All posts by Harold Carter

Harold Sanford Carter’s previous publications include poetry within the pages of “The Progressive Journal of Human Services”, essays and poetry in several state grown newsletters dealing with topics of recidivism and reform. He is a current member of The Maine Prisoners Advocacy Coalition (MPAC), a non-profit interested recidivism and reform as well as other issues concerning American prisoner’s rights. New Age topics have also intrigued Harold throughout his life. He is also published in a few metaphysical periodicals, “The Green Man” and much older zines called “Rays of Light”. In a New Age slant Carter’s best work was printed in the Green Man in 2011 titled”, “Spells and Magick”. Harold is a writer, songwriter, musician and a thelemic witch. You can reach Harold at; Ariestaurus143@gmail.com
Pagan Landmarks

The Patron goddess of Portland

By: Harold Sanford Carter III

In the heart of Portland Maine there is a statue made of bronze that watches over the city. The statue is a deity of war, wisdom, arts, trade, and defense. She is Roman and equal to the Greek goddess Athena. Her name is Minerva. She occupies Monument square and is the
heirloom to the fallen soldiers and sailors of the civil war. She is the mother of Portland.
The guardian of the fallen and a token of thanks to the bravest men the state of Maine has ever seen.

Richard Morris Hunt built the pedestal she stands on in 1891. He was born in Brattleboro, Vermont on October 31st, 1827 and died on July 31st, 1895. Richard was one of the greatest architects of his time. The pedestal of the statue of liberty was built with his very hands. Conversely, the statue was constructed by another man by the name of Franklin Bachelder Simmons. Frank was born in Webster Maine on January 11th, 1839 and died on December 8th, 1913. Indeed only a Mainer would have the right to make such a relic for the fallen warriors of Portland.

Before the statue was erected Monument square was called Market square. Kimball Clapp City hall stood there at this time. Only in time would Minerva demolish city hall and widen the square with her ancient power and blessing.

Minerva was born from the godhead of Jupiter with a sword in her hand. Minerva in ancient imagery usually is seen with an owl. This is a reference that suggests Minerva was a deity of much wisdom. Maine is not alone with the fascination of Minerva. The seal of California used her imagery during the political birth of that state. Further, The highest medal issued by the United States government displays her imagery. The medal of honor!

Minerva is a Pagan iconic figure. In a Christian dominated society it is fascinating to see how important she is even in modern times. Most importantly she is what is left of the memory of the fallen hero’s of the people that lost their lives fighting in the civil war. The spirit of Minerva was with the north. She watches the living and comforts our hero’s. May we remember the hero’s of Portland. Minerva was placed in the heart of Portland to remember them. If you find yourself at monument square be sure to heed the understanding and ultimate sacrifice of life. liberty and freedom is what was given by our warriors. They were led by Minerva.

The only civil war battle fought in Maine was the battle of Portland harbor in June of 1863. Southern raiders triggered the battle after seizing two non military vessels while trying to escape to the ocean. The raiders never made their escape.

Theology

Spells and Magick

By: Harold Sanford Carter III (Piercingmoon)

Aleister Crowley put the “k” in magic to separate stage magicians from true ceremonial magicians. Whenever you see writing and an author uses a“k”in the word magic (magick) it is safe to assume the author has a bit of Crowley wisdom to them. Spells and magick are not something a person does. Magick is what a person is. Magick spells happen in the mind. The physical actions of magick spells are only tools to focus the mind. Only pure will power can cast a spell. Concentrated desire and emotion are the keys to successful magick. Most spells are physical rituals to focus the mind. It is important to add that not all rituals are spells. When was the last time you blew out the candles for a birthday wish? You can change consciousness if will, emotion and desire are strong enough. Before you blow out those candles, close your eyes and ponder what you want. The candles blowing out are only a symbol for the mind. Faithful magick spirals in the thoughts of humanity. The flow of nature seems to be a factor in magickal work. The Great Spirit has rhythm with tide. We are part of the flow and our magick should run parallel with it. The Wheel of the Year waxes and wanes; so does the moon. Similarly, so should our magick spells. Going with the flow also includes correspondences to symbolically focus consciousness. Herbs, plants, days of the week, tools, colors, numbers, directions and many other correspondences can aid magickal spell work a great deal. Like the ingredients to a delicious cake, the spell must also have the right components. There is no ‘doubt’ in magick. A second of doubt will bring desire to its knees in execution. The best thing to do is to plant a spell like a seed and forget about it. In addition, make sure the spell is kept a secret. The mere thought forms of another can bring the spell to its demise. The only exception is if you are part of a working magickal circle. In the case of many directing a pure will, the results can be phenomenal.
Another word of advice is to always contemplate the desired results of a spell with visualization. Create a mental image of what it is that you want.
As I understand it, the most powerful magick spells a person can cast are the spells that are the most personal. There is no set doctrine for magickal things. It is true we can stand on the shoulders of giants to learn ancient traditions written and verbal, moreover, the seeker heeds only to Gaia. I wish people would stop saying that they practice white or black magick also! Power only manifests itself in balanced situations. Equilibrium is the
way of magick. Real magick is only gray. Nothing in nature is good or evil.
The notion of nature is that it simply exists. The spells and magickal intentions of adept practitioners mirror nature. White or black magick is off balance and will fall sooner or later. Who wants to have weak magick? Are you familiar with the Middle Pillar in the Golden Dawn magickal tradition? The focus was on the Middle Pillar for a reason. Learning spells, creating magick is a life long engagement. What works for you may not work for someone else. A strong will mends a strong spell. You must crave the wish with thirst. Magick is inside us. It’s in our thoughts. Anything outside of the psyche only acts as an extension of the will.
….. So mote it be.