A Natural Witch Moment: What is the difference between the Hedgewitch, Kitchen Witch, & Green Witch?

The Hummingbird:

Energies:  peace,  joy, love
Element:  Water
Planet:  Venus
Colors:  pink, green,
Herbs:  lavender, primrose, fern, lotus
Stones:  rose quartz, jade

Hummingbird is a free spirit of the forest.  It follows the wind from blossom to blossom without leaving a trail of its existence.  It is the spirit of the seeker, forever searching for that which will fulfill it.  It is the embodiment of wistful love; the harbinger of good omens; a creature of the wind, carrying messages to and fro through the twisted limbs of trees and shades of ever-changing sky.  Hummingbird is the favored steed of fairy folk; the messenger of dreams; and handmaiden to the green witch.

Skullcap: 

Energies:  love, fidelity, peace
Element:  Water
Planet:  Saturn
Gender:  Feminine (receptive)

Skullcap is used in spells to promote peace and harmony; to ease transitions of any kind; to enhance mental clarity and peace of mind; to help heal the soul from a loss; and to enhance meditation.  It’s said that if a woman wears skullcap, her husband will be so strongly drawn to her as to be oblivious to the charms of other women.  Skullcap is also used in spells of reconciliation, to heal rifts in friendships, and to cleanse a space of disruptive or frenetic energies.

What is the difference between the Hedgewitch, Kitchen Witch, & Green Witch?

A lot of people view these three aspects of the witch as one in the same thing, with a few minor differences, and I believe this to be true, especially when you look at the similarities between the Hedge, Kitchen, and Green witch:  all three of these practices involve using natural things of the world, those things found around you, to create magic– herbs and stones; energies of the animal world; folk magic; personal spells; and informal spell casting, rather than heavy-duty ritual.  Most of these practices involve a solitary practitioner, and this practitioner tends to be very independent and imaginative in their magickal endeavors.  Simplicity is the bottom line, inter-laced with old world charm.

The Green Witch…connects with the power and magickal energy found within herbs.  Her magic is natural and is often attuned to healing– healing of the body, mind, and soul through the world of herbs and the abundant magickal power found there.  This witch tends to be a solitary practitioner, often tending her gardens, perhaps even growing many of the herbs she uses in her practice.  She has a unique connection to nature and to the seasons, particularly in the aspect of growing and harvesting. 

Kitchen Witch…her magick lay in the heart of the home, at the hearthfire itself.  Her practices will also include using those items around her that are a natural part of her world.  The Kitchen Witch has the ability to tap into herbs, stones, as well as other mundane items found in her home, and unleash the magickal energy from within.  This witch incorporates this magick in her daily life– in the meals she prepares for her family, the way in which she cleanses and cares for her home, through magickal potions from her own unique recipes, and  in her private and simple rituals and spells.

Hedgewitch…this witch prefers to live close to nature and is strongly connected to the natural world, often enjoying a relationship with the wild things that mundane people may find strange or unusual.  The Hedgewitch is grounded, close to the earth and all its elements.  She is the most elusive of the natural witches, often secretive about her practices and her magick, protective of that which she holds sacred.  Her magick transcends the more common use of herbs and potions, candles and such, and originates strongly from her natural connections to all things in nature and the fundamental energy found there.

 

Tarot Tips: A Look at the Fives

The 5’s in general are cards of conflict, chaos, and disruption.  They may seem ominous at first glance, standing on their own, but within a reading their meanings may be tempered, expanded, and further explained by the cards around them.  The 5’s may be the culmination of past events or the future stormy sky that’s going to descend upon you.  In any case, they are situations and conflicts to be worked through, perhaps making you stronger in the end, tempered from facing and solving the crises these cards herald.

Five of Cups

This is the card of mourning, loss, and grief.

It’s pointed out in almost every tarot book I’ve ever read to ‘look at the bright side, there are two cups still standing’, and while this cheery observation is correct, it skims over the feelings of grief this card inspires and this emotion, which must be faced on its many levels.  Yes, you will recover from this period of mourning and loss; your life will go on with some semblance of normalcy at some point.  But that is not to say that you will not be left without scars from this experience, or that you will not be a changed person from having come through an intense period of grief.

The brightest meanings these two standing cups could bring to a reading may indicate the newfound strength, wisdom, and inner initiation this period of mourning, loss and grief may bring to you.

 

Five of Swords

This is the card of conflict and battle.

This card smacks of aggression, unfair advantage, insecurity, and petty battles with arrogant victors.  It speaks of “winning the battle but losing the war”—at the cost of irreparably damaged relationships, shattered self-esteem, and ruined reputations.  The victory, if that’s what you want to call it, is short-lived; and the participants in this debacle will have to live with the results…shattered lives and regret.

This card often warns of an individual who will put their own needs, desires, and goals ahead of everything and everyone.  They will attain their desired outcome at the expense of everyone involved.

Five of Wands

This is the card of quarrels and bickering.

The five of wands has always reminded me of a group of unruly children.  And this is the essence of the five of wands—bickering, nitpicking, childish behavior, chaos, everyone talking at the once, “his share his bigger than mine”. 

Is there an adult in the house?

This card naturally comes up when there is a problem with a group of people, whether it be siblings, employees, neighbors, or any other group who cannot come to a satisfactory agreement.  No one may be physically hurt from these encounters—unless surrounding cards suggest otherwise, but the mutual anguish, anger, frustration and upheaval can have prolonged and lasting affects.  This card often tells you that a mediator may be needed, someone who can look at the situation objectively and find common ground between the parties involved.

 

Five of Pentacles

This is the card of poverty and hard times.

The dire effects of this card are shown by the dejected couple slogging through the snow in their tattered clothing and bare feet.  And that’s generally what this card points to—financial crisis.  The severity and duration of this state of affairs can usually be gleaned by the cards surrounding it.  What led up to this predicament may also be revealed in the same way.

The hard times the five of coins represents isn’t meant to last forever, almost nothing in life is.  This couple is not standing still, hovering in hopelessness or self pity; they’re putting one foot ahead of the other, to be able to move ahead.  And that’s what you must be determined to do when this card pops up in your readings.

© Amythyst Raine 2009

 

Some “Berry” Nice Magick :)

Mundanely speaking, there isn’t a berry I don’t find delicious, so I’ve included a recipe for each berry in this post.  Magickally speaking, there’s much more to these colorful delectable morsels than a muggle would ever guess, so we’re going to take a good look at this side of berries:

Blueberry

Folk Names: Bilberry

Power: Protection

Deities:  Dark Lord; Lugh; the Hunter

Magical Uses:

Place some blueberries beneath the doormat to keep undesirables away from your property, or from entering your home. This protects against evil as well.

Make blueberry pies or tarts and eat when under psychic attack; this gets the protection inside you and increases the herb’s effectiveness.

To “bother” an enemy:  soak dried blueberry leaves in hot water overnight.  Stir in black mustard seed the following morning and throw this concoction across your enemy’s path, where they will step in it.

Blueberry Pie

2/3 to 3/4 cups sugar
¼ all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon grated lemon peel
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
5 cups blueberries
Pastry for one 2-crust pie/9”
1 tablespoon butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; let stand.

