Understanding the Power of Spells and Magic in Wicca

By admin

Understanding the wiccan lifestyle Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that is characterized by reverence for nature, a belief in magic, and the worship of a goddess and a god. The wiccan lifestyle is centered around the spiritual beliefs and practices of Wicca. Wiccans strive to live in harmony with nature and to honor the natural cycles of life, such as the changing seasons and phases of the moon. **One of the key aspects of the wiccan lifestyle is the focus on magic. Wiccans believe in the power of magic to help them manifest their desires, heal themselves and others, and connect with the divine. Magic is seen as a natural force that can be harnessed through rituals, spells, and meditation.



Onyx FREE
Without an ONYX USB or NETRON device attached, the software runs in FREE mode.
Universe 1 is completely free to use for Art-Net and sACN output.
2 DyLOS Zones are enabled. Additional zones show a random watermark.
OSC Playback, MIDI, and all timecode protocols can be enabled for a short time period for testing and evaluation. Once the allowed time is expired, ONYX must be restarted to allow a new test period.

Connectivity Improved XNET connection reliability Added OSC support for playback faders 11-20 same scan codes as 1-10, but prefixed with 0x46 instead of 0x44 , but they also track flipping Fixed revised NX2 Premier license not unlocking on PC USB mode Fixed OSC support for assignable buttons of playback faders 11-20 Fixed OSC playback page up down buttons triggering twice Fixed OSC playback fader bank changes when not on device ID 0 zero Fixed startup Art-Net output and override IP issues loopback IP address now allowed as override Fixed index shift for OSC playback controls. Fixed show not loading data when console was turned off immediately after updating fixture type library Fixed NX1 screen assignment issues Fixed replacing submaster fader Fixed virtual intensity issues for RGB desklight NX4 fixtures Fixed direct access panels not closing on CLEAR CLEAR Fixed universe assignment reporting in DMX device details pane Fixed touch snapping to screen borders Fixed applying virtual intensity setting when re-using patched types Fixed large fixture number handling Fixed CITP byte order when exporting data to Capture Fixed Enter-key not working when cuelist popup is open.

Obsidian model magic

Magic is seen as a natural force that can be harnessed through rituals, spells, and meditation.** Wiccans also place a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and ethics. They follow the Wiccan Rede, which states "An' ye harm none, do what ye will.

ONYX 4.8 Downloads

4.8.1244 (17/04/2023)
=====================
Fixed playback fader not moving to correct position when moved by user shortly before changing bank on NX1 and NX P: requires "(10-E10B-21) NX1 NXP Playback Motor Fader (V5.61) IIC.hex" firmware update
Updated Embedded User Guide

4.8.1243 (10/03/2023)
=====================
Fixed DyLOS slots (other than Zone slot) not showing in programmer/value windows

4.8.1242 (6/03/2023)
====================
Fixed the F-Key/Playback Fader 11-20 section on NX-P when wing ID not zero
Changed sector size detection in installer so non-English Windows 11 systems are covered
Added a registry entry to disable ArtRDM destination filtering (causing Clay Paky fixtures not being visible through Netron nodes): contact support if your fixtures don't appear when using RDM over Art-Net
More DMX merger fixes

4.8.1240 (12/12/2022)
=====================
More 2D plan fixes and improvements:
- Moved snap toggle to 2D plan's toolbar
- Double click on empty space deselects everything
- Rotation reset button will only enable when object is rotated
- Removed scaling for primitives
- Reviewed movability of some popup windows

Improved time needed to validate fixture type updates when loading show file
Improved fixture buttons showing part names first so they can be easily identified
Fixed selecting the group mask using a mask-only fixture group crashing when no fixture groups had been selected
Fixed some older show files not allowing to add a DyLOS zone
Fixed additional install errors due to large sector size on Windows 11
Fixed screen brightness control on M6

4.8.1239 (08/11/2022)
=====================
Fixed values getting stuck in programmer after RECORD CUE/PRESET

