Library Tips For Magic Practitioners

Library Tips For Magic Practitioners

As a Missouri librarian, I've gotten to know my library district pretty well. So here are some tips for you!

Tip 1: Dewey is your friend.

And by that I mean the Dewey Decimal System (a more in-depth list is in that link) is your friend. It breaks down as follows:

000: General Knowledge (encyclopedias, newspapers, almanacs, etc)

100: Psychology & Philosophy (feelings, logic, friendships, etc)

200: Religions & Mythology (Bible stories, Native American myths, classical mythology, etc)

300: Social Sciences & Folklore (families, career, money, government, etc)

400: Languages (English, Spanish, American Sign Language, grammar, etc)

500: Math & Science (arithmetic, animals, rocks, plants, fossils, etc)

600: Medicine & Technology (inventions, machines, farming, health, etc)

700: Arts & Recreation (crafts, painting, music, games, sports, etc)

800: Literature (poetry, plays, novels from other countries, etc)

900: Geography & History (countries, biographies, etc)

If you're looking for ghosts, divination, and witchcraft specifically, look around 133. That's where I've found most of my magic-based books to borrow. You'll also find books talking about people's near-death experiences or reincarnation around this point.

While fiction technically falls in the 800s, most libraries will have it separate from nonfiction. You may still find things like poems or memoirs in the nonfiction section. Some libraries will have the biographies separated into their own section. A few libraries (at least here in Missouri) will have state-specific sections where you can learn more about local stuff.

Tip 2: There are computers and printers to use.

If you can't research something at home for literally any reason, getting a library card will often grant you access to using the computers and printers in the library.

When using the printer, some libraries will charge based on how much ink you use, other libraries will charge based on how much paper you use, and other libraries will charge based on some other criteria.

Be aware that you lose access to these if you reach a certain level of overdue materials or money is charged to your library card until the materials are returned/paid for or the money is paid off. Luckily, librarians are here to help you and can tell you what's missing.

Tip 3: Libraries have more than books.

Seriously. The main branch of my library district has 3D printers, telescopes, gaming systems to use in-building, and more stuff that I didn't even pay attention to because I was scrambling to learn the behind-the-counter stuff. Feel free to ask us for something and we can see if it's in-county for ya!

Audiobooks are often available on CDs and in the form of Playaways, which are like MP3 players with a single book on them. You will need a wire-connected set of earbuds or a wire-connected headset and batteries. Some libraries sell earbuds, but not batteries.

Large Print books will often have their own special designation as LP, but more often they have their own shelf sections. You'll find a surprising number of Westerns there, but there are Large Print nonfiction books.

Tip 4: Requesting materials.

Not finding something you're looking for? Ask the front desk for help! In Missouri, we have the Missouri Evergreen system, which means we can borrow books from all over the state* on the topic you're looking for.

If we can't find it (or you're in a library that doesn't have such a monumental reach), then you can often fill out a book request form. We will then do our best to order the book for you - but be aware that it could take many months, and most of the time, people will cancel their order of the book well before our budget catches up or we even have time to get the book processed and integrated into the system. Patience is key when ordering a new book.

*At participating branches - not every library district in our state is part of Missouri Evergreen.

Tip 5: Self-checkout is a thing.

At least, it is here in Missouri. If you don't want to interact with the front desk, there are often self-checkout stations for books, DVDs, audiobooks, et cetera. Even my middle-of-nowhere branch has one!

Unfortunately, this won't work for other things, like updating your card once it expires or resolving monetary charges (which will both send you to the front desk).

Tip 6: Search the new shelves.

Some libraries like mine will have specially-designated "New Shelves", where you can find a lot of the most recent releases. If you're trying to find something in a particular number that you saw on the search but can't find it, it may be on the new shelf. These get cycled out whenever new books come in, which may mean that you have several months' worth of new releases to dig through.

In short, I hope this helps you in your search through the library! Best of luck to you!

~Jasper

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More Posts from Forsakensnakeskin and Others

2 years ago

A basic belief and tenet of Satanism should be the rejection of tyranny, fascism, and oppressive leadership.

