Showing posts with label magikal items. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magikal items. Show all posts

Monday, December 27, 2010

Witchy Wishes Come True

House of Nights jewelry rocks!  I have been wanting this really cool triple moon pendant and celestial moon and my mommy finally got them for me.


If you haven't read the series, I would definitely check them out. 

Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres not only exist but are also tolerated by humans. Those whom the creatures "mark" as special enter the House of Night school where they will either become vampyres themselves, or, if their body rejects the change, die. To Zoey, being marked is truly a blessing, though she's scared at first. She has never fit into the human world and has always felt she is destined for something else. Her grandmother, a descendant of the Cherokee, has always supported her emotionally, and it is she who takes the girl to her new school. But even there the teen stands apart from the others. Her mark from the Goddess Nyx is a special one, showing that her powers are very strong for one so young. At the House of Night, Zoey finds true friendship, loyalty, and romance as well as mistrust and deception. She realizes that all is not right in the vampyre world and that the problems she thought she left behind exist there as well. Readers will identify with many of the characters, especially the protagonist. The story moves quickly (a little too quickly at the end) and purposely leaves many unresolved issues. A good choice for those libraries serving fans of the occult, but be aware that the book contains some suggestive language and sex.
—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY



Saturday, July 31, 2010

Cleansing Crystals

After you purchase a stone or crystal, it is very important to cleanse the stone of any influences it may already contain.  After much research, I have found that their are several different ways to do this.

1.  Place your stones or crystals under the open sky.  24 hours of exposure to the sun and moon should do the trick.
2.  Place your stones within the earth.  If you are going to cover the stones in cloth before laying them to rest in the soil for 24 hours, use a a cloth of natural fiber.
3. Run water free from chemicals over your stones for at least 2 hours.  Be careful though.  Some stones dissolve in water.

If you have another preferred method for cleansing stones and crystals, please feel free to share in the comments.

Selecting Stones and Crystals

I found a quaint, little treasure hidden in the depths of our urban city: CRYSTAL WORKS.  When you enter this amazing establishment, the senses are easily entertained. 

I was on edge the entire time because both of my boys where on overload.  Not an item in the store was over looked by them.  Hands siphoned through bowls of crystals and tumbled stones like a sugar addict in a candy store.  Wind chimes were plucked and incense were deeply inhaled.  They were in paradise.

That is until I gave them their mission: Find 1 stone of your choosing and 1 worry stone as well.  Then, I even gave them... dum-dum-dummmmmm... a price limit.  The youngest was fine... perfectly content.  The oldest, however, was in a tizzy.  He wanted some sort of magnetic hematite sticks.  Basically, because they were magnets.  When asked what he would be doing with them, he replied checking for magnet stuff (of course).

He finally decided that getting a stone was better than paying for the magnetic hematite.  With a scowl, he chose his fare.

With that out of the way, I left them sitting near the bowls of stones to examine and explore their treasures.  I went in search of help.  I needed a stone to assist T Man with calming, controlling anger, staying focused, etc.  The young man in the store quickly selected a bowl of... HEMATITE.  I should of known there was a reason T was so fascinated with the larger variety.

I selected several stones and had T touch them and hold them for awhile, so that I could continue gathering a few other stone... just for fun.  By the time I was finished, T had selected the perfect hematite stone for school.  He loved the way it felt smooth and cold in his hands.  He was very pleased.

As for the other stones I purchased, it was a modge pod of sorts.  Below I will list each stone and why I bought it.  Some were purely the joy of looking at it.

black banded agate: calming and soothing to the emotions, grounding
amethyst (both tumbled and not): meditation, inner peace, dispels bad dreams, helps break bad habits
oceanic jade: peace, harmony, stability,
Dalmatian jasper: protects from negativity
black tourmaline:protects from negative energy
tiger eye: grounding, helps use to be energetic in a composed and serene way
citriline: happiness, creativity, stability and confidence
sodadalite: rational thinking, logic, intelligence, and emotional balance
rose quartz: enhances all forms of love, encourages us to be gentle and peaceful
quartz: used for protections and clearing of negative energies

I plan to make a book of stones in the near future.  So far, it will contain a picture of the stone or crystal with a description and use.  Any other ideas are always welcome.

