For a long time, I believed magic was something distant and unreal. Shamans, witches on broomsticks, magicians making things disappear or appear out of thin air. Fantasy. Stories. Not something connected to what we call real life. At some point, however, a different understanding began to reveal itself to me. An understanding of what magic truly is — and how deeply it influences our path toward God. I began to see that magic, in a much broader and quieter sense, is something humans practice every day, often without realizing it. For me, magic is not about rituals or spells. It is about the inner desire to exert power over matter, over others, or over reality itself. In that sense, I began to recognize magic in things like: - Speaking badly about others — condemning, judging, hating - Asking/praying for material outcomes (material wishes), even for things like health - Trying to influence others mentally — imagining conversations, arguments, or outcomes in which we subtly try to shape another person - including hypnosis - Creating alternative realities in the mind — imagining how others should feel or react because of something we did All of these arise, often unconsciously, from a desire to rule over creation rather than surrender to God. For me, they originate in our animal nature, in the hunger for control, certainty, and power within the material world. Seen from this perspective, these acts are not neutral. They are sins. And when I look back at my own life and recognize how often I lived this way, I can say nothing else but: O Lord, have mercy on me — a sinner. Amen.

I just wanted to say how thankful I am to be on this platform and in existence with you all. Collectively being a light for those who are in the dark, in which we have all been in at one time. Channeling the great, divine Holy Spirit in every moment. We've had our ups and downs, and will continue to do so, yet we continue to preserve. I have learned so much from all of you, and feel the genuine support. Although some of us are so far away, the love makes us seemingly close. May we take every breath towards sharing this knowing of abundance to those not yet aware. Much love and many blessings from I to you and yours. -Keelan 💜

I had a nightmare/dream just now. At first it was terrifying, and I felt just as in control of my being as I am now. I was at my parents house and everyone was asleep, as they currently are now. But something drew me to go outside. It was dark of course, but after moments of being out there something didn't feel right. Then I started hearing heavy breathing. It wouldn't stop, and I couldn't figure out what it was. So I went back inside. I woke my parents up, told them. But the only one who spoke was my father. He told me to have "devotion". I didn't understand entirely, but I accepted that and went back outside with my dog. We heard it again, but it was louder and it felt it was, in a way, making me breathe frantically and heavily as well. Then I spotted "it". I seen what was the smile of a demented being staring deep in my soul. I, for some reason, wanted to try to intimidate it by walking towards it in anger. It didn't work, it only fed it and it started to make its way towards me. I noticed there was a little boy beside her, but it wasn't like her. So I paused, and began praying to God and telling this demon I loved it so much. But words wouldn't come out. I could feel how hard I was trying to speak but nothing of words came about. But regardless my intentions were so strong, I began to see it weaken and cry. The sun started to come out, like a beautiful pink sky morning. After I continued, my words became clear and it began eating its own fingers and hand. Then it disappeared. I then woke up in a cold sweat. I began asking my self who this was, and the only name that popped into my head was ZoZo. I have read about this demon back when I was younger, probably 13 or 14. And in this moment now, I can say I still love it aside from its attempt to torment me. This wasnt the only dream that I've heard heavy breathing, its been happening for a little while now but I never could figure it out in the past dreams. Being honest, I couldn't have been more appreciative of this dream. I felt I've faced it, even though part of me in the dream wanted to run in a way. Let me know what you think, much love 💜

Hey guys! I am interested to hear your thoughts on something. In Buddhism (at least the areas I am familiar with) it seems to be understood that when one is suffering - triggered by something or someone outside of themself, it is not that the thing or person is negative but rather one’s reaction to that stimuli. This had me thinking about boundaries (which by the way I am not great at). I was on the phone with someone and they said and I am paraphrasing “if you set a boundary and the person does not respect your boundary, you simply find someone who does”. This may sound trivial or immature but this is where I am at. Part of me wants to weather through storms and another part of me wants to leave the area where storms happen so much. It feels like too, there is a part of me that feels attached to the storm, so I try to tell the storm to calm down or just try to change the storm or convince it to be more gentle… if you catch my drift. I have also been pondering about the idea in Buddhism that reflects on suffering, the cause of suffering and the cessation of suffering. It didn’t necessarily say to leave the storm as far as I can tell but it does suggest accepting the storm and not wanting or desiring of it - as a result, suffering is reduced. That felt like a bunch of thought sprung together. I feel a bit scattered this morning but yesterday I meditated and went to my temple (I am an omnist of sorts though btw). After not sleeping for months, I slept away from my boyfriend and having meditated, I actually slept. I am continuing on to work on boundaries or understanding these things so I can stay on a balanced path. Much love

Here we are again… lol… I keep finding myself here… I would like to know other people’s view on the ego, if it is useful or helpful, where does it become a problem or whatever else feels significant to express about this topic. I just started to explore different beliefs on the ego, self and just read on Freud. I guess I am curious to explore more about this since my awareness has grown of my own thoughts - I am experiencing not taking on the identity of my beliefs or thought but rather observing them and wondering if things could be integrated in a way that is healthy and skillful.