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5 ANIMALS AND THEIR OCCULT SYMBOLISM

5 Animals and their Occult Symbolism

Throughout history, animals have been imbued with mystical significance, serving as symbols, messengers, and spiritual allies in the realms of the occult and esoteric practices. Their connection to the unseen world has inspired countless myths, legends, and magical traditions, weaving them into the fabric of human belief systems. From ancient grimoires to modern pop culture, the symbolic power of animals is undeniable.

In this exploration, we will delve into the occult connections of five everyday animals and uncover their esoteric meanings, tracing their appearances in literature, film, and spiritual traditions.

Number One: The black cat is perhaps the most iconic animal tied to the occult, its reputation steeped in mystery and superstition.

Black cats are known for being elusive, hiding in the shadows of dark alleys, moving with extreme precision, and being stealth hunters. These traits naturally connect them to what’s hidden, what’s unknown, what is secret and what is veiled.

In alchemy, the cat’s dark fur mirrors the darkness of the nigredo, where the impurities of the soul are confronted and released.

In tarot, we can see the black cat on the Queen of Wands, signifying the hidden and intuitive side of the Queen, but also implying that she has a more secretive and dark side to her.

At one time in history, black cats were revered and worshipped. They brought luck and were praised for killing venomous snakes, rodents and birds that damaged crops, and protecting the Pharaoh since at least the First Dynasty of Egypt. The Goddess Bastet was very closely associated with cats, bringing protection to anyone worshipping her.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that black cats were believed to be witches’ familiars, aiding their human counterparts in magical endeavors. Black cats were thought to be shapeshifters, moving between worlds unannounced and unseen.

During the witch trials in Europe and America, their association with the devil and witchcraft led to their persecution alongside accused witches. Too many innocent black cats lost their lives.

This symbolism endures today, with black cats often portrayed as either omens of bad luck or harbingers of supernatural events.

In Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Black Cat,” the animal serves as a chilling symbol of guilt and darkness, underscoring its association with the uncanny. Additionally, black cats have found their way into popular culture as magical companions, such as Salem in the television series Sabrina the Teenage Witch or Thackery Binx in the film Hocus Pocus. These portrayals continue to highlight their enduring connection to the occult.

Interesting fact – In cats, the gene for a black coat is dominant, which overrides the expression of the tabby gene, resulting in a black coat. This dominance means black is the most common coat color among cats, making black cats more prevalent than any other color. Also, due to genetic mutations, they seem to resist disease more than cats of other colors!

Number Two: Crows and ravens. Firstly, crows are the smaller of the two birds and groups of them are called “murders” – this was given to them in the middle ages for their association with scavenging on dead and decaying matter and with being found around battlefields, cemeteries, gallows and hospitals waiting for any kind of food source.

A group of ravens is called an “unkindness”, or sometimes “conspiracy” of ravens because they have an infamous history of being associated with bad omens, supersitions and other dark foretellings.

Crows and ravens, often conflated, or combined together, in symbolism, are revered for their intelligence and eerie presence. In Norse mythology, the god Odin is accompanied by two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who represent thought and memory and serve as his eyes and ears across the world.

This connection to divine knowledge and prophecy is echoed in other traditions, where crows and ravens are viewed as psychopomps, or guiders of souls, escorting newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Their striking black feathers and keen intelligence make them natural symbols of mystery, transformation, and the unknown.

In literature, Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven” immortalizes the bird as a symbol of grief and unrelenting mystery, with its haunting refrain, “Nevermore,” resonating with themes of loss and the supernatural. Similarly, films such as The Crow (1994) emphasize the bird’s association with death and resurrection, reinforcing its esoteric significance.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, ravens are also given a mystical role, specifically in their flight patterns. At one point, a group of ravens is seen flying against the wind, a phenomenon that serves as an omen and a signal of deeper forces at play. This imagery ties into the ancient belief that crows and ravens could defy natural order to deliver messages from the spiritual realm. In the context of Tolkien’s work, their deliberate flight against the wind symbolizes resistance, determination, and the breaking of ordinary rules, aligning with their archetypal role as messengers and harbingers in both literature and occult traditions.

Interesting fact: It is thought that Charles II was the first to insist there must be at least six Ravens at the Tower of London at all times, elsewise, the Monarchy would fall.

Number 3: Owls have long been linked to wisdom and the occult, their nocturnal nature and ability to see in the dark making them symbols of hidden knowledge. In ancient Greek mythology, the owl was sacred to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, and was often depicted alongside her. This association persists in modern depictions of the owl as a figure of insight and mystery. In the occult, owls are believed to be messengers between worlds, capable of perceiving truths hidden to others.

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series leverages this symbolism, using owls as magical carriers of communication, further cementing their mystical reputation. Owls’ ghostly presence in the night sky and their eerie calls have also made them enduring figures in folklore, often viewed as omens of death or portents of significant change.

In ancient Roman folklore, owls were believed to foretell death if they hooted while perched on a rooftop. Additionally, placing an owl’s feather near a sleeping person was thought to compel them to speak and reveal secrets.

Interesting fact: In the western world the owl is associated with wisdom, but in Hinduism it is both auspicious and inauspicious. This is because the owl is the vehicle, or “vahana” of Laksmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. There are some people in India that believe by taking away her “vehicle”, in other words, by sacrificing the owl in rituals, the Goddess will be unable to leave the home of that person and will have no choice but to bring them wealth and prosperity the entire year. Some also believe the owl to be Lakshmi’s sister Alaksmi, the Goddess of misery, poverty and strife. In either case, these animals should be held in high reverence, respected and left alone as symbols of wisdom, beauty and awe.

If you’d like more information on how you can help and donate to owls in India, check this link.

Number 4: The snake: The snake is another animal deeply entwined with esoteric practices, embodying duality and transformation and is used frequently in occult contexts. Its shedding of skin has long been interpreted as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, making it a powerful emblem in alchemy and spiritual transformation. It is seen in symbols like the Ouroboros, the snake that bites its own tail, symbolizing eternal cycles like life and death.

In Hinduism, the snake (or serpent) is associated with Kundalini energy, a coiled force that lies dormant at the base of the spine and, when awakened, leads to spiritual enlightenment. Snakes also appear in the Bible as both tempters and symbols of wisdom, as seen in the Garden of Eden story.

It is associated with healing and wisdom and linked to the ancient caduceus, a staff with two snakes, which represents balance, harmony, and the union of opposites.

His symbol is often associated with Hermes (or Mercury) in Hermetic traditions, signifying wisdom and the path to spiritual enlightenment but also representing commerce and negotiation.

In ancient Greek mythology, the snake is linked to Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, who carries the rod of Asclepius – a classic symbol of medicine.

This duality—of wisdom and danger—makes the snake a complex and multifaceted symbol. Films like The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988) draw on the snake’s association with magic and transformation, while classic texts like Aleister Crowley’s writings often feature serpentine imagery to describe spiritual ascent.

In the Harry Potter series, Nagini is a snake that serves as a Horcrux for Voldemort. The word Nagini, is in fact, the name for a female member of the Naga, a class of semi-divine snakes in Indian religion and mythology.

Interesting fact: Despite being so intertwined with occult practices and used as a powerful symbol since the dawn of man, the fear of snakes (ophiophobia or herpetophobia – fear of reptiles) is one of the most common phobias worldwide. It’s averaged that 1/3 of all adult humans have a fear of snakes.

Number 5: The wolf occupies a prominent place in the esoteric imagination, embodying wildness, instinct, and transformation. In many shamanic traditions, wolves are seen as guides, teaching humans how to reconnect with their primal instincts and the natural world.