I am afraid that if I do not create a book I won't know which stone is which even a couple of weeks from now.  I always am in need of reference materials.

I almost forgot to share with you the 3 worry stones we purchased.  Each one was chose for a different reason.  T Man chose the eye shaped stone specifically for the shape... something about the "eye" called to his little soul.  JJ on the other had picked out the Dalmatian jasper and wanted a worry stone that was similar in markings.  To him his worry stone his worry stone is about as close as you can get.  My stone was chose simply because of the colors and the ultra smooth texture.  I absolutely love anything red and the cold, smoothness of the stone under you thumb was simply relaxing.

I have this feeling that my husband will not want me making many trips to our new little hangout.  Buying stones is not cheap if you go in without guidelines.  Each of our stones ranged in price from 50 cents to $4.  The smallest slivers of some stones can be much more than a larger chunk of another.  I would suggest you do some research and go in with a list and goals in mind.  This should help you make the best choices for the money.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Worry Stone

I am searching for the perfect Worry Stone for T Man.  He is going into 3rd grade at summer's end and I desperately want it to be a great year for him.

Every year thus far as begun the same... office referrals, visits to the behavioral interventionists, etc.  This goes on in vengeance for about 3 months.  He then gets in a routine and must check in between 3-6 times a day with the behaviorist to keep him on the right track.

Not sure what his issues are with school, but I would really like next year to be different.

That being said, I have found something that helps to curb outburst at home... A Worry Jar. 

I simple took a glass jar with lid out of the recyclables and tied a piece of raffia around the neck of the jar.  The jar is on a shelf near our craft area.  Whenever someone is stressed, worried, etc, they pick a marker that fits the emotion they are feeling and write down their thoughts on a strip of paper.  The paper is folded and placed in the Worry Jar and left to deal with later.  So far later has never come, but peace has often won out.

Little ones like JJ are able to select a marker and scribble the entire strip of paper in any way he/she likes.  Works pretty much the same.

I can of course make a Worry Jar for school, but I think a stone would be much easier for during the school day.

I am trying to find the perfect stone for the job and that is no small order.  Peaceful Mind is a site that sells tons of crystals and stones.  The plus to this site is the detailed descriptions of the various uses and properties of each stone/crystal.

I found several stones that would work perfectly for T Man.  I even found a few that would work well for myself and my husband. 

Below I will give the name of each of the stones and a brief description paraphrased from Peaceful Mind.  Remember that each stone has a much more detailed description on the linked site.  I am simply listing and pondering the part that applies to our personal needs.

*Be sure to check out how to cleanse each stone at Peaceful Mind.*

agate (black banded): calm, peace

agate (fire): relaxation... meditation... takes the edge off difficult experiences

amethysts: contentment... meditation... quiets the mind... stress relief... lessens anger, fear and anxiety

aquamarine: reduce stress

celestite: reduces stress... quiets nerves... relieves anxiety

kyanite: quickly creates tranquility

moonstone: relieve emotional stress & anxiety... keeps emotions under control... helps a woman or man get in touch with their softer feminine side...

mother of pearl: peaceful energy... soothes emotions & stress

onyx: reduces sex drive... flattens emotional intensity... encourages happiness

prehnite: calmness and balance... perfect for mediation & divination... often used for calming and centering those with hyperactivity

rose quartz: peace, self love, emotional balance

sulphur: energizing... helps give energy to even the tiredest of souls... especially those that are mentally drained and in need of physical activity

sunstone: energises, lifts the spirits, good luck... helps with "energy vampires"... those that use up your personal energy without giving any back (We call this an energy drain... from Teaching with Love and Logic.  If someone drains your energy, they must somehow repay you for the energy lost.)

tanzanite: relieves depression... dispels negativity

tourmaline (black): repeals negative energy... great to carry when under extreme stress

variscite: calms even the most busy minds... aids in reduction of fear, anxiety, stress... perfect for meditation

worry stone: any stone that is thin and has a groove for the thumb... rub the stone when stressed or worried... It is said that the stone takes your worries in and leaves you with calm.

worry stone necklaces ($3) made of polymer clay

worry stones

Friday, June 4, 2010

A Reading of the Cards

So, I have been playing around with my new Celtic Message Cards.  I absolutely adore the round shape.  the cards feel just lovely in your hand.  This far I have only been pulling one card in reference to a question or concern. 

