Confessions of a Crafty Witch

Okay! So...

2011-05-19T19:59:00.000-05:00

I'm 'moving' my blog. Really more like discontinuing this one and starting another, but that's neither here nor there. This blog will still be here, but I'll rarely (if ever) update it. Want to know why? Want to know where my new blog it? Check here: http://wanderingthelabyrinth.wordpress.com/

I'm keeping this one up because I still read all the people I follow. ^_^; I just...needed a fresh start. And it's NOT due to the problems Blogger's been having, I haven't even been on to notice. Anyway, catch y'all later and maybe I'll see you over at my new site!

An attempt

2011-04-29T09:44:00.001-05:00

Ugh. My drawing skills have REALLY degraded. Of course I only have myself to blame for that, as I haven't done much besides doodle since highschool, but this is embarrasing. *sigh* I guess it's time to refocus on drawing then. No WAY I let my skills get this crappy. (Oh, And if you recommend I try shading--i despise shading, and avoid it if I can. Hence, no shading in the little sketch)

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My new altar

2011-03-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

A pic of my new altar. The color in this is horrible, I apologize. The altar cloth is all blacks and whites and greys with sparkles, I think it very reminiscent of a cloud-swept full-moon night sky. I've scattered crystals about (clear and milky quartz, moonstone, amethyst) and I've got my amethyst cluster out, my scrying mirror, my cauldron, my herbs, candles....etc.

The view...

2011-02-25T08:22:00.002-06:00

...off My balcony this morning before I came to work. Beautiful! With something like this, how do people hate winter?

5 years ago...

2011-01-26T23:33:00.001-06:00

I met the love of my life. Tonight, he asked me to be his. Sorry this is so short, but I need to drag him to bed. ;-)

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So you want a Witch Hunt, eh?

2011-01-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

Hey all. I know I kinda fell of the edge of the map...in the middle of a writing rut....but I just came across something that royally pissed me off.

I mean seriously. I feel completely insulted, and I'll tell you why because I think this pertains to all of us.

I'm sure by now most of you have heard of the new Nicholas Cage movie that's come out, Season of the Witch? Basic plot premise being this: It's the middle ages and the Black Plague is running rampant through Europe. Two knights returned from the Crusades are enlisted to transport the supposed source of the plague, a young girl accused of witchcraft, to a distant abbey to have special rites performed on her.

When previews for this movie first came on tv, I was pessimistic. "Great, another 'witch' movie" I thought "I bet its totally inaccurate." Then as we started getting more previews, I became more hopeful. It was revealed that Cage's character doesn't believe the girl is a witch but a convenient scapegoat for the Church. He vows that if he doesn't believe her to truly be a witch, he will not allow the Church to persecute her as they plan. "Hey" I thought "that doesn't sound half bad. Go movie!"

Now, however, my small hope has been utterly and completely decimated. I've not yet seen the movie, but as I discovered it has come out I've started doing research--checking playtimes, etc. Then I checked the movie's site. ((http://seasonofthewitchmovie.com/))

It seems, my dear fellows, that I was completely wrong to hope. The movie's site and select clips from the movie indicate that the girl IS in fact a witch--we're talking the medieval witchhunter's definition of a witch here, summoning demons, possessing corpses, and in general hell-bent on obliterating the world. They even have demonic possessed wolves in the movie. WOLVES!! Really, was the playwrite determined to give us the full medieval hysteria experience? "No really folks, witches ARE evil and are out to get you. The Inquisition had it right."

Yes, that hurt me and pissed me off. But the true crown of the matter, the one thing that REALLY enraged me about this movie, is the smartphone app that they offer to accompany the movie. Here, let me repost the description:

"Witches walk all around us. They are responsible for great devastation, performing harrowing evils from the guises of the shadows. Witches can be anyone – a cute stranger at the bar, a quiet coworker, your childhood friend, even your closest family member. When your very life is at stake, how do you distinguish a witch from a mere mortal? Welcome to the Season of the Witch "Witch Hunt" application. The app unveils the witches that are all around you. Download the app and begin your quest now." ((http://www.appbrain.com/app/witch-hunt/com.relativitymedia.sotw))

Really. Really? I AM the quiet coworker, I AM the childhood friend, I AM A WITCH! And for this, evidently, I must be burned. For my sin of identifying as a witch, for the evils of crimes I have not committed, my existence must be purged for the good of all.

No. I will not stand for this. I will NOT allow this movie to set back religious tolerance another century! I am this close to contacting the ACLU for concerns I have about my right of Freedom of Religion! The only thing that stays my hand is this: I have not yet actually seen the movie. Perhaps this is all just a mistake, a bit of ingenious marketing. Maybe this movie does have a twist. I don't know yet, but I'm going to find out before I pronounce judgement.

That app, however, should definitely be removed from the market.

Please, if anyone has seen this movie yet, comment. In general, comment, let me know your thoughts on this, let me know my voice is heard. This 'witch hunt' is not to be tolerated.

Sorry I haven't touched in in a bit...

2010-12-14T17:41:00.000-06:00

This is just a quick update. I do intend to come back and do several posts...hopefully I actually get to them...and I need to redo my theme....but well. We'll see what happens.

Financially we've stabilized for the most part...unexpected expenses keep cropping up (like the $240 medical bill for when I cut my foot open back in september >_<) but now that we've budgeted everything we can account for it looks like we should be able to scrape by this month...and hopefully be able to stand back up next month. I really want to thank you all. I know I can't thank you enough, but for everyone who has reached out, I really, truly appreciate it. Thank you.

Blessings, one and all.

Please light a candle...

2010-12-01T10:02:00.001-06:00

I'm sorry, I don't usually ask for help, but I was wondering if y'all could keep me in your thoughts. Light a candle, spare a little energy if you can...but I'm in a bit of financial trouble. We recently *read: about a month ago* switched phone services and each got a smart phone. It was a little pricey, but just stretching a bit we were able to afford it. Then we were slammed with totally unexpected car repairs. Then due to a mistake (not on my part that I was unaware of for several days) my account was overdrawn and I got slammed with three insufficient funds charges ('cause my bank is a dick and wouldn't reject my card so they could charge me more). All in all we've had to soak about $600-700. Rent is due at the end of the week, we still have bills from last month to pay as well as this month's bills, and my guy's student loan bills kick in this month. My next paycheck is on the 10th. Christmas is this month.

We are officially at the oh-shit-we-can't-afford-ramen point. I'm not asking for money, I'm just asking you to spare a thought. That's all. I wouldn't even ask if I weren't at the end of my rope. I know that likely only a few people will even read this, but if you could, I'd appreciate it.

I plan to borrow eggs ('cause I can't afford them) from friends and whip up a batch of prosperity cookies (that is, the cookie recipe Wendy posted over at Year of the Cats--those spices all have the property of prosperity in common), which I will then be leaving as an offering, one a day, until they run out--in addition to any other prosperity spells I do.

By the by, does anyone know a kick-ass emergency prosperity spell?

((PS--To my little sister, if she reads this, don't you DARE tell mom and dad! 1) I want them to hear it from me if I have to tell them at all 2) I'm only going to go to them for help as a very last resort. Don't worry, we'll still have you for x-mas vacation. We'll figure it out somehow.))

