WITCH OF THE WEEK: S. Connolly

S. Connolly

 

This week’s Witch of the Week is a Woman by many names whom inspires our community with her otherworldly words, and teachings.

“Four Pen Names, Four Elements”

S. Connolly, or as I have come to know her, Stephanie, is a writer with many published works under her belt. She has been a leading female voice in the LHP and Occult communities for decades; in my eyes she is very much a Divine Feminist.

Ms. Connolly has been practicing Daemonic Magick since 1984 and has been an initiated Daemonolatress since 1990 giving her over 34 years of experience working with the Daemonic.  She has written over 35 titles about Daemonolatry and Daemonic magick. Among them the bestselling Complete Book of Demonolatry.

Her work has appeared in: Qliphoth Journal, Sabbatica, and Anthology of Sorcery: Books 1, 2, and 3, alongside some of the most revered occultists of the 21st Century.  She currently serves as an acquisitions editor at DB Publishing.

Outside the Daemonic and Magickal side of things, Ms. Connolly is a bestselling novelist who writes fantastic, supernatural, and erotic fiction under three additional pen names (Anne O’Connell, Audrey Brice, and S. J. Reisner). She graduated from MSUD in 1995 with a B.A. in English. She and her husband live along the front range of the Rocky Mountains with their three feline companions.

Links to her books and social media can be found on her personal website.

Personal Website: www.sjreisner.com

More about Daemonolatry: www.demonolatry.org

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The Egyptian Glpyh for Heka (Magic)

Q. I was introduced to your work initially through your book ‘The Complete Book of Demonolatry’ and I hated it. Not that the content wasn’t good, or valuable, it was! It is! I think my main issue was the use of the word worship; I generally skim books in an odd manner as opposed to reading them front to back immediately, so maybe that was my mistake. Growing up Roman Catholic worship was a sign of weakness, of being less than our Gods. Have you seen this distaste, or even misunderstanding of the word? Is this something you think people struggle with when entering the world of Demonolatry?

To put things into perspective for the readers I want to use a quote from the book that finally made everything click for me; once I read this, I devoured the book several times over. 

“Self-knowledge, Self-responsibility, and Self- Worship are all parts of Demonolatry as is the quest for knowledge and the practice of Demon worship. We do not grovel before the Demons as unworthy beings that depend on their aide to do anything. They do not control us. We control ourselves. We work with the Demons and honor them to discover our true potential as imperfect, yet divine beings bound by a physical plane of existence. By honoring and worshiping them we are honoring and worshiping ourselves because they are a part of us as we are a part of them. All things are divine. We don’t spend our time trying to look into the eyes of our gods. Instead, we work toward looking through the eyes of our Gods. Basically, we are all the physical manifestation of the divine.”

A. “Most people come from a Judeo-Christian background, and from that worldview – humans are subservient to their Gods. Because people often come to Daemonolatry with that mindset about what worship is – yes – many do have an issue with the word worship. In reality, the word worship means to hold something in high regard, or to have great respect for it. Once people realize this and realize the Daemonic prefer capable students to sedentary grovelers, they get over it. Of course, there are still a fair share of self-styled Daemonolaters out there who do like to grovel before the Daemonic, though that’s not what I teach.”

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Q. In recent years, especially the last two, there has been an increased interest in not only Earth Based and Pagan belief’s but working with infernal energy. We have seen a rise in numbers of the Luciferian, Satanist, Demonolatry, and Nihilist communities. Among them, it seems that there are key demonic (Daemonic) players in the game. Belial, for example, has been around a lot more recently; I have noticed people who wouldn’t usually connect with demonic energy working with Him and others. Why do you think that is? Do you think the current state of the world (widespread political and social unrest) is fueling these Spirits to make an appearance, make themselves known, as an attempt to help us understand ourselves better?

