AYC Lesson #1

I actually LOVE the idea of no tools, no deities, and 100% pure mental magic. Although I've always been drawn to the Egyptian, Norse & Celtic pantheons, I felt inauthentic invoking Bast or Thoth or Isis or Odin or Pan or Bridget as I am an American (with European roots). Even just saying Goddess felt better, but not *quite* right. It wasn't until I understood the concept of divinity within, that I felt like I could truly invoke authentically and that this was something I was already connected to vs calling on some ancient external deity. I really appreciate the focus on the planets as that's something I've never focused on quite so much and I've been very interested in astronomy for a long time. I tend to take a very scientific approach to my Craft and this feels very concrete to me.

The tools when I was first starting out felt performative and it felt more like make believe, which is fun, but they didn't start to really be effective for me until I was further along in my craft. I actually stopped casting circles for years, and when I finally went back to them, I was surprised at how powerful I found them to be. I really gravitate to the idea of mental magic, and the freedom of being able to cast where I am in the moment. I dislike being bound to my altar as I've often found myself in situations where I wish I could work right then and there as I'm inspired, so I appreciate the "permission" to do so without worrying about 'do I have the right color candle' etc.

As I grow in my Craft, I may circle back to a specific deity or deities, but for now, I really appreciate working with the universal energy & planets (and angels a bit here and there). Just wanted to say thank you for providing this approach, I always felt a little off working in other ways and this really resonates with me.

Blessed Be!

Really excited this is a no tools set of lessons

Actually I do have a question about my spell - should I have a picture of real, healthy lungs, if healthy lungs is what I'm going to do? Or can I use a more artful photo that gives me a nice feeling? The real lungs are a bit icky but I get if looking at real lungs might be more effective.

This came at the right time for me. I'm travelling to stay with my parents 6 weeks (who do not know my spiritual orientation...or that I've ever had one at all for that matter) and so rather than take any my tools or altar stuff with me, I'm going to do this. If feels a little maybe slightly ambitious, as I've just done a banishing spell to quit smoking, and will continue doing flips until I travel. Then when I get home, my spell will be healthy organs/lung capacity/clear voice (there are a lot of benefits from quitting smoking and I'm not sure which one to focus on for the spell. Maybe lungs cause it's the most obvious?) I already was in abstract principle land I think, perhaps from the very beginning. I've always loved philosophy and the contemplation part of this looks super fun to me! And so excited to see what rolls out...looks really exciting with the astral projection and dream work. So cool. Thanks for releasing this Ariel.

I love your courses IAM currently looking at the primer course

Very happy to be here feeling like I was ready for this for some time now, I love my wand and my blade but I think the magick should be inside of me.

Thank you !

Thanks Ariel!

One thing I always tell people about this course is not to rush into it too soon. Remember you are going to "abstain" from all tools for 6 weeks and only work with pure principle. No deities, no angels, no talismans, no perfumes, no candles.... It's an amazing way to really dig deep and strengthen your power if done at the right time in your development, but if you try it too soon, it can be really challenging. It's challenging enough to do this course even when you ARE ready for it. So when you do it, just know you will be purging your Craft of all superstition, and then can return to your tools with a freshness that can bring new power and fortitude to your craft. But if you haven't even built a relationship with magical tools and symbols very much, then it's probably too soon to take this course. Consult your own inner guide. You'll know when the time is right!

BB