The Nephilim Rising

Lux in Tenebris Lucet

Posts tagged with Luciferianism

Musings of a Modern Mystic: Witchcraft is Political

February 11, 2022

 

It has been one year, two months and 20 days since I have sat down to write a blog.

I have not stopped writing; I write posts on my personal page, and the NR fb page. I have also worked on some writing projects.

The blog felt like it needed to rest.

Like it needed to be in chrysalis as badly as I did.

Emerging is scary, emerging in a new form, scarier still.

But here I am with my first blog in an awfully long time to talk about a topic that is much overdue.

A topic I have discussed many times in comments, or a few sentences here and there on the page.

As I move and shift this space to a Collective of writers, instead of just myself, I am inspired more than ever to push the limits. I am inspired to talk about what nobody wants to talk about, or topics that will surely get me trolled.

Bring it on, I say.

I am not here to make you comfortable, and I am done trying to have comfortable conversations.

Comfort gets us nowhere; it will only bring stagnation.

So, what is it exactly that I have to say that is going to get everyone in a tizzy?

I don’t often make generalized or absolute statements, there are simply too many variables and moving parts to any equation in this vast universe that I am careful what I say and how I say it.

This, however, needs to be spoken as an absolute.

Here it goes:

Witchcraft is political.

Witchcraft. Is. Political.

WITCHCRAFT IS POLITICAL.

I can hear it now, the cries and whimpers like, and I am using direct past quotes that have been said to me:

“Don’t bring politics into my Craft!”

“I don’t read your work to read about politics and social issues. Please don’t become *that*.”

“Witchcraft is not political, humans are. We don’t need politics here.”

Privilege.

P R I V I L E G E.

It’s privilege to be a Witch and say that you are not political, to ignore injustices because they “don’t affect you”.

Witchcraft is now and will always be political.

When I use the word political, I am not talking about democracy, per se. Nor am I talking about the United States’ 2 party system that has f*cked us all. This is not Democrat and Republican.

I am talking about what being a Witch, calling oneself a Witch means.

It is truly Revolutionary to call yourself a Witch.

We stand for the marginalized, the outcasts, the downtrodden, the misfits, and the weirdos.

AND WE ALWAYS HAVE!

Activism, Social Issues, Human & Civil Rights, Allyship, Anti-racism, Anti-ableism (and more!) are all pre-requisites to being a Witch.

“You are gatekeeping! How dare you tell me how to be a Witch!”

Is asking you, or telling you, rather, to be a decent human being gatekeeping?

Is it REALLY?!

 

I want you to think about that long and hard if your immediate reaction was/is that I am gatekeeping.

Ask yourself why you feel the way you do?

Is requesting human decency gatekeeping?

If you answer yes, then your issue is far deeper and greater than I can address here.

So, as they say, “not my circus, not my monkeys”.

Witches may have been hidden in history—even hid ourselves and moved in silence, but we got sh*t done.

We weren’t afraid to get our hands dirty.

Some of us still aren’t.

It was the Wise Woman, Man and Person who lived on the edge of the forest communing with nature and plant Spirits, carrying deep rooted herbal and plant knowledge that were Healers in days past.

It was the Healer who was shunned for knowing too much about plants that would help a Woman/Femme deal with unwanted pregnancy in a safer manner than some of her/their other options. Or help heal a Soldier’s war wounds, or gout.

It was the unsuspecting Granny who went to Church every Sunday, who knew Psalms like the back of her hand and whipped up the most glorious Kitchen Magick you ever had seen. Her prayers worked like she had a direct line to God.

To deny the power and role of the Witch is to douse our history in toxic positivity.

Many of us found our way to the Craft because we were met with injustice and/or adversity of some kind, and we needed to take our power back.

To be a Witch is to be Sovereign, without a doubt.

Then I think about this Tweet (one that I have shared on the page before) and I am left wondering:

Are we meant to be Sovereign AND in Service (to Magick)  at the same time?

Why else would we have or collect all this knowledge, and even though I hate the word power?

Why not use it for the greater good?

It is time we decolonized the Craft.

