/https://musingmystical.com/interview-with-author-natalia-clarke/
Tag: intuitive wisdom
Pagan Portals Intuitive Magic Practice review
Intuitive Magic Practice, part of the Pagan Portals series, by Natalia Clarke makes me want to breathe a long, deep sigh of relief. Things have been a bit hectic in my world recently, and I’ve felt the disconnection that stems from being out of touch with my inner voice. Reading this book has shifted me back into my more natural, receptive state of being in the most delightful way.
Clarke has combined her experience as a transpersonal psychotherapist with wisdom as a spiritual guide to offer readers insight on how to create an intuitive magic practice. Throughout the book, her gentle, calming tone invites a sense of fluidity, harmony, and personal energetic resonance to emerge.
In no way is this book one in which the author holds the knowledge, prompting a hierarchy between author and reader. Rather, Clarke develops a relationship with the reader that’s guided by feelings of goodwill and trust. Much of the imparted content to the reader stems from her own personal experience, and she writes this book as though she might be telling a friend about her experiences with magic and developing intuition in her own life. I enjoyed her anecdotes and the lens it provided me into seeing how she developed her own spiritual perspective.
I really liked reading about the importance of nature in Clarke’s spirituality and connection to her intuition. There is so much beauty in the natural world, along with lessons of tending, growing, and slowing down to enjoy the moment. Since her writing does not stem from any one belief system or practice, I noticed how nature seemed to be the greatest influence that gave shape to Clarke’s experiences.
However, there’s so much that Intuitive Magic Practice covers. Each chapter highlights a method of connecting to one’s intuition and offers ways to become receptive to the guidance of one’s inner knowing. Receptivity is key here, as Clarke’s writing calls the reader to settle in, move at their own pace, and gently open to the promptings that want to be acknowledged.
Some topics covered in the book are dreamwork, journaling, breathing exercises, creating sacred space, creative imagination, moon cycles, and more. Clarke also shares spells, information on candle magic, and guidance on how to select ritual tools. Through it all, she emphasizes that there is no one size fits all model for one’s magical practice; there is also no need to force something when the energy is not there.
“This way there is a natural flow, no force, no attachment to an outcome, no artificial influences of any kind and it always works. One might say I flow with intuitive energy if and when it comes in. If I am not called or specific energies are not present, I do not do anything.”1
Clarke also includes information on the Triple Goddess aspects, working with the elements, and tips for intuitively crafting one’s own magical practice such as writing spells, casting a circle, and creating rituals. Again though, this all arises from a place of moving with the flow, rather than planning, specifying, and dictating how the process should look. She even contrasts intuitive magic to ritual magic to help readers get a better sense of this method in relation to others.
My favourite chapter of Intuitive Magical Practice was “Intuition, Divine Feminine and Sacred Self-care.” While this book has valuable information for all readers, Clarke does note in the introduction it is more geared towards a female audience. All I can say is this chapter was all I needed to be reminded of and more right now.
As I move through a phase of transition, stemming from immense burn-out in my last job that lead me to severely disconnect from my own internal guidance, I desperately needed the reminder that listening to my intuition, caring for my body, and moving in alignment with the energy is a practice of sacred self-care.
“What do I mean by sacred self care? This links in with self-awareness, which can grow through listening to yourself with complete trust and seeing powerful results in your way of being with yourself and the world. It means giving yourself what your inner voice asks of you or points you towards; giving yourself what you need in the moment by listening to your intuition; treating yourself with compassion, love and respect, as you would any divine energy.”2
It’s interesting too how Clarke reminded me of the importance of moving according to where the energy is and how things are flowing. To be honest, this book has been sitting on my shelf for about two weeks now, and I had procrastinated delving into my new book. I tried to read it a week ago, but after a few pages it was sidetracked. Then, suddenly, this morning, all my energy was focused on reading this book and sinking in to receive it’s message. I am so glad that I trusted the timing of my feelings and didn’t read it in a mindset that wasn’t ready to embrace all the wisdom in this book.