4.8.1238 (25/10/2022)
=====================
Elaborate 2D plan fixes and improvements:
- Selection box selects captured fixtures ordered by their number
- Improved object sizing controls
- Improved primitive objects rendering and behavior
- Fixed object (touch) selection and dragging issues
- Fixed object and label visibility issues
- Fixed snap to grid (object center) and snap to object (object borders)
- Fixed aligning objects
- Differentiated (add, delete) icons between objects, pages, layers

Added DMX merger fixture type to access new DMX input merging feature

Improved fixture clone/swap interface

Fixed "Release Banks" macro taking long time to execute
Fixed view options resetting when view grid layout is changed
Fixed show load stuck in "Loaded Fixture Groups" or "Starting Playback Manager. "
Fixed show not loading data when console was turned off immediately after updating fixture type library
Fixed (NX1) screen assignment issues
Fixed replacing submaster fader
Fixed virtual intensity issues for RGB desklight (NX4) fixtures
Fixed direct access panels not closing on CLEAR+CLEAR
Fixed universe assignment reporting in DMX device details pane
Fixed touch snapping to screen borders
Fixed applying virtual intensity setting when re-using patched types
Fixed large fixture number handling
Fixed CITP byte order when exporting data to Capture
Fixed Enter-key not working when cuelist popup is open

4.8.1237 (04/08/2022)
=====================
This version requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home/Pro/Enterprise 64-bit for PC.
All consoles require ONYX OS 4.8


Compatible with Obsidian NX4, NX2, NX1, NX K, NX P, NX Wing, NX Touch, NX-DMX
Compatible with M-Series M1 HD, M2GO HD, M6 (with ONYX Upgrade Kit), M2PC, M-Touch, M-Play, Martin 2-port USB-DMX devices
Requires DMX firmware 4.11 for NX-DMX, NX2, NX Wing. Please install from Menu/System/Tools/Diagnostics/Firmware Update

This version is required for updated DMX cards in new NX-DMX, NX Wing, NX2, NX1
This version removes all custom ELO Touch support and drivers
Revised iOS ONYX Remote app with NX1 support and updated Apple requirements
Revised PC and Console installer to remove security related failures on a variety of systems
Added support for newest generation SSD drives on Windows 11

Please note: Many parameter defaults and behaviors of fixtures have changed. Verify existing shows carefully as they may require programming adjustments.

New features
------------
New editable "QuickView" key for NX for temporary keypad overlay (also Function key on any system)
Added Wing ID support for NX P and NX Touch
Added Wing ID feedback on display bottom area and dedicated status windows
Added Wing ID to Virtual Panels
Improved and unified device management (configuring wing ID, DMX universes)
New color (temperature) parameter rendering in channel visualizer
Enabled RDM via Art-Net on sACN network
Added F-Key assignable Action for "RENAME" command
Added F-Key assignable Playback Control for "Playback Fader Swap" (1-10 11-20)
Playback fader flip (1-10 11-20) is now applied per wing ID (instead of global)
Multi-function button mode (Play, F-Keys, Base, FX) is now applied per wing ID (instead of global)


Fixes and Improvements
----------------------
* 2D Plan
Improved 2D plan rendering synch (fix tearing)
Added color temperature rendering
AtlaBase library)
Improved selection of overlapping parts in combined fixtures
Improved 2D rendering when zoomed out, dragging performance
Fixed 2D plan scaling for specific multi-part fixtures and selection for scaled fixtures
Fixed Pan, Tilt, Zoom feedback in 2D plan when angle range includes decimals
Major improvements to 2D plan scaling and selection
(WARNING! Changes in 2D plan scaling may require fixtures placed as "Combined fixture" to be adjusted!)
Fixed multi-part fixtures without part metrics not showing on 2D plan
Fixed lack of feedback while enabling DyLOS support and adding zones to a new show due to missing 2D page

