tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90611762605527755082024-03-19T04:13:05.104-07:00The Life and Times of a Magickal MamaMy Book of Shadows as a pagan mother. Recipes, rituals, spells, and more!Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-89976778775316675482012-10-01T11:11:00.000-07:002012-10-01T11:11:00.205-07:00Good Time for Pumpkin Soup…<p>… Don’t you think?</p> <p>Autumn is probably my very favorite season. The colors, the harvests, the weather, the… EVERYTHING, really. One of my favorite bits of the season is the food though, especially the food made with pumpkin. Pumpkin soup, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice mead, pumpkin pies and cakes, I could live off of pumpkin based foods. In celebration of the season, the weather and al the rest of the amazingness of Autumn, here’s a great recipe for a vegetarian (easily made vegan) pumpkin soup!</p> <p><strong>Ingredients</strong></p> <p>1 pumpkin (or one can of pumpkin)<br>2 cups vegetable stock<br>1 large onion (you can caramelize the onion for a slightly more complex flavor)<br>1 cup heavy cream (can use coconut cream)<br>5 peppercorns<br>5 cloves<br>salt to taste</p> <p>1. Peel and chop the pumpkin, and the onion.<br>2. Put into large pot with 1-1/2 cup vegetable stock and 1/2 cup cream (or coconut cream) and the remaining ingredients.<br>3. Let the ingredients boil until soft. Cloves can be removed at this point, but it is up to you.<br>4. Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth.<br>5. If soup needs thinning, add more vegetable stock or water.<br>6. Serve in a bowl topped with a small amount of cream and a sprinkle of black pepper.</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-17713413223919365462012-09-14T11:54:00.000-07:002012-09-14T11:54:00.182-07:00Mabon<p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wAl6RIp0pY4/T5GxCpmDxbI/AAAAAAAABjA/WLj4PnDN35Q/s1600-h/mabon_blessings_by_fullmoonartists%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mabon_blessings_by_fullmoonartists" border="0" alt="mabon_blessings_by_fullmoonartists" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-25FQ5uu7p_A/T5GxDOUApUI/AAAAAAAABjI/Pt5iS9MhVs4/mabon_blessings_by_fullmoonartists_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><br>Symbolism of Mabon</strong>: The completion of the Harvest begun. Day and night are equal and the God prepares to leave His physical body and begin the great adventure into the unseen.<br><strong>Symbols of Mabon</strong>: all harvest symbols, corn, autumn flowers, red poppies,nuts, grains, leaves, acorns, pine and cypress cones, oak sprigs, wreaths, vine, grapes, cornucopia, horns of plenty, burial cairns, apples, marigolds, harvested crops. wine, gourds <br><strong>Colors</strong> : Orange, Dark Red, Yellow, Indigo, Maroon and Brown.<br><strong>Goddesses</strong>: Modron(Welsh), Bona Dea, Harvest Dieties, Persephone, Demeter/Ceres, Morgan(Welsh- Cornish), Snake Woman(Aboriginal), Epona (Celtic-Gaulish), Pamona(Roman), the Muses(Greek).<br><strong>Gods</strong>: Mabon, Modron (Welsh), Sky Father, John Barleycorn , the Wicker-Man, the Corn Man, Thoth(Egyptian), Hermes, Hotei (Japanese), Thor, Dionysus (Roman), Bacchus (Greek) and all wine Deities.<br><strong>Tarot Cards</strong>: Judgment and The World<br><strong>Altar Decorations</strong>: Acorns, pinecones, autumn leaves, pomegranate, statue of the Triple Goddess in her Mother phase.<br><strong>Mabon Herbs</strong>: Rue, yarrow, rosemary, marigold, sage, walnut leaves and husks, mistletoe, saffron, chamomile, almond leaves, passionflower, frankincense, rose hips, bittersweet, sunflower, wheat, oak leaves, dried apple or apple seeds.<br><strong>Foods of Mabon</strong>: Cornbread, wheat products, bread, grains, berries, nuts, grapes, acorns, seeds, dried fruits, corn, beans, squash, roots (i.e. onions, carrots, potatoes, etc.), hops, apples, pomegranates, carrots, onions, potatoes, roast goose or mutton, wine, ale and ciders, breads, apples, pomegranates<br><strong>Animals</strong>: Dogs, wolves, stag, blackbird, owl, eagle, birds of prey, salmon & goat, Gnomes, Sphinx, Minotaur, Cyclops, Andamans and Gulons.<br><strong>Element</strong>: Water.<br><strong>Incense</strong>: Pine, sweet grass, apple blossom, benzoin, myrrh, frankincense, jasmine, sage wood aloes, black pepper, patchouli, cinnamon, clove, oak moss<br><strong>Mabon Stones</strong> : During Mabon, stones ruled by the Sun will help bring the Sun's energy to you.clear quartz, amber, peridot, diamond, gold, citrine, yellow topaz, cat's-eye, adventurine.<br><strong>Customs</strong>: offerings to land, preparing for cold weather by bringing in harvest, cutting willow wands( Druidic), leaving apples upon burial cairns & graves as a token of honor, walks in forests, gather seed pods & dried plants, fermenting grapes to make wine,picking ripe produce, stalk bundling<br><strong>Spell workings of Mabon</strong>: Protection, prosperity, security, and self- confidence. Also those of harmony and balance. Taboos:It was considered unlucky to cut down the very last of the Harvest, and so was also left to stand in the field by some traditions.<br><strong>Activities of Mabon</strong>: <ul> <li>Select the best of each vegetable, herb, fruit, nut, and other food you have harvested or purchased and give it back to Mother Earth with prayers of thanksgiving. Hang dried ears of corn around your home in appreciation of the harvest season. <li>Do meditations and chanting as you store away food for the Winter. <li>Do a thanksgiving circle, offering thanks as you face each direction - - for home, finances, and physical health (North); for gifts of knowledge (East); for accomplishments in career and hobbies (South); for relationships (West); and for spiritual insights and messages (Center). <li>Decorate the table with colorful autumn leaves in a basket. <li>Display the fruits of the harvest - corn, gourds, nuts, grapes, apples - preferably in a cornucopia. Or decorate with wildflowers, acorns, nuts, berries, cocoons, anything that represents the harvest to you. <li>Like its sister equinox, halfway across the Wheel of the Year, the Autumn Equinox is a good occasion for a ritual feast. Plan a meal that uses seasonal and symbolic fruits and vegetables. You can serve bread, squash, corn, apples, cider and wine. <li>Make some homemade wine or cordial gather and dry herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods. <li>Make grapevine wreaths using dried bitter-sweet herb for protection. <li>Use ribbons of gold and yellow to bring in the energy of the Sun, and decorate with sprigs of dried yarrow or cinnamon sticks. Make a protection charm of hazelnuts (filberts) strung on red thread. <li>Make a witch's broom. <li>Tie dried corn husks or herbs (broom, cedar, fennel, lavender, peppermint, rosemary) around a strong, relatively straight branch of your choice. <li>Make magic Apple Dolls Gifts of the Harvest can be used to make tools and emblems that will remind us of their bounty all year round. <li>Look for colored leaves. Collect fallen leaves and make a centerpiece or bouquet for your home. Save the leaves to burn in your Yule fire. <li>Visit an apple orchard and, if possible, pick your own apples. Hang apples on a tree near your home. Watch the birds and other small animals who will enjoy your gift. <li>This is also the time for replacing your old broom with a new one. As the broom corn is ripe now, besom making is traditional and magickal this time of year. Begin the festival with a vineyard or orchard harvest. You might check the farm lands in your area to see if there's an orchard or pumpkin patch that allows customers to harvest produce for themselves. <li>Traditionally Sabbat festivals begin at sun set on the eve of the Holiday. You can use the daytime hours of this holiday eve to prepare baskets for harvesting the next day. Baking a pumpkin pie (from scratch if possible) is a wonderful way to bring in the fragrance of the holiday season.</li></ul><br>From <a href="http://cronescottage2002.tripod.com/thecottageaugustmabon2002/id1.html">The Crone's Cottage</a> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-35331319094246227972012-07-23T11:42:00.001-07:002012-08-02T00:32:50.550-07:00Lughnasadh<p>Lughnasadh usually takes place on July 31st or August 1st (depending upon a person’s choice). My family usually celebrates Lughnasadh by visiting <a title="FaerieWorlds" href="http://faerieworlds.com/" target="_blank">FaerieWorlds</a>, and then, if the Sabbat does not take place during the festival, we will often have a small celebration of our own. Below I have included information about Lughnasadh. <hr> <p align="center"><font size="3"><strong>Lughnasadh<br></strong></font><em>Usually takes place around August 1st<br>Fire Festival</em></p> <p align="center"><em>Lunasa (meaning August), Lughnasaad, Lughnasadh (Celtic), First Harvest, August Eve, Feast of Cardenas, Feast of Bread, Tailltean Games (Irish), Teltain Cornucopia (Strega), Ceresalia (Ancient Roman), Harvest Home, Thingtide (Teutonic), Lammas (Christian), Laa Luanys, Elembious, Festival of Green Corn (Native American), Freyfaxi, Loaf-Fest (Norse)</em></p> <p align="left">Lughnasadh is the first in the trilogy of harvest festivals. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and the decline of summer into winter. The plants of spring wither and drop seeds to ensure future crops. Grains are ready to be harvested and the fruits are ripe for picking. We can give thanks for the food on our tables. It is the turning point of the earth’s life cycle. Festivals and rituals typically center around the assurance of a bountiful harvest season and the celebration of the harvest cycle. A bountiful harvest insured the safe passage of the tribe through the upcoming winter months. The gathering of bilberries is an ancient ritual symbolizing the success of the of the Lughnasadh rituals. If the bilberries were bountiful, the crops would be, also. </p> <p align="left">Lughnasadh is the festival in honor of Lugh, the Irish god. Lugh, God of all skills, is known as the “Bright or Shining One”, He is associated with both the Sun and agricultural fertility. Lleu, Lugh’s equivilant in Britian and Wales, is the son of Arianrhod, Goddess of the Stars and Reincarnation. </p> <p align="left">Games of athletic prowess are played in honor of Lugh. The games are said to be funeral games for Lugh, and, in some traditions, his foster mother, who is honored at this festival because she died while preparing the fields for planting. More about the games below, under ‘customs’.</p> <p align="left">Many grains, seeds, herbs, and fruits can be harvested and dried, at this time for later use through the remaining year. Corn is one of the vital crops harvested now, and in some areas, the sacrifice of the corn king is preformed. Death and rebirth are a part of the life cycle Lugh journeys through his mating with the Goddess during the remaining waning year. The Goddess oversees the festival in her triple guise as Macha. She presides in her warrior aspect, the crow who sits afield awaiting the dead. She is the Crone, Maiden, and Mother, Anu, Banba, and Macha, who convoys the dead into the realm of the deceased. Macha is forced, while heavy with child, to race against the King of Ulster’s horses. She wins the race and gives birth to twins, and cursed the men of Ulster with the pain of labor when they most need their strength. She becomes the Queen of Ulster through battle for seven years. Her fortress in Ulster is known as the Emain Macha and it’s otherworldly form known as Emania, the Moon Goddess’ realm of death.</p> <p align="left">Lughnasadh is a time of bounty, celebration, and hopes for and abundant harvest. We celebrate the bounty of our life’s own harvest, the work we have done in and within our own lives, as well as in our community. We understand and acknowledge the need for successes in both the physical and spiritual realms. For without success and a fruitful harvest we will not have the staples we need to continue to work on all levels. Our religion is one of service, not sacrifice. For there is no service in sacrifice, and no sacrifice in service. We need to fill our own cups and when our cups runneth over, we can’t help but splash those around us with the life giving waters.</p> <p align="left">For as we are members of the Universe and children of the Mother expect to share in the benevolence of Her love. For ours is the mother who nurtures and loves Her children, sharing Her bounty. Prosperity is not amassing and hoarding a great profusion of assets. Prosperity is having more than what is essential, and never having less than we desire. We understand the abundance and magnanimity of the Universe and celebrate, recognize, and honor this. </p> <p>It is appropriate to plant the seeds from the fruit consumed in ritual. If they sprout, grow the plant with love and as a symbol of your connection with the Goddess and God. <p>Wheat weaving (the making of corn dollies, etc.) is an appropriate activity for Lughnasadh. Visits to fields, orchards, lakes and wells are also traditional. The foods of Lughnasadh include bread, blackberries and all berries, acorns (leached of their poisons first), crab apples, all grains and locally ripe produce. A cake is sometimes baked, and cider is used in place of wine. If you do make a figure of the God from bread, it can be used for the Simple Feast. <p><strong><font size="3">RECIPES</font></strong> <p><strong>Lughnasadh Incense Recipe<br></strong>1 Part Bay Leaves<br>1 Part Coriander<br>1 Part Cinnamon<br>1 Part Rosemary<br>1 Part Rose Petals<br>1 Part Rose Hips<br>1 Part Oak Moss<br>1 Part Juniper Berries<br>1 Part Barley berries (ground up)<br>1 Part Wheat berries (ground up)<br>1 Part Basil<br>1 Part Blackberry Leaves<br>1 Part Chamomile<br>1 Part Cardamom<br>1 Part Clove<br>1 Part Cannabis<br>2 Parts Balm of Gilead </p> <p><strong>Lughnasadh Oil<br></strong>To be added in the future.<br><br><strong><a title="Lughnasadh Recipe - Oregano Salt Sticks" href="http://magickalmamaslife.blogspot.com/2012/07/lammas-recipeoregano-salt-sticks.html" target="_blank">Lughnasadh Oregano Salt Sticks</a></strong> <p><strong><font size="3">CORRESPONDENCES</font></strong> <p><u>Symbols</u> Fruitfulness, reaping, prosperity, reverence, purification, transformation, change, The Bread of Life, The Chalice of Plenty, The Ever-flowing Cup , the Groaning Board (Table of Plenty), Cornucopia, Corn Dollies, Baskets of Bread, Spear, Cauldron, Sickle/Scythe, Threshing Tools, Harvested Herbs, Bonfires, Bilberries, God figures, Phallic symbols</p> <p><u>Colors</u> Red, Orange, Golden Yellow, Green, Light brown, Gold, Bronze, Gray</p> <p><u>Gods</u> Johnny Barleycorn, Lugh, Arianrhods golden haired son Lleu ( Welsh God of the Sun & Corn where corn includes all grains, not just maize), Dagon (Phoenician Grain God), Tammuz/ Dummuzi (Sumerian), Dionysus, plus all sacrificial Gods who willingly shed blood/give their life that their people/lands may prosper, all vegetation Gods & Tanus (Gaulish Thunder God), Taranis, (Romano-Celtic Thunder God), Tina, (Etruscan-Thunder God), the waning God</p> <p><u>Goddesses</u> The Mother, Dana (Lugh’s wife and queen), Tailltiu (Welsh/Scottish), Demeter (Greek), Ceres (Roman grain goddess, honored at Ceresalia), the Barley Mother, Seelu (Cherokee), Corn Mother, Isis (Her birthday is celebrated around this time), Luna (Roman Moon goddess), other Agricultural Goddesses, the waxing Goddess</p> <p><u>Animals</u> Roosters, Calves</p> <p><u>Mythical Creatures</u> Centaurs, Phoenix, Griffins</p> <p><u>Foods</u> Corn, First Fruits/Vegetables of Garden Labor, Bread, barley cakes, nuts, apples, rice, lamb, Grains, Berry Foods and any locally ripe produce, potatoes, summer squash, pears</p> <p><u>Beverages</u> Elderberry Wine, Ale, Cider, Beer, Meadowsweet Tea</p> <p><u>Plants</u> Red, Orange and Yellow Flowers; Sheaves of Grain; Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sloe, Crab Apples, Pears, Goldernrod, Peony, Nasturtium, Cloverblossom, Yarrow, Heliotrope, Boneset, Vervain, Queen Anne’s Lace, Myrtle, Sunflower, Rose, Poppy, Milkweed, Irish Moss, mushroom, wheat, corn, rye, oat, barley, rice, garlic, onion, basil, mint, aloe, acacia, meadowsweet, apple leaf, raspberry leaf, strawberry leaf, bilberry leaf, blueberry leaf, mugwort, hops, holly, comfrey, marigold, grape vine, ivy, hazelnut, blackthorn, elder, bee pollen</p> <p><u>Oils/Incense</u> Wood Aloes, Rose, Rosehips, Rosemary, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Safflower, Corn, Passionflower, Frankincense, Sandalwood</p> <p><u>Gemstones</u> Aventurine, Citrine, Peridot, Sardonyx, Yellow Diamonds, Citrine, Cats-Eye, Golden Topaz, Obsidian, Moss Agate, Rhodochrosite, Clear Quartz, Marble, Slate, Granite, Lodestone, Carnelian</p> <p><u>Essence</u> Fruitfulness, reaping, prosperity, reverence, purification, transformation, change, the Bread of Life, the Chalice of Plenty, the Ever-Flowing Cup, the Groaning Board (Table of Plenty)</p> <p><u>Customs</u> Games, the traditional riding of poles/staves, country fairs, breaking bread with friends, making corn dollies, harvesting herbs for charms/rituals, Lughnasadh fire with sacred wood & dried herbs, feasting, competitions, lammas towers (fire-building team competitions), spear tossing, gathering flowers for crowns, fencing/swordplay, games of skill, martial sports, chariot races, hand-fastings, trial marriages, dancing round a corn mother (doll)</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-40852187968058979142012-07-23T07:01:00.000-07:002012-07-23T11:43:30.692-07:00Lughnasadh Recipe–Oregano Salt Sticks<p>Found this recipe on <a href="http://www.graveyarddirt.com" target="_blank">Ms. Graveyard Dirt’s blog</a>.</p> <p><b><u>Oregano Salt Sticks</u></b><br>This recipe's been adapted from <em>The Herb & Spice Book</em> by Sarah Garland, any alterations made are noted below in "MS. GD NOTES".</p> <p><b>YIELD:</b><br>Approximately 20 sticks <p><b>INGREDIENTS:</b><br><em>* 450g (1lb) flour<br>* a handful of chopped fresh oregano or marjoram<br>* salt<br>* 15g (1/2oz) fresh yeast<br>* 1/2 tsp brown sugar<br>* 1 egg<br>* 3 tbspns cooking oil<br>* 150ml (1/4 pint) warm milk<br>* 3 tbspns grated Parmesan cheese<br>* 40g (1 1/2oz) coarse sea salt</em> <p><b>METHOD:</b><br>Put the flour and a pinch of salt to warm for a few minutes in a low oven. Crumble the yeast into a bowl, add the sugar and a few spoonfuls of warm water and mix well. Leave in a warm place until frothy. Make a well in the flour and tip into it the yeast mixture, egg, oil, and sufficient milk to make a pliable dough. Knead for a few minutes, then leave to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Knead in the oregano or marjoram and Parmesan. Divide the dough into about 20 pieces and roll into long sticks the thickness of a pencil. Lay them on a greased baking sheet, brush with milk, sprinkle thickly with the sea salt and leave to rise again in a warm place for 10 minutes. Bake in a moderate oven, 180C/350F/Mark 4, for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly browned and crisp. <p><b>MS. GD NOTES:</b><br>Instead of using fresh yeast I used dry yeast (one yeast packet, roughly 7.5g), and my cooking oil of choice was a lemon-infused rapeseed oil (locally produced!). I incorporated BOTH marjoram and oregano and threw in a small handful of fresh parsley too. What I DIDN'T do was use all of the sea salt; I sprinkled liberally down every stick until partially covered, and that turned out to be the right amount of seasoning. (I don't EVEN want to contemplate how inedible they would've been if I stuck with the instructed 40g!)