Category: Articles

Astrology of Today – September 6, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

Astrology of Today – September 6, 2015

Summary:

Venus comes to a direct station today, ending a six-week retrograde period. Venus will travel through the same degrees it did while retrograde but now in direct motion until October 9th.
•The Moon is in Gemini until 1:39 PM.
•The Moon is void until 1:39 PM (since yesterday at 7:03 PM).
•The Moon is in Cancer from 1:39 PM forward (until Tuesday, September 8th, at 10:35 PM).
•The Moon is waning and its Last Quarter phase.
•A Last Quarter Moon occurred yesterday, and a New Moon will occur on the 13th.
•Venus stations and turns direct today (Venus is retrograde from July 25-September 6).
•Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow (Mercury retrograde will occur from September 17-October 9 in Libra).

September 2015 Energy Forecast: Choose Your Own Adventure

September 2015 Energy Forecast: Choose Your Own Adventure

Lee Harris
a message from Lee Harris
To read more of Lee’s insight, please visit his website, Lee Harris Energy

Hello everybody and welcome to the Energy Forecast for September 2015.

Let’s take a breath. (Lee breathes deeply in and out)

And another one.

And one more.

It’s really good to remember to do this for yourself daily, as many times as you can. Just give yourself a conscious breath moment – particularly if things are feeling fast or overwhelming.

I spoke in the July and August forecasts about fire energy, particularly the kundalini fire energy that has been moving through everybody in different ways. But for many of you, it will have shown up in a very deep, internal way. There is a part of you that has been re-calibrating from the inside out, and at lightning speed — and sometimes with an intensity or ferocity that you are not accustomed to.

Welcoming the Energy of Water

So this month we will feel a little more water energy, and that is going to bring more spaciousness to the fire that has been moving for and in most of you over the last two months.

Of course we’re all going to be at slightly different places. Some of you might be just coming into this now and catching the back end of the wave of fire of the last two months. But for those of you who’ve been feeling the intensity that I’ve been talking about, what September is going to give you is a new level of clarity and a knowing that will allow you to make changes. Where July and August may have felt intense, fiery, or reactive, the end of that process is now with you. You’re going to come out of that inner re-calibration period and start to have much more of a sense of external direction: “Ah, yeah, I need to slightly rearrange this relationship.” Or, “I need to do something slightly different over here.”

The energy of September is going to be much more about how to take that intense inner change out into the outer world in a steady and effective way. Because there are effective and calm ways to make lasting changes that can’t usually come through you in a fiery moment.

The Strength of Your Own Knowing

So let’s just first of all look at this word “knowing.”

We live in a world where we are influenced by each other. We are influenced by so many different opinions and ideas, and we tend to have taken them on as our own.

So for example, if you have a father (or mother) who has very strong beliefs about a certain type of person or a certain job, a lot of you will have been influenced by that. Yes, there are always the rebels who push against it. But even when you’re pushing against something, some part of you has a belief or an alignment with it, otherwise you would never need to push against it.

So when I talk about knowing, I’m talking about what is it that you and only you know in the way that you know it? Because no matter how much you might see yourself as subservient or a “yes person” to other people in your life, you’re actually very strong in what it is that you came here to do and be that is unique to you.

Communicating with Certainty and Calm

So this month, your own concrete knowing is going to show up in a very strong way. This can mean that you will run into some issues with others. So for example, you might present your knowing to another and they might want to push against it or oppose; they may want to test you. But different to prior months, you will feel even more certain about your own knowing of what is true. And for many of you, you’re going to have a much calmer way of saying to the other person, “Yeah I see that that’s your opinion, but no, for me it’s something different.”

Unmasking Anxiety

This is important because the anxiety that has been underlying for so many people over the last few years has rapidly increased in the last 3 to 4 months. The anxiety is for many reasons but speed of transformation on the planet plays a big part. An unconsciousness about this energy of anxiety often leads others to try and impose their energy on you or on an outer circumstance in their life.