Roll out half of the pastry and line a 9 inch pie plate. Spoon filling evenly in t crust; dot with butter or margarine. Prepare top crust and cover pie, sealing the edges. Bake 50 minutes or until golden.

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Raspberry

Folk Names: European Raspberry, Red Raspberry

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Powers: Protection, love

Magical Uses:

The brambles (branches) of the raspberry are hung up at doors and windows for protection. This is also done when a death has occurred, so that the spirit won’t re-enter the house once it has left.

Raspberry is served as a love-inducing food, and the leaves are carried by pregnant women to alleviate the pains of pregnancy and childbirth.

Hoodoo mojo, “To Hold a Man”:  There are a few ways that this plant can be used to bind a man to you– and you’d better make darn sure you want him before you do this, because once it’s done, you can’t change your mind…1)  Make a tincture with raspberry leaves in a quart jar filled with spring water.  Pour this tincture over your body while repeatedly reciting the man’s name. 2)  It’s said that a man will never want to wander far from his woman or stray from the marital bed if she washes her genitals in raspberry leaf tea, sprinkles periwinkle on his food, and hides a magnolia leaf in the mattress…good luck, Ladies.

Turn about is fair play.

Now it’s the guys’ turn– more hoodoo mojo, “To Hold a Woman”:  You have to find a branch of raspberry that has rooted at the tip, and take some of this from the plant without killing the plant.  Boil the root in spring water, bathe in it, drink some of it; then serve the rest of it to your wife.  It will keep the little woman faithful– if it doesn’t make her sick.**

*see the note below

Raspberry Lime Lemonade

1 1/2 cups lemon juice
1/3 cup lime juice
1 cup sugar
6 cups water
1 cup fresh raspberries

Combine lemon juice, lime juice, sugar, and water in a 2 quart pitcher.  Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Add the raspberries and chill overnight.  Pour over ice, serving it with a lemon or lime slice.

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Strawberry

Folk Names: Poziomki, Tchilek, Jordboer

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Freya

Powers: Love, Luck

Magical Uses:

Strawberries are served as a love food, and the leaves are carried for luck. Pregnant women may wish to carry a small packet of strawberry leaves to ease their pregnancy pains.  This berry can also be used to draw a stray lover back to you, but this spell I can’t post here– it’s a spell that’s included in my book, The Gray Witch’s Grimoire, which will be out in May.  All I can say is, it’s a doozy.

Strawberry Love Salad

2 (3 oz.) boxes strawberry jello
1 cup boiling water
2 (10 oz.) boxes frozen strawberries, thawed
1 can crushed pineapple
1 package Dream Whip

Topping:

1 package cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Dissolve jello into water. Add the pineapple and strawberries (with the juice). Refrigerate. Make the topping, which includes whipping together the Dream Whip, cream cheese, and sugar. Garnish with nuts.

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Blackberry

Folk Names: Bly, Bramble, Bramble-Kite, Cloudberry, Dewberry, Goutberry,High blackberry, Thimbleberry

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Water

Deity: Brigit

Powers: Healing, Money, Protection

Ritual Uses:

Blackberry was considered to be sacred to some of the old Pagan deities of Europe, and was used in worship. To the present day, blackberry pies are baked on Lughnasadh (August 2) by some of the Wiccans in commemoration of the harvest, seen poetically as the death of the God.

Magickal Uses:

The blackberry leaves are used in spells of wealth, as are the berries themselves, and the vines are protective if grown.

The blackberry plant is also used to heal scalds by dipping nine blackberry leaves in spring water and then laying them against the wound gently, while saying the following chant three times to each leave (27 times in all):

“Three ladies came from the east,
One with fire and two with frost.
Out with fire, in with frost. “

This is an old invocation to Brigit, the ancient Celtic Goddess of poetry, healing, and smith craft.

Hang onto your hoodoo hats, “To Send Back Evil”:  You’ll need a black candle in the shape of a human figure, whether it’s male or female will depend upon your enemy, and most new-age shops carry these candles.  Lay this candle on a red cloth, sprinkle it with blackberry leaves and black salt.  Wrap it up and tie both ends shut with a black ribbon.  Hit this bundle three times with a hammer while shouting out the name of your enemy and exactly what evil-ass energy you want to return to them.  Do this for seven days, repeating the exact words each time.  On the eighth day, take this bundle to the graveyard, bury it and ask the spirits of the dead to dole out justice…Now this hoodoo magick, I can handle. *imagine evil wicked cackle inserted at this point*

Blackberry Pudding

1 1/4 cups milk
1/4 to 1/2 cup ground almonds
1 1/4 cups water
1 pint fresh blackberries
1/3 cup merlot or other red wine
2 tablespoons rice flour
1/3 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter @ room temp
2 tablespoons wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh currants
whip cream…for garnish

Place the blackberries in a bowl, and pour the wine over them, mixing gently– gently!  The berries will soak up some of the wine; pour the rest off and discard (I can hear you groaning).  Using a blender, combine the berries, rice, flour, sugar, salt, spices, and milk until well blended.  Pour this mixture into a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  once it’s hit a rolling boil, lit boil for two minutes to thicken.  Remove from heat and stir in butter, then the vinegar, and then the currants. 

Pour this mixture into a large serving bowl, or small individual dessert dishes.  Chill and serve with a topping of whip cream.

Credits:

The delicious recipes for this post, or some of them anyway, have come from the following sources. (If you think I hang around the kitchen creating new recipes, think again– and listen, you might be able to hear my husband laughing.)

“From a Witch’s Kitchen:  Celebrating Seasonal Magic in Every Meal”
by Beth Brown

“The Wicca Cookbook:  Recipes, Ritual, & Lore”
by Jamie Wood & Tara Seefeldt

Both of these are great books, filled with wonderful recipes galore and interesting information.  The Wicca Cookbook is actually filled with quite an impressive load of myth and folk-lore.  I highly recommend both books.

**Note:  I find a lot of this old hoodoo magick interesting and entertaining to read about, but realistically I would be very careful about actually using this type of magick on anyone; not only from an ethical viewpoint as far as magick and the rules of propriety are concerned, but also from the practical mundane aspect of safety.  Just because the berries on a plant are edible, that doesn’t mean the entire plant is safe to ingest.  Rhubarb is a good example of this– as delicious as the stem is, the leaves are poisonous.

 

A Tarot Reading

Tarot Reading
(reposted)

1. Your husband’s job…

The Wheel of Fortune

The Fool ® 2/pentacles King/swords ®

It looks as though a change is coming, and it could be a change that turns things topsy turvy, at least for a while. (Note: spinning and cutting come to mind, weaving, as well as objects of a circular nature.)

The Fool generally sees us on a journey, whether a physical journey, or something new which we’re beginning…a new path, which reinforces our first card. This man either has an angel on his shoulder, or he has someone behind him from whom he draws support. It also appears that with this change will come greater financial balance. Also, the idea of “killing two birds with one stone” and “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”, comes to mind– this seems strange, even to me. I don’t know if there is a literal connection somehow to birds, or these cliques will have something to do with your husband’s employment in a figurative way.

