Hey everyone,
So a lot of people have been asking a lot of questions…some magic-based, some business-based. In the interest of just getting everyone on the same page, I'll answer both kinds.
Q: I heard you're retiring – is this my fault? Will you still talk to me? Do you hate me?
A: I may not retire, but the thought of so doing really comes down to someone I thought was more friend than client telling me the worst possible kind of lie -and right when this person knew I was going through some struggles of my own,- all in an effort to avoid dealing with an issue which they caused which complicated my life 500% more than it should have (and was easily remedied, which they refused to do). To top this off, there is like Murphy's Law/Sod's Law/etc that any time one is dealing with a lot of one's own bullshit, the most impossibly high maintenance and rude people they have ever worked for will show up, so of course if I am ever having a shit day (include the days I had the flu) of course this means every single person I ever worked for in almost 15 years of working for the public who is difficult and rude and selfish contacted me that day.
I stress that most people I work for are awesome. They are patient. They are inspiring. Now imagine that the majority of people I've worked for went mute, and everyone who ever made me want to rip out my own spleen rather than deal with them showed up in the span of 2 hours, all at the same time. That pretty much is what happened. 😉
On top of this, my current host sends HALF my replies. My own father had a wellness check (that's right, people came unbidden into my home to make sure I was alive) done on me because of this. He thought I was dead in here. So, I don't want to invest in a new host if I'm retiring from public service, but then I may have to invest in a new host, just because even if I DID retire, I still have to stay the course with all of my paid projects.
And that's just it – I'm not ever going to give up and leave you if we have active work on the table. That's not me. You could buy something the day I retire, and I'd still work for you til the work was done and the case over.
So, no, it's probably not your fault, yes, I'll probably still talk to you unless I specifically said "Stop contacting me," (which is rare, but there have been a few people over the last decade and a half who I've said it to,) and I am sure it's unlikely that I hate you. I want to make sure everything I work on is finished IF I RETIRE. I'm still not sure. Let's just say without wanting to be indiscreet that the lie this person told me really….made me reconsider working for people. I considered this person (or multiple people, as I worked for more than one who is involved in this lie) actual friends. It was beyond hurtful and wrong. BUT, I may just be pissed and stressed and I want to make sure it's not that before I decide to give up public service (even if just go on sabbatical rather than retire.)
Q: Did you really have the flu? In Summer? PLZ!
A: Yes, I even had a fever and all. The above mentioned wellness check had those busting in on me butt naked (yes, seriously) asleep on the couch with a fever. I was sweaty and nekked. When I grabbed a blanket to cover my bare ass (haha) and shooed them out, one of them later apologized for even coming in. 😉 Well, yeah, try KNOCKING A LOT first, haha. 😉
Look, ever since I was in that house fire almost 2 years ago, bronchial/lung complaints come upon me easier. I suspect (which it's not hard and I'm no Sherlock Holmes, here,) that inhaling my burning mattress for a few hours probably effed up my lungs and throat or downed my immunity to such complaints. I'm alive and that's what matters. Most of the time I feel as good as I did ten years ago. Just, if you have bronchitis or a cold, can you please not visit me? 😉
Q: Do you think you're cursed or something with some of the bad luck/stressful crap you've had happening?
A: No. 😉 It can feel that way at times but everyone has a run of bad luck. I purify my home and myself frequently. If anyone attempted to attack, they would end up dealing with 10x whatever they sent IF it hit. There's the kicker…I have enough protection up that something hitting is rare, and when it does? My wouldbe antagonist cackles for a very, very short time…and then what they send hits them over, and over, and over again. This isn't just magical attack. Anyone who would speak against me (so verbal assault) in an attempt to cause me problems will shortly find themselves in a lot of hot water, – which is a promise a spirit made me (a bit more complex than what I just said, but that's the gist) in return for my service. And if someone physically attacked me? Well, I mean, I'd probably kick their ass, but that's covered too. 😉
Q: I have some serious problems of my own – can you help me learn how to help myself?
A: Of course! I am always around to coach you how to cast your own spells. It's not a free service (but reading my blog is free,) but I'm glad to get on the phone and instruct if you're interested! Please feel free to set up a live coaching session. :)
Q: Didn't you make mad money off of your book?