</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-1392727857363645022012-07-05T00:00:00.000-07:002012-07-05T00:00:00.824-07:00Blue Lace Agate<p><em>Blue Lace Agate is one of the rarer forms of Agate, discovered in Africa and still mined there to this day. It is characterized by a light blue color, typically with wavy lines across its surface.</em> </p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qyCRjcJSccQ/T_KZ8tIgtHI/AAAAAAAABvA/nc9n_D7V_qQ/s1600-h/Blue%252520Lace%252520Agate%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blue Lace Agate 1" border="0" alt="Blue Lace Agate 1" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eeGDlX7FwyI/T_KZ83KFVGI/AAAAAAAABvI/cFAULQWsdFQ/Blue%252520Lace%252520Agate%2525201_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171"></a>Candle Color:</strong> Pale blue. </li> <li><strong>Chakra:</strong> Throat. <li><strong>Cleansing:</strong> Use the light of the waxing moon to recharge blue lace agate. <li><strong>Element:</strong> Air/water. <li><strong>Flowers & Plants</strong>: Bluebell, forget-me-not and periwinkle. <li><strong>Herbs - Incenses - Oils:</strong> Fern, star anise, vervain and yarrow. <li><strong>Planet:</strong> Neptune. <li><strong>Zodiac:</strong> Aquarius.</li></ul> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-acAsNsE53VE/T_KZ9K3VJNI/AAAAAAAABvQ/WAJi4DdV8cM/s1600-h/Blue%252520Lace%252520Agate%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Blue Lace Agate 2" border="0" alt="Blue Lace Agate 2" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4gQQJvckCIY/T_KZ9bA-VQI/AAAAAAAABvY/ia9Hfh8-zG4/Blue%252520Lace%252520Agate%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a>Uses:</strong> <ul> <li>Use blue lace agate to help with noisy domestic animals. <li>Use it to help soothe restless children. <li>Use blue lace agate to send peace energy to war zones. <li>It is a calming stone and can make one feel lighter and more positive. <li>It is good for headaches, sore throats and swollen neck glands. It also calms stress and soothes skin conditions. <li>Blue Lace agate is a peacemaker and will help avoid confrontation at family gatherings. <li>Blue Lace Agate can be used to remove tension from relationships and household situations. <li>It is protective against anger from others. <li>It will help develop clairaudience and give difficult divination readings a positive boost. <li>It Is The Stone Of: Public speakers. <li>It is good for communication and clear thinking. <li>It can help with stuttering, headaches, arthritis and emotional tension and anxiety. Used in treatment of arthritic conditions, strengthen skeletal structure, mending breaks & fractures, remove blockages of nervous system & capillaries, disorder of the pancreas & glands associated with digestion. Heals sore throats, hoarseness, & opens voice. <li>It helps you to think on your feet when giving speeches at work. <li>Can help reach extremely high spiritual spaces.</li> <li>Can also be used for fluid balance around the brain, & to diminish dilation of the blood vessels of the iris.</li> <li>Aids speaking out, self-expression, emotional truths, courage, shyness.</li> <li>It is an inspiring stone that can assist in inner attunement, and has been used to perform miracles.</li> <li></li></ul> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-69277346030671951222012-07-04T23:43:00.000-07:002012-07-04T23:43:00.111-07:00Amethyst<ul> <li><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e_lPiEyUk28/T_KU0V-dg3I/AAAAAAAABvk/6G_6tdILelE/s1600-h/Amethyst%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Amethyst" border="0" alt="Amethyst" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bNM3yZqfIW0/T_KU0_PI0QI/AAAAAAAABvo/QiBv2O7vHfo/Amethyst_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="211"></a>Candle Color -</strong> Dark blue or purple. </li> <li><strong>Chakra -</strong> Brow. </li> <li><strong>Cleansing -</strong> Recharge amethyst under moonlight.</li> <li><strong>Element -</strong> Air. </li> <li><strong>Flowers & Plants -</strong> Lavender, lilac and violet. </li> <li><strong>Herbs/Incenses/Oils -</strong> Chamomile, lavender, patchouli and sweet grass. </li> <li><strong>Planet -</strong> Jupiter. </li> <li><strong>Zodiac -</strong> Aquarius.</li></ul> <p><strong>Uses - </strong></p> <ul> <li>Protection stone. </li> <li>Use amethyst water to help calm hyperactive pets and to stop excessive barking in dogs. It will also help to deter fleas and ticks.</li> <li>A geode should be used to help children who suffer from nightmares.</li> <li>Set in the ground in polluted areas.</li> <li>Soothes irritability, balances mood swings, dispels anger, rage, fear and anxiety. </li> <li>Aids in understanding dreams and prevents insomnia sobering effects. </li> <li>General all-round healer and is excellent for distance healing.</li> <li>Any dark or negative areas of your house should have an amethyst placed there. It will also help to soothe anger and impatience.</li> <li>It is protective against dark energy and should be placed in any part of the house (or wherever) that feels negative. Amethyst is also protective against technological pollution wherever it occurs.</li> <li>Use amethyst to enhance psychic dreams.</li> <li>It will help soothe anger and impatience and prevent you from becoming anxious.</li> <li>Amethyst will help cleanse and charge any crystals that have been used for divination, healing or protection.</li></ul> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-31001325125565647582012-07-03T23:32:00.000-07:002012-07-03T23:32:00.357-07:00Amber<p><em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4QPY7GGsQWE/T_KSXc7MhuI/AAAAAAAABuc/RweWHqy7os8/s1600-h/Amber3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Amber" border="0" alt="Amber" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R9ef04La-Is/T_KSXjBsCLI/AAAAAAAABuk/5skgIe5Taw4/Amber_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171"></a>Amber is fossilized resin, so is a natural organic substance that has been transformed in the Earth.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Candle Color – </strong>Gold</p> <p><strong>Chakra –</strong> Sacral</p> <p><strong>Cleansing –</strong> Leave Amber in the noon sunlight for a few minutes.</p> <p><strong>Element - </strong>Fire</p> <p><strong>Flowers & Plants - </strong>Dandelion, marigold, and sunflower. </p> <p><strong>Herbs/Incenses/Oils</strong> - Bay, frankincense and saffron. </p> <p><strong>Planet - </strong>Sun. </p> <p><strong>Zodiac - </strong>Leo.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Magickal Uses –</strong> </p> <ul> <li>This substance is very powerful at transforming negative energy into positive energy. Its color and transparency help soothe and enliven. Historically, it has been burnt to cleanse an environment of negativity, and used to cleanse birthing/re-birthing rooms. <li>Amber is useful in turning desires into reality, particularly towards universal perfection, and also assists in the realization of unconditional love. <li>Used as an elixir, or carried or worn, it purifies one’s mind, body, and spirit. <li>Another of the stones of protection, power and majesty used in the past by high-priests. <li>Amber is a powerful healer and cleanser. <li>Amber links the everyday self to the spiritual self and is highly protective against any negativity, especially from psychic sources and is said to be one of the better natural crystals for psychic protection. <li>Helps to relieve stress and clear depression. Amber aids emotions and creates a more positive outlook on life. <li>Amber is a strong stone to aid with enhancing creativity. <li>For spiritual work pair an Amber stone with Moldavite or the other high crystal energy stones to aid inner transformation. <li>Use amber to help animals (particularly older animals) self-heal. <li>It will help children to overcome shyness and is protective against spite and sarcasm at school. <li>Amber should be used in any area to guard against modern technological pollution. It will also help to safeguard ancient sites. <li>Amber will attract prosperity and success. It is a lucky stone. <li>Amber will help increase inner radiance and to strengthen self-esteem. <li>Amber should be used for astral travel and any past life work. It will help transform negative into positive energy. <li>Amber should be used in all fertility magic and is especially effective when used in conjunction with jet. It can also be used to help invoke power and protection when channeling the wisdom of the Goddess. Amber should be used in any ritual that is performed for an area that is under threat. <li>It is a stone of fertility. <li>It will help you to be successful at work and it will aid in removing rigid or confrontational attitudes in others. <li> <ul><!