The King of swords is a proud man who sometimes tends to take life too seriously. It would be to his benefit to look at the lighter side from time to time. Laughter reduces stress. (Note: I got the impression that this King needs some down time and that stress might be a factor in his future in some way.)

2. Your third grandchild…

Temperance ®

The Hermit 8/wands ® 8/pentacles

This will be a child of balance, patience, and determination; someone with fortitude who doesn’t give up easily, but keeps plugging away until the desired goal is reached.

This is also a solitary child, someone who isn’t afraid of being alone, but rather, gathers strength and maintains serenity by actively seeking ‘quiet time’. She (or he) will not act swiftly, will not in fact do much of anything quickly, but will have more of a slow and plodding nature about them.. They will certainly not be impulsive. Don’t become frustrated when you want something done quickly and it isn’t, ‘cause this child is going to do things in their own good time on their terms.

This individual will know, from a very early age, what their lifework is, and may begin an apprenticeship/training in this field at a very early age, possibly in the late teens/early twenties.

(Note: I don’t know where I get the ‘they’ from, but since it came on its own accord, I’ll leave it as is.)

3. General Reading

The Chariot

Princess/cups 3/cups Knight/cups

First, is someone getting married? If the aren’t right now, they will be in the future.

I felt, with the first group of cards that your husband’s change of employment would involve: 1) a move, 2) travel, 3) a long commute; and this concept is enforced here with The Chariot. Someone is going somewhere.

The Knight of cups brings to mind the story of the frog and the princess, Sir Lancelot, and the idea of dark water, totally disconnected thoughts…this is what happens when you use the intuitive method of reading the cards. If any of this doesn’t make sense to you now, it probably will in the future.

Also, autumn comes to mind, perhaps in relation to a time element for some of these events to play out. Actually, I feel that autumn is going to be very significant to you in some way. And I also feel as though water plays some significant role here as well– this could be actual physical water; such as a lake, river, creek, pond, etc.; or it could involve the element of water; which includes such things as emotions, dreams, intuition, the west, the color blue, and Mondays. It looks as though everyone is going to have their hands full, when it rains, it pours, as the old saying goes.

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*About the reading: The ‘they’ in this particular reading came from the fact that I was not only picking up the unborn child, I was picking up a parent as well. As the mother told me, it was ‘freaky’, and I had it down pat, even to the apprenticeship.

The bond and connection between parent & child is the strongest of all human bonds. Remember this when you’re doing readings, just as in this case– when reading for one, you very likely will pick up the nuance of both.  This is why I don’t do readings for children.  It’s generally their parents who will come through.

http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/tarotreadings.htm

Cat Magick: Herbs & Spells

Catnip is commonly used in sleeping potions. The easiest and most pleasant way I can think of to use catnip for this purpose is to make a delicious pot of tea. Catnip is one of the herbs that I grow in my own gardens, so all I have to do when I want to brew a pot of catnip tea is to step outside and snatch a handful of the fresh herb. I usually use both the flowers and the leaves. How much you use is going to depend upon how strong you like your tea and the size of your pot. You can sweeten it with honey or sugar. Since catnip is a member of the mint family, I’m guessing that if you like mint in your tea, you’ll like catnip, though to me it is more pungent.

Catnip has an absolutely intoxicating effect on cats, and it was actually hard getting the catnip started in my garden because my cats wouldn’t leave it alone. I’d plant a nice lush bunch of catnip and the next morning I’d go out to find nothing but bare stems and a garden full of chewed leaves. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve looked out the kitchen windows to watch one of our cats, or a stray cat, rolling around our garden in drunken bliss.

I harvest our catnip not only for use as a tea, but as a treat for my cats and for magickal uses. To make a magickal talisman for your cat, one that he will absolutely love, you can sew two small pieces of flannel together, and just before you sew it shut add a nice bunch of fresh catnip leaves. Consecrate this talisman for your kitty to pass on the magick of good health mojo and protection.

Catnip is sacred to all pagan gods/goddesses who manifest as a cat or feline creature, including: Sekhmet, Bast, Mau, Tefnut, Mafdet, and Freya.

Correspondences for Catnip:

Energy: Feminine (Receptive)
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Magick: cat magick, love, beauty, well-being

It’s believed that a gift of catnip from you to your cat will create a magickal and psychic bond between the two of you. Since I’ve experienced this myself, I have to say that it truly works in beautiful ways. If you make a catnip talisman for your kitty, keep this in mind. Remember that concentrating on your intentions when crafting magickal items imbues that piece with the magick. Catnip is also used in love spells, often as an ingredient in mojo bags or candle magick. Just as the cat finds this herb intoxicating and irresistible, so will the one you target in love magick, using catnip to draw them to you. Hang a bunch of dried catnip over the threshold of your home to draw good spirits and good luck, as well as to draw the blessings of cat goddesses. Catnip is also used in beauty spells, either as a tincture you can use to bathe your face, or with candle magic. It’s believed that this herb will mesmerize those targeted in such spells to see you as youthful and beautiful. This type of enchantment is considered a glamoury.

Valerian is also used in sleeping potions and dream pillows, just as catnip is used. It’s said that the scent of valerian is irresistible to cats and if they find it in your garden, they will dig it up. What’s not often said is that valerian stinks. It has an extremely strong aroma that I personally don’t find especially pleasant, and although you can use this herb in relaxation and sleepy-time teas, I don’t know how on earth you could mask the taste. Commercial teas, prepared with valerian, seem to do a pretty good job of this; and I have used them many times, usually in the evenings, to unwind and relax.

Correspondences for Valerian:

Energy: Feminine (Receptive)
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Magick: love, purification, protection

It is the root of valerian that is used in a powdered form and added to protective mojo bags or dream pillows– though I don’t think I could fall asleep with the scent of this herb right under my nose. The calming effect of valerian is not limited to sleepy-time teas but also includes the energies surrounding a space. If there has been quarreling in your home, hanging this herb around your house is said to calm the atmosphere, to settle things down. Valerian is one of the herbs that can be used as a substitute for Graveyard Dirt.

In the Middle Ages rue was used as a talisman against witches and their familiars (usually cats). Perhaps the association was made in the minds of people because cats are drawn to rue much the way they are drawn to catnip, and because they are drawn to it, they dig it up and wreak havoc with the plant. I would imagine it’s the pungent aroma of rue that has something to do with this behavior, just like catnip and valerian. Because cats did this, perhaps people got the mistaken impression that cats hated rue, so they thought they could keep them at bay with the herb. Supposedly rue is used to keep cats out of your garden, away from the birdfeeders, or wherever else you don’t want them, though I suspect the opposite effect. Rue is an evergreen pernnial shrub.

Correspondences for Rue:

Energy: Masculine (Projective)
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Magick: health/healing, exorcism, love

Rue leaves are placed on the forehead to relieve headaches, or worn to facilitate healing. Rue is used in mojo bags poppets, and candle magick for healing, for matters of love, and to improve mental abilities. Rue is used to break hexes and curses by using it in a cleansing bath; hanging it around your home; placing it in sachets, poppets, or mojo bags; and using it in floor washes. It’s worn to protect one against poison, monsters, and the evil eye. A sprig of fresh rue is often used to dip into salt water and asperge a space.

