In the first part of the journal entry, I reflected on a conversation with my mundane friend, Mr. H, who was fascinated and skeptical about my occult interests. Mundanes often view magic as something fantastical, much like collectors who own rare art but fail to appreciate its depth. While they may be curious, few actually pursue or understand magic beyond the surface level. Magic, like art, is sacred and complex, and it is challenging to share its true meaning with those who only see it as entertainment. This encounter made me reflect on the difficulty of explaining magic to someone who only views it as “woo-woo,” failing to grasp its deeper, practical applications.

In the subsequent sections, I delved into the three fundamental components of magic—psychological, physiological, and energetic. Mr. H was quick to attribute magical effects to the placebo effect, but he failed to see the broader picture. Magic works by combining all three aspects, just as the ancient Egyptians did in their powerful rituals. Psychological techniques work with the unconscious mind, while potions and substances affect the body on a physiological level, and energy manipulation adds a third, elusive layer. Modern practitioners often focus solely on the energetic level, but true magic is holistic. It integrates all three components, creating a powerful synergy that goes beyond what science, medicine, or religion can accomplish individually.

I reflect on how pop culture both gets things right and wrong about magical practitioners, especially regarding natural gifts and abilities. Every person, magical or not, is unique, but it’s only when you look closely that you realize the differences in how individuals approach magic. Pop culture, particularly TV shows like Charmed or Harry Potter, often confuses people about "active powers" and magical gifts, leading to unrealistic expectations. Many believe that having natural psychic abilities makes them special, but in reality, abilities like psychic vision or mediumship are more common than most realize. The real work comes in what you do with those abilities. I’ve seen so many psychics who can communicate with spirits but are simply used as vessels—tools for the spirit world, without the ability to actually change anything they foresee. True witches don’t just observe, we create change.

I stress the importance of pushing beyond natural abilities and never being satisfied with staying at your starting point. Even those who discover magic later in life, without natural gifts, can surpass naturally gifted individuals if they have the right hunger and determination. Success in magic isn’t about what you’re born with—it’s about how far you’re willing to push yourself, to break through barriers, and learn from mistakes. The only practitioners I’ve seen fail are those who either give up, refuse to open their minds, or stay stuck in worshiping idols and feeding their energy to parasitic spirits. Ultimately, real magical growth comes from challenging yourself, learning new skills, and seeking the guidance of wise teachers—whether human or spirit—who can help push you further down the path. Magic is a journey, and settling for less is a sure way to stagnate.

In the latest journal entry, I reflected on one of the most powerful and complex gifts I’ve received in my practice—the Scythe of Santa Muerte—and the contract that came with it. What’s particularly amusing, and somewhat disconcerting, is that Santa Muerte made it clear from the start that I would misuse the gift, it would be taken away, and eventually returned. Knowing this ahead of time didn’t stop me from walking right into it, and I ended up using the Scythe in a way I shouldn’t have. It was a situation where my emotions overrode my logic, and despite knowing better, I acted in the moment. Santa Muerte, of course, anticipated this—it was woven into the contract from the start. The lesson here is that sometimes, even when you know something is coming, the weight of human nature can drive you toward inevitable actions.

The nature of working with death and Saturnian spirits is often misunderstood. They aren’t malicious forces, as many believe, but rather neutral entities concerned with balance. My misuse of the Scythe didn’t change much in the grand scheme, as Death gets everyone in the end, even the universe itself. It’s all about ensuring the scales are balanced, and they don’t mind how that’s achieved as long as everything adds up. High-level magic, at its core, is really just understanding how to navigate these cosmic balances. But as with all things, there are layers of mystery left unspoken, and perhaps it’s best to leave the rest unsaid—for now.