Category: Articles

Things To Do Today – Make Your Own Scrying Mirror

Scrying Mirror

Items Needed:

Photo frame with a removable back and removable glass at least 8×10 inches

High gloss, black paint (non aerosol)

Paint thinner (if recommended for clean up on the paint can directions)

Paint brush

Newspaper

Remove the glass from the frame and place it on the newspaper. Using long, smooth strokes, paint one side of the glass. It is imperative that there are no unpainted areas (no matter how small). Wait until the paint is dry, and replace it with the glass-side facing out.

How to use your scrying mirror

Scrying mirrors are used to induce visions, and answer questions. Before starting, make sure the room your in is as dark as possible. Some people like to place a small votive candle behind the mirror in a pitch black room. If you have a specific intention, chant it in your mind, or whisper it out loud over and over until you’re mind is completely focused on nothing else.

The way to use the mirror is to not look at, but through the surface of it. Gaze into its blackness. Images, colors will soon begin to appear. If this method doesn’t feel right for you, I suggest skipping the candle and using a dark cloth to make a kind of tent covering yourself and the mirror.

Some people may experience difficulty getting results at first. It can take some people weeks to get results from scrying, so you may have to practice this a number of times. Be patient with yourself, make sure you are grounded and completely focused. Also, don’t just hope for visions to appear, expect them. Enjoy your journeys in this fascinating form of divination.

 

The Witches’ Library

5 Incredible Things Dogs Sense About You

5 Incredible Things Dogs Sense About You

For centuries, people have been turning to their beloved pooches for  affection and companionship. And for good reason — dogs are incredibly  perceptive and intelligent creatures. They may not understand the nuances of  everyday life, of course, but dogs have an incredible ability to understand how  their pet parents are feeling emotionally, and even physically.  Indeed, they don’t call ‘em man’s best friend for nothing!

Click through to check out some of the amazing things that your canine friend  can tell about you.

1. They Know if You’re Scared.

Heard something go bump in the night? Dogs can pick up on your fear, and will  usually mimic your behavior. If you’d like to alleviate your dog’s fear, you  need to alleviate your own first! One exception, though, would be the  several breeds that have been, well, bred, to be guard dogs.

2. They Notice Inequality.

Dogs can tell if you’re playing favorites. Let’s say you have two dogs who  both earned a treat for good behavior. If you give a treat to only one, the  other will likely pick up on that, and believe she’s done something wrong. They  can even stop cooperating all together. Perhaps there’s something us humans can  learn from this!

3. They Know Whether or Not You’re Paying  Attention.

Any pet parent with a sneaky pooch knows this one is totally true! The  science backs it up, too: studies have shown that dogs are perfectly aware  whether or not there are any people around, and will behave accordingly. Even  the most well-behaved dog on the block can’t risk temptations when no humans are  around to scold them.

4.  They Can Tell if You’re  Sick.

Dogs have long been prized — and put to work  — for their keen sense of smell. Their noses are thousands of times stronger  than the average human! Just as dogs are trained to sniff for drugs or  explosives, dogs have also been successfully trained to pick up on the extremely  subtle scents our bodies give off when we have cancer. Other dogs have been  trained to alert their pet parents when they’re about to have a seizure minutes  or even hours before an attack will happen– though it’s not entirely clear if  this skill is related to dog’s sense of smell.

5. They Know If You’re Sad.

Does your dog somehow know just what to do when you’re not feeling so happy?  You’re not imagining it — studies have shown that dogs can pick up on your  sadness and are more likely to approach you. One such study placed two people,  one crying and one quiet, in a room. Almost all of the dogs approached the  crying person, and most of those did so with submissive body language — even if  the crying person was a stranger to them. Researchers, though, aren’t entirely  clear on whether this means that dogs fully understand empathy.

What Does My Dog’s Breed Say About Me?

What Does My Dog’s Breed Say About Me?