This connection is particularly strong in Native American spirituality, where the wolf is often regarded as a symbol of loyalty, protection, courage and wisdom. They were guardians and messengers of the forest as well as teachers and guides. Many tribes had wolf clans, such as the Ojibwe (Oh JIB way): The word for “wolf” in Ojibwe is “ma’iingan” (my-IN-gan ). The Ojibwe tribe, found in the Great Lakes region referred to the wolves as a brother or sister along with the viewpoint that whatever happened to the wolves happened to one of the Ojibwe tribe. Killing a wolf is likened to killing a brother or sister.

Wolves also feature prominently in Greek stories and in Norse, Scandinavian, Icelandic, Teutonic lore as shapeshifters, often linked to werewolves, blending human and animal nature in a single entity.

In Norse mythology, the wolf Fenrir was commanded by Odin to be bound with magical fetters, symbolizing the struggle between primal forces and divine order. This myth reflects the wolf’s association with raw power and the untamed aspects of nature.

This idea of transformation aligns with the wolf’s role in the occult as a totemic figure for personal growth and self-discovery. In literature, Jack London’s The Call of the Wild and its exploration of the untamed spirit mirrors this symbolism. Meanwhile, films like The Company of Wolves (1984) delve into the wolf’s connection to power and transformation, blending fairy tales with esoteric themes.

Interesting fact: Some Arctic wolves are thought to synchronize their howls with the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), letting their haunting calls blend with the celestial display in a phenomenon rarely witnessed by humans.

These five animals—the black cat, crow or raven, owl, snake, and wolf—serve as bridges between the natural and supernatural, their symbolism rooted in ancient traditions and perpetuated through modern culture. Their recurring appearances in stories, myths, and films reflect humanity’s enduring fascination with the mysteries they embody. By exploring their roles in the occult and esoteric practices, we gain a deeper understanding of their magical significance and the ways they continue to captivate our imaginations.

So what is your favorite occult animal on this list? Have you had a previous experience with it? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post!!!


Video version here:

5 Animals and their Occult Symbolism


Interesting sources, additional info, courses, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Balancing and Healing the Chakras through Yoga https://www.udemy.com/course/balancing-and-healing-the-chakras-through-yoga/?referralCode=12C81A148616B419AA06

Mudras to Balance and Harmonize your Chakras and Energy Body https://www.udemy.com/course/mudras-to-balance-and-harmonize-your-energy-body/?referralCode=1A275C6E67E05E8C8130

Elemental Energy for Success and Well Being https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

Check our soundtrack here:
https://lennyblandino.bandcamp.com/track/nivuru-synthetic-waves


Websites:

https://www.alkemystica.com

https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/


Links and References:

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/black-cat-facts/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_in_ancient_Egypt

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-48308322

https://www.birdzilla.com/learn/what-is-a-group-of-ravens-called/

https://birdfact.com/articles/what-is-a-group-of-crows-called

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychopomp

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owl_of_Athena

https://michpics.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/the-snowy-owl-on-the-roof/

https://vedicfeed.com/alakshmi/

https://mythologyworldwide.com/the-symbolism-of-snakes-in-mythology-more-than-just-reptiles/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Serpentandtherainbow.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophidiophobia#/media/File:The_Punishment_Of_Loki.jpg

https://www.factretriever.com/snake-facts

https://harrypotter.fandom.com/wiki/Horcrux

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagini

https://occult-world.com/werewolves/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Call_of_the_Wild#/media/File:JackLondoncallwild.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Company_of_Wolves#/media/File:Companyofwolvesposter.jpg

https://direwolfproject.com/dire-wolf/dire-wolf-mythology/

https://wildwisconsinwolves.omeka.net/natives

https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/ma-iingan-na

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/20-fascinating-wolf-facts-for-kids/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/familiar

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NAKSHATRAS, THE 27 LUNAR MANSIONS IN JYOTISH – INDIAN VEDIC ASTROLOGY (AN INTRODUCTION)

NAKSHATRAS, THE 27 LUNAR MANSIONS IN JYOTISH – INDIAN VEDIC ASTROLOGY

Nakshatras are prominently studied in Jyotish (Indian Vedic Astrology), and have an important occult and practical impact on the overall natal chart interpretation.

Some of the earliest records of stars are those of ancient India in the Vedanga Jyotisha, and the Babylonians.

The Nakṣhatra system predates the influence of Hellenistic astronomy on Vedic tradition.

Different cultures identified different constellations, although Orion and Scorpius were recurrent.

In essence, a nakshatra simply is a constellation.

Hence, the stars are like numbers on a clock, through which the hands of time (The Moon) travels, along the ecliptic, past the specific star fields called nakshatras in a 27-day cycle. This concept is described in connection with the Surya Siddhanta.

The 27 Nakshatras cover 13°20’ of the ecliptic each. Each Nakshatra is also divided into quarters or padas (“steps/parts”) of 3°20’.

The 4 padas multiplied by 27 give 108, indicating all the elements of Vishnu.

There are various systems of enumerating the nakshatras and although there are 27-28 days to a sidereal month, by custom only 27 days are used.

In ancient times, there were 28 nakshatras, but some Indian sages later dropped Abhijit to reduce the number to 27. The Chinese, however, retained all 28 lunar mansions.

Abhijit is the 22nd lunar mansion and the name means “the victorious one”.

According to traditional beliefs, it is not necessarily a separate nakshatra per se, but rather a division within the sidereal Capricorn sign.

Abhijit is also the Sanskrit name for Vega, the brightest star in the constellation of Lyra. Although now is rarely considered by astrologers, it might still be mentioned.

The starting point for the Nakshatras according to the Vedas is “Krittika”, because the Pleiades may have started the year at the time the Vedas were compiled.

More recently the start of the nakshatras is the point on the ecliptic directly opposite to the star Spica, called Chitrā in Sanskrit.

So the starting point is now Ashwinī, a part of the modern constellation of Aries.

Here is a list of the 27 Nakshatras:

1 Ashwini, “physician to the Gods”.

In the constellation of Aries

Lord: Ketu (South lunar node)

Symbol: Horse’s head

Deity: Ashwins, the horse-headed twins who are physicians to the gods.

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Mesha

2 Bharani, “the bearer”.

In the constellation of Aries.

Lord: Shukra (Venus)

Symbol: Yoni, the female organ of reproduction

Deity: Yama, god of death or Dharma

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Mesha

3 Krittika, an old name of the Pleiades, personified as the nurses of Kārttikeya, a son of Shiva.
Lord: Surya (The Sun)

Symbol: Knife or spear

Deity: Agni, god of fire

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Mesha

4 Rohini, “the red one”, a name of Aldebaran. Also known as brāhmī.

Lord: Chandra (The Moon)

Symbol: Cart or chariot, temple, banyan tree

Deity: Brahma or Prajapati, the Creator

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Vrishabha

5 Mrigashira, “the deer’s head”. Also known as āgrahāyaṇī. In the constellation of Orion.

Lord: Mangal (Mars)

Symbol: Deer’s head

Deity: Soma, Chandra, the Moon god

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Vrishabha – Mithuna

6 Ardra, “the storm god”. Betelgeuse.

Lord: Rahu (North lunar node)

Symbol: Teardrop, diamond, a human head

Deity: Rudra, the storm god

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Mithuna

7 Punarvasu, “the two restorers of goods”, also known as yamakau, “the two chariots”. Castor and Pollux.

Lord: Guru (Jupiter)

Symbol: Bow and quiver

Deity: Aditi, mother of the gods

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Mithuna – Karka

8 Pushya, “the nourisher”, also known as sidhya or tiṣya.

In the constellation of Cancer.