To follow the one who rebelled against a tyrannical God and to not also raise your voice and sword against tyrants in power and those who wish to subject others to their will is to stray from what it means to be a Satanist.


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2 years ago

Some Reasons I like Satanism:

I vibe so hard with femme fatale beings (not gender specific)

The emphasis on autonomy and liberation

I relate to demons in a voidpunk way

Satan and Satanic figures are cool

It is what you make of it

Can range from theistic to atheist and in between

Satan makes me feel understood in a way other religions or spiritual paths do/can


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1 year ago

🔮 Absolutely random, assorted facts from my experience with Tarot:

🔮 Absolutely Random, Assorted Facts From My Experience With Tarot:

You can set rules with your deck. Don’t like reversed cards? Don’t pull them. Don’t interpret them. Request not to get them. Don’t care about the position of the card and want only its meaning? Ask for it.

You can pull confirmation cards. If you are working with a companion, you can set up their personal confirmation card. If you’re working with the deck and the general universe, you can pick a feel-good card (or a rare card if you want) and request it whenever you want to get a vibecheck.

You can repull. If it feels weird, it probably is weird. If you keep pulling the same card all over again, it’s probably correct. But if you pulled one weird one that just doesn’t seem like it belongs, repull. Your deck - your rules.

You don’t need to sweat too much over “official meanings”. So what if the Tower means “something bad”? If it means something positive for you, go with your feelings first. Each practitioner will have their own associations with the cards. I for one quite like the Tower, but I genuinely hate getting the High Priestess. It’s individual.

You don’t need to work with a specific Deity, spirit, or daemon. The cards are powerful tools without any additional presence.

You can assign a deck to a particular entity. I have four decks, out of which three belong to (a) companion(s) of mine. This is completely individual and fully relies on who you want to touch your cards.

You can confuse the cards. When the reading starts to feel like it just reiterates your feelings, it probably is. Or you worded your question badly and the cards don’t know what to tell you. Or you already know the answer. Or maybe something else.

You might be turning your spread into multiple spreads. If your session with tarot can be broken into a number of smaller sessions, you are probably overworking yourself. It helps to step back and think whether or not your multi-card spread turned into a multitude of smaller spreads. Is that why nothing is making sense?

You might be told to read cards some other time. Bias, moods, instability, or the cards just being not in the good state - all of these can affect whether they agree to work with you in the first place. I’ve had decks that stayed “silent” for months on and decks that were willing to work with me every day. It depends.

🔮 Absolutely Random, Assorted Facts From My Experience With Tarot:

P. S. One more time: this is just my experience. It is not universal.


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2 years ago

what "working with Eve" means? like the first woman? 😭 sorry this is a stupid question but i'm interested lol

I personally view Eve as the Divine Feminine. I believe she ate the apple not out of temptation, but because she viewed knowledge as a source of empowerment for her and her daughters after her. As a Theistic Satanist/Luciferian, knowledge is power to us and I admire Eve for her rebellion

Lilith, I learned after starting this blog, is appropriated from Jewish Culture so rather than worshipping Lilith, I worship Eve


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3 years ago

Satanic Hub's Digital Library

This is a digital library filled with books on Satanism and adjacent topics, mainly research!

Disclaimer: There are some books present (such as books by Anton Lavey, etc.) that we do not condone the author or share their views. The books are only present to learn from and to be able to form your own understanding of what is wrong with the work, despite how influential it is. Some books may include aspects of antisemitism or appropriation, so it is important to be critical of what you read even though we try to curate this to the best of our ability. Despite this, we make sure to not include books that are outright fascist, transphobic, etc. If for some reason we do, please let us know!

Each book is accessible in pdf form here!


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3 years ago

Luciferian Basics

So the bread and butter of Luciferianism falls around

- A central admired figured that represents qualities/values but are usually a character that is considered a bringer of knowledge/wisdom. They are considered revolutionary, went against the “norm,” and are sometimes even “demonized” for it.

