Ex Penna

After much deliberation, I've decided to close Quill's Occult Supply on Etsy.

This wasn't a flippant decision, nor one based on monetary reasons. On the contrary, the shop was doing quite well and I was finding it difficult to get orders out in a reasonable amount of time. After over 1,000 sales and over 530 followers, I was enjoying interacting with customers but not feeling able to do justice to their trust with my shipping issues. My other projects--including manuscripts still in the pipeline for publication--were suffering while I tried to keep all these separate plans orderly. As you can imagine, it didn't work very well.

So let's talk about where we're at now...

What's Happening to the Shop?

 What About This Blog?

What's Replacing Them?

Sometimes all you really need is some uninterrupted focus on a topic, and everything will turn out in your favor. This what you are doing when you create an arranged space.

Here we're talking about making room on a shelf, on your everyday altar, or on a special zone set up just for this purpose. Put all things related to the topic on that table as well as a hefty dose of items which are lucky for it and which work in favor of your goals. I like mixing in a few colored papers with positive messages on them and some auspicious tarot cards.

Move everything around until it looks and feels done. I know that I've seen such instructions in books and I've shuddered, but I can say that you will indeed know when it's done. Leave this layout untouched for a week. Take stock at that time. How are things progressing? Need more influence? A bigger push? Add some compelling herbs. Want to smooth things over and let them settle a bit? Change the color scheme to reflect a calmer atmosphere for the work.

Don't actually do a spell.  Let the casting be in the movement and setting of the space. Put all your energy into that and not into words or thoughts. Just allow the space itself to do the work.

You may be surprised at what happens.

PST is a painfully common issue in the modern magical community.  Only through identification, education, and alternative methods can we eradicate it.

I'm talking, of course, about the phenomena known as Pagan Standard Time. 

This malady's main symptom is being habitually and unapologetically late for every Pagan/magical event--whether attending or presenting--causing a stuttering waiting period for things to begin that quickly turns an enjoyable day into a frustration.  For those of us already on a razor's edge of a timeline, this can sound the death knell for any future events.

Because the occult world has very little authority--and we like it that way--there are strong feelings on both sides of this argument.  On the pro side, we see the forefront is about our cherished individuality.  After all, organized religion (that thing that runs opposite to so many magical practices) has schedules and rules that can stifle the free expression and creativity we adore.  If we're going to dig our fingers into the mysterious occult, we've got to forge our own perspective on who is in charge and to what degree.

While it feels good (and oh so counterculture!) to always follow your own directive, it can really get in the way when you involve other people. A teaching arrangement, a coven, a public event--all these have to have some sort of schedule. Keep in mind, too, the ever-present desire to present to the outside world a formidable community can make this an issue with real weight. How much do we--and should we--care about looking "professional" to other paths and spiritual bodies?

The support in favor of Pagan Standard Time is worth exploring, as well:

• When you create something yourself (and the magical community is by far self-made), you get to set the rules
• Many of our people are young and impetuous; free-wheeling is their style
• Timelines feel restrictive and unimaginative
• Magical people adore surprises, mystery, and happenstance. What better setting could there be for these things to thrive than one without borders?

On the con side, though, are points just as important to make:

• To be taken seriously, we must present ourselves in a serious manner
• Punctuality is often linked to respect; not always in the eyes of the person arriving but definitely by those awaiting the arrival.
• People are busy and their days and nights are filled with activity. If you want your event to be a priority to them, you must maintain timelines they can trust

Having been on both the giving and receiving ends of PST, I can say I've learned a lot about how it begins--and how it can end.

How It Happens

Let's be honest, folks.  Events are hard to plan and even harder to host.  Many elements have to be carefully knit together to be successful. If you want to keep them interested, energetic, as well as inspired, you're going to have to have a quick-moving agenda of unique experiences mapped out in advance.  Do you have what it takes to arrange this?  Do you even know what such a thing would look like?  Yeah, me neither. 

Most of us are just stumbling along when it comes to creating great events.  Come up with a way cool

idea, dream about how great it would work out, then watch the reality fall far short.  It can still be nice, still work to a certain extent, but achieving that ideal is probably out of the question. 

