Traditional Ways To Become A Sorcerer

Traditional Ways to become a Sorcerer

Having the Gift

The Second Sight, Varm Hander (warm hands, healing hands), or diviner. Usually inherited from a family member or a past ancestor.

Acquiring the Gift

Given to the practitioner by the spirits, by hugging a tree in which a cuckoo sings, touching or eating a white snake, touching the death shroud of a child, or sleeping under a coffin in which a dead person is displayed.

Utesittning (sitting outside)

This may be sitting out in a cemetery, sitting at a crossroads, walking around a church three times and then sitting on the steps, going out in the forest and waiting for the forest spirits to teach you.

Learning from a Teacher

This relates to the passing on of power. In Scotland, Faery Seers would pass on the power by placing one hand atop the initiate’s head, and another below their feet while the initiate stepped on the Seer’s left foot and looked over their right shoulder. It is said that the a teacher should not teach anyone older than themselves, and that if they teach a charm or rune, they will lose their power over that incantation forever. Also joining a secret society, like the Horseman’s Word.

Standing outside of Society and the Church

This involves renouncing one’s baptism, staying away from society, becoming “violent” or wild. In one ritual, a seeker of magic would take scrapings from a church bell to a deep lake. There, they would cast the scrapings into the lake saying: “As far as these scrapings are from the bell, so too shall I be far from God.” And walk away without looking back.

Having and learning from a Blackbook.

Owning and learning from a Blackbook, or Svartebok, was another way to gain mastery over magic. This book may be given by the Devil or some other spirit at a crossroads or in a graveyard. It may be given by a teacher. Or it may be dictated by the spirits in spirit trance.

The Toad Bone Rite

Crucifying a toad upon a tree, then collecting its bones from an anthill. One of the bones would float upon throwing them into the river. The seeker would then fight with the Devil over possession of the bone. Should the seeker succeed, then they would have power over man and beast.

More Posts from Saintedsorcery and Others

saintedsorcery

3 years ago

In modern Heathenry there is a concept of spirits known as the Disir (singular Dis). While there is some debate on the true origins of these spirits, it’s a common belief among todays Heathens that these are female ancestral guardians. I personally equate these spirits with The Mothers in Fayerie Traditionalism, those femme spirits that serve The Great Mother.

There are two modern festival/feast days associated with them: Mother’s Night, and Disablot.

But why not today? Why not Mothers Day? Today is a day that we celebrate the mothers of our respective families (blood and chosen) Today is a modern festival to venerate those enfleshed Matriarchs that we love and hold dear. To me it would make sense to extend that love and devotion to the Mothers that walk with us in the Unseen. Just sort of wondering out loud I suppose. I think in the future I might set aside time to honour all the Mothers in my life, Seen and Unseen.

Little things I've picked up

When blowing out candles, if I have trouble blowing them out, it usually means I'm not finished yet

Offering homemade goods is a surefire ancestor pleaser

Let nature help you create. Ask kindly for supplies, and you will receive

It's okay to take breaks. Recharging your metaphorical batteries allows your brain to processes the knowledge it's learned and integrates it into your system

While getting caught up in aesthetics can make your craft vapid, they play a role. Making yourself look fearsome to ward off "evil" spirits is an incredibly old tradition that spans many cultures. Aesthetics matter. But don't get lost in them

Like becomes like. The more I find myself gathering from the pine forests and leaving offerings for the land wights, the more I find myself becoming like the land. If you do the same, you'll find the same. And embracing this will embolden the power you hold over your craft

Whistle. Whistle to everything. To the birds, to the trees, to the bugs and the leaves. Whistle. And if you can't whistle, hum. Just make sure you take caution if you hear a whistle back.

Taking control can be hard. But you need to assert yourself. Stomp on your ground. Breathe deeply. Affirm your presence. You are a metaphysical lightbulb, and deciding how brightly you shine depends on where you plug yourself into. Be bright when needed. And dim when necessary

The most common trees in your area will be your best friends. Learn of them. Commune with them. Hug them

Bones. That's it. Bones

And always remember to use critical thinking skills and discernment. Be open, but be critical. Make sure you're not deluding yourself

808 notes View Post

saintedsorcery

4 years ago

My friend sent me this today and I thought it was very important to share for all my fellow Viking/Norse mythology lovers. Daily reminder: fuck white supremacy.

13K notes View Post