My heart whispers...

Just saw Avatar again *sigh* such a good movie! Incredibly inspiring and hopeful, even now (this is the third time I've seen it. ^_^; ).

I am taking an idea from Deep Inside my Broomcloset; the idea is to choose a word for yourself for the coming year. This is to be your 'theme' as it were for the new year. Originally I was thinking Inspire, but its just not quite right. I'm very creative and I get inspired a lot--its more the theme for the year before last. This past year's is Maintain (or Perservere, or Struggle...). This coming year's is a word that is very dear to my heart at the moment~

Hope

This is the word that picks me up when I fall. This is the word that incites me to keep going. This is the word that reminds me that there is always another hill when you come up out of the valley, that whispers soothingly that happiness is there if you only open your eyes to look. This is my word. Right now this is me.

Merry Christmas All!

I know, its a day late. I slept in, took care of the neighbor's cat, and visited a friend before heading out to family about 2 hours drive north. (You can tell I live in the midwest can't you? Distance is measured in hours!) I got a decent haul...it took me a long time to realize how well-off my family is. The guy and I got a nice toaster-convection oven, a blender/grinder, a REALLY nice wine kit, and a dining room table/chairs set, as well as a card table/chairs set and several other little things. I really appreciate the table and chairs, we haven't had a place to sit besides the futon since we moved in! >.<

Holidays like Christmas are some of the few times I allow my family to help me out money-wise. I became determined in my freshman year of college that once I got my degree I was making my own way, and it hasn't been easy. Coming from an upper-middleclass family I took a lot for granted growing up, and the prospect of being on my own terrified me. Sure I could ask my parents for money when I'm in a pinch, but I refuse to now. I need to learn these lessons in life, learn what it's like to not know where my next meal is coming from. Am I crazy? Probably. But I want to learn to actually appreciate what I have in my life, not take it for granted that I live in a nice apartment with a wonderful man.

Wow, that got a lot darker than I intended it to...so...
Side note! I found I great 'pagan traditions selector' over at gypsy magic! Turns out I'm a Celtic Reconstructionist with a strong vein of Old English Heathenry...doesn't sound like me at all, does it? :-P


More Free SelectSmart.com Widgets

Happy Yule

I would write more but this is an incredibly sleepy Leathra who knows she has to get up early tomorrow. We had a short'n'sweet ritual, did a past life regression for shits'n'giggles, then went on a walk in our little winter wonderland here to ground. No way I can keep vigil all night...sorry sun, ya've been doin' alright without me for the past...dunno...several millenia? I'll get up before the sun tomorrow and light a candle for you as I watch you rise. Hope everyone had a wonderful Yule

P.S.--if you are pagan or would like to feel better about life, watch James Cameron's Avatar.

P.P.S.--if the P.S. message didn't make much sense, read the previous post. Then see the movie and post about it on your blog to spread the word.

I See You: A Call

Hello my pagan dearlings: I would like to share something with you.
I have just returned from a movie that was exactly what many of us need in our lives right now: a message of hope.

The movie that I saw was James Cameron's Avatar.

You may have heard mentions, you may even know the basic plotline. Those spiffy movie-goers out there who do their research will know that the major critique for it is that it is "Dances with Wolves", but with aliens instead of Indians. Well, that is entirely true--but it is so much more.

Imagine if the makers of "Dances with Wolves" had put the spirituality aspect under a magnifying glass...then imagine that the spirituality aspect was scientifically verifiable. That would be a bit closer to what you get.

The white-skinned dicks have done it again--they're raping another indiginous people. This just happens to be another planet we're attempting to colonize. No, not even colonize: we just want to rape Mother Pandora (the name of the planet--yeah, I love it too. XD), strip her bare and mine the life out of her. This is headed by the businessmen, the corporations back on earth. No mother there--by this point in human evolution humans have killed their planet.

My dear ones, my heart aches because I cannot explain in detail just why this movie is so wonderful--it would ruin the anticipation. But I support this movie. I support it so much that I will see it again, and again after that. Many of you know I'm really hurting for money--but I will scrape what I can together just to experience this again. It is entirely beautiful.

The movie does show a bit of ignorance...in trying to make the corporation understand the lead scientist exclaims "This isn't some pagan voudoo bullshit, this is real!" lol.

I support this movie. To James Cameron, to everyone who helped bring this movie into realization, and most especially to the playwrite(s): Thank you. May the Gods grant you Their brightest blessings.

Awesome Rune Giveaway...Take Two!!

Remember that absolutely fantastic rune set I posted about back in November? The Willow Set from Mother Moon's Message?

Well....she's giving away another set!!!!!!! XD As she promised back in November, she donated a set to the Wiccamom's 31 Days of Yule (see sidebar). You can only enter through Friday the 18th at approximately 9 pm.

If you're a rune reader or want to pick it up, hurry on over there! This is truly an amazing set, but it won't last long!

Cookie Frustrations

Hey all. I'm grumbling about an absolutely fantastic recipe that is being stubborn with me. The cookie recipe in question is Domestic Witch's Death by Chocolate balls (http://domesticwitch.blogspot.com/2009/12/death-by-chocolate-balls.html) I've made everything successfully--up until the point that I dip them in chocolate. I have white chocolate, and well--it doesn't really melt. It does for a very short period of time and then becomes like chalk. I've even added vegetable shortening to liquify it--gratuitous amounts--still no dice. My balls are looking pretty sad indeed...

(Tee-hee! Okay, I couldn't help myself... He's got big balls, and she's got big balls, but we've got the biggest balls of them all!)

I lost a follower?

*Puzzled* I have gone from 36 to 35 followers. Yes, I'm a dork, I do check out who follows me. Every time I get a new follower I make sure to check their blog(s), if they have any and if they're not blocked. Blocked blogs make me sad. :(

In any case, this puzzling loss has me wondering--why? Not that I'm being conceited, but I want to know what, if anything, I've done wrong. Have I been offending people? I try to be mindfull of all walks of life and strive to avoid offending. Granted I will speak my mind openly, but with consideration.

I suppose what I should really ask is what can I do to improve? My life has been quite...drained recently what with learning to work 40 hrs and I haven't been crafting as much as a result, but I do have a pattern I will be posting when I get the chance as well as some crafts I'm making for friends and family. Unfortunately I won't be able to post those until after yule/christmas, as I don't know who of my friends actually reads my blog.

Perhaps I'm not being...magickal enough? I no longer do a rune of the day 1) because I've gone through the runes and 2) because I just don't have the time anymore. Instead I'm trying to do a tarot card of the week. I don't really know the tarot as I do the runes. Is this a drawback? I am attempting to learn the tarot cards as I post them, and as such will not have as much insight or remembered trivia.

Frankly, while I greatly appreciate all feedback and will take it into consideration, I will continue to do things here as I see fit. That doesn't mean that I will continue unchanged, but rather I will pick what advice I choose to follow. As much as I love all of my followers, this blog comes from my soul and will never grow into anything that does not reflect that.

*sigh* It seems I'm living up to my 'name' yet again--being a dramaqueen. My initials spell HAM, and I have been hamming it up since I was very young. I apologize if I'm making this all way too big of a deal. Mountain out of a molehill? Possibly. I still want to know if I did something to chase people away. It will keep nagging at me, unfortunately. This isn't a popularity contest--I'm honestly concerned. What do you all think? Negatives? Positives? Don't spare my feelings. I look forward to hearing feedback!