Even if you're not asking for the moon (and several perfectly choreographed dancers, drummers, and a poet who will ad-lib beautiful prose in honor of the occasion), there are other factors that go into making events a difficult project that's often over-due or over-time:

1. Events rarely have enough staff

Being a guest at a huge ritual is a helluva lot more fun that working at one.  Considering how rare it would be to find a really big event to attend, it's no wonder that so many people want to enjoy the time spent in that space rather than be its bouncer (or do its set up and tear down, or feed everyone, or pass out papers...)

2. We don't have a lot of good role models to emulate in this arena

Until you've been to a number of events, you won't really know what elements go into making them successful.  Think of the parties you've attended in your life.  Whether you noticed or not, you used every one of those experiences to formulate how to manage social gatherings.  You saw what worked and what didn't, what was fun and what made the evening drag, as well as how the host handled problems and turned the focus of the group away from misery-making things like a brewing fight or an embarrassing drunken episode happening in another room.  You came away with lots of knowledge from that and it helped make your own shindigs a great time. 

What do magic folks have?  Unless you live within driving distance of the festival circuit, the likelihood is pretty good that you consider your events history as a few dull-to-regrettable afternoons with other practitioners who claimed to be having the time of their lives.  I know this one well.

3. Our needs and desires are unique for spiritual groups

This means that general advice doesn't always help us do a better job.  Looking at what works for prayer circles or sweat lodges might not offer any real insight.  We do things in a unique way and we need to find our own voice for that.

The most important element of this is freedom.  Witches are crazy about it but that makes it hard to get everyone to want to do the same thing at the same time, which is a staple of building group unity.  It and individual expression must be in balance without losing focus.

We're also incredibly talkative.  Time has to be divided between work and play, social time and magic.

How to Combat It...

Now that we know a bit about where it starts, let's talk about how it can end. To be able to keep the good aspects of PST while ditching its drawbacks might seem like an impossible task. It can be managed, though, if we're attentive to not only what works for occultists in general, but also for our own local groups.

...as a Presenter

When you're the one hosting an event, you must start out recognizing both the weight and the potential in your position. You have a lot to answer for but you also have the chance to put a personal spin on what others are expecting to see. Where do you want to take this and what do you feel is the surest way to get there? This will take some time, so let's start there.

1. Start planning the same day you take the job

No lie, don't wait a single day to begin the process. Not only is it essential that you have all the prep time you can get, it's also a good idea to begin work while you're still excited about the event and are filled with those initial dreams of its success. This will give you some early fuel.

2. Lots and lots of lists

Start with a basic outline of what you want to have happen at your event, then list the things--large and small--you'll need to have.

How many people would ideally handle each of those aspects? List the positions. List people you know who could fill them.

Where will you get the things you need but don't currently have? Make separate lists for buy and borrow.

Do you have a venue? If not, list ideas. Do you have enough money to do this yourself? If not, list methods of gaining capital, like arranging for donations or requiring payment before or at the time of the event.

3. Know how long things take

Give yourself a generous amount of time for each of the points of interest throughout your event.  Add to that meet and greet time before and food and drink time after. This is how long your event will take.

You can also make a separate plan based on ideal lengths of time and then add in some things that people can be doing in the gaps. This is handy for times when people must take turns at something and everyone else waits for their time to come. Give them something to focus on, something to see or do, and you will keep them interested and involved.

4. Have a definite ending

I'm a big believer that you should always end strong. Give your guests a clear idea of the end of the event approaching and they will be relieved to know they won't miss anything or overstay their welcome.

This can be achieved a few ways, depending on your event. You can pass out programs at the door or have it posted online so guests know what will happen throughout.  You could also have someone in charge of announcements, giving a 5 or 10 minute warning to the end of one act and reminder for the next. Make these brief, clear, and loud.

Moving an event forward is always about wringing out all the worth from a block of time as possible and making people look forward to the next one. This can be achieved with leaving if you give them something to take with them or something to do when they get home. A classic is the "swag bag" or parting gift that each person picks up as they exit, but you can also offer things for them to do afterward such as posting photos from the event, leaving reviews, or using items made during the event.

5. Take note of what worked

This is essential! Over time you'll get good at this, but until then, learn to watch people's reactions and figure out if your plans are having the desired effect. You might even want to make comment cards available for guests to turn in anonymously.  Grow a thick skin if you're going this route, though; people can have startlingly high standards for people other than themselves.

