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258. Books for Advanced Witches

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  • čas přidán 20. 04. 2019
  • Who doesn't love a good "Wicca 101" beginner book? Well, people looking for advice and inspiration that they haven't heard of yet of course! This collection is of my own personal favorite "advanced" books for tarot and witchcraft. These won't be covering how to cast a circle and the basics, but dive far more deeply into the subjects of choice.
    Book a personal reading with me: www.etsy.com/ca/shop/StellarTarot
    Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free e-book, Tarot Spreads for Witches: www.stellartarot.ca
    Find me online:
    Website: www.stellartarot.ca
    Facebook: / stellartarot
    Book Club Group: / 103592813863381
    Instagram: @stellarraindancer
    Buy me a coffee on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/stellartarot
    Send me love mail: stellarjay55@gmail.com
    Pick up my Free E-book: www.stellartarot.ca/p/free-gif...
    My non-witchy CZcams channel: / @stellarlife3770
    Intro Music is called “Spring” and is from the free CZcams Audio Library
    ~-~~-~~~-~~-~
    Please watch: "326. 2 Tarot Cards in 10 Minutes | Queen of Swords and 8 of Wands, Tarot Card meanings for newbies!"
    • 326. 2 Tarot Cards in ...
    ~-~~-~~~-~~-~

Komentáře • 95

  • @Yarrowen
    @Yarrowen Před 3 lety +32

    Never be sorry for needing to enjoy your tea at the perfect temperature. It's a divine moment that just doesn't last.

    • @BogCat
      @BogCat Před 3 lety +1

      That was the moment I subscribed, she gets it xD

  • @pktrekgirl2
    @pktrekgirl2 Před 2 lety +5

    I do shamanic journeying and am a big fan of Sandra Ingerman (and Michael Harner) and Hank Wesselman. They are both highly respected and extremely responsible people who are not in the business of ripping off others. They are studied experts. And if they say it’s okay, I’m good with that. I’ll take their word over the word of Some Person On The Internet.

  • @Crossfoxcoon
    @Crossfoxcoon Před rokem +1

    Excellent run-down summary of these more advanced magick/pegan titles! Thank you for that comment on shaminism; on how a lot of these teaching came from indigenous people of all over the world, sometimes it was wisdom that was shared to us, but sometimes it was forcefully taken out of their cultures.
    On a personal level, I feel like there is nothing wrong with seeking out and utilize whichever practices suite our needs and feels right to us as individuals.
    But also, on a higher more mindful-level, it is nessecery to acknowledge the historical context of whichever tribal/ethno-cultural tradition you're sourcing from. And if you didn't inheret it and/or are not related to that trib/culture, to at least be aware of the follies of appropriation and misappropriation.

  • @rachaelsmith3375
    @rachaelsmith3375 Před 5 lety +27

    Jess! I just had to quickly comment to tell you how much I appreciated your thoughts on cultural appropriation. I found your approach to that tangled knot of issues so refreshing, sensible and, actually, really quite moving. Thank you for another wonderful video, full of book gems!

  • @13gudadod
    @13gudadod Před 3 lety +13

    7:34
    9:49craft of the wild witch
    By poppy palin
    11:10the path to druidry
    12:29The book of Celtic magic Kristopher
    13:55 a druid herbal for the sacred earthy by ellen
    16:10speaking to nature Awakening the deep

  • @hannahbotanica3311
    @hannahbotanica3311 Před měsícem

    Thank you for your discussion on Shamanistic practices. Well said! Great book choices as well. I can't believe this was 5 years ago!

  • @faitht8432
    @faitht8432 Před 5 lety +44

    I’m a closet witch. A southern baptist minister wife...so I can’t come out whatsoever. What book can I read for my closet craft

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 5 lety +27

      There are dozens of beginner books out there, but I can't think of anything that would have a cover and title that wouldn't set off alarm bells. Have you considered getting an e-reader? Then you can load dozens of books and the only time you see the covers is at the beginning. If you set it to sleep mode in between reading times it only shows a default book-like images.

    • @faitht8432
      @faitht8432 Před 5 lety +2

      Stellar Rain Dancer thank you very much.....

    • @diamonddog257
      @diamonddog257 Před 4 lety

      He really 'kees the Faith', .... doesn't he ?

