Dark Arts Spirits, Am I Ready?

[GreySkyMorning]

Is it bad if I started with purely dark arts?

Not bad at all. It's not bad to start with dark arts. It's just potentially dangerous if you're not already an assertive person, or the spirit is... rowdier than some others might be. My very first spirit was a werewolf (granted we were mates in a past life, so he's filled with good intentions). One of the first vessels I got here was a triad of one werewolf (not the same one), a hellhound, and a wraith instead of a volkh (I didn't PICK the wraith, he picked me). The only spirit I've had any sort of problem with is my wraith. He's moody, and I was pretty new when I got him. All things considered, I still am. But as long as you have house rules set up, and perhaps set up a rank system, so the spirits you trust can help take charge of any more 'unruly' ones, you should be pretty okay. My wraith is a grump, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 1ak

[cairngorn]

Necrobumping, I personally have a while to go in learning communication before I'd feel comfortable with DA.

From what I've read it seems that DA is a very wide category. You can have beings who have the habit of being kind and lovely but could do harm and have off days, mostly okay sorts who have depressing or extremely wrathful energy, beings who are fiercely loyal but don't share your ethical code at all, or charming sociable types who take charge a little too easily. Those are just a few examples. I don't know who I'd get from a conjure, so I'm avoiding til I can at least reliably hear spirits. Actually I'm not getting any more until I can do that anyway.

[marsnymph]

Thank you for this!

[Metheus North]

I have a wonderful Sanguine Vampire. It took me a while to get up enough courage to request a DA. I am so happy that I have chosen to adopt a DA.
I was attempting to keep levels of protection on myself along with my son and my partner. I am the only practioner in the household. I have a couple of WA that are able to provide levels of protection but the Vampire is a an amazing addition to the family. His strength is just amazing!
He has a mouth on him and he is not afraid to use sarcastic whit. But that comes with part of the territory.
I would say that if you raise your voice or yell when you're angry, be prepared for a shouting match lol. Thankfully, I just have to give a look. I prefer speaking through things.

Also, if you have a leader, they can help calm intense situations. Verbal reminders of the house rules also helps.

Submissive people would have difficulty. At the same time, DA spirits can help you become more assertive.

One more thing, it's important to note that not everyone, including spirits, will have a great day. I noticed that my Vampire gets grumpy at times.

[Faelyra]

I am going to bump this. As this is always a good read over for those still learning.

I think part of deciding that you are ready for DA is intuition. Deeply being in tune with knowing what your gut is telling you.

I almost.. almost started off with a Black Dragon when I first started spirit keeping but decided to hold off. I ended up getting a calling for a Xirax Dragon in the end. An granted I've only ever worked with DA beings. Intuitively knowing what you are ready for, and laying down some good strong house rules will get you far. Knowing what I know now? I'm glad I didn't end up getting a black dragon. I would of had my hands full and would have been way out of my element.

[WiseRavenRunes]

I remember starting off with a nympho in Summer of 2020. I wanted fun, but not too much risk and she was perfect for my beginner needs there and allowed me to experiment with easy interaction with little to no risk as I developed my home practice. A few months later I decided to answer a calling for a Cleopatra Djinn that had actually been nagging at me for the full year.

2 days after placing the order for the Cleo djinn, I had a change of heart. I was worried I couldn't handle DA. I sent a message to CH support asking they cancel my order. When they replied, it was with an apology; the binding had already been completed! But they generously offered me a giftcard for the value of the purchase. As soon as I saw the order notes of H, however, I knew this was meant to be. I had found my moment (and my companion) to enter Dark Arts keeping with. Don't get me wrong, it is possible to make a mistake with how you enter keeping darker spirits. But I also feel that for those with patience and good judgement, the right moment will simply find its way to you.

[Alaric]

Anyone considering DA keeping or already DA keeping, I can't recommend ASH's Great Dark Arts Guidance e-book highly enough. Both beginners and experienced will find things in this book worth its value. Among other things the DA Energy meditation is one of my favourite bits.

It opens with a very clear section on how to tell if you're DA-inclined, as well as advice for beginners or those new to DA.

https://shop.creepyhollows.com/limited- ... k-ash.html