Tarot Card of the Week

This week's Tarot Card is #8: 'Poetical Justice' (Fiorheart Macha). This card is normally found as just Justice, but as stated before I have a unique deck.

"Karmic Destiny; Divine compassion is required to endure the trials and tribulations in which you may find yourself involved; the trinity holds the scales of justice--the power to control the end result is not within your hands; give birth to new pathways; deliver that which is just and fair, being mindful of the law of love."

What a lovely card for the week. This is an admonishment to me, saying that yes its a rat's race and if you want to have a place to live you've got to run it. Beggars can't be choosers. *sigh* I was bitching last night that while I like the people and the place I hate the actual work. Jobs are so tight though that I'll take what I can get--even if I have to temporarily turn of a good part of myself to function. Lovely, card. Just lovely.

Death and Dying...

The meeting went alright. Not spectacular. I got there...and I was the only one. The person who is usually the LAST ONE to meeting was there second. When my guy came up he said he knew of three cancellations. Granted, the weather wasn't the best...but it wasn't nearly icy enough to cause people to not come. It's DECEMBER people, what are you going to cloister for the entire month and beyond?? Guess what--winter has ice. GAH!!!!!! I'm fucking pissed off. This was a topic that meant a LOT to the member who requested it because her grandfather recently died, and this is what people do to her? Because it MIGHT be icy enough to skid on but isn't actually if they just went out and fucking checked?? I am so PISSED OFF!!!

...rant aside. A couple more people did show up--we had a grand total of six. So we were able to hold the meeting, but barely. Our token catholic can't seem to stay on topic and doesn't pause long enough to take a breath, so without multiple people to interrupt it was very difficult to actually say something about how we as pagans feel about death and dying. We did get to say a bit...but not enough. Not enough at all....

Meeting tonight.

Tonight is another meeting of pagans in touch, and as the discussion organizer we have a rather sobering topic: Death and Dying. Its a topic I can carry on at length with, and it was requested by members of the group. At the same time I'm not sure I should have made it the topic for Yule...well, no changing it now. I shall give you a review either after the meeting or tomorrow.

I'm also going to a friend's graduation party as well as going to see Zombieland at our dollar theatre before the meeting. I'll talk to y'all later!

Oh...!

Such an amazing giveaway! The giveaway I am referring to of course is of the adorable little Dragon pin over on The Soccer Mom's Guide to Wicca! Hurry hurry, go check it out! So cute! *sigh* and something else I'll have to save money up for...
http://wiccamoms.com/?p=1856&cpage=1#comment-2229

Tag! I'm it!

And while I normally disagree with chainmail type things, this masquerades as holiday fun so I let it slip on past the radar

Want to play along?

Copy and paste the questions into your blog,

•Then tag 5 or more of your favorite blogs, and leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged.

•When you post on your blog, please spread some Christmas Cheer, and leave a link back to Heather's blog and the blog that you were tagged by.
Well then: http://toptenchristmasblog.com/
http://thedomesticwitch.blogspot.com/

Heather would like any blogger to participate in this game, even if you have not been tagged She will go back and add your blog link to the list if you wanna play along.

Survey says....

1. Have you started your Christmas shopping?
Umm...I guess? I shopped for baking ingredients...but as I have been participating in Domestic Witch's Home 'Crafted Holidays you can see that I am making my gifts this year and have had most of the ingredients needed for some time.

2. Tell me about one of your special traditions.
Wow...I think I have better Halloween traditions than Christmas traditions. Umm...aside from leaving cookies and milk out for Santa I can't really think of any special traditions. Decorating the tree is also big, as well as making cookies, but there are always moderate levels of stress intrinsicly tied into these traditions. Ah...yeah. Not sure.

3. When do you put up your tree?
When I can?

4. Are you a Black Friday shopper?
Nuh-uh. No way Jose. Store shopping is really stressful to begin with--and tons of people getting rabid over their items? Not good for an empath, even with slight abilities.

5. Do you travel at Christmas or stay home?
Both. The first half of the day (at least while I still lived at home) we opened presents from mum+dad and from Santa. Noon we left to arrive at whichever relative's house it was that year by one. Of course there was a lot of stress inherent in the getting ready (dressing up in our sunday's finest) getting the car loaded and heading out on time...rushing the said relative's house to sit bored for a few hours until presents. There wasn't anyone my age on dad's side of the family, which meant I got to sit staring out the window until something interesting happened. This year...I'm not sure what I'll do.

6. What is your funniest Christmas memory?
...err. Funny doesn't come to mind with Christmas. Stress and embarrasment, yes. Hmm...maybe that's why I go Christmas crazy now I have my own place? I'm trying to make it fun...(off to pick my own brain)

7. What is your favorite Christmas movie of All time?
Home Alone and Home Alone II...and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reigndeer... OH!! The Life & Adventures of Santa Clause!!!! That one, definitely. I like the claymation 1985 one as well as the newer cartoon remake. Both favorites! ...not really surprising seeing as I'm pagan, huh?

8. Do you do your own Christmas baking and what’s your favorite treat?
Yes. It's a tradition. I guess I don't really have a favorite though...does it have chocolate? Then its good in my book. White chocolate-covered pretzels I suppose....

9. Fake or Real Tree?
Real. It has to be fake this year, but nothing beats finding the perfect tree (white pine preferred--it has long soft needles and a great pine-y smell) and getting it all set up.

10. What day does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
HA! Err...*ahem*...when do the preparations for Christmas start?

11. Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
Not usually...my parents got on my case long before that point.

12. What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
Mmm...I suppose getting the tree is the best part. Actual Christmas?...the presents?

13. What Christmas craft do you like the best?
....craft? Frak, I'm supposed to be the crafty witch...but outside of elementary school we never did Christmas crafts! >.< Well...what I would like to do is when I have a house of my own I would like a pine tree outside that I decorate with strung cranberries/popcorn as well as pinecone birdfeeders. All natural and fun!

14. Christmas music? Yes or No, and if yes, what is your favorite song?
Yes. I don't think I have a favorite song though...I just like the genre.

15. When do you plan to finish all your shopping?
I did a while back? Oh! CRAP! I can't say that, I've still got the guy's gift to get! (and I'm not saying where I'm getting it as he might read this)

This is normally the part where I tag other people...but I really hate obligating other people like that. SO...I'm leaving it on a first-come first-serve basis. Do you want to be tagged? Leave me a comment. First five will be tagged by yours truly! ((Oh...jtarwin, I'm totally poking you to get tagged. Backwards? Yes I know, but that's part of the fun.))

Pagans take another step up

I heard about this from Pagan Culture, and it is absolutely awesome!  Here are some articles, check out how pagans have some more equal footing.

 

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/civil-religion/general/2009/12/obama-administration-reps-meet-with-many-faiths-at-pwr/

 

http://wildhunt.org/blog/2009/12/obama-administration-officials-meet-with-patrick-mccollum.html

 

I forgot!

Gah!  I forgot to do a Tarot Card of the Week!!  I'm sorry everyone!  I will do one tonight when I get home.

 

Perhaps I should pick a card Sunday night instead of Monday morning...?

Giveaway Alert!!

Mother Moon's Message is having an absolutely wonderful giveaway!!!

....and I have to keep myself from repeating everything she has listed...so I would recommend going over to her blog. http://mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com/2009/12/december-giveaway-few-of-my-favorite.html

But really, it's like the giveaway made in...heaven? The summerlands?...in any case its ideal. I am a huge shawl nut...and I've been trying to get a bird feeder up for forever. And I adore tea. And...have I mentioned its perfect? I mean PERFECT.