    • @avaritia0
      @avaritia0 Před 4 lety +14

      Some witches work with angels if you want to start there and keep it low key and you might be able to hide it better but you should really do what makes you happy ❤️

    • @Bookbooper
      @Bookbooper Před 3 lety

      A lot of books are now avaliable as e-books so that mighy be more discrete

  • @kaylamichelle3921
    @kaylamichelle3921 Před 2 lety +1

    I’ve been SEARCHING for content like this. All I can ever find is information for beginning witches and I know that is helpful for so many, but us seasoned witches are left out ): thank you!!

  • @Rachel-nc8kp
    @Rachel-nc8kp Před 5 lety +18

    Thanks for this. I've been lacking in reading books for this very reason. If you have time would you be able to make a list maybe? Also thank you for respecting the original people. You stated your beliefs eloquently,i think the main thing is showing respect and properly preforming rituals and having the correct knowledge.

  • @georginataylor3802
    @georginataylor3802 Před 3 lety +2

    I completely agree with your points on Shamanism and the importance to learn well these teachings before sharing and doing so respectfully, giving credit to its origins mindfully. Thank you so much for sharing your extensive bibliophile knowledge with us.

  • @mistyrain643
    @mistyrain643 Před 3 lety +3

    Im so glad your doing this! Years ago I lived for the beginning book videos. But after years of practice its about time someone did this video! Bravo!

  • @cursecuelebre5485
    @cursecuelebre5485 Před měsícem

    Thank you so much for this! Lately there is more beginner books than advanced books out there which I have nothing against beginner books of course but be nice to find a book that is quite leveling up from the novice level.

  • @foodieinprovence
    @foodieinprovence Před 3 lety +1

    Amazing! I've been looking for books for advanced witches - thank you for these suggestions

  • @foreverseeking1380
    @foreverseeking1380 Před 5 lety +2

    Some great books! Norse shaman is awesome I have it and love it.Thanks for sharing

  • @sarahpsyche8472
    @sarahpsyche8472 Před 2 lety

    Brilliant recommendations thank you! I can't wait to read "the great work" in particular

  • @nellywellyful
    @nellywellyful Před 3 lety

    this is awesome! Thank you for this. I totally agree there's so much information on beginner recommendations but not much for intermediate/advanced.

  • @sallyharford603
    @sallyharford603 Před 5 lety +2

    Hello Stellar, and greetings from merry olde England. I have just discovered your CZcams channel, and I must say I am very impressed. For a person who is so young, and a practitioner of 'the craft'; you are wise and seasoned beyond your years. Thank you for your excellent book recommendations - I am making room on my shelves already. Also, you have the most striking and powerful altar: it is basic in design, but is so in alignment with the elements and the natural world - a great creative assemblage of sacred items. Blessed be, and good wishes from an English crone.

  • @aprilmatilda7743
    @aprilmatilda7743 Před 3 lety

    thank you for all the info! Just waiting on my stimulus to get some of those titles!!!

  • @damian3182
    @damian3182 Před 3 lety

    Hello, new subscriber here. I enjoy your book recommendations, I've started to add some to my wish list. I appreciate the positive energy you have given us through this technological witch space we all share. Thanks 🙏🏼🤲🏼

  • @hermestri3
    @hermestri3 Před 4 lety

    So helpful and well presented, bravo!

  • @jasminegugat5104
    @jasminegugat5104 Před 5 lety

    I am so glad I found your video! Thank you for doing a book list for those of us that need to drive deeper. I can get excited about reading and studying again :)

  • @louisemayell4334
    @louisemayell4334 Před 5 lety +3

    I'm so grateful to you for the wonderful wealth of experience and recommendation you give in your book reviews. I bought the Celtic Lore and spell craft the dark goodess and am loving it and learning about the morrigan. I Also brought dark goddess craft by the same order and am yet to read it. The great work is my next 'to buy' book. Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. Hugely appreciated.

