Burning a 7-Day Candle?

This past week I learned from kraxyboytx a very cool way to dress your 7 day  novena candles. When you purchase your candles or particular oils, they are not normally prepared for magick.  You can always ask at the store if they are - still it makes sense to add your energy and amplify your intention.

I thought I'd share with you...

Ingredients and tools:

• Knife or a special tool you use for carving your candles
• Mortar and pestle
• Something very long to make 3 holes in your candle - I used a long thick screwdriver which I blessed with Florida Water and a flame (I'll keep this for future use for candles only)
• Sea salt or black sea salt (depending if you're bringing or removing energy)
• Oil for what your intention calls for
• Herbs representing your intention 
• A small piece of foil to cover the candle if not burning the candle immediately

Center yourself for the working by taking deep breathes and releasing.

Cast a circle if you wish - Create Sacred Space

Carve the wax on top by creating a special sigil or simple straight lines.

Stab 3 holes in the candle all the way to the bottom - I ran the length of the screwdriver in a flame of a candle to make this easier.

For the next ingredients a small amount goes a long way:

Add the salt

Add the oil

In mortar and pestle crush and blend the herbs keeping your intention firmly in your mind (blend in a clockwise manner for the future) and add to the candle.

This is what I really love...hand gestures to bless, activate and lock in the energy/intention:

Hands facing each other over candle, with thumb and middle finger of your right hand pressed together imagine pulling a string of energy from the palm of your left hand; take the string and wrap three times clockwise around your candle - moving the motion from top to bottom; take both hands (don't touch the candle) run them down the side of your candle top to bottom - imagine the energy of the ingredients you've just added blending into the candle from top to bottom .  Do this movement three times.

Then cover the top of the candle with foil until you're ready to use.

You can chant your intention or say a prayer through-out the process or at the end during the hand gesture.

If you casted a circle - remember to open the sacred space.

Blessed be.

"If you have any questions to ask—ask them freely—and if it be in my power, I will answer without reserve—without reserve.

I asked a few questions of minor importance—paid her $2 and left—under the decided impression that going to the fortune-teller's was just as good as going to the opera, and cost scarcely a trifle more—ergo, I will disguise myself and go again, one of these days, when other amusements fail."

- Mark Twain ~ Fragment of a letter to his brother Orion Clemens New Orleans, February 6, 1861
[The clairvoyant of this visit was Madame Caprell, famous in her day. Fee was $2; address, 37 Conti Street]

~Artist Unknown
Found on this site...

Totems and Their Messages

A Solar Eclipse was just upon us during the New Moon.  There will not be another solar eclipse of this type for another ten years.  And, I wondered, while reading of these energies from the most educated astrologers and Witches that I admire and trust - how would these two events affect me?  Would I be in the negative or the positive of these powerful energies?  Since I’m still learning to trust my instincts - I just never know.

The Dark Moon has always brought out the dark energies that are a part of my shadow-self. I start to sense them a few days before the New Moon and am pretty proud of myself for now being able to recognize those dark emotions.  I now see myself "apart" from myself - if that makes any sense to you and I simply take note.  Pull back when I need to or stay in the moment of what is occurring.

The arrival of a message...

For the past few days Lion has been trying to get my attention.  On the second sighting I always tell myself "...if there is a third, pay attention."  The third time was in a dream.  Even this morning there have been a few times I’ve seen him.

It was time to study Lion as a totem.

I was surprised to learn that the Lion totem corresponded with Sun's feminine energies telling me to pay attention or trust the energies of creativity, intuition and imagination.  To me, the Sun’s energies have always corresponded to the male.  I’ve also learned that this totem may provide the possibility of an opportunity to awaken to a new sun (or new adventure).  The Lion's "cycle of power" is year-round.