((PPS-- To the winners of my bindrune giveaway, I'm afraid that I won't be able to ship out your rune for a little while...not until I can afford shipping at least. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, and will endeavor to get them out as soon as possible))

Which Norse God/dess are you?

2010-11-30T23:26:00.000-06:00

Got this from over at hedgewitch hollow. http://hedgewitchhollow.blogspot.com/

You Scored as Sif

Year of the Cats has the. most. AMAZING. giveaway!

2010-11-30T18:27:00.000-06:00

As much as I want to win, I can't keep this giveaway to myself, oh no. No, Wendy is being far too generous for that. You see, she is not only having a giveaway, but she is also donating to the cat rescue "Alley Cat Allies" in the winner's name--SUPER GENEROUS!!!!!!
That's the best part, (I wish I could support my own furbaby, but alas I'm barely keeping afloat as it is. >_<) but of course let us not overlook the lovely goodies we could be getting in the mail.
*start singing*
On the first day of Yule, Wendy offered we,
an ornament for the tree!
On the second day of Yule, Wendy offered we,
A kitchen witch's journal
and an ornament for the tree!
On the third day of Yule, Wendy offered we,
A witchy house blessing
a kitchen witch's journal
and an ornament for the tree!
*ends singing*

Yeah...I'm a dork...but go check it out anyways! http://www.yearcats.com/2010/11/29/kitchen-witch-magic-and-giveaway/#comments

WE HAVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-30T14:41:00.001-06:00

Look! LOOK! It's our first snow of the season! Isn't it lovely? Pretty little snow chunks the size of a pinhead that melt as soon as they hit the ground. It's a start!

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Happy Turkey Day all!

2010-11-26T07:42:00.000-06:00

I apologize that this is a day late...I hope you all had a lovely thanksgiving!

On Magickal Workings II

2010-11-17T14:34:00.001-06:00

Well now, the bit where I talked about seeing energy has garnered some interest! I wanted to try and clarify a point or two, and I'm hoping you all can help me muddle this out.

First, there was some confusion on whether seeing energy = seeing auras.

Here is what Mya Om has written on the matter: "Although most of us can't see it, nearly everyone can learn to feel it...Of the very few people that can actually see energy, some perceive it as color; to me, it looks like steam rising off a hot road in summer." Heatwaves rising off the road? I've described it exactly like that before. She continues "This invisible field is around us constantly, and it extends out from the physical body about one to two inches, depending on the person. If you are able to see auras, this is the 'empty' space or gap between the body and where the aura begins." (pp. 30-31)

Now here we see that she differentiates seeing energy and seeing auras; this is where some confusion has started. I've always thought that the 'colorless auras' that I could see were just that--auras that I couldn't really see any color it. I can see them around people, animals, trees, rocks...artificial objects as well. Auras, as I understand it, can be seen around living creatures, including plants--not so much around inanimate objects.

This is what confused me about these 'auras' I was seeing--why could I not see color? Was I just unskilled? Why could I also see them around non-living objects? Why could I sometimes see them free-floating, unattached to anything? (these I have come to conclude are orbs, as they do look like pictures of orbs) This would indicate that perhaps there IS a difference between energy and auras.

However I have always been given to understand that auras are the energy field of the body. In effecting change in the body we effect the aura; likewise the concept of aural healing is based in the thought that effecting change in the aura will effect the body. So if auras are simply the body's energy field, why then is there a differentiation made between the aura and energy?

Yet still both Nellie and myself have noted that occasionally we will see hints of color in these 'bubbles', which could indicate that they are auras. I must confess I am most perplexed in the matter, and am not sure yet what to conclude. Is there no difference, or is there a slight one? Perhaps energy in general inundates all things and has no color, where as living things also have a special sort of energy that is the aura?

At this point I am entirely in the realm of theory; is there anyone out there that can provide some clarification? Does anyone see auras as they are commonly known, with colors and chakras and everything?

On Magickal Workings

2010-11-16T10:18:00.001-06:00

I have been thinking recently on a little ritual of sorts that I could adapt to my everyday life. I don't know about any of you, but I have miserable self-discipline and making myself do anything regularly at a certain time is quite impossible. 'My Life imposes enough of those on me as it is; do I really need to do that to myself?' Is the usual train of thought.

However I am quite certain that if I want to focus on and develop my magickal life (which I do) then one of the best first steps is a little daily (magickal) ritual. It would certainly include an affirmation; I would think the best time to do this would be in the morning, but my mornings generally consist of me struggling awake, checking blogger in a half-awaKe daze as I struggle into my clothes, and stumbling out the door late to work. I don't usually fully wake up before noon. Maybe lunch would be a better time then? We'll see.

The inspiration for this adjustment in my life cycle is a book I'm reading currently, "Energy Essentials for Witches and Spellcasters" by Mya Om. Fantastic read, it's currently re-defining how I think about energy. My thing is that I 'm great with magickal theory. When it comes to magick I'm very book smart...practice, though, that's a little trickier. So I know all these things in THEORY, but have I ever actually done them? No. Well, some maybe.

See, this book has made me realize that I've never actually felt energy before. I've intuited it (I have a well-exercised intuition) but felt it like a magnetic field? Never before this book. I've also discovered that apparently what I thought were colorless auras is energy--which explains why I can see them around trees and rocks and even cars just as easily.

Now, the author claims that not many people can actually see energy, but that just seems a little off to me. It's just so...commonplace to me. Don't you guys see that kind of bubble that appears around stuff when you shift your conciousness?

The author claims that people who can see auras can deduce where the energy field is--that space between the body and the aura. See, that was the piece of information I was missing--according to the author the aura doesn't hug the body as I thought, but there's a space between it and the body, which is what I see--the energy. But surely other people can see that too?

In any case, this book has already given me a lot to mull over. More to come later, though please share your thoughts: i'd love to hear what you all have to say on the subject.

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And the winners are...

2010-11-09T21:40:00.000-06:00

*initiate drumroll*
Throw the entries in the cauldron, mix them all around...

...double, double, toil and trouble...hee hee hee...
Aaaaaand the winner....for SJ Tucker's latest CD, Mischief....

......Is.....

Ellie!!! Congratulations! Please contact me with your mailing info so I can get this out to you right away!

*restart drumroll*

Aaaand the winners....each proud owners of their own custom bindrunes....

...are....

Mother Moon's Message, Nellie, and Aine O'Brian! Congratulations!!! Please contact me with your mailing info and be sure to let me know what sort of Bindrune you would like! It will take a little longer to get these out to you all (seeing as I have yet to make them) but as soon as you contact me I will get on them right away!

I can be contacted at windchild26ATgmailDOTcom. Thank you to everyone who entered! I hope you enjoyed my giveaways. ^_^ And of course a very special thanks to SJ Tucker for graciously donating her cd for the giveaway! Thank you all!!

My giveaways close tonight!

2010-11-08T07:36:00.001-06:00

**Edit** CRAP!! I'm so sorry guys, life got in the way last night. I WILL get the winners posted TODAY, if I have to do it on the sly while at work. Again, sorry!

I don't have enough time to pick the winner this morning, so you all get today still to enter before I get home from work tonight! Good luck!!

