Mysticism
Deities of Autumn: Gods and Goddesses Who Embody the Season of Change
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, autumn unfolds a time of harvest, reflection, and transformation. Throughout history, cultures around the world have celebrated this season by honoring deities who symbolize the cycles of life, death, and renewal. These gods and goddesses are the very essence of fall, embodying the bounty of the earth, the balance between light and dark, and the profound shifts in nature. Demeter and Persephone: Greek Goddesses of the Harvest and the Underworld In Greek mythology, the story of autumn is told through the lives of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, is a central figure in the harvest, ensuring the earth’s fertility. However, her myth is deeply intertwined with the coming of autumn through Persephone’s jo...
Clearing the Energy: The Growing Popularity of Incense in the West
Hyungi Park, a 25-year-old incense maker, notes the significance of incense in religious ceremonies and how it differs from candles or essential oils in terms of intention and mood. She has seen a 142% increase in sales from April to September compared to the same period the previous year, with her £45 ($56) incense-making kit being a popular item. Incense comes in many forms and has been used for thousands of years worldwide, often associated with mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga. Isabel Lee, 26, another studio director, reported a 130% increase in online sales, citing incense as an attractive alternative to candles for its ease of use. Incense is closely tied to ritual practices, especially in South Asian cultures, where it is often used in temples and homes. Shrankhla Hole...
White Lotus Day Honors the Controversial Pioneer of Modern Occultism, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
Every year on May 8, followers across the globe observe White Lotus Day, commemorating Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, a figure as extraordinary as she was controversial. Blavatsky, who died in 1891, is remembered as a spiritual leader and co-founder of the Theosophical Society, an organization that sought to establish a universal brotherhood through teachings she claimed were passed down by mystical masters from the Himalayas. Known affectionately as “HPB” by her devotees, Blavatsky’s legacy remains a powerful force, with theosophical movements maintaining a global presence of more than 1,000 lodges and centers, serving a membership exceeding 25,000. Her influence, however, extends far beyond formal organizations, having sparked the late 19th-century esoteric spiritual revival that swept acros...
Reflections on Reading Tarot in a Bar
The following article is a personal account from HuffPost detailing a tarot reader’s journey in a bar setting and the challenges faced along the way. In the bustling environment of a New Orleans-themed restaurant in downtown Chicago, a professional tarot reader was stationed at the bar, offering readings for a fee of $15. The reader shared their deep-rooted connection with tarot, having stumbled upon the practice at the age of 8 and evolving it into a spiritual ritual over time. Venturing into a professional realm under the guidance of a neighbor, the reader saw an opportunity to establish themselves as a reputable practitioner in a bar setting. However, the initial allure of the job soon waned as encounters with clients brought forth varied experiences, some uncomfortable and challe...