A: No, even if we sold out, I'd not make "mad money." 😉 Being an occult writer is not as profitable as one might assume. There are limited copies in hardcover (hint), and not sure if we're going to paperback it (hint), and it's one of the few books which is very dedicated to love spells that ANY PERSON OF ANY LEVEL CAN USE (hint) through a very fine publisher (hint), but at the same time, making a lot of profit from this venture is not why I undertook it. I am happy to have something published to be remembered by, but I didn't go to the most mainstream occult publisher because I'd rather have a quality publishing house that caters to people who are dedicated to learning and working in the occult fields than some fly by night pulp publisher pumping out 10k+ copies for people just dabbling in occult/spellwork. If you want to dabble, my blog is free. Save your money.
Q: So, this review site hates you now! They used to love you, but now (site name) is so mad! What are you going to do?
A: The one I've had to tell for years to stop ripping off my articles? The one that I said repeatedly to stop linking whole categories? That one? Here's my reaction to them "hating" me!
To be perfectly frank, as I said above, anyone who goes against contract and discusses me in any public forum is already screwed (legally, – so mundanely, – and spiritually,) but since it's generally only people I told I would NEVER TAKE THEIR CASE (it has to be 100% of my "bad reviews" if not close,) who leave such silly things or use such sites, I'm not worried. Maybe now those people will stop lifting my articles. Couldn't care less if they hate me. Really.
See the problem with virtually ALL review sites online (not just spellcaster review, but ALL, including Yelp, and etc,) is they are not consumer reports…they aren't juried by impartial judges familiar (very familiar) with the service. They are left by people who are exaggerating and stupidly pissed and are generally false. No expert is deciding. It's someone who got bumped for a flight and now says he's seen rats on all of Delta's planes. It's the person who usually gets seated in 5 minutes now making stories about a restaurant for waiting 20 minutes. It's the person who usually gets a free deodorizer tree with an oil change, now saying fake shit because the tree was not given. Even worse? When it comes to spells, most of the reviewers don't understand magic or spellwork…they perceive it as a vending machine where if you put your money in, what you want comes out. It isn't. It's more like hiring a lawyer for a very tough case.
So less article-jacking and delusional people? Yes, please. 🙂
Q: You give good relationship advice, even outside of the magical sphere – are you like…a love guru?
A: HA! Only if I'm giving the advice. 😉 One reason I can relate to many clients IS THE REASON I'VE DEALT WITH SIMILAR. While I can't say I've called an ex 40 times in an hour since I was in my teens or maybe 20 at the oldest, I can reasonably say I've dated enough jerks, emotionally-absent dudes, and people with commitment issues to understand what many people go through. ;)
I do understand relationships and how they work, and sometimes, I admit, I need my own advice. I've said crappy things, I've been unfair, or I even shot myself in the foot (proverbially) in the name of love. So, my advice is great, and sometimes I need to remember to take it, because I still, to this day, mess up in relationships, too, just like many of you. I do avoid most "rookie mistakes" these days, but I did text future Mr NinjaCat some unfair things before, so I'm not perfect. 😉
And let me be fair….commitmentphobes attract me. I've dealt with many. For some reason, I like a challenge. 😉
Q: Wouldn't a perfect spellcaster never have problems?
A: That's ridiculous. A doctor gets sick. A lawyer has legal problems. A carpenter needs to fix up his home. A gardener may have a plant fail. None of this has any bearing on being adept at one's job. EVERYONE ONE HAS PROBLEMS. Anyone telling you otherwise is full of it.
I agree that part of being a good practitioner is "kingdom maintenance," or trying to keep your life running smoothly, but that someone has issues is no statement on their ability.
My own dentist (who's talented) and myself both got a root canal on the same day in the same office – and his teeth are great, he just has wear from aging. That was a few years ago, but it didn't shake my faith in him.
Q: If magic is so powerful, why can't I grow wings or be 20 years younger, or go back in time, or fly on a dragon?