In my book It’s a Dog’s Life … but It’s Your  Carpet,  I admit, I make some pretty huge generalizations about breeds  and pet  owners. Granted, they’re my own opinions, but if you really wanted to   know what your veterinarian thinks of you when you walk in the door with  your  breed of dog, read on!

Labrador Retriever

Dedicated, outdoorsy, loyal, and generally a good person to be around. Shops  at REI. Drives a Subaru

Chihuahua

May bite. The dog too.

Greyhound

Kind, mild mannered. Has neurotic tendencies. Gentle. Laid back. Drinks  bottled water. Often looks like the dog.

Miniature Poodle

Usually owned by a sweet, old, white-haired person.

Terrier

Potential to be a loyal, family-oriented person. Can be snarky and have an  east-coast attitude.

Golden Retriever

Family oriented and generally a good person to be around. Has two or three  human babies.

Miniature Schnauzer

Family oriented. Owned by older adults. Shops at LL Bean and Lands’ End.  Drives a Volvo.

Yorkshire Terrier

Likes to carry a YSL or Gucci purse, often with their pet in it. Enjoys the  high life. Drinks wine, not beer.

Rottweiler

Bad ass. Loyal. Protective. Doesn’t want to be screwed with.

Maltese

Either wants to have a child or have grandchildren. Loves to nurture   and  carry loved ones in arms. Very well dressed. Likes pink bows.

Beagle

Family oriented. High tolerance level for baying.

Bernese Mountain

Financially secure. Educated. Shops at REI, Best Buy, and Nordstroms.

****

What? Don’t believe me? What do you think? Does your breed represent you?

And yes, I purposely skipped stereotyping us American pit bull terrier  dog  owners. But as a veterinary student once said to me: “Dr. Lee … you  look just  like your dog.”

Moon in Gemini (Aug 27, 2013 to Aug 30, 2013)

Moon in Gemini

Aug 27, 2013 to Aug 30, 2013

Feeling restless? The Moon says, “You’re a butterfly. A kite on a windy day. Soar, spin, let your thoughts roam. Start a couple new books. Visit friends. Enjoy the incredible lightness of being.” And just try to stop yourself from gossiping! That’s Hermes at work, the god behind this Gemini Moon: stirring up curiosity and light-hearted tricks, delighting in stories and finding the world of people endlessly fascinating. Hermes is the messenger, if you ask a question, be alert for the answer. Listen, and it will come. Given Gemini’s caprice, don’t be surprised if the weather suddenly shifts. Take advantage of the mutable atmosphere. Change your mind about something. See several sides of an issue you’ve been stuck on. If your shoulders are tense, consider dropping a few responsibilities. Then make a peace offering to your lungs and jittery nerves. Take slow, deep breaths while falling asleep. Imagine bad habits falling away.

Feng Shui News for Aug. 28th – 'Crackers Over The Keyboard Day'

On ‘Crackers Over The Keyboard Day’ let’s take a look at how best to clean something you probably use every single day. Research has shown that your computer’s keyboard can carry more bacteria than a toilet seat! First, shut down your computer and unplug it, if you can. Turn the keyboard upside down and shake it in order to remove any debris. Next, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and brush in between each of the keys. You can also dip a cloth in alcohol and run it over the tops of the keys. Once done, plug the device back in and, of course, quit eating crackers around your keyboard! That should help to keep your computer keys as good as new.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Animal Spirit for August 28th is The Beaver

Beaver

Beaver may be one of the hardest working animals on the planet. Beaver is attuned to both earth and water medicine, and is strongly attached to home and family. Beaver appears in your reading to remind you that sometimes there’s no substitute for hard work. Make a plan, create a solid foundation, then take  the next indicated step.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Wednesday, August 28th

