This incense formula may be used in your rituals to destroy an enemy’s power to harm you. Can also be used as an “uncrossing incense.”
1 ounce powdered sandalwood
1/2 ounce powdered bay leaves
1/2 ounce powdered dill seed
1 tsp. asafetida
1/4 tsp. saltpeter
1 dram Uncrossing Oil
2 drams of tincture of benzoin
A piece of purple cloth
Vervain
Dragon’s blood resin
Rosemary
Frankincense
Ginger root
High John oil
Your own personal power oil
1 Clear quartz crystal
A personal talisman
In regards to the measurements of the herbs, chose the amount you wish to use. Then use equal amounts for the remaining herbs.
Red flannel or chamois bag
2 coins (preferably quarters)
A small pair of lodestones
A Buckeye
1 tbsp. Five Finger’s Grass
1 tbsp. Money Drawing Powder
1 tsp. Silver Weed
You will also need Shower of Gold incense to burn while you prepare the bag. Then Money Drawing Oil to anoint the bag.
Red flannel or chamois
1 tbsp of Five Finger Grass
1 tbsp of Bay Leaf
Large Clove of Garlic
Small piece of Mandrake Root
Iron nail
Protection oil to anoint the bag.
The gris gris bag is a powerful charm bag made out of red flannel or chamois bag. You never change the color of the bag. The bag is always red flannel or chamois. If the bag you are making calls for a specific color, you would put a piece of that material in the bag. For instance, if your bag required a purple color. You would find a piece of purple fabric. Then cut a square piece of the purple material out. Place it in your gris gris bag. This takes care of the color correspondence.
The gris gris bag is made the same way you would make a mojo bag or a sachet bag. The only difference is the requirement for the specific color.
Below you will find some items you might use in your gris gris bag along with their correspondences.
Lodestones – To attract positive forces and repel negative ones. Often used in pairs for this purpose.
Four Leaf Clovers – To attract luck.
Rabbits Foot – For good luck.
Cross – To symbolize faith.
Coins – To attract money and prosperity.
Dice – To attract luck in gambling or games of chance.
Personal Items, Nail clippings, hair or photographs – used to link the energy of the amulet to a Particular person.
Piece of colored Cloth or feather – To add additional color correspondences to the amulet.
Talisman written On parchment – To add planetary influences or strengthen the intent of the amulet.
Saints medals Or cards – The appropriate patron saint is added to strengthen the intent of the amulet and invoke the aide of the saint.
Magickal Oils And Powders – To add strength to the intent of the amulet.
(excerpted from Animal Spirit Guides by Dr. Steven Farmer)
Those spirits that are in animal form that teach us, guide us, empower us, and help us heal are called animal spirit guides or spirit animals. In shamanic and indigenous cultures they’re usually called totem animals or power animals. Often these terms are used interchangeably, although there are subtle differences in meaning.
The term totem animal has two meanings. First, a totem animal is typically one that is shared by a family, clan, or group. In indigenous cultures, the family you were born into all have a totem animal in common. In modern societies, various groups also have communal totems, such as sports teams or clubs that identify with a totem animal. A second meaning of totem animal is a representational object of a particular animal, like a small tortoise, owl, raccoon, or hawk figurines. We often give our children totem animals, like teddy bears or bunny rabbits to give them comfort.
The term power animal has its origins in shamanism. This is a specialized animal spirit guide the shaman or shamanic practitioner acquires early in their initiation into their practice. Their power animal travels with them whenever they go on a shamanic journey, which is an altered state of awareness in which the practitioner sends his soul or consciousness into non-ordinary reality—another term for the spirit world—to receive teachings, guidance, and healings. You can, however, have a relationship with a power animal even if you’re not a shaman or shamanic practitioner. They may come to you in meditations, visions, dreams, or shamanic journeys. It’s a highly personal and specialized relationship with an animal spirit guide, one where the personality and characteristics of the particular power animal that you have attracted to you are reflective of your own personality and characteristics.
Although every creature on the planet can be an animal spirit guide, in some traditions domesticated animals can’t be power animals because they’ve lost much of their wildness and are removed from the natural world. Likewise, some traditions believe that insects are to be excluded from being power animals because of their size and nature. I have, however, included both domesticated animals and some insects such as butterfly and dragonfly my book, and even two mythological animals, dragon and unicorn, to account for those who have enough of a special relationship with them to call them power animals.
However to experience the tremendous value of working with animal spirit guides you don’t need to be a shaman, have any interest in shamanism, nor be associated with an indigenous culture. For most purposes you don’t even need to be concerned as to whether an animal spirit guide is a totem or power animal. Instead, consider these wonderful beings as spiritual allies that want to reach out to each and everyone one of us who are open to their guidance and, when called with sincere intent, will respond.
One of the great advantages of working with animal spirit guides is that the actual animal is physically and symbolically present in so many ways throughout every society and culture on earth. Because of their abundant representations in third-dimensional reality, they’re continually in our consciousness. Depending on how and in what way they show up in the material world, whether in the flesh or as a symbol, their appearance can be a representative of the spirit of that animal. When an animal shows up in an uncommon way or repetitively as spirit guide, that animal isn’t just the single animal, but is representing the entire species. The hummingbird that flits about and then hovers for several seconds directly in front of you isn’t just a hummingbird but is carrying with her the essence of all hummingbirds, and is therefore Hummingbird with a capital “H.” That’s also why when we speak of an animal spirit guide, we leave out the “a” or “an” as a way of recognizing and honoring that spirit animal. The hawk that visited me wasn’t only a hawk, but in those instances was representing the essence of all hawks, and was therefore Hawk.
Not only do these spirit animals help us in many ways, but another positive effect is that you’ll deepen your appreciation for the magic and mystery of all animals, whether they are of the air, water, or the land. Every being on this beautiful and majestic planet has its place in the web of life, and as we develop our consciousness and awareness of the unique quality of animal spirit guides, we enhance our relationships with all of our animal brothers and sisters.
What Are Power Animals? Power animals are spirit guides in animal form, valuable allies who can help you navigate through life’s challenges and transitions. Perceptive and trustworthy oracles, you can turn to them for advice and counsel on any questions or concerns. They’re exceptional teachers who’ll help you learn about both the spirit world and the natural world. Working with them on a regular basis will enhance your personal life and expand your spiritual capacities immensely.
Power animals can appear in meditations, visions, dreams, shamanic journeys, or on the earth in their physical form. They can be mammals, birds, or reptiles. Even so-called mythical animals such as unicorns or dragons can be power animals, although they have no physical representations in the material world. Since a spirit animal’s power is drawn from their instinctual and wild nature, it’s uncommon, however, for purely domesticated animals such as pets to be power animals.
The source of power for your animal spirit guide is not just a single animal, but the entire species. For instance, if your power animal is Bear, it’s not just any particular bear, but an animal spirit guide that’s representative of the entire species of bears.
Another positive effect of working with your power animal is that you’ll develop a greater appreciation for that species, and likely extend that care and respect to the entire animal kingdom. If Dolphin is your power animal, for example, your love and appreciation will likely go out to all creatures of the sea and naturally expand to include those of the land and the air. Your power animal will also teach you to use this power compassionately and in service, to heal and empower yourself and others.
Spirit Guides and Power Animals
The term, Spirit Guides, also called guardian spirits or helping spirits, describes any spiritual being that helps us in a positive way. They protect us, guide us, and provide encouragement and inspiration. We may have any number of spirit guides throughout our life, whether or not we’re consciously aware of them. Some have been with us since childhood, while others have appeared at various periods in our life, perhaps to help us through a difficult transition. Spirit guides can be religious figures, angels, ascended masters, ancestors, faeries, or, for our purposes, animal spirits.
Animal spirit guides, familiar to indigenous and shamanic cultures, are called either power animals or totem animals. Typically these terms are used interchangeably, although there are some subtle differences in meaning. Totem animal is the more widely used term, and this concept is universal to all cultures. Indigenous cultures typically have a tribal totem, another one for the “clan,” and another for the family you were born into. Contemporary cultures also have totem animals, such as ones for clubs or societies like Lions Club or the Loyal Order of Moose. Sports teams often carry animal totem names, such as the Chicago Bears or the Philadelphia Eagles. Even Christianity has the totems of the lamb and the fish.
Parents often give their child a special protective totem animal, such as a teddy bear, telling the child that it will protect them. The child believes this, and by their belief in the animal they hold in their hands they’re unwittingly calling in the spirit of that animal and its associated powers. The bear becomes a personal totem, or power animal, for the child, and this animal spirit guide may remain with them into their adult lives.
Power animals, rather than being associated with a family or a group, are specific and personal for each individual. Like totem animals, they are guardian spirits that empower us in our everyday lives. They also protect and guide us as we explore non-ordinary reality-the realm where spirits reside, just across the veil of our usual and ordinary perceptions.
Ancestors, ancestors, we are calling
Ancestors, ancestors, hear our call
Sing or chant the above words for at least four rounds, as you stand in honor of the ancestors to welcome them. As you do, create a simple gesture to welcome the ancestors, such as prayer hands over the heart, or raised to the heavens. Ask your body to help you create it and include some form of movement. Have fun with it but also be focused on the welcome. Try it and see what happens.
This is a way of including those humans in your family lineage that have come before you and whose genetic and soul influence has a great deal to do with who you are today, those we can call ancestors. Even your deceased parents are your ancestors.
These progenitors have experienced what it’s like to have had their energy in an animate, physical human form. They continue on with their teachings in spirit world, evolving spiritually beyond what we in physical bodies can even imagine, though some have touched this world through meditations, revelations, near-death experiences, or shamanic journeys from the point of death.
If you aren’t already including ancestors when you call on spirit guides, please do. They want to help us and do avail themselves to us of their wisdom and understanding. Don’t get me wrong; they aren’t all saints, but they understand and experience things much differently once in spirit form. The wisest ancestors are the oldest ones, yet even recent passage into the spirit world offers a considerable dose of wisdom that they are more than happy to bring to you. They also can guide and protect you if asked.
We are in a time of critical change and need all the help we can get from the world of Spirit. The planet doesn’t need saving. We just need to revise our relationship with this planet and live much more harmoniously with her cycles. And we’re doing the best we can. Just need the help of the ancestors.
If you got ’em, go ahead and light ’em because today is ‘Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.’ Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways Feng Shui says that candles can illuminate certain aspirations in your life. For starters, this philosophy prescribes lighting a pair of pink candles in the ‘Romance’ area of your main floor or bedroom in order to light the way for a perfect partner of the happily ever after kind. Lighting nine red candles in the ‘Fame’ area is believed to bring plenty of recognition and reward while also heating up opportunities to create a more fabulous future. A group called ‘The Compassionate Friends’ asks each of us to light a candle on this night at seven o’clock in remembrance of all the children who have died at any age from any cause. This day is set aside to commemorate the memory of wee ones who have left the world too soon. Today you can participate in a worldwide event that promises that you can be the light that you were born to be.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Truth involves establishing an aware relationship between your inner core and the circumstances in your life. Centering in truth involves the ability to perceive a fundamental wisdom, reflected within yourself and the people you know.
Truth is transformed into power when you dissolve prejudice and make yourself receptive to the world as it really is. Truth’s power can be a remarkable force indeed — yet is rarer than generally imagined. It can be maintained only by cultivating a genuine openness to things as they are — a willingness to see, rather than merely look.
Whenever your inner life is clouded, your influence in the world is under a shadow. If you are fearful, you will be attacked; if you cloak genuine mysteries in dogma, opportunities for new insight will be lost. If you vacillate in upholding your principles, you will be tested. Yet, when you are firm and strong, the power of truth can break through even the most stubborn minds.
In any debate, the power to perceive the truth in the other side’s argument is essential to achieving success. It is possible to influence even the most difficult people, or improve the most difficult circumstance, through the power of universal truth — for unvarnished truth is something to which all things naturally respond. Get in touch with the part of yourself that is aware of this universal force. Cultivate this inner resource, and you will become adept at using it to bond with others to support a common purpose.
Your Rune For Today
Elhaz
Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy
The Lovers indicates both the most powerful of unions and the most of challenging conflicts humans must face. On one side The Lover’s embodies love and union on a cosmic scale—a love so strong, so inherently good that it actually makes the lovers better, more than they really are. All of the elements are there for the perfect union. The Lovers represent all powerful unions in general, and the elements that create/sustain them. The problem The Lovers face is temptation and the decision to act morally or abandon their ethics to take advantage of other opportunities that would be defined as transgressions.
Traditionally entitled “Empress,” this major arcana or “trump” card portrays the energy of the Great Mother. She is Nature, around us but also within us, the ever-unfolding Source of life-giving power. She is often pictured as a pre-Christian Goddess, as the one whom the High Priestess is channeling down to earth for the rest of us.
In medieval Europe, the Empress card was painted to represent whatever Queen currently ruled the land, probably to satisfy the Inquisitors. But the scholars of the Renaissance and beyond had no doubt of her true identity, although she could not be fully revealed on Tarot cards as the “woman clothed with the sun” until after the French Revolution.
This supreme archetype of femininity also symbolizes fertility. It is She who provides us nourishment and security. She is also sometimes seen as delighting us with flowers and fruit. A potentially terrifying aspect of this archetype manifests itself whenever karmic mood swings wipe out our plans, like a storm that has come upon us. Whatever happens, the Empress is the Source of our Embodiment and of Natural Law. She might even be called “the Great Recycler.”
Our lives grow more complicated as the evocative Moon shifts into passionate Scorpio at 4:51 pm EST. We may become more serious and focus our attention on relationship issues now. This isn’t about making everything light and easy; we are ready to dig deep to uncover feelings that might normally create discomfort. Instead of taking everything personally today, we would be better off to look at every situation from a more spiritual point of view.
Aries Horoscope
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You may not be eager to give up your freedom, even in a trade for an easier path in life. However, you will likely choose being responsible today over being independent, although you might not be happy with your decision. Unfortunately, holding on to your annoyance can create problems. Expressing your negativity and then letting it go enables you to avoid resentment later on. Living an ordinary life in an extraordinary manner helps you achieve spiritual satisfaction.
Taurus Horoscope
(Apr 20 – May 20)
You may be feeling stress today because of previous promises, and these commitments could prevent you from fully enjoying yourself. Although your goals might be quite straightforward, nothing seems simple with everyone making demands on your time. Unexpressed emotions can turn an easygoing situation into a tangle of intrigue. Don’t wait to address the source of a problem if you understand what’s going on. The sooner you start untying the knots, the smoother it will go
Gemini Horoscope
(May 21 – Jun 20)
Your passions are running deep, making you feel less than comfortable today. The intensity of relationship dynamics grows stronger as your emotions sink into the shadows of your subconscious. There isn’t a lot of room for error now, so think through your plan before you initiate a process that can’t be stopped midstream. Taking the time to consider what your heart needs empowers you to make the right choice.
Cancer Horoscope
(Jun 21 – Jul 22)
Although the Moon’s afternoon shift into emotional Scorpio reminds you that your feelings control so much of what you do, you may not be able to change the outcome of the present situation. You might attempt to see both sides of a relationship issue at first, but are forced to take a side later on. Listen to your inner voice, but also be certain that your plan makes logical sense before doing something you soon regret.
Leo Horoscope
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Although there is still a lot of hard work to do over the next few weeks, you’re thankful that things are beginning to settle down. Instead of trying to tie up loose ends, you’re more inclined now to take the day off for rest and relaxation. Balancing your hectic schedule with a bit of peaceful solitude at home today may be the smartest use of your time.
Virgo Horoscope
(Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You’re able to easily incorporate big changes into your life now without too much difficulty. However, you’re not interested in simply trading a relaxing Sunday for one filled with distracting busyness. Thankfully, making a commitment to express yourself creatively empowers you to realize your greatest potential. Share whatever comes to mind, even if it complicates things today. It really doesn’t matter what artistic medium you use, just let your imagination be your guide.
Libra Horoscope
(Sep 23 – Oct 22)
Although you can find the time to kick back today, you might trick yourself into thinking that you will get away without fulfilling all of your responsibilities. However, there is a difference between pursuing ambitious goals and simply honoring your promises. You may have to make up for lost time later in the evening if your laziness gets the best of you. Balancing work with play is a safer strategy than going to either extreme.
Scorpio Horoscope
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You may be presented with a significant fork in the road today, yet your current maps aren’t clear about where either path leads. Unfortunately, your decision-making process is a lot more complicated because of this ambiguity. Nevertheless, the Moon’s shift into your perceptive sign later in the day triggers your final answer and emboldens you to paint your future just as you visualize it in your imagination.
Sagittarius Horoscope
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
It feels as if it’s a whole new ballgame once you decide that you’re ready to buckle down and get to work. Surprisingly, your procrastination may succeed for a while, yet the tide can shift so quickly today that you must make pragmatic choices or drift off course. Ironically, it’s your dreams that reveal the most sensible strategy at this time. Integrating your creative vision with your current reality is an excellent recipe for success.
Capricorn Horoscope
(Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Your social life continues to be highly energized today as the emotional Moon moves into your 11th House of Community. Although your friends may be overwhelmed with your relentless intensity, you just want to do the right thing. You’re not interested in making mistakes that could send the wrong message. However, giving yourself permission to have fun is more important than anything else now. Ironically, you’ll feel better and your connections will deepen if you don’t try so hard.
Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You may be enjoying the anticipation of what’s around the next bend, but other people’s demands can squelch the excitement today. The Moon’s afternoon shift into your 10th House of Public Responsibility reminds you that you’re not as independent as you wish. Establishing new priorities helps you navigate your way through tricky territory. But choose carefully because your current choices will likely have a lasting impact.
Pisces Horoscope
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You’re not interested in casual conversations today because you may feel as if you’re running out of time. You have no patience for social games that distract you from the real issues since you want to go for the emotional jugular vein now. Sharing a story about your personal journey can inspire others to take charge of their lives by choosing love over fear.
As mentioned at the close of yesterday’s calendar entry, this day begins with a Sun-Vesta polarity (12:00AM PST) — stretching from Sagittarius to Gemini. Safety and security themes, investment matters, insurance rates and coverage, home and hearth, sisterhoods and turf wars are in the spotlight. This can signify a nerve-racking beginning to this 24-hour time-period as these two celestial bodies are pulling on either side of the Earth. Yes, there can be illumination pouring through, but the Moon remains void in Libra until 1:52PM PST while the lunar orb makes parallels to Neptune (3:29AM PST) and Saturn (3:37AM PST). This reminds you of Saturday’s Saturn-Neptune parallel that can either produce a fantastic wave of enlightenment or a blanket of confusion and chaos. Strive to increase your productivity in arts, crafts and hobbies when the Moon in late-Libra forms a trine with Ceres in late-Gemini (11:55AM PST). The Moon leaves void mode in Libra by entering the fixed, power sign of Scorpio (1:52PM PST). Over the next 2+ days, don your detective garb to solve family mysteries and ferret out old secrets. Get to the root of persistent problems, fears and phobias. While a Moon-Neptune flowing trine (2:51PM PST) can be a boost for psychological or spiritual studies, you may need to go into defensive mode as Mars makes an off-kilter, 150-degree link with Vesta (3:13PM PST) while Mercury makes a similar, 150-degree tie with Ceres (6:40PM PST). To have Mars and Mercury joust with two key asteroids can equate with a rising tide of emotional stress, declining productivity, and new worries about business-investment matters. Inject some good humor and laughter into the picture overnight since the Moon is approaching its monthly rendezvous with Saturn (forming exactly at 2:22AM PST tomorrow) and any lunar convergence with the beautiful, but chilly ringed-planet can lead to a temporary bout of self-doubt and pessimism.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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