Cats are considered to be the animal that is the ally of gamblers and games of chance, they are believed to bring good luck and success in these endeavors. Following is a cat spell that may do just that:

Lucky Cat Spell

Candles in the shape of cats are often burned for good luck, especially luck that has to do with games of chance. This magick is especially geared towards gamblers.

1. Inscribe a cat candle with your name, lucky numbers, numbers needed for a successful outcome, or a specific amount of money.

2. Dress it with Black Cat Oil, or another gambler’s lucky oil.

3. Burn the candle.

Lucky Cat Candle Spell

Burning Lucky Cat Candles makes your wishes come true. Color coordinate the candles to suit the nature of the wish: use green for money, health, and healing; red for love, romance, and marriage; and black to resolve problems, or to break hexes and curses.

1. Carve and dress the candle, maybe using herbs and an oil that correspond with your intentions.

2. Write your wishes on a piece of paper, being very careful to be explicit in exactly what you want.

3. Ignite the corner of this paper, and use this flame to light the candle.

4. Murmur wishes, incantations, and intentions until the paper has burned to ash.

Spirit Petition: Freya Cat Spell

There is an old Norse tradition of paying tribute to the goddess Freya by feeding milk to cats.

1. Consecrate a crystal bowl to the goddess Freya; fill it with whole milk or sweet cream, and sit it out on your front steps or back porch for stray cats.

2. Magickal intentions are important. Consecrating and preparing the bowl and setting it out for the cats is a ritual. As you perform this ritual, consciously invoke the goddess Freya and speak your petitions to her.

3. Watch the cats, pay attention to stray cats. Pay attention to cats who may appear as an image, statuary, art, or through some other medium. This may be Freya’s way of giving you an answer to your wishes or request.

37 Pounds of Amythyst…er, Amethyst

Hubby went with me for the afternoon when I did tarot readings on Sunday at Next Millennium.  Apparently this gave him enough time to do some browsing and shopping on his own, because when we were getting ready to leave, he had selected this piece:  37 lbs. of amethyst…which is fitting for our house!  This gorgeous chunk of crystal sits on our entertainment center and shares its space with the Goddess.

I met some wonderful people Sunday and made a couple very significant connections.  Although the store is always busy, there is a sense of calm about Sundays that are just undeniable no matter where you are.  It just must be the energy of the day.  I had a wonderful time, and the readings connected well, which always leaves me with a warm and fuzzy ‘I-must-be-doing-something-right’ feeling.  Afterwards, we had time to stop by our son’s apartment for a visit and enjoy supper at China Buffet…yum!  This is one of my favorite places to eat.

I received a rather unusual call Monday afternoon.  It was a man in Australia wanting to know if I would cast a spell for him.  I receive a call ever so often on this topic, and I just want to say that , no, I don’t cast spells for people.  I offer the information, often the spells, as well as some of the supplies so that people can cast their own spells.  And really, I think this is best.  No one can want the change that a spell facilitates more than the one who will benefit from the outcome, the individual who carries all the strength of their emotions and personal involvement.  It’s their energy, all the strength of their will, which will make a difference in the final outcome.  Cast your own spells and you’ll discover that this true. 

I’ve found my venue here in Fremont, where I can meet with a client and give them a tarot reading over a cup of coffee or a pot of tea…Harvest Health.  The owner has a quaint coffee shop in the back of his store.  He’s so nice, and he was more than happy to allow me to use this spot to conduct personal tarot readings.  I’ll be placing an ad in the local paper this week, and I’ll continue to do this sporadically.  I think it will be a lot of fun!

My pendulum cards arrived in the mail this week.  I’ve got them posted at my website for sale ( http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/pendulums.htm ). I’m still waiting on all of the pendulums that I ordered, a big batch of natural stone pendents, and some pentacle pendents.  I’m beginning to think they may be coming by pony express.  I’ll post as soon as I get my hands on them.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of this day! 

 

I’ll Be Here On Sunday!…In-House Tarot Readings

I just wanted to post a quick note to remind everyone that this Sunday, February 19, Noon-4pm, I’ll be giving live in-house tarot readings at Next Millennium in Omaha, Nebraska.

For the address & other info, click  Here

The Witch’s Corner: Updates & More

Tarot:
Card of the Day

Eight of Swords

Someone is feeling trapped in a situation they see no resolution to. Does this mean that you give up trying to find the right answer? No. I believe that part of this problem could actually be too much introspection and not enough honest evaluation. Stop thinking of yourself, and start looking at what this situation is doing to the other people involved. Once you become aware of it, your concern for someone else may help you to arrive at the right conclusion faster.

Today’s Correspondences:

Tuesday…planet, Mars; element, Fire; color, orange, herbs- hot (peppers, cloves, cinnamon, etc.), red or orange flowers.

Today’s energies are aggressive, warrior like, in your face, strong and persistent. This doesn’t seem very conducive to Valentine’s Day and romance, does it. But actually this is the day traditionally used for magic and spells connected to marriage. You would think that Venus would have this honor, but it makes sense. Friday/Venus is connected with that first fairy tale/prince charming aspect of love, it’s always gentle, obsessive, slightly insipid, and very fragile. Marriage, on the other hand, takes a lot of work and courage to stay successful. It’s earthy, sometimes messy, often tumultuous, and definitely not for the faint of heart. It often takes a warrior like determination to make it work. Mars is the perfect energy.

The Witch’s Corner:
Updates

Small but powerful. These adorable
poppets are packed with magickal energy,
and they come in a spell bag that includes:

the poppet
3 coffin nails
3 straight pins
1 taper candle
herbs & incense

Click Here

 

Alpaca silver bracelets have been restocked and the enchantments have been updated:

1. To Clear Crossed Conditions
2. Money Mojo
3. Guardian Angel Enchantment
4. Domination Enchantment
5. For Better Business
6. True Love Mojo
7. Keep Evil Spirits at Bay
8. To Trouble Your Enemies
9. Enchantment of Self-Empowerment
10. Good Health Mojo

Click Here

Personal Notes: Paranormal Investigation

 

The small cozy little house sitting on the edge of the woods looked peaceful and content, not revealing at all its history of tragic deaths, nor it’s ghostly visitors. At one hundred years old, this house has a long rich history of families and familial events and milestones. It has witnessed weddings, births, graduations, personal victories/achievements…and death. The present owner has experienced the loss of two family members within the walls of this house. Her mother passed away from cancer in the downstairs bedroom in 2005; and its in this room where a frosty presence makes itself felt by sitting on the bed, complete with the physical sensation of movement and visible indentation in the blankets. The owner’s husband passed away in the den, in 2008, after a long and lingering illness. Although his presence can be felt— quite strongly at times— there are no visual manifestations. And it’s from this room, through glass patio doors, that deer can be seen gathering at dusk near the rear of the property. It’s in the den where a photograph of the owner’s step-son sits, a young man killed in a tragic motorcycle accident, the parents having received that devastating middle-of-the-night call all parents dread.