Virgo has many crisis elements imbedded in its nature because it is stage 6 of a 12-step zodiacal process. Therefore, as this sign eventually morphs into Libra — the halfway point of the zodiacal circle — there is a need to eliminate personal non-essentials across the board as a kind of internal purification before beginning the more collective, universal process symbolized by the last six signs of the zodiac.  Right now the Last Quarter Sun-Moon Phase (energizing 6 degrees of Virgo and Gemini at 2:36AM) arrives with a possible intention to stir up worries and turmoil in your mind — especially concerning dietary and health matters. Nevertheless, the key at any quarter moon cycle is to be strong-willed enough to cut through whatever apparent obstacles appear to be blocking your path ahead. And at the Last Quarter Sun-Moon square of 90-degrees, there can actually be a higher mental and even spiritual adjustment that needs to take place.  Adding to today’s possible crisis environment is the arrival of the largest asteroid — Ceres — in Virgo (3:21AM) for the first time since its last transit here from early November 2008 to early August 2009. Many professional astrology researchers believe that Ceres — the ancient goddess of corn and cereals — shares, with Mercury, a co-rulership of the sign of Virgo. Through enormous amounts of research, this appears to be true and in a very deep, soulful manner.  While Ceres entering Virgo this morning — a cycle lasting until November 3 — can be enormously supportive for mother-daughter relationships, food and nutritional matters, and for increasing production in your main fields of expertise, it can also be a catalyst for the difficulties in these same areas of life.  Reading and research are also top priorities since Mercury trines Pluto (7:53AM) while Mercury also forms an illuminating parallel with the Sun (4:57PM).  The several hours prior to a Moon-Venus trine in air signs (9:46PM) constitute a great boost for love bonds, the creative arts, and social activities. However, this Moon-Venus contact also starts a very long void lunar uncertainty cycle that lasts for 30+ hours until 4:34AM on Friday, August 30. (Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.)

Calendar of the Moon for August 28th

Calendar of the Moon

Coll Invocation

Colors: Blue and Brown
Element: Water and Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of blue place a goblet of spring water, the figure of a leaping salmon, and three blue candles; next to them on cloth of brown place a musical instrument, a pen, and fresh flowers.
Offerings: Poetry, songs, art, writing.
Daily Meal: Either fish (for the Salmon), poultry (for the Duck) or salads.

Coll Invocation:

Call: Hail the month of the Hazel Tree!
Response: Hail the month of the nuts that nourish us.
Call: First tree of the harvest, you give forth wisdom.
Response: Last tree of the summer, you chant our memories.
Call: The fading warmth follows you,
Response: And we feast on the fruits of your knowledge.
Call: This is the month of words and song.
Response: This is the month of the search for the mysteries.
Call: This is the month of the sacred pool,
Response: Wherein swims the Salmon of Knowledge.
Call: We fish for the gleams of divine light on the surface,
Response: We dive for the truths that lie deep in the Well.
Call: Our intuition is the hazel-twig held before us.
Response: We shall search out the underground streams.
Call: We shall find the hidden treasures.
Response: We shall spread them forth in words of power.
Call: We shall bring them forth with our hands in works of art,
Response: We shall gift the Gods and the people with our songs.
Call: Our voices will find their way across the land.
Response: Hear us, O Gods, as we sing your praises!
Call: This is the month of the bard’s silver tongue,
Response: This is the month of the golden door of autumn.
Call: As the Hazel Tree stands with words of peace,
Response: So shall we stand between the warring parties.
Call: So shall our Rule spread Justice and Peace,
Response: So shall our words spread beauty and harmony.

(As this is the month of the Bard, one or more shall stand forth and sing before the others, or read what words they would, to bring gladness and knowledge to the hearts of those who listen.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for August 28th

Calendar of the Sun

Media Aestas

Colors: Gold and blue
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a golden cloth set a single blue candle, a bunch of herbs from the garden, lengths of twine, a bowl of rainwater, a bucket of manure tea, and several empty baskets.
Offering: Water and fertilizer, to be added to the garden.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian

Media Aestas Invocation

Earth, your bounty is showered upon us!
We walk amid your green leaves
And cut down what you give us,
And the harvest begins in earnest.
Bless us with a full pantry
As the Sun begins to wane,
Let us eat his light in the food
You gift to our table.
We now enter the time of year
When we do take more than is given,
Yet even now we will water and feed you,
For this is the dance of giving.
And we shall do the sacred act of cultivation,
Weeding that which hinders our harvest,
Bringing the first death that Life may go on.