Go see it for yourself. Seriously. The power of awesomeness compels you!!!

Deep Breath...

...and go to sleep. I know I have to go to work again tomorrow...I know I have to wake up very early. I know there's a chance the heating system in my car won't work when I turn it on. I know I don't really have enough money to buy gas. But take a Deep Breath...

...and relax. Calm your mind. Open yourself to the world around you. Let yourself be lulled to sleep by a lullaby echoing from childhood. Listen to the silence as it sings of the now, of the was, of the could be. Feel the warmth slowly envelope you, surround you, inundate you. Take a Deep Breath...

1...2...3...

1...

2...

3...

1...... 2...........

The Recruitment Begins!!!

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!

I have successfully recruited a good friend of mine to Submit! and create a pagan/writing/whatever-the-hell-he-feels-like-at-the-moment blog!!!

My dastardly plan to induct my pagan friends into the Blogosphere is working! Working I tell you! Bwahahaha!!

...Yes, I have had quite a bit of sugar. As he has literally just posted his first post and doesn't even have a button yet, here is his blog:
http://thewritingshaman.blogspot.com/

Uh Oh...

Illness and Fatigue besiege the Halls of our Home. Dreary eyes fall shut whilst the time calls us to task...

Yeah, I'm in a more poetic mood. I've got a migraine while the boy's got a nasty hacking cough. There's no way I'm calling in sick to work, so hopefully the Excedrin kicks in. I"ll check back later, make sure the boy's doing okay. Chat at y'all later.

Does anyone have...

A decent source on Norse Mythology? Preferably a free decent source? Internet sites work find, or if you think there's a book a library is likely to have...
I've had an increasing connection to the Norse gods ever since I picked up the runes, especially Freya. Now I have an odd fascination with Odin all of a sudden, like a call. Its particularly unusual that I'm hearing a call from a God...I hear Goddesses quite often, but the only God I've ever gotten close to is Cernunnos. I'm determined to do my research, and was hoping to get a few nudges in a good direction before diving in headfirst.

I know I know, I'm a horrible pagan for practicing runes and not knowing their roots. I do know the basics, but perhaps not as much as I should. As I've said before, I'm a Celtic girl. Ogham doesn't appeal to me though, and runes do. The two traditions coexisted at least, though I'm not one to listen when I'm told what I can and can't believe. That's one of the reasons I'm no longer Christian. *sigh* I'm going to stop that rant before it gets started.

In any case, any tips and feedback you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

The Oddities of Unintentional Magick...

I'm sure most pagans have done this before... the 'accidental' magick that happens when you really want something or are really worrying about something.  Its not like you're conciously casting, but suddenly you feel your magick tingle when you find out that what you were wanting happened anyway. 

Well, that just happened to me
For the past three work days I have been helping with opening the mail instead of the normal bankruptcy stuff.  This makes me realize how much I appreciate my normal routine.  When opening mail, half of the time there are letters that say, for example
This isn't my account, why am I getting billed for this?
I cancelled that account three years ago!
I already closed that debt with the original company!
I'm on a fixed income, and it isn't even my debt!

Those are the civil, if worried or anguished, ones.  There are ones where you can feel the anger and hatred radiating from the envelope while its still in the stack.  I've had to do some major grounding and cleansing continuously throughout the day.  Makes sense why I don't like opening mail, hm?

Today is the last day of the month, and as such it is supposed to be an abnormally large amount of mail to sift through to the point where we pulled people from other departments to help.
We were done sorting mail two hours ago.  Oops.  ^_^;;

Now, some people will say "That's just a coincidence."  If there's one thing I've learned, its that there's no such thing as coincidence.  Feel free to doubt...I am certain, however.  Now I'm just hoping that I'll end up back on bankruptcy for the rest of the day...or other odd jobs.  I don't want to get sent home though.


Edit: My afternoon was fantastic! I spent the whole time decorating the office for Christmas. ^_^ It was a much happier day than it usually is. If this is karma coming back...it was a lot better than I expected!

Tarot Card of the Week

Well...I have a unique deck, the Faery Wicca Tarot deck. It has five cards that are unique to it. Go figure that one of those cards pops up as tarot card of the week.

The Holy Stone
"The Apprentices. Connected to the now, the Faery-Faith, and the Faery Allies. If the Holy Stone card is pulled, your journey will begin you apprenticeship in our world."

Not much of a description. And shouldn't Holy be spelled Holey? No matter. In this case it is forecasting more talk of my potentially becoming a full-time employee in my current temp job. Potentially being confirmed as hired? That would be nice. Anyhoo, leave comments, critiques, what have you. I"m a bit uncertain of my ability here.

Why oh why...

One of the things I have been looking for recently is a lovely Tea for One set...you know, the sort where the teapot sits in the teacup? I would like one for work...right now I have a thermal mug, and while its nice for camping, this Libran heart yearns for something a bit...lovelier. Hence my search for a tea for one set that I really liked. I've found a few, but all the ones I like are around $40 unshipped. Then I found it. The perfect, and I mean perfect set for me for work.

Its even a much more reasonable price...$25 unshipped? That's fifteen dollars less, which is wonderful. It has a big selling point that I wasn't able to find anywhere else--the handles of each half are shaped to form a more unified whole handle. AND...its Celtic Knots. *swoon* I don't know about anyone else out there, but Celtic Knots are the thing of my dreams. I am induced to stare at them in rapture whenever I see them. I *love* Celtic Knots. One of the many many many reasons I know I am a Celtic Girl.

*sigh*
...Its still out of my price range. I'm still in the process of picking myself back up, and I'm not on my feet yet. So I'm willing to put up with thermal mug for now...but one day...one day that beautiful set will be mine.

The Remaining Runes

Well...goodness! I hadn't realized just how many of these were left! I am determined however to summarize these and move on to a tarot card of the week, so be prepared for an explanation of the remaining six runes.

Jera

Jera is the Rune of the harvest. If you put in the hard work you are rewarded for it. You Reap what you Sow. You've made your bed now lie in it. Jera encompasses all of these because that is literally what the harvest is. These saying exist for a reason. Its symbol is the pattern of the interlocking wheat grains on the stalk.

Sowilo

Sowilo is the Rune of the sun. Its symbol is a ray shining down from the sun. It is light, victory, fullfillment, and health. Like Naudhiz is all the struggles and hardship, Sowilo is all the success and happiness.

Tiwaz

Tiwaz is the Rune of MALE ENERGY. It is the compliment to Berkana, and like Berkana it can sometimes represent an actual person in your life. Its symbol is a Spear raised aloft pointing towards the heavens. This rune also has the curious property as it also sometimes represents an arrow--literally, it will point in my readings at people around the room as well as rune formations, etc. Once in a 'find this' reading it actually pointed in the direction of the lost object. My runes have a sense of humor. :)

Laguz

Laguz is the Rune of the wave. Its symbol is that of a wave cresting. Essentially if you think of water and everything it represents you have the meaning of this rune. Emotion, intuition, feeling. Like water it can be calm or turbulent.

Ingwaz

Ingwaz is the Rune of the explorer. I think I tend to have a bit of different meaning here than most people, but bear with me. Its symbol is that of a person standing feet shoulder-width apart and fists raised jubilantly in the air. The traveller was a novel thing to the Norse, and adventurer. Most people didn't have a concept past their farmstead or perhaps the nearest village. The explorer however went and saw things the people back home could only imagine. They mapped the uncharted places of the world. This Rune is that sense of exploration and new discovery.