What you likely never knew about Nightshade

2010-11-07T13:57:00.001-06:00

**Don't forget to enter my giveaways, they close TOMORROW!!!!**

Being a fledgling herbalist and a witch to boot, I of course like to at least study the Gothic Plants (datura, nightshade, hemlock, henbane, aconite, etc.) I was launched into learning more about Nightshade quite by accident when out exploring the local golf course one day.

You see, the golf course by my home actually reserves area for natural prairie to regrow along the course (much to the dismay of many a golfer who has lost their ball in the sectioned-off areas). When out walking the course, as I am wont (but not supposed) to do, I came across the most beautiful plant, light violet star-shaped flowers, striking red berries. I fell in love, but had no idea what this plant was so I came back home to do my research. I found out that it was...WOODY nightshade??? Naturally I was rather confused. There's more than one type of Nightshade?

Indeed there is, my dear witches. I know of three particular varieties, each with their own slew of folknames, in fact. I'm sure there are some I've missed, but these are the three I definitely know about.

The first, and likely the one that most people think of when they hear nightshade, is known as Deadly Nightshade (atropa belladonna). This plant is an incredibly strong sedative; it puts you to sleep FOREVER. However it is still used medicinally--with GREAT caution--by doctors as a sleep aid. I have a friend who was prescribed belladonna tablets because he had so many other medical problems commercial medicines would have affected him negatively. This plant has BLACK flowers (more a dark purple) and BLACK berries, and is actually pretty rare to find at all, let alone in the wild. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna

The second, and the one I found that day, is Woody Nightshade (solanum dulcamara). This is the plant that I find is most confused with belladonna, but while it is in the same family so are petunias, tobacco and potatoes. This plant is also used medicinally, mostly topically for skin conditions (rashes and the like). I was a bit surprised when I've seen crafters and witches alike claim this plant to be Deadly Nightshade--it's not terribly toxic, except that if small children eat the berries they can be poisonous (which is the case for most things and small children). This plant has PURPLE flowers and RED berries, and is an invasive perennial that just might volunteer it's way into your yard--climbing fences and trees in great bounds. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_dulcamara

The third is the one I have least experience with, Garden Nightshade (solanum nigrum). Yes, it's called garden nightshade because people do keep it in their gardens. This, as with the others, is also used medicinally, though from what I can find more in the cases of fevers and such. The berries if ingested in large quantities are toxic, though boiling breaks down the toxin and as such they are used in jams and preserves. This plant has WHITE flowers and BLACK berries. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_nigrum

I'm including links to the wikipedia pages for each so you can find more information for yourself--go get educated! :-P If you would like some more information on Gothic Plants in general I would recommend Garden Witch's Herbal by Ellen Dugan. Recommended listening is "Belladonna and Aconite" by Inkubus Sukkubus. ;)

My giveaway from Mother Moon!

2010-11-05T18:22:00.001-05:00

I won Mother Moon's Halloween giveaway, and today it arrived! Let me just say, what a treasure trove! It had the funnest zebra print packaging, and inside was the cutest little woven basket full of goodies. Indian corn, a black cat plate, acorn candles, and so many other goodies! The most delectable smell wafted out to greet me as soon as I opened the package accompanied by the jingling of bells. I think Mother Moon must be psychic--how else would she know that I had been chocolate deficient this Halloween? So many goodies...well, I shall just have to leave you with pictures to drool over (hurray for smart phones!)

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Giveaway!

2010-11-05T07:31:00.000-05:00

I have TWO giveaways currently running, but you only have a few days left to enter! They both close this coming Monday! Hurry!

The first is a giveaway for the amazing pagan musician SJ Tucker's latest album, graciously provided by the artist herself. Don't forget to read the accompanying review! This contest is US only, found here: http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-awesome-pagan.html

The second giveaway is for all of those people not eligible for the first, three custom-made bindrunes for 3 lucky winners! Found here: http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/so-ive-been-abandoned.html

This is a reminder to all of those people who may have said they would enter but have since forgotten. This is also a notice to everyone who may have missed it the first time around! That's right, TWO GIVEAWAYS!!!.......c'mon, y'all like free stuff, right? I'll beg if I have to....

So far the count is 8 for the SJ Tucker Giveaway, and
2 for the bindrune giveaway.

Make sure you read all the instructions so you'll definitely be entered!

2010-11-03T23:16:00.000-05:00

What do I give to you?
What do I do for you?
I search, and I find you;
I call, and you're not there
I know you're busy
I know you have your own friends
I just reach for a little of that spotlight
in wonder of your starshine

I see it all around you
that Glamour glow
I see it all around you
but will I ever get to know
the WONDER of the starshine
will I walk by the moon's rays?

Jump off a cliff, that's all I know
jump off a cliff, to fly or fall
but I can't take that path
bound by chains of my creation
LOVE
can I ever fly again?

I'm thrashing in the deep
but there's no water to swim in
I flap toward the sky
but there's no air to hold me up
Can't I reach
for my little bit
of starshine?

Leave Love and fly,
keep Love in chains
what choice is that?
I'm just searchin'
for a little bit
of starshine...

I finally got a new phone!

2010-11-02T18:29:00.001-05:00

My old phone has been obsolete for a while now, but this one is shiny and new and SMART! ;-) It's a samsung transform... I love my new phone. :-)

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Results of the Samhain swap!

2010-10-31T14:38:00.002-05:00

**don't forget to enter my giveaways! They end Mon, Nov. 8th.**

What a wonderful thing! I'm so glad that I was able to participate in the Samhain swap, hosted by Faerwillow over at ~serendipity~ (http://tofallorstumbleupon.blogspot.com/). The premise was to gift 3 (or more) things to the person you were paired up with, and then on Halloween we would all open our packages!

I was paired with onreeones from One Day at a Time (http://onreeones.blogspot.com/), and boy is she one generous lady! What makes me really sad is that I can't find my camera charger, because I want to show you all what I got! They're soooo beautiful! For now I shall have to be content describing it all for you, but I shall be going on a hunt for the charger and as soon as I find it you can bet pictures will be posted!

When I first opened the box I was greeted with an explosion of color! Pretty colored tissues everywhere, hurray! Then something dark caught my eye, and subsequently my breath, because the most beautiful black-orange-silver flowered/ribboned barrette caught my eye. How perfect for Halloween! And right beneath it the most beautiful metal ornament halloween witch, so glittery! (she must have realized I'm a bit of a magpie, lol! I love sparkly!)

Next I discovered the most beautiful little autumnal wreath, with dried apples (they smell like apples and cinnamon and nutmeg, yum!) and fall colored/themed ribbons, so beautiful! I'm trying to figure out just where to put it up...

But the last two, oh, they really made me catch my breath. The most exquisite fall leaf-styled dish (which is now serving up my recently roasted pumpkin seeds!) and two absolutely gorgeous fall-leafy pieces of jewelry. I wasn't sure at first if they were necklaces or bracelets, but decided they were both! I'm wearing one as a choker and the other as a bracelet as I write this, and I really wish you could see them because they are sooooo beautiful!!! The colors are all red and gold and brown, with some of the most fun beads!! Little brown leaf-shaped beads with golden veining, read beads with a design on them that look like paint splatters, shiny gold beads and bumpy bronze beads.....GORGEOUS!!!!!