For example, if you were telling me that you want to go skydiving and I was unaware of my own anxiety or discomfort about skydiving, I might try to talk you out of it. If I’m not being honest with myself about how skydiving makes me feel (terrified), I would only hear your desire through my own anxious filters. I might say, “Well, you know, be careful because I read some really dangerous stories about that last week, and I think you should just be mindful of that.”

So that would be me unconsciously offering or forcing my energy on to you. And when you’re somebody who’s very receptive, empathic, or sensitive — many of you will relate to this — you might walk away from that conversation having absorbed the energy of it, and start doubting yourself: “Oh yeah, maybe I shouldn’t, maybe he’s right…”

Being Mindful of the Energy We’re Putting Out into the World

This is where we need to be mindful of the energy that we are giving and offering to others. Most people on the planet aren’t aware that that’s what they’re doing.

So with you having this greater level of knowing in and for yourself — with you having this clarity of who it is you are and what it is you are here to do and why you are doing it — you’re going to find it far easier to be mindful of holding that strength when around others and the energies that are unconsciously moving through people.

And if you are honest with yourself, you’ll be really impressed with how you’re managing this now versus who you were 2-3 years ago.

Celebrating Your Growth and Your Breakthroughs

So always celebrate yourself for the breakthroughs.

It’s really important to be able to look back and go, “Wow, two years ago that would’ve been a real struggle for me.” It’s part of being honest and grateful with yourself about your journey of growth; because we have one physical life as this identity in this physical form.

And for those of you who love the journey of life and the growth of life, one of the ways that you absolutely continue to galvanize more openings and more growth is to havegreat gratitude and appreciation for how far you’ve come.

So take a moment to think about that for yourself.

What is it that comes to mind about you and your journey while I’m speaking to you about this? What can you say is different for you from 2013 or 2011? It’s very important because the awareness of your growth tends to supercharge where you’re going next.

So, see that difference in who you are now versus back then. And recognize that that very difference in you sometimes provokes reactions from others — when they try and bring you back to who you were, or they try and bring you to that fear level they exist in … about skydiving, for example. 🙂

Radical Expression and The Power to Reshape Our Lives

So, your knowing and your clarity are not only internal now, but in this September to December period, they will be very much something you’re bringing to the outer world.

I just gave a talk in London on ‘Radical Expression’. And the basis of that talk was about how we have no idea the incredible power of our words to reshape and redirect our life. So it makes us nervous to express very authentically who we are and to bring it out of our bodies. Because of the huge impact that change in expression will cause in our outer lives and experiences. As humans, until we awaken and surrender to a high degree, we tend to desire and fear change in equal measure.

So for example, the person telling me about wanting to skydive could say back to me and my fear based reaction to their desire, “Yeah, I understand that you might be scared about skydiving Lee, and thank you for cautioning me. That’s sweet. I know you care about me. But trust me, I’ve got to do this. It’s going to be amazing! I just know I’ve got to do it.”

That changes the dynamic. Rather than keeping their mouth closed or avoiding the conversation, they walk away from that meeting very differently — and so do I.

Many of you who used to stay silent, nowadays will not be able to keep your mouth shut in the same way you used to. The path of least resistance for many of you used to be silence.

Now the path is going to be the freedom to express yourself to people in your world, and to recognize that when you speak your truth in an empowered, loving, and compassionate way — willingly and honestly without needing to fight the other person — you absolutely change your life and the energy of the interaction for all. You change the way that everything ahead of you, and every interaction ahead of you, is going to go.

Choose Your Own Adventure

One of the things that we tend to forget is that there are multiple paths for us all of the time, every day.

So for example, the way that you show up in one interaction with a person is going to hugely influence what happens next and where you go next.

I’m recalling in England, as a child, we had these books — Choose Your Own Adventure books. Depending on the way that you read a page or where you wanted to go next, you would have different pages in the book that you could flip to based on your choice. The energy of life is very similar. That level of living is higher than ever right now. So the speed at which you can flip into a different reality is higher than ever.

For those of you who are still kind of clearing things out, or in a tougher phase, go back to my last 3-4 months of videos and have a look at what you can find in there that can be helpful for lifting you.

