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Say No Without Feeling Guilty
We can build strength by saying no. Don’t worry—we wouldn’t send you out there with just a word!
Here are 10 tips to help you say no, and to do it without the guilt that accompanies the word.
Assess Your Limits
Setting boundaries for work, family, dating, finances, and social life are essential.
How should we proceed? We examine our limits before expanding them.
Take time to contemplate and journal about your boundaries. Ask yourself these:
- What if I kept these boundaries?
- What obstacles must I overcome?
- What sort of help do I require?
Thinking through these will keep you calm.
State Your Rejection Clearly
Right? However, niceties sometimes distract us. Consider the consequences of saying yes or no. Would adding another task or attending an event you do not want to make you feel overwhelmed?
Will they respect your boundaries if you politely decline? Complete the scenario.
Expect Reactions
We’ll admit that not everyone will appreciate your ability to say no. Some people will be very supportive, others not so much.
Some may claim your time, energy, space, and rights. They may feel obligated to you despite your boundaries. When you say no, these people may get angry. Unfortunately, it would be best if you prepared for it mentally.
When people approach you with “a favor to ask,” draw a line. Saying no may disappoint or upset them, but it sets a boundary for the future. Stand firm when your boundaries are tested.
Record Your Progress
Reflect on the reactions and process. Question yourself.
- What made me feel like I can’t set healthy boundaries?
- What’s keeping me from setting boundaries?
- Is it wrong to set boundaries?
We all want to be loved and accepted by others, but the most important thing is to love ourselves by being true to our needs.
Be Determined
You will feel more in control and comfortable when you set boundaries. Boundaries boost self-esteem, calmness, and confidence.
People often can’t say “no” because of their self-image. They worry about upsetting someone or taking the easy way out. Listen to that inner voice that whispers one or more of these fear-based statements and reframe them.
Remove Your Emotions
This is extremely difficult. Avoid your emotions? “They think I can do that?” you might be thinking. Yep. We think you can do it!
Reassessing your situation can help you emotionally. This lets you imagine the relationship or environment you would create if you had no outside influences.
Think about your ideal situation, and work to create it by creating boundaries.
Self-Care
It might be stressful to refuse. If you’ve refused to interact with someone who is reactive, you’re undoubtedly under a lot of stress.
It can be challenging to take care of yourself the way it seems on Pinterest or Instagram. How you treat yourself matters. Are you being good to yourself? Are you allowing yourself time, forgiveness, and grace? Do you have faith in your ability to make room for the things you find joy in?
You will experience greater harmony and happiness within yourself and your life if you practice more self-care. Self-care won’t always be simple, but it will get easier over time.
Just Trust Yourself
Embrace your instincts. Please pay attention to what it has to say. In our experience, it is almost always right. Please pay attention to what it affirms and denies. This inner voice is trustworthy because it wants to protect you.
Your stress levels will significantly decrease, and your level of satisfaction will substantially increase if you let this take care of you.
Your boundaries will constantly be tested, even if you do everything right. We believe in you. You have the tools and strength to say no.
Go get ’em, tiger! It is time to start saying no with ease.
Wandering Soul of the Dybbuk
The Possession, The Dybbuk, The Unborn, and Demon are just a few of the movies that depict Dybbuk. According to European Jewish folklore and Kabbalah, a Dybbuk is a spirit of the dead that attaches itself to a living person. The world itself is derived from Hebrew and means attachment. Adherents to Kabbalah believe that a person unable to fulfill their purpose in life has the opportunity to become a Dybbuk.
What Is A Dybbuk?
A Dybbuk is a dead person’s spirit that seeks out people who experience similar circumstances or challenges and attaches to that person’s body.
Jews believe that Dybbuks escape from the Jewish purgatory, the Gehenna, or are turned away from the Gehenna due to serious transgressions. On the other hand, a good spirit might be able to possess a person. However, it would leave once its goal has been accomplished. As for the Dybbuk, it is evil in nature and does not leave the body that easily.
Although Jewish tradition involving good and evil spirits dates back to ancient times, in Jewish culture, Dybbuks became widespread in the sixteenth century. S. Ansky, a Jewish playwright, even wrote the Yiddish play, The Dybbuk in 1914. The story tells a tale of a young bride who becomes possessed by a Dybbuk during her wedding night. A ballet was composed by Leonard Bernstein based on the play by S. Ansky. Even though the belief in Dybbuks has reduced over the years, a few Jewish communities still believe that Dybbuks exist. Some rabbis can also help free individuals.