A. “I think that with popularity comes trends. Just like fashion and music. If one of the cool kids in everyone’s favorite online occult group starts chatting about one Daemon, everyone wants to check that Daemon out, so they can come back the next day and chat about it around the virtual water-cooler. None of these Daemons are new, and I knew people who were working with Belial long before it was cool. So, I believe humans create their own trends. You’ll also notice Sorath and Paimon have also had recent bouts of popularity. You’ll notice the trends ebb and flow if you just sit back and watch. Clauneck was popular there for awhile.  Belphegor and Leviathan, too. A lot of the time you’ll find popular occult personalities or writers are responsible for these trends because they’re writing about the particular Daemon in question. Next thing you know – everyone is working with that Daemon and conversing with them.

“I think the popularity of the Daemonic/Infernal is due to the fact that more than ever, people are disenfranchised by their birth religion and/or Judeo-Christian dogma, so they’re searching for something that doesn’t tell them they’re inherently flawed and unworthy. Many pagan religions, LHP and “darker” forms of magick celebrate what it is to be human – flaws and all, while also saying that each person is divine. We are perfect in our “perceived” imperfections. Not to mention LHP religions tell people they are powerful and can make their own choices – create their own lives. Whereas with Christianity, for example, there’s a “let Jesus take the wheel” mentality that leaves people feeling helpless and powerless. People like being given the tools to take their power back (and that’s a lot of what magick is in a nutshell).   Also, our deities and god forms, or divine intelligences, aren’t petty and jealous, nor do they threaten to destroy us and send us to a place called “hell” for disobedience.  Infernal, to me, simply means an energy (Daemon) is closer to the earth sphere (physical plane).”

Lilith

Lilith Qlpiha Sigil: The Woman of the Night by Daemon Barzai, DeviantArt

Q. You are an extremely well-known and respected figure in the Occult and LHP communities, in the beginning did you find it difficult being a Woman? Is it still at times? For me, when I first started out (and I am nowhere near your level) it was a boy’s club, so to speak, and it took a lot of proving myself, for lack of a better term, to be accepted. Why do you think it’s important for Women, particularly, to have a voice in the LHP community? Obviously, it’s important for us to have a voice everywhere, but I think regarding areas of the Occult and Magick that are not all love and light our presence is powerful, and necessary.

A. “Sadly, I have faced some sexism along the way, some of it ongoing. In recent years, now that I’m a woman of a certain age, I have been berated for my looks by young men in the community who judge a woman’s worth based on whether or not her looks give him a hard-on. As if women magicians exist only as masturbation fodder.

“I know several men who have written modifications for Goetic work, or work that sends traditional ceremonial magick on its head who have not been as vocally criticized as I have for ideas that are no stranger or any more unconventional.  Basically – they write a modification guide, they get a pass. I write one, the villagers want to burn me at the stake.  Complete double standard there.

“I have also found that a lot of people think I’m an easy target. I actually have several male assistants now, who help deal with my email and social media, and believe it or not, that has reduced the number of death threats (from other occultists), and the drama people try to drag me into. But it’s sad that I have to have a male barrier to fend off those types of attacks even now in 2018.  While the occulture is rife with people who mind everyone else’s business instead of their own, I do sometimes feel singled out for being a woman who works with the Daemonic. When I initially released Daemonolatry Goetia years back, a rather prominent pagan, woman writer contacted me just to tell me how unusual it was for a woman to write about Goetia. I don’t think she meant anything bad by it, I just think she was surprised and wanted to share her surprise with me.

“The fact of the matter is that there are thousands of women who work with Daemons and infernal powers.  We are not nearly the minority some people may think. It’s important we have a voice in the community because we have a lot of experience and knowledge to offer. Sadly, in a lot of occult circles, female participation is marginalized, and we’re relegated to assisting roles, treated as sex objects or symbols of fertility, or we’re “used” as mediums. As if we’re merely magickal tools that exist for the benefit of our male counterparts during their sex magick rituals or what have you. Instead of being relegated, we should be celebrated for being the powerful magicians we are – on the same footing with male magicians.

