Marcus Ward

@marqsward

Mental health meets magick. Harnessing spirituality for personal growth, to help recover from burnout, tend old trauma wounds, and manage ADHD symptoms. 🏳️‍🌈 /|\ 🪷 Multiple He/They 🩶🩵🤍🩵💛🩷 Caution: Loki hangs around me

167 Siguiendo524 Seguidores1250 Publicaciones

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Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jun 1

ADHD makes meditation deeper. We only think it makes meditation hard, because we've learned to see it as a problem. We struggle to build new habits or commit to meditating when we try to get around the ADHD instead of harnessing it. buff.ly/4OsHULp #ADHD #MentalHealth #Meditation

Marcus Ward@marqsward· May 1

Beltane sits across from Samhain on the wheel, and while it feels like a celebration of sunshine and blooms, it's also a fitting time imo to remember that life comes from death and death from life. That is where my head is at rn: buff.ly/LIggi7C /|\ #Beltane #Pagan #Death #Hekate #TheMorrigan #Grief

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Feb 28

Savoring the sunshine today and contemplating how gratitude lists never seem to work for me - they feel forced, hollow, and limiting. I prefer to simply enjoy and say thanks in the moment, the same way I embrace my pain or upset. substack.com/profile/1171... #Spring #Pagan #MentalHealth

A siamese cat nestled into the remains of a raspberry patch - a tangled thicket of skeleton-like stems which crack the sunlight into dappled streams and blotches across the cat and ground.

This mostly white cat wears a blue harness has a matching leash which stretches out and loops over a stretch of grass to the right before anchoring back into the soil.

The new grass glows bright and cheerful as it soaks in the early Spring sunshine spilling over it.

In the bottom center, a grey shoe peaks into the scene - revealing the photographer-author's presence.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Feb 20

The beauty of Imbolc is how it lights a small flame, kindling hope and warmth, in the depths of a lingering winter. These days can be dark, cold, and challenging. Brigid reminds us to notice the small signs of Spring, and keep our heart's fire burning. /|\ #Pagan #Brigid #Imbolc #BeTheChange

A silver light rises off a pewter cross of St. Brigid (also a symbol of the Goddess Brigid and an example of where Christian and Pagan can unite in love and light) brightening the wall of red brick where it sits above the altar on my fireplace mantle.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Feb 7

Recognizing values of others/systems is challenging work that asks us to know ourselves deeply, to be mindfully present, to notice our biases & ignorance, and to sit with/listen to uncomfortable new information. Start by diversifying your feed/reading, digging into history, or learning to listen.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Feb 7

This process takes time, but it is so worth the effort and the patient persistence required. Start by asking yourself what you value. A core values assessment test can help get you started (buff.ly/NvxAM6k for instance), but ultimately this takes soul searching and aligning within.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Feb 4

Another Imbolc has come and gone; my altars have been cleaned and re-concecrated. My home is being deep cleaned and purged as the moon wanes. And I am re-commited to my efforts in planting seeds of change for both my own life and my community. /|\ #Imbolc #BeTheChange #WitchSky #Pagan

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jan 7

I am contemplating Fehu again; seeing it from new perspectives and deepening our relationship. The lovely thing about Runes is how many layers of secrets they hold and the cycles we must tread before we can begin to see the next. Happy Woden's Day 🌳 #WitchSky #Runes #Heathen #Odin

Close up of two runes sat on a backdrop which appears roughly black and golden. The leather has been decorated with organic vines and geometric shapes.
The rune centered and most in focus is Fehu.
From the upper left corner, Ansuz seems to look upon Fehu - suggesting contemplation and reminding viewers of Odin as well as the sacrifice given to discover these powerful symbols.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Dec 23

Winter Solstice reminds me of lessons learned from grief, shamanic work, druidic practices, and my healing journey all at once. It has become a favorite of mine, but not for being festive; I prefer to quietly sit in the darkness alone /|\ buff.ly/xitJ0KF #Pagan #Yule #Winter #Solstice #depression

A blog post cover with brown back drop behind white San sarif font at the top reading "Three Nights of Solstice Dark" followed by a link to "Mental Magick" at MarcusWard.Substack.Com

Below, an image of an owl set on a slice of wood framed in bark is illuminated by multicolored lights and framed in the branches of an evergreen tree brought in doors for the winter holidays.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Nov 25

Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite authors, because he imbues his stories with so much Truth. This one reads like Druidic wisdom /|\ #Brida #PauloCoelho #BookTok #Quote #Pagan

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Nov 25

"What will you do... when the rain stops?" - Becky Chambers #BookTok #Quotes #Pagan #LGBTQ+ #NonBinary #NatureLover #SciFi

Screen shot of a book's cover.