Upon entering the house, we realized immediately that there was very strong EMF readings, beginning at the doorway between the living room and kitchen, which was also very close to the bedroom door. Shadow figures are often seen by family members, crossing the living room and disappearing into the walls. We spent a great deal of time with the owners and the EMF detector exploring the bedroom and the doorway between the livingroom and the kitchen, where the EMF detector was extremely active. We wanted to make sure that there were no electrical devices or outlets that would’ve been creating these readings. This involved moving furniture, locating all the electrical outlets, and letting the family take their time to tell their stories, voice their concerns, and formulate their questions.

When we were finally ready to ascend the stairs, the owner told us that her grandchildren refused to go upstairs; and the way the EMF detector was working as we stood at the threshold, it was no wonder. There was an almost constant scream of protest from it. The EMF detector came on while we were at the bottom of the steps and continued until we reached the doorway of the first upstairs bedroom. As investigators and home owners stood in a clump in one room, I moved around the upstairs with the EMF detector. I wished that we could just sit and spend some quiet time with cameras and instruments turned on. I think this would’ve been beneficial in catching spontaneous paranormal activity. However, the owners were enthusiastic and wanted to watch us work, continuing their chatter and speculation. For the rest of the time that we wandered the second floor of this house, the EMF activity was sporadic at best. As we worked our way from room to room, and as we descended the stairs, it fell silent. The atmosphere at the bottom of the stairs was noticably lighter. Whatever had been hovering there before seemed to be gone.

The bathroom proved to be another area that drew high EMF readings, particularly in the shower; and we discovered that this presence was there one minute and gone the next, popping in and out in a dizzying fashion. We were also informed that objects in the bathroom moved around from place to place, inexplicably, creating an unnerving atmosphere. Instead of spending one long block of time in this area, we would pop in and out throughout our investigation. I have to say that the mirrored walls added an element of creepiness to this room, as you would catch fleeting movments in the mirror that you’d see out of the corner of your eye. Of course, by the time you turned your head to see what it was, it was gone.

Around the small entryway, suspended over an old-fashioned cellar door in the floor leading to the basement, was a string of clothing. The owner informed us that these clothes belonged to her deceased husband, and that she simply couldn’t bring herself to get rid of them. There was not only EMF activity here, but the strange sensation that someone was watching us as we touched the shirts, or moved a hangar. After a few minutes in this area, several people felt the hair on their arms or the back of their neck stand up, or experienced an uncomfortable sensation which manifested as a desire to exit this spot.

Epilogue…As we worked our way through this house, not only did the EMF readings and paranormal sensations unfold before us, but the story of a family and its tragedies unfolded as well. This gave us an intimate look at characters and personalities who lived in this house at one time and who still walk its rooms and hallways, as well as the dynamics of the people still living here, and the long history of former occupants. The owners seemed relieved to share their stories, to watch instruments pick up visual proof of what they’ve known all along, and most importantly…to feel a connection with those they loved.

Getting Into the Swing of Things: Pendulums

I’ve just ordered a bunch of new pendulums, and I’m waiting anxiously for them to get here: opal, cherry quartz, orange faceted cat eye, and a couple really unique pendulums that contain water and floating chakra stones. I also designed a set of five pendulum cards using original photos that I’ll be offering with each pendulum: a card for yes/no/maybe; cards for the alphabet and numbers; the Tree of Life; and the planets. On the back of The Tree of Life card and the planets, you’ll find correspondences printed for the sephiroths and special energies associated with the heavenly bodies. I thought it would be fun dowsing to find out which energies we’re attuned to, as well as which energies we might very well need. I won’t be updating the pendulum page at my website- http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/pendulums.htm – until I receive these items in the mail, including the pendulum cards, which I’m having professionally printed.

The Opal:

I’ve always found opals fascinating, and it’s this stone I’m going to take a closer look at since I’m waiting for opal pendulums: The opal’s energy is both projective (masculine) and receptive (feminine). It’s connected to the energy of all the planets, as well as all four elements. The sacral chakra benefits from the opal’s energy; and the zodiac signs connected to it include Cancer, Leo, Libra, and Sagittarius. The opal’s herb is bay. Its magickal powers include psychism, money, luck, personal power/self-empowerment, astral projection, and beauty. The opal’s holistic therapeutical benefits include re-energizing, as well as stimulation of the intestines and sexual organs– reputedly resulting in stronger orgasms. It is beneficial to women who suffer hormone imbalances due to menopause; purifies the blood and kidneys; regulates insulin; strengthens an individual’s will to live and their feelings of self-worth; and it works as well on infections, fevers, and the memory. It is truly a potent stone.

In researching the opal for this blog post, I was really amazed at what a power stone the opal is reputed to be. It’s considered an excellent choice as a personal power enhancement talisman; draws money and business your way; facilitates change; and cheers on personal progress. One of the most fascinating gifts of the opal is its ability to magnify feelings, helping you to release negativity, and negativity which may even stem from past lives. This is an excellent stone for anyone who finds themselves in an abusive relationship, or is attempting to extricate themselves from such a situation.

Magickally, this stone is believed to help you recall and explore past incarnations; and not only does it take you there, it’s reputed to help you heal from any trauma that you may have experienced. It’s used in spells of invisibility, and in the awesome act of astral projection- wear it for protection while on your astral journeys. If you wish to develop and enhance your psychic abilities, this will be the stone you will use; whether you wear it during divination for this energy, or use it in mojo bags and spells. Finally, the opal will help you find the beauty that is within you, as well as to magickally enhance your outward beauty and charms.

The Witch’s Corner
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com

When did you first know you were a witch?

I knew that there was something ‘different’ about me before I was old enough to know that there was a name for it. One of the earliest magickal experiences that I remember took place when I was about four years old, hidden in the cool shade of a grove of trees on a terraced hillside at my grandmother’s farm.

The day was very hot, but beneath the canopy created by the large grove of trees that covered the hillside, it was very cool; and I squatted on one of the wide terraced ‘steps’, beneath a tree that had small round leaves lining it’s branches. I took hold of one of the small new twigs at the base of the tree; and I slid my hand along it’s length, filling my palm with the cool green leaves.

As my head was bent and I was examining these leaves, I heard a noise. I looked to my right, through the fence lining this edge of the grove, into the world of brilliant hot sunshine, to see a large white cow grazing in the field beside me, only a few feet away.

The wind came then, through the tops of the trees. I froze as I listened to it, the roar starting at the opposite end of the grove and working it’s way through the tree tops towards me, till it was directly overhead. I realized that this wind sounded like voices, voices that seemed to come directly from the trees.

It was then that a realization dawned on me, leaving an indelible print so strong that this memory is still starkly vivid to me fifty years later. It was a realization that I was too young to form into words…but I knew.