Othala

Othala is the Rune of family. Its symbol is a house with its roof and doors. It can bring attention to members of one's family or talk of love and community. Since I am somewhat estranged from my family this rune tends to be a bit negative for me--nagging really. Occluded it can mean an abusive parent...or estrangement or things of that sort. It could call on you to check up on a family member, they might be sick or in need of support. Generally this is a supportive Rune.

Well, there they are! Quite a hefty bit. Othala would have worked really well as a Rune of the Day for Thanksgiving...ah well. Hindsight's 20/20. And yes, this means that starting this Monday I will start posting a Tarot Card of the Week! Hopefully this will give me insight into the card's reading as well!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

I got to see my grandparents, which was very nice. My Grandpa is currently in rehab but they gave him a release for four hours. We were actually able to spend thanksgiving together, which was wonderful. Grandma will have to go in to get checked up again, there's ANOTHER something wrong. This is why I had my boyfriend come along--I can feel that my grandparents are failing, and wanted to be sure that we would at least see them now. I think they may try to stick around to at least see a great-grandchild born...but I don't know how much their stubbornness will keep them rooted, and it doesn't look like my recently-married cousin is trying for kids yet.

Anyways, on to happier topics. As promised, I took some hasty pictures of my mini traveling altar--the pics are a bit blurry so I apologize, but you should be able to see them well enough.

Inside there is a mirror, a tea light, a candle-inscribing crystal, a pendulum, a goddess figure, and incense matches as well as a small incense holder, all in a re-purposed Altoids tin. Took me a bit to come up with it, but it works great.

Paganism in the Workplace

Sitting here stealing moments to write this while in the office, I was wondering how other people deal with being pagan in the workplace.  Granted I understand that it doesn't normally come up, but when it does what do you do?  Do you lie, or do you come out with it? 

A friend of mine is fully out of the broomcloset at work, and her co-workers think its great.  They have her 'hex' other co-workers for laughs (there is no actual hexxing going on, its just to freak the person out), and its all in fun.  While I haven't been here nearly long enough for something like that, I was wondering if at some point everyone would be comfortable enough that I could actually put up my mini travelling altar.  When I say mini I mean mini, its in an altoid tin and fits in my purse (I'll post pics later).  We're free to decorate cubicles here (yes I have a cubicle) and we're allowed to decorate them in any way we wish. 

What spurred this in the first place is I was wondering if I could have a little 'spell a day' desk calender.  I could also do a crochet pattern a day desk calender...but the thought is what started it.  What are your thoughts?

Infused Cooking Oils

Hello all you amazing crafters out there in the blogosphere! Chances are you're stopping by from Domestic Witch's fantastic craftoganza, so Greetings and Salutations!

My lovely project that I am posting for your crafting pleasure is, as the title suggests, a way to make Herb-Infused Cooking Oils. If you're a gardener this is a great new way to enjoy your wares, and this will make a wonderful gift for anyone you know who likes to cook.

Cooking oils can be made in any combination of oil and herbs that you desire. Some oils, like Olive Oil, with have their own disctinct flavor that will not dissapear with the infusion. Others, like Grapeseed or Sunflower seed Oil, have no flavor and will taste like whatever you choose to infuse it with. It is a good idea to use herbs that will compliment each other; for example Fennel and Dill work great together and make a very tasty salad dressing base.

The particular Recipe I am sharing works wonderfully as a base for a meat sauce, or even for sprinkling it over some steaks on the grill! Alternatively, it could be used in a sort of Marinade.

What you will need:
A transparent (preferably glass) bottle big enough for 500ml
500ml (18 fl oz) of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped in half
1 tsp. black peppercorns, slightly crushed
4 sprigs fresh marjoram, about 6" long, washed with damaged leaves removed

Note: If you don't have a bottle of the appropriate size you can still infuse your oil in it, simply use your best estimate as to proportions. It might be better to make a 'trial run' version before you use the recipe for your gift.

Fill your bottle with your herbs and pour the oil over, making sure to leave enough space for a cork (or whatever you're using). Place the bottle on a sunny windowsill for two weeks...no seriously, that's just about it. Make sure you give it a shake every few days, but other than that there's not much to do. After two weeks strain and re-bottle your oil, and you're set! If you would like to make the mixture more potent you can repeat this process, or if you like you can rebottle with more herbs for decorative purposes. Painting the bottle is an option as well.

The effects of the infusion will last for 3-4 months, and can be re-infused easily.

A great way to give this a kitchen witch quirk are to use herbs that have similar magickal qualities as well and energizing the herbs towards their purpose.
Magickal Correspondences of
Marjoram- Protection, love, Happiness, Health, Money
Pepper- Protection, Exorcism
Garlic- Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-Theft
So, looking at our correspondences this particular oil makes a hefty protection potion, but it could also be used to spice up a relationship. Remember, do not give anything that has been spiked magickally to someone completely unaware of it. It could affect them adversely, and nobody needs that karma coming back to them!

Well...now that was interesting...

So. I just had my first true experience with fire. Since that statement will make little sense to those of you out in the blogosphere, I shall elaborate first with some backstory.

I am not a fiery person. At all. In fact, I was first initially Air...and for a good deal of my life as well. Up until about the age of 17 or 18 in fact. I was at Deer Camp (yes, I am a hunter...bet you didn't know huh?) and falling asleep in my bunk bed while big fat snowflakes drifted lazily outside the windows. I was awoken from my half-sleep by a big old voice saying "You Are Water." Well, I wasn't water. I was Air, and I was damned happy to be Air too. So I argued with the voice, explaining that I had absolutely no interest in becoming Water and would stay my happy little Air self, thank you very much.

Well, I have been Water ever since. I didn't do anything, it just happened. Except back in around June I suddenly *poofed* back into Air. I was rather startled, and please as well because I really like Air. I really like Water now too, but I hadn't been Air in a while and it was very refreshing. So I went outside to where a wind had suddenly picked up and heard the Voice again, "You Are Fire." Well, wtf Voice? You already made me into Water, and I really like Water. I really like Air too. But I haven't been Water nearly as long as I've been Air and you're changing me again? Nothing but a repetition of the same phrase, just like it was before.

Now, I'm really not a Fire person. I don't like Fire, and I especially don't like Anger...which to me is the same thing. Bad past experiences...let's just say I flinch when someone gets angry. So, I control my anger in a vice-like grip. I'm so good at it that unless the volcano is threatening to erupt due to seismic activity, I can't even feel that the Fire is there.

Then tonight. I've mentioned I'm exhausted and unbalanced from the new job right? Well, that makes the vice-like grip weaken. I ended up getting so upset that I turned into Raging Chaos Of Fire. Emphasis on the chaos part. One second I'm sobbing hysterically and the next I have to restrain myself from leaving great bloody clawmarks on my boyfriend. Eventually it got to the point where he just had to suck most of the Fire from me before I made myself crazy. Let me tell you, I dropped like a bunch of rocks. I was all Fire. It's banked, but I can still feel it there under the skin...flickering. Ugh, this is going to be VERY interesting, isn't it?

Testing...

This is a test to see if my email posting works.  Wish me luck!

Alright! So the test worked! I just have to remember to not include my email signature... <.< And since I can't immediately find a way to delete this post and I'm exhausted, I'm going to bed. Goodnight all.

Whew! I'm exhausted!