--EndFragment--></ul></li></ul> <p><strong>Physical Uses-</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Also used for healing goiter or bladder/kidney disorders. <li>It’s an excellent stone to wear during and after illness to help recovery. <li>It is favorable to wear it during and after illness, to bring relief from many different afflictions. <li>It heals the glandular system and stimulates the healing of problems within the DNA as well as relieving karmic related illness. It will work to heal muscular pain and promote tissue revitalization. <li>Amber will help stimulate the body's ability to self-heal. It can also be used to help relieve inner ear complaints, sore throats, stomach complaints, and will help to strengthen the central nervous system, lungs and spine. It is a very good crystal for anyone suffering from anxiety or depression.</li></ul> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-82115595838569297062012-07-02T23:32:00.001-07:002012-07-02T23:32:37.008-07:00Agate<p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6f24Okhwj1Q/T_KR-bLp05I/AAAAAAAABtM/r6hzjRYM56E/s1600-h/Agate%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Agate 1" border="0" alt="Agate 1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cq1dOQ9U-QE/T_KR-nhfP5I/AAAAAAAABtU/zBiP8lxu5Fk/Agate%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="170"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yJC6M-Pzs8c/T_KR_E5IelI/AAAAAAAABtc/9H6Aamqp_WY/s1600-h/Agate%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Agate 2" border="0" alt="Agate 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fJyeVq5bNms/T_KR_fUPfJI/AAAAAAAABtk/POdNiCYffGI/Agate%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="170"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KyR39L9ZGCM/T_KR_sKeJxI/AAAAAAAABts/g6NbXF1Dwk0/s1600-h/Agate%2525203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Agate 3" border="0" alt="Agate 3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rJi-riYOBR4/T_KR_ya14RI/AAAAAAAABt0/_XbgIMiyIdU/Agate%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="170"></a><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D8rO2AVMhZo/T_KSAIrH9DI/AAAAAAAABt8/R85Suul5I0k/s1600-h/Agate%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Agate 4" border="0" alt="Agate 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yGushPY85IM/T_KSAbpYa9I/AAAAAAAABuE/dunZnKWA6Q0/Agate%2525204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qJBVp8xaAyI/T_KSAjmZyUI/AAAAAAAABuM/orzb_1yCJhQ/s1600-h/Agate%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Agate 5" border="0" alt="Agate 5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HR8CUtwDIU8/T_KSA0j0SHI/AAAAAAAABuU/vPzDMlM24n4/Agate%2525205_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a></p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-62789537805371443692012-06-29T18:37:00.001-07:002012-06-29T18:42:33.510-07:00Water Element<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vEW7potXEbU/T-5ZhuFfkYI/AAAAAAAABs4/zlKgwQyl_FQ/s1600-h/DSC_021_c_w%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_021_c_w" border="0" alt="DSC_021_c_w" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lMjt7UK_mnU/T-5ZiGZ_3SI/AAAAAAAABtA/4AMYA8zDR24/DSC_021_c_w_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="200"></a>Water rules emotions, dreams, compassion, love, sadness, psychicism, healing, rest, cleansing, dissolution, astral travel, death, rebirth, soothing, flowing, and changing.</p> <ul> <li>Direction: West <li>Gender: Feminine, receptive <li>Virtue: To dare <li>Pentagram: Upper right <li>Color: Blues, silvers, purple <li>Archangel: Gabriel <li>Kerub: Eagle <li>Tarot: Cups, Moon, Death, Lovers <li>Hour: Dusk <li>Days: Mondays, Friday <li>Beings: Undines <li>King: Nixsa <li>Totem: Bear <li>Animals: Fish, dolphins, sea animals, crocodile, cat, frog, turtle, dolphin, whale, otter, seal <li>Mythological Beings: Merpeople, sea monsters, <li>Herbs: Alder, Hazel, Willow, Fern, Aloe, Lemon, Yarrow, American Elm, Myrtle, Bier, Violet, Aquatic plants, lotus, moss, reeds, rushes, sea-weed, watercress, water lilly, willow, roses, succulents, lettuce, gardenia, flowers in general <li>Stones: Aquamarine, Lapis, limestone, moonstone, pearl, rose quartz, sodalite, Crystal, coral, sea salt, jade, Mother-of-Pearl, pearl, amethyst, aquamarine, blue tourmaline <li>Planet: Moon, Venus ,Neptune, Saturn, <li>Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces <li>Season: Autumn <li>Moon Phase: Full <li>Age: Adult <li>Magick: Love, purification, peace, healing, psychic workings, fertility, emotional <li>Positive Characteristics: compassion, loving, forgiving, sensitive, easy-going, modest <li>Negative characteristics: overly sensitive, weepy, dependent, indifferent, lazy, insecure, frigid. <li>Tools: Goblet, chalice, bowl, cauldron, ring, sickle <li>Chakra: Navel (heart) <li>Symbols: downward triangle, circle with line horizontally through the middle, half moon facing upward, waves, water, water vessel, pitcher, snowflake, raindrop, shells, <li>Quality: Cleansing, healing, emotional, empathic <li>Magic: Healing, love, purification, psychic work, weather magic, fertility <li>Other: Nurture, emotions, the subconscious, the Otherworld, transformation, mystery, compassion, secrets, fertility <li>Incense: Lotus, myrrh, aromatic rush roots <li>Rituals: purification, love, psychic awareness, dreams, sleep, peace, marriage, friendship <li>Ritual forms: dilution,washing away, bathing <li>Metals: mercury, silver, copper <li>Musical instruments: cymbal, bell <li>Sense: taste</li></ul> <p><strong>Invocations of Water</strong></p> <ul> <li>Water! Power of the West, I summon you! I ask you to guard my circle and witness my rites. Hail and Welcome. <li>I call upon the element of Water. Powers of the West, bring your emotion to me! Undines, I summon you to guard the Circle! Hail and welcome. <li>Water! [Word association]. Hail and welcome to the Circle. <li>Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, the element of Water. By seas, rivers, streams and rain, I summon thee to guard my Circle and witness my Rites. Hail and welcome.</li></ul> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-26838169845330835082012-06-29T13:54:00.000-07:002012-06-29T13:54:00.629-07:00Year and a Day–Journal 3<p><em>What are your feelings on “black” magic? Write about your magical ethics system; do you believe in the law of return? Make sure to look back at this entry throughout the course and see if your views change.</em></p> <p>Oh dear, black magick is a huge subject for me. I feel that magick itself can not truly be “black” or “evil” any more than any other energy is, and that is what magick is, energy. Energy that we put out into the world in order to change the world around us. Magick can not be evil any more than fire, or electricity can be evil.</p> <p>My personal ethics system is kind of interesting, or at least, so I’ve been told, because while I don’t often do magick that will impose upon the will of someone else, I have done so before, if I feel my reasons are justified. For instance, while I would never do a spell to make someone hurt themselves, I will do a spell to help someone to get an alcohol problem under control. I don’t specifically believe in the rule of three, or the Law of Return, I do believe in treating others the way I want to be treated, and as such, I won’t do a spell which could possibly affect someone else’s life if I wouldn’t want someone to do the same spell if the tables were turned. While this sometimes bothers others, I feel that it works well for my intents and purposes and beliefs.</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-49325874260529131032012-06-27T01:35:00.001-07:002012-06-27T01:35:00.832-07:00Year and a Day - Journal 2<p><em>How do you feel about the different categories of Wicca? Do you agree with the categories? If you are interested in Wicca, which category would you like to be a part of?</em></p> <p>While I don’t disagree with any of the paths of Wicca, I personally do not find myself drawn to any of the Wiccan paths either. I read a lot about different paths of Wicca, particularly Dianic and Faery, but even those just did not strike me as right, although I liked the concept of both, at the time. More and more often I found myself reading more about witchcraft and less about Wicca. While I do still read and own some books that are focused upon Wicca, I find that I’m more interested in Wicca as a resource for ways to practice than I actually am interested in the religion.</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-29170225065547486452012-06-22T02:42:00.000-07:002012-06-22T02:43:31.687-07:00My Altar Changes.<p>I am in a group on <a title="My Pagan Tumblr Page" href="http://sages-magick.tumblr.com" target="_blank">tumblr</a> that does weekly focus questions and this weeks focus was Altars. loved the concept and decided that this is something I not only wanted to participate in, but also, something I could add to my book of shadows for information for myself, as well as information for whoever gets my Book in the future. I hope to do this once a year, giving me an idea of how I change from year to year.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LVsx5D7hu-Q/T-Q-OahnrnI/AAAAAAAABsE/h-ejl7DL3Ls/s1600-h/Litha%2525202012%252520%2525281%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (1)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (1)" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RswAUe4hqow/T-Q-O-gjfxI/AAAAAAAABsM/ychDImNVbTg/Litha%2525202012%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a>What does it contain? </strong>Here is a bird’s eye view of my current altar, which is set up for Litha. I will only talk about the permanent Altar items. </p> <ul> <li>In the North I have a Deer skull and rib bone, and the skull and a few teeth of my cat and familiar, Faelynn, who I lost nearly a year ago. <li>In the East I have a frosted bird candle holder which holds feathers of many sizes. <li>In the South, I have two red candles, one apple cinnamon scented candle, one Candle from and elemental set with the words Fire and a small Asian coin/token; as well as one reddish orange inspiration candle, and a small snakeskin. <li>In the North I have a large seashell, a smaller seashell, and a very small snail shell. It also holds a teeny tiny wooden bead and a large glass and metal tankard that is missing it’s lid.