I was amazed at the results.

My first inquiry was simply...

In which direction should I head?

Here is the card I pulled and the meaning I derived from the card.


The Mistletoe card is all about health and healing.  I found this to be so appropriate at this point in my life.  I need to lose about 50 pounds, lower my blood pressure, and start exercising and much more.  My husband and I have been talking about what options I have.  Seeing this card let me know that is time for a change and that I need to take action now and not later.

There was no question asked for the following card.  I simple drew a card to see where it would take me.

The APPLE TREE card is all about using your strong physical and metal health to help others.  T Man really wants next year to be the best school year yet.  I need to be healthy in all ways to help him achieve this goal.  Seems to play right along with the previous card I think.

This card also lends itself to magic and spiritualism.  I think it is time to come up with a spiritual plan for my family as they are beginning to take on the beliefs of others.  I feel like they can handle learning bits and pieces from me at this time as well.

The question asked for this card was for T Man.

What is in store my eldest son?


The SERPENT represents change.  It shows major changes in the life of my soon to be 3rd grade.  I have noticed this already.  His maturity and desires have kicked in.  He is more physically confident.  Academically he is beginning to succeed.

I hope that this leads him the direction of drive and determination.  T is so free spirited which I love, but he needs something to love and cherish... a sport, hobby, study, etc.  As he is getting older, I hope this means he will begin to see the importance of trying our best in all endeavors.

This card was perfect for him.

The next question was for JJ.

What should we do when people stare or comment when out in public? 

What should our reaction be? 

Thought I should preface with an experience we just had at the grocery store.  This was a comment I left on FB to explain when someone asked about what had happened.

We turn onto an aisle and a man with his infant looks at me and says (as if J isn't even there),

"Man you sure let him get burnt didn't you?"

I couldn't help myself.  I tried but I just couldn't.

I asked if he was really stupid enough to think I allowed my son to get so burnt that he looked the way he does. I informed him that if a child got so burnt as to look like JJ that parent would deserve to go to jail.

His wife laughed.

I couldn't believe it. I asked her if she truly thought someone going to jail for child endangerment was something to laugh at. no response....

The man at this point said that he was not trying to be ugly to which I replied something along the lines of... so you think it is okay to talk about my son as if he isn't here, accuse me of allowing him to get burnt enough that he would need medical care, and for your wife to think endangering a child is something to laugh at is okay. Again no response.

At that point, I had to let him know a bit of truth... i explained ichthyosis to which his wife ignored. I also made the suggestion that before he comments on other people and or their children he should think about what is being said.

JJ heard me and said that he didn't like that man because he made an ugly face at him when he walked by. The man heard him and was speechless.

I let him know it would be less of an issue if he was the only one who is rude and hurtful to my son in the store, but that since it would happen between 3-10 times during one shopping visit my son just doesn't deserve to deal with his ignorance and inhuman behavior.

At this point, I walked off.

The man never went down anymore isles during his shopping adventure. He had his wife do it.

I felt bad once I got home, but in the heat of the moment I couldn't control it.

JJ cries at least once during outings lately and it is heart wrenching. Adults need to go to sensitivity training.

With this being said...

The STAG lets you know that "now is not the time to stand up and fight.  Recommends flight, prompt action, and escape from the situation."

This was segment taken directly from the explanation page that comes with my deck.

It was so straight forward an obvious.

Now, that I know what I am suppose to do I think I will meditate on exactly how to achieve it.

When it comes to your children, it is sooooo hard to just let them continue to get hurt and stepped on by others... especially when it is beyond their control.

After only a few readings with this deck, I definitely have to say it is my favorite from the two I have.  The other deck is called Tarot of the Magical Forest.  The pictures are beautiful, but it just doesn't feel the same.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tarot Decks... Just Caught My Eye

While looking through hundreds of decks yesterday, I of course found a few I just loved.  Being a bit unorganized as of late, I am going to list them with links here.  This will make sure I can find the list next time I am in the mood for a new deck.