    • @toddel321
      @toddel321 Před 4 lety

      I know that most people studying magick are doing so because they want to accomplish something and get results. But, the painful fact is that a great number of books on the subject of magick (especially witchcraft and Wicca) simply don’t work because they have been polluted by the same kind if religiosity that most practitioners have been trying to avoid ,and are based on superstitious non-sense with no basis in reality. This is the reason I wrote the book I am about to suggest. “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery” (available on Amazon) is a system of magick that combines timeless occult philosophy with science and psychology to create a system of magic that works. Point blank, I am almost fifty years old (I’ve been practicing for over 35 years) and do not have time to f-ck around with sh-t that is weak or useless. So, I threw out the trash, did a lot of research, performed loads of experiments and created a system that does. Enjoy.

  • @kikiwylde
    @kikiwylde Před 5 lety +7

    Lovely list of books, thank you
    I've been pausing between recommendations to download the book samples on Google Play and Kindle 😉
    I also think you spoke very eloquently on the issue of shamanism

    • @toddel321
      @toddel321 Před 4 lety +1

      I know that most people studying magick are doing so because they want to accomplish something and get results. But, the painful fact is that a great number of books on the subject of magick (especially witchcraft and Wicca) simply don’t work because they have been polluted by the same kind if religiosity that most practitioners have been trying to avoid ,and are based on superstitious non-sense with no basis in reality. This is the reason I wrote the book I am about to suggest. “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery” (available on Amazon) is a system of magick that combines timeless occult philosophy with science and psychology to create a system of magic that works. Point blank, I am almost fifty years old (I’ve been practicing for over 35 years) and do not have time to f-ck around with sh-t that is weak or useless. So, I threw out the trash, did a lot of research, performed loads of experiments and created a system that does. Enjoy.

  • @gabrielmiranda4017
    @gabrielmiranda4017 Před 3 lety

    Ive just began this video and I already love your energy 🥰

  • @tarotreadingsfromabitch
    @tarotreadingsfromabitch Před 5 lety +2

    Thank you so much for doing this video! There really aren't enough recommendations out there for more advanced books like this. My list of books I want has doubled. That tarot and psychology one is at the top of that list!

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 5 lety +1

      Its such a good book, but its one to take your time with.

    • @toddel321
      @toddel321 Před 4 lety

      I know that most people studying magick are doing so because they want to accomplish something and get results. But, the painful fact is that a great number of books on the subject of magick (especially witchcraft and Wicca) simply don’t work because they have been polluted by the same kind if religiosity that most practitioners have been trying to avoid ,and are based on superstitious non-sense with no basis in reality. This is the reason I wrote the book I am about to suggest. “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery” (available on Amazon) is a system of magick that combines timeless occult philosophy with science and psychology to create a system of magic that works. Point blank, I am almost fifty years old (I’ve been practicing for over 35 years) and do not have time to f-ck around with sh-t that is weak or useless. So, I threw out the trash, did a lot of research, performed loads of experiments and created a system that does. Enjoy.

  • @butterflymagicwithhottea9291

    I completely agree on the choices for Tarot and Psychology as well as The Great Work. I have those two and refer to them often. I also have the two goddess books re Tending Brigid's Flame and on the Morrigan, the Dark Goddess, though admittedly, I have not read those ones thoroughly. You always bring such interesting material to your channel.

  • @samwright8599
    @samwright8599 Před 4 lety

    I've started to get the books on your list... Thank you for you help. IF you do see some others you think are worth time please do another vid xxx

  • @JennHodgson
    @JennHodgson Před 5 lety

    I love your videos and your videos on books

  • @widgie161
    @widgie161 Před 4 lety +1

    Yes! Jail breaking the Goddess is a fav!

  • @acidica0460
    @acidica0460 Před 4 lety

    I really enjoy and appreciate this video. 🤍

  • @moongoddess114433
    @moongoddess114433 Před 4 lety

    Thank you for sharing ❤️

  • @fishman421
    @fishman421 Před rokem

    Just came across this video and you asked for suggestions for books for the advanced and intermediate practitioner. Now when I think of an advanced practitioner, I think they can pick up ANY book and glean wisdom from its pages, but at the same time, could also stand up to possible challenges in thought. So the first book I suggest is "The Heart of Meditation" by the Dalai Lama. The second book is also by the Dalai Lama and it is called "How to Practice The Way to a meaningful Life" 3rd book is more towards intermediate/beginner and the is Sacred Fire, Holy Well by Ian Corrigan. 4th is definitely for someone more mature in practice and that is The Dolmen Arch Vol 1 & 2. Last one is "Deep Ancestors" by Ceisiwr Serith. Here is the real heavy hitter though... is "The Kybalion" by Three Initiates.

