-Supper%27-for-Pagans

Here is an Amazon affiliate link to the Seven Spheres book: https://amzn.to/2ZzWjFT

Your Experiment:

1. Pick one of these rituals to try or create your own.
2. Journal about the ritual and your experiences—putting it in your Moon & Magick planner is a great way­­­.
3. Notice what comes up as the energy unfolds in the following months

If you want to book a Magick 101: Planning & Tweaking your Daily Practice one-on-one with me, learn more here: https://bookme.name/dailyalchemy/one-on-one-daily-alchemy-practice-coaching

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

1. Why You Need A Word of the Year

A word of the year gives you a simple theme to tune into as you go through the year. In my opinion, you don't pick your word. It picks you. This episode shares my experiences with having a word of the year the past 6 or so years.

Your experiment this week is find your word of the year and lean into it this year. Then, remember to look back in 2021 and see what experinces you had with your word in 2020.

Also, here is a link to get your Be Magick in 2020 eBook: https://dailyalchemy.simplero.com/admin/lists/75868-Be-Magick-in-202/landing_pages/133715-e-book-giveaway-list-signup-for-be-magick-in-202/editor

If you want to book a Magick 101: Planning & Tweaking your Daily Practice one-on-one with me, learn more here: https://bookme.name/dailyalchemy/one-on-one-daily-alchemy-practice-coaching

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

**Trigger Warning** Around about 23 minutes in, there is a verbal warning before the discussion in the track, the guest shares a story about hunting that is graphic and could be disturbing to some people, please either avoid this episode or stop listening at that point and skip ahead to the 34 minute mark.

This is my first installment of a new series interviewing mostly lay practioners about their magick practice. I want to share real life stories of people's magickal practices, their journeys in coming to their current practice, and their real-life experiences good and bad with magick. If you want to be interviewed, you can be anonymous like this guest or share who you are and shout out your business on the podcast, whether your business be spiritual or not. Please email me at [email protected] to get on the line-up.

Today I talk with Foxfire 156 about her magickal journey. You'll probably guess from our discussion that we are related. Foxfire shares some of the biggest synchronicities she's experienced and how the Universe pushed her on an unexpected path.

Links from the show:

Some of Fixfires Favorite books and resouces:

Chiron Armand: https://www.impactshamanism.com

Occvulta: https://www.triangulumignis.com

Becky Byers: http://www.bloodandspicebush.com

Quaria Magic School: https://www.quareia.com

The Book of Alchemy: Learn the Secrets of the Alchemists to Transform Mind, Body, and Soul by Francis Melville—Note: one thing we forgot to mention is that this is a small hardback volume but for some reason is hard to get without the price being marked up. I bought the only copy on the bookstore that day for $16.95 and I picked it up and walked away before Foxfire met up with the gentleman who showed her his copy of the book.

Alchemy Amazon affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2E2B2KR

Magical Use of Thought Forms: A Proven System of Mental & Spiritual Empowerment by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowiki and J. H. Brennan

Amazon affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2YzQZ4u

We were confused about the name of the book about Babylon. It's not the Scarlet woman but here are links to two books on Babylon that Foxfire recommends:

https://threehandspress.com/shop/a-rose-veiled-in-black/

https://scarletimprint.com/publications/the-red-goddess

If you want to book a Magick 101: Planning & Tweaking your Daily Practice one-on-one with me, learn more here: https://bookme.name/dailyalchemy/one-on-one-daily-alchemy-practice-coaching

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

You've been doing your daily practice and life is still mundane as mundane can be—

I'm going to give you some tips today and you probably won't like them, but months or maybe years from now, if you hate me now-you'll get it.

Today's experiment is to go back and do last week's experiment or keep doing it. Magick is a practice and you'll be rewarded for your efforts.

Here's a reminder of what that experiment is:

Your experiment is:

1. Find a good meditation for you and do it every day the same-ish time
2. Find one other metaphysical being to work with and have a short daily practice devoted to that

That is enough to bring magick into your life if you do it as a regular practice.

If you want to book a Magick 101: Planning & Tweaking your Daily Practice one-on-one with me, learn more here: https://bookme.name/dailyalchemy/one-on-one-daily-alchemy-practice-coaching

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

186. Magick 101: Your Daily Practice

Today we are going to talk about your daily magickal practice

f you are relatively new or want to establish a disciplined practice I believe starting small is the key-I often talk about having one core practice and that is always valid.

This is not hugely glamourous but there are two things I'd recommend that you need to know to start a daily magickal practice that will work for you.

1. What kind of meditation works for you and then commit to doing that every day. I have a blog how to find the right type of meditation for you and for premium members there is a whole meditation class which teaches tons of methods. Sorry, it's not sexy but it's true—meditation is the most important key to a magical life. 2. Add some type of enchantment or metaphysical daily practice. – I recommend, starting with ancestors, planetary deities, archangels, Animal guides, plant helpers or ancestors

Your experiment is:

1. Find a good meditation for you and do it every day the same-ish time 2. Find one other metaphysical being to work with and have a short daily practice devoted to that That is enough to bring magick into your life if you do it as a regular practice.