“Women are more powerful than we’re given credit for (or that we even give ourselves credit for), and we should be valued beyond our physical appearance, wombs, and vaginas. I think women on this path should focus on lifting each other up, not tearing each other down (which I see far too often). We tear each other down when we’re insecure about ourselves. But if we lifted each other up, a lot more women would feel secure, and imagine how empowering that would be.  A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Q. What is one piece of advice that you were given that you will never forget?

“From one of my magickal mentors the best advice I ever received was, “If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to manifest it.”

Q. Finally, what is one piece of advice you would give to someone interested in Demonolatry?

A. “Be patient, study, practice, and be present with the Daemonic Divine.  Listen. Spiritual gnosis, self-growth, and magickal competence takes time and effort. There are no quick fixes, magick pills, or shortcuts.”

Stephanie is a force within the Occult and Magickal communities; her words are her weapons, and her balm. She encourages us to see ourselves through the eyes of our gods, and nothing is more profound to me than that.

She defies the status quo one pen stroke at a time.

It’s for these reasons and so many more that she is The Nephilim Rising’s Witch of the Week.

Congratulations, Stephanie.

LESSONS IN MAGICK: The Kali Principle

Kali

Image Source: Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP

“Time, for example, is intimately connected with the goddess Kali, which partly accounts for her destructive nature. Energy – in Einstein’s equation, E=MC2 – is personified in India as Shakti in her various guises.”

Roger Housden

It has been nearly 6 years since Shiva and his dance of destruction entered my life leaving the scattered remains of what was in His wake.

One strange, madness filled summer evening I heard his call and felt his presence; it was undeniable and intoxicating. He appeared at a time when I only related to or saw myself in Masculine or Daemonic deities/energies/archetypes.

For some reason, how I viewed myself (rage filled, rebellious and dark) was synonymous with Masculine (Yang) energy.

Eastern Philosophy has always, always been my main source of study (Yes. I mean all of it; I devour as much as I can.)

Throughout my studying Hinduism, oddly more so than Buddhism (which would seem more in line with the LHP) has become a passion of mine, and a Pantheon (and culture) that have become cornerstones of my personal Philosophy and practice as a Witch.

Lord Ganesha, Shiva’s elephant headed son and the remover of obstacles had been present and active in my life a few years beforehand and even still today; in hindsight He was preparing the path for Shiva.

Shiva was preparing the path for Kali.

Though, she needs no help in that department.

Asteroid

 

I had known Feminine energy because of Hekate and Lilith, but again, when I thought of myself, my rage, my aggression, my fiery passion, and quick temper, it all seemed to be the antithesis of what it meant to be Feminine.

At the time I didn’t see myself as being a balanced, or even fluid individual; I was all rage.

My most natural emotion.

For clarity sake, I am not referring to gender identity. I have always identified as a Woman, but the images society portrayed were nothing like myself; I know many, many Women (and people) can relate to this.

I was one of those “too much” Women.

Which is crazy to think about because I struggled for a long time to take up space, until one day I realized I take up space in this world without trying.

And, so many of my Sisters do too, and they don’t even realize it.

They are all too much Women, as well.

They, like myself, have been told to water themselves down, be less opinionated, be less emotional; don’t be too loud, don’t be too independent, don’t enjoy sex too much.

Don’t be too much.

Too much. Too much. Too much.

It echoes in our heads and hearts.

So, we shrink ourselves.

Our bodies.

Our voices.

Our thoughts.

Our dreams.

We don’t want to be the girl who is too much.

That’s where Kali comes in.

She is the embodiment of the too much Woman.

She is destruction embodied (think of Her as the Tower Card).

She is time.

She is death.

She is justified rage.

She is the void known as the Cosmic Womb.

Womb

The world is in a dark time, I mean there really hasn’t been a time in modern history (or history at all) where it wasn’t dark, but in an age of information and technology the darkness, turmoil, chaos, and divisive tactics surround us.

They are delivered to us through the device you’re holding in your hand right now.