</li></ul> <p><strong>Why have you chosen those items? </strong>There are quite a few reasons for what I have put up, put simply, because they represent the elements to me. The long answer, nothing goes on my altar without feeling right, no matter the reasons, for instance, before I put the deer rib on the altar, I had a few hip and vertebrae as well as leg bones. I decided on the rib for similar reasons for the skull. To me the skull represents earth (deer), as well as strong thought (Earth = body/strength, Skull = thought), the rib, to me signifies not only earth, but also body love (Earth = body/strength, rib = heart), which is something I have struggled with most of my life. Everything has some form of symbolism for me, as well as it’s regular symbolism. </p> <p><strong>Do you change your shrine to reflect your workings/the seasons?</strong></p> <p>Yes, my altar is changed for every season. For my Litha Altar, seasonal items are rose petals, lavender, a Gaia goddess statue, a silver sun, the gemstones, a glass of lemonade mead, Litha incense, and a yellow and orange candle holder/luminary that was made by a friend.</p> <p><strong>Think about how you would improve your altar and brainstorm some suggestions.</strong></p> <p>My altar is actually an old apothecary style table which is AWESOME. Unfortunately, the drawer is facing the right, which is where I store a lot of my studio stuff, making the drawer somewhat inconvenient. One of the things I plan to do is either get a larger apothecary table or cabinet to use as an altar, or, (much more likely) turn my altar so that it’s tall, rather than wide. I would also really like to get more altar cloths that correspond to the sabbats. </p> <p><strong>What challenges have you faced as you develop your altar?</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OhqrvWtBrH8/T-Q-PUbeZ5I/AAAAAAAABsU/kTdFWf0ixVM/s1600-h/100_4280%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4280" border="0" alt="100_4280" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-28_DHpSi1bY/T-Q-PiJRC2I/AAAAAAAABsc/VLM0sVWPygQ/100_4280_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="164"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2_4yJFh3nm4/T-Q-QLlFhII/AAAAAAAABsk/DdkUUo9VU_E/s1600-h/100_4352%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="100_4352" border="0" alt="100_4352" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lHxe_SLb7cE/T-Q-Qmu5CnI/AAAAAAAABss/bU5bSm5lGzE/100_4352_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="209" height="164"></a>I think the only challenges that have been faced came from one of my first altars which for some reason, people kept using as a table, sitting trash, food, or drinks on it, even after they were asked and even TOLD not to do so. </p> <p><strong>How has your shrine changed since you first set it up, if at all?</strong></p> <p>My altar has changed greatly not only since my first altar (which had a small glowing star, a stone, a feather, a dandle, and a small dish of water), but also my first altar in this house, which is when I began adding things that are less typical items and more things which hold some form of symbolism as well. </p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-63990599791849750752012-06-22T01:28:00.000-07:002012-06-22T01:29:27.744-07:00The Litha 2012 Altar<p>I had a lovely time putting together my altar for Litha, as well as putting a few permanent pieces on the altar. Here are some photos!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DmIabxCryc8/T-QsyNhYEAI/AAAAAAAABp8/nDSYU_Y0aXs/s1600-h/Litha-2012-22.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (2)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zTwcl1y52lY/T-Qsyvq7teI/AAAAAAAABqE/ZcCq65AvBEY/Litha-2012-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bXaiYR_zrZc/T-QszKqfhII/AAAAAAAABqI/VMeIbFK1SYE/s1600-h/Litha-2012-12.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (1)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LZQ2DP8YP4o/T-Qszky1OeI/AAAAAAAABqU/ANthoW-SwA4/Litha-2012-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171"></a></p> <p align="left">The Altar from the front and the top. I particularly like the view from the top because you can see nearly all of the different elements. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MFJ4v0lyD2o/T-Qsz28Q1oI/AAAAAAAABqc/d28xjipTYRE/s1600-h/Litha-2012-323.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (3)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (3)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W9t232nl6nw/T-Qs0dLNWdI/AAAAAAAABqk/hbQRPt_CAjk/Litha-2012-3_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="181" height="134"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lznmBD-ziJQ/T-Qs07qT1II/AAAAAAAABqs/mJjUzlgYkF4/s1600-h/Litha-2012-425.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (4)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f_eG7ZJHqpk/T-Qs1XIQS_I/AAAAAAAABqw/5sKe6bE10B8/Litha-2012-4_thumb23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="78" height="134"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iy5pIadAY4M/T-Qs2InLCDI/AAAAAAAABq8/VOo6clEHe7U/s1600-h/Litha-2012-525.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (5)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (5)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JrymBO8hVTg/T-Qs2pScQ2I/AAAAAAAABrE/vvwiIoW6G_c/Litha-2012-5_thumb23.jpg?imgmax=800" width="191" height="134"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B8E2ksV3opQ/T-Qs3CSdw3I/AAAAAAAABrM/RLeLhwDdGew/s1600-h/Litha-2012-623.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (6)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (6)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HpyQln4apbw/T-Qs3VK6N0I/AAAAAAAABrQ/up68X_VFTbM/Litha-2012-6_thumb21.jpg?imgmax=800" width="90" height="134"></a></p> <p align="left">The four corners:</p> <p align="left">North/Earth – Earth holds a deer skull that was found in the forest. A deer rib which was found in the different area of the same forest. A cat skull from my cat who was killed by a cougar, in my backyard as wel as some of her teeth. These are the permanent pieces for this corner. I also have a blue flower dish which holds <a title="Litha Incense" href="http://magickalmamaslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/litha-2012_20.html" target="_blank">Litha Incense</a>.</p> <p align="left">East/Air – Holds a small frosted glass votive candle in the shape of a bird, which holds all of my feathers. A small blue and white dish which we use to burn loose or cone incense, both of which are permanent. There would have been a stick incense holder as well, with a faerie on the end, but, that one is out of commission and I was unable to glue it back together. It will be up there soon enough.</p> <p align="left">South/Fire – Is permanent home to a red cinnamon apple candle, a red inspiration candle, as well as a red fire element candle which is not pictured. The Candle holder in the back glows a lovely yellow when used, which I thought would be a fantastic way to signify the sun.</p> <p align="left">West/Water – Has three shells, one large white one (in the back), one small one (in the front), and one much smaller snail shell in the front, as well as a small wooden bead. I’m not sure where it came from, but it still evokes water in my mind. I also keep a large glass and metal tankard which holds an offering of water. For Litha, I wanted another type of libation, so I poured a glass of lemonade and mixed it with mint mead.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YiLJqx1SUpw/T-Qs3x5AJ5I/AAAAAAAABrc/tZwCaJ5HIcM/s1600-h/Litha-2012-72.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (7)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (7)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V9FeQiK4CY8/T-Qs4bivCGI/AAAAAAAABrk/tpRrLPi3qlI/Litha-2012-7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kNbJHndFi_E/T-Qs4wL89PI/AAAAAAAABrs/7W62MCMS5zQ/s1600-h/Litha-2012-82.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Litha 2012 (8)" border="0" alt="Litha 2012 (8)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vjhwPlTINoY/T-Qs5W8x2cI/AAAAAAAABr0/FkCb03ZPM14/Litha-2012-8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a></p> <p align="left">Center/Spirit – This is where I keep most of the seasonal goodies. In the center I have roses, and lavender, surrounded by rose petals, which is in turn surrounded by stones such as Agate, Fire Opal (my daughter’s ring), Citrine (my ring), Amber, Tiger’s Eye and others. I also have two cars from The Heart of Faerie Oracle deck. On the left is The Green Lady and on the right, The Green Man. In front of the flowers I have a small hand sculpted and painted Green and Blue Goddess statuette, which has a small silver sun propped up against her pregnant belly. None of these are permanent additions.