There are too many people who call themselves Witch and turn the other cheek when they see oppression and continue to benefit from systems put in place long ago instead of smashing said system.

We first need equality, then we need equity and finally we will find liberation.

We have a silent oath to uphold when walking this path.

We have an obligation to fight deep in the trenches so that the systems harming us can be destroyed.

If you are not willing to pushback against the status quo, what are you even doing here?

Are you even a Witch, or are you a WINO (Witch In Name Only)?

Witchcraft requires action, to be a Witch requires action; just like the Magick we cast.

Your intentions may be well and good, but unless you act on them, they mean nothing.

Silence is compliance.

Nobody said this would be easy, but it is worth it.

The freedom, strength and courage I have found through Witchcraft and living my life as a Witch cannot be put into words for, they do it no justice.

Blessed Are the Witches, the Oathkeepers, the Torchbearers and the Balancers of Scales.

Lux in Tenebris Lucet

LESSONS IN MAGICK: The Luciferian Witch

February 11, 2018

Witch

image source

 

“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”

Friedrich Nietzsche

In previous posts I have discussed what Luciferianism is, how I found it, and what it means to walk this Crooked Path of ours; what I have not dived into is Luciferian Witchcraft itself–what it is, and how it differs from other areas and aspects of the Craft.

As always, I claim to be no expert in any area of life or the Occult, I am simply sharing my experiences as they have happened to myself in hopes they help guide another to their own path, their own truth.

Nothing said here is universal truth, nothing said here should replace your own feelings and personal philosophy; if anything, let this piece allow you to think deeply.

So, first, who is the Luciferian Witch?

Well, the short answer?

Anyone.

Everyone.

The Luciferian Witch is an individual who lives and breathes their truth; they have asked themselves the hard questions, and went searching, seeking for the harder answers.

We do not look a certain way; we are your neighbors, your teachers, your postal workers.

We are not just the quiet Goth wearing all black.

We are Philosophers, thinkers, revolutionaries and rebels; dare I say, all Occultists and those who step outside of the status quo are.

Luciferianism is a Philosophy, Witchcraft is a Practice and it’s important to understand this as we go forth.

Both are open to interpretation, too; this is how they allow room for the individual to blossom and thrive.

Witch 3

image source

As mentioned in previous writings, Luciferians can be Theistic or Atheistic. If they are Theistic they do not necessarily believe in the actual deity Lucifer, furthermore, they don’t necessarily worship him, either.

I worship no deity; I worship truth, and knowledge, if anything.

I acknowledge the existence of Lucifer as a deity and energy/archetype.

I do not believe in the Devil.

I do not believe in an omnipotent God.

I do not identify as Pagan (even though by pesky definitions, I am one).

As far as Witchcraft, I am a Traditional Witch (another umbrella term, in my opinion). The practices I follow were handed down to me by my Mother, taught to me by mentors and learned through the grueling process of studying the Occult.

I would be defined most closely as a Hedge Witch since herbs and plants (in all their forms) are the center focus of most of my work; I am an animist, too. I also incorporate Rootwork, and Hoodoo; least we forget the influence Hinduism has had and does have on my practice and life. Not to mention my Seership abilities and how they affect my perspective on things. The Dark Goddesses are also paramount on my path, and have been some of my best Teachers.

It’s a hodge podge, really–of the best kind.

For some it suits them to follow a specific tradition, and that’s fine. Luciferians are not all Witches, and if they are, they are not necessarily Traditional Witches. There are all kinds of Practitioners in the mix; remember, Luciferianism is a Philosophy, Witchcraft is a Practice.

What I like most about this path is that we can forge our own way.

This, of course, is harder than walking an already established path but, anything worth having is worth working hard for. Plus, I can only speak for myself, but I don’t want to go where the crowd is; the exact opposite, in fact.

I follow this path to better know myself, to better understand why I think the way I do, and to re-establish my connection with the Old Gods and the Old Ways.

Witch 2

image source

So, what are the pillars of Luciferian Witchcraft, regardless of all the other moving parts to Philosophy and Practice?