The title "A Psalm for the Wild Built" is written in bold, pale yellow, san-serif font with letters of varying thickness to give it a wild, imbalances feel. The words bounce from center to left of center then right of center, one at each level - cascading down the cover.

In a smaller version of this odd font, at the bottom and right of center, is the author's name "Becky Chambers" and above that, but below the title, are smaller and paler plain sanserif font of even size and thickness which read "A Monk and a Robot Book" giving a subtitle and hint of a series.

Behind the letters, a curved path winds up from the bottom right to the top left, frames by flora, and curving to suggest ascending up hill.

At the top end, stands a grey, robot figure.

At the bottom end, the end of a wagon with a little porch where a human sits holding a steaming mug and gazing down at the dirt path.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Nov 24

Poem by Andrea Gibson (may they rest in peace; with my gratitude for the words and light they left behind). This one reads with such depth and truth for my animist, spiritual self, that I had to share it. /|\ #Pagan #Truth #Poem #God #Animist

Screen shot of a poem by Andrea Gibson from their book "Take Me With You."

The white, san-sarif font is set against a solid black back drop, and it reads:

"I know God's number by heart.
I know it isn't listed in any book."

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Oct 31

Samhain at last! Around midnight, I'll shift into remembrance and grief work, but today I find myself reflecting on the gifts of fear work: buff.ly/vIfjP8I It was extremely challenging, but the insights made it seriously worth the work. #MentalHealth #Halloween #HealingJourney #Samhain #courage

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Oct 30

Tiz the season for introspection and grief work or connecting with and honoring what has come before, so it only feels right to share one of my most used rituals; a mental magick style spell outline you can customize and reuse: buff.ly/wgQcoPd /|\ #WitchSky #Pagan #MentalHealth #Samhain

Photo of a fire pit after dark, the flames reaching up towards the screen dome cover and setting the crescent moon and star shapes around the base aglow.
Over the image are white words in sanserif font which read:
Ritual of Release (Fire)
A simple yet powerful fire ritual to support major life transitions."

At the base in a water mark reads the authors handle:

"MarcusWard.SubStack.Com"

This redirects to my blog post which can also be found using this link: https://open.substack.com/pub/marcusward/p/ritual-of-release-fire?r=1xpwk9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Oct 28

Such an excellent idea, I have to share: substack.com/@darshakrana... #MentalHealth #Hope

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Sep 24

Equinoxes are an invitation to reassess and re-balance; the Autumn Equinox especially prompts us to let go of what no longer works. My addiction to productivity led to a "crash" which made this deeply important truth clear to me. buff.ly/T5lT3Yi #Pagan #MentalHealth #WitchSky

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Sep 16

We always have a choice. It may be small or the potential outcomes may seem all bad, but there is still a choice. Our POVs, our actions, and even our reactions can all be chosen. Taking the reins is as challenging as it is rewarding. buff.ly/ObYwq5w #WitchSky #MentalHealth #Mindful #Healing

Seven hematite stones with elder futhark runes carved into their surface are laid out across the leather of a BoS (Book of Shadows). This backdrop is decorated with golden, vine like designs around a six point star.
Three runes at the center of this star, are clearly visible. From left to right they are Kenaz, Thurisaz, and Tyr.

Together, the three can be read as a call for introspection, curiosity, and insight to navigate dark depths and face or overcome challenging obstacles especially where old wounds or misled warrior energy holds the reader back. It could also be seen as a call for warriors of light to heal themselves and, by extension, the world around them.

Above and to the left of these, slightly out of focus, are four more runes. From left to right they are Mannaz, Ansuz, Radio, and Sowilu. Lined up together like this, they spell out Mars - a subtle nod to Tuesday which evokes energy of wise action for a successful journey.

Note: the most potent reading for any viewer will be the one their intuition guides them towards, and many possibilities may be found beneath each of the runes pictured. In other words, do not limit yourself to the interpretation given here - seek what resonates.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Sep 9

The way we all talk about AI reminds me when we joked about Google being our new god; something beneath that joke bothered me though... and last I realized why. And then my muse demanded I write it down: buff.ly/dMg5zD6

Zoomed in picture of my keyboard focused on the Control, or Ctrl, key at the center. Symbolic of the hidden hierarchy behind what's become a sort of replacement for organized religion.
White, Sans Serif font laid over the images reads "The Tech Religion: A HIdden Hierarchy" followed by "AI and Computer Science in general have stepped into where religious organizations once reigned supreme, but the game hasn't changed; it's all about control." Below that, in smaller font it states "Available September 9th, 2019" and a water mark at the bottom reads "MarcusWard.SubStack.Com"
Written after months of feeling unsure why the way we talk about AI was so troubling. Now it seems obvious; to an ADHD, pagan recovering from burnout and focused on mental health and healing, this is naturally deeply unsettling.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Sep 5