Lord: Shani (Saturn)

Symbol: Cow’s udder, lotus, arrow and circle

Deity: Bṛhaspati, priest of the Gods

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Karka

9 Ashlesha, “the embrace”.

In the constellation of Hydra.

Lord: Budh (Mercury)

Symbol: Serpent

Deity: Sarpas or Nagas, deified snakes

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Karka

10 Magha, “the bountiful”. Regulus.

Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)

Symbol: Royal Throne

Deity: Pitris, ‘The Fathers’, family ancestors

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Simha

11 Purva Phalguni, “first reddish one”.

In the constellation of Leo.

Lord: Shukra (Venus)

Symbol: Front legs of bed, hammock, fig tree

Deity: Bhaga, god of marital bliss and prosperity

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Simha

12 Uttara Phalguni, “second reddish one”. Denebola.

Lord: Surya (The Sun)

Symbol: Rear legs of bed, hammock

Deity: Aryaman, god of patronage and favours

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Simha – Kanya

13 Hasta, “the hand”.

In the constellation of Corvus.

Lord: Chandra (The Moon)

Symbol: Hand or fist

Deity: Savitri or Surya, the Sun god

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Kanya

14 Chitra, “the bright one”, a name of Spica.

Lord: Mangal (Mars)

Symbol: Bright jewel or pearl

Deity: Tvastar or Vishvakarman, the celestial architect

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Kanya – Tula

15 Swati, “Su-Ati” meaning “Very good” in Sanskrit, name of Arcturus.

Lord: Rahu (north lunar node)

Symbol: Shoot of a plant, coral

Deity: Vayu, the Wind god

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Tula

16 Vishaka, “forked, having branches”; also known as rādhā, “the gift”.

In the constellation of Libra.

Lord: Guru (Jupiter)

Symbol: Triumphal archway, potter’s wheel

Deity: Indra, chief of the gods; Agni, god of Fire

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Tula – Vrishchika

17 Anuradha, “following rādhā“.

In the constellation of Scorpius.

Lord: Shani (Saturn)

Symbol: Triumphal archway, lotus

Deity: Mitra, one of the Adityas (celestial deities) of friendship and partnership

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Vrishchika

18 Jyeshta, “the eldest, most excellent”.

In the constellation of Scorpius.

Lord: Budh (Mercury)

Symbol: circular amulet, umbrella, earring

Deity: Indra, chief of the gods

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Vrishchika

19 Mula, “the root”.

In the constellation of Scorpius.

Lord: Ketu (south lunar node)

Symbol: Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad (ankusha)

Deity: Nirrti, Goddess of dissolution and destruction

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Dhanus

20 Purva Ashadha, “first of the āṣāḍhā“, “the invincible one”.

In the constellation of Sagittarius.

Lord: Shukra (Venus)

Symbol: Elephant tusk, fan, winnowing basket

Deity: Apah, god of Water

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Dhanus

21 Uttara Ashadha, “Later invincible”

In the constellation of Sagittarius.

Lord: Surya (The Sun)

Symbol: Elephant tusk, small bed

Deity: Visvedevas (Universal Gods)

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Dhanus – Makara

22 Shravana, “hearing” or “listening”

In the constellation of Aquila.

Lord: Chandra (The Moon)

Symbol: Ear or Three Footprints

Deity: Vishnu (Preserver of the Universe)

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Makara

23 Dhanishta, “most famous”, also Shravishthā “swiftest”.

In the constellation of Delphinus.

Lord: Mangal (Mars)

Symbol: Drum or flute

Deity: Eight vasus (Deities of earthly abundance)

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Makara – Kumbha

24 Shatabhishak, “requiring a hundred physicians”.

In the constellation of Aquarius.

Lord: Rahu (north lunar node)

Symbol: Empty circle, 1,000 flowers or stars

Deity: Varuna, god of cosmic waters, sky and earth

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Kumbha

25 Purva Bhadrapada, “the first of the blessed feet”.

In the constellation of Pegasus.

Lord: Guru (Jupiter)

Symbol: Swords or two front legs of funeral cot, man with two faces

Deity: Ajaikapada, one-footed aspect of Shiva

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Kumbha – Meena

26 Uttara Bhadrapada, “the second of the blessed feet”.

In the constellation of Andromeda.

Lord: Shani (Saturn)

Symbol: Twins, back legs of funeral cot, snake in the water

Deity: Ahirbudhnya, serpent or dragon of the deep

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Meena

27 Revati, “prosperous”.

In the constellation of Pisces.

Lord: Budh (Mercury)

Symbol: Fish or a pair of fish, drum

Deity: Pushan, nourisher, the protective Deity

Indian (sidereal) zodiac: Meena

This was a brief list of the 27 Nakshatras (constellations) in Jyotish, Indian Vedic Astrology.

What do you think of this occult knowledge? Let us know in the comment section below, subscribe for more and share the post!!!


Video version here:

Nakshatras, the 27 Lunar Mansions in Jyotish – Indian Vedic Astrology – An Introduction


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Elemental Energy and how to use it, check our course here: https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

Check our soundtrack here:
https://lennyblandino.bandcamp.com/track/nivuru-synthetic-waves

Websites:

https://www.alkemystica.com

https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372429986896515


Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakshatra

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nakshatras

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abhijit_(nakshatra)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterism_(astronomy)

https://www.astroved.com/astropedia/en/nakshatra

Pics:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakshatra#/media/File:Nakshatras.jpg

https://pixabay.com/photos/lagoon-nebula-messier-8-ngc-6523-11143

https://pixabay.com/photos/milky-way-galaxy-stars-night-sky-4416194

https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-moon-phases-sky-8006703

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30 Forms Of Divination You Did Not Know Existed

30 Forms Of Divination You Did Not Know Existed

Divination and the occult intersect as both explore hidden or mystical aspects of reality to gain insight, understanding, or influence. Divination focuses on seeking knowledge about possible timelines, hidden truths, or guidance through symbolic tools like tarot cards, astrology, rituals or scrying.

These practices often rely on interpreting subtle energies, archetypes, or otherworldly messages.

Divination fits within the occult as a tool or practice used to tap into these unseen realms, align with universal energies, and bridge the gap between the material and outer worlds. Together, they form a framework for exploring the mysteries of existence and personal transformation.

The Greek word “manteia”, meaning “prophecy/fortune-telling”, will be recurrent in the video for the suffix “mancy”.

Here is a list of 30 Forms of Divination you probably did not know existed:

Abacomancy, also known as Amathomancy, from the Greek “amathos”, “sand”.

A form of divination based on the interpretation of the patterns in dust, dirt, silt, sand or the ashes of the recently deceased. Reading the patterns is believed to give some insight into the future. Readers drop the dirt, sand, or ashes on a flat surface and start looking for a pattern that may represent symbols or pictures. They interpret these symbols and pictures to what is going to happen in the future. Some look for certain symbols that are seen over and over.

Acultomancy from Latin “acūleus”, meaning “needle”, is a form of divination that uses needles for readings.

Readers use 7 or up to 21 needles in a bowl with water in it.

Needles may also be dropped onto a flat surface that has been coated with powder or flour. Readers then look for the designs that the needles make in the substance.

Some of the main designs are lines. They may be broken, parallel, vertical, or horizontal in some fashion. The broken line may mean traveling or heading on a new journey. The parallel lines may mean money in the future, either given or taken away. The vertical lines are meant as guided roads to take. The horizontal lines may mean what the fate will be.

Aeromancy from Greek “aḗr”, “air”, is a form of divination that is conducted by interpreting atmospheric conditions.