- The core of Luciferianism falls around knowledge/wisdom. It is about always having a questioning, skeptical mind, never accepting things at face value, but also always being open to learning because learning never stops. It’s never about being stuck in beliefs/value/knowledge when its wrong (i.e. God creation theory). Science is as only good as the latest finding after all! Part of this knowledge/wisdom is also in knowing yourself which… -Being your personal best is the other leg of Luciferianism. Some people call it achieving “godhood” or “divinity” or “enlightenment”

- Rebellion or Revolutionary. If you look at the stories of the various Luciferian figures, literary works, and scripture…there is often a form of “rebellion” or “revolutionary” figure there. Iblis rebelled against God. There is a common thread of the pop culture Satan rebelling against God because God is “unjust.” There is Eve eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Jesus Christ himself was a figure that went against the current religious doctrine of the times. Mary Magdelena was important, then dismissed, but she was also an important Luciferian figure. Then there is Prometheus defying Zeus for humanity. Buddha is another figure with his revolutionary practice that was nothing the Hindu’s had seen. It was radical. So it would be safe to say that the Luciferian can be “radical.” Of course, can be both good and bad change depending upon different factors, different perspectives.

Anything I miss? This is an incredibly broad sweep and not the essay I am working on. This is just the bare bones. Luciferianism itself is like water, it has form…but it also does not. It is a personal path that one must discover for oneself.


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1 year ago
Miguel Carbonell Selva (1854-1896) - Death Of Sappho, 1881

Miguel Carbonell Selva (1854-1896) - Death of Sappho, 1881


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3 years ago
[ID: Pink Cursive Glitter Text Reading "theistic Satanism Resources".]

[ID: Pink cursive glitter text reading "theistic satanism resources".]

Hi everyone! I wanted to make a new list of resources for you all, including books and some useful blogs to follow.

It's very important to get information from places other than Tumblr, so I thought I'd link you all some good places! Please DM me if you want me to add something!

A sidenote: please respect my boundaries. I'll put it up here for readibility.

[ID: Pink Cursive Glitter Text Reading "theistic Satanism Resources".]

[ID: Pink cursive glitter text reading "Respect my boundaries! NSFW blogs, terfs, truscum, pedos, nazis, Christians, sysmeds and exclusionists don't interact!".]

Thanks so much!

[ID: Pink Cursive Glitter Text Reading "theistic Satanism Resources".]

[ID: Pink cursive glitter text reading "Useful Links".]

In Satan's Honour - This website is pretty regularly updated and even has a patreon! There are a lot of thought provoking articles and great resources on there.

Spiritual Satanist - The website and blog is a great resource and the author is vocally anti nazi. She made a blog post about how nazis don't belong in the community a few years back. (Blog here)

Theistic Satanism - An older site, but plenty of worthwhile stuff on there. Several other sites are also maintained via this site!

Black Goat Cabal - Now shut down but the websites maintained by the above site. Lots of essays, rituals and advice.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Devil Worshipper - Maintained by the same person who maintains the BGC and theistic satanism website. LOTS of great advice, sermons and even has a section for new theistic satanists.

Satan's Den - A lot of information on satanic magic & Satanism in general! There's also a blog attached to the website, so even more content.

Aleister Nacht - A lot of videos and information on Satanism. Has a list of Satanic holidays you can follow if you wish! Also has a Patreon!

In Praise Of Satan - A website about someone's personal journey with Satan. There's an FAQ section and some other information.

[ID: Pink Cursive Glitter Text Reading "theistic Satanism Resources".]

[ID: Pink cursive glitter text reading "Some good books".]

Here's a list of recommended reading from @saltsulphur! Some are PDFs, some aren't. A lot of very good books though!

At Satan's Altar - a book of prayers, chants, hymns ect. I believe Marie Ravensoul also has a website that I've linked! I'd recommend buying this if you can afford it - please don't pirate it as this person is an independent author.

Spiritual Satanist Prayer Book - A book of prayers and such by Venus Satanas - the author of a website I've previously linked. I'd recommend buying this if you can afford it - please don't pirate it as this person is an independent author.

[ID: Pink Cursive Glitter Text Reading "theistic Satanism Resources".]

[ID: Pink cursive glitter text reading "Other blogs".]

@aspiringghostt - My housemate! He's more knowledgeable in a lot of topics than I am, although it isn't suuuper active on his blog. I'd still recommend following him as long as you can respect it's boundaries.