A: While I'm not here to say magic CANNOT do those things, it's unlikely to the point of being so improbable, I would not suggest you seek such things. Most (if not just about anyone) who tell you they can make you younger, help you time travel, or fly on a mythical creature are probably lying to you. As I have said more than once – if I had that type of power, would I even bother holding a job?
Q: Why is it once I "give up" my spells seem to manifest?
A: Because you have lust for results/are thinking the spell to death. It's OK – it doesn't make you a freak. I've been so obsessed with a person or outcome that I also messed up my spells, even when I was well out of my beginner phase. Sometimes, and certainly not all of the time, a situation is so fascinating to you personally at that moment, that it is not easy (or even mildly trying) to let it go. When I say "fascinating," I don't mean to imply you're looking at a beautiful picture – I mean some emotion, fear, etc is dragging you to that situation, and stimulating a need in you to examine it or cling to it – whether it is worry or sexual attraction or even downright confusion is irrelevant. What is relevant is that you're so stuck on the situation, that you won't let it move – and that is not good for spellwork.
I don't mean most people should "give up" on wanting something, but that in some cases, the petitioner is SO OBSESSED with an outcome or situation, that this is practically the only way they can release the energy enough to have what they want so much. If you can let go of the situation, kind of ignore it and get on with life (so you think of it less than 2 times a day, and/or for less than ten minutes per day,) then yes, the spell outcome will come more quickly.
And I do realize that this is so much easier said than done. I've been to that point where I was so fascinated (obsessed) by someone or something, that it was difficult to think of anything else. It is not impossible to stop obsessing, but it is so hard it can be like giving up a drug addiction. 😛 I've been there before, and I understand, and that is WHY I keep sending the "Stop the lust for results" message, ad nauseum, frequently to all of you. It is the most common reason for spell failure, and no one likes to acknowledge that they are their own worst enemy.
Q: Is dark magic (curses/binding/control) evil?
A: Magic is a tool, like any other. I can build a home with a claw hammer, tear a wall out with the same hammer, and kill with the same hammer. It is a tool, it is me wielding the tool. So if someone is harming your family, is it wrong to defend yourself with that hammer? But if you rob someone, is it wrong to strike with the same hammer in a defensive (harmful to the opponent) method? Evil is a subjective term. You might harm, bind, or control for the greater good, HOWEVER, be judicious in how you do. Sometimes your own motives blind you to your selfishness.
That said, malicious intent or not, I do not believe any magic is evil. People can be selfish and malicious, but good and evil are subjective terms.
And, generally speaking, humans are not so black and white – we are selfish and noble in the same breath. Most people are "good" in the sense of helpful, empathetic, and kind, while also having selfish motives.
Q: What is the biggest mistake – in your opinion – that people make with love/reconciliation work?
A: It isn't magical…it would be deciding that Mr/Ms Current-Desire, is The One. We are often so blinded by what we want that we miss what would make us happiest.
Q: What is the most surprising thing you ever learned about yourself when casting love spells for yourself?
A: That I should be careful for what I wish for, as I was miserable when I got it. 😉 Yes, seriously. Also, sometimes it stops being about love and becomes all about "winning." That means…stop pursuing it.
Q: My religion says magic is evil/a sin – but you claim to be Catholic….what gives? Isn't magic evil in your religion?
A: I am not here to rock spiritual boats, and as far as being Catholic, it is the closest approximation to my belief which does not mean I am here as a representative of the Church. I do not believe magic is evil – I view it as a tool, as I said above. I do not believe the Almighty (whoever or whatever that is to you, even if it is just "The Universe,") feels that I am evil or what I do is wrong. I believe the Almighty to be infallible, so I'd not exist if He/She/They/It is infallible. If you or your religion/spiritual beliefs say otherwise, I am not here to change your mind. I have faith in my beliefs. I am not shaken by yours.
In saying that, I won't have debates with you on the matter. I am comfortable in my faith, and feel I was quite a seeker for many years, so I am not questioning whether or not I looked into what I believe to feel I'd come to my own conclusions without having taken time to educate myself and come to an intelligent conclusion.
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Hope that was enlightening, kiddos! More spell articles up soon!!
~Cat
Cat’s Rants: Confessions of an Occult Mastermind 