I can't wait to show you! Onreeone, thank you so much!!!! I hope you like your package too!

Happy Halloween/Samhain, one and all!!

Hey! That was unexpected!

2010-10-29T18:14:00.000-05:00

**Don't forget to enter my giveaways! The close Mon, Nov. 8th!**

So today was halloween costume day at work. I went in my 'gypsy' getup. Apparently there was a costume contest, and I got third place! Woot, $10 I didn't have before! Yay!

Here's my costume...well, for the most part. This is my garb for the larp I go to, Nero. This is my character Jacylinn!

So I've been abandoned...

2010-10-28T07:45:00.000-05:00

By my loyal followers! D:< Does no one read my blog anymore, or is it just that I have that many non-continental US followers out there? Alright then, here's the deal: I will be running my own giveaway for the non-continentalers. I will be giving away 3 bindrunes, custom made for the winners.

Bindrunes are talismans that combine different runes of the Elder Futhark for a desired quality, for example safe travel, health, good times/camaraderie, etc.

This giveaway is for all the non-continental U.S. people who can't enter the S.J. Tucker giveaway. For every post you make on a social network about the S.J. Tucker giveaway, you get one entry (this excludes Facebook unfortunately as Facebook has rules against that sort of thing).

To enter this giveaway:

You must have a way for me to contact you

You must comment on THIS post with a link to the post you made.

Each entry must have a separate comment.

Got it? Good. By the Gods I WILL get the word out!!!

((PS~ those who aren't eligible for the SJ Tucker giveaway can still listen to her music here: http://music.skinnywhitechick.com/indexpage))

Review and GIVEAWAY: Awesome Pagan Musician!!

2010-10-25T20:53:00.006-05:00

So in my endless quest for fantastic pagan music about a month ago I stumbled onto an artist that I absolutely fell in love with while browsing youtube. Celebratory, reverent, relating myths...I was impressed with the songwriting, with the powerful melodies, and most of all with the singer's pipes (YOWZA can that girl belt!!). I found myself soaring in the sun's mighty rays with 'Firebird', quiet and mystical with 'Witch's Rune'...I enjoyed these songs deeply, but for some reason didn't search beyond what was available on a single channel.

Well, Fate had different ideas for that. A week or two ago I was contacted by Ariel Publicity wanting to introduce me to a pagan artist--yes, you guessed it, the very same one I had recently found! I was intrigued, said so, and *poof!* a cd was on its way.

So without further ado, I would like to introduce (or reacquaint) you lovelies with the music of S.J. Tucker.

Of course, I didn't spend my week (im)patiently waiting for the cd doing nothing, no sir. No, a few raps on the head was all it took for Fate to get my attention, so I was off and running searching youtube, her site, her blog, trying to figure out 'just who is this S.J. Tucker? just what is her music like?'.

Well m'dears, what I found impressed me. S.J. Tucker, also known as skinnywhitechick, also known as s00j, has been touring the US since 2004 and has released several albums--all of that new music to listen to! I dove right in, of course.

It turns out that the songs I had initially listened to were from her album dedicated to her pagan fans, "Blessings" (HIGHLY recommend by the way!). But there's more...oh, so much more. You see, this chica has released many more albums than just "Blessings", as lovely as that album is. Her music isn't exclusively pagan (she's a musician after all, she sings life--ALL of life), but I can tell you it is all fun, and highly enjoyable.

Ever wondered what would have happened if Wendy had taken Hook's deal and become a part of his pirate crew? Well now you can find out thanks to s00j's Wendy Trilogy! (three songs telling what REALLY happened...Wendy really is much cooler, after all.) Ever worry if an alligator might have found its way into your house? S.J. has it in a tango! Ever wondered if that salad is really as good for you as people say? Beware, for it is the notorious 'Salad of Doom'! (I like to call it the Salad of DOOOOOOOM....!! Because really it's more fun to say it that way.)

But again, there's so much more than that! It's not just pagan, it's not just fun/silly/ridiculous/laugh-out-loud (is there a better way to say that and really express what I mean?). Her music is also deep, it's also contemplative, it's also reverent...I think I said it best before.

She sings LIFE.

If you do a bit of your own research you will see this repeated all over the place, but I'm going to repeat it here as well because it is honestly just so right for her. "Music is communication for SJ Tucker. It is how she tells stories, how she shares lore and myth, how she interacts with the world...without her songs and stories, she is nothing. With them, she is herself." (http://arielpublicity.net/clients/2829)

I completely agree. I know my exposure is a bit limited here, but I've been listening to her music, I've been watching her live performances up on youtube and listening to her interaction with the crowd. The way I perceive it, its like she takes a little piece of herself, her experience, gift-wraps it in some pretty melody and presents it to her audience in pure expression. (If you've read this far into the review comment about 'musical expression' for an extra entry in the giveaway!) With some of her songs (for me, Neptune) its almost like the music isn't there. You hear it and enjoy it, but what you experience rather is an emotion, a concept, transferred directly from her to you using the music as a vehicle.

And when I finally, finally got the cd in the mail, I was giddy. I was ecstatic. I was like a schoolgirl skipping and giggling because I got to have a little piece of that experience. I spent the evening trying to find a way to listen to the music in the shower without electrocuting myself. (after much testing and consideration, I would recommend simply waiting until after your shower--you don't want to miss anything!) 'Neptune' is on this cd! And so is 'Salad of Doom'! And, and...! Well, a bunch of new songs that I wasn't already familiar with, but also fell in love with! I love 'Ravens in the Library' and 'Cheshire Kitten' and 'Were-Owl', but oh, oh 'Witchka'! I must say that I do adore 'Witchka'. (see the story behind the song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAOb2YtQDYM The sound quality isn't the best, but its super cute!) I can totally see this little girl all in black with a book of spells giggling madly. It's just such a fun image!

This is Mischief, S.J. Tucker's latest album. This is the cd I got! There are several songs that deal with relationships, but also songs that consider the quest for knowledge, the ability to find happiness even in your day job, and of course...just how dangerous is your salad? Ranging from fun and lighthearted to deep and contemplative and everywhere in between, there's a little something for everyone in this album.

I do wish that lyrics had been included in the little booklet...I have trouble understanding lyrics sometimes, and like to know just what is written. We do however get a lovely little descriptive piece for each song...not necessarily describing the song, but rather it is added content that can influence your perception of the song. Even without the lyrics, I do appreciate the booklet, and really if that's all you have to complain about a cd I'd say you're doing pretty good! But I love, LOVE the art (and mine came with an adorable little 'trading card' featuring SJ. as depicted as a character from one of her other songs, 'Tough Titty Cupcakes', the raccoon). With all the variety and artistic talent available in this cd, I dare you not to fall in love with at least one song!

Giveaway

And to give you the perfect opportunity to fall in love ;), S.J. has graciously agreed to give one of her new cds away to one lucky contestant! That's right, you could own your very own copy of Mischief! Here are the rules to enter:

Participants MUST have a mailing address in the Continental U.S.

Please make sure I have a way to contact you in case you win!