This blog post is an excerpt from my online book,
“Natural Magick the Gray Witch Way”

© Amythyst Raine 2011

Other topics covered in this book includes:

How Does Real Magick Work; Forms of Magick; The Mysteries of Magickal Manifestation; Creating Magickal Space; Magickal Supplies; 12 Months of Magick; 7 Days of Magick; Animal Magick; Magick for Love n’ Money; Mojo Magick; Magick Oils, Potions, Powders; Crystal Magick; Candle Magick; Magickal Alphabets & Symbols; Witches’ Bottles; Essential Oils; Kitchen Magick, Good Luck Charms; Questions & Answers; Magickal Substitutions; Terms & Lingo

Imbolc & the In-Laws

This isn’t just a blog about Imbolc, though that’s a large part of it. It’s also a blog about religious intolerance, ignorance, and the repercussions of both. As many of you who might know me are aware, my spiritual path has caused almost a complete severance of ties between my husband and his family, by this I mean his parents, some aunts/uncles, and his four siblings. The straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back came when one of his aunts, (M.), who has been making an effort to connect, called me the other day to chat and wanted to know what the word “Grimoire” meant in the title of my book. I explained this to her, and we went on with our conversation, mostly about her duties and activities in the Lutheran church– I listened politely. The next evening my husband’s uncle (M.’s brother) called. He said: “M. called me the other night. She sure doesn’t think much of your wife. We can’t understand why you married a witch.”

I have to make a couple points here. I find it slightly unnerving and totally Twilight Zone for someone to call and talk to me as though they actually liked me, even ending the conversation with “Love you”, when in fact they don’t. I also find it a very strange experience to be respected and liked by a certain segment of society, and then to walk into a group of people who not only despise me, but may be suspicious and even afraid of me. It’s mind boggling to say the least, and my mind is so spacey anyway, it doesn’t need any extra boggling.

I thought about this situation, and it seems that there are two problems: 1) a lack of information (knowledge). These people know zilch about paganism in any form. They live in a very small rural community, and anything outside their world that is not understood seems to be threatening to them, so they dismiss it with hostility and an Amish type of ‘shunning’; 2) they are extremely intolerant of anything they view as ‘different’, whether it be spiritual practices, or even very personal things like body adornment, clothes, makeup (“You don’t wear black eyeliner do you?”…ummm, Yes!), and we don’t want to go anywhere near the subjects of body alterations like tattooing or piercing.

Thinking about this situation, I took it upon myself to spread some knowledge, hoping that this might turn on a lightbulb somewhere, open a crack to a doorway of understanding, or at at least invite some tolerance into the picture. I’m being optimistic, I know. But I thought I would begin this adventure by writing up a nice letter on Imbolc and sending it along, just as you would letters or cards for any other major mainstream holiday. Whether this will work or not, I have no idea. Here’s the letter I mailed off. I tried to keep it simple. I didn’t want to overwhelm them with too much information at once, just a tidbit to give them a glimpse:

____________________

Happy Imbolc! If you’re not pagan, you may recognize this holiday as ‘Candlemas’ (February 2), a holiday celebrating the purification of the Virgin Mary, according to Jewish law, and a presentation of the infant Jesus in the temple, also according to Jewish law. However, long before Judaism & Christianity arrived on the scene, pagans in the old world celebrated this day as ‘Imbolc’, a celebration of birth and lactation, as their herds of sheep began to grow with the birth of lambs. The celebration of Imbolc is in honor of the Old Woman of winter who is magickally reborn as the Young Maiden of spring.

This was also a festival to celebrate the Celtic goddess Bride, a goddess of fire/flame, poetry, craftsmanship, and healing. This goddess is invoked when survival is an issue, whether physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual. When the Roman church invaded the British Isles, they discovered that the people’s devotion to Bride was so strong it could not be eradicated. To solve this dilemma, the Roman Catholic Church renamed the Celtic goddess ‘Brighid’ and made her a saint.

The following is a list of corresponding herbs, flowers, animals, feast foods, etc., that are used in the festivals of Imbolc for symbology, as decorations, and for the magick performed at this time:

Herbs: basil, bay, celandine, benzoic
Altar Flowers/Herbs: angelica, myrrh, flowers that are yellow/white/or blue
Feast Foods: bread, cakes, dairy products, seeds
Animals: burrowing animals, ewes, deer, goats, lambs
Incense: jasmine, myrrh, neroli
Rituals/Spells: candle magick, initiation, hearth/home blessings, fertility magick, healing magick, cleansing rituals

Pagans today celebrate the Wheel of the Year, eight sabbats (holidays) which recognize and acknowledge the changing of seasons, the earth, and nature. This celebration of and homage to the natural world, and the practices that accompany this spiritual path, is called “Witchcraft”.

For more information, including videos, go to:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/wheeloftheyear.htm

Every religious group, while perhaps a majority somewhere, is also inevitably a minority somewhere else. Thus, religious organizations & individuals should and do show tolerance toward members of other religious denominations.

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/

 

The Psychic Tarot Oracle Deck by John Holland

I collect tarot decks, and I have about fifty as I write this. Of all the tarot decks I collect, I only have a handful of oracle decks, and these are purchased because I love the artwork or the intuitive inspiration and intentions behind them; but I never use them for readings. This deck, The Psychic Tarot Oracle Deck, is different.

This deck is divided into six sections, and one reason it’s so desirable and easy to use for readings is that the creator kept the essence of the twenty-two major arcana cards found in a traditional tarot deck.

There is a color-coding to the six sections of this deck. The colored borders include: black, for the major arcana and the seven chakra cards. The thirty-six minor arcana cards include: red for the physical aspect of life; green for emotions; indigo to clarify the mental aspects; and violet for the spiritual side of life.

The artwork is brilliant, bold, and beautiful; and it lends itself extraordinarily well to the energy of each card. The book which accompanies this deck is very thorough. There’s much more to it than those small white pamphlets included with most decks; this is more like a mini-book. It not only covers an in-depth look at each card, but also covers numerology; color interpretation; a section on psychic development, including clairsentience, clairaudience, and clairvoyance; tarot spreads; and symbols & images.

To purchase The Psychic Tarot Oracle Deck, click Here

Healing & Prosperity: A Crystal Grid

To begin the new year, I felt that a crystal grid to promote energy for good health and prosperity was in order. I sat this grid up on the kitchen table, along with four tea candles, and we wallowed in new-age health and prosperity energy till we were up to our eyeballs in it. If you’d like to follow suit and bring this energy into your space, into your life, and into manifestation, here’s what I used and how I did it:

My center stone is a large selenite crystal used as the energy generator, or battery, for this grid. Selenite is the one crystal that supposedly never needs to be cleansed. It’s energy is pure and constantly moving- this is a high vibrational stone; this makes selenite the perfect battery for any of the crystal grids you decide to create.

Selenite: Planet/Moon; zodiac sign/Gemini; chakra/third eye; energy/receptive or feminine; element/Water. Magickally speaking: selenite induces clarity of thought and perception, it ignites a higher consciousness that allows access to energies found on other planes. This crystal also anchors the lighter ethereal side of our being to the slower heavier vibration of earth, of matter. Selenite is a powerful crystal and can be used for scrying the past, present, future. Selenite stabilizes erratic emotional energy and connects the conscious part of our mind to the sub-conscious, allowing for clear thoughts and unexpected revelations. This beautiful crystal is also an excellent provider of protection, bringing peace and security into your home.

The stones situated evenly around the selenite crystal, the inner ring, include eight stones: four blue lace agates, two aventurines, and two bloodstone.