* Fixture Libraries and CITP
Fixed wrong fixture types matching on CITP import from Capture
Fixed wrong fixture types/personalities matching on CITP export to Capture
Fixed virtual intensity being applied to non-color mixing channels on some types
Fixed new fixture types in library update can only be added after restarting software
Fixed rendering (color mixing) channels that are not linear across the entire DMX value range
Skip fixture with ID 0 (zero) from being imported (from CITP/Capture), which would be auto numbered and cause conflicts (Onyx starts numbering fixtures at 1)
Fixed adding fixture types with single quotes (') in the manufacturer, model or personality name
Added fixture type rule to prevent software reliability issues after adding certain multi-part types with virtual intensity enabled
Added fixture type rule to properly indicate multi-part types with overlapping 2D coordinates can't be added to the show
Restored fixture master intensity behavior
Fixed updating multi-part fixture types
Fixed inability of adding fixtures (of some types) to show files that have been edited in 4.5
Fixed importing DMX addressing (CITP - Capture, Patch export file) when fixture (number) sequence was not addressed adjacently
Fixed adding types (stuck in "checking conflicts") when thumbs are missing


* DYLOS
Fixed alpha blending for (2-)preset mapping (breaking masks, etc.)
Fixed applying brightness/contrast/saturation to opaque areas in effect mask image and text
Fixed applying absolute/relative color mode to effect slots (Color Effects and Keying always absolute)
Fixed pixel mapping freeze when adding fixtures
DirectX detection and installation improvements
DyLOS mapping reliability improvements

* Connectivity
Improved XNET connection reliability
Added OSC support for playback faders 11-20 (same scan codes as 1-10, but prefixed with 0x46 instead of 0x44), but they also track flipping
Fixed revised NX2 (= Premier) license not unlocking on PC (USB mode)
Fixed OSC support for assignable buttons of playback faders 11-20
Fixed OSC playback page up/down buttons triggering twice
Fixed OSC playback fader bank changes when not on device ID 0 (zero)
Fixed startup Art-Net output and override IP issues (loopback IP address now allowed as override)
Fixed index shift for OSC playback controls

* Others
Fixed programming issues when using encoder to reach zero while operation mode is absolute (jumping to full)
Fixed group mask filter
Fixed loading specific show files
Fixed touching a patch command in the "Commands" popup also being applied to the underlying grid cell (unintentionally preparing another command)
Fixed cue-only issues when using selected filter
Color temperature rendering fixes and improvements
Selection state in Playback button view is now stored with the view
Fixed USB-DMX PCBs losing configuration
Fixed hidden subnet mask setting
Fixed SNAP+TOGGLE locking to cue 0 when global rate is on
Fixed control surface communication issues when 24 fader module is connected
Fixed value windows not reflecting channel group assignment changes until restart
Fixed REL ALL EXCEPT cue macro feedback
Fixed RECORD SCREEN on external display
Improved support for touch right-click by holding
Fixed load issues for specific older show files
Fixed storage of cloned fixtures into fixture groups
Fixed cues fades pulsing non-RGB color emitters when override is on
Fixed first GO after UPDATE CUE re-executing the updated cue instead of moving to the next one (when "reset to first cue" option is disabled)
Fixed SWAP FIXTURE losing DMX addressing (even with identical DMX footprint)
Fixed DELAY/FADE command requiring additional "@" key press
Fixed recording/assigning submaster banks 101-500
Added configurable default setting for showing custom object colors
Updated SQL server for pending security protocol compliance
Fixed cue macros (including SET CL VALUE, MIDI notes) not working
Fixed loss of preset value for last logical channel after show file upgrade (typically visible in defaults preset): consider loading your pre-4.6 show again!
Fixed installer aborting due to IIS installation (which triggers installation of RDM report pages)
Fixed missing options due to duplicate names in direct access to parameter
Improved Web control sizing (like Art-Net node management)
Scroll wheel can now also be used for personalities in the fixture type library browser

This version requires Windows 10 Home/Pro/Enterprise 64-bit for PC. All consoles require install of a new 4.6 ONYX OS.
Compatible with Obsidian NX4, NX2, NX Wing NX Touch, NX-DMX
Compatible with M-Series M1 HD, M2GO HD, M6 (with ONYX Upgrade), M2PC, M-Touch, M-Play, USB-DMX devices

Please note: Many parameter defaults and behaviours of fixtures have changed. Verify existing shows carefully as they may require programming adjustments.


