Intros and Miscellany

[Sam Block]

Hey, all!  I'm Sam, a.k.a. polyphanes, and I'm one of the readers at Sticks and Stones!  It's fantastic to actually meet you all in person, and I'm glad to have the chance to do so.

So, a bit about me.  I'm a ceremonial magician working in the Western Mystery Tradition, the collection of rituals, philosophies, and techniques that generally fall under the Hermetic label.  I'm not a strict by-the-book Solomonic magician, nor am I a chaote or freeform sorcerer, but I can be pretty eclectic in what I do.  Generally speaking, though, I work with the powers of the planets and elements, and the angels and ruling forces associated with them for fun and profit.  The whole spiritual enlightenment deal is a nice benefit, too.

I've also been working on a blog called the Digital Ambler, which tracks what I do, how I do it, and a variety of other miscellaneous things that occur in my crazy semi-mundane life.  Here are some of the more recent and interesting posts that you all might like to read and get a feel for what I do:

• Wherein I talk about the basics of magical timing with regards to p...
• Wherein I discuss how the four classical elements match up with the...
• Wherein I relate a harrowing story about exploring a haunted forest...
• Wherein I detail the consecration of a powerful solar ring and my p...
• Wherein I share a recipe for a very sensual and delightful incense

I've also got a lot of other goodies on my blog, ranging from ritual designs for tools and crafts to translations of medieval and classical magical texts and everything in between.  I'll make updates on my Sticks and Stones page when I come up with a post that a lot of people might find really relevant or helpful to their own works and paths, but if you're bored, hop on over and take a look.  You can also check out some of the goodies I make, and if something catches your eye, feel free to ask for commissions!  I'll occasionally make stuff to sell at Sticks and Stones, as well, so visit the store often and see what's new.

And remember, I hang out at the store on Sunday afternoons, usually between 2 and 6 p.m.  If you've got questions, I can help you get answers with geomancy; if you've got nothing better to do, come by and chat!