Blue Lace Agate: Planet/Mercury; zodiac sign/Gemini; chakra/third eye; energy/receptive or feminine; element/Water. Magickally speaking: This is a serene stone conducive to relaxation and destressing. Blue lace agate promotes a peaceful atmosphere within a space and among individuals who inhabit this space. This is the primary stone I use for healing the body, mind, and spirit. Holistically speaking: The blue agate stabilizes the aura, transforms negative energy, and is conducive to healing any problems with the digestive system, including the stomach; the eyes, uterus, lymphatic system, pancreas, and skin.

Aventurine: Planet/Mercury; zodiac sign/Aries; chakra/heart; energy/projective or masculine; element/Air. Magically speaking: aventurine is used to manifest spells of prosperity and is used as a lucky talisman by gamblers. It is considered an all around good luck stone. Holistically speaking: green aventurine is used to treat malignant maladies; disorders of the heart; blood-pressure; cholesterol; metabolism; allergies; migraines and eye strain; sinus infections; and issues with the lungs and urogenital systems. Aventurine enhances intelligence and increases creativity. It’s a very calming stone and also lends itself to promoting peace and releasing stress.

Bloodstone: Planet/Mars; zodiac sign/Aries, Libra, Pisces; chakra/heart, cleanses & realigns the lower chakras; energy/projective or masculine; element/Fire. Magickally speaking: In ancient Babylon this stone was believed to have the power to overthrow enemies. Bloodstone is used in magickal spells for legal, business, and financial matters; for invisibility spells; and for spells promoting personal protection, including issues of banishing negative influences and healing any wounds in the ancestral line. Holistically speaking: The most potent thing bloodstone is used for is to halt bleeding; issues with the blood and the circulatory system; miscarriages; health issues with the liver, intestines, kidney, and spleen; infections; and fevers. Bloodstone is considered a general health enhancing talisman.

The outside ring of crystals is made up entirely of clear quartz crystal points. Five of these were rough unfinished crystals, and three of them were very small polished quartz crystal points. The purpose of these crystal points is to keep the energy moving, to raise the power level of your grid, basically- to keep the magick flowing smoothly in a positive direction. They are placed with the points all headed in the same direction, and in a direction that suggests a clockwise movement.

Clear Quartz Crystal: Planet/Moon & Sun; zodiac sign/All of them; chakra/harmonizes all the chakras & aligns the aura; energy/projective & receptive, or both masculine & feminine; element/Fire & Water. Magickally speaking: clear quartz crystal is used in spells to enhance power; for weather magic- to bring rain; it’s used in the creation of magic wands for shamans, esteemed in the Native American traditions for its power; and is connected to the Goddess and full moon rituals by some Wiccan traditions. It is symbolic of spirit and the divine, and it is a wildly popular new-age stone. Holistically speaking: Clear quartz crystal is considered a tremendously powerful energy generator; it’s believed to generate electromagnetism and to dispel static electricity; it regulates energy; heals karmic wounds; and is considered a master healer that covers almost any condition.

I used a medium-sized polished clear quartz crystal to activate this crystal grid. Below is a link to one of my videos, in which I explain how this is done:

A Crystal Grid

Book Release Date

 

 With “The Gray Witch’s Grimoire” you can empower yourself through ancient mysteries, secret rites, and magickal spells that leave the world of the mundane behind and nurture the wise-woman in us all.

Book Release!
May 25, 2012

US $19.95/UK £11.99

Moon Books
John Hunt Publishing 

(Links & purchasing information will be posted
as soon as it is made available.)

 

The Queens’ Magick

The four court cards for the Queens, found in the tarot deck, carries the energy of the four elements: Earth– the Queen of Pentacles, Air– the Queen of Swords, Fire– the Queen of Wands, and Water– the Queen of Cups. I’ve developed four magickal oils that carry the essence of each of these Queens, and I’m posting spells here to use in conjuntion with 1) the tarot card connected to each Queen, 2) the oil created for each Queen, and sometimes a candle for each Queen in the color correspondence to her element: Queen of Pentacles- green (Earth); Queen of Swords- yellow (Air); Queen of Wands- red (Fire); Queen of Cups- blue (Water)

The magick for the Queen of Pentacles will weigh heavy and is grounded to the energy of the elemental realm of Earth, as well as to the physical realm of manifestation, and it is manifestation that this Queen will bring to our spells.

Spell:

To Manifest Your Desire

We’re talking about a physical manifestation of something that you want, whether it be money; a new house; a better car; or some other physical item you long to have. We’re also talking about manifestation of something you want, but something that is not made of molecules and atoms, whether it be a new job; success with an endeavor; a dream vacation; or something else that is very real, yet not an actual physical object.

Correspondences for Manifestation Spell:

Day: Thursday
Planet: Jupiter
Moon Phase: waxing to full
Colors: Earth/green; Jupiter/purple
Oil: Queen of Pentacles Oil
Herbs: Earth- (included in the oil);
Jupiter- cloves, sage, star anise
Stones: malachite, mystic topaz, peridot
Incense: patchouli

Other items:

1. an image of your desire,
or a written explanation of your desire
2. a green candle
3. a fireproof container

The Method:

Gather all the necessary items together for this spell, including an image of what you’re going to manifest, or a piece of paper upon which you’ve described exactly what it is you’re going to manifest. It’s recommended that magick be cast within a sacred space, but this is not a written rule. If you’re not comfortable casting a circle, at least sprinkle a little salted water around your work area, or smudge the area with sage or an incense of your choice.

1. place the fireproof container in the center of your space or altar
2. dress the candle with the Queen of Pentacles oil & place it in the container
3. sprinkle the herbs for Jupiter around the candle in the container
4. place the stones on your altar, arranging them around the container
5. light the candle & your incense
6. hold the image or the paper in your hand; close your eyes and still your mind- ground & center; as you’re holding this object in your hands, envision it in your mind, envision it in your mind until it is as real as it would be if you were looking at it, envision it in your mind until it is as real as it would be if you were experiencing it.
7. open your eyes & immediately touch the paper to the candle flame; drop it into the fireproof container with the candle and allow everything to burn down.
8. once everything has cooled down, bury the candle wax and ashes from this spell in the earth upon your property

The magick for the Queen of Swords is often intangible, moving through the mediums of thought and communication. She is connected to the elemental realm of Air, and it’s her magick that touches us with a spark of creativity, mental fortitude, self-expression and communication.

Spells for Communication, Messages, & Ideas

1. Talk to Me

When communication between you and someone within your circle has either petered out for no apparent reason, or stopped abruptly due to disagreements and a falling out, it’s important to get that communication flowing as soon as possible to repair the relationship and reaffirm your bond. There’s a very easy way to do this:

Take a dab of Queen of Swords oil on the pointer finger of your dominant hand and anoint the bottom of a water glass, moving your finger in a clockwise circle- round and round and round she goes.

Fill this glass with a beverage of choice and serve it to the person you are trying to re-establish communication with. The flow of conversation usually begins before the glass is empty.

2. Magickal Messages

If there’s someone you wish to get a message to, there’s a magickal way to do this. When all other avenues have failed, either because communication is being deliberately blocked, or they are just not listening, write down exactly what it is you have been trying to tell them. Anoint this paper with Queen of Swords oil and tie it outdoors, somewhere where the wind will catch it, preferrably in a tree, but a fence-post or a porch rail will work too.