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

To enter you must post about this review/giveaway on your blog with a link to this post, then leave a comment here with the link to your post. It doesn't have to be much, just a sentence or two like:

"Leathra over at Confessions of a Crafty Witch has a review up about the pagan musician S.J. Tucker, and she's hosting a giveaway for S.J.'s latest cd! Check it out at http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-and-giveaway-awesome-pagan.html!"

Of course you can write your own, but if laziness is a factor in you not entering there ya go! ;)

For an extra entry you can browse S.J.'s music (http://music.skinnywhitechick.com/indexpage) and comment here about a song you like.

**Edit: for every post you make on a social network (excluding Facebook) you get an extra entry. make sure to leave a comment with a link to your post.**

Please note that while you are not required to read the review of S.J. Tucker's work, I would recommend it. It just gives you a good idea of what you're trying for. Good luck!

Contest closes Monday, November 8th. Now go spread the word!

((Disclaimer: I received a copy of this cd from the artist for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The artist has provided a copy of her cd for the giveaway. I might try and convince S.J. that she needs to make an 'Evil Chocolate Addiction' song to balance out the health-nuttiness of 'Salad of Doom', but that's another matter entirely ~_^. ))

It's my Fall altar!

2010-10-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

Isn't it gorgeous? Up front we have my wand, to the right are my herb bottles, my black mirror, and my cauldron, to the left we have a small chest full of divination tool and a black smoky quartz cluster, and in the center we have a 'crystal' ball (prolly just glass--it's from that scrying kit you can get in a bookstore) and the newest edition to my altar items--

Isn't this fellow gorgeous? Sorry the pic is a little blurry, those are the Futhark spiraling and running across the bone. According to my dad, the great outdoorsman, this is a raccoon skull. I found it in some high grass by the side of a trail while I was out exploring this past summer, already cleaned by nature. I let it sun-bleach a bit, cleansed it, and now we have this!

My divination box (again, sorry it's blurry!) I have two tarot decks, three rune sets, and two pendulums in there! The only reason there aren't FOUR rune sets in there is 'cause one of them is still with the PPD stuff over at Brigid's. ^_^;

Have a wonderful day!

Finally, PPD pictures!

2010-10-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Our location:

This is the pavilion at our local park, where we set up. In front is the snack table, to the left is the divination table (not set up yet) and to the right are our information tables.

The schedule:
Heh, sorry it's sideways, but I'm on my boyfriend's computer and can't find a program that I can flip it with...macs are a little different like that. Click for a bigger picture, and....well, turn your head a bit.

This is the kid's area! We had special pagany coloring books, aura fluffing/glitter blessing (ever had one of those before? They're so fun!) and face painting. Plenty of the adults joined in too. ^_^

Here is half of our information table, which has our group library as well as pamphlets about paganism and our group, Pagans in Touch. (Being the ones running the whole thing we felt a little justified in including our own information.) Oh, and of course our beautiful group organizer, Brigid!

(On top of the green pamphlets you can see a rod for our meditation labyrinth--its one of those that I cut my foot open on. By the time I was done with it that loop on the end was a wide-open hook!)

The other half of our information table, FULL of ritual items--most of this is from Brigid's personal collection! There are also close-ups below, click for a bigger picture.

Well, that's all the pictures I have for PPD--this is all during setup, and I injured myself just before the event. I couldn't go to get my camera on my own once I got back, so I just gave my talk and demonstration without. :( Wish I had more!
(And sorry bout the weird spacing on here...new pic upload thingy makes it weird....)

I'm sorry!

2010-10-21T22:57:00.004-05:00

I was seriously going to post pics tonight! Not just of PPD, but of my fall altar too! But I can't, you see...the cable that will connect the camera to the computer is missing. BOTH of them. I have no idea where they would be stored, so I'm left to wait until my guy comes home. Don't worry, I'm definitely sharing my altar pics, I just have to be able to get them online! >_<;

((Also, please note: There is now an 'Award Cauldron' page.))

It's a blog award!

2010-10-18T17:47:00.003-05:00

Most of you know I'm not too keen on getting awards (those part of the rules that requires I send it to X number of people who are then obligated to pass it on...too much like chainmail which I delete on principal) but there are those kind souls who just want so much to GIVE that somehow they end up on my door. Now, unless I get buried by them, I do try to be courteous and thank-you and answer the questions, but I refuse point-blank to pass it on because I feel like I'm doing the people I'm sending it to a disservice.

Hmm...I'm thinking I should start an Award Cauldron page so I have a place to actually put these things...Well, there's just one with a questionnaire, so here goes!

Thank you so very much Wendy (over at http://www.yearcats.com/) for thinking of me! Wendy was kind enough to nominate me for

award.

Now I'm supposed to share 7 things about me
1) I act, dance, sing, write, paint, sketch, sculpt, knit, crochet, do beadworking, wireworking, and a whole load of other crafty stuff that won't come to mind at the moment...
2) I graduated 1-2 years ago with a Bachelor of the Arts in English
3) Due to #2, I now work as one of the cogs in a debt collection agency
4) The reason I'm not doing something more with my life is because I haven't yet figured out what I want to do...or rather, I have TOO MANY ideas of what I want to do with my life, some realistic, some not, and cannot make a decision on the matter.
5) Umm....I have 4 favorite colors? Green, blue, purple, and silver.
6) Almost there! Umm...umm...I'm really horrible at uploading photos so I can post with them! Wait, you knew that already...crap...
7) ...I can haz chzburgr? (heh! so much for that degree in English thing!)

((PS~ if someone would like to snag this award for yourself you are more than welcome to do so!))

((PPS~ I was in a very humorous mood when I wrote this, so if anyone takes offense PLEASE DON'T. No offense is intended, I'm just enjoying life and I'm not trying to do so at your expense.))

((PPPS~ fun stuff in the works kiddies! Keep you eyes peeled, I'll be having a review of some very talented and fun music up soon!(and maybe the person responsible for said music, we'll see ;P)))

Oh, wow...

2010-10-16T11:40:00.004-05:00

Two absolutely brilliant giveaways over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom today! First, I'm sure you all know I'm an absolute fiend for rune sets, it looks like this one is made of clay: http://www.confessionsofapagansoccermom.com/2008/10/giveaway-from-marie-segals-art-from-my.html
Aren't they gorgeous? What a pretty blue! They look sort of iridescent too. ^_^

And next, the most gorgeous little goddess doll ever! All done up in her autumn harvest colors too. ^_^
Isn't she so beautiful? I absolutely adore her! I do hope that I'll win her...I've never had a goddess to go on my altar, despite all the statues I've made they always want to go elsewhere...I wonder, will I finally find one who will stay? Mama Allpa...I'm trying to learn the lessons she has to teach. http://www.confessionsofapagansoccermom.com/2008/10/giveaway-from-dancing-goddess-dolls.html

Whew!

2010-10-15T01:23:00.003-05:00

So, after a looong evening of crafting frenzy my package for Serendipity's Samhain swap is all set and ready to be mailed out! Now I just need to pack for Nero this weekend...and figure out how to take a shower with one stitched up foot and one weak ankle...and hopefully actually get enough sleep tonight to be able to work tomorrow...