Links from the show:

One Core Practice blog: https://dailyalchemy.com/change-your-life/

How to Find the Meditation Style that works for you blog: https://dailyalchemy.com/how-to-find-the-perfect-mediation-for-you/

My favorite "calling in the four directions" version: https://pin.it/5oyl7tskwhboog

Premium Members Meditation Class: https://www.dapmlab.com/courses/2579-meditation-alchemy

If you want to book a Magick 101: Planning & Tweaking your Daily Practice one-on-one with me, learn more here: https://bookme.name/dailyalchemy/one-on-one-daily-alchemy-practice-coaching

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

I'm going to give you tips for two scenarios: 1. Offensive—People coming into your space 2. Defensive—Going into other people's spaces

Your Experiment:

Offensive:

1. Do energetic visualizations of filling your house with your energy 2. Do one of the physical cleansing or protective actions listed in the podcast or find one of your own.

Defensive:

1. Carry one of the protective items with you 2. Do the "doorbell delivery" method when triggered

More info in the show

Links from the show:

Here is the link to the Protection Magick list on my Amazon Store front that links to Chiron's book, Clearing Spaces, It, also, has links for Florida Water and more. https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins?listId=FC663P0RB75F&ref=idea_share_inf

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

What even is a Hell Loop? How do you know if you are in one and how do you escape?

Your experiment:

1. If you are aware of a Hell Loop you want to escape, just notice it and how it repeats 2. Metaphysical: Meditate on how you want it to be-be in the energy of the person who is the new reality 3. Physical: Change one small action related to the loop and do the new action with intend each day 4. Track your results

Links from the show:

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins

Graveyards are one of my favorite places and I highly recommend anyone getting involved in magick spends some time in a graveyard or cemetery at least semi-regularly. One of the best graveyard activities is just to meditate on the fact that you will soon be among the departed to remind yourself not to put off any living you intend to do.

this episode, I give you a list of tips and techniques to connect with the magick of graveyards without taking home any energies that won't serve you. You can work magick in graveyards and with graveyard dirt, etc. The trick is to do so in a respectful, ethical and self-protective way.

Topics discussed:

• How to enter and leave
• How to connect with spirits of the dead
• Which spirits to connect with
• What is ok to take from the graveyard
• Pay for what you ask for or take
• Cultural considerations

Links from the show:

Graveyards vs. cemeteries:

https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/cemetery-versus-graveyard

Lucky Mojo on Graveyard dirt

https://www.luckymojo.com/graveyarddirt.html

The history of picnicking in Graveyards in the US:

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/picnic-in-cemeteries-america

https://www.messynessychic.com/2019/08/27/when-americans-dined-and-dated-in-cemeteries/

Here is a link to protection perfumes and items available on my Amazon Influencer page (I earn affiliate payments when people purchase through my storefront):https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins?listId=FC663P0RB75F&ref=idea_share_inf

Fun Fact: A cemetery is a stand-alone home for graves, a graveyard is a part of a church yard reserved for graves. I just use them interchangeably in this podcast since it doesn't make a difference if you do these tips in a graveyard or a cemetery. If you want to know more about the etymology of the words, I put a link to the show notes.

• reasons to go to a cemetery:

1. just to vibe with the liminal space and pay respects—People used to picnic in the cemetery—I have heard that people feel better when leaving a cemetery, because spirits feed off of our negative energy and leave us lighter. I believe it's more that cemeteries are in between spaces and they remind us to live fully now.
2. to do a spell or magickal working at the cemetery
3. to collect something from the cemetery for a spiritual purpose, usually dirt

How to enter & leave:

When you enter, enter with respect and state your intention, maybe leave a small offering at the gate or entrance like 3 pennies, a flower, etc. If you don't have anything, just leave a bit of positive energy, prayer or Reiki.

Don't look back when you leave—now in New Orleans I was told to walk out backwards but that tour guide also told me a lot of misinfo about voodoo so, I'm gonna say don't look back so that you don't take any energy or spirits with you don't want to have hanging around

—Some people have more issues than others because they are naturally attractive to spirits and naturally empathic, if that's you, it's more important to cut ties when you leave. If this you, consider wearing some type of protective amulet, Florida water, etc.

How to connect with spirits of the dead and who to connect with:

I personally do not just invite any spirit to connect with me. Doing that feels to me like going into a crowd of people and asking who wants to hang out, so it's a "no" for me. I will choose or ask my spirit guides to send me to a specific grave. The truth is in the United States and much of the western world, our dead have not been tended and many of them need help more than they are capable of giving help. Because of this, I only connect with my own tended ancestors, affinity ancestors, or a grave that I'm guided to by my spirit guides.