Aeromancy uses cloud formations, wind currents and cosmological events such as comets, to attempt to divine the past, present, or future. There are sub-types of this practice which are as follows: austromancy (wind divination), ceraunoscopy (observing thunder and lightning), chaomancy (aerial vision), meteormancy (observing meteors and shooting stars), and nephomancy (cloud divination).

Variations on the concept have been used throughout history and the practice is thought to have been used by the ancient Babylonian priests.

The ancient Etruscans produced divination of the future based upon the omens that were supposedly displayed by thunder or lightning that occurred on particular days of the year, or in particular places.

Divination by clouds was condemned by Moses in Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible.

In Renaissance magic, aeromancy was classified as one of the seven “forbidden arts”, along with necromancy, geomancy, hydromancy, pyromancy, chiromancy and spatulamancy.

Aichmomancy, from Greek “aikhmē”, “spearhead”, is a form of divination somewhat similar to acultomancy in that it uses sharp pointed objects to show patterns to read.

Aichmomancy readers use pins, knives, forks, nails and handmade pieces of wood sharpened to a point. Readers drop sharp pointed objects onto a flat surface, find patterns and interpret them.

In the most ancient form of this divination a spearhead was spun in the sand. Several centuries later, during the Early Middle Ages, divination with pins became popular in Europe.

Readers used 7 pins and a table covered with a cloth. Pins were thrown over the table, and the patterns were read and interpreted.

Ailuromancy from Greek aílouros, ‘cat’, also known as felidomancy, is a form of theriomancy. It is divination using cats’ movements or jumps, to predict future events, especially the weather.

For example, if the cat turns its tail to a fire or any heat source, it foretells a possible change in weather, particularly the coming of heavy rain or frost.

Another example is if a cat curls up with its forehead touching the ground, it indicates that storms may happen in the near future.

Alectryomancy comes from the Greek alectryon, “rooster”.

It is a form of divination in which the diviner observes a bird, several birds, or most preferably a white rooster or cockerel pecking at grain (such as wheat) that the diviner has scattered on the ground. The observer may place grain in the shape of letters and thus discern a revelation by noting which letters the birds peck at, or the diviner may just interpret the pattern left by the birds’ pecking in randomly scattered grain.

In another version, the observer puts the bird in the center of a circle, around the perimeter of which is marked the alphabet, with a piece of grain at each letter. For each grain the bird pecks, the observer writes down the letter which that grain represents. The observer also replaces each grain as the bird eats it, so that letters may be repeated. The sequence of letters recorded will presumably contain a message.

Alomancy is an ancient form of divination. From ancient Greek “hals”, “salt”. The diviner casts salt crystals into the air and interprets the patterns as it falls to the ground or travels through the air. The diviner can also interpret patterns that are formed from the residue of a salt solution as it evaporates in a bowl.

One form of alomancy consists of the casting of salt into a fire, which is considered a type of pyromancy.

Alphitomancy from Greek alphiton, ‘barley’, is a form of divination involving barley cakes or loaves of barley bread.

When someone in a group was suspected of a crime, the members of the group would be fed barley cakes or slices of barley bread. Supposedly, the guilty party would get indigestion, while all others would feel well.

Alveromancy is a form of divination that involves interpreting the sounds or patterns made by objects, such as stones, pebbles, or metal, when they are thrown or struck together. It derives from the Greek root “alvero”,referring to sound or noise.

Objects such as pebbles, stones, or metals are cast, struck, or manipulated to produce sounds. The practitioner listens carefully to the sounds, their tone, pitch, rhythm, or the way they resonate. Interpretations are made based on the nature of the sound, its intensity, and any patterns perceived, often with a focus on spiritual or symbolic messages.

The type of sound and its clarity were believed to convey messages from the divine or supernatural realms.

Historically, this method was linked to shamanistic or ritualistic practices, as sound was considered a medium to connect with higher forces.

Anachitis, meaning “stone of necessity” is a stone used to call up spirits from water.

The stone was supposedly used in classical antiquity by the Magi for divination. Its use had fallen out of favor by the Middle Ages.

Anthomancy is a form of divination that involves interpreting the meanings and messages of flowers. It derives from the Greek word “anthos” (flower). This practice was historically used to seek guidance, predict outcomes, or answer specific questions.

Specific flowers are chosen for their symbolic meanings, such as roses for love, lilies for purity, or daisies for innocence.

The shape, color, scent, and arrangement of the flowers are examined. Falling petals or their patterns are often analyzed.

The answers are interpreted based on traditional meanings associated with each flower or their behavior during the ritual.

This practice was popular in ancient Greece and Rome, where flowers were seen as symbols of divine messages.

Anthropomancy from Greek “anthropos”, “man”, is a method of divination using the entrails of dead or dying men or women through sacrifice. As much as it may sound unbelievable to us today, records of this practice are found in Ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, Africa and South America.

Apantomancy is a form of divination using articles at hand or things that present themselves by chance. The diviner works him/herself into a state of trance until an object or event is perceived and a divination worked out. This form of divination was used in ancient Rome by the augurs.

A branch of apantomancy places special significance on chance meetings of animals. The superstition regarding black cats crossing your path comes from this form of divination.

Aspidomancy from the Greek word “aspis”, meaning “shield”, is a form of divination based on the interpretation of patterns on a shield.

Reading the patterns is believed to give some insight into events. Readers study the shield, looking for a pattern that may represent symbols or pictures. They interpret these symbols and pictures as clues as to what is going to happen in the future.

Aspidomancy can also refer to the method of divination of sitting on a shield and reciting incantations to summon an entity or enter a trance, in order to gain knowledge.

Astragalomancy, also known as cubomancy, is a form of divination that uses dice, specially marked with letters or numbers.

Historically, as with dice games, the “dice” were usually knuckle bones or other small bones of quadrupeds. Marked astragali (talus bones) of sheep and goats are common at Mediterranean and Near Eastern archaeological sites, particularly at funeral and religious locations.

Another branch compared to astragalomancy is pessomancy, a type of divination which uses colored or marked pebbles rather than numbered dice. These pebbles are either thrown out of a bag after shuffling or drawn from the bag at random.

The interpretation of the colors or symbols relate to issues such as health, communication, success and travel.

Axinomancy is an obscure method of divination using an axe, hatchet, or (rarely) a saw. Most methods involve throwing an axe into the ground or swinging it into a tree, and interpreting the direction of the handle or the quivering of the blade.

Another interesting method is heating an axe-head in a fire until it glows, and then interpreting the colors and shapes.

Some sources claim that Psalm 74 in the Bible refers to the use of axinomancy to predict the fall of Jerusalem, although in the text the reference to upright axes is not specifically for divination.

Belomancy is the ancient art of divination by use of arrows. The word is built upon Ancient Greek belos, ’arrow, dart’. Belomancy was practiced by Babylonians, Greeks, Arabs and Scythians.

The arrows were typically marked with occult symbols. Different possible answers to a given question were written and tied to each arrow. For example, 3 arrows would be marked with the phrases, God orders it to me, God forbids it to me, and the third would be blank. The arrow that flew the furthest indicated the answer.

Bibliomancy is the use of books in divination. The use of sacred books (especially specific words and verses) for “magical medicine”, for removing negative entities or for divination is widespread in many parts of the world.

A book that is believed to hold the truth is picked.

It is balanced on its spine and allowed to fall open.

A passage is picked, with the eyes closed.

Among Christians, the Bible is most commonly used, in Islamic cultures the Quran. In the Middle Ages in Europe the use of Virgil’s Aeneid was common. In the classical world the Iliad and Odyssey were used.

Cartomancy, maybe the most famous of this list, is fortune-telling or divination using a deck of cards. It appeared soon after playing cards were introduced into Europe in the 14th century. Practitioners of cartomancy are generally known as cartomancers, card readers, or simply readers.