  • @mdbarton1979
    @mdbarton1979 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for all this! Very helpful :-)

  • @tinkerspell8437
    @tinkerspell8437 Před 3 lety

    I am so glad you've made this video and very thankful, I was saying to my husband today there are tonnes of videos for beginners but nothing for more advanced witches, I'm looking to learn new things but struggling to find resources 💜 blessed be 💙

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 3 lety +1

      I know! It's so hard when you've been practicing for a long time!

  • @peterpalumbo1963
    @peterpalumbo1963 Před 2 lety +1

    My favorite is Regardies 'Golden Dawn' It can be applied to just about anything.

  • @BeccaBlooms
    @BeccaBlooms Před 4 lety

    I adore your channel 🤗🌷 xox

  • @CandySoulAndSoil
    @CandySoulAndSoil Před 4 lety

    So wonderful. I also work with the Morrigan, or did for years until she handed me over to Brigid 💚

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 4 lety

      I work with Brigid as well, it seems to be a common pairing these days!

  • @mageprometheus
    @mageprometheus Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you. I have ‘The Book of Celtic Magic’ and ‘Speaking with Nature’ somewhere. Its time to have a look. Since the new moon I have been feeling drawn to Brigit so I will look out for Tending Brigid’s Flame. You have helped me to take my next step.

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 4 lety

      That's great! Have you considered joining the book club group on Facebook too? 😊

    • @mageprometheus
      @mageprometheus Před 4 lety

      @@TheStitchinWitch Yes! I’ve found Tending Brigid’s Flame too. Lots of studying to do. As a software developer I was an early adopter of social media but I abandoned it 15 years ago to focus on getting things done. Same way I don’t text much or have a TV. When you know your addictions its wise to avoid temptations. I spend enough time on here really although I’m retired.

  • @fishman421
    @fishman421 Před rokem

    With the exception of maybe 1 all of these are for a mature practitioner. It is the main course of the practice, I do have 1 or two more that would even be more advanced. But those are for another day.

  • @sacredwild5267
    @sacredwild5267 Před 4 lety +2

    Great video, will get a few of them. I came from shamanism to witchcraft and i very much enjoyed your rant on the subject. Totally agree.

  • @lashawngordon2268
    @lashawngordon2268 Před 3 lety +1

    Celtic magic seems interesting

  • @CoolShadowCat19
    @CoolShadowCat19 Před 3 lety

    First video I clicked for some general witchcraft books and I also work with The Morrigan. Go figure ;)

  • @yelenayeli9529
    @yelenayeli9529 Před 5 lety

    Wow, that is a lot of information! It seems we’ve got the same books. I cannot recommend new books for you. ‘Tending Brigid’s Flame’ is very special to me and I will read in it again and again. The book about The Morrigan is one I received this week. The chapter about the Celtic mythology is hard to read for me because english is my second language. The other parts I can read easily.
    I want to learn more about Celtic history and I’m lucky that some years one of my sons bought a dvd documentairy about The Celts. I have seen it before but I wasn’t on my pagan path back then.
    I don’t have the book, but Holistic Tarot (the one that Lisa from Supportive Tarot uses) is one on my wishlist. I have the book The Norse Shaman and don’t work with it now, but I have read a bit in it and I didn’t expected it was for advanced witches. I do know a bit of Norse paganism but not enough. So, I think I’ll give this book a chance later when I’m ready for it.
    I think ‘The Great Work’ get a place on my wishlist.

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 5 lety

      I have Holistic Tarot too, I bought it within weeks of coming out. I admit I've been a bit intimidated ny its size and haven't read any of it yet.

    • @yelenayeli9529
      @yelenayeli9529 Před 5 lety +1

      Stellar Rain Dancer I’m very curious what your opinion is on that book when you’ve read it (or part of it😃)

  • @lechantdesmots97
    @lechantdesmots97 Před 2 lety

    very good list ! so you know some books about healing witchcraft and practice with Apollo?