Personal Responsibility: The Luciferian Witch understands that they, and only they are responsible for their actions, and reactions. They do not create a space to be a victim, they do not allow themselves to get into that mentality; everything does not happen for a reason but there is a lesson in everything that happens. Luciferian Witches can seek out those lessons and dissect them, no matter how ugly the truth is or how much it hurts.

Claims Their Power: The Luciferian Witch claims their power by establishing boundaries (for me, this is an eternal work in progress). They claim their power by connecting with their Higher Self, and their Ancestors. They claim their power by facing and acknowledging their pain. They claim their power by living authentically in a world that demands them to live otherwise; the ultimate rebellion.

Speaks Their Truth: The Luciferian Witch is not afraid to speak their truth, and they are not afraid to burn in it, either. Living in a world full of illusions and lies, we must speak the truth any and every opportunity we have; even if that means we stand alone. The Luciferian Witch understands the power of solitude, and the strength of connectedness.

Lives Their Truth: Just because you can talk the talk doesn’t mean you walk the walk, and the Luciferian Witch must do both. They must live their truth, as much as they speak it, otherwise they are just another hypocrite spouting off bullshit about how we are supposed to live instead of putting it into practice. Real Magick yields real results; real practice yields real results. This is not a path for an armchair Occultist, you are required to put in work; part of that work is living unapologetically in your truth.

Follows No Creed: The Luciferian Witch follows no creed other than their own conscience. They respect and understand Universal Laws, and the Laws of Magick (Hermetic Principles) but they don’t decide to not act based on fear of retribution, or Karma (most of us don’t subscribe to the idea of Karma).  The Luciferian Witch knows they are the Master of their fate, actions, morality and ethics; they need no God, deity, supreme power or book to tell them how to act. The Luciferian Witch acts in accordance to their own Laws, their own feelings and nothing is more liberating or powerful than that.

Individual Sovereignty: The Luciferian Witch knows that they belong to nobody but themselves, and as much as they may respect the collective and understand their role in it, they understand they are still an individual. Their actions, thoughts, opinions and experiences are their own; no one can take that from them. The Luciferian Witch does not concern themselves with the opinions of others because the only opinion that matters is their own; the only actions that can be controlled are their own. This lesson is profound.

At the end of the day Luciferian Witchcraft is the alchemy of combining Philosophy and Practice to create something magnificent: an empowered individual.

A Moment of Clarity: What is New Age?

December 23, 2015

Nona Limmen.jpg

Image: Nona Limmen

“Your life is your spiritual path.

It’s what’s right in front of you. You can’t live anyone else’s life. The task is to live yours and stop trying to copy one you think looks better.”

Sandy Nathan

I have discovered that bringing people who are part of my readership onto my personal page never really works out well; either it’s because they have an expectation of who or what I am supposed to be, or to put it simply, we just don’t get along. I have said many times that I am not a people person, ever since my awakening I view others very differently, and am no longer the free spirited, lighthearted, social butterfly I once was; I barely like hanging out with anyone at all.

I like getting lost in my work or in books, I like going mad from seeking an answer for days only to find out it was right in front of my face the whole time; I like not having to answer to anyone, and I like owning myself– my decisions, my mistakes, my triumphs, and my failures.

I like owning exactly who I am, especially the flawed parts; I own those so they cannot be used as weapons against me.

I often am misunderstood by others, and it’s something I am trying to work on but deep rooted issues like the ones I am still digging up cannot be fixed overnight; we are talking years, lifetimes of pain that has, like a vine creeping through a garden gate, become an intrusive, unwelcomed guest.

This garden of mine cannot be weeded, and these flowers cannot fully bloom, not yet, the timing is not right.

Gardening is after all, an art form.

A flower can learn a lot being amongst the weeds. I think of my life as a garden, sometimes I am the flower, sometimes I am the gardener, other times I wonder if there is any difference between the two. The people who come into my life can either enrich my garden, or kill my garden, and it is up to me to decide what role they will play, and when they need to be culled.

I have been blessed to meet some absolutely amazing people through my work, and I am grateful for each interaction, but it’s hard to form a real friendship with someone when they know I’m “Noir from Nephilim Rising” when I just want to be known as Jaclyn.