Ancient Background
The Old Testament does not tell many stories of evil spirits. However, the story of King Saul is famous, wherein he was possessed by an evil spirit after losing support from God. Samuel mentioned that David would play the harp and relieve Saul whenever the evil spirit came to Saul. The evil spirit would abandon his body. Jesus of Nazareth is known for being a powerful healer who helped reduce people of evil spirits.
Talmudic and Kabbalistic Tradition
The best defense against evil spirits and demons is the observance of the Law. Jews would wear amulets for protection. The posting of a mezuzah at the door also helped protect against evil spirits and the reading of certain prayers like the Shema. Talmudic and kabbalistic traditions affirm the presence of good and evil spirits. It has been mentioned in the Talmud that the wicked are accompanied by Satan and the righteous by the angels. Only through observance of the Law is it possible to seek protection. Those engaged in sacred work are said to fear no evil power. In fact, priests can bless individuals and protect them against malign forces. Jewish Law accepted demons as a fact. The demon Puta, also known as the Prince of Forgetfulness, can be overcome by drinking a cup of the Sabbath wine.
To avert evil spirits, many prayers and rites were introduced. In the Kabbalah, various formulas were prescribed to deal with the actions of the dying person and impure thoughts. Amulets, prayers, and incantations offer protection. Women used to be banned from the cemetery as demons may get attracted to them and desire a sexual connection. The Shofar was blown at funerals for warding off evil spirits.
Eastern Europe
When we talk about the Dybbuk, the belief in the Dybbuk became widespread in much of Eastern Europe, where Jews lived. The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries saw an increase in the reporting of the Dybbuks. Incantations were used for warding off the Dybbuk. Isaac Luria was a Kabbalist who popularized different methods for setting balance. The Dybbuk is not the same thing as a demon. It is neither a fallen angel. Baal Shem Tov produced amulets to protect against Dybbuks. Only good spirits can act as a spiritual guide.
Dybukks are evil, and they pursue negative inclinations for causing harm to the host and leading them to commit sins. Their main purpose is to ensure that the living person commits the same sins as them during their lifetime. To be tormented by a Dybbuk, the spirit, and the body must not be fully connected. This is possible when mind-altering drugs are used or when one suffers from severe depression. Dybbuks that died alone would return to make others more miserable. For instance, if the spirit belonged to a heavy drinker, it would tempt the host to become a habitual drunkard. Generally, Dybbuks attach themselves to gain satisfaction for the injustices they have experienced.
Exorcism
A miracle-working rabbi can help expel even the evilest Dybbuk through exorcism in Hasidic tradition. But nine Jews and a rabbi are typically required for the exorcism of a Dybbuk. The ceremony does not involve overpowering the Dybbuk. It simply shocks it and dialogs with it to leave. The group recites the protective verses of Psalm 91 as they surround the possessed individual. Then, the rabbi blows the Shofar to shock the Dybbuk and cause it to break free from the living person. After this, the rabbi dialogues with the Dybbuk to discover its main purpose. Finally, the group would heal through prayer and dialogue to free the person. However, the legitimate needs of the Dybbuk may also need to be satisfied before it decides to leave the body.
Hasidic Jews continue to believe in Dybbuk possessions and perform exorcisms. Anyone seeking help can turn to the community to get their desired help. They will take you to the chief rabbi who can help you or your loved one. But you will need to ensure you are ready for the ceremony. Otherwise, it can feel overwhelming, and you might be unable to break free from the Dybbuk, which will only continue penetrating your body.
Aganju: the Orisha of Volcanoes
According to Yoruba mythology, Aganju is the Orisha of volcanoes, the wilderness, and the earth. He is associated with Saint Christopher and is believed to be the third Orisha said to have come to earth and is an Orisha of great antiquity.
In the Yoruba areas of Nigeria and the Benin Republic, Aganju is known as a revered warrior king from Shaki town in the present-day Oyo State of Nigeria. Aganju was said to walk with a sword and to fight by shooting fire.
Characteristics of Aganju
Aganju is violent and destructive. That’s why tectonic plate movement is often attributed to him. He is also heavily associated with Shango; in some traditions, he is believed to be Shango’s brother, while some state that he is Shango’s father. It is also thought that Aganju used to be a ruler of the Oyo Empire who became deified.
