The Pale Raven Official

  Before I discontinued my podcast, I recorded an episode on one of my favorite surrealists, Austin Osman Spare. I have transformed my original write-up to fit a blog format because, quite frankly, it was my favorite episode and the one I was most proud of. Here is the story of a nearly forgotten artist and visionary: Austin Osman Spare was a brilliant artist and visionary whose contributions to occultism have paved the way for many aspects of modern magical practice. His work on sigils, in particular, transcends time, still resonating in various interpretations today.  The Beginning Born as the fourth child to Philip Spare and Eliza Osmond on December 30, 1886, Austin entered a world that would soon witness his extraordinary influence. His father, Philip Newton Spare, hailed from New Yorkshire, born in 1857, and eventually moved to London, where he found employment with the City of London Police in 1878, stationed at the Snow Hill Police Station.Eliza Osmond, Austin's mother,...

  The history of witchcraft is a captivating subject filled with ancient practices and beliefs that have significantly influenced societies over the centuries. One of the most fascinating aspects of this history is the relationship between witchcraft and the Viking age. This connection not only sheds light on the spiritual practices of the Norse people but also reflects the broader cultural shifts and the lasting impact of these ancient traditions. Viking Beliefs: Understanding Their Spiritual World Before Christianity made its way into Scandinavia, the Vikings were deeply rooted in a polytheistic belief system. They worshiped a variety of gods, such as Odin, the god of wisdom and war; Thor, the thunder god; and Freyja, the goddess associated with love and fertility. These Deities played crucial roles in the daily lives of the Vikings, from agricultural practices to matters of war. The Norse people believed in a universe inhabited by spirits and supernatural forces, and their ritua...

  Cats have long held a special place in human culture, inspiring a rich tapestry of mythology, superstition, and reverence. These enigmatic creatures are often associated with grace, mystery, and a connection to the unseen. But why have cats, particularly in the context of magic and superstition, captivated our imaginations throughout history? Ancient Reverence To understand the deep-rooted connection between cats and mythology, we can trace our steps back to ancient Egypt. In this civilization, cats were not merely pets; they were revered as sacred beings. Egyptians believed that cats embodied both grace and protection, associating them with the goddess Bastet. Depicted with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, Bastet symbolized home, fertility, and protection. Harming a cat was considered a crime against her, and the presence of a cat in the household was viewed as a powerful symbol of divine protection. Another important figure was Sekhmet, a fierce lion-headed goddess known ...

  On my right temple, I tattooed the Ansuz rune. I did this for several reasons, though at the moment I stood in front of the mirror with the tattoo gun in hand, I wasn't fully aware of why. I simply felt compelled to do it. Later, I realized that I was seeking stability—mental stability. Little did I know that this tattoo would become a gateway to so much more. It serves as a key to unlocking my communication with both the living and the dead, a divine tool for my mediumship work, and a connection to my inner self. Whenever I feel troubled or in need of guidance, I place a finger on this rune etched into my skin and draw strength from it. However, you don’t need to tattoo a rune on your face to find them useful; they can be necessary tools for anyone. Today, let’s delve into the Ansuz rune: what it is, its historical significance, and why it remains an important sigil for clarity. Understanding the Ansuz Rune The Ansuz rune, often represented as a stylized "A," is part o...