But! An evening full of listening the Inkubus Sukkubus, crafting like a madwoman, and finding little extra things I can slip in and fighting ENDLESSLY with paint that wasn't made for the surface I was painting on...well, it was all a lot of fun, and I absolutely CAN'T wait until Halloween when she opens it and I get to open mine!

I just have too much to do and not enough time to do it in... ^_^;;; Ah well! On to the packing! ((CRAP!!! It's 1:30am already!?!?!?!??))

It was Eventful!

2010-10-09T19:52:00.004-05:00

Pagan Pride Day, for the most part, rocked!! I have some pictures that I managed to take, though they won't be uploaded until tomorrow most likely. Unfortunately I only have pictures from setup...didn't manage to get any during the event.

Guess what?? We had 35 people come through!! It was fantastic, way more than last year! What's more, 15 of those people weren't group members--they were local non-affiliated pagans! Squeeeeeee!

We started setup around 7:30 and were ready by noon! Since I would be doing rune readings all day I had to show off my new divinatory tool--3 eight-sided rune dice! I decided to do a quick little reading for how the day would go. Comraderie, good...insight and learning, even better...and...hardship? Bwah??? Why on earth would we have hardship? I know that there might be protesters, but....

Well, I found out what the hardship was maybe ten minutes before the event started--I sliced my foot open on a metal hook we were using for the meditation labyrinth. Fun! So I got driven to the hospital and spent most of my day waiting for the stitches...of which I now have three in the bottom of my left foot. Yay!

I got back just in time to do my lecture/demonstration (practical magic and bindrunes, respectively) and I did manage to give two readings. Unfortunately it was my LEFT foot that was injured, and its my RIGHT ankle that is bad. So, I'm pretty much a gimp. Keeping weight off the injured foot puts a lot of strain on my bad ankle, so I can't do long stretches of standing and I had to be carried to and from the parking lot to the park where PPD was. *sigh* My first PPD, and I miss most of it. Ah well, I managed to make it for what counted, I just wish I could have experienced all of it! (Even better, I wish one of these years I could make it to a big PPD, or some big pagan festival in general! The closest I get around here are renn faires...)

Waaaah! Pagan Pride Day is this Saturday!

2010-10-05T23:40:00.000-05:00

I'm so nervous! The list of what is yet to be done isn't too long, but I'm still super anxious...I've never been to a Pagan Pride Day event before, let alone help run one, so I'm really hoping we can get everything done!

What? Context? Oh! The group that I am discussion organizer for, Pagans in Touch, runs its own little Pagan Pride Day for our area. Last year we had one semi-official PPD--the Peoria PPD decided to disappear a few months before the event so we tried to pick up the ball with a cursory glance from the National organization. 3-4 months to plan and maybe a hundred dollars to use...we did what we could, but it wasn't stellar. I wasn't even able to be there, 1) because it was on my birthday and 2) because my cousin decided to have her wedding on my birthday! Waaah....

Well, this year I'll actually be able to participate in our own little PPD. No vendors, no drumming circle, in a little park just off of ISU campus...but more planning, more organization, and a bit of money actually saved up!
We have a meditation labyrinth, several talks and demonstrations (two of which by yours truly!), a kid's station with aura fluffing, glitter blessings, coloring books, and face painting...a divination table, an information table...and food donations to go to the Midwest Food Bank (because they're the only charitable organization in the area that doesn't mind that we're a bunch of pagans)!

Pagan Pride Day, Oct. 9th, Anderson Park, Normal IL, http://www.pagansintouch.com/ppd/index.html

((Apparently last year other local groups thought we did an abysmal job and didn't enjoy themselves. Said we dishonored the national organization and couldn't possibly compare to CHICAGO'S PPD. Chicago? We're a handful people who had a few months and about a hundred bucks to pull everything together, and you're snubbing us because we can't compare to CHICAGO???))

Foot in my mouth AGAIN

2010-10-03T00:04:00.004-05:00

Some of you may remember how back in November of last year I made a post about my element switching to fire (original post: http://confessionsofacraftywitch.blogspot.com/2009/11/wellnow-that-was-interesting.html). I've been air. I've been water. In each I have been quiet, patient, waiting to assess the full situation before making any comment/action. I has long been my habit to let it slide, or just walk away. I was the master of just letting it roll off my back.

I was NEVER rude, impulsive, easily irritated, rash, easily baited, quick to anger, self-serving, or selfish, and I NEVER was snippy if I was pissed off by something.

But now that I'm fire I AM.
And it's pissing me off!!

I've hurt my friends, insulted the love of my life, reduced my beloved sister to hysterical sobs...and while I do feel guilty, I'm quickly consumed with self-righteous anger. "It's not my fault!" the anger shouts "I've got a life and thoughts too! Why the hell should I cow-tow to their whims? It's not like my thoughts don't matter!!"

The anger does have a point. I've never asserted myself. Never gave thought to myself if someone else needed something, even if it majorly inconvenienced me. Others have always gotten the priority, others were always right, and I was just so damn grateful that they were in my life in the first place that I never even MENTIONED that I had to study for a major final the next day and couldn't really afford to drive them two hours to Chicago so they could make a date.

But suddenly now if there's some small injustice, or just something that pisses me off, I'm belligerent, rude, ungracious, insulting. There's all this emotion and passion that I've NEVER had to deal with before in my life, and I just don't know how to deal with it! My love can't even be sarcastic anymore without my blowing up at him! How on earth do I DEAL with all of this???

Yes, there are benefits to being Fire. I'm actually speaking my mind. When I got majorly shafted the other day at work I went and talked with my manager about it instead of just stewing in my self-pity and misery. And for the first time in my life I actually want to have sex because I actually enjoy it. I'm passionate, I'm creative, I laugh loud and long and sing and dance for the sheer joy of life!

But I step on a loooooot of toes on the way. I no longer know how to handle a situation because I just get so consumed with anger. I've always avoided anger like the plague, because I've never been able to see anything positive coming from anger. I never wanted to hurt the people around me like anger has hurt me. But now at the slightest infraction up it flares, screaming for "My way! MY WAY!!!!". Sometimes I love myself, sometimes I can't stand myself.

The worst part of all is I have no idea how to handle the anger. NO IDEA. I've always kept it so very tightly sealed in a tiny little box. Before I became fire I had only ever been truly angry 4 times in my life. Irritated, yes. Angry, never. But then, when I was angry before, it was very very dangerous. While I never let myself get violent, I considered it. It was only with locking every muscle in my body sometimes that I didn't do anything.

Now that I'm fire and get angry all the time, its not nearly as potent, violent, or dangerous. I hurt people emotionally yes, I insult them, and I hate myself a bit for it, but I would never do physical harm. Well, to them at least. At this point the only method I have that remotely manages the anger is to clench my fists so hard that my nails break the skin of my palm. Yeah, I know that's not a good thing at all, but right now it's all I have.

...hm, I imagine there are a few readers out there going "whoa whoa whoa! Where did all of this come from Leathra? You're always so happy and calm!" Umm...well I'm not ALWAYS angry, and when I am I don't usually let it get to the public sphere. Oh...wait, you're asking why I'm talking about this in the first place? Why that's quite simple.