  • @jaclyncamacho2420
    @jaclyncamacho2420 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank u for this! Im soooo sick of beginner books

    • @toddel321
      @toddel321 Před 4 lety +1

      I know that most people studying magick are doing so because they want to accomplish something and get results. But, the painful fact is that a great number of books on the subject of magick (especially witchcraft and Wicca) simply don’t work because they have been polluted by the same kind if religiosity that most practitioners have been trying to avoid ,and are based on superstitious non-sense with no basis in reality. This is the reason I wrote the book I am about to suggest. “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery” (available on Amazon) is a system of magick that combines timeless occult philosophy with science and psychology to create a system of magic that works. Point blank, I am almost fifty years old (I’ve been practicing for over 35 years) and do not have time to f-ck around with sh-t that is weak or useless. So, I threw out the trash, did a lot of research, performed loads of experiments and created a system that does. Enjoy.

  • @teamprodigy6628
    @teamprodigy6628 Před 4 lety

    Blessed be

  • @micomarinas2753
    @micomarinas2753 Před 4 lety

    are there different kind of tarrot card? do you have a video of different kind of tarrot cards and how to use them?

  • @mizwildcat11
    @mizwildcat11 Před 3 lety

    So...
    If I'm a sort of beginner (off and on for awhile now) and I found bits from the Dark Goddess book interesting and puts things into perspective. What does that about me? I know that's very broad but I think that's what I'm struggling with.

  • @bloodsweatandsteel.2749
    @bloodsweatandsteel.2749 Před 5 lety +3

    Hum. Only recommendation i would give is a book you are likely allready familear with. Pagan portals Brigid, meeting the celtic goddess of poetry forge and healing well, by Morgan Daimler.

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 5 lety

      I've read the Pagan Portals Brigid one. I enjoyed it, but its short and sweet. Not really a lot of "advanced" material in there

    • @bloodsweatandsteel.2749
      @bloodsweatandsteel.2749 Před 5 lety

      @@TheStitchinWitch fair point.

    • @toddel321
      @toddel321 Před 4 lety

      I know that most people studying magick are doing so because they want to accomplish something and get results. But, the painful fact is that a great number of books on the subject of magick (especially witchcraft and Wicca) simply don’t work because they have been polluted by the same kind if religiosity that most practitioners have been trying to avoid ,and are based on superstitious non-sense with no basis in reality. This is the reason I wrote the book I am about to suggest. “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery” (available on Amazon) is a system of magick that combines timeless occult philosophy with science and psychology to create a system of magic that works. Point blank, I am almost fifty years old (I’ve been practicing for over 35 years) and do not have time to f-ck around with sh-t that is weak or useless. So, I threw out the trash, did a lot of research, performed loads of experiments and created a system that does. Enjoy.

  • @carlbreeden5942
    @carlbreeden5942 Před 4 lety

    This is an old posting but I think you hit a major point with regards to Shamanic practices. It's not really a belief system but a practice. The Shaman / Medicine Person / etc functions within the social / cultural functions of a society and uses their allies to aid the society and the religious functions of that society. Many reside on the fringes of their society and are seen as being touched by the spirit world either through death or destruction of their lives. Unfortunately it seems most books seem to paint the shaman / medicine person as a spiritual person, frequently as a healer. In my experience that is used to focus upon the idea of Core Shamanism in pointing out the similarity between culture's while ignoring the actual cultural / social influence of each culture. Which seem's to be left out of so many neo-shaman / neo-pagan type books. I was told to be a Medicine Person / Shaman was to be alone in a room full of people and it meant we were chosen never were the choosers our selves. My first step upon this path was to die. The religious aspect seems to be we get pushed to be the talking stick and hollow bone under which ever religion is required at the time in my humble opinion. I do like your channel though from what I've seen.

    • @toddel321
      @toddel321 Před 4 lety

      I know that most people studying magick are doing so because they want to accomplish something and get results. But, the painful fact is that a great number of books on the subject of magick (especially witchcraft and Wicca) simply don’t work because they have been polluted by the same kind if religiosity that most practitioners have been trying to avoid ,and are based on superstitious non-sense with no basis in reality. This is the reason I wrote the book I am about to suggest. “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery” (available on Amazon) is a system of magick that combines timeless occult philosophy with science and psychology to create a system of magic that works. Point blank, I am almost fifty years old (I’ve been practicing for over 35 years) and do not have time to f-ck around with sh-t that is weak or useless. So, I threw out the trash, did a lot of research, performed loads of experiments and created a system that does. Enjoy.