Nature Speaks

Tarot of the Trees

The Halloween Tarot

Waking the Wild Spirit

Paulina Tarot

New World Tarot

All Hallows Deck

Girlfriend Tarot

Vision Quest Tarot

Lunatic Tarot

Mystic Faeries

Lars Holmsen

Vanessa Tarot

Monday, May 31, 2010

Blessing Broom

The summer solstice is almost here.  Consider making a blessing broom to cleanse your home and deter negative energies and spirits from entering your home.

Tie beautiful ribbons or ivy around the handle of your broom.  Tuck herbs or flowers underneath the ribbons.  Use twine or raffia to secure several bells near the bristles of the broom. 


While sweeping your home, recite the following verse:

Sweeping, sweeping, 'round the room,
Blessings from this cleansing broom.
From floor to ceiling, and all between,
May this space be fresh and clean.
Sweeping good energy here to me,
As I will, so it shall be.

~Patti Wigington

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Celtic Messages Cards

It has been a very busy time this last month.  (Read more.)  But... yesterday I made time to go to the book store with Little Jae.  While there, I came across a set of cards I fell in love with... Celtic Messages.


I think a reviewer on the Barnes and Nobel site described the set beautifully...

"I LOVED all of the Celtic information that came with the deck. The cards will not only teach you about Celtic lore and traditions, but about their belief system and how they balanced their life with the changing seasons and the signs attached to each. This deck will teach you about moon phases, celebrations and the dates attached to each, what the Celts believed in, and how they ran their daily living. The cards are lovely, with wonderful art and colors. The cards are round, so even touching them feels good. I am very impressed. Powerful symbols and a bit complex, so the newbie might feel confused, but sitting down to study everything, and taking your time to understand and apply the knowledge, will make the new person feel better. A deck to take time with and to savor. All in all, a really lovely deck to own, and beautiful Celtic culture to enjoy."

Personally, the art and the attachment to nature was the draw for me.  The roundness of the cards was perfect as it can symbolize the turn of the wheel.  There are several different layouts presented in the small bound booklet that accompanies the cards.  I particularly liked that you can pull one card as a focus for meditation or for a guide for the day to come.

I am new to reading cards, but have gotten a bit better with practice.  I think this deck and I will become lifelong friends.  The draw I had towards these cards was amazing.  I just felt it was something I needed to purchase which is rare for me.  I guess I will see where the cards lead me. 




Saturday, May 15, 2010

Triple Moon Pendent

Okay, confession... I heart me some teen vampire novels.  I think I have mentioned it before, but the reason I mention it again is simple really.  I have been reading the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast.  The high priestess in training wears what is described as this beautiful triple moon pendent.  I have been wanting one since I began reading the series.

In my quest to find my perfect representation, I have stumbled into some very fun jewelry.  Here are my favorites:











triple moon pendent with a hidden pentacle on the back center... sterling silver... $42













goddess mandala pendent... pewter... $14














triple moon symbol... antiqued sterling silver... represents the Dark Daughters form the House of Night Series... $15














nyx's high priestess pendent... silver ox...$23...temporarily out of stock













elements add on tags... sterling silver...$14

If you click here, you can read or hear a couple chapters from the series.

Friday, February 26, 2010

List of Witchy Shops

This list will continue to grow as I stumble upon new shops of interest.  Most of the shops are on etsy.  It is easy to sign up and it is free.  Also, purchasing from etsy is far more unique than going to any chain store out there.

Brightest Blessings:  From bookmarks to BOS... You won't be disappointed.

Olde Crone's Bewitching Bath Soaps
Sounds wonderfully, intoxicating to me.  Soaps, lip balms, hair treatments, and sugar scrubs are just a few of Olde Crone's products.  All products are 100% natural and several are vegan for those of you that prefer no animal products used at all.  I can't wait to check this out. 

SoapNuts:
The soapnut actually IS a nut from a tree.  It naturally suds and is perfect for laundry, hair treatments, household cleaning, jewelry cleaner, and much more.