</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-64073987835488453692012-06-20T00:00:00.000-07:002012-06-22T03:46:36.674-07:00Litha 2012<p>It is still early, or late, or something… I dunno. It is Litha today, and I here is my plan for the day</p> <ul> <li>Harvest Roses, Lavender, and Rosemary for the Altar. __Done__ <li>Make Litha Incense __Done__<br>2 Parts Rose Petals<br>2 Parts Lavender<br>2 Parts Rosemary<br>2 Parts Cedar <br>1 Part Cannabis Leaf <li>Wake up the little at 5:25 AM for a Litha Sunrise Ritual. __Done__ <li>Start sun tea for tonight’s gathering. __Done__ <li>Organize the altar __Done__ <li>Do a Litha Oracle reading, focused on my business. <li>Clean up. __Done__ <li>Shop for some yummy Litha type foods: __Done__<br>(Lemon Cake, Yellow Zucchini, Strawberries, Oranges, Ginger candies, Carrots, Ice cream, Apple Cider, Lemonade, Orange Juice, Corn) <li>Snuggle with wifey __Done__ <li>Nap. __Done__ <li>Move necessary items into the living room and kitchen respectively. __Done__ <li>Party! __Done__</li></ul> <p>There will be photos of a good bit of the above with their own individual posts linked, eventually.</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-22103059828071462712012-06-14T16:15:00.001-07:002012-06-20T03:32:55.991-07:00Litha Information<p>Litha, (also known as Midsummer or the Summer Solstice) is next week on June 20th and I must say, I’m excited. It’s one of my honey’s favorite holidays and I’m sure she’s excited, as am I! Here is some Litha information we got from a website awhile ago, which has since been taken down. </p> <hr> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Midsummer</font><br></strong><em><font size="2">Can take place between June 19th and the 22nd<br>Longest Day of the Year</font></em></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">Ablan Heflin, Alben Heruin, All-Couples Day, Feast of Epona, Feill-Sheathain, Gathering Day, Johannistag, Litha, Oak Festival, Sonnewad, St. John's Day, Summer Solstice, Sun Blessing, Thing-Tide, Vestalia, Whit Sunday, Whitsuntide</font></em></p> <p align="left">A new holiday adapted by neo-pagans to celebrate the middle of summer. The origins of the holiday originated in Wales where the celebration of Midsummer was practiced and is called Gwyl Canol Haf. It is my conclusion that ancient pagans probably celebrated a form of a midsummer holiday anyway because 1. The seasons and especially a solstice were important to them and 2. They had very hard lives and enjoyed celebrating like now by neo-pagans. The name given to this time of year would have been St. John’s Eve or St. Hans Aften or Jonines, or any other variations of “John”. Emphasis would have been placed on the twilight time of balance of dark and light, short and long and the gray area in between when the faerie’s or Spirits would be out and seen and communicated with easily. The times of dusk and dawn, eves of holidays, hence we get the wonderful Shakespeare store of a Midsummer Eve. Why St. John? At the time of early Christianity and conversions, St. John was seen as a rustic nature based figure and often called the Oak Man. There are many statues of him that still exist with portray him as half human and half animal, perhaps hints of him as being a Jack in the Green or The Wild Man in the Woods. The plant, St. John’s Wort was seen as defense against harmful faeries. Bonfires are still lit today on the midsummer’s, lighting up hillsides and casting a glow of protection from harmful faeries.</p> <p align="left">If you have children, a great way to spend the holiday together as a family is to take them to a sacred site and picnic with vegetables and fruits from your garden and have them search for specific plants of the holiday too and explain the folklore. Midsummer and summer time are also the time for many pagans and non-pagans too to think about weddings and handfastings. Many herbs collected at this time are used for a traditional handfasting. Picnics afterward with mead and ale and the traditional vegetables and fruits of the summer are served as well as wild flowers everywhere in hair and on table spreads.<br><a title="Magickal Weddings: Pagan Handfasting Traditions for Your Sacred Union" href="http://www.amazon.com/Magickal-Weddings-Handfasting-Traditions-Sacred/dp/1550224611" target="_blank">Magickal Weddings: Pagan Handfasting Traditions for Your Sacred Union – Joy Ferguson</a></p> <p align="left"><strong>Summer Solstice Incense Recipe<br></strong>Oils and incense recipes from <a title="The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews" href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Incense-Llewellyns-Practical-Magick/dp/0875421288" target="_blank">The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews by Scott Cunningham</a><br>3 parts Frankincense<br>2 parts Benzoin<br>1 part Dragon’s Blood<br>1 Part Thyme<br>1 part Rosemary<br>pinch Vervain<br>a few drops of Red Wine</p> <p align="left"><strong>Midsummer Oil Recipe<br></strong>4 drops Lavender Oil<br>3 drops Rosemary Oil<br>1 drop Pine Oil<br>Sunflower Oil for a base</p> <p align="left"><strong>Midsummer Ritual Mead<br></strong><a title="The Wicca Spell Book: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThe-Wicca-Spellbook-Collection-Potions%2Fdp%2F0806514760&ei=VWnaT76-HMStiAePqdWqAg&usg=AFQjCNG8gQfkqMVFwak80LEbW53RzpfQvw" target="_blank">Gereina Dunwich’s The Wicca Spell Book: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes</a><br>2 1/2 Gallons Water<br>1 cup Meadowsweet Herb<br>1 cup Woodruff Sprigs<br>1 cup Heather Flowers<br>3 Cloves<br>1 Cup Honey<br>1/4 cup Brown Sugar<br>1 cup Barley Malt<br>1 oz. Brewer’s Yeast</p> <p align="left">Pour the water into a large cauldron or kettle. Bring to a boil and add the Meadowsweet Herb, Woodruff Sprigs, Heather Flowers, and cloves. Boil for one hour and add the honey, brown sugar, and barley Malt. Stir 13 times in a clockwise direction and then remove from heat.</p> <p align="left">Strain through a cheesecloth and allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in the brewer’s yeast. Cover with a clean towel and let it stand for one day and one night. Strain again, bottle and then store in a cool place until ready to serve.</p> <p align="left">Midsummer Ritual Mead is an ideal drink to serve at Summer Solstice Sabbaths, as well as during all Cakes and Ale Ceremonies and Esbats.</p> <p align="left"><strong>Summer Solstice Ritual Potpourri<br></strong><a title="The Wicca Spell Book: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FThe-Wicca-Spellbook-Collection-Potions%2Fdp%2F0806514760&ei=VWnaT76-HMStiAePqdWqAg&usg=AFQjCNG8gQfkqMVFwak80LEbW53RzpfQvw" target="_blank">Gereina Dunwich’s The Wicca Spell Book: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes</a><br>45 drops Lemon or Lavender Oil<br>1 cup Oak Moss<br>2 cups Dried Lavender<br>2 cups Dried Wisteria<br>2 cups Dried Verbena</p> <p align="left">Mix the Lemon or Lavender Oil with the Oak Moss, and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.</p> <p align="left"><strong>Correspondences<br></strong>Some correspondences are from <a title="The Sabbats: A Witch’s Approach to Living the Old Ways" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSabbats-Witchs-Approach-Llewellyns-Religion%2Fdp%2F1567186637&ei=xmvaT7HJL-y4iAf6mt2_Ag&usg=AFQjCNFQWiksypCEA3Myvuu1VTIIjaAHgQ" target="_blank">The Sabbats: A Witch’s Approach to Living the Old Ways by Edain McCoy</a><strong></strong></p> <p align="left"><strong>Symbols</strong> Sun, Fire, Balefire, Faeries, Mistletoe, Oak trees<br><strong>Colors </strong>Green, Gold, Blue, Tan<br><strong>Gods </strong>Father and Sun Gods, Puck, Pan<br><strong>Goddesses </strong>Mother, Pregnant, and Sun Goddesses<br><strong>Animals </strong>Birds, such as Robin, Wren, Horses, Cattle<br><strong>Mythical Creatures </strong>Faeries, Satyrs, Nymphs, Sprites, Dragon, Firebird, Thunderbird, Manticore<br><strong>Foods </strong>Summer greens, Summer fruit, Summer Vegetables, Squash<br><strong>Beverages </strong>Apple cider, Mead, Ale, Wines, Teas such as Angelica, Catnip, Indian Hippo, Sage, and Valerian<br><strong>Plants </strong>Oak, Mistletoe, St. John’s Wort, Vervain, Lavender, Frankincense, Rose, Fern, Sunflower, Summer flowers<br><strong>Oils </strong>Basil, Clove, Camphor, Frankincense, Yarrow, Ylang-Ylang<br><strong>Stones and Gems </strong>Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Tiger’s Eye, Diamond, Jade<br><strong>Songs </strong>Dalen Gwyr (Green Leave), an ancient fertility song, over time it has become known as Green Sleeves.<br><strong>Time/Hour </strong>Dusk, Eve</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-76571310107849637112012-06-10T19:41:00.001-07:002012-06-10T19:41:18.329-07:00Year and a Day–Journal Entry One<p><em>Which do you prefer, reconstructionist or neopagan? Is there a specific tradition that you are drawn to?