For the past few months, I’ve forgotten that it’s okay to live according to your intuition and trust the timing of when things unfold, but reading Clarke’s words reassured me that it’s okay to move in rhythm that feels right for you. It was particularly inspiring to read how she doesn’t do spell-work unless she feels called. Living a magical lifestyle doesn’t have to be doing spells with each moon cycle, or constantly keeping up with a specific practice “just because you’re supposed to.” It can be just as powerful when your practice is fluid and guided by intuition. This is such a deeply refreshing approach to magic.
I’ll admit I moved quite quickly through the book, soaking it all in as I sat outside in the sunshine, feeling the fresh air gently flow around me. However, this is also a book that can be savoured and referred back to over time. While I did finish it quickly, I now am ready to go back through it and practice some of the exercises, which Clarke offers plenty of through the book.
There is one method of connecting to intuition Clarke writes about that I had never heard of before, which I am particularly excited to try out: intuitive drawing. This approach can help to facilitate a dialogue with the subconscious and allow feelings, sensations, and thoughts to arise from deep within. Sometimes I feel like I get trapped in my words, and I am eager to see what comes out when I choose drawing as a form of communication with my inner guidance.
All in all, Clarke’s gentle and uplifting approach to an intuitive magic practice is something of great value to those who are seeking a more natural approach to working with energy. I highly recommend Intuitive Magic Practice to those who are seeking to tune back into their inner voice in a way that feels authentic and true to who they are. This book is a wonderful reminder that there is no right or wrong way, and that healing comes from remembering the sacred connection to our inner guidance. As you read Clarke’s wisdom, I’m sure you’ll feel right at home within yourself, comforted by the words that it’s okay to embrace your intuition and let your energy flow in a way that feels harmonious.
Alanna at https://musingmystical.com/intuitive-magic-practice-by-natalia-clarke/
Intuitive life and magical practice
To share with you my experience of this way of living and practicing magic I have reflected on how it has worked for me and what specific feelings it inspired and transformations it offers to my whole life.
What my intuitive magical practice and living life intuitively offered me is freedom and empowerment; trust in myself and absolute faith in my own knowing. It allowed a complete suspension of judgement and seeing all possibilities, often in the most unlikely places. It offered a way of life that is in connection with awe and enchantment. There is a particular feeling of joy that I experience when in a state of deep knowing of my intuitive wisdom that I had not experienced with anything else. Nothing was able to do this for me before. I believe that being able to use my intuition (like a skill) came here with me when I was born before it was ‘stolen away’ by life. (I write on this HERE).
Living an intuitive life also offers a unique opportunity to take full responsibility for yourself, freedom of not having to answer to anyone and honouring your feelings completely and at all times. For me it is linked with my moral compass and strong principles and beliefs I live by.
There are things to be aware of when starting out on this path, whether you begin to experiment with intuition in your daily life or in a magical practice. I talk about the subject of ethics in my book (HERE) where each individual needs to decide for themselves what your practices are to be: whether you practice certain things only; if you do magic for yourself or others or both and if you participate in all magic, the whole spectrum of presenting forces in the universe – dark and light, both, or you focus on a particular principle only. In making those decisions and establishing ethics and boundaries intuition, again, is your ally. It can help offer you the first inkling, if you like, make you aware of the energy, feeling, pull or push, and from there you can discern for yourself. This is different to working from a book, a record or someone else offering you a way of doing things, although there is nothing wrong with those methods, if you choose to use those.
My intuitive magical practice includes myself, the other and the environment, which, I believe, how the more traditional witchcraft works. The other, for example, be it a familiar, a deity or a particular entity/energy you work with would either call upon you or make you aware of something in need to working with. It will call you to work, which will coincide with the feeling within you (intuition), that knowing of something rising, manifesting and in need of attention. It will expect you to be ‘in practice’, which is how I work, i.e. I am ‘in waiting’ for my skills to be used when they are needed. Very rarely I take upon myself to spell-craft or do a ritual of some sort just because. There is a reason, need and a call for everything in my practice and my life. I must be called, and that call can also come from within when I become aware of a need of a person, myself included. The need must be great, as I also see magic as the last resort when otherwise things find it hard to be resolved. Via using myself and my intuition as a magical skill and the environment around me (nature and the elements) I go to working the magic.