Knowing what to keep and what to cut can really tighten up your timeline for the next event. Also, doing this immediately afterward will keep it fresh in your mind what you thought about the pace. Were you exhausted? More help next time. Did things have to be left out to stay on schedule? Go over your schedule to make sure you gave enough time for the most important aspects and then next time allow lesser aspects to be dropped, if need be.

...as an Attendee

This is usually where things get messy. That person who gives their R.S.V.P. as an insecure upward inflection, "Well...maybe I'll be there? And if I am? It'll be...like...30 minutes later?"

Or how about the member who counts themselves as the backbone of the event but shows up late and bustling through like a hurricane of plastic bags and unfinished sentences, "Oh my god, what a day...Everything's been so...! And I was all set, had the car packed, and that's when it happened--you'd never believe!"

Or maybe it's the one who just decides to swing by and check out what's going on, "Hey, so, did you guys get to the spellwork yet or is it still circle time? 'Cause, it'd be cool to be in on the magic but our paths are different and plus, I've got to jet out of here in 45 minutes anyways..."

Don't be that person, not for your sake or mine.

1. Ask every question you need to when you first decide to attend

Talk in depth to the person who invited you. E-mail or call the host and ask questions. Write down any you want to ask between the initial plans and the event date and contact the necessary person as soon as you can. 

Know where you need to be and when, where to park, what to bring, age ranges, limitations, rules, expectations of guests, event timeline...everything and anything you can think of. There's no such thing as being too informed.

Many events will have opportunities for unscheduled time before and after the main occasion where arriving and leaving are okay at any point. Talk to the organizers about this and find out what the window is. Ask what to do if you accidently must breech that limit.


2. Give yourself extra time for everything

Plan ahead for driving time, then add some. Plan your outfit and a backup in case something happens. Be weather-wise in case a sudden rain, snow, etc. delays you or turns an outdoor event sour. Have appropriate emergency items in your trunk.

Pack the night before. Treat this as an excursion that you want to get just right. It doesn't matter if it's only an informal gathering with people you've known for years. It's important to enjoy it--and benefit from it--to the greatest extent possible, so give planning it's due time.


3. Keep a goal in mind

Are you going mainly to make new friends? To reconnect? To find a possible teacher? To learn a new skill from a workshop or meet an influential person? Know exactly what you're seeking so that you won't squander time or miss your chance when it comes.


4. Be gentle with others

Because PST is more the norm than an occasional irritation, it's going to be widely assumed that your behavior as explained here are strange. Think ahead how you'll handle flakiness when you encounter it.

Be generous with your schedule after this event, as well. If things end on time, great! If not, know how much extra you can spare before you need to get back to your own plans.

Remember, PST is not intended to offend. Most of the time, those displaying it are good-natured but ill equipped to deal with the self regulation needed to keep things running on schedule without outside insistence. There's actually nothing wrong with that; those folks just need some support and a few extra hands to help with the work. Offer whatever assistance you can and what advice you can. If those fail you, take charge and create the structure yourself.

And also note that there's nothing aggressive about plotting the demise of PST. It may be a joke to some, but to many of us it's just a bad habit that needs to come to an end and make way for better, more productive things.

No matter which side you're on, awareness beats all.



Images from:

Amazon.com
Pinterest.com
highlandtownshiphistoricalsociety.com
kkrgowthamgudavalli.blogspot.com

Let's play a little make-believe.

Say you make talismans.  You've made some for friends and family, sold a few to acquaintances, but are generally unknown.  Your work is beautiful and you feel really strongly about sharing your unique take on a classic art; you just need to be where the people are.

Or maybe you design clothes.

Or you're a tea leaf reader. 

You teach witchcraft to students. 

You write magazine articles. 

You host open circle events. 

You lead social justice events. 

You lead a coven. 

You're in a band. 

These things don't have to be a money-making venture, but they're a big part of YOU.  Expressing that on a large scale is the ideal way to live the big, beautiful life of your dreams.  But first, people need to know that you exist.