</em></p> <p>I personally prefer neopagan practices. I find that for me, the reconstructionist religions are too strict, or structured. I am more interested in intuitive magick/witchery/etc. Part of what never felt right to me about being a Christian is that it was so structured. Neopaganism, is just something that you can do as it feels natural, you don’t have to follow what a priest tells you to do, or have a specific book you have to read, you read what interests you and do what feels good and what makes sense to you, and that just just feels more right to me that way. </p> <p>I find myself pulled very strongly towards Hedge-Witchery, as well as the Poison Path, which is inconvenient, as they seem to be two of the paths that there’s not much information regarding. At the same time, it works well for me, and for what I want in life, because the fact that there’s very little information seems to me that it means there is very much flexibility, and the ability to build my path to the way that it suits me. </p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-55016711266754339712012-05-31T16:48:00.001-07:002012-05-31T16:48:31.431-07:00Animal Totem Meditation<p>I did an Animal Totem Meditation today and was rather shocked. Even though I almost always know what my totem animal is, and when it changes, I will often do totem animal meditations just to see if I learn something new about myself. This time, I did in fact learn a bit about myself, most importantly, maybe, the fact that my totem animal has changed. </p> <p>Most of the totem animal and animal guide meditations I’ve done involve meeting the animal in a large field, often, I will meet a large grey wolf, it’s been that way for years. So much so that my heart daughter calls me Mama Wolf (and she is Wolf Girl, of course). This time, instead of the usual grey wolf, I met a beautiful Cheetah. This is the first time my totem animal has been a Cheetah, or even a cat of any type, so this is very new to me. I knew very little about cheetah medicine and so I had to go and look it up. From what I read, a lot of Cheetah medicine has to do with things that apply to me in life at the moment. Things like flexibility, swiftness and picking and choosing my battles are all things I have been struggling with as of late. I am very interested to see the effects of this change in my day to day life.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/004/cache/cheetah_492_600x450.jpg" width="289" height="226"></p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-24281708662262449312012-05-27T04:56:00.000-07:002012-05-27T04:57:10.163-07:00Purification Incense<p>1 Part Cedar<br>2 Parts Lavendar<br>2 Parts Rosemary<br>2 Parts Powdered Copal (preferably white) <p>I'd had some bad vibes lately and decided to mix up a little incense to clear things up. I mixed up the above incense with smells delightful, and just let it wash the bad vibes away. It has the added bonus of smelling fantastic :D</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-63427312283524716462012-05-21T10:22:00.000-07:002012-05-21T10:22:00.353-07:00My Beautiful Beltane 2012<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IcXpa64Y2iI/T7pCW104HrI/AAAAAAAABm8/5zHzulhEZis/s1600-h/_DSC7886%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="_DSC7886" alt="_DSC7886" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c9CY73EJSwY/T7pCXsbMPOI/AAAAAAAABnE/uFrcQXdgjgU/_DSC7886_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="334"></a>Have I been slacking or what? Oopsie! I have been spending a ton of time reading lately, as well as stressing, but, I’m pushing past that, in the mean time, here is some info on how we spend our Beltane in my house.</p> <p>The day started out with me adding some mead and water to the altar as offerings and then doing my <a href="http://magickalmamaslife.blogspot.com/2012/05/beltane-three-card-reading.html" target="_blank">Beltane Oracle reading</a>, which I wrote about right afterwards. It was an interesting reading and has been on my mind ever since I had the reading. Not long after I finished that post, a couple of friends stopped by to offer us a bit of company. We talked a bit about the day, plans, <a title="Entheogens" href="http://magickalmamaslife.blogspot.com/search/label/entheogens" target="_blank">entheogens</a>, and life in general. As our visit came to a close, they offered me some mushrooms which have been waiting under my altar for the right time of use, which originally was going to be Beltane Eve, but didn’t happen as by the end of the evening, I was just exhausted and felt that the Super Moon/Full Moon/Lunar Beltane would be a better time, as it would be somewhat of a powerful and significant day, but, that also, did not take place, as it just didn’t <em>feel</em> like the right time. So now, they sit, and they wait for me to come to them and ask for their wisdom. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j59eeVC87ZE/T7pCYXhfR7I/AAAAAAAABnM/XfgGXIPED0I/s1600-h/_DSC7890%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="_DSC7890" alt="_DSC7890" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6D_OI8bcf8E/T7pCYvvwRyI/AAAAAAAABnU/4ndwUNgpLMQ/_DSC7890_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" height="249"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qcB8A4RBd_Q/T7pCZAaBWuI/AAAAAAAABnc/pAUTpt-HLG8/s1600-h/_DSC7884%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline; float: right" title="_DSC7884" alt="_DSC7884" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KN5Dmpn5N2A/T7pCZ-PyvmI/AAAAAAAABnk/I7KOmdy_k7k/_DSC7884_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="248"></a>After our visit, I went out and collected some flowers to add to the center of the altar which turned out beautifully and added just the right feel and energy to the altar for me. After the flowers had been gathered, I went to pick up some friends to come over and celebrate Beltane by drinking copious amounts of mead and then, by making some mead. There was music, drinking, snacks, and lots of general enjoyment all around. One of the batches of mead made was a lavender batch, the other, was a mint, juniper berry, and strawberry mix (unfortunately, the latter was put into a glass bottle, sealed up, and subsequently exploded the next morning).</p> <p>After taking the company to their various homes, I came back home and my honey and I had a couples ritual with the Beltane incense burning next to the bed. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eegeegiu5ZM/T7pCaJXj-9I/AAAAAAAABns/Ezm8u-SZP-A/s1600-h/_DSC7878%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="_DSC7878" alt="_DSC7878" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tnN5mhfIa8U/T7pCakdCSjI/AAAAAAAABn0/PkZrWs9mkbI/_DSC7878_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eHYQp9IVxLk/T7pCa2s23NI/AAAAAAAABn8/9SY52_H5wu8/s1600-h/_DSC7879%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="_DSC7879" alt="_DSC7879" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kMZp9XAU7Ug/T7pCbTW8cyI/AAAAAAAABoE/4TD_m9AXBtI/_DSC7879_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Le2O05-DJVY/T7pCcL5tY1I/AAAAAAAABoI/vst_bnxxXXY/s1600-h/_DSC7880%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="_DSC7880" alt="_DSC7880" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k0lRGmwpQc8/T7pCcVhJhYI/AAAAAAAABoU/TM3DPjakgKE/_DSC7880_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UQQxhV9hIQI/T7pCc_ZpY0I/AAAAAAAABoc/rXqGSnloTcY/s1600-h/_DSC7887%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: inline" title="_DSC7887" alt="_DSC7887" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jugCwHFQ2u4/T7pCdXq7MHI/AAAAAAAABok/8CPxy6TtALA/_DSC7887_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a></p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3wbwOGZQaTk/T7pCd8XbIGI/AAAAAAAABos/IxB8pGu8t6k/s1600-h/_DSC7889%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="_DSC7889" alt="_DSC7889" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z2CWqUhKWCw/T7pCeG0IqPI/AAAAAAAABo0/KF4t65Bvp4U/_DSC7889_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="159"></a> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-19580901566127748822012-05-19T15:45:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:15:03.971-07:00Seven African Powers Incense4 TBLSP. Frankincense (small grains or powdered)<br />3 TBLSP. Myrrh (small grains or powdered)<br />2 TBLSP. Cinnamon (powdered)<br />1 TBLSP. Sage (powdered)<br />1 TBLSP. Sandalwood (powdered)<br />1/2 TBLSP. Dragon’s Blood (powdered)Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-56675278785763181292012-05-06T09:50:00.001-07:002012-05-21T06:15:04.178-07:00Beltane Eve 2012<p>Wow! What a holiday! I decided to celebrate from the day before Beltane starting at sunset until Saturday Night, the night of the full moon. </p> <p>Beltane Eve was spent creating a special Beltane incense which mean grinding grinding grinding. I pulled out my wooden mortar and pestle and my small food processor and a multitude of shot glasses and measuring spoons. I carefully ground out each ingredient, making sure it was just the right texture texture, then, each ground herb was placed into a shot glass to be measured out and then mixed up. It came out smelling delightful and really set the mood for the rest of the evening. There is one more ingredient I want to add, but, it seems to have been stolen away by the pixies (read: I was careless and lost it), hopefully I’ll find it soon and be able to powder and then add it. Once the incense was done, I put a coal on the stove and took a short break, letting the coal heat while I started working on my Beltane playlist. (Speaking of which, if you have any awesome songs to add to such a play list, please do let me know.) Once my coal was done I grabbed my cast iron pan and began burning my incense, which I found works better with an incense stove than putting the incense directly on the coal. As I burned incense, I prepared the altar. I used a shimmery, gauzy, multicolored cloth as an altar cloth. I filled my green man cup and added a wine glass for an offering of mead. I also added a red apple cinnamon scented candle, a bowl for lose incense and a holder for stick incense, and the skull of a dear, to symbolize earth. In the center, I added dried flowers in different forms and a bowl, to fill with water and fresh flowers that I would put in the next day. Here is the final product. (Unfortunately you can’t see the bowl of incense on the front left corner.