July 30th, 2016

I'd like to share a cool weather charm I learned to make while in Japan. I used it today, and it worked... well, like a charm!

These little guys are called Teru Teru Bōzu (照る照る坊主), "teru" meaning "shine", and "bōzu" meaning "monk". The ones in the picture above are fairly elaborate, decorative varieties, but the ones I learned to make were quite simple.

You need:

• Two (2) sheets of paper
• I used regular printer paper, but cloth or tissue paper is probably more traditional
• String or a rubber band
• Marker(s)
• Other decorations as desired

Begin by taking one sheet of paper and wadding it into a firm ball. Take the second sheet and pull it tightly over the ball to make a sort of ghost shape, with the ball-containing end becoming the head. Tie a string or rubber band around the charm to hold the ball inside the second sheet of paper. (Ever make ghost lollipops for Halloween/Samhain? It's the same principle.) Then draw on a face or otherwise decorate.

These "shining monks" are weather charms which became popular in the Edo period and are still used today. I was taught to make them by some high school students in a Japanese farm town. The Teru Teru Bōzu are hung up outside under the eaves to keep away rain before big outdoor events like school picnics and etcetera. They can also be hung upside-down to invite rain during a dry spell.

We were supposed to have big thunderstorms all day today, but it was my town's annual summer parade and carnival, and I really didn't want the festivities getting rained out. I set out my Teru Teru Bōzu (pictured below), and while we had some pretty dark clouds go by for a while, we never got rained on, and actually had some sun and blue sky by afternoon!

Apparently, there is a traditional nursery rhyme (warabe uta) which can be sung along with their use. I'll add the translation under the YouTube link.

Lyric Translation:

Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Make tomorrow a sunny day
Like the sky in a dream sometime
If it’s sunny I’ll give you a golden bell.

Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Make tomorrow a sunny day
If you make my wish come true
We’ll drink lots of sweet sake.

Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu
Do make tomorrow a sunny day
but if it’s cloudy and I find you crying
Then I shall snip your head off.

January 6th, 2014

Hey there, internet. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to A) remember that I have a blog and B) to remember to actually post things on it. Another one is to start keeping a dream diary again - so far so good on that one.

In any case, I do have some news! Quite a bit of news, actually. Most excitingly, I got together with Hazelnut last Saturday for the first time since September. We exchanged Yule gifts - she gave me a copy of The Fairy Bible (review to follow), and then we went over to Gypsy Haven. They've done so much with the place since I was there last, and the energy feels fantastic. While I could easily have emptied my bank account in there, I only made one purchase, albeit a significant one. The pendant, more or less identical to the one pictured, features a lemniscate (the infinity symbol) set with stones coordinating to the seven major chakras. Insofar as I can tell, the stones in descending order are Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Aventurine, Tiger's Eye, and two kinds of Agate, but those are my guesses only; the sites selling these over the web are incredibly unspecific. 

At any rate, I love it because the lemniscate is a symbol of neurodivergence, as well as an inside joke with my girlfriend. I love gemstones, I need more chakra-related jewelry, and it's also really satisfying to rub the smooth texture of the stones.

We hung out and talked at the store for a while with the owners, and then we all went over to the local drum circle. It was so nice to be back - I hadn't been in a year, at least, and everyone was so friendly, as always. It's truly a great opportunity to recharge my energy. One woman had a rain drum and thunder sticks that her husband had made her, so we closed the evening with a rainstorm drum session, and it was totally amazing. 

In conclusion, I really need to get back to doing more witchy things. I've missed this.

Museum Reception

Last night, the campus museum hosted a reception to celebrate the opening of its new exhibits. I think I was the only freshman who went, but there were a lot of faculty and older students in attendance. I bring it up because as I was walking through the exhibits, I noticed this Japanese tsuba, a decorative hand guard for a samurai's katana.