@saltsulphur / @bitteroccultist - Lucian is another very knowledgeable Satanist! He runs another blog, bitteroccultist, for blunt informational posts.

@satanourunholylord - A great person and a great resource for a lot of paths of Satanism & Norse Paganism! He's an agnostic Satanist and shares a lot of good information so he's definitely worth a follow!


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1 year ago

Sea Witchery//

(from my personal grimoire) this may be a little long, so here we goooo

Tools of the Trade// • Shark Teeth: Location, curses, glamours • Anchovies: beauty • Coral: emotions, healing, vivid dreams • Crab: protection • Fish: protection, fertility • Oyster:  fertility, love • Salt; cleansing, dispels evil • Sand: dreams, grounding, cleansing • Sardines: beauty • Seaweed: prosperity, good luck • Sea Horse: luck, love, understanding • Sponge: cleanses negative emotions • Water: dreams, cleansing, healing • Aquariums: ward away bad luck • Hag Stone: see the unseen, protection • Seaglass: change, purification

Water Types and Uses// • Sea Water: cleansing, banishing • Lake Water: secrets, divination • River Water: transformation, change • Storm Water: strength, chaos • Rain Water: creativity, inspiration • Swamp Water: patience, stagnation • Flower Vase Water: nourishing, growth

Seashell Types and Uses// • Abalone: general use • Clam: purification, love • Conch: love • Cone: protection • Cowrie: prosperity • Whelks: positive change • Limpet: courage • Scallop: travel • Sand dollar: good luck

Sea Creatures and what they mean// • Barracuda: go your own way • Bass: balance • Carp: love • Catfish: power of words • Clam: love • Coral: protection • Crab: sensitivity • Crayfish: face your fears • Eel: new journeys • Electric Eel: perception • Goldfish: peace • Jellyfish: cooperation • Moray Eel: observe • Mussel: perseverance • Octopus: intellect • Salmon: persistence • Sea Anemone: new tides • Sea Shell: feminine power • Sea Horse: chivalry • Shark: relentless • Squid: shapeshifting • Starfish: follow your own path • Stingray: stay on target • Beluga Whale: creative spirit • Dolphin: new promise • Humpback Whale: birth • Manatee: trust • Orca: creative depths • Sea Lion: imagination • Seal: dream activity • Walrus: psychic touch • Whale: inspiration

To Make Sea Water// • Sea salt • Sea Shells • Moon Water • Beach Sand

To make Ocean Powder (my take on cascarilla powder) for protection/purification// • Sea Shells • Egg Shells • Sea Salt • White Sand • Grind em up in a mortar and pestle

To make a Sea Witch’s Bath// • Sea Salt • Rosemary • Sea Shells (to set on the edge of tub) • Blue candle (to set on edge of tub)

Crystals good for Sea Witches// • Aquamarine • Blue Lace Agate • Blue Chalcedony • Larimar • Blue Aragonite • Lapis Lazuli • Azurite • Skagway Jasper • Hemimorphite • Canvasite

Plants/herbs good for Sea Witches// • Grapes • Lettuce • Jasmine • Lotus • Kelp • Cucumber • Seaweed • Chamomile • Nightshade • Hemp • Orange • Willow • Lemon • Watercress • Melons • Hops • Pansy • Skullcap • Orris Root

Mermaids// http://thecuriousviolet.tumblr.com/post/124996552227/mermaids

Selkies// http://thecuriousviolet.tumblr.com/post/125175490222/selkies

Kelpies// http://thecuriousviolet.tumblr.com/post/125211823552/kelpies


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1 year ago

Rebel Angel

Lawless One

Lead me to greater freedom

And grant me the wisdom

To know how to use it


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forsakensnakeskin - Liberation
Liberation

Salem. Agenderflux. Mix of all pronouns and terms. Sapphic aroace and polyam. Poet, horror fan, hermit. Satanist and eclectic polytheist. Azazel. Main blog is thirstyvampyre {I do NOT support racism, Nazis, cultural appropriation, terfs, queerphobia, fascism, or sexism. If I reblog anything that condones any of the above, please let me know. I do not want it on my blog.}

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