Cartomancy using standard playing cards was the most popular form of providing fortune-telling card readings in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

In English-speaking countries, the most common form is tarot card reading.

In the religion of ancient Rome, a haruspex was a person trained to practise a form of divination called Haruspicy, the inspection of the entrails of sacrificed animals, especially the livers of sheep and poultry. Various ancient cultures of the Near East, such as the Babylonians, also read omens with this method.

The Roman concept is directly derived from Etruscan religion, as one of the three branches of the Disciplina Etrusca.

Lampadomancy is a form of divination using an oil lamp or a torch flame.

The diviner reads presages from the movements of the flame. In yet another method, the diviner uses the lamp as a means of “attracting spirits to the flames”, in the hope of consulting them regarding future events.

Lampadomancy was a popular method of divination in ancient Egypt, where diviners would perform it at midday in a darkened room illuminated by a single lamp filled with oasis oil.

Literomancy, from the Latin litero-, ‘letter’ is a form of fortune-telling based on written words, or, in the case of Chinese, characters.

When practicing literomancy, the client puts up a subject, be it a single character or a name. The literomancer then analyzes the subject along with other information that the client supplies to arrive at a divination.

Some literomancers can read the curves and lines of a signature just as a professional handwriting analyst might, but uses instinct and divination techniques rather than applied analysis skills.

Lithomancy is a form of divination by which the future is told using stones or the reflected light from the stones. The practice is most popular in the British Isles.

In one popular method, 13 stones are tossed onto a board and a prediction made based on the pattern in which they fall.

In other methods, the stones are representative of various concepts: fortune, magic, love, news, home life and the astrological planets of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, the Sun, and the Moon.

Metoposcopy is a form of divination in which the diviner predicts personality, character and destiny based on the pattern of lines on the subject’s forehead. It was in use in the Classical Era and was widespread in the Middle Ages, reaching its zenith in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Metoposcopy was developed by the 16th century Italian polymath Girolamo Cardano, considered to be one of the foremost mathematicians of the Renaissance.

Molybdomancy from Ancient Greek molybdos, ‘lead’, is a technique of divination using molten metal. Typically, molten lead or tin is dropped into water.

The resulting shape is either directly interpreted as an omen for the future, or is rotated over a candlelight to create shadows, whose shapes are then interpreted. For example, a bubbly surface signifying money, a fragile or broken shape misfortune. The shape of the lead before melting can refer to a specific area of one’s life. For example, it can be made resembling a ship for traveling, keys for career advancement and so on.

It can be found as a tradition in various cultures, including Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey.

Necromancy is the practice of communication with the dead by summoning their spirits as apparitions or visions for the purpose of divination, to foretell future events and discover hidden knowledge.

Necromancy was prevalent throughout antiquity with records of this practice in ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, Etruria, Rome and China.

Rituals could be quite elaborate, involving magic circles, wands, talismans, and incantations. The necromancer might also surround himself with morbid aspects of death, which often included wearing the clothing of the deceased and consuming foods that symbolized lifelessness and decay such as unleavened black bread and unfermented grape juice.


Oneiromancy,
from Greek “oneiros”, “dream”, is a form of divination based upon dreams. Plants may also be used to produce or enhance dream-like states of consciousness. Occasionally, the dreamer feels as if they are transported to another time or place, and this is offered as evidence they are in fact providing divine information upon their return.

Throughout Mesopotamian history, dreams were always held to be extremely important for divination and Kings paid close attention to them.

In ancient Egypt as far back as 2000 BCE, they wrote down dreams on papyrus. People with vivid and significant dreams were thought to be blessed and were considered special. Ancient Egyptians believed that dreams were like oracles, bringing messages from the Gods.

Dreams occur throughout the Bible as omens or messages from God.

Onychomancy, from Greek onychos, is an ancient form of divination using fingernails as a “crystal ball” or “scrying mirror” and is considered a subdivision of palmistry.

It consists of gazing at fingernails in bright sunlight and then interpreting the “symbols” that appear on them.

The symbols are read in relation to chakra points, reflexology points or colors associated with planets.

Rhabdomancy is a divination technique which involves the use of a rod, wand, staff, stick, arrow, or the like.

One method of rhabdomancy was setting a number of staffs on the ground and observing where they fell, to divine the direction one should travel, or to find answers to certain questions.

Another type of rhabdomancy is dowsing using a wooden stick, usually forked.

Scrying, also referred to as “seeing” or “peeping,” is a practice rooted in divination and fortune-telling. It involves gazing into an object, hoping to receive significant messages or visions that could offer personal guidance, prophecy, revelation, or inspiration.

Unlike augury, which interprets observable events, or divination, which follows standardized rituals, Scrying’s impressions arise within the medium itself.

Methods of scrying often include self-induced trances using crystal balls, mirrors or even modern technology like smartphones.

What do you think of these 30 Forms of Divination? Did you experience them? Know of any others? Let us know in the comment section, subscribe for more and share the post!!!


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30 Forms Of Divination You Did Not Know Existed


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Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_occult_terms

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abacomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abracadabra

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acultomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeromancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aichmomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailuromancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alectryomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphitomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anachitis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apantomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspidomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astragalomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axinomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haruspex

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampadomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metoposcopy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molybdomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oneiromancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onychomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhabdomancy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrying

Pics:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abracadabra#/media/File:Cluny_-_Mero_-_Croix-Talisman_motifs_magiques_bas%C3%A9_sur_Abracadabra_-_VIe-VII_si%C3%A8cle-_Ag_niell%C3%A9.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abracadabra#/media/File:Abracadabra_triangle_(cropped).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adept#/media/File:The_Immortal_Soul_of_the_Taoist_Adept.PNG

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeromancy#/media/File:Shelfcloud.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailuromancy#/media/File:Calico_Cat_Asleep.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alectryomancy#/media/File:Konstantin_Makovsky_-_Christmastide_Divination.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alomancy#/media/File:SeaSalt.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bronze_votive_shield.JPG

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astragalomancy#/media/File:Legio_XXI_Rapax_-_Astragal_-_Sechsel%C3%A4uten_2011_-_Lindenhof_2011-04-10_15-41-20.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sad_Axe.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rembrandt%27s_Mother_-_Rembrandt_Harmenszoon_van_Rijn.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartomancy#/media/File:Michail_Alexandrowitsch_Wrubel_001.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haruspex#/media/File:Votive_Relief_of_Haruspex_Caius_Fulvius_Salvis.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lampadomancy#/media/File:BrassOliveOilLamp2.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literomancy#/media/File:Image_taken_from_page_31_of_’China-_a_history_of_the_laws,_manners,_and_customs_of_the_people._…_Edited_by_W._G._Gregor._With_…_illustrations’_(11268580305).jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stones_Porto_DSCF0572.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Face_and_text,_%22Metoposcopia%22,_S._Fuchs,_1615_Wellcome_L0013998.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molybdomancy#/media/File:Bleigiessen-Vorgang.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Necromancy#/media/File:Endor.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bible_primer,_Old_Testament,_for_use_in_the_primary_department_of_Sunday_schools_(1919)_(14801931183).jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onychomancy#/media/File:Onychomancy_finger_chart.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrow#/media/File:Two_arrows.jpg

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrying#/media/File:John_William_Waterhouse_-_The_Crystal_Ball.JPG

https://pixabay.com/photos/beach-sand-dunes-landscape-7153932

https://pixabay.com/photos/sewing-thimble-pins-safety-pins-661992

https://pixabay.com/photos/cutlery-forks-knives-restaurant-2464197

https://pixabay.com/photos/cat-kitten-feline-pussy-cloud-5098930

https://pixabay.com/photos/rooster-hens-chickens-birds-7056152

https://pixabay.com/photos/bread-loaf-artisan-artisan-bread-1510155

https://pixabay.com/photos/balls-metal-iron-texture-grooves-2165742

https://pixabay.com/photos/throw-stone-colorful-night-summer-6781567

https://pixabay.com/photos/light-ghi-lamp-dark-bokeh-night-1097599

https://pixabay.com/photos/cat-black-cat-outdoors-sit-sitting-2939726

https://pixabay.com/photos/sheep-meadow-white-farm-5352474

https://pixabay.com/photos/forest-stick-pile-wood-twigs-4882105

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15 Quotes by Pirates that link Freedom with the Occult

15 Quotes by Pirates that link Freedom with the Occult

The English word “pirate” is derived from the Latin pirata (“pirate, corsair, sea robber”), which comes from Greek (peiratēs), “brigand”, from (peiráomai), “I attempt”, from (peîra), “attempt, experience”. The meaning of the Greek word peiratēs literally is “anyone who attempts something”.