3. Ignite Your Muse

If you are involved in a creative venture and get stuck for ideas and inspiration, anoint a clear quartz crystal point with Queen of Swords oil, place it in a small pouch and sleep with it beneath your pillow. You will wake the next morning filled with inspiration in the form of dreams, ideas, and images.

The Queen of Wands, connected to the elemental realm of Fire, rules magick of fiery unbridled passion with intensitiy of purpose and a ruthless pursuit of justice. It is her magick that will add swiftness to your spells, giving them focus and accuracy, and the Queen of Wands oil can be added to any spell crafting for this purpose.

Spells for Passion & Justice

1. Light the Fire

…and this is exactly what you’re going to do, literally. You can do this several ways. You can either do it in a big way and light an outdoor bonfire, or a quaint and cozy fireplace fire, or you can even start a very small flame in your cast iron cauldron or some other small and very fireproof container. (Let me re-emphasize the words “very fireproof”.)

At least three pieces of the wood or sticks that you add to this fire will be anointed with Queen of Wands oil.

When you get your fire going sufficiently, write down on a piece of paper just exactly what aspect of your life needs more passion or energy, or exactly whom it is you wish to ignite passion with. Touch this paper to your lips, and throw it into the flames.

2. Sweet Justice

If you are confronted in life with a situation that wreaks of unfairness, predjudice, or underhandedness, make a mojo bag aligned with magickal energy to right a wrong, a mojo bag to bring justice.

To this bag add:

1. a stone of apache tear,
anointed with Queen of Wands oil
2. three thorns from a flowering bush
3. a cat’s claw, if you have it
4. a small slip of paper on which you’ve written
the name(s) of those you believe to be unfair

After all of these ingredients have been added to the mojo bag, spit in the bag and tie it shut. Keep the bag in a safe and secret spot.

Magick connected to the Queen of Cups will be the most elusive and illusionary of all. Connected to the elemental realm of Water, this Queen’s energy will rule your dreams and visions, throwing open the door to magickal realms, infinite possiblities, and emotions.

Spells for spirituality & intuition

1. Spirit Guide Speak

If you wish to connect with your Spirit Guide, if you wish to receive a message of wisdom, insight, spirituality and secret knowledge, you’re going to create a mojo bag that you will place beneath your pillow. Every night, for seven nights in a row, you will sleep with this bag beneath your pillow. Every morning, you will jot down in a small notebook any dreams,unusual thoughts, or visions that came to you on the previous night. On the morning of the eighth day, you will wake- and you will have the wisdom, inspiration, direction, or knowledge that you seek.

To create a mojo bag to call your Spirit Guide, add the following items to a small blue or white bag:

1. a stone of moonstone or rose quartz,
anointed with Queen of Cups oil
2. a pinch of mugwort
3. a marigold blossom
4. a talisman for the goddess- such as a Virgin Mary pendent,
or a pendent connected to a pagan deity

2. Third Eye Sight

To help you open your Third Eye chakra, and thus increase your psychic ability, anoint a blue candle with Queen of Cups oil, roll it in crushed mugwort, set it in a fireproof container, and light it.

As the candle burns, take a dab of Queen of Cups oil on the pointer finger of your dominant hand, and touch it to your third eye.

After the candle has burned itself out, fill a crystal bowl half-full of water, adding the remains of the candle and ashes, and set it outdoors where it will catch the moonlight.

The Queen’s Oils
click Here

Tarot images used:
The Gilded Tarot
click Here

A Book Review/Author Interview: by Dana Wright

Dana Wright did a review of my book, “Tarot: A Witch’s Journey”, which includes a book give-away, and an author interview.  Here’s a link:

http://onthebroomstick.blogspot.com/2011/12/visit-with-amythyst-raine-giveaway.html

 

New Year’s Eve: Ameristar Casino

This is a reminder that I’ll be giving Live In-House Tarot Readings at the Ameristar Casino, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Saturday, December 31,
6:30pm-12:30am

These readings are *Free*…courtesy of Ameristar. 

Happy New Year!

Salt Crystal Lamps

We had a fun holiday season at our house. Exchanging gifts is always interesting with a large family, and especially now that some of the kids are grown-up and everyone loves giving gifts to each other. The exchanges ranged from such mundane items as electric roasters and pots and pan sets, to ‘fantasy’ high heels and three DVD seasons of “Medium”…bathrobes, bubble baths, crazy caps, books, clothes and novelty items, including a giant can of chocolate pudding and a giant can of tapioca!

One of the items that I received was a “Salt Crystal Lamp” from one of my lovely daughters.

I’m blogging today with photos of this lamp and more information on salt crystal lamps:

[QUOTE]“Salt crystal lamps are air-cleansing, energizing, healing, luminizing, relaxing, soothing, beautiful and unique! They work as a dehumidifier absorbing dust, smoke, odors, pollution, allergies, computer radiation, and more…

For ages humans have known about the positive force of salt and its uses for cleansing as well as the neutralizing effect on our health. With salt crystal lamps you bring positive characteristics and a piece of nature into your living area. Natural crystal salt lamps give you energy with their warm luminating glow. These crystals are 250 million years old. Each crystal has a different form and color and give a health-promoting effect both by their ionization and with their color.

Ionization: Air is electrically charged, i.e. there is a certain relation of positive (+) and negative (-) particles. these particles become either plus ions or minus ions. Science indicates minus ions are beneficial for our health. We spend much of our lives in closed places where positive ions, such as air conditioners, computers, televisions, smoke, and insufficient ventilation, are prevalent. The imbalance of ions has an unfavorable effect on our health. In order to achieve a balanced ion relation, room air can be enriched with minus ions. Salt crystal lamps represent a source of free negative ions in the material composition. The effect is amplified by warming the crystal with the help of a bulb.

Color: The pleasant light from the natural color is good for our mental and emotional condition. The orange color promotes cheerfulness, creativity, relaxation, and joy for life. White light supports concentration by giving you a clear head. because of their blend of colors, salt crystal lamps are ideal for harmonizing living and work spaces. They are ideal as night lights and as meditation lamps.

Salt: Long ago our ancestors recognized the life-giving and healing properties of sea salt that provided the vital connective forces and elements of nature. Salt is one element of transmutation in all of nature’s substances that enables man to walk erect, gain intelligence, and remain free. Salt is gathered with great care every day. The cosmetic origin of salt , which connects us to our cradle of life– the ocean, has important significance and the custom was to give or exchange salt when meeting new people. The connection of salt and water represents a connection of Heaven and Earth.”

New Year’s Eve: Live In-House Readings!

Reminder… Live In-house Readings:  This Saturday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve), 6:30pm-12:30am, I’ll be giving tarot readings at the Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

These readings are ‘Free’…compliments of Ameristar!

http://www.ameristar.com/Council_Bluffs.aspx

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Amythyst Raine is available to do live in-house readings at your party, book store, shop, or corporate event in the Omaha/metro area. Follow this url for more info: http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/tarotreadings.htm