  • @rupalisingh8150
    @rupalisingh8150 Před 4 lety

    Jess I'm your new subscriber. Please suggest me some witch books that is good for beginners cause I need them. Please suggest me!!!

  • @carlaventurini1935
    @carlaventurini1935 Před 4 lety

    Thank you! I have a question. I cannot find the book The healing heart by Jette. Does anyone have suggestions?

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 4 lety +1

      It may be out of print. Try abebooks.com for used copies, or see if it's available on Kindle.

  • @clio7682
    @clio7682 Před 5 lety +1

    Great list of recommendations, popped a couple on my wishlist thank you! I already had the one by Sandra Ingerman on there...and just got out my copy of the Great work to begin working with it once winter is here (Autumn now in the southern hemisphere, and I wanted to start it at the beginning).
    I have recently bought Singing the soul back home by Caitlin Matthews (it looks promising, but have yet to read it), and Women who run with wolves is always on my list of favs.
    Also looking forward to a new book coming out by Sharon Blackie called Foxfire Wolfskin, and other stories of shapeshifting women - her other books are amazing 💖💖💖

  • @lashawngordon2268
    @lashawngordon2268 Před 3 lety

    Can you get that book in jamaica

  • @micomarinas2753
    @micomarinas2753 Před 4 lety

    are all those books available online for purchase or in amazon?

  • @toddel321
    @toddel321 Před 4 lety +1

    You should check out “Unlocking the Secrets of Sorcery.” It’s advanced and will give you an entirely new perspective on magick.

  • @ceisiwrserith2224
    @ceisiwrserith2224 Před 5 lety

    I haven't read Billington, but from what I could find on Amazon it seems to be pure OBOD. OBOD is a perfectly valid path, but if you want to know about what the ancient druids were up to it's not a good place to start. Regarding Hughes, I'm always a bit suspicious of books published by Llewellyn. They're not noted for their scholarly nature. For books on ancient Celtic Paganism, I have a few videos on my own channel: czcams.com/video/PMq0a3wr4eM/video.html for Celtic in general, and czcams.com/video/uLU5iFW5rwE/video.html for Romano-Celtic, Welsh, and Arthurian.Regarding the Tarot, I recommend reading about the Cabbalah and Ceremonial Magic. Crowley's books are a good start. His _Book of Thoth_ is on the Tarot, and I would also recommend _Magick in Theory and Practice_ for general advanced reading. Most Wiccans don't know just how much of their religion comes from Ceremonial Magic rather than from ancient Paganism.

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 5 lety +1

      I totally agree about Llewellyn and I've actually mentiones that numerous times on my channel, as well as the importance of checking the bibliographies. I'm not much for Crowley to be honest, nor Kabbalah, so while I have read some of that stuff its not where I drop anchor. Keep in mind too, these books are what I've recommended drom what I've read so far. I'm only in my 30's so I have decades of reading ahead of me. ❤

  • @chuckfriebe843
    @chuckfriebe843 Před 4 lety +5

    His name is pronounced 'yoong'. Its Swiss German. Sorry. Not trying to be rude. Love your content. 😉

    • @TheStitchinWitch
      @TheStitchinWitch  Před 4 lety +2

      I am always appreciative of someone telling me how it's pronounced! I don't claim to be an expert on that part at ALL, lol.

  • @m.pixley8413
    @m.pixley8413 Před 2 měsíci

    Please dont get down on "white and western" so quickly and carelessly. I was married to a muslim from uzbekistan and had to escape due to the severity of the abuse. Since I was young when we met I didn't know the extent to which female degradation is ingrained in his society. They are primitive, not west and are not white, yet definitely NOT more spiritual or wise. Honestly we have a lot of hidden treasures here in the west that are homegrown, and a spiritual depth that many cultures including non western ones just do not have. And some of the things that seem to be lost or disconnected are actually very real and palpable, if you find yourself in a situation like me where you face the fact that you might not ever return to the west again.