Chant: Gift given
Hands receive you
Earth’s bounty
Brings the sheaf to you

(Two who have been chosen to do the work of the ritual take up the rainwater and the manure tea, and carry them out tot he garden, where they are ceremonially poured around the roots of the herbs and vegetables, and especially into any plots of land where everything has been harvested. All others follow with empty baskets to harvest some thing from the garden, or twine to cut herbs and hang them to dry. After this, each should do some weeding, as weeding is the sacred cultivation work of this season. The weeds should be placed in a compost heap with all due reverence; we take their perfectly legitimate lives that our own plants may grow.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Current Moon Phase for Aug. 28th – Last Quarter

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/48% illumination)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

The Witch's Spell for August 28th – Stop Overreacting Spell

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Stop Overreacting Spell

Purpose of Spell:  To reduce a tendency to overreact to situations.

Items You Will Need:

White candle

Lavender

Essential oil or incense

Timing: This can be said on the new moon or whenever needed. It is actually more of an affirmation than a spell, so you might want to memorize it and say it whenever you feel yourself starting to overreact to something. (You only need the candle the first time you do the spell.)

Anoint the candle with lavender essential oil or burn some lavender incense. (Lavender is an easy scent to find, and you can use it later to remind yourself not to overreact. If necessary, you can dab a bit of essential oil on a tissue and tuck it in your pocket.) Light the candle and focus for a while on light and the calming smell. Then say the spell as slowly and calmly as possible.

I am calm and in control

Rooted in Earth

Soothed by Water

Brought by clarity by the Air

The Fire within has burned to embers

I am calm and in control.

Let's Talk Witch – Daily Protection Magick

magick89

Let’s Talk Witch – Daily Protection Magick

Begin each day with protection magick in the form of Words of Power accompanied with visualizations. This will help ground and center you. You may charge yourself and your living space with words such as: “There is one Power. The Power is perfect protection, and I am perfect manifestation of this Power.”

Visualize anyone you wish to be protected as you speak your intention. Raise your power hand and turn clockwise. In your mind’s eye see a white light radiating from you hand. See this light sealing your home within a protective aura.

Throughout the day, if you should encounter any negative situation or person, “see” that same light surrounding you. You’ll be surprised how it will neutralize any negativity near you. This invisible barrier will protect you at a busy mall or as you’re driving in a crowded parking lot. It will even keep you centered if the office gets out of hand after a celebration such as the upcoming Labor Day celebrations that will be going on.

Any positive magick must begin with you. These simple morning meditations will help you deal with holiday stress and provide a psychic shield. Let this be the basis for your magick.

Excerpt from:

“Jingle Bells & Witches’ Spells”
By James Kambos
Llewellyn’s 2013 Witches’ Companion

Your Magickal Correspondence for Wednesday, August 28th

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Your Magickal Correspondence for Wednesday, August 28th

Magickal Intentions: Communication, Divination, Writing, Knowledge, Business Transactions, Debt, Fear,Loss, Travel and Money Matters
Incense: Jasmine, Lavender, Sweet Pea
Planet: Mercury and Chiron (though this is a moon of Pluto)
Sign: Virgo
Angel: Raphael
Colors: Orange, Light Blue, Grey, Yellow and Violet
Herbs/Plants: Fern, Lavendar, Hazel, Cherry, Periwinkle
Stones: Aventurine, Bloodstone, Hematite, Moss Agate and Sodalite
Oil: (Mercury) Benzoin, Clary Sage, Eucalytus, Lavender

This day is governed by Mercury. Wednesday’s vibration adds power to rituals involving inspiration, communications, writers, poets, the written and spoken word, and all matters of study, learning, and teaching. This day also provides a good time to begin efforts involving self-improvement or understanding.

