What Daoism says about getting unstuck
What is manifesting, actually? Oftentimes, it’s about how to change your life
I am not so much of a fan of manifesting as it can suggest ableism or exceptionism. That said, we can still play in a role both through our daily decisions and how we relate with energy. Sometimes energies get stuck because the container (our bodies, our minds, our physical homes, our altars and other magickal work surfaces) becomes too full.
From a Daoist perspective, the stuckness happens because Yang has reproduced itself to the point of becoming an invasive mono crop species. The Yang aspect has fixated itself on past successes and assumes repeating what it has always done will result in more of what it desires.
But we know what happens with monoculture: diversity dwindles, as does life and creativity, shame and punishment takes over when we dare to consider a different way, and wanting to avoid shame, we choose safety and comfort over emergence and possibilities. When we’re stuck, when what we know no longer works, the only thing we can do is to empty ourselves of what we thought would.
When we choose Yin for ourselves, when we choose emptiness, we open ourselves to new energies, new viewpoints, new people, new paths, new languages and expressions, while remaining unrushed in the process of knowing (in other words, to not rush the process of becoming an ‘expert’), the Yin can help bring about a much-needed transformation.
With Yin, we can return to the sensory, the non-verbal, the direct experience of creativity and being-ness.
A simple Yin occult practice
Word of caution - I find energy responds quickly, as this spell really works! Do not engage until you’re ready for shifts.
Here is a simple Yin activity that can be approached as a witchcraft ritual:
Clean a focused physical area, such as a drawer, a bookcase, a cabinet that is a focused space that corresponds to a desired energy. Empty the entire space, wipe it down, and then begin rebuilding it with physical items that is stored there (such as books), layering it with plant oils to anoint it, while directly speaking with the Yin negative space. Give the Yin respectful honour and even a prayer, song, or poem.
I’ve done this with the shelves where I keep my teas and other herbal allies. After wiping down the shelves, I lit incense as a way to suffumigate with plant smoke and changed to the spaces themselves. I then dusted each jar of herbs and misted the jars with my Sacred Plants Cleansing Mist, and begin placing each item back to the shelves. I approach this animistically, each jar being a roommate with the other jars. The energy needs to feel compatible. (For instance, Tea being so porous doesn’t like to be stored with stronger scented plants, such as Mugwort).
The Yin ritual is then complete with a final dressing of mist - this time with the Spell of Roses Mist - a plant of equal measures of pleasure and protection.
Our relationship with both the Yin and Yang are widely discussed and practiced within Homing Coven, the online coven I hold space for and belong to. We are always learning witchcraft, deepening our psychic skills, and supporting each other as both lay and professional psychic mediums, tarot readers, astrologers, and witches. How many of us are in the coven? We are a small, growing group. We like the intimacy, and feel the power of its evolution. If you’re looking for a spiritual family, maybe join a coven!
Honouring the Yin,
Mimi
Animist spirit medium and founder of Ceremonie