It caught my attention, because its eyes, which were covered with a brighter metal (gold leaf, maybe?), shone in its display. Upon taking a closer look at it, I immediately recognized Raijin, and felt a rush of validation when I looked at the information card and saw that it was, indeed, Raijin being depicted.

Raijin is the Japanese thunder god ("rai" being thunder and "jin" an alteration of "shin", which in turn is the same "shin" in "Shinto", and means "god"). He is often shown with (or competing against) Fuujin, the wind god. According to Shinto mythology, after Izanami and Izanagi created Japan, the Buddha entrusted eight Raijin to protect the Dharma (assigned a variety of meanings, but primarily referring to natural law). This sort of syncretism between Shintoism and Buddhism was and is very common among the Japanese. When there is a storm, Raijin beats his drums (note the drumsticks he holds in the tsuba) and produces thunder. His drums are usually topped with a mitsudomoe symbol, a variant of the tomoe and a trinity figure thought to represent Man, Earth, and Sky. The mitsudomoe is also visible in the tsuba as the circles above and below the central slit for the blade - the top retains its bright metallic covering, making the three-pronged symbol easy to see. Those who are familiar with Japanese mythology might look at Raijin's iconography and assume him to be a demon, or oni. Some versions of the myth do indeed suggest that Raijin is a reformed oni, thus explaining the resemblance. One legend says that Raijin likes to eat children's bellybuttons, and so some parents may warn their children to keep their navels covered during thunderstorms. Another story, found in Judika Illes' Encyclopedia of Spirits, states that Raijin saved Japan from the 1274 Mongolian invasion by firing thunderbolts at the Mongol ships.

Raijin is never found without his loyal companion (and perhaps pet), Raijuu, the thunder beast. This spirit, often taking the form of a white or blue wolf or fox, is the source of electricity and lightning, and has the dubious honor of being the inspiration for the Pokémon, Raichu. Another explanation of the bellybutton story is that Raijuu likes to fall asleep in people's navels, and Raijin must strike him with lightning to wake him up, thus harming the sleeper. Those who believe this version of the story may sleep on their stomachs in bad weather, whereas others say that Raijuu only sleeps in the bellybuttons of people sleeping outside.
Modern practitioners wishing to honor Raijin could call upon him for protection during storms or a power outage. While I imagine there are specific rites one may do to honor the thunder god, a small monetary offering is standard fare among the Japanese kami. Unless you live in Japan, it is unlikely that you live near any sort of shrine to Raijin. If this is the case, money could be donated via the internet to help provide relief for storm victims or to help maintain Japanese shrines which honor the thunder god and associated deities.

August 10th, 2014

Aquamarine

Physical Characteristics: This crystal is a blue or turquoise-colored variety of Beryl. When uncut, the rough stone is typically characterized by fine ribbing scored along its length.

In Nature: The stone's coloration comes from Fe+2 ions; when the ions present are Fe+3, the stone turns yellow (Aquamarine Chrysolite), while the presence of both Fe+2 and Fe+3 ions produce a dark blue color which fades to white if exposed to direct sun.

Chemical Composition: Be3Al2(SiO3)6

Mohs Scale Hardness: 7.5 - 8 (middle-high - high)

Can be Found: USA, Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya

Healing Properties*: The crystal reduces dependency on drugs and strengthens the kidneys, liver, and other purifying organs. Aquamarine is also noted as being a powerful remedy for poor vision. It is a stone of the Throat Chakra, which makes it ideal for healing glandular problems in the neck, tonsillitis, and even the standard sore throat. 

