Demonology Introduction

Sacred Meadow Circle Virtual Gathering Discussion Summary:

Thank you to those who were able to attend the Sacred Meadow Circle Virtual Gathering with the suggested topic of discussion about Demonology.

The meeting focused on an introduction to demonology, clarifying its origins and common misconceptions. It was explained that the term originally referred to the study of lesser deities or spirits, not inherently evil ones, and that negative associations arose later, especially through Christian influences. The group discussed different approaches to working with demons, including ceremonial magick, the Goetia, and the importance of understanding mythologies, setting boundaries, and protecting oneself through rituals like the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. Members shared personal experiences with spirits, attachments, and the need for caution and mentorship when engaging with these energies. The conversation also touched on cleansing practices, the influence of pop culture and horror movies, and the distinction between deities and demons. Participants exchanged stories about spells, protection methods, and the impact of energies on daily life, as well as the role of intention and shadow work in magical practice. The conversation ended with suggestions for future topics, including the Seven Hermetic Principles and poppets, and updates on personal matters and community activities.

Bryan led a discussion explaining its historical origins and clarifying that it involves studying lesser deities or spirits, not necessarily evil entities. The group discussed practical aspects of working with demons, including the importance of understanding their nature, setting boundaries, and starting with personal shadow work before engaging with these energies. Participants shared experiences and warnings about the risks involved, emphasizing the need for caution, proper preparation, and potentially finding a skilled mentor before attempting to work with demons. The group discussed demonology and possession, with a participant sharing insights from a book about a psychiatrist who evaluated possession cases for the Catholic Church. Bryan explained his approach to studying different aspects of entities and energies, comparing it to understanding both positive and negative aspects of natural phenomena. The conversation included discussion of banishing rituals, with one mentioning she performs the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram daily, and another sharing her experience with a "be gone" spell she cast to deal with a difficult coworker.

The group discussed the importance of proper protection and cleansing rituals when working with spiritual entities, emphasizing the need to understand the energies involved and how to disconnect from malevolent influences. Bryan explained signs of entity attachment, including behavioural changes, obsessions aligned with an entity's mythology, and feeling influenced by energies that don't belong to you. The conversation included personal experiences, including a participant's story about a poorly conducted seance that left participants with lingering energies, and another participant's experience with a problematic coworker whose presence she could sense without seeing her. The group also discussed the concept of drug and alcohol addiction as potentially having demonic qualities, with Bryan explaining that substances can be used helpfully in controlled ways versus recreationally. A participant shared her personal experience using magick to quit smoking after other methods failed, while other participants expressed interest in using similar approaches for weight loss. The discussion covered protection methods in demonology, including the lesser banishing ritual, using selenite crystals, and simple practices like clapping hands or washing hands to release negative energy.

The conversation ended with plans to discuss poppets as a future topic after the Hermetic Principles series.

Please join us for the next Virtual Gathering of the Sacred Meadow Circle! More information is available at: https://www.askagreywitch.com/gatherings