The Compleat Sorcerer

The Eye of Agamotto

I have been going through another one of my quiet phases where I don't have much to say. Recently I have thought of something that I want to so say, but not sure if I had the right words to say it. So instead of waiting for the right words, I am just going to rant this one out the best that I can. First I will start with an apology of sorts. When I started this blog my goal was simple:

"...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."

I do not feel that I have been successful in that aspect, and for that I apologize. The main reason I have not been successful is because most of my posts were focused simply on how to cast spells. While I believe that spell work is a very powerful tool for a modern sorcerer/ess to achieve their goals, it is not by far the only tool that they should possess. Far too many people turn to magic in hopes of finding an easier way to realize their dreams. Easier, as in less real world effort. It is of my opinion that there is no "magic" bullet.  I get so many requests from people asking for spells to make them rich. The only way to get rich with spells is by telling other people that you can make them rich with a spell, and then charging them a lot of money that they probably do not have to do so. Or I will get request for love spells from men that are afraid to actually approach and speak to their love interest. You get the idea

But this post isn't about people that want to have someone do work for them. This post is directed at individuals that wish to direct their power and control their fate. The key word here is POWER, which seems to be the missing ingredient from a lot of people's lives. I have met quite a few people that can proficiently talk about spell casting for hours, and will even try to convince you of how "powerful" and successful their workings have been. However none of that power seems to carry over into their presence outside of their working space or altar room, in my opinion, that is not sorcery. For me sorcery is every action that you take to manipulate situations, people, and circumstances to conform to your desire. Spell casting is only small tool in the arsenal of a competent sorcerer. There's other things like understanding body language/no verbal communication, being able to establish rapport, goal setting, and time management, just to name a few. I just don't believe that anyone is knocking it out of the park 100 or even 80% of the time with spell casting alone. In fact I will say that in my opinion and experience, sorcery is actually about 30% spell casting, and the rest is other forms of empowerment and manipulation. There are clues hidden in the lore of legendary conjure and cunning folk that this has been a secret part of the formula for some time. 

The focus of my post for the near future will focus on what I call becoming a Compleat Sorcerer™. Trust me you will be hearing more of this phrase in the near future. I am by no means saying that I have mastered these other tools. I have been experimenting, and will continue to researching, and share what I learn with you all. 

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
- Ernest Hemingway

Funny Mutha...

  Shut Yo Mouth!

Last night I accomplished something that I have only talked about doing for years. I tried my hand at stand up comedy in a competition called "Clash of the Comics". It is actually geared toward aspiring professional comics that are already in the scene. I wanted to throw myself in the deep end and either sink or swim. I am happy to report that I "swam" quite nicely. As I mentioned before I have been in a couple of bands so I am not a stranger to performing for crowds, particularly ones lubricated with alcohol. Being a sorcerer though, there was no way I wasn't going to do a little work to add to my chances of success.

I started out the day by feeding my High John Jack Ball (see I am not only the president, I'm also a client). While doing so I also set out a shot of whiskey for Ol' High John, and lit a purple candle in his honor. I thanked him for the help he has given me, and asked him to help me conquer the crowd later that night. While driving around that afternoon, I found myself behind a car with a license plate that read "BRE RABBIT". For those that don't know Brer Rabbit is also trickster character and some of his tales and traits share a similar African lineage with High John. When working with spirits, it's always good to keep an eye out for little signs such as this. It's also best to research that spirit as much as possible to make sure that you would know what kind of symbols and signs they may use to communicate with you.

When it came time to determine what order everyone would perform, we all had to draw cards. I pulled a 9 of spades. If had been thinking strictly in terms of divination and the Tarot, I would have seen this as a bad sign. Seeing as I am a conjurer I know better. The number 9  is a lucky and powerful number in conjure work that often appears in spells for mastery, domination, and commanding. Something you will observe often in conjure work is that what others may consider negative or unlucky, is quite the opposite. Conjure is very antinomian at its core. I  also interpreted he spades or swords to mean that I was going to "kill it", which I did.   Going with your gut when deciphering omens and signs can serve you better then going by the book. As long as you can do it and be honest with yourself as well.

While I waited to take the stage, I took the time to do some energy work and a quick spell of sorts. I was doing some breathing to relax, of course the double of Jack Daniel's was helping with that as well. After a few cycles of breathing I started to tune into the overall vibe and energy of the room and bring it into my center. The vibe of the room was pretty good, It was a small crowd that was relaxed and there to be entertained. Not a single heckler in the bunch. I then directed this energy from my center and into the palm of my right hand forming it into a sphere. Once I could feel this as a strong and real connection to the crowd in the palm of my hand, I thrust my hand into my pocket and put the energy there with the rest of my charms. From then on out as far I was concerned the crowed was in my pocket, I owned that room. There was a brief moment in my 5 minute set that I felt as if I lost them for a bit. With a little bit of NLP style anchoring I put my hand in my pocket for a brief second to remind myself, and I got them right back. With a little tweaking this technique can be applied to any setting where you have to address a group.