As the numbers on my page rise so do the requests from people wanting favors, a bit discouraging I must say but I guess it comes with the territory; that saying “it’s lonely at the top” comes to mind, not that I am necessarily at the top of anything, but I sure as Hell am not at the bottom.

What I am really trying to say here is that authentic people are scarce these days, and trust given is often trust then taken for granted, so I have learned not to trust thus making it lonely. Defense mechanism of the fucked up kind.

Recently I added a nice young man (about 20 years old) because his vibe was, and is, contagious. When he would comment on NR I couldn’t help but sense his thirst for knowledge, and it excited me. “Someone who gets it!” I thought to myself, only to be reminded that age plays a huge role, at times, into spirituality but it really boils down to morality, ethics, personality, and character.

You can wear all the pretty masks you want, attach all the fancy labels you need and even demean, or discredit other’s spiritual experiences but sooner or later your true self will be revealed. I become so easily annoyed by those who scream enlightenment in every post on Facebook but can’t even comprehend what it means to be enlightened AND tolerant; they go hand in hand.

Note: I am not at all saying that age was the main factor here, but I do believe it played a part. I know some children who have more depth and awareness of their surroundings than I do, so this isn’t about age.

I didn’t mind his posts really, there is always an unfollow option. I thought he liked to push the limit but often confused rebellion with being a douchebag; confusing ego with spirituality.

This is totally my opinion, yes I am judging, and yes I am being  a hypocrite.

He was transparent, but I saw potential until, that is, a post crossed my newsfeed that rendered me speechless.

“She’s not one of these New Age Bitches.”

Pump. The. Breaks.

Stop.

Back-up.

Rewind.

What did he just say?

New age bitches?

In context he was speaking to one of his friends about a mutual friend of their’s.

So I guess props to the young Woman for not being a “new age bitch” and all…

I know he is most likely going to read this and I want to say that this is not an attack, and you will remain nameless but I will not remain silent.

An Awakened Man, or Woman for that matter, does not refer to Women as bitches; I am not trying to speak for every woke person, but I can say with confidence that the general consensus is not to use such a derogatory word that is meant to subjugate Women.

I think to call yourself enlightened but refer to the Divine Feminine in any of Her aspects as “bitch” or collectively “bitches” shows where the true disconnection is, and the root of the problem: The Mother Wound.

Mass generalizations will get you nowhere in life, my friend.

Now let’s talk about the term New-Age, I often get offended when people call me New-Age because there is nothing “new” about my practices, but I find myself defending the term right now because through research I have found the truth.

The term New-Age, coined in the 70’s, is defined as follows: adjective: 1. Of or relating to a movement espousing a broad range of philosophies and practices traditionally viewed as occult, metaphysical, or paranormal. 2. Of or relating to an unintrusive style of music using both acoustic and electronic instruments and drawing on classical music, jazz, and rock.

Most commonly associated with Wicca, Hipsters who happen to be into all things metaphysical and often used as an insult, the word term itself conjures very unique imagery. When we think of the term, we often think of “love and light”, light workers, do no harm, kumbaya etc.

I mean there are lots of things that come to mind when the term New-Age is brought up, but most people don’t understand that not only does Wicca fall under the umbrella term “New-Age” so does Satanism and Luciferianism, technically so could the new wave of Paganism.

Before spewing your “I’m so enlightened” bullshit, why don’t you actually practice some humility, and seek real enlightenment?

This is not a contest, we are not competing with our fellow Occultist’s or Spiritualist’s, we are supposed to work together and find common ground among the false divisions.

Ascension of the individual is only possible through unity of the collective, and that fact must be understood in order to gain anything on any spiritual path. A point missed by so many.

Needless to say my garden is finding its harmony, and rhythm again because let’s face it, that weed had to be pulled.

To read about the New Age Movement:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/newage.htm

Lessons in Magick: How I found Luciferianism

November 6, 2015

Violetta Kostyreva

Image: Violetta Kostyreva

“All the various types of teachings and spiritual paths are related to the different capacities of understanding that different individuals have. There does not exist, from an absolute point of view, any teaching which is more perfect or effective than another. A teaching’s value lies solely in the inner awakening which an individual can arrive at through it. If a person benefits from a given teaching, for that person that teaching is the supreme path, because it is suited to his or her nature and capacities. There’s no sense in trying to judge it as more or less elevated in relation to other paths to realization.”