Because of the ability to receive information so quickly we can see in real time what is going on around the world, and close to home; this is a rude awakening for a lot of people who otherwise are blind to the suffering of others.

I see more and more people diverting their path away from religion and back to more earth-based beliefs and practices.

There is a rise in natural, more holistic approaches to health. People in large numbers are going vegetarian and being mindful of their eating habits and the impact they have on the planet. Cities across the world are voting to do away with single use plastic in order to save our planet and oceans.

All of this is happening because Kali’s energy has spread, almost like a virus, throughout the world and the collective at large.

She is doing what she does best: destroying illusions, and deconstructing reality.

People like to romanticize Kali like they do Lilith, but there is nothing romantic about Kali.

She will quite literally, destroy you.

And your life.

Then demand that you rebuild it.

No time for tears.

She teaches discipline and grants us permission to be nothing but authentic.

And, live nothing but authentic lives.

Through Kali I have learned to accept and embrace my rage, as I know now it serves a purpose and has its place.

She taught me that my creativity is my weapon, and I am to use it excessively.

She allowed me to break down the illusions I had built up around me and see the world for what it really is; not through the rose-colored glasses I unknowingly wore.

She taught me that ego is not to be feared but to be accepted and incorporated into our whole.

We are living in a time where the Dark Goddesses rule, and they are teaching us that darkness is energy to be honed and used like all other.

They are teaching us that where we see fault in ourselves lies power.

They are reminding us that darkness is where we come from, and where we shall return.

They are demanding that we re-wild, resist, and rebel.

For this I am grateful.

Jai Maa!

To read about Kali:

Click here

Lessons in Magick: How to Dance with Your Shadow

Howard Schatz

Image: Howard Schatz

“I embrace my shadow self. Shadows give depth and dimension to my life. I believe in embracing my duality, in learning to let darkness and light, peacefully co-exist, as illumination.”

Jaeda DeWalt

This post is going to be a follow-up, and in this piece, I will give tips on how to incorporate or integrate your Shadow Self into your whole. As usual when I write pieces like this, I want to make it clear that I am not an expert, I am simply giving tips that have helped me personally on my path. If you try something and it doesn’t work, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing it wrong, it means that you may need to try a different method or approach.

We are all different; we learn, see, and perceive everything differently. So it should come as no surprise that personal evolution and growth on our Magickal path will be experienced differently, too.

If something I say here resonates with you, awesome, take it and allow it to help you on your path; leave the rest. You are, after all, establishing your personal Philosophy. I fully believe in breaking barriers, not sticking to labels or fitting into boxes; I think we should take pieces from many different paths and Pantheons and quite literally, form our own. Of course LHP practitioners have things in common, but when it comes down to ritual, ceremony, worship, or the choice of non-worship, we are very, very different. That’s how it should be, this one-way mentality that has been the driving force behind the brainwashing of religion seems to be seeping its way into our community and it isn’t only ironic, it’s painful to watch.

I stated in one of my recent blogs that I was happy to see such a variety and abundance of articles on the Shadow Self lately and I am happy to see those articles, but a lot of them want to romanticize the Shadow and others want to completely over dramatize and it’s like, can we find a middle ground here?

The term Shadow, or Shadow Self is very popular among Esoteric and Occult circles. I believe that a lot of us relate to the Shadow for two reasons: we either see that duality is essential or we are of the Shadows and that’s our natural state.

I believe that I am the latter, and as much as I try and strive for overall duality, it doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards for me. I seem to be all about polarity; simply one or the other, but never both at the same time. As hard as it is to integrate the Shadow into the whole, I think it may be harder to live as a Shadow. It feels like sometimes I have no identity other than this darkness that at times consumes me.

I have stated in previous posts that Carl Jung first came up with the term and Jungian Psychology is based off of his Archetypes—Shadow and Persona, Anima and Animus being the top 4 that all the others seem to branch off of. This is how I look at it any ways; it seems to help keep them all straight in my mind.