More than ever, more of you are going to feel more — more lifted, more alive, more ready than ever before. And it’s that very level of consciousness that is transforming the planet.

We’re going into an even greater period where so much of the old is changing, and so much of the new is coming online. It starts with us and it starts inside us.

So that’s the process that we’re all in. That’s the journey we’re all on. And more than before, you are going to be offered opportunities to feel the miracle of that way of living in your own being, in your own life, every single day.

So I wish you all of a lot of love this month with your journey. Remember: knowing and clarity lead to greater expression and the ability to know that you’re alive. And from that standpoint, you can celebrate that you are living in a very true, very authentic way.

So lots of love everybody … and see you next month.

xo

Lee

 

 

Article Located At Spiritlibrary.com

Your Daily Moon Phase for September 6th is Waning Crescent

September 6
Waning Crescent
Illumination: 39%

The Moon today is in a Waning Crescent phase. In this phase the Moon’s illumination is growing smaller each day until the New Moon. During this phase the Moon is getting closer to the Sun as viewed from Earth and the night side of the Moon is facing the Earth with only a small edge of the Moon being illuminated. This phase is best viewed an hour or 2 before the sunrise and can be quite beautiful if you’re willing to get up early. It can also be a great time to see the features of the Moon’s surface. Along the edge where the illuminated portion meets the dark side, the craters and mountains cast long shadows making them easier to observe with a telescope or binoculars.

Phase Details for – Sunday, September 6, 2015

Phase: Waning Crescent
Illumination: 39%
Moon Age: 23.24 days
Moon Angle: 0.52
Moon Distance: 381,788.27 km
Sun Angle: 0.53
Sun Distance: 150,779,295.24 km

Lady A’s Specialty of the Day – A Bottle Binding Spell


Mermaid Comments & Graphics

A Bottle Binding Spell

This spell is for binding a violent or dangerous person from doing harm.

 

Items You Will Need:

Photo of person to be bound OR a piece of white parchment paper with their whole name written on it in black ink or dove’s blood ink.

18 inches or so of black silken cord or black thick string, like embroidery floss.

A small glass jar w/ cork lid.

A small white candle

A small black candle

Light both your candles. Write the name on the paper or take the photograph in hand. Fold the paper or photo into as small a rectangle as possible. Take the cord in hand and begin to wind it around the rectangle, for a total of nine loops, saying aloud in a clear, strong voice:

I (insert your name here), bind thee (insert name of offending person here)

from causing harm to (insert name of victim here),

from exerting control over this person, from influencing this person.

I bind you from making further plans with this person.

I call upon the _________________________(angels, any other guides or deities you prefer.)

to assist me in this righteous cause!

as I will, so mote it be.

Place the paper into the jar. Urinate into the jar & cork. Seal all around the cork with the black candle wax. Let the candles burn themselves out safely. Place this jar in a place where no one will disturb it.

The Witches Magick for the Sixth Day of the Barley Moon – Barley Moon Healing Talisman


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Barley Moon Healing Talisman

 

The idea in this spell is to program your crystal with healing powers.

You will need a pen, a piece of paper, two green candles, and a clear quartz crystal.

After dark, write down on the piece of paper what ailment you want to heal. Draw a circle of light, and call in the elements. Light the two candles and dedicate them to the Goddess and God:

Goddess and God of healing,

Please bless my circle with your

healing light.

 

Using your breath, clear the crystal of its energy field. Now, program the crystal for healing by holding it in your power hand and gazing deep within the lattice structure of the crystal. Envision a green healing color filling the crystal from the inside out until the whole thing shines brightly with a healing energy that travels from the crystal to your body. Sense the healing energy as it energizes the area of your body that needs healing.

Burn the piece of paper, thus releasing yourself from the disease. Keep the talisman with you during the rest of the Barley Moon cycle, letting its healing energy keep you free from any illnesses that may come lurking. When you are done, bid farewell to the elements and pull up the circle. Allow the candles to safely burn down.

Wiccan Spell A Night: Spells, Charms, And Potions For The Whole Year

Sirona Knight

WOTC Extra – Coven Practice


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Coven Practice

 

Originating from the Latin word coventus, which means agreement or assembly, the term coven first came about during the 1500s in Scotland. The term at the time stood for a local group of witches or meeting of witches. Yet, people did not use the word often until witchcraft became more popular and public in the modern era.

A traditional coven is usually composed of thirteen members, each representing the thirteen lunar months of a year. Given that witchcraft and Wicca are associated with the moon and its femininity, the number symbolizes the lunar calendar and represents wholeness.

However, today, some groups prefer to have fewer or more members. Covens who choose to have fewer members believe that a small group encourages more intimacy among members and less likely to become a pack of disciples that is led by a guru.

The principles of Witchcraft and Wicca alone can be very appealing to individuals who abhor rigid dogma and hierarchy. As such, people who decide to join a coven were brought up to discern and follow their own truth.

If you are a beginner in Witchcraft and Wicca, you can be deluged by the propositions that covens offer. For instance, members of a coven can guide you throughout your learning years of witchcraft. They usually boast of providing beginners the chance to learn various skills on all levels. A coven also provides the feeling of a community who are able to celebrate significant events and occasions. Furthermore, just like a community, a coven can provide you with acceptance, safety, and the feeling of being valued.

On the other hand, not all covens are in harmony for the rest of their existence. Given that a coven has 13 or more members, the chances of conflicts in ideas, objectives, and opinions are high. In fact, some covens break apart while working through problems and even trivial issues.

Deciding to be a member of a coven will entail responsibilities, which include your devotion for the coven to stay united as well as the need for tolerance, cooperation and respect for each member and for the coven as a whole.

Witchcraft: A Beginner’s Guide To Wiccan Ways: Symbols, Witch Craft, Love Potions Magick, Spell, Rituals, Power, Wicca, Witchcraft, Simple, Belief, Secrets,The … For Beginners To Learn Witchcraft Book 2)

Sebastian Collins

Let’s Talk Witch – Solitary Practice


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Solitary Practice

 

Some witches prefer to practice alone instead of being with a group of witches. This could be because the solitary practice is more suitable to their knowledge, experience, lifestyle, purposes, and temperament. However, even if these witches practice witchcraft alone, they can still join covens if only for the purpose of celebrating Sabbaths or other occasions. Some witches, on the other hand, may start practicing alone for a certain period of time and then later join a coven.

More often than not, it can be easy to choose the path of solitary practice especially if one is a seasoned witch. However, if you are a beginner, you may find it lonesome to practice alone. In addition, you need to put extra effort into practicing witchcraft properly if you are alone given that nobody will guide you on what you should do.

Conversely, solitary practice allows you to discover and hone your own witchcraft style instead of adopting the ideology of an established coven. Solitary witches follow some guidelines, which can help them in practicing successfully and safely. These guidelines are also applicable for beginners in the Wiccan way.

When you are practicing witchcraft alone, you may need to gather different resources in order to acquire insights as well as perspectives that may help you learn and become proficient. Resources include books, articles, and other forms of reference. However, it is not enough that you merely study about witchcraft. You need to apply what you learn. As such, it is advisable to set a schedule, which can make witchcraft a part of your daily routine. You have to practice regularly in order to develop your skills.

Solitary practice involves regular meditation for improving your adherence to your higher self and enhancing your mental focus. You can also start with simple spells and rituals until such time that you think you are ready for more complex ones. It is also advisable to keep a manual or diary of your work and experiences so you have something to refer to in the future.

Once you have spent time acquiring the knowledge you need to learn and to practice witchcraft alone, you will have a more accurate idea of the types of magic or skills that appeal to you and suit you the most.

Witchcraft: A Beginner’s Guide To Wiccan Ways: Symbols, Witch Craft, Love Potions Magick, Spell, Rituals, Power, Wicca, Witchcraft, Simple, Belief, Secrets,The … For Beginners To Learn Witchcraft Book 2)

Sebastian Collins

Home & Hearth Magick for Sunday, September 6th


Mermaid Comments & Graphics

Home & Hearth Magick for Sunday, September 6th

 

On Sunday, work for success, healing and blessings.

Planetary Influence: The Sun

Household Symbols: A rooster, a sun, gold jewelry

Colors: Yellow and gold

Kitchen Spices: Cinnamon and orange peels

Source:
Cottage Witchery
Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Author: Ellen Dugan

Sunday is Ruled By the Sun


Mermaid Comments & Graphics

Sunday is Ruled By the Sun

 

Sunday corresponds to the sun, our closest star. This day is full of wonder and all sorts of magical potential for success, wealth, and fame. Sundays are for personal achievements of any kind such as working towards a promotion at your job, seeking fame and wealth, or being acknowledged for a job well done. All of these goals fall under the golden influence of the sun.

Some suggestions for Sunday enchantments would include:

Sitting outside at sunrise and calling on the goddess Brigid for illumination and inspiration

Wearing gold jewelry or clothing that is gold or sunshine yellow to pull some color magic into your life

Arranging a few sunflowers in a vase and empowering these “flowers of the sun” for fame and ambition

Gathering up the common marigold flower and scattering it’s petals about to encourage prosperity

Baking up a batch of cinnamon rolls for the family and enchanting them for health and success

Snacking on a solar fruit, the orange, and enjoying the magical boost it brings to your life

The Witches Correspondences for Sunday, September 6th


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The Witches Correspondences for Sunday, September 6th

 

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.

The Witches Almanac for Sunday, September 6th


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The Witches Almanac for Sunday, September 6th

Sunday(Sun): Healing, spirituality, success, strength and protection.

The Virgin of Remedies (Spanish)

 

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is a time for study, meditation, and little magickal work(except magick designed to banish harmful energies).

Moon phase: Fourth Quarter

Moon Sign: Gemini

Gemini: Things begun now are easily changed by outside influence. Time for shortcuts, communication, games, and fun.

Moon enters Cancer 1: 40 pm

Cancer: Stimulates emotional rapport between people. Pinpoints need, supports growth and nurturance. Tends to domestic concerns.

Incense: Hyacinth

Color: Gold

Sunday Must Do’s


Mermaid Comments & Graphics

Sunday Must Do’s

 

Those ambitious, successful spells and charms will be heightened by working on the day of the week that has the planetary influence of the sun. So light those sunny candles, wear some luminous colors, and break out the gold jewelry! Bake up some cinnamon rolls or low-fat cinnamon muffins for an enchanting family breakfast. Take an orange with you to eat at lunch today. Try using a little magickal aromatherapy and burn some cinnamon-scented incense to encourage success and wealth today. Make the talisman to keep your solar magick with you. Sprinkle some dried marigold petals around your house-or across the threshold-to pull triumph and protection toward you and your family.

Get outside and tip up your face to the sun. Take a walk outside, and soak up some sunshine! Acknowledge the power of Sunna or Helios as they blaze across the sky and bring courage and motivation into your life. Sit outside at sunrise on a Sunday morning and bask in its warm, rosy-golden glow Acknowledge Brigid as the inner, creative spark of imagination and inspiration. She can help these gifts burn brightly within your own soul. Use your imagination and create your own brand of witchery and magick. Here comes the sun, and it’s your turn to shine!

—–Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week

Ellen Dugan

Sunday


Mermaid Comments & Graphics

Sunday

 

Ruler: Sun

Colors: Gold or yellow

Power Hours: Sunrise and sunset.

Key Words: Love, happiness, health, wealth

It is easy to spot the ruler of this day by its name. Sunday is the day of the sun. Community work, volunteer services, exercise, outdoor sports, buying, selling, speculating, meeting people, anything involving groups, running fairs and raffles, growing crops and taking care of all health matters fall under the influence of the Sun. With all this activity and the brightness of the sun, it’s easy to see why the child that is born on the Sabbath day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

Michael is the primary angel of Sunday but each hour of this day also has it’s secondary angel. These angels are Michael (first hour), Anael (second hour), Raphael (third hour), Gabril (fourth hour), Cassiel (fifth hour), Sachiel (sixth hour), Samael (seventh hour), Michael (eighth hour), Anael (ninth hour), Raphael (tenth hour), Gabriel (eleventh hour), and Cassiel twelfth hour). Notice some of the angels do double duty this day.

On Sundays, (unless you are invoking a specific angelic energy) the hour of sunrise will be the most powerful time to work, especially if you want to infuse energy into your work. Sunset is the second best time and is favored when you need to calm down a situation. Check the local newspaper, astrological calendar, or almanac to determine your local sunrise.

Source:
Gypsy Magick

GOOD MORNING, WOTC! Wishing You A Very Blessed & Beautiful Sunday To All Our Dear Family & Friends!


Witchy Comments & Graphics
 “What can I say, I love this graphic!”

Sphere

I am ever grateful to that which has given life
Too the one that started it all
Too thee I give thanks
for such beautifulness
In all of the variety
Which can be called the spice of life
Maybe not by all
Round and round
Which the wheel keeps spinning
And so it goes
It has no beginning
Nor has an Ending
Forever meeting

Round and round
We go
Spinning in a circle
In a spherical motion
Just going with the flow
There is a rainbow
And a perfect halo
With wings being optional
Ever sweet music always plays
Too charge the soul
And stir emotions of expression
Ever causing movement

Always moving completing a cycle
In many different forms
Making such bedazzling sparks
Such a pretty light show
I love the glow
And no I can never stop
Being amazed and in awe
Of such wonders
Always leaves me feeling lost in all
Caught in this space
Which is everything
Knowing nothing could ever compete
Or duplicate nor replace
And so I always have a hold
Fitting in the fold
Living in this beautiful sphere
That we call home

 

T. J. WhiteWolf

TJWHITEWOLF’S POETRY

Just Call Me Curious (And You Know What They Say About That & The Cat), A Little Poll….

It seems like here recently, every time you turn on the News, Kentucky is in it one way or another. Made me wonder if y’all are starting to think Kentucky is a terrible state, hmm…

I probably shouldn’t even bring this up but each of us have our own opinions and I am curious about yours. You have heard about the court clerk that would not issue same sex marriage license in Ky. As she know she refused to issue them because of her religious beliefs. Yesterday, as you probably know, the judge ordered her to be jailed. I know what my opinion on this matter is, I was wondering what yours was…….

Magickal Goody of the Day for September 4th – Make Your Own Altar Pentacle

Magickal Goody of the Day


Altar Pentacle

 

Making your own altar tools helps to imbue them with your personal power. Try these methods to make your own altar pentacle.

A pentacle is one of the many common tools one might find on a Witch’s altar. It is named for the pentagram, the five-pointed star, which is a common inscription found on pentacles. It is a flat, usually disc-shaped object that you lay upon the altar to represent the sacred element of earth, or used in ritual to place items for consecration and empowering. They can also be hung on the wall as a symbol of protection. Pentacles are among the altar tools that are easiest to make for oneself.

In order to make a pentacle, you will want to obtain a flat object. Ideally, it should be at least 6″ in width so that it is large enough to hold things on your altar during ritual. There are a number of materials that will suffice when you are making a pentagram.

The benefit of using wood is that it is hard to break, yet easy to decorate. Go to a craft store and obtain a flat piece of wood right from the shelf. Round is the most common shape used, however there is no reason you cannot use a square, rectangle, or any other shape you are comfortable with. A slice of a tree trunk can also make a nice pentacle. These are most easily found around Christmas time at stands that sell trees. A slice from the bottom of the trunk is freshly cut for the customer when they purchase a tree, then usually left behind and discarded. Ask the salesperson if you can have one. You’ll probably be able to walk away with several for free.

Plaster is also an easy medium to work with. Mix the plaster as directed on the package and pour it into a mold. Clean, empty plastic food containers, such as those that contain whipped creams or margarine, make great molds. They are nice and round, make unmolding easy, and can be disposed of when done. Make sure when you finish pouring the plaster into the mold you pick it up and tap the container several times on the counter. This will even out the top and remove the majority of the air bubbles. Allow the plaster to dry, release it from the mold, and leave it in the air to fully set. If the top is uneven or contains small holes from air bubbles, simply sand it down with sand paper.

Another option is clay. Be sure to get a type of clay that can be dried and hardened without becoming brittle or crumbly. Simply roll out the clay on a cookie sheet with a rolling pin until it is approximately ½” to 3/4″ thick. It is very important to get the thickness correct and even. If it is too thick, it may not dry properly. If it is not thick enough or uneven, it may be very fragile and prone to chipping. When you have rolled it to the appropriate thickness and it is smooth, use a cake pan or a bowl as a makeshift cookie cutter. Remove the excess clay around the disk, but leave the disk where it is so that you don’t warp it or make fingerprints on it. You can press shapes into the clay or set small stones or shells in it before the drying process, or you can decorate it when it is dry as you would plaster or wood.

Plaster and clay can make lovely pentacles, but the downfall is that they will be a great deal more fragile than wood. However, if you don’t worry that someone living with you will touch or move your tools around, and if you don’t expect to travel around with your pentacle, you should not be discouraged from using these materials.

A final option is to find a nice, flat stone or crystal to utilize as a pentacle. I’ve seen a nice pentacle made out of a slab of tiger eye, and one made from a slice of amethyst geode. The vibrations that come from crystals and stones are wonderfully powerful. They can’t be carved, but symbols can be painted upon them if you wish (though many people prefer to leave them natural).

Once you have your pentacle disk, you will want to decide what you are going to put on it. Though a pentagram is common and a powerful symbol, it is not necessary to use that particular symbol. You can choose any rune or symbol you feel is appropriate. Celtic knots, Germanic runes, or any personal inscriptions you wish to add will serve you well. The important thing is that your choice should be a symbol of power and hold meaning for you whenever you look at it.

Draw the symbol or design you wish to use on paper, or obtain a photocopy of it if getting it out of a book. A good way to transfer the design to the pentacle is to use carbon paper. Simply place the carbon paper over your disk, carbon-side down, place the picture of your design over it and trace it with a pencil. When you remove the paper, you will have a nice outline of your symbol that you can either paint, carve, or burn on with a wood burning tool.

You may also wish to affix small stones, crystals or sea shells around the edges of the pentacle for a finished look. A hot glue gun is the best way to do this.

Once you have decorated your pentacle, especially if you have painted it, a clear acrylic spray will seal in the design and protect its surface from scratching and peeling. These sprays can be found at most stores that sell arts and crafts. Follow the directions on the can, making sure you cover the area with newspapers and use the spray in a well-ventilated place. Set it aside until dry.

Your pentacle will then be ready for cleansing and consecration, already empowered by the work and care that you put into it.

 

Source:
Essortment
Your Source for Knowledge

Gemstone of the Day for September 4th is Alexandrite

Gemstone of the Day


Alexandrite

Hardness: 8.5
Specific gravity: 3.68 – 3.75
Chemistry: Beryllium Aluminum Oxide, BeAl2 O4
Class: oxides
Crystallography: orthorhombic
Cleavage: good in one direction, imperfect in another
Fracture: conchoidal, brittle
Streak: White
Luster: vitreous to greasy

Healings: Alexandrite is used to align and center the three states of our being (mental, emotional and etheric bodies) thus creating a more harmonious state of being. It is also used to re-enforce ones self-esteem. It has been used to address ailments of the nervous system as well as complaints of the testicles, pancreas and spleen. it is thought to be excellent for tissue regeneration.

Workings: Orientals use Alexandrite to bring Good Fortune. Alexandrite can be used to enhance love spells.

Alexandrite is associated with the astrologicals sign of both Scorpio and Virgo. It vibrates to the number 5.

Chakra Applications: Alexandrite is applied to the Heart, Third-Eye, and Base chakras. This is done to enhance astral travel and to generate past life regression.

Foot Notes: Alexandrite is named for the former czar of Russia, Alexander II, and was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, allegedly on the day of his birth. Chromium gives alexandrite its color and while, in most minerals, a trace element like chromium would provide only one color to the mineral, in alexandrite it gives it two. Alexandrite occurs in granite pegmatite’s and mica schist’s. Alexandrite is found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and New Mexico USA.

Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June. Alexandrite is also the anniversary gemstone for the 45th and 55th year of marriage.

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: The Whispering Woods

Herb of the Day for September 4th is Mint

Herb of the Day


Mint

(various)

Medicinal Uses: The infusion of the Mint herb has been used for diarrhea and as an emmenagogue (it brings down the menses). It is great for colds and influenza, especially when mixed with elder flower (this remedy will induce sweating). Stomach flu is helped by a mint, elderflower, and yarrow combination in a standard infusion of
two teaspoons per cup steeped for twenty minutes and taken in quarter-cup doses.

Mint is helpful in stomach complaints, but a strong infusion will become a emetic. Mint tea eases colic and depression. The menthol in peppermint soothes the lining of the digestive tract an stimulates the production of bile, which is an essential digestive fluid. It relieves earaches when the fresh juice of a few drops of the essential oil are placed in the ear.

Mint tea with honey soothes a sore throat. A classic cold remedy that will unblock the sinuses is two drops of mint essential oil, two drop eucalyptus essential oil and the juice of half a lemon in a cup of hot water. The mix is first inhaled and then drunk when warm. Nervous headaches can be relieved if you lie in a dark room with fresh peppermint leaves on the forehead.

A few drops of the oil in water, applied with a cloth, help burning and itching, heat prostration, and sunburn. Apply it directly to an itchy skin condition or sunburn. For heat prostration place the cool fomentation on the forehead and wrists. Peppermint oil is the most extensively used of all the volatile oils.

For insomnia try the following:

1 oz. Peppermint herb, cut fine, 1/2 oz. Rue herb, 1/2 oz. Wood Betony. Well mix and place a large tablespoonful in a tea cup, fill with boiling water, stir and cover for twenty minutes, strain and sweeten, and drink the warm infusion on going to bed. Peppermint is an excellent breath freshener. When using peppermint tea as a breath freshener, increase the effectiveness by adding a pinch of anise, caraway or cinnamon.

Wild Mint (Mentha sativa) is considered to have emetic, stimulant, and astringent qualities, and is used in diarrhea and as an emmenagogue. The infusion of 1 oz. of the dried herb to 1 pint of boiling water is taken in wineglass full, doses.

Rub pennyroyal on the skin as an insect repellent.

No more than two drops of the essential oils should be taken at any time, and no more that two cups a day of the above mixture. Larger doses can be toxic to the kidneys.

Never eat pennyroyal, as it is toxic.

Magickal Uses: Mint is used in the home as a protective herb. It belongs to the sphere of Venus and has long been used in healing potions and mixtures. Mint worn at the wrist assures that you will not be ill. Mint is used in money and prosperity spells. Bergamot mint is sometimes rubbed on money to cause it to return to its owner.

Fresh mint laid on the altar will call spirits to be present and ready to assist you in magick, especially healing spells. Added to incenses it cleanses the house or ritual area. Mint is masculine, and ruled by the planet Mercury or Venus. It is associated with the Element of Air.

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, stimulant, carminative, antispasmodic and antiseptic. The chief constituent of Spearmint oil is Carvone. There are also present Phellandrine, Limonene and dihydrocarveol acetate. Esters of acetic, butyric and caproic or caprylic acids.

The chief constituent of Peppermint oil is Menthol, but it also contains menthyl acetate and isovalerate, together with menthone, cineol, inactive pineneand limonene.

Growth: The common types of mint are peppermint, pennyroyal, crinkle-leafed spearmint, spearmint, and applemint. Mint is a perennial herb that is propagated by root division or rooting cuttings in water. The plant is invasive and should be grown in pots or in lengths of plastic pipe buried in the ground. It enjoys a damp location, shaded from strong afternoon sun, and rich soil.

Source:
Author: Crick
Website: Whispering Woods