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U-k2pIKK4tI/T6ar4KTNNTI/AAAAAAAABlA/iUEshmqGlfA/s1600-h/_DSC7880%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="_DSC7880" border="0" alt="_DSC7880" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hj8I82vo8iA/T6ar4YnW1KI/AAAAAAAABlI/vQ-ZQjjDkek/_DSC7880_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="376" height="280"></a></p> <p>Tomorrow, I will add in some details of the day of, today, I’m off to the stone circle to enjoy the Maypole!</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-33584719773091782462012-05-01T23:56:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:15:04.032-07:00Beltane Three Card Reading<p><strong>The Faerie’s Oracle</strong></p> <p><strong>Past: </strong><em>The Faery Who Was Kissed By Pixies (R)<br></em>”Love given. Love received,. Metaphorical open-heart surgery.” <br>This card deals significantly with love and relationships. When reversed it signifies blocked love and blocked relationships. Which admittedly is something I am GREATLY guilty of, as of late. The feeling that I am surrounded by unintentional energy vampires (People who take and take and take and take without meaning to actually take? Those are the worst ones.) has caused me to give less and less. I retreated into myself, which I know I should not have done because I just don’t work that way. I enjoy my alone time, but being actually alone? It does bad things for me, which is why I recently started to reach out to others a bit more. I have a whole huge Heart Family, some of who live no more than 10 minutes away (at the MOST) who I haven’t seen in MONTHS.</p> <p><strong>Present: </strong><em>Spirit Dancer (R)<br></em>”Self Expression. Freedom. Exploration.”<br>Wow. Ok, yes. This goes hand in hand with <em>The Faery Who Was Kissed By Pixies (R). </em>I retreated into myself, and hid. New romances, new friendships, all have soured, due to my own ‘selfishness’. I decided to forgo all that was available to me because I was angry, and scared and needed to take care of myself.</p> <p><strong>Future: </strong><em>The Singers of Courage<br></em>”Bravery. Sublimation of Fear. Moral Strength.”<br>Wow. Ok cards. I get it. Don’t be afraid of love. Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok!</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-8727026093040858302012-04-22T10:46:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:15:04.303-07:00Using Ground Ivy<p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zQoMrHMNjo0/T5QF0xlTngI/AAAAAAAABjw/YFkN39cCVh4/s1600-h/ground_ivy1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ground_ivy1" border="0" alt="ground_ivy1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GzSyTggFWEM/T5QF1CVxEnI/AAAAAAAABj4/u_ypDm69SsI/ground_ivy1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="left"><strong><em>Medicinal uses for Ground Ivy:</em></strong> </p> <p align="left"><strong>Internal (as tea or tincture): </strong>Duiretic, astringent, diaphoretic, sinus congesion and headaches, expectorant, coughs, consumption, whooping cough, bronchial catarrh and asthma, stimulent and tonic, good for weak digestive systems, complaints, blood purifyer, kidney ailments.<br><strong>External (as lotion, oil, compress or poultice): </strong>Cleaning sores and ulcers; abscesses, boils and skin tumors (combine with yarrow and chamomile flowers).</p> <p align="left"><strong><em>Magickal uses for Ground Ivy:</em></strong></p> <p align="left">Magic, divination, safeguard against sorcery, promoting sleep, meditation, healing, love, friendship, fidelity, helps to overcome silence, promotes serenity, peaceful dreams.</p> <p align="left"><strong><em>Ground Ivy Tincture:</em></strong></p> <p align="left">Fill a jar with the clean flowers and leaves without the stems <strong>cover</strong> with at least 80 proof vodka. Screw lid on jar, shake daily. Allow tincture to macerate for 8 days out of sunlight. Strain with cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. Keep out of direct sunlight.</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-13074072882716378862012-04-20T16:17:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:15:03.917-07:00The Witch’s Chant<p>Darksome night and shining Moon,<br>Hearken to the witches’ rune.<br>East then south, west then north, <br>Hear! Come! I call Thee forth!</p> <p>By all the powers of land and sea,<br>Be obedient unto me.<br>Wand and Pentacle and Sword,<br>Hearken ye unto my word.</p> <p>Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife,<br>Waken all ye into life.<br>Powers of the witch’s Blade,<br>Come ye as the charge is made.</p> <p>Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell,<br>Send your aid unto the spell.<br>Horned Hunter of the night,<br>Work my will by magic rite.</p> <p>By all the powers of land and sea,<br>As I do say, “So mote it be.”<br>By all the might of moon and sun,<br>As I do will, it shall be done.</p> <p>By Lady Sheba – 1974</p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9061176260552775508.post-41069638864891678562012-04-05T14:31:00.000-07:002012-05-21T06:15:04.056-07:00Recipes For Perusal From The Witch of Forest Grove<h3>Food and Drink</h3><font color="#000000" size="2"><font style="font-weight: normal"> <p><font color="#000000" size="2"><a title="Autumn Harvest Soup" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2010/10/10/autumn-harvest-soup/" target="_blank">Autumn Harvest Soup</a> – H<font style="font-weight: normal">arvest/root soup.<br></font></font><font color="#000000" size="2"><font style="font-weight: normal"><font color="#000000" size="2"><a title="Homemade Absynthe" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2009/12/15/homemade-absynthe/" target="_blank">Homemade Absynthe</a> – <font style="font-weight: normal">Absinthe-like liquor.<br></font></font><font color="#000000" face="Arial"><a title="Herbal Tea Experiments" href="http://http://fgbotanica.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/herbal-tea-experiments/" target="_blank"><font size="2">Herbal Tea Experiments</font></a><font size="2"> – <font style="font-weight: normal">Teas for illness. Elderberry Cinnamon Tea, Ginger Mint Tea, </font><font color="#000000"><font style="font-weight: normal">Dandelion Lemon Ginger, Lavender Lemon Herb, Lemon Herb.<br><a title="Honey Lemon Rose Cake" href="http://fgbotanica.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/honey-lemon-rose-cake/" target="_blank">Honey Lemon Rose Cake</a> – Self Explanatory<br><a title="Midwinter Mulled Mead" href="http://fgbotanica.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/midwinter-mulled-mead/" target="_blank">Midwinter Mulled Mead</a> – Self Explanatory<br></font></font></font></font></font></font><font color="#000000" face="Arial"><font size="2"><font color="#000000"><font style="font-weight: normal"><font color="#000000" size="2"><a title="The Witch’s Magical Winter Adventure" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2012/01/18/the-witchs-magical-winter-adventure/" target="_blank">The Witch’s Magical Winter Adventure</a> – <font style="font-weight: normal">Bacon Mushroom Stuffing.<br></font></font></font></font></font></font><font color="#000000" size="2"><font style="font-weight: normal"><font color="#000000" size="2"><a title="Weeds for Witches Part III: Dandelion" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2010/10/16/weeds-for-witches-part-iii-dandelion/" target="_blank">Weeds for Witches Part III: Dandelion</a> – <font style="font-weight: normal">Dandelion Root Tea (Coffee Substitute), Dandelion Wine.</font></font></p></font></font><font color="#000000" size="2"><font style="font-weight: normal"></font></font></font></font> <h3>Home and Body Items</h3> <p><font color="#000000"><a title="Spiritual Cleansing Carpet Sprinkle" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2010/05/21/magically-cleaning-house/" target="_blank">Spiritual Cleansing Carpet Sprinkle</a> – Odor and pet hair and dander removing carpet powder.<br></font><font color="#000000"><font color="#000000"><a title="New Witches’ Salves" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2010/10/19/new-witches-salves/" target="_blank">New Witches’ Salves</a> – Madea salve guidelines, Nine sacred herbs healing salve guidelines.<br><a title="Wild Berry Shampoo" href="http://fgbotanica.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/wild-berry-shampoo/" target="_blank">Wild Berry Shampoo</a> – Making shampoo from Devil’s Club, Snow Berry, and Soap Berries</font></font></p> <h3>Magickal Items</h3> <p><font color="#000000"><a title="Buying and Preparing Graveyard Dirt" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2009/05/02/buying-preparing-graveyard-dirt/" target="_blank">Buying and Preparing Graveyard Dirt</a> – Self Explanatory<br><a title="Crafting Spell Candles" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2009/05/05/crafting-spell-candles/" target="_blank">Crafting Spell Candles</a> – Self Explanatory<br><a title="Magical Ink Making" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2010/09/15/magical-ink-making/" target="_blank">Magical Ink Making</a> – Self Explanatory<br><a title="New Pacific Northwest Kyphis" href="http://fgbotanica.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/new-pacific-northwest-kyphis/" target="_blank">New Pacific Northwest Kyphis</a> – Guidelines on making Kyphi Incense<br><a title="On Flying Ointments" href="http://witchofforestgrove.com/2011/09/10/on-flying-ointments/" target="_blank">On Flying Ointments</a> – Basic Salve Recipe</font></p> Sagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01345451863766831615noreply@blogger.com0