The Encyclopedia of Magical Ingredients

I just finished a fun an interesting little reference book. Well actually an encyclopedia, The Encyclopedia of Magical Ingredient to be more precise. It's by Lexa Rosean, she also is the writer of the Supermarket Sorceress's books.

She offers a lot of ingredients that you would use or do use in a spell. Herbs and plants of course, she also covers foods, elements, day's of the weeks. There are crystals and even some animals. She as also but in some other older ingredients as well.

With each entry she give the use or uses, plus what it is, parts used. An it's ruler, if that is planet or god or both. Each entry is thought out with things you should know.

One thing that I wish Lexa would have done was put the botanical name with the plants. Some of her entries with the common name are used with more than one plant. So to have a botanical name to have a reference for would have been nice.

A fun addition (an one I enjoy) is a quick and easy reference section n the back. So when you are creating a spell and look up some things you would like to use. The reference keeps you from looking through the entire book for ingredients. It's a fun feature with these types of books.

This is a great book to have, with a nice quick reference section and over 500 ingredients listed. This would make a well worth addition to any library.

Crochet Project

As I read Magical Needlework I of course found dome project that I want to create. The fist one of these is the Tarot card bag. It's all crocheted and very easy to but together. It's a basic granny square that is elongated. I thought it came out very well.

Witch Crafts and The Crafty Witch

I decided for this book that I would actually do two at one time. Why you may ask? For one they are both on the same subject and two they have the same author. Witch Crafts (2001) and The Crafty Witch (2007) both written by Willow Polson. As the titles express they are both craft books and cover every subject possible or at least very close.

Willow has placed in these books chapters on your typical needle crafts, with the addition of candles, jewelry, paper, painting, pottery, woodworking, glass, flora, fauna, metal, from the cauldron and others I haven't mentioned. Each chapter has a history and some helpful hints on how to do each craft.

Just like all witchy craft books there isn't enough room to go in depth with each craft. So again just the basic are covered but there is no reason anyone could not complete the projects in either one of the books. As with all of these types thing of it as a teaser and if you become interested. Then by all means get some books on that subject to learn to create even more wonderful pieces of art.

These book are also out of print but easily obtainable for a reasonable price. If you are a crafty witch

then you will want to add one or both of these to your library. There is a wealth of knowledge and a tremendous amount of ideas in each book. Perfect for anyone who loves to work with there hands.

Magical Needlework

Part of my crafty witches binge is a little out of print book called Magical Needlework. It written by Dorothy Morrison. This book covers everything needle related that is practice in our modern age. Dorothy has created a chapter for sewing, quilting, embroidery, knitting and crocheting. With each chapter covering basic stitches and including easy projects. With a basic knowledge of each craft you will more then be able to tackle any project in the book.

Magical Needlework actually takes you out of the creation of finished project and into the creation of the supplies. The last chapter is all about spinning, weaving and natural dyeing. I found this chapter very interesting since all three of these arts I practice. I would have like to have seen this chapter to be better written. There are some statements that need to be revised. So I would recommend if your are interested in learning any of these arts. You would do better with getting books written of only those subjects.

Other than the last chapter I found this book to be a wealth of knowledge. I have even made a project from it and am going to start a second. As I have mentioned it is out of print but not unattainable and purchasable at a decent price. So I do recommend this for the lover of needle arts you will enjoy the project and gain many ideas.

Witchy Crafts

Looking around Amazon I found several book on crafts specific to witches. So yes I bought them all. Well the first one is Witchy Crafts, 60 Enchanted project for the Creative Witch, by Lexa Olick. If you are a crafty person or not this is a fun book with something for everyone.

Lexa covers all areas of life and purposes in this book. There is a project to help you for almost anything. She begins with giving you some basic information about the different crafts in the book. She then goes into each month with what you could create to bring forth those monthly energizes.

Then come the projects, each one has a black and white picture. All the supplies you will need and well thought out instructions. There are crafts fro jewelry, candles, clay, sewing, crocheting and much more. If you are the crafty person then this book is for you. With not only 60 + projects, but also the endless supply of ideas. I do hope you make this one of your favorites in your library.  

Beltane Wreath

For the Beltane craft challenge we are to make a arrangement of flowers. These flowers could be fresh or silk and they are to be in a basket. Well at craft chat I had asked if we could do this as a wall basket. The answer was I could interpret that how I saw fit. So this is what I came up with.