• We support pop-up business
• We put money into independent ventures and small business
• Our social interactions are rarely aligned by social class, affluence, or upbringing
• Learning is our prime status symbol and authors are our celebrities

#2 Know What You Want to Gain

It's not just what they say about "getting your name out there" or spreading positive word of mouth.  The real question is "Where am I going with this?  What's my final outcome?"

In all reality, your destination is not one place but a succession of many.  For example, I write here because I love to write but also so that I can be recognized as a writer, gaining further opportunities to write for other blogs, leading to more magazine articles, to form a worthwhile author platform for my manuscripts, and to overall interact with a much larger audience than just my shop customers.  That's a bit more complex than "getting my work noticed," but it's that kind of precision that gives a plan its practical value.  I've given myself a way to know if I'm actually succeeding or not.

#3 Go All In

If you can name 3 famous occultists from any point in history, you'll understand this point perfectly.  You absolutely must give your all if you want to be remembered.  Though some of our community's characters might be less than reputable, each one knew/knows how to throw themselves into their work and the promotion thereof. 

What kind of character are you?  Embody that most magical side of yourself, that unique and vibrant persona that you just can't legitimize in your mundane world.  There's something wonderfully individual there and bringing that to your forefront can be not only creative and magical but also deeply liberating.

#4 Connect the Dots 

Don't let any of your social interactions exist as an island.  To make it work, all pieces should find their place among the whole.  Just as you are made up of many interests, talents, memories, and quirks that acquaintances may uncover at different times, so too is your witch persona discoverable in many places.  Be sure that all those places lead to one another, as well as leading back home. 

For myself, my shop, my writing, my spellcasting business, teaching, online interaction, and art have at least 2 threads apiece that tie them to me as a person.  I blog about most of them, share my blog on Facebook and Twitter, then use each of them to promote my art, which I make available online and in person. I use examples from online to illustrate points made in my classes and use student questions as the basis for some of my blog posts.  If we were to meet on the street, you wouldn't immediately know all the places my work is present, but in hearing about one, you would have information leading to the others.   

#5 Don't Stop for Anyone

The most important aspect of any success is the fortitude to persist.  Though the magical community can be a welcoming and open arena for each of us to test and refine what we bring to the world, it can also be quiet and lonely.  Don't expect a pep squad to keep you going.  Be self-driven and persevere.

This goes double for any time you come up against those who try to silence you just because they feel entitled to speak for the whole of us.  Let it be known now and forever that there is no spokesman for the occult, and no one has the right to declare one in or out of the fold. 

Keep doing your thing, keep sharing what you've got, keep shining, keep going.  Even if it's quiet, the world is listening.

Images from:

royal.pingdom.com/2012/08/21/report-social-network-demographics-in-2012/
s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/74/a4/7e/74a47e960b916ae5dbdc2b70d99b838f.jpg
aliexpress.com

pinterest.com/source/polyvore.com

Also see this perfectly timed page:
 http://www.thefrisky.com/2015-12-08/gift-guide-for-the-materialistic-social-media-witch/

"Deactivated by Etsy"

Those are some gawd-awful words, not because my world is Etsy, but because part of my work is only found there.  For many occult sellers, these words--now found on 5 of my listed items--have been the opening lines to an obituary of their public work.

It's been overstated how little occultists are interested in converting others and understated how important personal expression really is.  Speaking our minds and trying to modify those of others are not the same thing.

Street Corner Preacher

You open your mouth to spread a bit of enlightenment but in your head you must certainly be screaming through a bullhorn and wearing a sandwich sign.  It's okay, you're (probably) not actually doing that.

Combat it with:

• Short, clear statements
• Terms we all understand--don't say things like "paradigm shift" 
• If you're asked a question, answer only that.  Don't complicate things

Rebellious Teen

Flower Child

• Be authentic. Show the side of your personality that comes out most with magic
• Remember how it felt when this was new to you and speak in a way that is reminiscent of that
• Be descriptive, liken one thing to another, explain and express.  Paint an emotional picture.  It's okay to wax a bit poetic if the conversation is going deep
• Project a balanced, realistic image.  Magic doesn't send you off into other realms; it's for the here and now

The Pretentious Nonconformist

I know, there's a bit of pretention that will probably come out around some folks no matter what you do to fight it.  Any time I find myself caught in conversation with someone who says "Yuck!  I hate to read!" or "When I'm not at work, I pretty much just watch tv until it's time to go back to work," unless I catch myself I feel my eyes start to roll and a give snobby sniff from my upturned nose.  We all have our limits.