Magickal Properties: Aquamarine is considered indicative of both its bearer's feelings and the weather. If one is calm and relaxed, the stone appears bright blue, while negativity or depression turns its translucence turbid. Likewise, a stretch of bad weather is said to turn the stone dull green. For a stone whose name means "Water of the Sea", it should be immediately apparent that many of the stone's properties are water-centered. Since ancient times, it has been the talisman of seafarers - today, a soldier in the Navy might benefit from an empowered Aquamarine as readily as a fisherman or water sportsman. It wards off storms over water and grants safe passage on all liquid bodies. It is also a folk remedy for seasickness. Aquamarine is a stone of truth, illuminating the causes of unpleasant situations so that one can progress, and its energy is compassionate, encouraging the judgmental to be more tolerant. It accelerates intellectual reasoning, and enables flexibility and moderation. The stone encourages one to be prepared while easing the burden of responsibility. Aquamarine is a stone of peace, and can reconcile quarreling lovers. It is practically an essential crystal for Sea Witches, and for those wishing to expand their psychic horizons, Aquamarine may also be a good choice. Allowing a crystal to soak in a bowl of water under the moonlight for three hours creates a gentle cleansing elixir.

Chakra Association: Fifth (Throat) chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Moon, Neptune

*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!

June 21st, 2013

A very happy Litha to everyone! It's been storming here, so rather than reading out in the sunshine like I'd planned, I spent most of my afternoon taking a nice nap. My youngest brother is having a sleepover with a friend for the first time, so I'll do my ritual this evening while they're occupied and won't come barging in on me. We had some Midsummer bunny rabbits sitting in the wet grass earlier which pleased me to no end, and given that today is a sabbat for extra acknowledgement of one's pets, I spent some time whistling back and forth with our cockatiel, Icarus.

Please do share what all you're getting up to in celebration of the Solstice! I'm always looking for new ideas.

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate

 

Physical Characteristics: Blue Lace Agate is a periwinkle blue stone characterized by banding in pale grey and white. As this coloration resembles a cloudy sky, this Agate has been nicknamed the "Stone of Ecology".

In Nature: A form of chalcedony, Blue Lace Agate forms when siliceous matter crystallizes inside cracks in lava rock or granite.

Chemical Composition: SiO2

Mohs Scale Hardness: 6.5 - 7 (middle-high)

Can be Found: Namibia, South Africa, Germany

Healing Properties*: This Agate may be used to lessen pain from arthritis, bone and/or growing pains, headaches, and digestive disorders. For centuries, the stone has been used to quench thirst and cure fevers.

Magickal Properties: Blue Lace Agate assists in flight - use it for astral travel or even to get a discount on those airplane tickets you need. It increases grace and agility, and helps one reach higher spiritual planes. The stone has a strong calming effect, reducing anger and uneasiness, while the blue color stimulates the Throat Chakra, improving communication and even helping one overcome speech impediments. Persian magicians used this stone to divert storms, perhaps making the above connection between the stone and the sky. One might also use it to discern truth, prevent insomnia, and increase analytical abilities. Furthermore, the stone has a long history of protecting children, especially from falling. This is a Pisces stone (that's me!), and as such, I would infer that Blue Lace Agate could be used to stimulate creativity, the ability to visualize, and positive dreams.

Chakra Association: The Fifth - or Throat - Chakra

Element: Water

Energy: Receptive

Planetary Association: Mercury

*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!

January 29th, 2012

Yikes. This week has been downright scary. It's a new semester, and my schedule is different. I don't have an elective, for one thing, so I'm way more stressed than usual. It's nice, therefore, to be able to just sit in my room for a while and unwind, listen to some music, and really ground. Let's face it, sooner or later everyone gets stressed. (In my case, sooner.) When that happens, we make bad choices, we can't think straight, and it's hard to concentrate. It's also hard to do magick, making it all the more difficult to solve the problem. However, if we only ground and center, we can clear our heads long enough to do something about it. I found this great spell online, which uses storms as a metaphor for life's difficulties. It's simple, and without long ritual attached, so one could do it in a circle with candles and crystals, or in the hall right before that job interview you've been dreading.

~~~~~~~~~~

Storms within
and storms without
storms above
and storms below,
in my center
only stillness
Its my will,
and it is so.

~~~~~~~~~~