My work with Hekate has been about roots as I process old wounds to work my way out of depression, towards healthy anger, and now it seems into the domain of forgiveness. Seems like She is calling on us to do deep inner work and transform US culture: buff.ly/HOTsSyz

A close up of a maple tree with leaves just beginning to turn gold and crimson in the early autumn. White, sans serif font summarizes an blog post on insights into US culture gained working with Hekate to heal old wounds and grow into deeper and healthier mindsets around culture, anger, depression, and forgiveness. The words read "Hekate has shown me the USA is rootless and all the ways the wounded, toxic fruits of this sickly tree show up every day." Followed by smaller font stating "Availible Septemeber 5th, 2025" and a water mark reading "MarcusWard.SubStack.Com"

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Sep 2

Once I learned how to sit with my fear, there was nothing I couldn't do, so long as I truly wanted to. #Inspirational #ShadowWork #Healing #EmotionalGrowth #TraumaHealing

A quote, by Susan Jeffers, in italics reads:

We cannot escape fear. We can only transform it into a companion that accompanies us on all our exciting adventures....
Take a risk as day--one small or bold stroke that will make you feel great once you have done it.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Sep 1

It has begun. The tree in our backyard has declared it time /|\ #Autumn #Fall #September #Pagan

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Aug 20

He doesn't know I am doing this, but this week's word just needs sharing imo. Because yes, life is a jigsaw puzzle. P.S. If you like his style, and want weekly words too, you can subscribe here: www.yourboyfj.com/join #WiseWords #Contemplate #Pagan #Mindful #MentalHealth

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jul 30

Mindlessly reaching for more of something (chips, scrolling, etc.) is a form of addiction. Addiction is a way of treating a deeper issue. The chips lack nutrients, so your hunger remains. Social media lacks true connection, so the loneliness remains. #MentalHealth #SelfCare #BlackOutTheSystem

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jul 13

As the moon and sun begin to wane, I find myself drawn back within, seeing baggage to release and seeking a new giant to face. At the full moon, Hekate called and my rune reading outlined a deeper course. Last night, I consented. /|\ #Pagan #WitchSky #FullMoon #Lughnasadh #Hekate #InnerWork

The rune thurisaz in black on a white back drop. This rune reminds me that heroes are not born but made, they arise from acts of courage where fearful meets determination or passion and hard choices are made to face the challenge (or "giant") in their path.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jul 11

The moon has such a distinct cross/sunwheel to it tonight; even my camera can pick it out. /|\ #Pagan #FullMoon #Esbat #Cat #SummerNight

A siamese cat (Durin) sits gazing out the window with me, as I contemplate the full moon and the equal armed cross of light extended out from that pure and pale center of light in a dark sky. Esbat vibes abound this evening.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jul 7

Every time I bake my own bread, I am both connecting to Brigid and rejecting the BS that is our late-stage/post capitalism BS world. Bonus: I've also noticed my health is improving. #Pagan #Brigid #Bread #Health #Rebel

Four freshly baked, large sourdough rolls - the remains of a larger batch which we used for buns to hold our grilled burger dinner.
Baking sourdough bread has become a roughly weekly habit for me now and always feels like a small ritual or act of communion that connects me more deeply with Brigid.

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jun 30

I just started a new book (see below), that blends mindfulness with mental health in some intriguing and effective ways. I DIY'd myself into a similar set of practices, so finding this take on it is both helpful and validating. #Mindful #HealingJourney #Therapy #BookRecommendation

Book cover with a water color esq teal, coral, and earth tone image of bamboo growing on a hill overlooking water.

Title and author details in white and black san-serif font read:
"When Therapy Doesn't Work"
"A Mindfulness Guide to Emotional Repair"
by Shelly Young and Shinzen Young
with voice work (for the audiobook edition) by Elizabeth Reninger

Marcus Ward@marqsward· Jun 26

In case you aren't on TikTok, here is the video. But basically, just get a whole lot of your cleansing herb of choice and load up the fire pit. #Sage #Cleanse #WitchSky #Pagan #TurnTheUSAOffAndOnAgain

Marcus Ward@marqsward· May 16

Here we go, into the summer. As the days grow longer and the leaves thicker, we find more clear borders between the bright of day and the deep shadows cast by those who reach towards light. /|\ #Pagan #Reflections #Beltane #Litha #Spring #Summer #ShadowWork #Insights