As the title suggests, I just got pissy/insulting on someone else again, only this time it happened in the blogosphere. I've already written the person in question an apology email, but I was so pissed with MYSELF that I felt the need to post about my issues.

I know that I'll figure out how to truly be fire eventually--this is all just a part of the becoming process. Still, the transition from Air to Water was painless and happened without my notice. My reforging from Water into Fire, however, is full of blood, sweat, and tears. And anger. Lots and lots of anger. I know I'll get there eventually...it's a matter of time and experience. But it's not easy. Gods know what will happen when it's time to become Earth!

It's that time of year again...

2010-10-02T14:29:00.002-05:00

when my posts will be swamped with giveaway advertisements, lol!
Today's is The Weiser Field Guide to Witches over at Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom! Hurray for the 31 days of Hallowe'en! http://www.confessionsofapagansoccermom.com/2008/10/giveaway-3.html

I've seen this book in Borders before, and I seriously considered picking it up. Not knowing what it was, at first I was like "Ugh, more ridiculous stereotypes. Lovely. Well, it's witchy, I'm a witch, so let's see how bad they mess it up..." ...and they didn't. At all. It's more a chronicle of all things witchy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

So I have a theory...

2010-10-02T13:58:00.003-05:00

After several failed attempts at trying to fix the comment-ability on my blog, I've come to the theory that perhaps it is my new very pretty fall theme coding that is the problem! *gasp* I'm going to be doing some experimenting, so if you come by and see that my theme is a bit different please try to leave a comment to see if it works. If not PLEASE email me at windchild26ATgmailDOTcom to let me know that it didn't fix the problem.

I LOVE socks!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-27T21:01:00.007-05:00

These are all of the beautiful socks I have made for myself over the course of one, two years. Making my own socks is my favorite part about knitting--I was never much into the funky, fun-colored socks you can buy in the store, but knitting those socks is one of my favorite things! I can custom-make them for myself, have as intricate or plain a design as I want, and they last FOREVER! I go through store-bought socks at an alarming rate.

Here are some of the designs that you can't really appreciate when the pattern is relaxed:

last but not least, my latest pair. They're just in time for fall, and they remind me of fall! The pattern sort of looks like falling leaves, and the colors are fall colors.

Happy Birthday to me!!

2010-09-26T01:34:00.002-05:00

I am now 24 years old. Well, technically I will be at 3 a.m.
So astrologers, you have your date and time (September 26, 1986, 3 a.m.). I wonder if anyone is going to draw up my chart out of sheer curiosity? Likely not--there's a lot of effort that goes into those. But hey, its good practice.

24 and man is the biological clock ticking. I literally woke up saturday morning and asked my boyfriend "once we're married (which will happen in the next year or so) can we start trying to have kids?" Yeah. Weird. At the same time I can't wait, but I also value my freedom WAAAAAAAAY too much.

Ah well. We'll see what I have to say next year.

Here's to another year of love and pain, joy and sorrow, and above all, growth.

Welcome Magical Partygoers!

2010-09-24T22:54:00.002-05:00

I have several posts available for your reading enjoyment, and may post more throughout the day. It will depend most on if the mood takes me (which it very well might, what with my perusing so many Practical Magic blog goodies!).

I have been informed of a problem where people cannot comment on my posts; I have checked this and discovered that while I can comment on my own posts, I cannot edit any of them once posted! :( Most unfortunate. Rest assured that I am informing Blogger of this glitch.

I do not know if this problem will be resolved in time for the part; in fact I doubt it. As such, I invite you to please email me your thoughts and comments at windchild26ATgmailDOTcom. If you will preface your comment with which post this is in regards to, I can later edit my posts (once the problem is solved) and add your coments. Thank you!

It's another 31 days of Halloween....

2010-09-24T19:15:00.002-05:00

...with BOOKS! Paranormal Books!! Really, can you get any better than that? Ooh, the tingles shoot up my spine in antici.........(SAY IT!!!)...........pation. The month of fun is upon us! Go check it out!!
http://www.paranormalhaven.com/2010/09/halloween-at-haven.html

"There's a little Witch in every Woman"

2010-09-24T07:08:00.002-05:00

I find it curious that Warner Bros. even misquote their own movie. Did any of you realize this is a misquote? THIS is what Aunt Jet says: "There's a little witch in all of us." Why does this get transformed to 'every woman?' I mean, yes, there are only women gathered when Jet makes this statement, but I always felt the statement was more enveloping than just those gathered.

Is it because witches are thought to be only women? And men are supposedly 'warlocks'? But that isn't the case at all. Men are not warlocks, they are witches in their own right.

I think Jet's actual statement is far more appropriate. I may be the only one here, but I really don't like to disclude men when there is just as much a right for them as there is for women. We are ALL witches, regardless of gender.

As such, this I say:

There's a little Witch in ALL OF US!

Practical Magic

2010-09-23T21:39:00.003-05:00

Here are some lovely sites that I came across as I was researching for my posts. Browse to your heart's content. Enjoy!
http://www.amasveritas.com/film/index.html
http://practicalmagic.warnerbros.com/main.html

The Magick of Practical Magic

2010-09-23T19:52:00.014-05:00

I don't know a single pagan who has watched this movie and not gone "I wish magick worked like that in real life!" Being able to blow on a candle to light it, having your tea/coffee keep stirring itself after taking your hand away...little things like that would make it all so much more, well, magickal.

While it is always The Craft that is lauded for its realistic spells/rituals (small wonder why--they actually had a priestess consultant on set!) Practical Magic does manage to get some realism in there.

First bit of magick in the movie: Maria's hanging rope snaps just as she jumps from the scaffolding. I don't know about you, but I'd say that's rather realistic. It's 'coincidental' when it takes effect, as so much magick can be explained as simple coincidence. Now I certainly wouldn't condone trying to hang yourself just to see if you can perform a bit of coincidental magick yourself--are you insane?!? Leave it to the movies, kids: they have their own brand of magic.

Second bit of magick: Maria's curse. She wants to keep herself from ever falling in love, but her intent and energy warps into "a curse on any man that dared love an Owens woman." She likely would have been better served by a spell to ease a broken heart, but by this point she is remarkably bitter which explains her choice.

Next is the love spell the aunts perform for a lovesick woman in the village. This one I think is both unwise and unlikely. One, there is a specific person the spell is to be worked on, which is exactly the WRONG way to go about a love spell. Two, they drive a needle through the heart of a mourning dove to accomplish it. Animal sacrifice in this day and age is rather looked down upon, and its near impossible to find a witch willing to utilize it. Doves are sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. By piercing one of her sacred animals through the heart in sacrifice to her, I can understand how this might function as a love spell but would NEVER condone it. There are much simpler, less harmful ways. Leave the animal sacrifice to the ancients.

Gilly: What are you doing?
Sally: Summoning up a true love spell called Amas Veritas.
Gilly: I thought you never wanted to fall in love.
Sally: That's the point. I guy I dreamed up doesn't exist, and if he doesn't exist I'll never die of a broken heart.
Amas Veritas translates to True Love, so Sally's statement is rather redundant. She picks several flowers, and with each flower she names another quality that she would like in a man. For the record, this IS the right way to do a love spell, so I don't know why the movie thinks you have to name a specific person for a love spell to work. I mean, that's the way to make a love spell backfire! And I think it curious that she chooses white rose petals--then again, its not so mysterious since she's actually trying to NOT fall in love. Pink/Red would be romantic/steamy respectively, but white is that kind of untouched quality.