Over time it came to be used of anyone who engaged in robbery or brigandry on land or sea. The term first appeared in English around the year 1300.

It did not become standardized until the 18th century, and spellings such as “pirrot”, “pyrate” and “pyrat” occurred until this period.

Pirates were against the authoritarian rule of their day, including monarchies, slavery and institutional religion.

One thing most pirates had in common was the search for freedom and living life on their own terms.

The connection between pirates and the quest for freedom is deeply rooted in their rejection of societal norms and their creation of alternative systems that challenged the status quo.

Pirates operated on the fringes of society, carving out their own rules, structures and codes that often aligned with ideals of liberty, in certain ways the precursors of modern libertarian ideals, although their use of violence and plunder did not align completely with it and is definitively to be condemned.

Pirates were often seen as unconventional in their views and practices compared to the societies they rebelled against, which can make them appear “freedom-minded” and, in some ways, aligned with free-market principles.

However, the reality is more nuanced and a fascinating time in history to explore.

Freedom-Minded Aspects:

Many pirates were individuals who had escaped harsh conditions on naval or merchant ships. The strict hierarchies and brutal discipline of these institutions drove some to piracy, which offered a more autonomous lifestyle.

Pirate ships were often run with a form of movable hierarchy. Crewmembers elected their captains and quartermasters, who could be removed if they were deemed ineffective or abusive. Important decisions, like dividing loot or whether to engage in battle, were often made collectively.

Many pirate crews followed “articles” or codes that outlined rights and responsibilities, promoting some sort of equality among the crew (at least among those considered somewhat equals). These codes included provisions for compensation for injuries and shares of loot, reflecting a kind of mutual contract.

Free-Market Elements:

Pirates operated in a shadow economy, trading stolen goods, smuggling contraband, and dealing in black-market goods. This decentralized and unregulated trade resembles aspects of a free market, albeit outside the institutionalized law.

Pirate hubs like Nassau or Tortuga acted as freewheeling marketplaces where pirates, merchants and locals engaged in trade. Without the oversight of states or corporations, these economies thrived on direct exchanges.

Pirates often targeted monopolistic enterprises, like the Spanish treasure fleets or the British East India Company, disrupting state-controlled or heavily regulated trade.

Limits to Freedom and Market Libertarianism:

Captains often wielded significant power, particularly during combat. Discipline could be harsh, and mutiny was punished severely.

Pirates’ “free market” was underpinned by violence. Their freedom often came at the expense of others, as they plundered and took hostages to sustain their way of life.

While pirates were more just than most contemporary institutions, this didn’t extend to everyone. Enslaved individuals or captured prisoners often had little choice in their roles aboard pirate ships.

This video refers to The Golden Age of Piracy, a period between 1650 and 1730, when maritime piracy was a significant factor in the histories of the North Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Here’s a deeper dive into some of these figures and some of the most famous quotes attributed to historical pirates, pirate legends, and pirate lore. These phrases and facts reflect their daring, fearsome reputation, their darker, superstitious side and their willingness to make a life for themselves.

“Damnation seize my soul if I give you quarters, or take any from you!”

Edward “Blackbeard” Teach

This line was reportedly spoken during his final battle in 1718 against a naval force led by Lieutenant Robert Maynard of the British Royal Navy.

Blackbeard’s refusal to surrender or show mercy is emblematic of his legendary ruthlessness and ambition.

“I am a free prince, and I have as much authority to make war on the whole world as he who has a hundred sail of ships at sea.”

Samuel Bellamy (“Black Sam”)

Bellamy, a charismatic pirate, defended his actions by asserting the independence of pirates, framing himself as a revolutionary figure defying the established order.

He is best known as the wealthiest pirate in recorded history, and one of the faces of the Golden Age of Piracy.

Bellamy became known for his mercy and generosity towards those he captured on his raids. This reputation earned him another nickname, the “Prince of Pirates”.

“A merry life and a short one shall be my motto.”

Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart)

This quote highlights the high-stakes lifestyle of pirates, who embraced the thrill of freedom and fortune, often knowing their careers—and lives—would be brief.

Roberts embraced the fleeting nature of a pirate’s life, reveling in the moment, capturing over 400 ships before his death in 1722.

Unlike other pirates, he was unusually disciplined, enforcing codes of conduct among his crew.

“It is a blessing for a man to have a hand in determining his own fate.”

Henry Avery (“The Arch Pirate”)

Avery, one of the most successful pirates, highlighted the pirate ethos of freedom and self-determination.

Avery was infamous for being one of very few major pirate captains to escape with his loot without being arrested or killed in battle, and for being the perpetrator of what has been called the most profitable act of piracy in history, equivalent to around 115 million pounds in 2024.

“They that die by the sword are better off than they that die by the noose.”

Stede Bonnet

Known as the “Gentleman Pirate,” Bonnet is said to have expressed this grim sentiment before his death, reflecting the pirate ethos that dying in battle was a more honorable fate than the humiliation of execution.

He was an aristocrat who turned to piracy, but he lacked the skill or ruthlessness of his peers. He was eventually captured and hanged in 1718.

Bonnet was an unlikely pirate—a wealthy landowner turned pirate out of boredom or disillusionment.

He partnered with Blackbeard for a time, which likely led to rumors of him dabbling in occult practices.

“There’s no mask for a treacherous heart like an honest face”

Captain William Kidd

Kidd was initially a privateer but became infamous as a pirate after being accused of turning rogue.

Stories suggest that Kidd cursed his hidden treasure, leading to hauntings and supernatural occurrences surrounding attempts to retrieve it.

Some versions of the legend claim that Kidd engaged in rituals or partnered with occult practitioners to protect his fortune. Some believe that the locations of his treasure were encoded in secret maps.

“Find my treasure, the one who may understand it!”

Olivier Levasseur (“La Buse”)

This famous challenge before his execution has added to the aura of mystery around him as he was known for leaving cryptic clues about the locations of his hidden treasure, including a supposed cipher or riddle.

Some believe his treasure map was tied to mystical or alchemical principles, blending pirate lore with esoteric practices.

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little”.

Sir Francis Drake

While not a pirate in the traditional sense, he was involved in exploration and was rumored to have consulted astrologers and occultists, reflecting the era’s fascination with alchemy.

It was said among the Spaniards that Drake possessed a magic mirror that enabled him to see ships in all parts of the world.

According to legend, Drake sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for prowess at sea. In concert with Devon witches, he cast spells that raised storms against the Spanish Armada.

Under the leadership of a man you have all chosen to flee. We shall see how you prove yourselves under the hand of a woman”.