Curious and would like to learn and find out more? My introductory, easy-to-follow book on the subject is available for pre-order ORDER HERE and will be out on the 30th April 2021 online and from all the reputable bookstores in paperback and electronic format. It is a solid introduction into the subject of reclaiming/using and enjoying your intuition as your most precious gift to aid you in navigating life in a fulfilling and meaningful way.
I was born with it
Since I was a child I was aware of this ‘feeling’ (emotional vibration is of the most value to me) that spoke to me of what was about to happen. I felt the feelings and watched events unfold. Like an invisible friend it followed me. Another way to describe it was like wearing a piece of familiar and comfortable clothing, always against my skin. Sometimes I struggled to understand its messages even though I instinctively knew it did not matter. It was not tested on anything. Regardless I was always aware of it being there and its name was Intuition.
Later through the traumas of the world and life my friend became subdued and I with it. It remained quiet for longer and I felt lonelier than ever. Loneliness happened to me very early on (around the age of five, which I still remember) due to being seen as different, hard to reach, difficult to read, emotional and sensitive and later on referred to as too deep, too serious or too dark.
Loneliness followed me into adulthood. By that point my Intuition was gagged, tied up and hidden in the darkest place of my psyche by demands of life and the adult world that my heart felt was wrong, but could not change. I became too much, too feeling and my body followed into a black hole of mysterious physical ailments. I lost my inner voice. Only music revived me temporarily. When I touched the piano keys and lost myself in music I found something else; a place where everything was just being and flowing. I was not allowed none of that outside of music, outside of myself.
Many years had passed and I began to feel a rising of something familiar within me. In truth it slammed into my life like a hurricane; like the loudest noise that had been dying to expel its roar for many years. There was fury and confusion initially, but peace followed, a deep knowing kind. I was being put together again, the same way when I was a child when I first became aware of my friend. This time it was bigger, stronger and with my friend returning to me, wiser.
This time I understood its messages clearly and I vowed to hold it precious and not let go. Intuition became a way of life for me. It was mine and only mine, on my terms, for my own good and restoration of myself, others and the planet. I began to follow it without a doubt, hesitation or fear. Intuition was one thing I trusted. I let the magic back in, my own kind, intuitive one. And along with Nature as my God and inspiration everything changed. I was no longer watching things unfold, but began participating in life in a way of discernment of what’s good and not and so including myself in everything for the first time. I was no longer standing witness to the needs and wants of others; attending from the side lines to everyone’s feelings and recovery. I began to live my life fully and unconditionally and what allowed me to do that was my inner companion, my now fully visible or rather felt friend under the name of Intuition. One true gift of yourself to yourself.
We all possess internal gifts, treasures that are vital to our thriving and protection. Like our body who the intuition is in partnership with, it is always on our side and if we hear the voice, understand its language and learn to follow its advice life becomes a different way of engagement. It is a way to finding joy, strengthening boundaries, avoiding pointless mistakes and honouring our feelings at ALL times. Feelings are another ally of Intuition.
My book Pagan Portals Intuitive Magic Practice explores the subject of intuition and how with its integration and help one can create a magical practice unique to you. It is about reclaiming and restoration of your inner voice. The message aims to be inspiring, empowering and the book provide real-life examples and practical steps towards using intuition as you craft your spells and include magic in your life. If you remain curious and enchanted, it can be a life-changing first step.
The book offers self-affirming concepts and principles that will connect you back to yourself.
If you ever wondered about that inner knowing that dwells within you; a powerful navigation system you know you were born with, but forgot how to use it or ignored its value due to life’s conditioning, now IS the time to rediscover that value again and go back to being guided by your own inner wisdom.