According to Lukumi, followers of this religion, Aganjú is like the sun, also his symbol, essential for growth, and a cultivator of civilizations. Like the volcano he is also associated with, he forms the basis upon which societies are created and is the motivation for producing large amounts of wealth and commerce needed for advanced development. Lukumi practitioners most highly regard Aganju for assisting humans in overcoming great physical and psychological barriers. Additionally, Aganjú is known for his legendary strength and ability to bring about drastic change.
He was also said to have delivered the people of Cuba out of bondage and helped them carry the heaviest of burdens. The color red primarily identifies him.
Ritual offerings to Aganju are:
- Nine fruits.
- Nine crackers.
- Nine plantains with red palm oil.
- Nine handkerchiefs or silk pocket squares in different colors.
The Green Witch and How to Become One
There is more to witchcraft than toads, newts, and flying broomsticks. With over 800,000 Wiccans in the United States, more and more people are choosing to practice Pagan customs and strengthen their connection to nature.
Today’s eco-conscious witches are just as concerned about the planet as any other non-witch, if not more. She appreciates Mother Nature, loves all things green, and is called a “green witch.”
The release of well-known witchcraft books demonstrates the current growth in the popularity of green witchcraft.
Green Witches—What are They?
Murphy-Hiscock adds that a green witch is fundamentally a naturalist, a herbalist, a wise lady, and a healer. She believes in the power of nature and takes energy from the Earth and the Universe. Uses natural objects like stones and jewels to connect with the land she lives on, uses plants, flowers, oils, and herbs for healing, asks nature for guidance, and respects all living things, no matter how small. The green witch’s book of shadows, a recipe and spell book of mixtures and incantations that is as individual as each witch’s handwriting, has these understandings.
A green witch is what the Otherworldly Oracle refers to as “a person who deals with nature’s forces, local spirits, and all things green. The green witch establishes a tight relationship with nearby plants, trees, and wildlife as well as with the soil to harness the energy of the natural resources surrounding them.” These witches resemble ancient healers like druids and shamans.
What Distinguishes a White Witch from a Green Witch?
A white witch is preoccupied with using white magic, as opposed to a green witch who is interested in the wonders and mysticism of the earth. Green witches concentrate their efforts on the natural energy of the earth’s flora. In contrast, white witches apply practical magic with an eye on the greater good. There are wide different varieties of magic, but two examples are green witches and white witches. There are also kitchen witches, house witches, broom closet witches, and hedge witches.
How do I become a Green Witch?
Start with the natural world.
Consider beginning your study of green witchcraft with the Sacred Apprentice Box of Witchcraft from Sacred Iseum, which is intended to provide you with tools, magic, and inspiration. Based on the astrological alignment at the time, each month is carefully curated with magically charged things. The Informational Packet, Specially Designed BOS Pages, Specially Designed Spells, Incense, Oils, Herbs, Candles, Altar Tools, Jewelry, and other goods are some things you can anticipate finding in an apprentice box.
Include Flora and Greenery in Your Space
It would be best if you had flowers on hand because the world of the green witch is verdant. All you need to do to plant the monthly in-season seeds offered by Seed Club Pro is add soil, sunlight, and water. Additionally, your grimoire might require flowers, which Seed Club Pro can help with. Other excellent choices to consider are Airplant Box and My Garden Box, which include live plants and everything you need to create enjoyable, satisfying, and fulfilling garden projects.
Compile A Spiritual Toolkit for Beginners
Try a Magical Folk subscription box to strengthen your commitment to the environment. “Join us as we use the forces of old celestial knowledge and seek to brighten the world from the inside,” they proclaim, paying homage to the plants and animals of each season. Considering your common ties with other subscribers, not even a pandemic can stop covens.
The Tamed Wild Box, which provides monthly gifts of magic and earth medicine, is another option for lone witches to consider. Deliveries may contain crystals, herbs, teas, ritual instruments, altar goods, jewelry, essential oils, and other lifestyle things. Additionally, there is a lunar ritual for establishing intentions that have been specially chosen for the witch in you for each month.
Devote Time to Your Practice
Green witchcraft has a wide range; the green witch’s path is filled with many concepts that will draw you closer to Mother Earth. As a green witch, Arin Murphy-entertaining Hiscock’s guide is a great place to begin. These subscription boxes are an even better starting point.
Consider learning the ways of the green witch and using nature magic, which may be the most potent form of magic there is!