Madame Cheng (Ching Shih)

A Chinese pirate queen, who commanded one of the largest pirate fleets in history with hundreds of ships and an estimated 60,000 men. In comparison, the famed Blackbeard commanded 4 ships and 300 pirates.

She was known for her strategic brilliance and strict code of conduct and was said to consult mystics and rely on rituals to ensure favorable winds and victories.

Maritime superstitions in Chinese culture, especially regarding feng shui and rituals for safe voyages, were likely significant to her fleet.

“Dead men tell no tales.”

This proverb is both a practical rule and a dark warning attributed to pirates across history. It emphasized eliminating witnesses or rivals to secure one’s secrets. A classic pirate saying used to justify leaving no witnesses behind. It appears in historical accounts and fictional works.


“Let every man do his duty, and the sea shall reward us.”

Likely derived from naval traditions where sailors were encouraged to put their trust in the sea’s bounty if they worked together. Pirates might have adapted this saying to foster camaraderie.

It reflects the superstitions surrounding the sea, viewed as a provider of fortune and a punisher.

“Cursed be he who takes my treasure. It is mine by blood and steel.”

While no single pirate is credited with saying this, the sentiment aligns with the lore surrounding cursed loot and hidden riches.

It reflects the superstitious belief that treasure was often bound by rituals, curses, or supernatural guardianship.

“By the powers, I’ll blast your soul to hell!”

A threat often used by pirates, emphasizing their fearsome reputation.

“The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator.”

Often used as a metaphor for the cunning required in a pirate’s life and how a change of perspective can make a difference.

“The sea is my mistress, and my plunder is her dowry.”

A poetic reflection of the pirate’s devotion to the ocean and their treasure-driven life.

In essence, pirates embodied certain ideals of freedom and anti-authoritarianism within their context, and their economic practices had aspects of free-market exchange. However, their reliance on coercion and plunder, as well as the realities of their often brutal lifestyle, complicates their characterization as paragons of freedom or free-market capitalism, while at the same time they incorporated some of those ideals.

We will explore more in the next videos!

What do you think about Pirates and their Quest for Freedom through Occult practices? Let us know in the comment section, subscribe for more and share the post!!!


Video version here:

15 Quotes by Pirates that link Freedom with the Occult


Interesting sources, additional info, images, credits, attributions and other points of views here:

Elemental Energy and how to use it, check our course here: https://www.udemy.com/course/elemental-energy-for-success-and-well-being/?referralCode=A680413E03BEAD96E744

Book a Tarot reading here: https://www.suryaholistictarot.com/book-a-reading/

Check our soundtrack here:
https://lennyblandino.bandcamp.com/track/fire-meditation-1

Websites:

https://www.alkemystica.com

https://www.lennyblandino.com

https://www.staciebronson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372429986896515


Links and References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piracy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Age_of_Piracy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbeard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Bellamy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_Roberts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Every

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stede_Bonnet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Kidd

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivier_Levasseur

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Drake

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zheng_Yi_Sao

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortuga_(Haiti)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Providence

Pics:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Providence#/media/File:Battle_of_Nassau.jpg

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The Kushite Empire (Kingdom of Kush) Sudan – Egypt

The Kushite Empire (Kingdom of Kush) Sudan - Egypt

The Kingdom of Kush, also known as the Kushite Empire, or simply Kush, was an ancient kingdom in Nubia, centered along the Nile Valley in what is now northern Sudan and southern Egypt.

The native name of the Kingdom was recorded in Egyptian as kꜣš.

The name Kush has been connected with Cush in the Hebrew Bible. According to the Bible, Nimrod, a son of Cush, was the founder and King of Babylon.

In Greek sources Kush was known as Kous or Aethiopia.

The region of Nubia was an early cradle of civilization, producing several complex societies that engaged in trade and industry. The city-state of Kerma emerged as the dominant political force between 2450 and 1450 BC, controlling an area in the Nile Valley as large as Egypt.

The Egyptians were the first to identify Kerma as “Kush” probably from the indigenous word “Kasu”. Over the next several centuries the two civilizations engaged in intermittent warfare, trade, and cultural exchange.

In the Kingdom of Kerma’s latest phase, lasting from about 1700 to 1500 BC, it absorbed the Sudanese kingdom of Saï and became a sizable, populous empire rivaling Egypt. Current Sai Island is located in northern Sudan.

Under Thutmose I, Egypt made several campaigns south, occupied Kush and destroyed its capital, Kerma.

Egyptians also undertook campaigns to defeat Kush and conquer Nubia under the rule of Amenhotep I (1514–1493 BC). The Kushites are described as archers:

“Now after his Majesty had slain the Bedoin of Asia, he sailed upstream to Upper Nubia to destroy the Nubian bowmen.”

Archers were the most important force in the Kushite military. Their arrows were often poisoned-tipped. Elephants were occasionally used in warfare, as seen in the war against Rome around 20 BC.

Around 1500 BC, Nubia was absorbed into the New Kingdom of Egypt, but rebellions continued for centuries. After the conquest, Kerma culture was increasingly Egyptianized. Nubia nevertheless became a key province of the New Kingdom, economically, politically, and esoterically. Major pharaonic ceremonies were held at Jebel Barkal near Napata.

According to Josephus Flavius, the biblical Moses led the Egyptian army in a siege of the Kushite city of Meroe. To end the siege, Princess Tharbis was given to Moses as a “diplomatic” bride, and thus the Egyptian army retreated back to Egypt.

With the disintegration of the New Kingdom around 1070 BC, Kush became an independent kingdom centered at Napata in modern northern Sudan. This more-Egyptianized “Kingdom of Kush” emerged and regained the region’s independence from Egypt.

The extent of cultural and political continuity between the Kerma culture and the chronologically succeeding Kingdom of Kush is difficult to determine.

The first Kushite King known by name was Alara, who ruled somewhere between 800 and 760 BC.

Alara was a King of Kush, who is generally regarded as the founder of the Napatan royal dynasty and was the first recorded prince of Kush. He never controlled any region of Egypt during his reign compared to his two immediate successors. Nubian literature credits him with a substantial reign since future Nubian kings hoped that they might enjoy a reign as long as Alara’s.

His memory was also central to the origin myth of the Kushite Kingdom, which was embellished with new elements over time. Alara was a deeply revered figure in Nubian culture and the first Kushite King whose name came down to scholars.

Later royal inscriptions remember Alara as the founder of the dynasty, some calling him “chieftain”, others “king”.

Alara was probably buried at El-Kurru, although there exists no inscription to identify his tomb. It has been proposed that it was Alara who turned Kush from a chiefdom to an Egyptianized kingdom centered around the cult of Amun.

Alara’s successor Kashta extended Kushite control north to Elephantine (near modern-day Aswan) and Thebes in Upper Egypt.

Kashta’s successor Piye seized control of Lower Egypt around 727 BC.

He ruled from the city of Napata, located deep in Nubia, modern-day Sudan.

“Amun of Napata granted me to be ruler of every foreign country,” and Amun of Thebes granted me to be ruler of the Black Land (Kmt)”.

“Foreign country” in this regard seems to include Lower Egypt, while “Kmt” seems to refer to a united Upper Egypt and Nubia.

KMT is probably the root of the word Kemet, where Al-Kimia (Alchemy) derives from.

The monarchs of Kush ruled Egypt for over a century until they were expelled by the Assyrian kings Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal in the mid-seventh century BC.

King Esarhaddon, when conquering Egypt and destroying the Kushite Empire, stated how he “deported all Aethiopians from Egypt, leaving not one to pay homage to me”.

He was talking about the Nubian 25th Dynasty rather than people from modern-day Ethiopia.