Well, my opinion of the place I'm working has increased...aside from the mind-numbingly dull work, the people are great. And there's a free meal every few days, and other fun things like that. But my sleep schedule is usually like 2 or 3 am till noon. Now I'm waking up at 6:30 and going till 10. To top that off I got a cold recently. So in short, I am very low on energy. Aside from that I have recouped enough to actually do something after work--hence the posting.

So, I have maybe one or two runes that I haven't posted about yet. At this point I'm not even sure what I have or haven't done. So upon review I will be posting the remaining runes in one post with their descriptions, and from that point on I will be doing a tarot card of the week. Doing something of the day was nice enough while I didn't have a job and only had time to troll the blogosphere...unfortunately (or fortunately? I am getting paid...) I no longer have that luxury. So tarot card of the week it is. I hope that this will help me to learn tarot. Runes I already have mastered (goodness, I didn't mean that to sound pretentious...) so it helped me review what I know and hopefully teach something to those out there. Now I'm attempting to learn something new with a unique deck...so I hope to teach myself something here, as well as give myself a useful forecast for the week.

Anyways, hope I didn't drop off the face of the earth for too long...and I hope to update more often now that I'm starting to rebalance bit by bit. I may look into that blog update by email thing...blogger is blocked on my company computers, so if I can update by email I can then still update while at work...theoretically. Anyone know more about this? If so, I would greatly appreciate any sort of info or how-to on this. Thank you!

((ps--I apologize for any typos. While I am better, I am certainly not 100% and a few could have slipped by my strict English-major notice))

Oh noes!

I'm so sorry I haven't been posting! I mentioned in an earlier post that I have a temporary job for the next week or two. And it has me wiped!

My balance is thrown off, I'm exhausted, and I'm stuck doing mind-numbing data entry without being able to even think of anything else. The office itself is really cool, with nice people and tons of making-life-easier/more fun events, but I still find myself being dragged down. I come home at the end of the day and its all I can do to turn on some mindless entertainment so at least it looks like I"m doing something.

I don't know, maybe its because I've never worked a full time job before in my life; whatever the reason, I need to find a way to survive and fast!

Charter for Compassion

I found this over on Rue and Hyssop's blog, and I had to share. It may be more enjoyable if you watch it on youtube itself as you'll be able to see the whole screen, but this is a start. Please watch, and enjoy.

Yay!

I've been meaning to post this for the past few days--Baba Yaga came in! Huzzah! She looks amazing and is guarding the doorway to the study currently. Guardian of knowledge? Yeah, I think that's appropriate. I don't have any pictures at the moment, but she looks just fantastic! Here's an image I ganked from the original contest:

Beautiful, isn't she?

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Naudhiz

Naudhiz is the rune of trials and tribulations. It is hardships and challenges. Unlike Hagalaz there is no included positive follow-up, and as such I usually find this to be an unhappy rune. Like the Tower card in tarot. I was told that the symbol was supposed to be the cross--the Roman torture device. I don't know if the Romans were occupying Norse lands when the runes came to be, I think it would be quite interesting to find out.

Naudhiz is the rune of the day because I have been so frantic and busy! I have a temporary job for the next two weeks, with the possibility of them actually hiring me. Normally a good thing, right? I've been really stressing about it because of who I'm working for. I won't mention the name here, but suffice it to say that they are a company that deals in calling in people's debts. Thank goodness I'm not in the call center--instead, I have to file bankruptcy checks. Joy. Not that horrible, but when you start thinking about it...its not that great either. But its a job, and I'm not going to look a gifthorse in the mouth. In the meantime I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for that USPS job...here's hoping!

Pagans for the win!

So my group organizer just sent out a big ole' email about how we have finally elected our first openly pagan/heathen official! Details are here:

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/11/halloran_wins_r.php

This article seems a bit slanted...I would recommend checking out witchvox, I'm sure they did some coverage on this as well.

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Gebo!

Gebo is the rune of gifts and crossroads. What, you say, aren't crossroads usually bad? They mean you have to make choices! Well, not to the ancient Norse. You see, crossroads meant that you could meet a new person as your paths intersected. It was traditional at these encounters to give a gift to the person you met, no matter how simple it may be. It means new friends, new people, sometimes gifts (I must confess my runes don't usually use that meaning). The symbol I have seen both represent a crossroads, or a hug. I think traditionally it is crossroads, but since this is such a snuggle rune and the 'X' is usually a hug symbol for us, it becomes that as well!

I'm not sure if I have used Gebo as a rune of the day yet. I'm trying to run the whole gammot, and so far they've worked fantastically. But Gebo fits for today.

Gebo is the Rune of the Day because there are so many rune giveaways going on! There are not one, but TWO!

There is the Willow Moon Rune giveaway at Mother Moon's Message: http://mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com/

There is also the Rose Quartz Rune giveaway at Domestic Witch: http://domesticwitch.blogspot.com/

V

Remember Remember
The 5th of November
The Gunpowder
Treason and Plot
I Know of No Reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be Forgot

Points to anyone who can tell me the rest--without cheating!!

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Thurisaz

Thurisaz is the second rune of protection. Well...I don't know if it actually comes second in the Futhark, but it is the second one I am talking about. Its symbol is a thorn. These are defenses one puts up to defend onesself. It can also warn that you are pushing people away or not allowing them to get close to you.

Thurisaz is the rune of the day because I feel all warm and snuggly and safe here in my apartment today, in my own little dream world of video games. I'm playing Dragon Age: Origins, and if someone reading this likes RPGs then I HIGHLY recommend it. The graphics, the storyline, the possible interactions are all superb. Go out and rent it! (or buy it...that's not an option for me) It will suck hours of your life blissfully away.

Pie carrier Pattern

Materials:
Size L/8 mm hook
Two colors (your choice) worsted weight yarn.

This pattern is intended for one 9" round pan.

Note: This project will be double-stranded (using two yarns as one) the entire way through.

Ch3, 8dc in first ch. Join.
R1: Ch3, dc same st., 2dc ea. st. around. Join.
R2: Ch3, dc same st., 1dc next st., *2dc next st., 1dc next st* ea. st. around. Join.
R3: Ch3, dc same st., 1dc next 2 st., *2dc next st., 1dc next 2 st* ea. st. around. Join.
R4: Ch3, dc same st., 1dc next 3 st., *2dc next st., 1dc next 3 st* ea. st. around. Join.
R5: Ch3, dc same st., 1dc next 4 st., *2dc next st., 1dc next 4 st* ea. st. around. Join.
R6: Ch3, 1dc ea. st. around. Join.
R7: Ch3, dc same st., 1dc next 5 st., *2dc next st., 1dc nest 5 st* ea. st. around. Join.
Handle
R8: Ch1, sc same st., 1sc next 6 st., ch10, skip next 10 st., 1sc next 6 st. Turn.
R9: Ch3, 1dc in every sc and ch., Turn.
R10: Sl st. twice, Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc next 19 st., Turn. (There should be one decrease on each side of the row. This will continue every dc row after.)
R11: Sl st. twice, Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc next 17 st., Turn.
R12: Sl st. twice, Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc next 15 st., Turn.
R13: Sl st. twice, Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc next 13 st., Turn.
R14: Sl st. twice, Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc next 11 st., Turn.
R15: Ch1, 1sc next 2 st., Ch7, skip next 8st., 1sc next 2 st. Turn.
R16: Sl st. twice, Ch3 (counts as first dc), 1dc next 9st., Finish off.
Count 10 st. from bottom of handle, Join and rep. R8-16
Finishing:
Sc around all outside edges (not including slits for pie and handles).

This patterns hasn't been tested, so if you find mistakes let me know!

