New Year's Purification Bath

As hectic as my life has been, I have tried to keep some magickal things going. The main one was a purification bath I set up on January 1st. 2016 was a disaster on multiple levels, and I knew I wanted to come out of that making 2017 a much better year. This was my first step toward doing so.

I started by collecting bath supplies to represent each of the four elements. I used bath salts for earth, a bath bomb for air (because it's fizzy and makes air bubbles), and some bath confetti for fire; it was pink and heart-shaped, so it seemed to convey the idea of fire's emotional passion. For water, I used a very special ingredient. Back in 2015 when there was that major Super Blood Moon Eclipse event, I charged a bottle of water in the moon's energy, focusing on capturing its qualities of profound transformation. I had never used any of it, wanting to save it for particularly significant moments, but I don't know that I can think of a time that has needed more transformational power than 2016 going into 2017, so I poured some of my Blood Moon Eclipse Water into the bath as well.

As always, these ingredients are just things that I used. I had all of them on hand, and did not go out of my way to source anything. Feel free to make substitutions as you like - other bath products, herbs, crystals, whatever works for you. If you don't have your own Eclipse Water, substitutions there are also perfectly acceptable. You could use Storm Water, if you have some, or just empower the water that's already in the tub.

Once I had my ingredients together, I ran the bath water, and then added everything, invoking each element as I did so. I used a small lamp for mood lighting rather than the overhead, and then took my bath! I also find that it's helpful to shower after doing something like that, to make sure that all the soap is out of my hair, but in terms of set-up, it's quite simple. My only other note would be to then thank the elements once the bath is concluded.

September 1st, 2015

It's been an interesting day, and I have some news, but I'm probably going to wait to share that on here until I've got all the details hashed out. I did think that I would share a picture with you all, though.

This is where I ended up putting my dragon statue I bought Saturday, on a shelf over my desk. I've attached some warding to the statue, and put an offering of water in the glass dish. He wanted some crystals set around him, so I put a Black Onyx and two Tektites on the shelf as well.

On either side of the statue, I have two Japanese amulets for academic success; to the left is my green Maneki Neko, and to the right is a little mini shrine-shaped amulet I bought at Meiji Jinja in Tokyo.

I also have two little shells sitting there, although they're hard to see in the photo. One shell is holding water, and the other is holding salt. I don't have a Kamidana at this point in time, although I would like to acquire one. In the meantime, I am using the shells to hold offerings to the Kami.

August 22nd, 2015

I am officially moved in to my dorm room for this year! My mom and I got to my building around 9:30, at which point we had to haul everything up the elevator to my floor. It took the greatest bulk of the time to get the furniture placed correctly, but once that was done, the decorating went pretty smoothly. I didn't set my altar up at the time because I didn't want to make mom uncomfortable, but I was able to do it this evening after she left.

Once I had the basic unpacking done, she and I went to lunch, and then went shopping. We checked out both the local thrift store and the mall, and I found some very cool things I would like to share.

This is a book I got for a dollar at the thrift store. It's called We'Moon '07: Gaia Rhythms for Womyn; there's no single author, as this almanac was compiled by many people, but it was published by Mother Tongue Ink in 2006. Obviously, the 2007 calendar is way out of date for 2015, but the book contains some beautiful illustrations of goddesses and other figures, poetry, astrological information, and what looks like a lot of other cool things. I'll write you all a review after I read it.

Next, we went to the mall, and I went into my favorite store, Earthbound. They had Himalayan salt candle holders for $6.95, so I picked one up. I'd been wanting a salt lamp of some kind for years, and although this one wasn't fitted for an electric light, I still liked it a lot.

I also got this: a baggie of Guatemalan Worry People. The bag holds seven of the little figures. One is supposed to whisper one's worries at night into the bag, and then the Worry People will carry away your worries. That seemed like the sort of thing which might help me manage my anxiety, and they're handmade, so I was happy to pick up a set. 

Tonight, I got my altar set up. Last year, I put it on my dresser, but this year I didn't want my bed lofted, as that turned out to be a huge hassle. My mom suggested I put my dresser under my bed to make room in my closet, and it doesn't even have an inch of clearance. That left my mini fridge as the only available flat surface. It actually seemed to work out well. My altar cloth fits perfectly, I have crystals all over it, and also some offerings for Athena. In addition, I took a Starbucks Frappuccino bottle, cleaned it out really well, and made a hyssop infusion in it. I'll probably talk about that in a later post.

Hanging off the edge of my bed, I have my travel altar kit, as well as a pixie dust bottle from Fairy Fest. My travel altar I may use to do outdoor rituals, to take on Pagan retreats, etc. 

So that's what's going on here. Days until school starts: T minus one...

June 11th, 2015

I meant to make this post yesterday, but I couldn't for the life of me remember what I wanted to talk about until like 11:00 last night, so obviously that didn't happen.

Purchase from Silver Bonsai

I've been interested in the concept of threshold magick for quite some time, but it was brought back to my attention earlier this week while skimming through Scott Cunningham's The Magical Household. He has a section dedicated solely to the role of the threshold, and what it can mean to the magickal practitioner.

There is an old belief that spirits cannot enter a place unless they are invited, and this is the real point of the threshold as a magickal construction. When one casts a circle, one is establishing a temporary threshold, and as such must then carefully invite in those spirits or other powers which one is working with. The physical doorway acts similarly; doubtless, you've heard stories about vampires or other entities which cannot enter a home until they are asked.

What separates a house's threshold from, say, the doorway into Super Target? I was reminded of a quote from The Dresden Files: Summer Knight. (For those who haven't read the books, a summary; Harry Dresden works as a wizard in downtown Chicago, helping the CPD with supernatural murder cases, and etc. Quasi-Pagan, film noir, and urban fantasy style. Kind of great. I definitely recommend it.) The quote goes like this:

I stepped across her threshold. Something tugged at me as I did, an intangible, invisible energy. It slowed me down a little, and I had to make an effort to push through it. That's what a threshold is like. One like it surrounds every home, a field of energy that keeps out unwanted magical forces. Some places have more of a threshold than others. My apartment for example didn't have much of a threshold - it's a bachelor pad, and whatever domestic energy is responsible for such things doesn't seem to settle down as well in rental spaces and lone dwellings. Murphy's house had a heavy field surrounding it; it had history. It was a home, not just a place to live. 

-Jim Butcher, Summer Knight, ch. 7

Personally, I disagree with the sentiment that rented spaces do not have strong thresholds, but really believe that it comes down to the last statement - in order to have a strong threshold, a place needs to be a home, not just a place where one stays, transiently. This is, in my opinion, the key difference between the thresholds of public and private spaces. In a store, a museum, or etc., the theory is that anyone is welcome, and as such, very little boundary exists. That being said, a case could be made for places like expensive stores, fine restaurants, or etc. - that feeling of unease one gets upon entering may well be a result of crossing a threshold where one is not wholly welcome. Even though the space is technically public, it still caters to a specific clientele and is really only trying to invite them in. 

 Regardless of the semantics of public boundaries, in a home, we consciously and unconsciously project a desire for privacy and exclusivity, and this carries over to the energy of the place. If one were renting a place longer than the short term (say, more than a couple months), I see no reason why the same kind of barriers and protections couldn't be readily established.

As a young adult living at home, I recognize that our house has a main threshold, of course, but other zones have them, too. In open areas, like the living room, the boundary is shaky and not very defined. However, my own room has a much stronger threshold. I keep a very clear division between my space and everyone else's, and even if the rest of my family doesn't know anything about magick, they sure know that this space is mine, and mine alone.

If your concern is that your boundaries may not be strong enough, and you would like to lend more power to the sanctity of your living space, consider some of these ideas.

• Establishing wards is one way to get the ball rolling, by deliberately marking out one's territory on the astral and calling powers to defend it. 
• Redecorate. Get rid of clutter and objects you have no use for or connection to. Try to have the bulk of your furnishings be ones which you, personally, enjoy. 
• Cleanse. It's one thing to leave the energies of, say, a family heirloom intact, but if you're buying anything, especially secondhand, and all the more so if you plan to use it for magick, it's always a good idea to erase the energy imprint of old owners and replace it with your own. 
• Care for your home. Whether it's a city studio apartment or a fixer-upper in the country, be proud of your place. 

The next suggestions for threshold enhancements come paraphrased from Cunningham's book

• Hanging a gourd outside on both sides of a door prevents negativity from entering
• Chalk a circle on the door to stop ghosts from entering (do not use if you like ghosts)
• Dill and garlic both have protective qualities; hanging them near the door will stop ill-disposed people from entering
• A bag of salt or bells hung on the doorknob will stop negative spirits (see also: these amulets)
• A blue door repels evil, as does leaving two crossed needles under the mat
• Ferns, lilies, marigolds, and juniper can all be grown around the door in beds or pots for added protective benefits
• There's no end to what can be done with keys. Any number of protective spells have been devised employing them

December 23rd, 2013

It is bitterly cold outside - I had trouble getting the car started after work! Yikes! Yule is past, but if you're bundled up indoors and looking for a project, here's a great one to put together this holiday season:

Yule Seed Amulets

The legend goes much like this: malevolent spirits are just that - malevolent. And on the solstices, like Samhain, the veil separating the Otherworld from ours is much thinner than its usual. These Astral nasties may choose to come bother we mortals with a string of bad luck. Fortunately for us, lesser spirits of this variety have a few consistent weaknesses. For one, they abhor salt. For another, they tend to be a bit OCD. By mixing salt and protective herbs in a small jar, any spirit of ill intent passing by it will be forced to sit and count the jar's contents, keeping them from making mischief until they leave at sun-up.
Making yourself one of these amulets is a fun, easy way to keep your home clear of negativity - moreover, the kids will get a kick out of putting them together, too. Once finished, hang the completed jar on doors, set on the porch, or hide in other creative places around the home. They also make great gifts.

Supplies:

• Glass jar of desired size
• Tightly fitting lid for the jar
• Yarn, ribbon, twine, or thread
• Salt
• Enough protective herbs to mostly fill the jar (examples include...)
• Anise
• Basil
• Bayleaf
• Belladonna
• Black pepper
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Comfrey
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Lime
• Mint
• Nutmeg
• Willow
• Other decorations (optional)

To Make:
Pour a layer of salt into the bottom of the jar. Then add herbs until it is full.
Seeds are the best option, although in the case of cinnamon, ginger, and other like spices, a ground powder may be better. Whole or crumbled leaves can also be used as desired. Just remember that the goal is to give our less pleasant visitors something to count, so definitely include at least one ingredient that is small in size. The herbs listed above are just ideas - you only need to use one variety, and may certainly employ something not on my list. Including layers or mixtures of different herbs might make the amulet prettier. Even glitter can be added - this is an especially good option for a jar going in a child's room. Once you have the contents to your liking, screw on the lid tightly and if it is meant to hang on, above, or next to a door tie on a piece of yarn or ribbon. Other decorations may be added as desired - a small pentacle charm, for example, or other carving of a protective symbol. Sigils of protection can also be drawn or painted right onto the glass.

 

This larger jar might get set among the flowerpots or next to the stoop.

June 22nd, 2013

Well, I promised a post about Selenite, so I guess I'd best deliver, huh? I must admit, I was very excited when Grandma gave me that candle holder - I've been wanting a bit of Selenite for a while, and anything that will hold one of my numerous candles is a good thing!

Selenite

 

Physical Characteristics: Selenite is a crystalline form of Gypsum, often without imperfections. Though many specimens will have no inclusions to speak of, some Selenite can be found with really unusual inclusions, like fossils or liquid water - be aware that the properties of these will add to the stone's potential.

In Nature: This stone is an evaporite, forming in dried alkaline lake muds, clay beds, seas, salt flats, and caves. Specimens have been discovered dating back to the Silurian Period, making them about 443.7 million years old.

Chemical Composition: CaSO₄ · 2H₂O

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2 (very low)

Can be Found: Gypsums in general are very common, and can be found on all seven continents.

A Public Service Announcement: DO NOT cleanse Selenite in water. Because the chemical structure contains water, exposure to the liquid can cause the stone permanent damage.

Healing Properties*: In healing, the stone ensures the proper flow of bodily fluids (recall that Selenite is named for Selene, goddess of the Moon, and that the Moon causes the movement of bodies of water), including fluid in the spine. It aligns the spinal column and promotes flexibility. The stone may also guard against or reduce the severity of epileptic seizures. Selenite improves the body's capacity to absorb Calcium; if one is not properly assimilating vitamins and minerals, work a ritual with Selenite to correct the problem. It also protects women and unborn children during pregnancy.

Magickal Properties: Selenite is a stone of psychic communication, facilitating interaction with ancestors, deceased loved ones, spirit guides, and other higher beings. Use Selenite to boost telepathy, divinatory skill, and access to the Akashic Records. Professional mediums and clairvoyants may find the stone especially beneficial. As the stone's vibration is very fine, it brings clarity of the mind and opens the Crown Chakra. Use it to access higher consciousness. Selenite links with one's light body, helping to anchor it in earthly vibrations. Selenite is an effective cleanser and charger of other stones. Likewise, one can Lay it on the body or move it through the aura to balance the body's energy. The stone promotes dream recall and improves one's ability to access past life memories. Wands may be made of Selenite in a tabular crystal form; for example, I have seen Chakra Wands made with a Selenite base.

Chakra Association: The Sixth (Third Eye) and Seventh (Crown) Chakras are closely connected to Selenite, though the stone works with the others as well.

Element: Water

Energy: Projective

Planetary Association: Moon (I know it's not really a planet, but it's considered one in astrology.)

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!

March 23rd, 2013

I feel like I ought to get a medal for being so busy all the time! Wednesday was my birthday (I'm 17 now - I'm so old!), I had rehearsal for the musical and work on Thursday, I had rehearsal until almost 10:00 last night, and I had rehearsal from 8:00 to 3:00 today. I love Les Miserables, and I love all my cast-mates, so I enjoy all that time I put into it, but now that I don't have practice for the rest of the day or tomorrow, I hardly know what to do with myself. I hadn't even had a chance to think about performing an Ostara ritual, let alone actually getting around to doing one, so I think that's going to be on tonight's schedule. I also have some laundry to do, I need to clean my room... It's never ending.

If I have a chance, I'm going to knit a pouch that I can carry my new Moonstone, and maybe my Sodalite, in for our performance nights. Both are great choices for actors to stimulate creativity and the Throat Chakra. Also, perhaps on Monday, I want to officially consecrate the auditorium and our set to Dionysus, Greek god of theatre. I'll likely just do something basic - a bit of salt water sprinkled around with a simple invocation, and maybe a little food offering if I can come up with some grapes or other appropriate victuals. It's getting to the point where I'm simultaneously excited and nervous. I'm even having dreams about it. All I can say is that I hope everyone loves the show!

February 1st, 2013

Happy February, everyone! Happy Imbolc, too (I know Imbolc is tomorrow, but we're going to the zoo, so I probably won't have time to add a post). Imbolc is a fantastic time to expel all the negative energy that has been building up in the house over the winter. First, clean the house really well physically - vacuum, mop, sweep, wash the windows, and put away all that junk that you know is piling up on the desk. Then, if you have a besom you use only for magickal purposes, grab it. Otherwise, make one. Try binding some birch branches or broom together with white ribbon. Sprinkle every room in the house liberally with salt and blessed water, and then sweep every room in a counterclockwise fashion to banish negativity. Repeat a banishing chant if desired. Finally, sweep the room again clockwise, invoking positive energy to fill the space. Don't forget to do the garage, and if possible do the closets as well. A very blessed sabbat to everyone!

August 18th, 2012

I just finished cleansing the house! After the events of yesterday, and the passing of one of my dad's good friends, I thought the energy really needed to be cleared, and it already feels way better in here! Energy cleansing is an important part of regulating the health of a household, and should be done after a bad fight, break-up, divorce, death, or other negative occurrence. It can also be done even when nothing bad has occurred, to keep the positive energy fresh and flowing. All you need is some salt, water, and a bell (but you don't even need that if you can clap your hands). Bless and cleanse the first two. Put three pinches of salt into the water and stir, while consecrating the mixture as holy water. Then walk into the room where the most negative energy is clinging (if, for instance, you are cleansing after an argument, go first to the room where the argument took place). Dip your fingers into the holy water and draw a banishing pentagram in the air. Say something along the lines of:

"I cleanse this space of all negativity, in this world and in the astral. Nothing evil or nasty, real or imagined, can ever abide here. So mote it be." 

Then sprinkle some of the water three times in a counter-clockwise circle. Ring the bell or clap your hands until the energy in the room has been raised to a normal, positive level. Repeat the procedure in every room of the home. Note: energy should always be cleansed after a new home, apartment, dorm, etc. is purchased. Old negativity from the previous owners can hang around otherwise.
Now that I'm home, and have some time to do so, I can finally finish off my running gemstone presentations with today's final stone (for now), Unakite.

~~~~~~~~~~

Unakite

Physical Characteristics: Unakite appears as a pink stone mottled with an  olive green. It may look almost mossy, and have little pink showing. If there is no pink, however, the stone may not be Unakite, but green Epidote.

In Nature: Unakite is an altered granite composed of pink feldspar and green Epidote, mixed with clear quartz.

Chemical Composition: SiO2 + Ca2(Fe,Al)Al2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 (middle)

Can be Found: South Africa, the USA, Brazil, and China

Healing Properties*: By releasing emotional trauma, the whole body is impacted, with healthier organs, muscles, and other tissues. Unakite is important to a safe pregnancy, aiding healthy growth of the infant, and, if one is underweight, can help one reach a safe body mass.

Magickal Properties: Unakite provides balance between the mundane and spiritual lives. It helps remove obstacles to personal growth, allowing one to let go of pain and anger. The stone builds self-confidence, strengthens courage, and allows one to really take control of one's life. Additionally, Unakite can be taken into difficult situations, to retain one's personal power. Unakite also has associations with finding lost objects, gardening, and attracting spirit guides.

Chakra Association: Unakite is best synchronised with the Third, or Solar Plexus Chakra, and the Fourth, or Heart Chakra.

Element: Fire, Water

Energy: Projective, Receptive

Planetary Association: Mars, Venus

*Magickal healing should never take the place of seeing a doctor and following any recommended prescriptions, actions, or other advice. Magick works best in tandem with physical efforts, anyway, so don't skimp on those check-ups!