Desert Dyeworks
playsilks, playsilk sets, and playsilk canopies... bring imagination back into childhood

Spelled With a W:
herbs, alter supplies, oils, candles, etc... all things witchy

Star of the East:
very earthy jewelry

Ideasign:
digital art and photos with a spiritual undertone

Into the Dawn:
unique creations in polymer clay... part of the pagan etsy family

Whimsical Cottage:
art dolls, sculptures, photography, jewelry, wands, etc... part of the pagan etsy family

Laughing Vixen Lounge:
pendants, charm braclets, and other useful things... pop culture at it's finest.

This Years Girl:
prints and pendants

Jude McConkey:
prints of various sizes...  This seller "prefer(s) dreamy, intense, and yes, even creepy images full of emotion."

Wearable Art By Jude:
jewelry, bookmarks, etc.

Fairy Folk:
felted acorns, fairies, and gnomes

Moon Lit Herbals
potions, herbs, crystals, etc.

Wicked Mama
"digital collage sheets, glass tile pendants, bottle cap pendants, and altered art"

If you come across a great site, please let me know and I will add it to the list as soon as possible.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Celebrate the Seasons

I went to James Avery this weekend to look at silver chains for my husband.  While I was there, I found the perfect seasonal charms.  They are quite expensive, but definitely worth saving for or putting on a wish list.

There is a charm for each of the seasons: fall, winter, spring, and summer.  Each large charm has 1-2 tiny charms dangling from it.  For example, the fall charm is a large leaf with a dangle acorn & a bead.  You can use the same chain for all the necklaces.  They even have some really cool silver neck wires.

Jump on over and check them out.  I am sure you will fall in love as I have.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Brooms or Besoms... You Chose

So I noticed that one of my blogging friends, Magaly of Pagan Culture just moved into a new place this weekend.  I had remembered seeing an awesome broom shop on someones blog when I first began my pagan research earlier this year.  I wanted to leave her a comment with the link to the shop. 

Low and behold... I had not added it to my favorite.  An hour and a half later I have learned alot about brooms and found a few shops to share.

Broom Lore...
  • never sweep after sunset since so doing will chase away happiness or hurt a wandering soul
  • on Midsummer's Eve, people often put a broom outside their homes to ward off any wickedness that might come knocking
  • never bring old brooms into new houses...(remember a broom becomes attached to houses...always leave the old one behind....)
  • if you feel as though you are being followed and haunted by unfriendly ghosts, stepping over a broomstick will prevent them from disturbing you
  • it is bad luck to loan your broom to anyone, even a friend
  • a broom laid across your threshold on New Year's Day will keep evil spirits away for the rest of the year
  • GOOD ADVICE:  When sweeping, use alternate side and corners of the broom, so that it may wear evenly.  And...ALWAYS HANG YOUR BROOM UP AFTER USE!
  • oil your broomstick with every turn of the wheel
  • call the rain by swinging your broom clockwise over your head
  • magickal brooms are not regular cleaning brooms and should not be used for such mundane tasks
  • When you first get your broom, always greet it by rubbing your hand over the entire staff of the broom. Learn the body of your broom, inspect it's divets and curves. Use anointing oil to open and activate your broom. A good oil is made from rosemary, thyme, myrrh and lavender in base oil. Make this oil by the full moon and then open your broom on the first day of the new moon.
Note:  I linked the first bullet from each site that I found information from.  All bullets will be from that site until a new link appears.

Great Broom Sites...
From everything I read this evening, here are a few new found understandings.  Of course, my understanding are always subject to change when and if I see fit.  It seems just when I think... aha, I got... the wind blows me in a new direction.

1.  When you arrive at a new home, you need to purchase a new broom.  Your old broom simply will not do as it is attached to your old home.  (thus, the reason for my search in the first place)

2.  Also, a nice new broom makes the perfect wedding/housewarming gift.

3.  Your magikal broom is used to sweep out negativity and thus bring in the light.

4.  You should treat your broom with respect.  Thus, I would think it proper to adorned my broom with ribbon, dried herbs and the such.

5.  Since your magikal broom will hold an important "place" in your life, you should find it a special spot within your home.

Hope you have enjoyed this bit of broom lore.  Now, I must suggest you go checkout the broom shops.  The craftsmanship is amazing.  I think you may just fall in love.

One more thing to add to my wish list.