Last night’s dream had me waking up nervous almost scared and my first thought was that something was coming - beware.  In Ted Andrew’s interpretation of the Lion totem, he wrote to not be afraid to roar if feeling threatened or intruded upon.  He also writes, “…If a lion has shown up as a totem, you can expect lessons and issues dealing with community and groups to surface.  (Lion’s live in prides)  There may be a need to examine your own role in the group.” (So must I look at my role in the family and how it's being played?) It avoids confrontations and will leave the scene of danger if possible. (Makes sense, I’m a Libra and truly hate confrontations.) It kills by strangulation.

During my research, my attention was drawn to an old familiar - Panther. 

It’s all connected. 

The Lion and Panther both hunt primarily by stealth.  Both kill by strangulation, though a Panther strikes from behind.

The cycle of power for the Panther is the Dark Moon, New Moon and winter. 

Symbols are ferocity and valor without the solar significance - meaning the attention is on it's female energies. 

They are fiercer than Lions. 

They are loners.

Panther also implies that an "old issue may finally begin to resolve or even that longstanding wounds begin to heal, and the healing will come reclaiming of power that was lost at the time of the wounding." During this time of year, I recall an old wound and am always questioning how to heal it.

Now, once again, I am reminded of the power of my totem, which is so familiar to me that I tend to take her for granted.  She is female, it was confirmed in an Akashic reading by Jacki Smith creatrix of Coventry Creations.

The path of the Craft is ever-learning, which sometimes means going back to books collecting dust on a shelf or leading us to new writings by trusted authors. 

So what about the Lion?  Was he just a reminder of the Panther totem?  I’m not sure.  I do “know” that this is a “work in progress” and now after a bit of research and understanding this totem's energies…meditating on the Lion is in order.

Blessed be, Witches!

Harvesting the Magick to my Will

A couple of things I'd like to address in this blog:  Advanced Magick and Harvest Time

I've started a new position working outside of the house.  Even though I was excited about the new position, because it's been years since a position really excited me, I found that I didn't want to share the news with a few folks in my life.  By their own nature, they are jealous and lead unhappy lives.  Also believing in Quantum Physics - I know that when you share anything with anyone it brings their energy into the matter.  I didn't want their "negative" energy interferring with or affecting my new position.  Unfortunately, the news did reach them and asked me about my news.
Damn it.
Now what?

This is what I know..."Witches have control over our lives and are responsible for our actions."  I believe I learned this from Dorothy Morrison. 

With powerful magickal days approaching, the Harvest Full Moon on the 19th, the Autumnal Equinox on the 22nd, a New Moon, another Full Moon and Samhain in the vicinity - it came to me that I could work the magick so that their energy would not conflict with mine.  The "magick" being "me" and learning a very important belief.

So...this Full Moon I will begin by working a spell so that I can learn to believe that other's distrust, jealousy, conflicts and animosity will never affect my magick or my life.  And this is where Advanced Magick comes into play.  I will continue the same spell adding more "spice" during the power days.   Each time the spell growing stronger and my will more determined.  The October New Moon will be focused on maintining the new position so that it grows to its full potential.  The October Full Moon will focus on a re-newed push on the original spell.  Can you say "Empowerment"?  Advanced Magick to me means that you have the will-power and tenancity to work the spell continuously because the final outcome is so important.

At the Equinox and at Samhain - Mabon (equinox) which is our second harvest in the Wheel and Samhain our third and final harvest of the season the spell will expand to include the following:

"I wish for all of my friends and family a meaningful harvest and that everyone can really take the time to examine this past year, for things in which we succeeded and those in which we came up short, people who we became closer to and those who we allowed to slip farther away. I want to thank everyone for this past year and all of the support I received through the excitement and the struggle, and to apologize to anyone who I may have wronged and probably not apologized personally. I hope this new year brings us all closer to our goals, our values, and our family and friends."

This was a friend son's wish at Yom Kippur and I knew the moment I read it that this would push my will to not allowing other's to interfere with how things go in my life. Why?

Gratitude.

The Universe and Spirt love gratitude.  So, with of few minor changes to his wish and making it mine, I will be grateful for this years' harvest and the bounty the Universe and Spirit have brought to my door.