The book explained and a real-life example
The book comes out in April 2021 and is currently open for pre-orders on the publishers website
PRE-ORDER here
This book is aimed at people, who are becoming curious and start researching the Earth-based spiritual path. Perhaps you read a couple of books, articles or seen some films that drew you into the world of witchcraft, Druidry or, may be a Shaman figures spoke to you from a place unknown. You might have had an experience that sparked your curiosity and you would like to seek further what your path might be.
The book is in the series of Pagan Portals, which are aimed at beginners, but also can be helpful and insightful for experienced practitioners. These books include unique and personal experiences of practitioners from many nature-based spiritual paths, which make them unique in a way of finding information you might not find otherwise. They can also be looked at as Introductory guides into a particular subject.
Pagan Portals Intuitive Magic Practice touches on an important subject of intuition, which many pagan practitioners would agree is one of the ingredients that are worth including in your spiritual magical practice. The subject does require some research, self-insight and practice. If you take the book as some beginners’ steps into this practice you can develop it further overtime, which has a true potential to change your life.
I had some feedback recently on the book from a woman, a mother, a person, who has begun a journey of searching for something more. Earth-based spiritual path began unfolding for her subtly, with gentle feelings here and there and the land began to call to her inviting into joining in with a place, nature, wilderness out there and within. She never engaged in spells and witchcraft yet curious about what a life of a magician might be like she began researching. Her other reason was to break away from a strict authoritarian religious views of her close circle growing up. She felt stifled by the religion unable to explore for herself until now. I recommended she looks through Pagan Portal series books to see if anything jumped out at her and begin reading. The books are short and concise with clear messages and good writing. They are engaging and reader-friendly with practices that can easily be incorporated into anyone’s life.
She gave me an example of her engagement with mu book. At first she said she was not receiving it. I thought her way of putting that was interesting and very relevant to the subject of intuition. Receiving it… or not. At the time her experience was that she went through an event when after she followed an external advice she felt sharply ‘in her gut’ that it wasn’t right for her.
In her own words:
And thus I ignored my own intuitive wisdom.
The gut feeling is not a coincidence, as a lot of our heart-felt and emotional experiences are stored in the gut and it is closely linked with our hearts and brains. It is a rich, futile soil for where signals are often clear, sharp and difficult to ignore. She ignored the message coming from her body – the body is another ally of Intuition, as well as, emotions, the heart. At the same time she struggled to ‘receive’ the messages in the book – how curious. Only when she decided to undo the action she knew was not the right one for her and for her body and attempted to engage with the book again she heard it and was able to engage. You see there are defences within us against Intuition, as we had been programmed to ignore ‘such nonsense’ and use common sense and logic. There is nothing wrong with logic yet without intuition we are not able to discern the best way for us. Logic follows, heart/gut discern and is always in alliance with the body and on your side. Mind is not always in alliance with the body, as we all know.
She reported that a gentle, non-forceful writing helped her continue, as I guided her through my personal examples, which she found useful when applying theory to practice.
In her own words:
So now I started reading again. And it sinks in and makes sense!
Your style of writing suits me. It feels ‘neutral’. Not judging or telling what to do (as is my experience from growing up in a Protestant community). The way you ‘mix’ theory with your experiences, makes it understandable and recognizable.
I encourage you to give yourself a chance to remain curious with and enchanted by the nature-based spiritual and magic path. The earth-based faith is a place where you have a chance to find yourself. It can open up doors and possibilities for transformation and clarity like never before. Here I am going to say it and invite you to ‘Follow your intuition’ towards what calls you. Trust yourself to know the answers to the questions you have been asking for a long time. We all have to start somewhere and I hope my book will open up one such door for you.
The book is also specifically relevant to the work of a witch and magical practice based on intuition. If you are aware that the witch in you wants to speak and awaken and you are empathic and intuitive by birth and have always known it, this book will offer you an alternative way of building a practice, the way you want it to feel and work. It puts you at the centre of your practice.
Thank you for your support and following.
Much love and many blessings!
Raw Nature Spirit 
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