Licensing
Please note! This version removes FREE Universes 2,3 and 4. Only Universe 1 is unlocked in ONYX FREE Mode.


Onyx FREE
Without an ONYX USB or NETRON device attached, the software runs in FREE mode.
Universe 1 is completely free to use for Art-Net and sACN output.
2 DyLOS Zones are enabled. Additional zones show a random watermark.
OSC Playback, MIDI, and all timecode protocols can be enabled for a short time period for testing and evaluation. Once the allowed time is expired, ONYX must be restarted to allow a new test period.

Onyx NOVA
With an ONYX USB or NETRON device attached, the software runs in NOVA mode.
Universe 1-4 is completely free to use for ONYX USB, Art-Net, and sACN protocol output.
NETRON devices require ArtNet protocol and latest firmware supporting ONYX Authentication
2 DyLOS Zones are enabled. Additional zones show a random watermark.
OSC Playback, MIDI, and all timecode protocols can be enabled for a short time period for testing and evaluation. Once the allowed time is expired, ONYX must be restarted to allow a new test period.
Connected Touch or Play devices will also remove all I/O protocol restrictions (NOVA+)

Onyx Essential
With an ONYX Essential Key attached, the software runs in LIVE 8 mode.
Any 8 universes are completely free to use for ONYX USB, Art-Net, and sACN output.
2 DyLOS Zones are enabled. Additional zones show a random watermark.
OSC Playback, MIDI, and all timecode protocols are unrestricted.

Onyx Premier
With a Premier Key, NX Wing, or NX 2 in USB mode attached, the software runs in LIVE 64 mode.
All 64 universes are completely free to use for ONYX USB, Art-Net, and sACN output.
5 DyLOS Zones are enabled.
OSC Playback, MIDI, and all timecode protocols are unrestricted.

Onyx Elite
With a Key attached, the software runs in LIVE 128 mode.
All 128 universes are completely free to use for ONYX USB, Art-Net, and sACN output.
5 DyLOS Zones are enabled.
OSC Playback, MIDI, and all timecode protocols are unrestricted.


New fixture library format
This version introduces a new fixture library format, provided by the library partner AtlaBase. This library includes over 50.000 fixture profiles
Existing fixtures will remain in the showfile but can be updated using the "Exchange" function in the patch menu
User fixtures and the Library Editor are not affected
New Fixture Libraries are only available for Version 4.6 and higher

Daily update of new library package on obsidiancontrol.com
Single file library package (no longer an executable)
Faster software install, bootup, library updates
Library data is perfectly synchronized with Capture fixtures, allowing for easy import of the patch over CITP
Revised Parameter Defaults and Snap Rules(e.g.additive LED fixtures now have all colors defaulted to 100%)
-> this can affect existing programming and cues and presets must be adjusted if needed.
Enhanced real world values (e.g. Zoom Ranges, Shutter Speeds, Framing Blade Angles)
Improved parameter names and feature descriptions
Enhanced gobo and effects bitmaps, color buttons for CTC and Color Wheel Selections

New Features
New virtual controls icon, expands bank and parameter control into full Playback and Programming Bar
Added "DMX OUT" option in LOAD popup window to "freeze" effects output into the programmer
Effect/timing channels can now also be used as "[SELECTION] @ Parameter Button" for direct entry and fanning on the command line (digital values only: swing ranges 0-170, other attributes 0-1000)
Time for automatically loading the current show on startup can now be configured
Added fixture type filter to programmer and cue values panels; fixes and improvements
Added Art-Net/sACN source IP input filtering
Added support for sACN (E1.31) Synchronization and Art-Net ArtSync packets
Added Capture (CITP) integration (patch, selection, parameter sync)
Added import of patch (exported from another Onyx show file)
CITP integration pulls in 3D positions to compose a top and front 2D plan of the stage (layer per fixture type)
Added MSD (CITP) integration
Added DEFAULT command to put default values in programmer
Added current universe fixture filter in patch
Added patch options for excluding fixtures from GM, SWOP, remote programming and for rotating bars and panels at DMX address level
Added option to turn off smart grid ordering of fixtures in FixtureCenter