The spell that brought this financial boon into my life was shared with me by my lovely sister...

Take a non-descriptive but pretty glass, fill with spring water, place 7 silver coins in the water and a quartz crystal; every Friday toss out the old water and refill with spring water to ensure financial prosperity coming your way.  Place the glass in a prominent place.  Mine is on our dining room table which happens to be the center of the house.

Enchanting Herbs

This year, my potted plants were mostly herbs...a plant that would be a magickal benefit.  There's...

Lavender

Rue

Spearmint

Peppermint, Bay, Rosemary, Lemon Verbena, Oregano

Sage, Lemon Grass

Licorice

 

Just the thought that a full magickal cycle will have occurred when these herbs will be used in my magick - or in yours:  I do share - is very exciting to this Witch.  The magick started at the soil, from the soil, to the growth of the herb, to the enchantment of my magickal intent, the spell, the magick out into the Universe and yes, finally to fruition.

No permission is needed from the plant if you've grown it yourself.  If you're out in Nature then, yes - you must ask permission - ask the plant if it will share, then take a moment to "sense" it's reply.

When I read Cunningham's book "Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs" I found out that enchanting a plant isn't really necessary, but he stated that there isn't a Witch around who will use a plant without enchanting it first. I agree, it's all about the magick.

From years of walking my Spiritual path - I now follow my instincts and have made the enchantment my own.  Remember:  The magick is yours and you are the magick.

When the Moon is in the right cycle, I cut the herb and to stay in the mainstream of the Enchantment, I let the herb know my intention: protection, financial prosperity, love, sleep, etc.  I gather you, (herb) to increase my (intent).  I will then place the herbs on my altar repeating my intent and visualizing it as clear as I possibly can.  I will handle the herb with my hands, my fingers, holding the intent firmly in my mind and connecting the energy of the plant with my energy - creating a very important connection.

I found a verse for enchanting herbs some time ago in an Old Crone's book.  For me, this enchantment simply says it all.  I also say it to awaken the dried herbs that are in my cupboard before use.  I'm sharing, but you can create your own enchantment or find one that works specifically for you.

Remember, remember the oldest of herbs

The fruit of the vine, the root and the words.

You have the power of three and thirty!

You have the power to heal and promote healthy growth!

You have the power of strength and success!

You have the power to move in any direction.

I magnetize thee to (insert specific intent and purpose).

Awaken! Awaken!

Bring my will to perfection!

The herbs are now ready to be used in sachets, infusions, baths, oils, incense - what ever your heart desires.

Happy Enchanting!

Moon Void-of-Course

Living my life by The Lady is indeed rewarding, but a challenge.  For instance - I've learned, by experimenting, to garden according to the cycles of the Moon.  I'm not a patient person, so waiting until the Moon is in its First Quarter Phase and in the sign of Scorpio (for quick growth) to plant my seeds - is frustrating.  I'll admit it...I've cheated.  But, where I don't cheat is when the Moon is in its Void-of-Course phase.

It isn't difficult to understand, but doing so takes practice and intentionally working with the Moon. From Full Moon to Full Moon or in a month's time, the Moon travels through all the astrological signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc).  By visiting each astrological sign She effects our daily lives with the properties associated with that particular sign.  Her visit may be for a day, one hour, two days - She's fickle.

The Void-of-Course Moon, this very important phase occurs when She travels from sign to sign. You may see it written VOC, V-C or V/C. Her attitude is such: She's quiet - She takes no calls - She completely ignores me and my wishes.  And, She does it for as long as the trip make take - it's never the same. She hangs out the "Do Not Disturb" sign.

For some time now, I've noticed that those that do live their lives by the phases of the Moon, will tell you that the Moon is the sign of Libra - when I know for a fact that she has hung out the "Gone Fishing" sign and is preparing for Her visit in Scorpio.  Irritating.  You've not checked the calendar and taken that person's word and believed the Moon is in Libra and not intransit to Scorpio and you open your new business.  Ooops.  Besides, that's just sloppy crafting - you always check and validate.