Namkhai Norbu

I am asked questions all the time, I think that this late in the game I am used to it for the most part. I still get bombarded with basic, beginner questions and I take a deep breath, answer as politely as I can, and send the newly born Seeker on his/her way.

Besides being asked “What is Luciferianism”, which I have covered in a past blog, the second most asked question is, “How did you find your way to Luciferianism?”

This is a multi-layered answer, and not a clear one, at that; I will try my best to tell my story of how I sparked the Black Flame within myself.

It seems to be common belief that you have to start at a specific point, or that you need specific books, or tools, initiations into sects, or societies to gain the knowledge of Luciferianism, or anything Occult related; this couldn’t be further from the truth.

We are all individuals, we all view the world and believe subjectively, to say that there is one starting point would make no sense. How can there be one starting point for ALL of us?

I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, my Father and his parents being Orthodox Polish Roman Catholics. Which in my opinion they can be stricter than the notorious Italian Roman Catholic. I say this in a light hearted manner, and am not trying to offend any ethnicity, or religion.

In order to understand me, and my story, you need to understand my Slavic, and Roman Catholic roots.

Even though I was forced into the Church, and man was I defiant, I am grateful for the knowledge learned there. The Bible itself may be a bunch of stories but in order to understand the whole you have to understand that piece.

So many Occultists, and Witches, Luciferians etc. completely discredit the bible, and won’t even read it. In my opinion, it is essential reading. How else are we supposed to combat those who wish to oppress us other than with their own words? Fight fire with fire, right?

Magick has always been a part of my life, rebellion, defiance, and visits from Celestial beings have been, too; one would think that when I broke away from the Church that Occultism, or some form of Paganism would be the first stop on my path.

On the contrary.

I started to devour every historical book that I could find with text on Philosophy, religion, and taboo belief systems throughout the world; I studied, and I studied, and I studied some more. Then I reached the point where some important questions had to be asked in order for me to continue forward on my path.

  • Do I believe in a Supreme being?
  • Is this being omniscient?
  • Are there multiple Gods/Goddesses?
  • What do I think about pre-destiny? And, who is behind it?
  • Where does my Magick come from?
  • How was this world created?
  • Where do we go when we die?
  • Why am I here?
  • Is there such a thing as Karma?
  • Do we reincarnate?

After these questions were answered I was able to start forming my personal Philosophy, I did not want to label it as anything other than “my belief” and for a while, I was all over the board because I couldn’t find anything to fit, so I didn’t force it, I let it be.

Then I found Hinduism through a book called Life of Pi. There was one quote that stuck out to me out of all the brilliant ones in that book.

“Faith is a house with many rooms.”

The context of the quote was how Pi was led to God from Hinduism, to Islam and then to Christianity.

Now, I may be against religion, but it was a profound moment for me at that time.

It gave me validation that my path didn’t have to be straight, it didn’t have to be neat, or follow any rules because there are many rooms—many levels to Philosophy, and there is no rule book out there that tells me I cannot believe the way I want to.

Once I was “given permission” at the age of 19 reading that book, I was liberated from the confines of society, and labels in general. I began to feel my Soul, and Magick blossom.

I reveled in the mysticism that Hinduism provides, loving the dualistic approach to all their deities. I loved the destruction of Kali, and Shiva, I admired the courage of Hanuman, and the beauty of Krishna. Most of all I admired the resilience, and power of my Beloved Ganesh.

The stories are rich in spirituality, and symbolism that can be applied to almost any, and everything in life, but it didn’t fit for me personally, as much as I wanted it to.

I cannot worship. I refuse to worship.

I almost border Atheism with my absolute disgust for worship of a deity.

It was through further reading on Kali, and Shiva that I came to find the LHP and how they are both bold symbols of destruction of the old self to be born anew, both tied in with darkness, serpent energy, and strength; most importantly, justified rage.