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Hagalaz

Hagalaz is H for Hail. In older times (and even today) hail was a terrible thing; it destroyed property, crops, injured livestock and people. But people today don't much realize the good effects that hail has as well. Hail is ice, after all, and melts into water. Water feeds the crops, and allows a new crop to grow, perhaps more fully than before. As such Hagalaz represents hardships and lessons followed by learning and growth.

Hagalaz is the Rune of the Day because I want to acknowledge that this is how most of life is; its hard, and trying, and challenging, but in the end we should grow from it. We learn lessons. We get better.

...This seems a rather awkward ending, so I'll mention that I intend to post a pattern later today. Ta-ta!

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Mannaz

Mannaz is the rune of self, of independance. Occluded it can mean that you are being standoffish, or that alone you will fall. It can also signify a point where you need to withdraw from others. The symbol of mannaz represents a person standing with feet shoulder-width apart and arms crossed.

Mannaz is the rune of the day because that's what I feel like today. I feel strong and independant. I feel like I have control, which is not usually the case. I think today I'm going to be leaving the house and going somewhere. Maybe I'll go out to lunch. Who knows? But I feel like I have power today. It feels very nice. Like I can actually breathe, inhale fully. I wonder what this day portends?

Mrs. B's having another contest~!

And this one is for perfume! Either liquid or solid. I may be weird, but I'd never heard of a 'solid' perfume before. It seems to be a bit like a balm. Plus the featured etsy store that is offering this is absolutely awesome! So, go check it out. If perfume is your thing, you will absolutely adore this!

Edit: Lillyella is also having a similar contest, and she features an interview with the artist. Her blog is here: http://lillyella.blogspot.com

This is a few days late

I meant to post about my Samhain day of, or at least yesterday, but neither happened. I helped to run the ritual so I knew what would be happening, but it was a secret for the rest of the group and I had to keep it very hush-hush. We were in a very wooded area with a stream running through it, and a gorgeous nearly full moon to light the multiple paths. When the group arrived they found themselves at a fire (which was contained in my grill--its a public park after all) and were told to meditate on the past year and those gone before.

Death then came to the group and chose an individual to meet the Ferryman. The Ferryman would challenge this individual, ask why they should allow the individual to go to an oracle and simply not die. The individual would express a wish to visit either the oracle of the past, the oracle of the present, or the oracle of the future. Future was played by our group organizer, all dressed up steam-punk. Present was a mirror that the individual had to meditate in front of. Past was played by moi, the discussion organizer, in my rennaisance outfit (also my Nero Gypsy outfit) with the aid of my runes. People told me later that my runes were so hot that they felt like they would get burned, and it was a rather cold night. After they were done they made their way back to the group alone.

We had some 'drama' as we were setting up before the group arrived. There was a loud riot-sounding crowd on the road right by the park, it sounded like they were getting closer and coming into the park. Understandably we were rather concerned. Then suddenly silence--which made us even more nervous. A few minutes pass as we struggle to get the curtains strung over the paths, and we suddenly hear a very authoritative "You have to leave here immediately" with a flashlight shining in our faces. There was a cop in front of us and a cop behind us, the cop behind us had his hand on his piece. "You have to leave here immediately"
"Umm...what? I thought public parks closed at eleven"
"But this is part of the constitution trail (our bike path) and closes at nightfall...what are you doing out here anyway?"
"We're a local pagan group, we're having a ritual for Halloween?"
"Oh! ...well, how long do you think it will take?"
"Probably two hours, no more."
"Alright. As long as it will only take two hours. Do me a favor, if any kids come in here scream at them and scare them away for me, willya?"

The cops had us watching the park for them on Halloween while we did our ritual!! XD

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Kenaz

Kenaz is the rune of insight, intuition and knowledge. Its symbol is a torch flame rising. It can mean that you are missing or not realizing something, that you can expect a call or a letter, or perhaps that you should call someone (my runes are notorious for telling people to call their mother, or the equivalent). It can signify a brilliant stroke of creativity, or a writer's block.

Kenaz is the rune of the day because today I'm feeling very introspective. As usual, my concerns center around money. I don't have a job, and no one is calling me back. Well, they are calling me back--I'm getting interviews. But I'm not getting a job, and I really need a reliable source of income. I know this is largely the economy, but this doesn't make it any easier. I am thinking of my situation in life, and trying to figure out if there's something I can be doing that I'm not already. Any reading I get isn't much help--cards or runes, they all say that there will be success and happiness; what they don't say is how to get to that success and happiness. Will I get a job? They don't say. Should I focus my efforts on my etsy shop and forego my boyfriends skepticism? Well, that path seems like it will alienate him, or so the tarot says. *sigh* Life. I'll figure it out somehow.

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Dagaz

Dagaz is the rune of slowly but surely. Its symbol is the rays of sunlight creeping up over the horizon at dawn. This rune usually tells one that while it doesn't seem like much progress is being made, it is, just gradually. It can also tell you to slow down, don't rush things. Slowly but surely wins the race.

Dagaz is the rune of the day because the progression of the year from this point will be a bit of a slower process. I feel...I feel that this next cycle will have to be gone through gradually, with patience and endurance. The year will seem slow I think...but with the aid of Dagaz I know that I will get through it slowly but surely.

Oh, now that's just not fair...

I've been wanting a copy of Creepy Cute Crochet for forever, and Mrs. B. has a contest for one over at her blog! But not only that, she also has a contest for a really awesome pendant from Aunia Kahn! Ohhh, two awesome giveaways...I'm not sure which I want more! She says the winner of creepy cute crochet has to make her one...I'll make her as many as she wants if I win it! Heck, I'll even make her my original pattern Cthulu...or my eyeball bag...or any of my other patterns!

See the book here: http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com/2001/10/this-next-giveaway-is-brought-to-us-by.html
See the pendant here: http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com/2001/10/this-giveaway-is-from-artist-aunia-kahn_30.html

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Eiwaz

Eiwaz is the rune of the world tree. The Norse believed that the yew tree was the world tree because it never seemed to die. Generation after generation after generation would walk beneath its branches and it would seem just the same. This rune can mean that one is balancing (or trying to balance) many things at once, different facets of life. Job vs. family vs. friends...and often so much more. This rune cannot be occluded, as it looks the same rightside up as it does upside down.

Eiwaz is the rune of the day because....well do you really need to ask? Tonight starts Samhain! What more befits the thinning of the veil than the World Tree?

Lets do the Time Warp...Again!

This is my fifth time going to see rocky horror. I've been in it twice, as a transylvanian each time. I have a well-established whore getup. I wasn't able to wear my regular tiny shorts as I lent them to a friend for her halloween costume, but I was able to borrow a black skirt from her and I think it worked well enough. This transformation has two steps:

There's the Mrs. Rabbit phase...

And then there's the full blown transylvanian, teal eyeshadow, teal lipstick, and teal+gold earrings.

Apples Galore!

So, I made an apple pie today for the feast after ritual tomorrow. I'll also be making mulled wine (I have a half-gallon of rotgut I need to get rid of) and be bringing fresh apples...maybe we'll be bobbing? I tried a recipe I wasn't too familiar with, but it ended up looking delicious! I can't wait to taste it!Yes, the steam 'vents' are in the shape of a pentacle. I can't wait to taste it, it smelled so good in the making! Its the third pie I've ever made, and my first time trying the egg white trick to make it brown and shiny. Yum!