Why is this so important.  As I mentioned, Ms. Luna has clocked out. She ignores my wishes...She ignores my Spells...She ignores my candle magickal pleas.  If I persist, my magickal pleas may not go according to plan.  Let me rephrase that - they will not go according to plan.

I find it best to follow by Her example.  I refuse (if at possible) to sign any new contracts - start any new ventures - schedule important appointments - make definite plans - purchase major items.  As I'm writing this, I look up at my calendar and notice that yes, She will be V/C today (Monday) starting at 4:15pm CDT - traveling from her time spent in Cancer and preparing to spend Her time in Leo.  She will be Void-of-Course all day Tuesday. I probably won't publish this blog until later today or maybe even tomorrow, allowing myself the time to edit and avoid the computer glitches now occurring.  There are web sites that offers this information or purchase a calendar with the VOC times listed.

My point is...If I do any of the above during a VOC Moon - appointments can fall through the cracks - new contracts will falter in some fashion, new ventures will take an interesting twist and not go according to plan.  "It's unavoidable!" you say.  Well, do a protection spell around your next request or add a clause at the end of your spell that this spell will in no way come back to harm.  Or...hold your breathe and hope for the best.  Don't say you've not been warned.

The Void-of-Course Moon is the perfect time to take a step back and re-evaluate your plans; meditate, go into neutral, day dream, live your life or take this time to see what comes your way, or prepare what to plant next in your garden.

Celebrating Beltane or known by another name...May Day!!?

With Social Networking, I've been reminded lately how many days until Beltane.  When I was younger, I did celebrate Beltane and wasn't even aware of the importance as a Witchy event.  Mom had me craft pretty May Day baskets filled with candies and flowers for my friends.  We would then sneak up to their doors - leave the baskets, knock and run away in hurry.  The baskets were to be a surprise and you were to never know what friend gifted the basket.

As a Solitary, I rarely celebrate Beltane - I tend to not get too excited about the cross quarter holidays.  Sure it's one of the eight (Sabbats) holidays on the Wheel of the Year, but being a cross quarter holiday - not that exciting for me.  Until lately...with it slapping me in the face every time I'm on Facebook - I started to think "why not?'  Now I have a week to get ready or think about getting ready - since I'm a low maintenance Witch - can't overdo or I won't do.

First you must know that Beltane (and from another lifetime I always tend to spell it Beltaine)  is a fertility festival.  Think...first of Spring - Nature mating - a ton of sex and flirting going on in nature at the moment.  The flowers and plants are starting to bud and come alive.  It is also the mid-point between the Vernal Equinox and Summer Solsice.  Celebrated starting the Eve of May 1st and thru the day.  Actually, I read on a friend's blog that: "It is most often celebrated on May 1st as May Day, but more accurately, we arrive at this cross-quarter holiday when the Sun reaches 15 degrees of Taurus, which occurs May 4/5."

Those that do - they are setting up Maypoles and preparing to dance under the pole intermingling the beautiful and colorful satin ribbons.  They are also preparing the need fire to dance around and celebrate the changing of the seasons.  Some Witches celebrate by bringing food and beverage to the festivities - too much work I say.  Also as a Solitary this would probably be one of the festivals I would attend a social gathering and maybe not so much celebrate solo - though you can.  Following Nature's cue, it's more fun to have sex with someone else than doing the horizontal bop solo.

You can also bring in the ashes from the need fire into your home for protection - so that's a good thing.

Sharing the correspondence for you and just as much as for me...

Incense:  Lilac, Frankincense

Decorations:  Maypole, Flowers, Ribbons

Colors:  Green, Rainbow Pastels

So...if you're like me and don't want to over-do and stay in the Spirit - get a bouquet of flowers for the dining table (and altar) - put out a few pretty pastel candles - light the incense - put on some good music - go outside and dance with Fae among the flirtations of Spring!

Enjoy the season of Beltane and in my part of the country...warmer weather and flirt 'til your heart is content!