So for Beltane I decided to take a wall basket and attach it to a grape vine wreath. For a while I have been wanting to create a different wreath for each Sabbat season. I haven't gotten to doing that just yet. Well that is until know.

So what I did was I attached the basket to the wreath in three places to keep it from moving. When I was a florist there was a floral foam called Sierra. This foam was used for silk and dried arrangements only. It doesn't hold water but it does work just like the wet counter part Oasis.

After I got the foam in place I added some ivy. Ivy is one of this Sabbats symbols, which makes perfect sense with it connection to love and marriage. I next created the bow and attached that and weaved it in and out of the wreath going upward.

The next flowers that are symbols for this holiday are roses, love and friendship. Daisy love and attraction, Lily of the Valley also symbolizes love. All of these flowers have other attributes to them but the ones I am using them for are listed above. Since this is the Sabbat of the great marriage these make the most sense.

I did have some other flower that I added for color and definition. I think it came out very well. I left the ribbons long to be reminisce of the wish or prayer ribbons that you attach to a hawthorn tree. So come Monday I will bless and dedicate this wreath. Then I will place out side on the front porch. My goal is to now make one for the rest of the remaining Sabbats.

The Witch's Book of Shadows

A couple of years ago I received a book called The Witch's Broom. It's by Deborah Blake and it is a wonderful book if you wish to know everything about broom and besoms. Well this year Santa brought me the book The Witch's Athame. Then I picked up the book The witch's Book of Shadows. If you haven't guessed Llewellyn has started a new book series. There are two more that I have yet to purchase to complete the series. They are The witch's Wand and The Witch's Mirror. They are all wonderful little books for the subject's they contain. It's a wonderful reference to learn more about each witch's tool.

We are actually here to talk about only one of those book's. The Witch's Book of Shadows by Jason Mankey. He is a new author for me and I enjoyed his work. He went through history and specific authors through history that created some of the most famous Books of Shadows. Through out the book he give you suggestions on what to put in your book. Since every witch is different, just as each witch's path is different. So too would each witch's book of shadows.

So what would a book about Book's of Shadows be about? Well I'm glad yo asked. There are a total of ten chapters focusing on history. What types of books there are, what you may wish to include in your book. A discussion on the history of magical books, words and symbols. Actually putting together a book of shadows. Different fonts, alphabets, inks and symbols. Gods and Goddesses pertaining to books and knowledge. Using your book in ritual, cleansing and consecrating your book. Jason also discusses Book's of Shadows that aren't in paper form.

This is a nice little book for anyone who wishes to learn more about Book's of shadow's. Or some who is new to the bath and really has no clue where to begin. Jason covers all the bases in a well written and thought out way. I hope you will venture into The witch's Book of Shadows and enjoy a wonderful walk into the world of recorded magick.

Crystal and Gem Show

Today one of the local Lions club chapters held a crystal, mineral show and we went. Ed has said he has been to it in the past and it was very large when he went. Well this year, it being at a local high school it wasn't as large as past shows. Or at least what he remembers when he went to them.

I actually did very well with finding some fun stuff. I picked up a gem quality opal. I believe it to be a Golden Opal, it is very pretty and caught my eye. I also got an Irradiate quartz, Shiva Lingham (I have seen them in the past and found them to be pricey). An a Apache Tear, Prenite, two Tremolites (not sure why two), Bismuth, Pyrite.

I also picked up a grab bag, in traditional grab bag fashion you have no idea what you are getting. I think I did really well with this bag. I got two Amethysts, the one is regular and the other is specked with Red Hematite. I also got some Calcite, a bag of tumbled stone and some Sand Selinite.

All in all I think I did really well with every thing and had a wonderful time. I enjoy going to those types of events. So when they come up I try to go if at all possible.

The Second Book of Crystal Spells

Well, Ember Grant has hit it out of the park with her Second Book of Crystal Spells. The second book is just as informative if not more then the first. So not to be repetitive Ember explores different crystals, minerals and such.

The Second Book of Crystal Spells has full chapters on salt, tarot, special points, special rocks and minerals. There is a new chapter in this book on crystal grids which is actually of a simpler design. Ember also includes a chapter on the chalcedony group of stones, one on using crystals to enhance your intuition and she even supplies rituals to include crystals in your Sabbat and Esbat rituals. Ember also includes quotes from Love is in the Earth, by Melody. This book was well thought out and with a large diverse amount of usual information.

As with her first book there is a very large appendix with definitions, metaphysical properties, colors, chakras, and much more. If you have Embers first book or you would like learn more about crystal and how to use them. Then this is a book for your collection. I hope you let the crystal world into your life. An let a little earth magick take you to new heights.

The Book of Crystal Spells

I just finished reading a wonderful little book on crystal magick. The Book of Crystal Spells by Ember Grant is a wonderful read. Ember explores the world of crystals in a new and fascinating light. Through out the book you are given spells to try or adapt to fit your own magick. With the inclusion of chant's and rhymes to aid you in your practice.

The Book of Crystal Spells covers all your crystal bases. Ember takes you through clearing, cleansing, charging and dedicating your pieces. With full definitions of each and several ways to achieve the outcome when applicable.

Ember also includes chapters on jewelry, home and garden, elixirs, sand and glass, every day rocks, meditation, numerology, special point. There is even a chapter to get you started on crystal grids. This book is packed full of ideas for every situation and need. With a foundation for you to be able to create your own spells as well.

A wonderful little surprise is that in the appendix Ember has included a section on crystal structure. So not only is there extensive work given on the metaphysical property and uses of crystals. There is information on there science as well, in the form of there structure. A fun little addition that I only saw one other place in this type of book.

The Book of Crystal Spells is a tome that everyone who is interested in crystal magick should acquire. Ember as a wonderful way to present the material. With a fun and adventurous way to look at crystal, mineral and everyday stones. I hope you to will find this book a necessity for your library as well.

Crystals

For many years now I have been collecting crystals and stones. When I first started collecting I was directed by a friend to, Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals - The Reference Book Describing the Metaphysical Properties of the Mineral Kingdom by Melody. Over the years I have collected all of her books on crystals. They are wonderful and you learn a lot of the metaphysical properties of the stones and crystals. But I never acquired a magic book on crystals. Well that is until now.

I just finished reading Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gems and Metal Magic, By Scott Cunningham. This book is very reminiscent to his herbal encyclopedia. There are four part's to this book. First Cunningham starts with the different lore and relationships with the element's, colors, ancients and magic itself. The second part is the crystal encyclopedia itself, followed by the metal encyclopedia. The fourth section has all the appendixes that Cunningham is famous for.

Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gems and Metal Magic is a word of knowledge in the crystal, gem and metal world. As only he can tell it he guides you into the lore and ancient uses for well over a hundred pieces. Each crystal, gem or metal has the folk name, energy, plant/'s, element/'s, deity, associated stones, powers, magical / ritual lore and finally magical uses.

If you have any interest in using the crystal, gem and metal world in your magick. Then this book is a good reference piece for you to have. Scott was a wonderful writer and this book is no different. I hope that you would indulge your self in a very informative book on the this. Enjoy!!!

Hedge Rider

A few week ago with some friends, we happened to be discussing what our next topic would be. We decided on Hedge Witchery. Now there was some confusion as to what that is. Perhaps that is the wrong term. I think it would be more correct to say we all didn't have the whole story or picture. You see Hedge witchery is a very green approach to your magic. It is working directly with nature to bring about change. It is a very simple life style that in the old day would have been a life of the wise woman or sage man. That in it's self is not the whole story.

For you see Hedge Witchery is also a form of Shamanism of the Germanic pagans. Eric de Vries wrote a wonderful book on the subject called Hedge Rider. In this book you will learn everything you need to know about hedge riding. The concept is very straight forward. All the in between place like dawn and dusk, doorways, window and the like. Well there is yet another, there was a time when the village or town was bordered by hedges. This was to keep the wild out and the civilization in. this hedge is the in between place that you can gain access to other worlds. Hedge Riding or riding the hedge.

Hedge Rider will give you all the information for you to understand this accent path. From Defining Witchcraft to contemplating the Wyrd Sisters. An even a discussion on your Fetch. With everything in between to fully understand the ways of a Germanic Shaman.

So if you are a person that is interested in Hedge Witchery. Then I strongly suggest that you not only study the folk magick. But you should pick up a copy of Hedge Rider to learn the shaman side of this path. Then you will have the complete picture of what it all means.

Garden Charm

While I was reading my new crafty witchy books. Especially on prayer beads I had thought of creating one for gardeners. My thought was to create a set of beads that you can hang off your belt loop. To have with you as you garden and take care of your plant. The point of having them is to bring your energy more in tune with the plant's energies. So this would help with those that have black thumbs, for you to easier communicate and also see nature spirits with a bit of ease.

So what I did was do a little research on some stones or crystals that help with plant's. Moss Agate is one of the top leading stone to aid in the garden and with plants. Some other stones that work with plants based on there astrological correspondence are Amber, Amethyst, Obsidian, Aventurine, Pyrite, Citrine, Jade, Lapis lazuli, Moonstone, Turquoise and finally Clear Quartz.

All of the above crystals have energies relating to certain plants. So I decided to incorporate all of them in the charm. That way you have the largest connection with the variety of energies. The charm it's self needs to be blessed, consecrated and programmed. But when it all said and done I believe it will be a worth wild tool in your nature magick tool box.

Pagan Prayer Beads

It is very interest when you find the history of these beads to predate Christianity. But then in reality all things do. But in the modern day when one thinks of prayer beads you may think of Buddhist or Hindu Prayer Beads. Or perhaps more of the christian version the rosary. All of these beads consist of a preset number of beads. All in one color or sets of colors (rosaries). Pagan Prayer Beads with take you through the history and give you examples of what a pagan prayer bead can consist of.

Pagan Prayer Beads takes you through the designing, creating and finishing of your beads. There are discussions of the correct materials to use. All the different potential beads that you can create. Plus how to finish them to be wearable beads or to have them as a continues round of beads.

After all the technical information of creating your beads. There are chapters that they give you patterns to get you started on creating your own. Later in the chapters there are rituals, meditations and prayer given to get you started on using your beads. They even give a suggested ritual on concentrating of your beads.

Pagan Prayer Beads is a book for anyone who loves working with there hands. An wish to take there faith to a new level. With all the possibilities and uses for prayer beads you can have one around your neck as jewelry, one around your wrist, one in your purse or pocket. All for different reasons and purposes. So if you lit to work with beads I suggest you get you self a copy. It will give you much to ponder and create even if you don't work with beads this book will get you started.

Element's Prayer Beads

I was being creative again in the prayer bead area. Actually I wanted to create myself a set of beads linked to the elements. I did all five elements and my original thought was to make it just big enough to were as a bracelet. Well after I sting all the beads on it was a little bit bigger than I had originally planned. No worries though It can be used one of two ways. Either as a bracelet, you just need to wrap it three time around you wrist. Or you can use it as a necklace if you prefer.

I of course used beads, but mainly as the separators. The main “beads” are actually bells, lava beads, shells, seeds, and metal butterfly's. Each section is made up of the main “bead”and the spacer. The spacer I choice to use the color of that element. Yellow for air, red for fire, blue for water, a green for earth and purple for spirit. The only other thing I did was I started and ended the strand with wooden beads. Plus I added a white bead to be more like the moon which separates each section of bead.

I think it came out very well and despite it's length. I'm quite fine with wrapping it around my wrist. I also like the different elements that I used to symbolize each one. So let me know what you think and if you decide to make your own send me a pic.

Thirteen Moons Prayer beads

I created a second pair of prayer beads. This set is a gift and is the thirteen moons. For this set you need to pick out thirteen beads of four different styles for each faze of the moon. So you need one type for full, one for waning, one for new and finally one for waxing. Here there are spacers beads as well in the beginning, in between each bead and at the end.

Here you start at one end since I used a bar and ring closer. I started at the ring end, with this set you sting starting with the full moon and end with the waxing moon. You of course need thirteen sets of the beads. Just as with all the prayer beads in this book (Crafting a Magical Life) you can were it. So you can keep it with you at all times. Plus the added advantage with wearing your prayer beads is not only multipurpose. But for the general public, they wouldn't know that they were prayer beads. So if you are shy about your faith or in a place that may not be cool with it. You have apiece of your faith with you with no one the wiser.

If you decide to make your own set of beads. Let me know and send me a picture if you can I would love to see them.

Manifestation Prayer Beads

I just finished a very good book Crafting a Magical Life. From that I got many ideas, two of which I would like to share. I'll do this in two different post's to make the reading lighter or perhaps not as long is a better statement.

In this wonderful new book is a chapter on prayer beads. It got me thinking of some idea's on how to utilize them. The first is a set for myself and is a manifestation prayer bead set. I plan on using it in conjunction with my vision board. Using the board as the focal point while saying the prayers on the beads to bring forth the manifestation.

This set takes a total of 21 beads not including the spacers. The spacer also make up the beginning and ending of the set and there is also a drop that is attached to the one end. Spacers begin that set as well, the cool thing about these prayer beads is there are made to be worn. So you will always have them with you if you wish.

This set consists of a command, invitation, belief, readiness and attraction bead. You repeat this sequence two more times and end with a command bead. There are of curse spacer beads in the beginning and in between each bead.. With spacers of the same number at the other end.

The drop bead consists of spacers, affirmation, three declaration and one end bead or charm. There are just in the main piece spacers in between each bead. This drop is then attached to the ending side of your beads. What I did was use a bar and ring closer. So when you start your prayers you start at the bar end and finish at the ring end.

There are no set suggestion for what type of beads you need to use. What you have to do is see which bead resonates with that intention for what that bead represents. The final bead or charm should be something special that you admire or cherish very much. The picture below shows what my version of this set of beads look's like.

If you choose to make a set for yourself. Let me know and share a picture if you can. I would love to see it.  

Crafting a Magical Life

I just finished reading Carol Holaday's book Crafting a Magical Life. The book if full of ideas and craft projects to bring those certain energies into your life. The projects range from cloth bags, dream pillows to things I have never came across in these types of books before. Such as gem elixirs, feather wand, Crystals grids, crystal casting boards, secret journals and several more projects.

The first chapter of the book is called the Science of Magic. This chapter actually refers to positive thinking and how scientifically the energies and attitude we have can change out lives. That chapter alone is a good read to give you a better understanding of how it all can work.

The rest of the chapters are well written with history of the craft. Options on suggestions to make it you own. With well thought out directions and pictures on how to create the item. As I was reading several things popped out at me that I want to make. Plus there was as several other things I had thought would work with some other projects that I am working on. So there are many, many ideas to use in your magical life.

Also in the back of the book there are several index's and correspondences. She put a lot of thought into it. There are herbs and colors plus trees, crystals a couple of alphabets and some numerology. She Carol but thought into having all the information all in one place for easy access. In total there are thirteen correspondences in the back of the book.

So if you are looking for a magickal crafting book. Then may I recommend Crafting a Magical Life. With the twenty total projects I more than confident that there is more then one idea for you to use in your magical workings.

Blessings

Something that I wanted to do last year was write down a blessing each day. What I have is a blessing bowl. That is actually used to give to someone as a gift. It has a pen, paper, ribbon and the bowl for you to write all of the blessing you have for that person or person. Typically you and friends would get together to create the blessing you feel from that person. After you create them you the blessing yo then roll them up and tie then with the ribbon. Then after you give it to the person or persons they at a later time open and read the blessings. It is a wonderful concept and they do make wonderful gifts.

What I did was take the bowl itself  and use that to hold the blessing as it is meant to. But the difference is that I write what I am blessed to have in my life. It is a bit f a reverse of the original concept. You are consciously writing down what you see as a blessing in your life. Then what I plan n doing is at the full moons of each month is burring the blessings. What that will do is release them back into the universe so that them may return to you. This will insure continued blessings to come back to you.

I also have a smaller bowl but that one is for unwanted energies. Things that may have stressed  you out and you need to release by writing them down. The bowl is smaller so you don't see every thing as a negative.

This is just something new I am trying out for the year. An thus far have done suggestively.

Happy New Year!!!!!

I would like to wish Everyone a Happy New Year!!!!!!!

With all the difficulties of last year. Actually at the end we made out alright with some head way. Which mean it gives me some room to work on projects and get some blogging done. Actually to have the ability to blog because I will have things to blog about.

With all of that said we have entered a time of new possibilities and opportunities. It is then up to us, how we choose to deal or handle them. We are the ones to make our future great and in the end we are the ones that need to live with our decision, no one else. So let us make the right decisions for ourselves and no one else.

May your New Year be filled with health, happiness, possibilities and prosperity. Let no one stop you from uptaining your happiness. Many Blessing to you all.