But you're not really a snob and neither am I.  I think that most of us do our best to find a point of connection with others, and when talking about something that is so close to our hearts, maybe we put even more into that connection.

Combat it with:

• Focus on the personal stories.  It's these things that are most interesting to outsiders and what makes your viewpoints the most human
• Don't fight against pop culture references.  There are little pieces of what we do in familiar things like Harry Potter and Charmed.  Talk about what's real and what's inspirational; they know you don't actually ride a broom
• Remember to note the little things that non-practitioners can identify with: mementos from loved ones as protective objects, actions and circumstances that bring good luck, even dream interpretation
• Share your experiences as casually as others do.  If you're asked what you did over the weekend and you spent it at a festival or celebrated the Sabbat, say that.  It's just another part of who you are.  If they want to know more, they'll ask; if not, they'll move on

We can be as open about our beliefs and practices as anyone else.  We don't have to fear appearing like a bland stereotype when the truth is so rich and complex.  When we open up we give the people in our lives a glimpse of what is most important to us, but we also open them up for tolerance and understanding in a corner of society that easily suffers from a lack of both.  All it takes for outsiders to see it is a willingness to share one little piece at a time.

 

"A fellow spellcaster--how wonderful!  I'd love to hear about what you do."

"Oh, ya know, I've done some spells and stuff, and one time I went to this open circle..."

"Yeah?  That's great.  What did you think of the circle?"

"It was okay.  My friend Alice and I went in college so I don't remember a lot.  But I'm doing a lot of my own stuff these days, so it's no big deal."

"Your own stuff?  Like what--writing, art, a coven?"

"Um, like, I make up spells sometimes.  I don't really like books and groups and stuff."

"Oh."

This example is far from unique and represents a sad gap in our community.  I try, I really do, but if I'm going to keep up with any witch they're going to need one thing above all else: ambition.  A shot of this to the occultist's vein and you have a dynamo, no matter what they end up doing with it.

Without Ambition, What is Life?

Knowing What you Want is Next Door to Getting It

If Your Goals in Life are Meager, Quit Magic Now.  It's Not for You.

All Your Ambitions Have Magical Importance

And You Know Who is Afraid of This?  Everyone Else.

I've talked about this a lot--here and elsewhere--and you know what I think:  magic should, nay must, have an element of beauty to be at its best.  The two are interwoven and exist best when their influence is anything but subtle.  Think about every time you've been moved by

Trudging through ritual, reading from a printer-paper copy of a hastily-written ritual you found online and thought it "seemed pretty good" is not only pointless, it's also powerless.

Put some fuel in that mess!  I can see at least 5 places in that scenario where a little life could be injected to make you crave being in that circle.  As it stands, it appears that my hypothetical caster doesn't even want to be there.

Rituals are a Parade with No Spectators

Like a holiday, you must go all-in every time.  You can't leave part of your mind by the phone, part still in bed, part at your desk at work.  You have to Be Here Now.  That's the whole idea of a circle being a separate place from all time, from all other places; what exists within is nowhere else.  

Decorate Your Space with Equal Care

Let your guests warm up to the event right from the start with tasteful adornment on your door, the ritual space, and

everything in between.  

This can be done by creating a color scheme of 2 predominant colors that are associated with your ritual's purpose.  Remove what you can from sight that doesn't fit the theme and replace it with draping tablecloths, colored lighting, plants like cut flowers or live boughs and branches, artwork, pottery, etc. that model your goals in color or style.  

Try to bring some style into it by displaying different textures and patterns that boldly feature your colors.  Check discount fabric bins at craft stores to get some cheap inspiration for throw pillows (or quickly made covers for existing pillows), wall drapery, or slip covers.

You can even make this an intense piece of symbolism: choose deeper, richer shades of the colors or more esoteric occult themes as you approach the sacred space. 

This may sound elaborate but it doesn't require switching up your whole house just for one evening.  Just pick out  what you want your guests to notice and put it on display.  Then that's all they'll remember.