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Wunjo

Wunjo is my rune of guidance! Wunjo is the rune of joy and happiness. (My name also means "One of Joy") Its symbol is a flag at full mast flapping in the breeze. A fairly straightforward rune, it usually is quite upfront with its meaning. Occluded it can mean that you're not happy, or that you're not taking joy from things around you. It can be an urging to stop and smell the roses, enjoy life.

Wunjo is the rune of the day because I'm so happy and excited! Today I'll be making apple pies, getting candy for the trick or treaters, and getting ready for tomorrow! Tonight I'll be going to Rocky Horror! No, I'm not in it this year, but that doesn't keep me from being a transylvanian in the audience! More on that later--that gets its own post!

Fruits of my Labor...

Yummy yummy pumpkin seeds! I always make sure to save them when I carve my pumpkin...but last year the pumpkin was starting to rot from the inside out and I didn't get to have any. :( This year I roasted them with salt and dill weed, yum! They've been sitting on my counter next to a jar of candy corn and a tealight candle holder that says "Witch Pharmacy" ^_^

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Berkana

Berkana is B for Birch. The birch tree is sacred to the goddess, and therefore Berkana is the goddess and pure female energy. A lot of the time I find that this represents a specific woman in someone's life, and sometimes it has literally represented the goddess. Once in a life overview it told me that someone was bi because both berkana occluded and tiwaz (male energy) occluded were smack in the center side by side.

Berkana is the rune of the day because I ask that she watch over me today as I go around town. There's been a lot of construction and traffic is crazy, plus I go in to an interview and the bank. Blessings.

It's Jack!

Oh how scary! Jack has finally arrived and he's bearing a fearsome grin indeed. It's not as visible in the picture, but his nose and irises are glowing a bit as well! Tomorrow he's taking a bit of a 'vacation' in the complex office. On the 30th residents will be voting on all the different Jacks, with the possibility of $100 off rent for the winner! Don't worry, Jack will be back safe and sound in time to protect the home from the spirits that wander the night!

It came in!!

It finally came in! This is the amazing black mirror that I won from Diary of a Natural Witch! I got not only this, but also a black and a white tealight, as well as two sticks of sandalwood incense and a great black bag. Think this is cool? So is she! Her button's on the side of my blog, go check her out!

wow!

There is a giveaway over at Mrs. B's for a subscription to Witches & Pagans Magazine! Go check it out! http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com/2001/10/winner-of-this-giveaway-will-receive.html .

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Ehwaz!

Ehwaz is the rune of companionship. Its symbol is a horse--I've sometimes seen people call it Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir. To the Norse, a dog wasn't man's best friend--the horse was. With a horse you could plow your fields to feed your family. With a horse you could travel to market to trade for things you needed. With a horse you could ride into battle and save each other's lives. Treated well a horse was one's truest, closest companion--and those who work closely with horses today still know that truth. The rune means much the same thing in a reading...this is your best friend. It could mean that you should reach out to your friends, stop being so standoffish. It could mean that you will meet a good friend soon. It could even mean that you should take your heart in hand and tell your friends about things that have been weighing you down--they're there for you, that's why they're called friends.

Ehwaz is the Rune of the Day because Wednesdays I get to go hang out with friends, sometimes for hours! ^_^ Wednesday we all meet at a local restaurant for lunch and talk to our heart's content--we're the regulars and we bring in great business, so we can stay for as long as we want! Its a gyro place, and while I don't like gyros their chicken strips are AMAZING--I can't wait! Anyhow, I'm off to there now, so I'll see y'all later!

Is it a good thing...

...If a manager tells you at an open interview that she'll be calling you tomorrow to set up a regular interview?


Squeeeeee! ^_^

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar

Anyone heard of this movie? I strongly suggest it. If you look it up on youtube you can find the whole movie there too. It's got Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and Robin Williams to name a few. Robin Williams plays John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt. XD There was a fantastic tribute to Patrick Swayze using clips from this movie to "Girls Just want to Have Fun"--search "Girls Just Want to Wong Foo". ^_^

I'm always a big proponent for anything that promotes understanding, whether it be religion, homosexuality, or race.

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Isa

Isa is the rune of Ice. I'm not sure if the symbol is actually an icycle, but that's what I always think of. Ice to the Norse meant winter. Winter meant a time of stasis, of being unable to do anything. The cold and snow kept them indoors, living off of their stores, telling stories, waiting for the thaw. As tense as these situations can be, they are also needed. Its the break from all the back-breaking work, the time to think, to plan, to prepare. Getting this rune in a reading can mean that you need to take a step back from your work, or that you should wait to make a decision. This rune cannot be occluded, as it looks the same rightside up as it does upside down.

Isa is the Rune of the Day because that's the way I feel. Its grey, calm (if it were stormy I'd be much more energized) and everything is sleep and mellow. Problem is, as much as I feel its a day for Isa, I can't be so today. I have to go to the bank, and I have to go to an open interview later. *sigh* Yeah, I'll put up and do the work...but today just feels like Isa.

Great Concept!

Yesterday The Domestic Witch made a post about one's Tarot Card of the Year. I won't completely repost it--you'll have to head over to her blog to check it out! http://thedomesticwitch.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-is-your-tarot-year-card.html

Looking at options, I think using one's birthday to calculate it is the best way to go--that way its personalized. You take your birth day and month, and then the current year, and add it all up. 9+26+2009=2044. Then, like in numerology, add each digit of your total--2+0+4+4=10. If your total is 1 through 22, you're golden. If its 26 or something, then add 2+6=8, and there you go.

My number is 10, which is the Wheel of Fortune, or in my deck its "The Sun Wheel".

I really hope this means a fortuitous year. I'm not going to rely on it--that would be rather foolish--but it seems hopeful. I'm just coming out of the Hermit, and it was not an easy year. I brought the hardship upon myself intentionally, because I had never experienced it before and needed to learn from it. Not that I specifically did something stupid, but more like I refuse to go to my parents to 'bail me out'. I have to experience what its like just starting out. And yeah, its hard. But I need to figure out how to keep going. After a year of hardship, it'd be nice to have some relief.

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Algiz

Algiz is the Rune of Protection and defense. When I was first studying runes, I learned that the symbol represents a type of tall sawgrass called 'Elk's Hedge'. Wild animals--elk, foxes, rabbits, and the like, used to run into clusters of elk's hedge to escape hunters. Animals could move freely through the plants, but clumsy humans would always get cut on the edges, and as they could not pursue game there came no point in downing an animal if they entered such a thicket. There are two runes of protection, and as such I have found that this one usually means receiving protection from outward sources. This could mean an older sibling beat up your bully at school, or even that the gods are looking out for you. Algiz is always a rune I like to have on my side.

Algiz is the rune of the day because I feel I could really use some protection right now. With money issues and rent coming up... It'd be nice to know someone's looking out for me. I know that someone always is looking out for me...my amazing boyfriend. But when we're both caught in the same mess, it'd be comforting to know that we'll both be safe.

*gasp* Baba Yaga...

Ohhhh my goodness....its Baba Yaga...

For the record, I have adored Baba Yaga since I was a little girl. She just wasn't scary to me...she was the stern exterior grandmother with the mile-wide soft spot. If you found the soft spot, she was awesome. That didn't mean she couldn't kick ass...that's what made her an awesome grandma. But there was the comfort of knowing she wouldn't do something bad to someone who didn't deserve it.