I only have long term relationships with my ancestors and occasionally short workings with non-ancestors. Usually, I just look for a grave to connect to other spirits at. If I work with a non-ancestor, they will be paid. If I work with an ancestor, they will be tended.

I follow my gut and my own connect to my spirit helpers.

What is ok to take from the graveyard:

I've always been told that any plants of flowers growing in a graveyard belong to the dead. I did take, with permission, clovers from my grandparent's graves to make syrups and tinctures for myself. I would not take from a non-ancestral grave and I would not take a plant without permission. The only thing I really consider ok to take from non-ancestor's grave is dirt and then ask permission and pay. I always leave offerings for dirt and ask before taking. Graveyard dirt is a big topic, so I put a link in the show notes to Lucky Mojo's page about it.

Make things look the same or better when you leave. I know some people who remove the dirt and replace with a flower. I always just take a small amount and minimally disturbe the earth in a non-noticeable way.

Why to take it and what to do with it is more than I have time for, but if there is interest, I may do a whole graveyard class in the Daily Alchemy Premium Member's lab.

Pay for what you ask for:

Pretty self-explanatory, if you don't know these spirits why would they give you something for free? I didn't put this in the live broadcast but do not offer promises you can't keep such as I will tend you grave every Wednesday, etc. With most situations with non-ancestors, I would give a one-time offering of something they might like such as coins, flowers, cigarettes, etc.

If I leave a big offering like a glass of wine or a plate of food that would look out of place to people visiting the graveyard, or could become litter, etc. I either leave it there for while I'm there and take with me when I leave or leave it in the evening and go retrieve it in the morning.

Cultural considerations:

Different cultures and religions have different beliefs. Do not dabble in these unless you are of that culture or you're are respectfully learning those traditions from a teacher who has given you some type of permission or license to do so. It's not only disrespectful and appropriative, it's not smart or safe to engage spirits you don't understand or have connection with.

Your experiment:

1. Decide which forms of graveyard hygiene are important to you
2. Spend an hour or two at a graveyard
3. Try my graveyard Self Love Spell or do one of your own-
4. Record it in your journal/ Book of Shadows and remind yourself to track back and notice your results later

Graveyard Self Love Spell

Materials:

• Small piece of paper/pen—sticky note is fine or whatever feels good to you
• Small cloth bag—I usually use cloth favor bags bought from a craft store
• Petals from a favorite flower
• Favorite essential oil or cologne

Steps:

1. Go to the cemetery, either go to the center of the cemetery or where a nice statue or spot that calls to you
2. Open a circle and/or ask for protection in whatever way feels best to you. Ask for assistance from your spirit guides and/or ancestors
3. Meditate on what three qualities you would like to most be remembered for when you have passed on from this life.
4. Write these three qualities on your paper along with ways you currently embody the characteristics and ways that you could begin to embody them.
5. Rollup the paper and place in your bag along with half of your flower petals.
6. Ask to be shown a spot to take a small bit of graveyard dirt or a small pebble from the graveyard. Put the pebble or dirt into your bag and leave the other half of the flower petals as an offering.
7. Feed the bag with the energy of the essential oil or cologne of your choosing. Do keep feeding it regularly, at least once a week.
8. Thank your guides and ancestors for their help and close out your circle and leave the cemetery.
9. Keep the bag with you or under your pillow as a reminder of the qualities you choose to embody
10. Notice how you begin to express these qualities and love yourself for your growth and also, love yourself as you are.

If you aren't familiar with opening a circle google calling the four directions and find a method that feels right to you.

Your answer is likely different than mine but having an answer to this question is important to give a guiding principle to your magickal practice.

I believe Magick has several purposes:

1. To create change—more in ourselves than anything or anyone else
2. To right wrongs
3. To enchant our world. IE. life is fucking boring without magick

Your experiment:

1. Decide what purpose Magick serves in your life
2. Notice if you are working Magick to meet that purpose
3. Write down and implement ways you can use Magick purposefully
4. Take action & add a "daily alchemy" task to your routine

1. if magick's purpose to you is to add beauty to the world, then, meditate for a few minutes on something beautiful—art, nature, etc. and create something beautiful—a simple sketch, a beautiful breakfast bowl, etc.

Links from this episode:

Love: What Life is All About by Leo F. Buscaglia https://amzn.to/34pdOd9 (This is Amazon influencer link to the book on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Daily Alchemy links:

Here's the link to my Magickal Amazon Storefront with links to my favorite magick and alchemy books (https://www.amazon.com/shop/michelledobbins) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can find out more about that on my storefront.

Find me at https://dailyalchemy.com

Pre-order your Moon & Magick 2020 Planner: https://dailyalchemyemporium.com/products/moon-magick-planner-13-moons-of-2019

Find me on the socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDobbinsAuthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemartindobbins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleDobbins