I grew up in the country and I never in my life had such rotten luck. If you have been watching the weather you know that we are going to have some rough weather today. We had our first gust of wind come through and it knocked the cable out.
The Emergency Broadcasting System has just issued a Tornado Warning for us. So at this time, we will leaving the internet and taking shelter. Keep your fingers crossed we don’t end up in Kansas.
Lady A
Even if we are in touch with our most basic needs today, the earthy Taurus Full Moon at 10:15 am EST might seem to oversimplify a complex situation. Although we have much to gain by resolving conflicting data as quickly as possible, we’re wise to apply common sense before reacting emotionally. The Moon’s entry into airy Gemini at 7:06 pm liberates us from practical restraints by temporarily highlighting what we say rather than what we do.
Your desire to do something different may be so strong sometimes that you don’t think about the financial aspects of your dreams. Today’s Taurus Full Moon highlights your 2nd House of Money, encouraging you to consider the costs of your plan before you decide to go ahead with it. It’s smarter to stop and figure out whether or not you can afford your journey prior to packing your bags. Pursuing a goal is quite different from just imagining it.
Your current intensity today could overpower others, but luckily you have the sense to realize that your unrestrained communication might be a bit intimidating. The Full Moon in your sign challenges you to stay connected to your feelings, even if they complicate your life. Although your emotions are uncharacteristically strong, don’t try to suppress them just because it’s more comfortable. Nevertheless, it’s still wise to soften your approach when you ask for what you want.
Your current discomfort might be unavoidable today while the Taurus Full Moon is illuminating your 12th House of Secrets, making it difficult to understand your feelings. However, you may not be able to escape the irrational dimensions of your heart. Even if you are more secure in the logical realm of words, you should still try to overcome your uneasiness. Sharing your emotions with a good friend won’t be as hard as you think, and could quickly help transform your resistance into acceptance.
Normally, you worry about what might go wrong before you start a new project, but today you may be ready to jump right in. Fortunately, the Full Moon lights up your 11th House of Social Networking, bringing you much-needed support from your friends and coworkers, even if everyone doesn’t share your point of view. Keep in mind that being receptive to other people’s perspectives increases your chances for success.
You may believe you can reach your goals if you are persistent today because the determined Taurus Full Moon brightens your 10th House of Status. Unfortunately, others aren’t likely to agree with you just because you’re passionate about your plans. Nevertheless, you might not be able to escape being in the public eye now. Even if you feel awkward, just be yourself and don’t make such a big deal about getting your way. Success could be yours if you just let things unfold at their own pace.
Your confidence receives a much-needed boost today from the determined Taurus Full Moon traveling through your 9th House of Big Ideas. You are very certain that your solution is a viable one, yet your feelings can still distract you from what you need to do. Allowing your mind to wander could turn your accurate observations and excess energy into irrationality and laziness. It’s not wise to take on too much now; instead, be smart and work small changes into your daily routine to make the most of the moment.
You can’t easily express what you’re feeling today because the Taurus Full Moon stimulates your 8th House of Intimacy, possibly activating emotions too strong to put into words. Your fear of being unable to control the direction of a conversation might stop you from saying anything at all. Nevertheless, it still may be more sensible to take a risk and share what’s in your heart. Even if you don’t get everything you want, you can rest assured that others know exactly where you stand.
Today’s
dependable Taurus Full Moon lights up your 7th House of Partners, tempting you to rely on someone’s support more than you should. Instead of compulsively expressing all your thoughts and feelings because you want his or her approval, consider keeping some things to yourself. Ironically, others find it easier to give you what you need when you are acting more emotionally secure. Ultimately, your most important ally is yourself
Even if you resist the changes that are unfolding at work, you still might not get your way today. Luckily, the Taurus Full Moon shining in your 6th House of Self-Improvement suggests that you can be happy as long as you aren’t too attached to outrageous fantasies. Instead of trying to reach for the stars now, moderate your expectations and seek joy closer to home.
Don’t waste your energy worrying about whether or not your current actions will have lasting value. Although today’s Taurus Full Moon offers you solid ground on which to stand, the stability seems to be short-lived. Even if the situation changes quickly, what you do now sets the tone for what follows in the days to come. A positive attitude and a constructive plan will serve you well.
Emotional satisfaction can be yours now if you don’t get too distracted by your long-term goals. Having lofty ambitions is admirable, but not if they stand in the way of the time spent with your family and friends. Today’s Taurus Full Moon emphasizes your 4th House of Roots; instead of worrying about the next big project at work, focus your energy on cultivating the joy in your personal life. There is no better moment than the present to share your love.
Emotional satisfaction can be yours now if you don’t get too distracted by your long-term goals. Having lofty ambitions is admirable, but not if they stand in the way of the time spent with your family and friends. Today’s Taurus Full Moon emphasizes your 4th House of Roots; instead of worrying about the next big project at work, focus your energy on cultivating the joy in your personal life. There is no better moment than the present to share your love.
Your attention is shifting from what is happening now to thinking more about your future. Nevertheless, you cannot change gears until you’ve met your current responsibilities. The down-to-earth Taurus Full Moon energizes your 3rd House of Communication, requiring you to be practical, even if you want to fantasize about the distant horizon. Don’t avoid your obligations. Demonstrate your dependability first so you can then confidently focus on nurturing your dreams.
Jeff Jawer on the topics of taurus, horoscopes, full moon, astrologyFinding peace during intense times is a gift of the Full Moon in Taurus on November 17, 2013. This placid lunar placement contrasts with the opposing Sun in extreme Scorpio. Notice what works in your life that doesn’t demand much effort and where comfort and ease can balance out the struggle to stay afloat. Slowing down to smell the roses will remind you of the sweet things and your desirable traits that are often forgotten during difficult circumstances.
Simplifying financial matters can put you on a more solid foundation with this alluring Taurus Full Moon in your 2nd House of Self-Worth. Patience pays big dividends so take your time gathering materials and getting the training needed to raise your economic status. Back away from personal or professional connections with people who are impossible to satisfy and focus on making your happiness a priority.
This Full Moon in your easygoing sign lands in your 1st House of Personality where it can inspire you to update your appearance. But it’s less about making changes than becoming more comfortable with yourself. Self-acceptance is a key to being attractive to others. It isn’t about being self-indulgence or settling for less; it’s about recognizing your personal resources and doing your best to get the most out of them.
Your curiosity and enthusiasm for life can keep you so busy that sometimes you don’t recognize when you need a rest. This is one of those times. The comfortable Taurus Full Moon lands in your 12th House of Escapes where you will be happier walking alone through a snowy wood than being in the middle of a crowd. Take time out to relax your body and to inspire your soul with nature, imagination and spiritual activities.
If you’ve been giving too much in groups or to make a friend happy, this Full Moon in Taurus is a sign that it’s time for a change. It falls in your 11th House of Teams where crises with pals or colleagues can overcome your patience. Seek out solid and sane allies who are willing to give you as much support as you need. Solidifying your status as a contributor is meant to make you feel stronger, not wear you out.
This financially aware Taurus Full Moon occurs in your 10th House of Career and is meant to remind you that simplicity can sometimes take you further than trying too hard. Taking care of your public responsibilities with plenty of patience and common sense may not look flashy but will earn you more respect and satisfaction in the long run. Handling basic issues with efficiency could be your key to success now.
Getting away from it all sounds like a very logical idea with this easygoing Taurus Full Moon in your 9th House of Travel. Whether you go out of town, connect to a foreign culture, or simply immerse yourself in dreams of the peaceful future, it’s time to set your sights on tomorrow. Simplify your plans and stop fretting about the small stuff. When you find comfort in your body or your mind, just soak it in with a smile.
Gaining clarity in relationships is possible with this down to earth Taurus Full Moon in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Although you could be dealing with a stubborn individual, the purpose of this lunation is for you to get more appreciation from others. Demonstrating your value by staying calm in a crisis and showing common sense in complicated matters will enhance a personal or professional partnership.
This earthy Taurus Full Moon lands in your 7th House of Partners to open your eyes about relationships. If you’re stuck in an old, familiar pattern, it’s time to make some changes. Whether it’s about altering your approach to the one you’re with or trying to appeal to someone new, don’t try too hard. That’s because the more comfortable and accepting you are of yourself the more desirable you will be to other people.
This grounded Taurus Full Moon lands in your 6th House of Work and Daily Routines. If you’re bored with what you do, this lunation can push you over the edge and help your realize that it’s time for a change. But if you’re happy with your job, it signals the need to settle down and be more patient. It’s a reminder that going slower and being calmer will get you further than overdoing or pushing too hard.
Your assignment, dear Capricorn, is to have a good time. This lusty Taurus Full Moon lights up your 5th House of Romance, Creativity and Play. Putting more pleasure into your life by tuning into your senses is a task that you will enjoy. Being more comfortable with yourself and in your body will make you more appealing to others and taking calculated chances to express yourself will enhance your personal and professional lives.
Bringing peace into your home life is an excellent use of this sensual Taurus Full Moon. It occurs in your domestic 4th house where it can trigger crises on the home front or, ideally, help you clear up family issues and improve your living space. Self-acceptance instead of struggle is a key to creating the gracious and supportive environment you seek.
This practical minded Full Moon in earthy Taurus solidifies your thinking and enables you to communicate more effectively. It lands in your chatty 3rd house to add confidence to your words. Sticking to core concepts enables you to focus on critical issues and present your ideas with confidence that makes it easier to gain the trust of others.
Rise to the occasion as the monthly enlightening Full Moon — energizing 26 degrees of Scorpio and Taurus — clocks in at 7:17AM. Individual and group meditations are encouraged. Send out your healing thoughts and prayers to loved ones, friends, associates, humanity and the kingdoms of nature. Reflect more on your higher destiny in this lifetime and how you can be an ambassador of goodwill instead of fulfilling personal desires. You may have quite a few hours to continue in a contemplative mode since the exact time of the Full Moon (7:17AM) begins a void lunar twilight zone that lasts until 4:08PM. Let go of any stubborn behavior patterns that are holding you back from making breakthroughs in higher consciousness. Find time for lunch at a favorite cafe and visit a museum, art gallery or national landmark for a change of pace. Once the Moon switches gears from earthy Taurus to airy Gemini (4:08PM), focus your attention on reading, writing and research. Start preparing for Chiron’s station in Pisces on Tuesday as it leaves retrograde motion to turn direct. [Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Standard Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.]
Reed Month
Color: Blue-green
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue-green place a vase of reeds, a single blue-green candle, a great bowl of water floating with wetlands plant leaves, and a knife.
Offering: Recycle something useless into something useful.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian soup and sandwiches. Only water or herbal tea to drink.
Ngetal Invocation
Call: Now is the time of the bleak cold.
Response: Now the reeds whisper in the swamp.
Call: Now is the time when we see the growing dark.
Response: Now is the time when we begin to shiver.
Call: Now is the time of bare trees.
Response: Now is the time of rain and wind.
Call: Now the rain fills the wetlands to overflowing.
Response: Now the swamp overflows into our lives.
Call: We feel our feet dragged down into the cold waters.
Response: Yet the wetland is the source of greatest life!
Call: We feel ourselves pulled into the unfamiliar.
Response: Unfamiliar to us, but no less of value.
Call: The damp cold begins to reach our bones.
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: We must keep it far away with fire’s warmth!
Response: We must welcome its touch.
Call: Why should we not ban it from our lives?
Response: For this, too, is a Mystery of water.
Call: Not the deep mystery of the Ocean…
Response: Not the running flow of the river…
Call: Not the crystal of snow and ice…
Response: But the secrets of the still waters.
Call: From the still waters springs the greatest number of lives!
Response: And it is this that we must honor.
Call: Welcome into ourselves the song of the whispering reeds!
Response: Welcome into ourselves the oncoming winter.
Chant: Cold as stone
Marshes heart
We will own
What is apart
17 Blutmonath
Holda’s Blot
Colors: Brown and white
Element: Earth
Altar: On cloth of white and brown lay a spindle full of spun wool, a basket of white goose-feathers, two white candles, a needle and thread, a horn of mead, and a dish of honey-cakes.
Lean a broom against the altar.
Offerings: Cakes buried under the earth. Organize and clean the house.
Daily Meal: Hearty stew with root vegetables. Wholegrain bread.
Invocation to Holda
Frau Holle, good Lady
Of the Land Under The Earth,
Who we reach through
The well into the deep places,
You who reward each
As to the temper of the work
They accomplish each day,
You who have eternal patience
And yet no patience at all
With lazy fools who will not
Lift their hands in another’s need.
Lady of the hearth, the loom,
The spindle and the wheel,
The needle and the cooking pot,
These things that so many
Take simply for granted,
They are your kingdom
And your warm domain,
And if they should be removed,
We would sorely miss them,
Much more than we could guess.
Chant: Snow is coming
Feathers on the wind
Mother Holda
Winter will begin…
(All approach the altar, seize handfuls of the goose feathers, and fling them into the air so that they fall like snow. Each then takes a turn with the broom, sweeping them up. The mead is shared and then poured as a libation.)
A veil of self-absorption is lifted and suddenly you gain access to an unbiased view of others. This is a rare moment when you can see yourself objectively and become aware of whether or not what you want in your heart is actually beginning to manifest in your life. Traditionally, the Full Moon phase stirs emotion, and this is because when you “see” what is happening, you may become upset if you’re experiencing the “same ole, same ole” — rather than the things you would like. If the Full Moon phase is a disappointment, on the next New Moon it’s time to take creative action in the direction of your dreams.
So Mote It Be.
When you find something is “going around,” you should make this potion immediately.
Taking doses of the Perfect Health potion once a week on a regular basis will keep you healthy and fit. And at the first signs of feeling under the weather, brew up a new batch right away.
Here are the Items You will need:
Garlic cloves (the more the merrier)
Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Choose four of the following herbs:
Whole cayenne pepper
Lavender
Mint
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Thyme
Wormwood
To brew the Perfect Health Potion, peel the garlic cloves and add them to the vinegar.
Add the other herbs, and shake very well until blended.
Allow the potion to steep in a cool, dark place for seven days.
Don’t take more than a tablespoon or two at one time.
Actually, this potion also makes a great salad dressing.
And here’s another interesting fact the Perfect Health Potion…
Legend has it that this potion was created in Europe in the Middle Ages, at the height of the plague epidemic. There was a group of thieves that, in the middle of the death, chaos, and quarantines around them, would enter the homes of the sick and dying and rob them.
Yet they never got sick. And when they were finally caught and sentenced to death, they cut a deal. Let us go free, they said, and we will give your our secret to staying healthy in the midst of this plague.
This potion, as legend has it, is a variation of their original recipe. And while you may not be taking it in order to commit robbery, you have to admit that the legend is pretty interesting.
This is the third, and last, of the festivals of the dead in China. Clothing, money, and other gifts are burned in honor of the ancestors and loved ones. Candles, special food and rice wine and place before personal shrines to fortify them during their journey through the spirit world.
Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightenment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense
Planet: Sun
Sign: Leo
Angel: Michael
Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White
Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak
Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate
Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary
The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.
Sunday (Sun): Healing, spirituality, success, strength and protection.
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.
Moon Sign: Taurus
Taurus: Things begun now last the longest, tend to increase in value, and become hard to alter. Brings out appreciation for beauty and sensory experience.
Moon Phase: Full Moon 10:16 am
The Full Moon is the time of greatest power.
Moon enters Gemini 7:01 pm
Gemini: Thing begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games and fun.
Incense: Almond
Color: Amber
Good Morning all my precious family! I hope this Sunday morning fines you all doing well. I have had something that has been eating at me all week. I have had several mainstream religion individuals, including pastors and priests, write me in regards to our Religion. None of the letters were bad. In fact, they were very surprising. The pastors and priests expressed interested and curiosity about our Religion. They said it had always fascinated them but they did not want to come out and reveal this to their congregations. I can’t say that I blame them, it would be like me telling you I was a Baptist (you better no that is not true !). They all said they never expected for me to write them back. Truthfully, I have saved their letters in our email account. One day, when the Goddess gifts me with Her words, I will write back.
The mainstream individuals write for another reason. They want to join our Religion but they are scared. Scared that there is no Goddess, no Summerlands, no Reincarnation, NOTHING! They are scared if they turn to our Religion and forsake their own they will go to hell. The very first letter, I ever got like this stumped me. I had never been around anyone who came right out and said they were scared to convert to our Religion. I was dumbfounded to say the least. After careful thought and asking the Goddess to help me, my answer to them were…..
“My dear friend,
I don’t know if I can easy your fears or not, but I will try. I wonder why, if you are scared of our Religion, would you ever consider turning to the Goddess. I came to the realization something is missing in your life. The mainstream religions are not filling that emptiness you feel. The longer you go the bigger the emptiness feels and then it turns into a feeling of being lost. Something is missing and you want to know what.
First off, let start with your fear of going to hell. In The Craft, we have no concept of hell nor the devil. I would venture to say you have been in your religion all your life. From the time you were a little baby till now. You were never given the choice of your own religious practices, you assumed the practices of your parents. You went to Sunday school and church every time the door was open. You might not have even known there was other Religions till you got grown. But you are grown now and seeking, seeking what you don’t know. But that emptiness has to be filled.
There are thousands of Religions in the world. I cannot say which one is right or which one is wrong. As many as there are I can’t believe they are all wrong. It would be a very cruel God that only chose one Religion and left the rest to rot. I cannot guarantee you The Craft is the right Religion. I am only the messenger. I can, however, testify to what I have seen the Goddess do and the ability She has given me. The Goddess, to me is a Divine Being of Endless Love & Mercy. She is my mother. In my Religion, I have three mothers, my maternal mother who has passed on, my Deity and my Holy Divine Mother. What other Religion can say that? We have Laws and Ethics we live by. Most people don’t realize that but we do. My personal opinion on this or that being the right or wrong religion, I still can say. I am betting on Witchcraft to be the Right One. Just as any Baptist is betting on theirs being the right one. The Pentecostal are betting on theirs also. If you will stop and look at all these religions, the Gods/Goddesses they speak of, are merciful, loving, kind, understanding and most of all it is repeated over and over, we are their children. With all those Religions, I can believe only one is right. I believe in their own aspects all of them are right. My personal belief is if you find a Religion that calls to you. Then go to it. Don’t be afraid, never be afraid of the Gods, they love you no matter what. That Religion you take up will have guidelines how to live, follow them. Lead a moral, up-standing, ethic life and believe no merciful God or Goddess would ever turn you way.
I am not going to lie to you, I would love for you to come and experience the Goddess and Her Religion. I believe if you do you will find similarities between our Religion and the Christian religion. You see our Religion is the oldest Religion on Earth. The early Christians liked some of our practices so well they adopted them for their own use. And we are suppose to be the evil ones!
What you have been led to believe about Witchcraft is untrue. Put your fears aside and found out for yourself what is drawing you to our Religion. I already know what it is, it is our Goddess. I know the Path I have took has been full of many joys and much happiness. I hope you will come to know these things also.
You will never be alone, dear friend. The Goddess is around you everywhere.
Blessings, Peace & Comfort,
Lady Of The Abyss
(Sample letter)
‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Don’t try to tell me what your enemy looks like. My enemy is lazy, a procrastinator that spends most of the time talking me out of success. My enemy says friends are fickle and true ones are most infrequent. Faith, I’m told, is not enough to carry me over barriers. And I’m not loved so much as others, but that’s all right because what good is love?
The day is dreary, my enemy says, and the flowers at my feet will soon wilt. I shouldn’t smile at anyone today because they won’t smile back at me.
This will be one of those days when everything goes wrong, my enemy tells me, and if I do anything right someone else will get the credit. I should watch the clock and realize how long the day is and how weary I am.
Don’t tell me about your enemy, I have one of my own. But the fact that I know my enemy makes all the difference. My enemy lies to me and wants to destroy me. So I’ll refuse to give my enemy power this day by giving a special measure of love to my friends and knowing that everything is exactly the opposite of what my enemy tells me.
_____________________________________
Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.
Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet: http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com
Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org
Elder’s Meditation of the Day – November 16
“We do not want riches, but we want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches, we want peace and love.”
–Red Cloud, OGLALA LAKOTA
The Elders say that what is important is peace and love. To have material things is okay, but if not, that’s okay too. To have peace and love is more important than anything material. Our children will see the value of peace and love only if adults show they are a priority. Too often we think we can offer material things and they will replace the time spent with our children. But the most important way to give our children peace and love is to spend time with them.
My Creator, give me Your peace and love today.
November 16 – Daily Feast
Things have a way of growing out of bounds in the dark of thought. But we can control them by easing them out gently, the way steam escapes the kettle. The worst thing is to feed more fuel into our emotions than we can handle. Turn off the heat and the pressure will ease. Lay blame aside – especially self-blame. You can’t do any good if you are dwelling on what went wrong. Forgive yourself and others. Nothing removes the blocks like forgiving. This is survival time and no injustice should be harbored. Make a new beginning and don’t stop until it is done. You will know when that is.
~ The Great Spirit has heard me, and he knows I have spoken the truth. ~
KEOKUK – SAC AND FOX
‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Some days will be joyful and other days will be painful. Through it all, life is worth every moment.
Some experiences will be frustrating and others will be exhilarating. Choose to see the positive value in all those experiences, and to grow stronger with each one.
On some days the sunshine will feel delightfully warm and on other days the wind will be bitterly cold. Yet every day, each feeling can make you feel more richly alive.
The future may at times appear bright and at other times seem to be deeply troubling. Whatever the case, you can always make the very best of the time you have, as it comes.
Life will always have its ups and downs. Instead of making a judgment about every experience, make the choice to embrace it all.
See each day as an opportunity to grow stronger, more capable and more thankful for life’s limitless possibilities. Use each day to bring the best of those possibilities into being in new, unique and meaningful ways.
— Ralph Marston
A Clear Current
Maintaining The Flow
The essence of all being is energy. Our physical and ethereal selves depend on the unrestricted flow of life energy that is the source of wholeness and wellness. Though the channels through which this energy flows are open systems and influenced by factors outside of our control, we ultimately choose what impact these will have in our lives. It is up to us to identify and clear blockages in the energy field to ensure that flow is maintained. A healthy, grounded individual absorbs some portion of the energy emitted by other people and the environment, but this does not interrupt the continuous stream of balanced energy sustaining them. The same individual copes constructively with stress and upset, and they are not subject to the stagnation that frequently goes hand in hand with negativity. When we keep the energy in and around our bodies flowing harmoniously, we are naturally healthy, vibrant, and peaceful.
Life energy flows through us like a swift stream when there is nothing to obstruct it, but various forces such as trauma, downbeat vibrations, and disappointments act like stones that impede the current. If we allow these to pile up, our life energy is thrown off its course or blocked entirely, causing illness, restlessness, and a lack of vigor. If, however, we take the time to clear these forces away, we rob them of the power to impact our lives. When we cultivate simple yet affirmative habits such as taking regular cleansing baths, practicing meditation and breathing exercises, smudging, and self-shielding, we protect ourselves from outside influences that might otherwise impede our energy flow. Likewise, we lessen the impact of inner influences when we clear our auras of unwanted attachments and divest ourselves of blocked emotions.
A strong and fluid energy field is the key that unlocks the doors of self-healing and peace of mind. Your awareness of the flow of energy sustaining you empowers you to take charge of your own well-being by taking steps to unblock, correct, and enhance that flow. Fear will likely be the culprit when you cannot identify the source of stagnation—you may simply be afraid to let go of what is obstructing the flow. Letting go can be challenging, but the exuberance you will feel when the flow is restored will be a welcome and blessed reward.
Our True ‘Magical Tools’
Author: Solonius
Our ‘magical items’ are only mundane objects without inherent power! After much deliberation, I’ve decided that I must toss that match into the gasoline can. I feel that there is an undue amount of romanticism attached to what are only supposed to be the tools of the witch’s trade. We are supposed to be wise enough to know that it is our minds, through our focused thoughts, that perform our spells and ceremonies, not our tools.
Wren composed a very thorough and thoughtful essay on the types and uses of Magical Tools, posted here in Witchvox back on 16 July 2000. I highly recommend reading it for the knowledge that you can gain. I’m re-posting what I personally feel is the most insightful part of that essay:
— THE WITCH:
You are the most magickal tool of all. It is your intentions and energies that determine the results of any magickal work. Many Witches never use any other tool but their own personal energies! And some of the most powerful workings can be done without ever leaving your armchair. It is the focus, concentration, intentions and desires that reside within YOU that are the real ‘tools’ of the Witch! —
Here is what happens: We read a book that says we need these various tools to perform a spell, rite, or ceremony. So we head out to the local magic shop to find said tools, and we all know they absolutely must be cool looking! We decide that this implement would make a great magical tool. We ‘cleanse’ the object of any negative energies (Please explain that? Energy is energy; it only has potential directed by the user, right?) We name our tools. We keep them special by not using them for any other purpose. We hold them as sacred objects due to the use we place upon them. We have special clothes that we put on when we wish to do our ceremonies or cast our spells.
The question I ask is: WHY? Is it only to get us “in the mood?” Is it pretentious vanity?
It is the tip of the sword that makes the groove as we begin to cast our magical circle. What is our mind doing? Our mind is visualizing the cutting of the veil. Our mind is that which creates a magical space. It is our mind that makes that space a place where all things are possible. We know what a circle looks like, yet we use this romanticized object to perform a simple task a finger could do. Are we thinking that the tool is imparting some magical power instead of our minds? Do the Realms above the Physical Plane require the use of our physical objects to breach a veil… or is it our focused minds that do the breaching?
Our tools take on the aspect of talismans by investing energy into the belief that they contain power. A talisman has no power other than the power of suggestion. It is our minds that place the belief in the power of a talisman, not the other way around. Is it a certain pair of shoes, tied a certain way, that allow us to toss a basketball into a hoop time and time again? Or is it the amount of attention we pay to what we are doing that hones our skills? The shoes might help us with our traction, but it is our minds that grasp the laws of physics. It is our minds that understand that we should apply this much force to move the mass of the basketball the distance to the basket. Why do we invest our energy into such a belief that it is all because of our shoes?
I feel the answers are simply these: Laziness and self-doubt. If we can get a tool that has power invested in it, we personally won’t have to work as hard. Those tools are on isle 5: Black and Decker or DeWalt. By placing more focus on the tool, and not on how to focus our thoughts, we seed doubt in our own mental ability to accomplish the task without our really cool looking magical item. It is our thoughts and desired intent that require our concentrated efforts. It is our minds that require the effort of learning, and developing our focus to such an extent that we have confidence in our own abilities. That confidence leads to more success.
We can’t be very confident in our own abilities if we are still riding around with training wheels after years of practice. Are our minds so weak that we need these really cool looking tools, consecrated on the first full moon of spring by a 4th generation Grand Poobah of the 1st Circle of the Wolf’s Shrine, using real dragon’s tears? (My apologies if you think I’m talking about you.) Will we think that such a tool will assist us in gathering energy? For that to happen we have to invest energy into the belief that it will. A magical tool does not gather, storehouse or bestow energy; WE are the conduits!
It is our imaginations that gather the energy and it is our intended desires that direct that energy to our desired outcome. We perform that ceremony, spell or rite for a purpose. We gather energy through our mind to enact that purpose. The actuality of spell-craft is this; we must gather energy, and then direct that energy. By assigning esoteric importance to mere tools, we yield energy that we are gathering for the spell in order to maintain a belief that the tool has infused power for our use. Better that gathered energy be used to enact our purpose! When we gather energy for a spell, and we cast out that energy to enable our desire, what is left to inhabit the magical tool? Are we confusing ourselves into thinking we are focusing physical energy (bound to this plane type of energy) or spiritual / mental energy? Although it might be convenient to think of these two types of energy as similar, they are, in fact, NOT. (If you think that I am mistaken, pick up your magical wand and, through you, focus its magical energy that a paperclip might float up in the air. If you accomplish this feat, you truly are a POWER in the Universe.)
Let me back up a little. Are tools necessary? YES! The focus we achieve from them is their true purpose. That, and that only, is their true use. Did we need a special pencil to help us add 2+2 a long time ago? Did the pencil give us the self-confidence that we would come to the answer? We eventually learned that we didn’t need any other tool than our own mind to perform the equation. It doesn’t make sense to think that a pencil will provide the answer for us; it was only used to keep us on track and help us progress. Are tools useful? YES! The more complex the spell, rite or ceremony, the more we can use tools to help us stay on track and stay in focus. And in that respect, almost any tool will do, (first and foremost being our minds) as long as we are focused on what we want to accomplish.
By practicing on focusing our minds, eventually we see that everything else we involve in the process is distracting, energy-wasting fluff. I highly doubt that the Spiritual Realm requires our theatrical production, with or without the props or an audience’s participation, to receive the energy and intent of our focused desire. We have fooled ourselves into believing it does because of our own desire for some romantic pageantry. But remember this: A tool is only what it is (this includes the spell) … it is a means to an end.
My intended purpose here is to urge you to think about these things! I am not requesting that you accept my opinion as your own.
Be Well,
Solonius
Ritual Tools That Won’t Break the Bank
Author: Bronwen Forbes
We’ve all seen them, either on EBay or some online Wicca supply shop – or even the Pagan bookstore in our own town: ritual tools and altar pieces that are apparently only for the independently wealthy. Well, seeing as how I am still a full-time student, i.e. broke, I’ve been searching for alternative sources for ritual tools and other altar accoutrements priced reasonably enough to guarantee I could afford to eat meat for the rest of the month. I’d like to share them with you.
My first stop was, believe it or not, my local Wal-Mart. And if the items mentioned below can be found in my Wally World out in the middle of southwestern USA nowhere, I’ll bet they’re at your Wal-Mart, too.
Wands
I remember a few years ago that tree branches given a “spiral” look by having a grapevine grow around them were quite the popular item at various Pagan gatherings. Unfortunately, these polished, um, sticks were priced at seventy dollars each, if not more! Ouch!
Even here on the edge of the great Southwestern desert, we have trees. Which means your chances of having access to free wand material are even better than mine. Find a tree you like, either because it’s your favorite kind (oak, maple, etc.) or because it’s located near your home and you think it’s friendly, or whatever. Note: if the tree is not on your property, get permission before you cut a branch or two. Also note: get permission from the tree before you start chopping. Tradition holds that a wand should be the length of the owner’s arm from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow. Let the wood “cure” for a season or two; carefully remove the bark, and presto! Free wand!
Athame
If you’re not totally into the traditional athame, which is a double-edged blade with a black handle, Wal-Mart is your new best friend. If you’re drawn to kitchen witchery (herbalism, cooking, food spells, etc.) , the housewares aisle has a plethora of really nice kitchen knives (and I mean pretty darn nice) starting at around three dollars each. Or you can check out the hunting and camping department. They had some wicked (and I mean that in a good way, of course) hunting knives, averaging around fourteen dollars apiece.
Either way, these are much cooler, cheaper and more practical (!) than the easily bendable mermaid-shaped athame with Austrian crystal eyes for twenty bucks on EBay.
Chalice
If you’re very lucky, once or twice a year there will be some sort of arts fair in your town. These fairs attract a lot of potters. Potters like to make chalices, and will sell the ones where the glaze “didn’t come out quite right” for five to ten dollars. And then you have a handmade, one-of-a-kind chalice!
If you’re mostly lucky, there is a paint-your-own-pottery shop nearby. For about five dollars per painting session and three to ten dollars for the cup, again, you have a one-of-a-kind chalice that you glazed yourself. How cool is that?
However, there is always our friend Wal-Mart, which sells something call tea goblets. Tea goblets are basically short, fat wine glasses with very little stem and lots of cup space. Last Friday I noticed a choice of green or brown tea goblets for $2.22 apiece, or a box of four clear ones for about nine dollars. They looked pretty nice!
Pentacle
Assuming you don’t want to pay at least $40 for a brass or copper disc with a pentacle etched on it (and since you’re reading this, I’m guessing that’s a pretty fair assumption) , again, you’ll find everything you need to make a nice wooden one at Wal-Mart. A wooden disk six inches in diameter costs $.97 and can be found in the craft aisle. A protractor (assuming you don’t have one left over from geometry) costs about a dollar. Craft paint is also pretty cheap!
Or, you can forego the wooden disk, find a nice free round-ish, flat-ish rock somewhere, and paint a pentacle on that.
Even if you have absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever (like me) , it’s not that hard to draw a perfectly symmetrical 5-pointed star (that’s what the protractor is for) , and then paint over it.
Miscellaneous
Wal-Mart sells soapstone stick incense burners for just under $2. They’re not fancy, but they’re nice. If I didn’t have a plethora of wooden ones all over the house, I’d probably get one (I think the wooden ones breed when I’m not looking!) . They also sell reasonably nice cut glass candlesticks for about $3 each. In the potpourri section (usually near the fabric/craft section) they have potpourri-replenishing oils. I wouldn’t use the oils straight, I’d mix them with a small bit of unscented baby oil, but they smelled pretty good.
If you just can’t bring yourself to shop for ritual and altar items at Wal-Mart, don’t panic! Check out garage sales, flea markets, junky little antique stores, and estate sales. With a little time, effort, and patience, you’re very likely to find exactly what you want for next to nothing – like my prized pentacle-shaped cast iron pot trivet that set me back a whole three bucks at a junky antique store.
A ritual tool is not made more powerful by a high price tag or fancy decoration, but by use, by respect, and by intent. Let me give you an example: when I found myself unexpectedly living alone a few years ago, I went to the local flea market to pick up some kitchen items. I was broke, but I needed pots to cook in!
One of my finds was an old white enamel pasta pot for next to nothing. It came with a few dings in the enamel, but I have proudly served my coven many a soup, stew, or lasagna whose noodles were cooked in that pot. That pot is practically part of the coven, now. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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