The 25th dynasty was a line of pharaohs who originated in the Kingdom of Kush.

Most of this dynasty’s kings saw Napata as their spiritual homeland. They reigned in part or all of Ancient Egypt for nearly a century, from 744 to 656 BC.

The 25th dynasty was highly Egyptianized, using the Egyptian language and writing system as their medium of record and exhibiting an unusual devotion to Egypt’s religious, artistic, and literary traditions.

Earlier scholars have ascribed the origins of the dynasty to immigrants from Egypt, particularly the Egyptian Amun priests.

Tantamani was the last pharaoh of the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty. His royal name was Bakare, which means “Glorious is the Soul of Re.”

Soon after the Assyrians had appointed a king and left, Tantamani invaded Egypt in hopes of restoring his family to the throne. Tantamani marched down the Nile from Nubia and reoccupied all of Egypt, including Memphis. The Assyrians’ representatives were killed in Tantamani’s campaign.

This led to a renewed conflict with Ashurbanipal in 663 BCE. The Assyrians returned to Egypt in force and defeated Tantamani.

This event effectively ended Nubian control over Egypt, although Tantamani’s authority was still recognised in Upper Egypt until 656 BCE, when Egypt was unified. These events marked the start of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt.

Thereafter, Tantamani ruled only Nubia (Kush). He died in 653 BCE and was buried in the family cemetery at El-Kurru, below a pyramid, now disappeared. Only the entrance and the chambers remain, which are beautifully decorated with mural paintings.

The Kushite pharaohs built and restored temples and monuments throughout the Nile valley, including Memphis, Karnak, Kawa, and Jebel Barkal. It was during the 25th dynasty that the Nile Valley saw the first widespread construction of pyramids (many in modern-day Sudan) since the Middle Kingdom.

King Aspelta moved the capital to Meroë, considerably farther south than Napata, circa 591 BCE, because it was on the fringe of the summer rainfall belt, and the area was rich in iron ore and hardwood for iron working. The location also afforded access to trade routes to the Red Sea. The Kushites traded iron products with the Romans, in addition to gold, ivory and slaves.

Around 300 BCE, the move to Meroë was made more complete when the Kings began to be buried there, instead of at Napata. One theory says that the monarchs wanted to break away from the power of the priests at Napata.

During this same period, the Kushite authority may have extended some 1,500 kms along the Nile River valley from the Egyptian frontier in the north to areas far south of modern-day Khartoum and probably also substantial territories to the east and west.

The fall of Meroe is often associated with an Aksumite invasion, although Aksum’s presence in Nubia was likely short-lived.

The Kingdom of Aksum was based in what is now northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, and spanning present-day Djibouti and Sudan. It was considered one of the 4 great powers by the Persian prophet Mani, alongside Persia, Rome, and China.

From the third century BCE to the third century AD, northern Nubia would be invaded and annexed by Egypt. Ruled by the Macedonians and Romans for the next 600 years, this territory would be known in the Greco-Roman world as Dodekaschoinos.

After the Romans assumed control of Egypt, they negotiated with the Kushites at Philae and drew the southern border of Roman Egypt at Aswan.

The Kingdom of Kush became a client kingdom of Rome, which was similar to the situation under Ptolemaic rule of Egypt. Kushite ambition and excessive Roman taxation are two theories for a revolt that was supported by Kushite armies.

The ancient historians Strabo and Pliny give accounts of the conflict with Roman Egypt in the first century BCE. According to Strabo, the Kushites sacked Aswan with an army of 30,000 men and destroyed imperial statues.

Then, the Kushites sent ambassadors to negotiate a truce with the Romans, obtaining a peace treaty on favorable terms. Trade between the two nations increased and the Roman Egyptian border was moved to Maharraqa.

This arrangement guaranteed peace for most of the next 300 years and there is no definite evidence of further clashes.

Kush began to fade as a power by the first or second century AD, drained by the war with the Roman province of Egypt and the decline of its traditional industries.  

It has been suggested that the Kushites reoccupied lower Nubia after Roman forces were withdrawn to Aswan. Thereafter, it weakened and disintegrated due to internal rebellion.

The Kingdom of Kush persisted as a major regional power until the 4th century AD when it weakened from internal rebellion amid worsening climatic conditions and invasions and conquest of the Kingdom of Kush by the Noba people who introduced the Nubian languages and gave their name to Nubia itself.

Around 420 AD, the elites began assuming royal insignia of their own, resulting in the later kingdoms of Nobatia (north), Makuria (center), and Alodia (south). Out of these 3, Nobatia is considered a small post-imperial remnant of Kush, maintaining some aspects of Kushite culture but also exhibiting Hellenistic and Roman influences.

Sometime after this event, the Kingdom of Alodia would gain control of the southern territory of the former Meroitic empire including parts of Eritrea.

Technology, medicine, mathematics and architecture

The natives of the Kingdom of Kush developed a type of water wheel that had a decisive influence on agriculture.

They also developed a form of reservoir, known as hafir.

The functions of hafirs were to catch water during the rainy season for storage, to ensure it was available for several months during the dry season as drinking water, to irrigate fields and for cattle.

Nubian mummies revealed that Kush was a pioneer of early antibiotics. Tetracycline was already being used by Nubians, while modern commercial use started in the mid 20th century.

The theory states that earthen jars containing grain used for making beer contained the bacterium streptomyces, which produced tetracycline, and Nubians could have noticed that people felt better by drinking beer.

Nubians had a sophisticated understanding of mathematics as they appreciated the harmonic ratio and established a system of geometry to create early versions of sun clocks.

Long overshadowed by its more prominent Egyptian neighbor, Kush was an advanced civilization in its own right. The Kushites had their own unique language and script, maintained a complex economy based on trade and industry, mastered archery and developed a complex, urban society with uniquely high levels of female participation.

Though Kush had developed many cultural affinities with Egypt, such as the veneration of Amun, and the royal families of both kingdoms occasionally intermarried, Kushite culture, language and ethnicity was distinct, even the way they dressed, their appearance and method of transportation.

They also created pyramids, mud-brick temples (deffufa), and masonry temples.

Pyramids are “the archetypal tomb monument of the Kushite royal family” and found at “el Kurru, Nuri, Jebel Barkal, and Meroe.”

The Kushite pyramids are smaller with steeper sides than northern Egyptian ones.

Kush also invented Nubian vaults, a type of curved surface forming a structure of pure earth without the need of timber.

Some scholars believe the economy in the Kingdom of Kush was a redistributive system. The state would collect taxes in the form of surplus produce and would redistribute it to the people. Others believe that most of the society worked on the land and required nothing from the state and did not contribute to the state.

Northern Kush seems to have been more productive and wealthier than the Southern area.

On account of the Kingdom of Kush’s proximity to Ancient Egypt and because the 25th dynasty ruled over both states in the 8th century BCE, the political structure and organization of Kush as an independent ancient state has not received as thorough as attention from scholars, and there remains much ambiguity especially surrounding the earliest periods of the state.

The study of the region could benefit from increased recognition of Kush as an entity in its own right, with distinct cultural conditions, rather than merely as a secondary reign on the periphery of Egypt.

What do you think about the Kingdom of Kush and its history? Let us know in the comment section and share the post!!!


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The Kushite Empire (Kingdom of Kush) Sudan – Egypt


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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372429986896515


LINKS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Kush

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aethiopia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esarhaddon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-fifth_Dynasty_of_Egypt

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%C3%AF_(island)

https://medievalsaiproject.wordpress.com/

https://lenditravel.com/destinations/sai-island/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El-Kurru

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alara_of_Kush

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jebel_Barkal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nubian_vault

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantamani

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