February 2006 Musing

Whether you know it or not, everybody needs a mentor – particularly in magic. Mentors guide you when you’re scared, comfort you when you’ve burned yourself, and generally hold their breath while you trudge through the unknown waters of your unique path. My magical mentor, Constance de Masters, passed on December 12, 2005. In the Mexican culture, the day celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe. This holy day honors the Aztec Virgin, an amalgam of the Aztec Mother Goddess Tonzantin and the Spanish Catholic Mother Mary, who appeared to an Indian, Juan Diego, in 1531. Her appearance allowed the indigenous people to convert to Catholicism and avoid further massacres by the Spaniards, while secretly maintaining their original spirituality. The miracle of her appearance coincided with a profusion of Castilian roses.

Even in other cultures the rose plays an integral part in mentorship. For the scent of roses often follows when a loved one who has crossed over to the spirit world pays a visit. The miracle of the roses truly speaks of the ability to adapt and alchemize. At the root of earth magic is alchemy, or the ability to add some element that enhances the base or original product. This has been and always will be your intent. Connie always said that the goal of every magic practitioner need be to eventually relinquish the crutch of magical tools and rely upon one’s heart, soul, and will. Can you conduct magic on a deserted island? She would ask.

Yes, at first the wand, the cup, the pentacle, the sword are necessary building blocks. However everything you need you already possess. You just need to access it. Every culture has proverbs that are intended to help you access that inner magic. They guide people onto great truths and enlightenment with timeless wisdom and encouragement. And sometimes, they are just plain funny and over a different kind of in-lighten-up-ness. Proverbs in Spanish language countries are called dichos. I have included a few of my favorites as yet another clue into my next project. I hope you enjoy them:










Créanse del aire – Believe in the air

De hombre sin fe no me fiaré – A man without faith, I will not trust

Tejado de un rato, labor para todo el año – A temporary roof means year long work

Lo mismo es irse que huerse, que irse sin licencia – Its all the same whether you leave in flight or simply without permission

Quien cree en todos, yerra; y quien cree a ninguno acierta – Whoever believe in everyone errs, and whoever believes in no one is mistaken.

El amor es ciego pero los vecinos no. - Love is blind. But the neighbors aren't.

Antes que resuelvas nada, consultalo con la almohada. - Before making an important decision, sleep on it or consult the pillow

Cuando los hombres hablen mal de ti, vive de tal manera que nadie les crea. - When people gossip about you, live your life in a way that discredits what they say.

El ejemplo es mejor que las ordenes. - Examples are better than orders.