And now....now I find that there's a contest for her over at Mrs. B's. Well, not her, obviously, but a wall hanging of her. And it's beautiful. It pictures her flying around in her mortar (I would assume) with her broom sweeping away any sign of her passing. Granted that may be the pestle that allows her to steer, but it looks like the broom. Don't take my word for it, go look! http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com/2001/10/this-giveaway-comes-to-us-from_25.html Ahh, Baba Yaga...grandma, will you come home?

This was supposed to be last night...

...But by the time I got back from my meeting it was already one in the morning and I didn't feel like posting a rune for the day and then this post before going to bed. So last night was my group's Pagans In Touch meeting for Symbolism. I'm the discussion organizer, somewhat newly appointed, and it really was the first meeting we had where I was actually leading the discussion. For the most part I got really good feedback: that it was organized, there was actually transitions, and that people felt like we actually talked alot about the topic and there wasn't as much off-topic conversation. That made me feel awesome!

Apparently in my boyfriend's opinion it was an 'okay' meeting...he got the feeling at points that I was being condescending? His words were that I was being a 'kindergarden teacher'. Sometimes when someone brought something up I would be like "Yeah, that's great! That's a really good point!" And to him it seemed like the tone I used was like I was talking to little kids figuring something out for the first time. I didn't feel like that...I know that I was trying to acknowledge their point while trying to allow for other people to add stuff too, so I may have rushed it a little...I don't know.

After all the good feedback I got lastnight, should I be putting as much emphasis on his opinion as I am? He does have a bit of a history misconstruing things as being condescending...only every now and then, but I don't know if I just don't see it or what.

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Raidho

Raidho is the rune of travel, of safe journeys, and of life cycles. Occluded it can mean that things are stagnating, or that you are studiously ignoring something that you need to do, a change you need to make, a journey you need to start out on. In my readings Raidho tends more towards the 'life cycles' aspect than an actual physical journey, but sometimes it can mean that too. Oftentime the journey is more of a metaphor for something you must do or change than anything else.

Raidho is the rune of the day because I can feel change in the air. My boyfriend's applied for a student loan on three different occasions recently--with the last one, the response of "no" was immediate. He just got an email saying 'yes, come fill out our paperwork'...apparently when it comes to loans 'no' really means yes. Change is in the air, and I can feel it. Perhaps that job really will call me back? Only time will tell.

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Fehu

Fehu is the rune of Prosperity and inheritance. Note that this does not necessarily mean money. A person may be poor monetarily but be rich in relationships. Inheritance can also mean personality traits or appearances that you have inherited from your ancestors. The symbol of Fehu is the horns of cattle being tossed in the air. To the ancient Norse the amount of cattle one had was what measured one's prosperity, as any sort of money was actually hard to come by.

Fehu is the rune of the day because in this case he does actually mean money...I get a paycheck from my temp job today. Granted I won't be able to use a bit of it because it will be paying off some debt I have, but at least I'll have money for all of five minutes! (Expect a recurrence of Fehu when I finally get an actual job; I'll be celebrating then!)

Awesome Giveaway!

Jules over at MoonCat Farms meanderings ((http://mooncatfarms.blogspot.com/)) is having a Mystery Halloween Giveaway! While she refuses to divulge what it includes, she has admitted that it is all home grown and may or may not include her own herbs! The best part is always that we don't know, but I'm curious...will we at least be able to find out after the giveaway?
P.S.--here's a link to the giveaway itself: http://mooncatfarms.blogspot.com/2009/10/monday-madness-giveaway-alert.html

Dollar Store Death

Haven't you ever wanted an angel to celebrate Samhain and El Dia de los Muertos with? Of course you have. And the brilliant Carin over at The Anticraft found a way to let you do just that...and a year ago, to boot! Bet you didn't know that, huh?

I actually bought a gawdy little angel last year in preparation to make it into a little Death for my Samhain altar. It would have been fantastic, it had a mandolin it was playing and everything. I say would have, because it got lost in our move. That or ran away...perhaps it didn't want to let go of its rosy cheeks just yet.

The free instructions to make your own little Dollar Store Death can be found at http://www.theanticraft.com/archive/samhain08/dollarstoredeath.htm . Go ahead, poke around the rest of the site, see what wondrous macabre creations you find...you may even discover a thing or two from me on there. Careful though, several things on the site are NSFW. Perhaps you should wait until after work?

Rune of the Day

Today's Rune of the Day is Ansuz

Ansuz is the rune of communication. It brings news from afar, reminds you that you need to talk to someone, and can even chastise you for a fight you got into or a conversation you didn't handle very well. It can be called upon to help you with anything dealing with communication; an exam, a speech, an essay, a business deal (though I would pair that with Fehu) etc.

Ansuz is the rune of the day for two reasons: One, I've been networking a lot and communicating with other bloggers out there. While I can't tell whether or not people have been visiting and reading my blog, I would assume not because no one has said anything. Granted I haven't looked yet today for the fruits of my labor, but this has at least been applicable so far. The Second reason is that I'm hoping for a call or a letter from my major job prospect at the moment, the USPS. I really need the job, and that one's great, so I'm calling on ansuz to have them call me. Don't want to yank the prospect from anyone else, but the listing was so hard to find its possible I was the only one who applied. Please call me! Call me call me call me! >.<
((This picture of Ansuz is actually a painting you can buy, if you have the money--http://www.artistrising.com/products/167986/Rune-Ansuz-Odin.htm))

Drawstring Belt Pouch

This is the variety of belt pouch that I have made for when I'm LARPing in Nero. I've discovered quickly that you really can't have too many pouches--I made two for myself and one for my boyfriend, and immediately he asked me for two more! I hope people like this pattern...in the picture I have a handkerchief, a set of runes, a pendulum, a tealight and some matches in there. Incredibly useful, since my gypsy is a fortune-teller.
Oh! Don't forget, if you test this pattern and have questions or find a mistake, please leave a comment and let me know so I can fix it! Thanks!

Material:
Size G/4.25mm hook, Worsted Weight Yarn any color
(I used Caron Simply Soft)
Special Stitches:
FLO=Front Loop Only
NOTE: Do not turn between rows
Pouch:
Ch4, 8dc n first ch. Join
R1: Ch3, dc in same st. *2dc next st.* ea. st. around. Join.
R2: Ch3, dc in same st. 1dc next st. *2dc next st, 1dc next st.* ea. st. around. Join.
R3: Ch3, dc in same st. 1dc next 2 st *2dc next st, 1dc next 2 st.* ea. st. around. Join.
R4: Ch3, dc in same st. 1dc next 3 st *2dc next st, 1dc next 3 st.* ea. st. around. Join.
R5-9: Ch3, dc next st, *1dc* ea. st. around. Join.
R10: Ch3, 1dc next 4 st., 1dc FLO next 6 st, *1dc* ea. st. around. Join.
R11-12: Repeat R5
R13: Ch3, 1dc next st, Ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc next 3 st, Ch2, sk next 2 st, 1dc FLO next 3 st, Ch2, sk next 2 st, *1dc next 3 st, Ch2, sk next 2 st.* ea. st. around. Join.
R14: Ch3, dc in same st, *2dc* ea. st. around. Join, finish off.
Belt Loop:
Join in one of the loops from the FLO stitches. It doesn't matter whether you start at the top or the bottom, but I prefer to start at the top so I make sure I have all 6 stitches accounted for. Ch3, 6dc across FLO loops. Make three more rows, join by sl st across the other set of FLO loops. You should have four rows for the belt loop. Finish off.
Drawstring:
This is as long as you want it to be, there's nothing specific. Just chain your length and then sc back across. Weave through the pouch holes and Ta-Daaah!! You're Done!