Most importantly with any magical act, and performance I made sure to just relax, have fun, and let things flow. I have been invited to come out to some open mics, so I am going to play it by ear, and see where this goes. Remember that "all the world is a stage" blah blah blah. Kick ass, take names, and rock out with your...


"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  

The "Satanic Bible: Giving The Devil his due

I have often been asked what is my favorite book when it comes to sorcery or what would I recommend for beginners on the subject. People are usually surprised when I say "The Satanic Bible" by Anton Lavey. While most of the book is geared toward the would be Satanist, Lavey also takes a no nonsense and practical approach to the art of sorcery or what he terms "Satanic Magic". Lavey defines Satanic Magic as:

"The change in situations or events in accordance with one's will, which would, using normally acceptable methods, be unchangeable." 

He goes on to separate the magic into Lesser and Greater. It is the information Lesser magic in particular that I highly recommend to anyone looking for more ways to get results with their workings. To Lavey lesser magic is essentially psychological manipulation. His methods for manipulation requires one to take an honest stock of their own skills, gits, and limitation, as well as having good intel on the target to devise a solid plan to manipulate them to your will. His methods are inspired by a concept called the "Command to Look" originally developed by photographer William Mortensen. Lavey feels that in order to successfully manipulate a person you must be able to effectively  attract and hold their attention, I couldn't agree more.

The command to look is then broken down into 3 main types. sexual (usual physical attraction to seduce and manipulate), sentiment (using a persona that is familiar, disarming, perhaps even whimsical), and wonder (utilizing an image that while odd or unusual, draws a person's curiosity and lures them in). The sorcerer/ess can use either one or a any combination of these categories to draw in their target. Again it is all about preying on their weaknesses while playing to your strong suit. I feel that the art of subtle manipulation utilizing techniques such as these, or things such as NLP and conversational hypnosis are ignored far too often by those relying solely on spell casting to achieve their goals.  I have been utilizing a combination of sentiment and wonder myself for years with good results.

Lavey also goes into detail on ritual or Greater magic.  I find his views on "the balance factor" and the ritual, or "intellectual decompression" chamber. I agree with his assertion that ritual chamber is no place for self consciousness. All of the intellectual part of the working should be done during the planning stage and prior to the ritual. once within the chamber it should be a time of pure emotion, and psychodrama aimed at expanding your will and commanding your goal to manifest. The book contains five ingredients for Satanic magic which are, desire, timing, imagery, direction, and lastly the balance factor. While the first four may not be a terrible revelation to those already practicing magic, the balance factor can serve as a wake up call for both the newbie as well as some seasoned practitioners. I find this concept to be so crucial that I will include it here in it's entirety:

E. The Balance Factor

"The Balance Factor is an ingredient employed in the practice of ritual magic which applies to the casting of lust and compassion rituals more than in the throwing of a curse. This ingredient is a small, but extremely important one.

A complete knowledge and awareness of this factor is an ability few witches and warlocks ever attain. This is, simply, knowing the proper type of individual and situation to work your magic on for the easiest and best results. Knowing one’s own limitations is a rather odd bit of introspection, it would seem, for a person who should be able to perform the impossible; but under many conditions it can make the difference between success and failure.

If, in attempting to attain your goal through either greater or lesser magic, you find yourself failing consistently, think about these things: Have you been the victim of a misdirected, overblown ego which has caused you to want something or someone when the chances are virtually non‐existent? Are you a talentless, tone‐deaf individual who is attempting, through magic, to receive great acclaim for your unmusical voice? Are you a plain, glamorless witch with oversized feet, nose, and ego, combined with an advanced case of acne, who is casting love spells to catch a handsome young movie star? Are you a gross, lumpy, lewd‐mouthed, snaggle‐toothed loafer who is desirous of a luscious young stripper? If so, you’d better learn to use the balance factor, or else expect to fail consistently!

To be able to adjust one’s wants to one’s capabilities is a great talent, and too many people fail to realize that if they are unable to attain the maximum, “a half a loaf can be better than none.” The chronic loser is always the man who, having nothing, if unable to make a million dollars, will reject any chance to make fifty thousand with a disgruntled sneer.

One of the magician’s greatest weapons is knowing himself; his talents, abilities, physical attractions and detractions, etc., and when, where, and with whom to utilize them! The man with nothing to offer, who approaches the man who is successful with grandiose advice and promise of great wealth, has the alacrity of the flea climbing up the elephant’s leg with the intention of rape!

The aspiring witch who deludes herself into thinking that a powerful enough working will always succeed, despite a magical imbalance, is forgetting one essential rule: MAGIC IS LIKE NATURE ITSELF, AND SUCCESS IN MAGIC REQUIRES WORKING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE, NOT AGAINST IT."

While I personally agree with some of the other philosophies within this book, I can understand how the Satanic Bible as a whole may not be for everyone. However in regards to magical philosophy and strategy it is an essential tome and I highly recommend it.


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