The Armory

When I first started out in magic, my mom was probably a little glad that I stopped being so nihilistic, but mainly expressed concern at my lack of spiritual armor (she was very Christian then, still is, but kept all her New Age books.) I thought she meant psi shielding, but I ran across a verse from Ephesians (6:12-16) with an interesting set of defenses and interpretation:

The Belt of Truth from which you may hang your sword of Spirit, and it keeps your trousers up. It could mean, then, a metaphor for private truth-- not allowing yourself to fall into denial, but to realize faults and fears in the process of bettering yourself. I find an equivalent in a scrying mirror.

Breastplate of Righteousness , after defining your principles, this keeps your personal integrity so you avoid vices. Because of its nature of directing action, I also equate this with the Wand.

Shoes of Peace , yup, peace. They can't all be shiny and dangerous-looking armor, but this promotes understanding before automated hack-and-slash and understanding should be essential. For its depth of empathy, I see the equivalent in the chalice.

Shield of Faith , without which we often come to the Dark Night of the Soul, riddled with doubts and falling into depression. For its grounding virtues of constance and nurturing, I equate this with the pentacle.

Helmet of Salvation , since the bad guys are more notorious in influencing thought (which influences action, which influences habit, which influences destiny,) the salvation is in thinking critically-- demolishing arguments and pretensions that set themselves up against truth. For its guarding of the precious mind and will, I also saw an equivalent in the magician's dagger.

not to be confused with the Sword of Spirit , the word and will of the creator Himself and Herself.

Feel free to comment, or think up of more...

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