DYLOS
DyLOS can now apply pixel mapping for any fixture parameter between 2 and 3 presets
Added DyLOS generators:
- Patterns: Plasma, Voronoi
- 2D Shapes: Bouncing Balls, Bouncing Shapes, Meta-balls, Floweroid
- Nature: Fire, Steam
Added color palettes to Dylos (First row of 256 pixels in PNG image are used to map - generator output - intensity levels to indexed colors)
Added 2 and 3-preset pixel mapping mode and opacity mapping modes
Dynamic Intensity mapping is now the default
Added white mapping mode to DyLOS to include all emitter channels (e.g. white, amber, lime) in pixel-mapping to better represent unsaturated colors on stage: it also uses color information and relative brightness data of all color emitters to balance emitter brightness, as well as apply color temperature across emitter channels for unsaturated colors
Added feedback to indicate alpha information availability in content
Missing content is now also indicated on the content type (media, text, . ) tabs
Added "intensity + other emitters" mapping mode for fixtures without RGB emitters but with various other emitter types
Added "background color" effect and "masks as background" mode to masks
Added color palette generator/editor
Added configurable DyLOS thumb overlays, optionally showing curves for matrix generators and mapping gamma curves
DyLOS Framing and Iris will now follow opacity mapping (indicated using hatching pattern)
Added DyLOS zone output panel
Anti-aliasing in DyLOS can be disabled for better pixel accuracy
DyLOS framing now is corner point oriented instead of "blade" oriented
Added DyLOS mirror effect
Added DyLOS tunnel effect
Added framing and iris to DyLOS zone slot
Added DyLOS frame blending
Added DyLOS thumbnail feedback options
Continous/loop improvements on DyLOS
Fixed fixture rotation on 2D plan being ignored for pixel mapping
Fixed pixel mapping to ignore master parameters specifically
Added new parameters for new DyLOS effects and generators
Improved CMY mapping to favor intensity channel to color saturation channels (to limit color flag usage and to avoid non-pure blacks)
DyLOS manual values and origin are now shown in live output
DyLOS zones slots can now be expanded/collapsed in Fixture Center
DyLOS values are now shown in live output
Added options menu to zone composer
Weight modes allow for selecting "Zone Intensity" (default, backward compatible, LTP) and the newer "Manual Weight" (which has improved)
Fixed value changes in DyLOS zone composer not being synchronized over the network
Replaced LTP with programmable weight control between direct and pixel mapped programming


Improvements
Live output arranges some small footprint fixtures (intensity only, color mixing only, . ) in multiple columns
Updated internal web browser with Edge/Chromium-based for improved help browsing, license management, Art-Net node management and RDM browsing experience
2D plan now visualizes all color emitters
Added edit cue button and the direct cue view to playback context popups
Keypad show/hide toggle can now also be assigned to an F-Key
Improved programmer, cue values and live output panels:
- Improved integration with scroll and toolbar workflows
- Added fixture names & colors, and fixture type colors
- Fixed issues with fixture(-type)s that have large channel footprints
- Improved performance
Programmer and cuelist values panels can now be placed more than once
Improved Art-Net and sACN input options
Improved DMX/Art-Net/sACN output smoothness
Improved orientation of fixtures on Capture import
Installer improvements to avoid SQL-related errors
Improved responsiveness of OSC playback page actions and fixed OSC refreshes
Improved 2D plan performance and responsiveness
Added LTC audio input level control for Obsidian timecode boards
Increased maximal cue comment size
Improved Onyx startup sequence, should eliminate startup errors
Updated NX Remote app
Enabled Art-Net on any (sub)net and updated network configuration accordingly
Added sACN priority configuration
Added support for stVisual style so Visualizers always - also when utilizing Unicast - receive licensed Art-Net data
Full software and hardware support for flipping playback faders 1-10 with 11-20
Improved P/T Combo handling
Improved Window position and size recall behaviour for PC Version