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, August 28th

Gypsy Comments & Graphics 

The Witches Almanac for Wednesday, August 28th

Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.

St. Augustine’s Day

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 5:35 am

Moon Sign: Gemini

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

Incense:  Bay Laurel

Color: Brown

Good, Blessed Morning To My Dearest Family & Friends!

I figured I would open today with a Prayer for Peace & Quiet from all the hustle and bustle life has to offer. With Labor Day weekend, you might really be able to use it.  Enjoy!

Life is full of noise and bustle
Rush and hurry, run and hustle
People ’round me with demands
Open mouths and open hands
Lend me now a quiet place
A moment’s peace, a silent space
Time to think and time to plan
A quiet, peaceful, restful span
I ask the Gods to grant me peace
A brief time for the noise to cease
An hour ot two out of my life
Free from hurry, free from strife
Peace and quiet for my soul
A restful place to make me whole
Grant me now this time and place
So I might live my life with grace
So Mote It Be

Hecate Ritual: Banishing Negativity

Hecate Ritual: Banishing Negativity

In this ritual you will be calling on Hecate in Her Crone aspect. It is performed during the Dark of the Moon. Some people are fearful of working with the Dark Moon and the Crone, but She is the wise protector who will take your negativity and transform it in her cauldron of change.  Begin by setting up your altar as you normally do for ritual, making sure you have a black candle and wine or water in your chalice in addition to anything else you use. You will also need cleansing, purifying incense and a censer or some kind of container, which can be carried, around your home.  (I use a large shell to hold smoldering charcoal, or stick incense.) It is best to set your altar on the floor for this rite, but you may do it however you feel most comfortable.

Cast your circle as you normally do. When you are through, kneel before your altar and light the black candle. With your arms held, palms upward, at your sides, call Hecate by saying three times:

Hecate, beautiful Crone of Night

I call you here to put things right.

Transform the negative thought and pain

And help my life be whole again.

Close your eyes. When you feel the presence of Hecate and know she is there to help you, open your eyes. Bow your head to her to show your reverence, then take the chalice, saying:   

Lady of the Dark Moon,

Share with me this wine.

Bring your protection to

Flood this life of mine.

May the waters of your eternal womb

Bring change most divine.

Sip a small amount of the wine (or water), envisioning it as liquid energy, flowing to effect a positive change within and outside of you.  Leave the rest as an offering to Hecate.  Light the purifying incense in the censer, cut a door in the Circle, and, beginning in the eastern-most corner of your home, smudge your home, going counter-clockwise. Go into every closet, the bathroom, and the garage – make sure your entire house is smudged. As you go, chant: 

Negativity be gone.

Come back into the Circle and visualize your entire house and yard bathed in a peaceful blue light. Since you have created a void by banishing the negativity, you will need to fill that void. Now going deosil (clock-wise), re-trace your steps through the house, asking that good, protective spirits come into your home and that positive energies replace the negative ones that have just been banished. This is an important step, because if you don’t fill the void with something good, the negativity will come right back. Sometimes during such a ritual, I take one large and one small black stone and charge them to keep away negativity. I promise Hecate that the large one will remain in a prominent place in my house and that I will keep the small one with me at all times.

Thank Hecate. Meditate if you wish, visualizing your life free from negative happenings and feelings and full of love, prosperity, and happiness. Feel how She has changed your home and your life.  Close the Circle and know that it is done.

Let's Talk Witch – Magickal Talents of Each Birth Sign

Let’s Talk Witch – Magickal Talents of Each Birth Sign

 

Some witches examine their birth charts when planning important magickal events such as an initiation or eldership rite. They might also consider how their charts relate to the charts of other members in a spiritual group they wish to join. Each natal chart is unique, with special strengths and weaknesses that affect the individual’s magickal life as well as his mundane life.

Many good books exist that explain the personality traits of the twelve sun signs. The following paragraphs describe some magickal proclivities of people born under each sign. Look for your birth sign and read the generalized description. Does it ring true?

