Wisdom of the Raven: The Mystic Way of Cabal Fang

"A blend of fact and fable, the practical and the esoteric, 'Wisdom of the Raven' instructs the reader in the spiritual underpinnings of Cabal Fang Martial Arts. Learn the basics of the Three Sisters -- contemplation, meditation, and prayer -- and how they come together to inform the mystic experience."

I may have mentioned once or twice that I practice a martial art called Cabal Fang . My good friend and founder of the martial art Robert Mitchell  has made the "Cabal Fang Martial Arts Manual" available for free on Smashwords, as well as a new companion booklet called "Wisdom of the Raven: The Mystic Way of Cabal Fang" Even if you are not into martial arts I highly recommend downloading the Wisdom of the Raven. It;s an excellent primer for anyone interesting in incorporating contemplation, and meditation into their spiritual practices. No complex breathing methods or anything like that, just easy to follow instructions to get you started. Did I mention that it is FREE?! Go download it now!

Brother Ash on Candelo's Corner

Last week I was a guest on the radio show "Candelo's Corner". If you missed, check it out at the link below. I had a great time and can't wait to go back on.

http://www.kimbisa.org/podcast/candelos-corner-with-brother-ash/

Ask Brother Ash #2

Recently someone on Facebook asked me an interesting question, and it is something that came up again while I was on “Candelo’s Corner”. The gentleman wanted to know if he could work Hoodoo even though he is European. To be blunt, anyone that tells someone that they can’t practice Hoodoo because of their skin color is being an asshole. There are enough examples of well known Hoodoo workers from Dr. Buzzard, to the present day Brother Moloch that aren't African American. People like to portray Hoodoo as being for more Afro-centric than it really is in my opinion.  Hoodoo is not an African Traditional Religion (ATR) so it’s not tied into ancestral lineage in anyway. It’s just folk magic practiced by the African Diaspora here in America. Also to focus solely on the African roots of the work and ignoring all of the other influences leads to a lesser understanding of Hoodoo. I often joke that I am about as Afro-centric as NASCAR. That doesn't matter though, because sorcery is about the individual, your mindset, style, philosophy, and personal power. So do your thing, and let the haters do what they do. 

Crossroads "Confessional".

As I mentioned in my last post the subject of my next booklet is on the subject of the Devil in the context of conjure. Of course one can't escape that topic without talking about the infamous crossroads rite. What I am finding is that there are a lot of different ideas about the nature and identity of the "Black Man" of the crossroads. I would like to get stories of people that have actually done the work and what their experience was at the crossroads. I may include some of them in my next book with permission of course. So to take submissions I am going to offer two options. You can either contact me and email your submission, or if you prefer to remain anonymous then feel free to add your story as a comment here anonymously. I am looking to hear about how you conducted your rite (days of the week, time of day, location, etc..) and what you experienced as a result. If you care to share what you sought mastery over that would be great as well. I want people to know that this work is still alive and thriving today.I also understand that the crossroads is not the only place that this deal can be made. So if you met H.I.M. in the cemetery, the woods, or at the water's edge, I still want to hear from you.

2013 Lets Rock & Roll!

I am excited about what this year has in store. It is going to be a very busy one. Can't wait to see the submissions start to roll in for Osculum Infame: Transgressive Rites and Rituals, and have started working on my own pieces for that compilation. I have also started working on my next booklet which I plan on releasing in May. The subject will be working with "The Devil" in conjure. It's a viewpoint that I look forward to sharing with everyone, and discussing with the magical community. I have once again made changes to my site here too, which is something that I seem to do ever 6 months or so. The site now only has a page for "Books and Charms" where I will offer a few services such as readings, and crafting mojo hands and Jack Balls, in addition to selling booklets. I love the process of crafting these powerful charms and getting them into the hands of clients, so I will continue to do that work. I may accept clients on a limited case by case basis. Honestly between writing projects and working on starting a comedy career, I don't have  the time to devote to adequate client work, which is not fair to clients. To get workings done, I recommend Chris@ Sorcerous Endeavors, he is a good guy that knows his stuff. This change is in attempt to get back to the original mission of this blog which is:

"My aim is to do my best to present my views on the art of sorcery and give clear instruction on my methods that can be reproduced by those that are willing to roll up their sleeves and do work. If there is one thing that I can't stress enough it is the fact that I AM NOT SPECIAL. I am not the hierophant of a new aeon, a guru, or in touch with ascended masters. I put my pants on one hoof at a time like everyone else. If I can do this, with a little effort so can you. As long as I inspire one person do some work and change their lives then this project is a success."

 I would like to make a bold declaration that this year I will blog more and do something weekly. I honestly can't promise that. My blog is pretty much a reflection of how I am offline. I am pretty quite (unless you put a mic in my hand) until I have something important to say, and then I speak. That is how this blog has always worked, and I am comfortable with that, and not trying to force it to be anything else. I know that the next few blog posts will be more on my philosophy behind sorcery. Just a few things that I want to rant about and get out there. After that I will get back to some tutorials if I see fit. There are so many spell blogs online, not hard to find spells if you want them though. I also love to hear from readers and to answer questions, and look forward to tackling some here on the blog as well. So, here's to a productive 2013. I look forward to sharing it with you all.

With Regards,

Brother Ash


"You must have the Devil in you to succeed in the arts." Voltaire
"Don't quote me boy cuz I ain't said shit." Eazy-E

Call for Submissions — “Osculum Infame: Transgressive Rites and Rituals”

Osculum Infame: Transgressive Rites and Rituals will be an eBook exploring rite and ritual as transgressive art.  It will be published on Smashwords in the Summer of 2013.

We are looking primarily for practical articles describing new and original rites and rituals that cross barriers and challenge social norms.  Although the bulk of the book will be made up of practical working material, we will consider articles relating to historically significant rites, philosophical discussions on the nature or significance of transgression, and first person accounts of actual rites and rituals. Original artwork will also be accepted for consideration.

Shock value alone will not win us over.  The shock must be the lightning strike that ignites the forest, the bell that calls transformation, the knock that opens the door, the howl that signals change.

Submission Deadline: May 1st, 2013

Length: 2,000 to 5,000 words.  Please append a brief biography of no more than 125 words, including the highlights of your publishing history if any, a link to your blog or website, etc.

Format: Articles must be in doc, docx, or txt format.  Art and photographs must be in jpg, tiff, or gif.

Compensation:  None.  Attribution only.  If your article or artwork is accepted you will receive a coupon for 1 free download, as well as discount coupon for friends, family, readers of your blog, etc.

Do not submit previously printed and/or web-published materials.  Submit only one article please, and do not submit articles that are currently under consideration by other publishers.

Email submissions will not be accepted.  You must use the online form — submit your articles and artwork here.