Fixes
2D plan icon corruption when swapping fixtures
GO on playback resetting to cue 1 on secondary (in tracking backup) after it turned standalone
Art-Net IN loopback issues
UI closing after selecting cuelist type when recording to a new cuelist
Custom colors on fixtures, types, cuelists, etc
UPDATE+UPDATE to referenced preset(s) not updating cue values
Cleaning faulty fixture types from show files, preventing adding fixtures when type was fixed
DyLOS generator animation
DyLOS opacity mapping
First fixture in patch not having its opacity mapped correctly
Fixture selection focus for multi-part fixtures without a main part
LOAD+LOAD using keyboard shortcut
Copying between types of Fixture Groups
Playback fader (1-10) LEDs on M-Touch, NX Touch while not in "Play" mode
Error popup in selected cuelist view when using keyboard shortcut to delete cues
Applying additive color FX macros
Optimizing show files (removing fixtures that had been marked for deletion)
Placing multi-part fixtures on 2D plan
Playback status redraw issue when returning from patch
M-Play bank issues
"push to all" not refreshing on virtual playback panel
Back button freezing on "Follow 0s" cues
Joining shows
Pop-ups appearing multiple times at startup
Multiple conditional channels not toggling (for example, Frost disabling 2 prisms on ADJ Focus Beam LED)
Deselecting fixture in Capture not deselecting in Onyx
Focusing inconsistencies with Capture for P/T inverted/swapped fixtures
IP address and numeric up/down entry issues
Cloning (default) preset values requiring software restart
(DyLOS zone) lockup issues after creating (and under specific circumstances loading) shows on the fly
Playback faders 11-20 not working on M1HD (when flipped to the physical faders)
DyLOS generator thumbs sometimes not showing when moving show file to other hardware
Zone fixtures can no longer be added to the 2D plan as regular fixturesPreformatted text

Understanding the wiccan lifestyle

" This means that wiccans believe in the importance of doing no harm to others and taking responsibility for their actions. In addition to their spiritual practices, many wiccans also engage in other lifestyle choices that align with their beliefs. This can include a focus on sustainable living, such as using natural and organic products, recycling, and reducing waste. Many wiccans also practice divination, such as tarot card reading or astrology, as a way to gain insight and guidance in their lives. Overall, the wiccan lifestyle is rooted in a deep reverence for nature, a belief in the power of magic, and a commitment to personal responsibility and ethics. Wiccans strive to live in harmony with the natural world and to cultivate a connection with the divine through their spiritual practices..

Reviews for "The Role of Deities and Divinity in Wicca"

1. Melissa - 2 stars - Although I was intrigued by the concept of understanding the Wiccan lifestyle, I found this book to be quite disappointing. The author's explanations were vague and left me with more questions than answers. Additionally, I felt that the book lacked depth and didn't provide enough information about the practices and beliefs of Wiccans. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who is genuinely interested in learning about Wicca.
2. John - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Understanding the Wiccan Lifestyle." The author seemed to rely heavily on stereotypes and generalizations, failing to provide any real insight into the Wiccan culture. It felt more like a shallow overview rather than a comprehensive guide. Moreover, the lack of references or sources made it hard to trust the validity of the information presented. I'd advise anyone interested in Wicca to look for more reputable sources instead.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars - As someone who wanted to explore the Wiccan lifestyle, I found this book to be lacking in substance. The author failed to offer a holistic perspective and instead focused on their personal experiences and opinions, which is not what I was looking for. Additionally, the book lacked practical guidance and seemed more like a memoir than an educational resource. Overall, if you're seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Wiccan lifestyle, I would recommend looking for other resources.

The Wiccan Wheel of the Year: A Guide to Seasonal Festivals

Wiccan Ethics and the Threefold Law