So how DO you integrate the Shadow into the whole? Well, first let me say that too much Shadow (either ignoring it or ignoring the light) can harm you spiritually, mentally and physically. Not enough Shadow will cause you to be unbalanced, vibrate too high, and you can become a doormat or dumping ground for others; sometimes we aren’t even aware it’s happening.

A big issue I see a lot of people having is that they (myself included) put Empathy and their (our) Empathic abilities above all else and it seems to rule how we live. I find myself constantly at odds internally with the Luciferian and the Healer; both screaming for different desires.

This brings me to my first tip: Establishing Boundaries. This is something that I am currently struggling with, and that is why it’s at the top of my list. Our Shadow is where our strength comes from, it’s where our ability to say “NO!” and mean it comes from; it’s where all of our fierceness, and wild resides. Jung believed our Persona was who we strive to be, and that our Shadow is our “Dark side” but I have come to see it as, our Persona is who we want the world to see us as, and our Shadow is our true Self. In my case, at least.

Having Empathy means that we literally feel what others do, so saying no can be really hard for us because not only are we feeling that they need us, but we are feeling their anger and/or sadness when we say no.

We are healers and people naturally vibrate towards those that can help them, but we can’t help everyone.

Let me repeat that, we can’t help everyone.

I mean not only in the literal sense of we can’t help everyone, some people are passed the point of help but we literally can’t help everyone. If we continuously give and give and give, we will have nothing left for ourselves. How is the Healer supposed to Heal themselves if there is nothing left?

I am a wounded Healer, but I am not willing to take on any more wounds on the account of another. I have to do what is best for me, what is best for my current state of mind, and my current desires. I owe nobody anything and neither do you.

Lay your boundaries and stick to them.

Second tip: Accept your Shadow. This doesn’t mean you have to understand it or Master it, it means that you accept you have a dark side and are willing to work with it. The faster you run, the tighter its grip becomes—stop running!

We have to accept that Life and Magick are not all light and love, butterflies and rainbows and that is okay. When we understand this we then have to get down to the nitty gritty of our Soul and dive into the Abyss and be okay with what we find.

We have to accept that some days we are going to be angry for no apparent reason, we have to accept that we are going to want revenge on those who cross us, we are going to hate, loathe and dislike people with all of our being; we have to accept all of this and more and still be able to look ourselves in the mirror.

Accepting these aspects of ourselves does not mean we become malicious people, it means that we are acknowledging this side of ourselves. Our actions dictate the type of person we are, not our thoughts.

Acceptance and Self-Awareness go hand in hand, and both are essential to integrating the Shadow Self.

When we accept we have a Shadow that is the first step on the path to knowing who we really are.

Third tip:  Create. Usually when we dive into our creative side we are able to see what our inner most thoughts, fears and desires are. This path of creativity can lead us into the Darker aspects because many Artists have heavy Shadows; creativity often comes with a heavy price: madness, chaos, solitude, introspection, introversion. All of which is part of my everyday life; blessed or cursed depends on perspective.

The creative medium does not matter, it can be woodwork, writing, painting, photography, graphic design, music composure, anything that allows the creative juices to flow and the mind wander will surely help the Shadow Self integrate into your overall being.

Fourth tip: Accept your Ego. This is a new lesson for me, and one that I was mind blown to have learned. For a long time, I believed that Ego itself was a poison and that there was no room for it on our path but I have now come to believe that if fed our Ego can become a great ally. The trick, of course, is don’t overfeed the Ego but Master it.

Just like our Shadow Self our Ego has great power, and is essential to our path and our growth. We cannot allow the Ego or the Shadow rule us or we venture into hostile and volatile territory where cockiness trumps confidence, and darkness becomes malice.

To acknowledge our Ego means that we are acknowledging our badassery, we are acknowledging our personal Power, we are acknowledging our Strength, but we are not considering ourselves to be Superior. This is the trick; this is always the trick.

We are Superior to no one, and nothing, but equal to all.

I hope my little words of wisdom help you hear the music and allow you to dance with your Shadow.