Aries

These independent people often become spiritual leaders and pioneers, seeking enlightenment in their own way rather than following established traditions. They may devise new magickal approaches or explore uncharted territory.

Taurus

People born under this sign love earth-oriented magick and make excellent druids. They also have a knack for expressing magickal ideas through art, food preparation, herbalism, gardening, and healing.

Gemini

These individuals may take an eclectic approach to witchcraft. Their quick minds and communication skills enable them to learn magick quickly and teach it to others. Chanting, incantations, and affirmations are among their favorite magickal practices.

Cancer

Intuitive Cancers frequently possess divination and dowsing skills. Many excel as kitchen witches and healers, for they enjoy nurturing and caring for other people.

Leo

People born under this sign have a strong sense of drama. These natural leaders enjoy performing rituals and may gravitate toward ceremonial magick. They may also turn their talents toward spiritual art or music.

Virgo

Natural healers, Virgos frequently apply their magickal abilities to herbalism and working with the plant kingdom. Let them handle the details of rituals and spellworking. Some are skilled artisans who craft lovely magick tools.

Libra

These sociable people like handling the logistics and atmospheric elements of ritual celebrations and spiritual events, especially the décor. Usually they prefer to work with a magickal partner or coven, rather than solo.

Scorpio

Scorpios are instinctively drawn to occult knowledge and the unseen realms. Many possess keen intuition and divination ability. Their strong wills can help them succeed in all forms of spellworking.

Sagittarius

Spiritual subjects and higher knowledge appeal to Sagittarians, who are often great students of magick as well as teachers. Many enjoy the drama of ritual and make colorful, inspired leaders.

Capricorn

Let the Capricorns in your magickal group handle the money. They also excel at planning, organization, and the practical aspects of the Craft. Prosperity magick, in particular, may appeal to them.

Aquarius

The ideal chaos magicians, Aquarians tend to be unconventional in life and in magick. These innovative people may reject the formality of high magick, preferring to create their own rituals and spells. Many have a natural proclivity for astrology.

Pisces

These sensitive individuals are adept at visualization and usually have highly attuned psychic abilities. Music or art may play a part  in their magickal work.

Although your sun sign is certainly important, it’s only part of your astrological makeup. Other factors in your birth chart will also influence your magickal talents and learnings. Consider the whole chart and all its distinctive features in order to understand the big picture.

Magickal Tip – Spelling on a Budget

Magickal Tip

Spelling on a Budget

As kids stock up on new supplies for back to school time, take advantage of all the broken crayons, old erasers, and short pencils that would otherwise be tossed aside or left on a shelf to collect dust. Melt and recycle broken crayons into customizable effigies and magickal candles to boost energy and creativity, and crumble up old erasers to use in diminishing, curse-breaking, and banishing powders. Keep a few short pencils in your car to use for written spells on the go, or grind the graphite into an energy-boosting dust to use in your wandcraft.

—Melanie Marquis

The Witches Correspondence for August 26

The Witches Correspondence for August 26

Magickal Intentions: Psychic Sensitivity, Women’s Mysteries, Tides, Waters, Emotional Issues, Agriculture, Animals, Female Fertility, Messages, Theft, Reconcilliations, Voyages, Dreams and Merchandise
Incense: African Violet, Honeysuckle, Myrtle, Willow, Wormwood
Planet: Moon
Sign: Cancer
Angel: Gabriel
Colors: Silver, White and Gray
Herbs/Plants: Night Flowers, Willow Root, Orris Root, Birch, Motherwort, Vervain, White Rose and White Iris
Stones: Carnelian, Moonstone, Aquamarine, Pearl, Clear Quartz, Flourite, Geodes
Oil: (Moon) Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood

Monday belongs to the Moon. Monday’s energy best aligns itself with efforts that deal with women, home and hearth, the family, the garden, travel, and medicine. It also boosts rituals involving psychic development and prophetic dreaming.