I started to stray away from Hinduism, still keeping close connections to certain deities, and made my way to theistic Luciferianism. I am also a practicing traditional Witch; I have a hard time, personally, identifying as Pagan, even though by definition Luciferianism is Paganism. I will always debate that point, “wrong” or not.

I don’t like labels, and I don’t like thinking about limitations because there are no limits. Any restrictions or obstacles that I may face I know I have the knowledge, tools, and ability within myself to handle whatever comes my way.

There is no set course to your destination and there is no starting point, you just have to start.

May the Black Flame light your way.

People Want to Know: What is Luciferianism?

October 4, 2015

Juliette Bates

Image: Juliette Bates

“They used to call the devil the father of lies. But for someone whose sin is meant to be pride, you’d think that lying would leave something of a sour taste. So my theory is that when the devil wants to get something out of you, he doesn’t lie at all. He tells you the exact, literal truth. And he lets you find your own way to hell.”

Mike Carey

This topic keeps coming up over, and over, and no matter how much explaining is done, or how many references sourced there is still much confusion.

“What is Luciferianism?” is the number one question I get asked, and I refer them to the usual books and sites (my top choice, Lords of the Left Hand Path by Dr. Stephen Flowers).

It seems that after reading the written works of fellow Occultists and Luciferians more questions arise, or people notice the similarities between Luciferianism and Satanism and become even more confused than when they initially started.

To put it simply, Luciferianism falls under the esoteric Philosophy known as the Left Hand Path, and the most important aspect of Luciferianism is the individual–we do not look outside of ourselves for anything.

It means that we do not worship, some of us may do ritual to certain deities; some may not do anything ritualistic at all. We do not look to the Gods to help us, we go within, find our strength, listen to our intuition and make our decision accordingly.  There are some of us, like myself who identify as a Witch, and we will incorporate Magick.

There ARE major similarities between Luciferianism and Satanism, and I am going to try and break it down for you the way I break it down for myself.

Satanists can be either Atheistic (LaVeyan Satanism) or can be Theistic, or what is known as Spiritual Satanism; which is the belief in a supreme power/being(s) but much like most theistic Luciferians they do not worship, merely acknowledge, occasionally paying their respects to their deities in casting or ritual. So, where do we differ?

Satanism is based upon the force of Satan: The Adversary.

Whereas Luciferianism is based upon Lucifer: The Light bringer.

There are some Luciferians who also view Lucifer as an Adversary, but he is the Light Bringer before he is an opponent of God; at least in my opinion.

I discuss Luciferianism openly and often because I like to get people to think, I even enjoy the look of fear on people’s faces when I tell them that I am a Luciferian because immediately they think I am a Devil worshiping, child sacrificing, animal abusing, psychopath. I am sure my Sisters and Brothers over in the Satanist world get much of the same reaction.

As I mentioned before some of us (Luciferians) believe in Lucifer an actual being, whereas others believe in the metaphor of a rebellious Angel who fell from the Kingdom of God BUT it seems the majority don’t pay any attention to the Christian story and view Lucifer as a figure of true, and pure enlightenment; his name literally translates to “bringing light”, derived from Latin lux “light” and ferre “to bring”. In Latin this name originally referred to the morning star, Venus, but later became associated with the chief angel who rebelled against God’s rule in heaven. Even later being associated with Satan, which is up for much debate; as with most figures who “defied God”, Lucifer has been demonized.

The path itself leaves much room for interpretation which I think is where a lot of the confusion comes from, people need clear definition. I personally think that the beauty of this path is how personal, and individualistic it is, that’s what brought me to this side.

I view Lucifer as many things; I do believe in an actual being, I believe He represents rebellion, freedom, going against the status quo, breaking free of the confines religion and society have put us in, and he is a figure of illumination and a bringer of knowledge.

He is an advocate for the individual and for truth along with being the Black Dragon, the Black Serpent, and the Black Flame.

This path gives us the freedom to practice, and believe how we want. That is what I believe Lucifer, as a being or metaphor would want us to do; live on our own terms.

For further research on the topic I have to shamelessly self promote the book I contributed to; if you are interested in purchasing it click here.