Delight the Senses

Every time you switch to a new step in the process, open up the senses to it in a new way.  Cue the casting with incense.  Accompany incantations with drums, bells, and tambourine.  Dance to raise power.  Open all your senses in the working, including the sixth!

Practice!

I can't stress this enough.  Practicing a ritual beforehand is such a routinely overlooked part of panning that I feel it's my duty to say it twice.  Practice!  Read your parts aloud.  Walk through the space just like you will for the actual event.  Be emphatic, be dramatic.  Memorize everything you can.

Which leads to...

Get--and Stay--in Character

There's an element of actor to every good occultist.  Use your power voice when speaking in ritual.  Change modes of movement, posture inflection in your voice, volume, et al. when you change direction in the rite.  As the power raises, show the excitement building by embodying it.  

One of the most telling comments made by newcomers to ritual work is that the leader suddenly became another person.  For well-executed magic you must be willing to drive it home with everything you've got!

Do the Little Extras

Live musicians, a troupe of dancers, theatrics, special effects, lighting, items for participants to keep--what are you able to find or create to make this something special?  

Finish Strong!

The worst thing you can do is to let your rite just slowly roll to a stop.  Don't allow people to wander off without certainty that the work is done for the evening.  Bring the event to its peak, explode that power in a display that's either loud, bright, or otherwise momentarily chaotic, then shut it down hard!   It sounds rough, but that's how your guests will know it's done.  Think of your big finish as a "curtain drop and lights out."  Once they're done catching their breath, they'll be on their feet applauding!

It just might be me.  Or you.  Let me explain.

In the most simplistic terms, magic is freedom and those who use it to better their lives are free.  We have realized our right to be happy, our right to withhold ourselves from those who don't deserve us, our right to choose the course of our lives.  We are self-aware and capable of handling the responsibility of being so.  That is the very nature of freedom, and to the establishment under which we live, it is a terror.

Those who are free don't feel the need to do what others do.  They don't rely on convention to train and control them.  They don't want what others want.  They are unpredictable, and that's a scary thing.  Are you that sort of unpredictable?  Do you go your own way no matter where it may lead?  Take a look at the following list of brave and bold thoughts that just such a person thinks and see just how dangerous you are!

1. Your Rules are for You

2. Doing What Needs Done Does Not Mean Waiting for Karma

3. It Doesn't Matter if We Agree

4. Freedom Gives Me Strength

5. Wisdom is Actually Really Simple

6. I Have a Low Tolerance for Bullshit in My Personal Life

7. However, I Have a Much Higher Tolerance for It in My Professional Work

Let's be clear: I love occult shops.  There was a time when I, like many other practitioners, was penniless and couldn't afford anything in them.  And there was a time when I lived so deep in nowhere-land that, even if I could afford it, none were available to me (and yes, that means I lived *gasp* pre-internet for most of my life).

Now that I am a few years older, wiser, better traveled, and more prosperous, I take every opportunity I can to slow down and walk every inch of the occult shops I find.  They're always overflowing with inspiration and you're certain to come out ready to cast your fingers off!

But what if you're stuck in my former state?  What if rarity and poverty removes such opportunities?  Then it's time to take a trip to the mundane farmer's market instead and look at it with a magical eye!

Bewitching the Farmer's Market

Fresh Eggs

Eggs are a classic for cleansings of home, self, and spirit.  They're also oddly effective at cursing, and fresh laid eggs are required for this purpose almost exclusively, most likely so that the egg doesn't retain any connections to your own home.

• Is this shared space?  If so, how often will both owners be using it?  If it's shared by function (such as in a bedroom), at what times of day will the room be engaged in each? 
• Do you need room enough for rituals? 
• Will you host guests or clients here? 
• Do you have coven items that need to be stored? 
• Are you making and/or selling items out of this space? 

No matter what you plan to do in your room, you will need to store a bunch of things you're not using at the moment.  While open baskets and plastic tote boxes might look good in a magazine, it doesn't take long for them to look dusty and drab in real life.  This is especially true of a room that you won't be showing visitors.  How often do you dust your closet?  How tidy is your basement?  Because these spaces aren't shared with visitors and we don't spend much living time in them, they can quickly look as insignificant as we treat them.  You don't want this to be the future of your magical workroom, so plan accordingly to make it easy to clean, organize, and keep looking smart.