How many of you realized with this shot that the spell had taken effect? I mean, its kinda obvious that he's the one from her spell--there are all of the white rose petals from her spell scattered about, and he walking through them. I think it a beautiful visual representation of that tingle you feel in the air when a spell takes effect, and quite clever on the director's part (though he likely wasn't thinking about that. It's cinema symbolism).

I'm not even going to go into the resurrection spell...well, I will, but only slightly. Why the HELL would you bring someone back from the dead? Why do the Aunts have a spell like that??? For the spell, there is a black pentacle drawn upon his chest with a white pentacle covering it. Reasonable symbolism there, especially considering the incant:
"Black as Night, erase Death from our Sight
White as Light, Mighty Hekate make it right."
The black pentacle is concealed, hidden from sight as it is enveloped by the white pentacle of resurrection.
There is no purpose to rolling your tongue that I can divine--movie magic, what can ya do. For a while I wasn't entirely sure why they were supposed to drive needles through the eyes, but then a friend of mine came up with a theory--driving needles through his eyes would theoretically weaken him, allowing the spirit to be controlled. I suppose I can see that.

I do like the little Banishing potion Gillian and Kylie whip up. They make it as a simple syrup? Wouldn't everyone ingesting it have that spell cast on them then?
The only ingredients they give us in the movie for this are Blessing Seeds/Nigelis, and Milk Thistle. Is Nigelis even a real? Am I spelling it right? Google is not helping me...

In the end, the magick in Practical Magic is a bit hit and miss. Twisted the right way and with the right intent I suppose they could be perfectly functional spells, but I personally would find my own way of doing things. As I said before, there are MUCH simpler, safer ways of accomplishing the same thing. Still, they did fairly well for all that. And its the little unintentional magick that I really adore--how the aunts know the love lives of every person in town, how Gillian can seduce almost any man she wants, Kylie seeing Jimmy in the garden, how Sally's coffee keeps stirring for her. I also wouldn't mind being able to float safely down from a great height. Ya know, little things.

In any case Practical Magic has a soft spot in my heart. It's the spirit of it that I adore, the real feel of magic. For that, it doesn't have to be spot-on with its spells. I'll still watch it again and again, grinning from ear to ear.

Blessed Mabon!

2010-09-23T07:33:00.004-05:00

Traditionally I prepare my altar for fall on Mabon...I may wait a day or two, so I can find more turned leaves to gather and press them properly before using them on my altar. Rest assured, I will definitely have pictures up!

I'm thinking I need to harvest and dry some of the herbs in my garden--perfect time to do it! I discovered last winter that rosemary, despite being an evergreen, will definitely not survive in a pot on a balcony, so I will be harvesting that as well.

I'm considering making some mulled wine...but will likely pass due to our 90 DEGREE TEMPERATURE!! Ugh! Record-setting is great and all, but does it have to be on Mabon?

In any case, I know many of you celebrated yesterday (Is my Llewelyn calendar the only one that says its on the 23rd this year?) but a blessed Mabon regardless! Peace!

Well...

2010-09-17T18:08:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately I didn't get a call back. Thank you everyone who wished me luck! Now then...*ahem* Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth....lol, j/k! I'm not in the play, nor am I in the theatre, so that won't have any effect.

A good deal of you probably knew, but in case you didn't here's a bit of theatre lore for you. It is considered incredibly bad luck (read: "curse") to say the name Macbeth while in a theatre or while part of a production that isn't Macbeth (Macbeth being the name of Shakespeare's Scottish play with the three witches and a guest appearance by Hekate).

It is thought that the reason this play is cursed (which is why you don't mention it while in a theatre/play) is because the spell contained within the play--double, double, toil and trouble and all that--was a real spell that Shakespeare stole from witches at the time. The witches got pissed and as a result cursed the play. Now, I highly doubt the validity of this claim--I truly doubt that any witch would include in any potion the corpse of a baby that was birthed in a ditch and then strangled by its own prostitute mother ("strangled babe ditch-delivered by a drab").

The more likely explanation as to why its considered bad luck to say the name of this play: if the current production is doing poorly, saying the name might give the director the idea to switch to the more popular Macbeth simply to bring in profit.

In any case, the play got the reputation among theatre folk of being 'cursed'--and we all know what the power of belief can do. Things do go wrong if someone accidentally says the name Macbeth--lights stop working, mics cut out, props/scenery break/go missing, actors get sick, etc. And I'm talking far more than the usual first night hi-jinks...everything goes wrong on the first night, but a play plagued by the Macbeth curse has stuff going wrong constantly.

As a witch its a rather simple matter to disperse the energy that gathers when the name is spoken--other folks don't have it as easy. There are a variety of 'counter-curses', but the one I was subjected to while still in the broom-closet fair traumatized me.

Step 1) take off your left shoe and stand on your right foot only
Step 2) hop counter-clockwise three full rotations
Step 3) go outside. You may only replace your shoe once you have left the building.

Some are more elaborate, some less. With no actual intent or energy however its understandable that this counter-curse only works on occasion. I was a junior in highschool at the time, clueless of the curse and talking about my english assignment at play practice when my director suddenly freaked out at me (and I mean FREAKED OUT--he got purple in the face and spit was flying from his mouth as he screamed at me to shut up). He then stopped absolutely everything and had everyone watch as he made me perform the counter-curse, then escorted me outside the building to make sure I didn't put my shoe on prematurely. Like I said, fairly traumatized. Actors take this stuff seriously.

Anywho, there's a bit of theatre lore for you. Hope you enjoyed it!

Wish me luck!

2010-09-14T14:55:00.001-05:00

I'm auditioning at our community theater tonight! Guess what play it is?

*drumroll*

Dracula! (yeah, shock, surprise)

One of the performances is on Hallowe'en...well, we'll see if I make it first and then I'll worry about that. Its been forever since I've been in a play! The last time was in the Vagina Monologues in February a couple years back. Chances are I won't be auditioning for Rocky Horror again this year, so Dracula here I come!

My Labor Day weekend

2010-09-09T17:27:00.003-05:00

It was fantastic! The first vacation I've ever had while working full time. I went with my boyfriend up North--that is, to Birchwood, WI. My family has spent their summers there since before I can remember, and this time I was able to drag the guy along with me. He went expecting a stressful weekend with the almost-in-laws...he ended up having a great time! Says he would like to return at least once a summer, and you know that makes me jump for joy. Summer just isn't summer without tubing on the Lake and campfires with s'mores and driving to Hayward to spend a day in that tourist trap. So I got to have a small summer--with the trees already turning for fall. Lol. Still, it was a balm to my soul (I haven't been up in a couple years!). To the left you can see one of the ways I will spend my days up there.

More teasers

2010-09-02T07:21:00.000-05:00

This is how I did her feet! She walks among the stars...

The results are in!

2010-08-28T17:29:00.003-05:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 19
Result:
15
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

And our winner is Andreann! Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address at windchild26ATgmailDOTcom. Now, I've been considering if I should post a picture of her now...and I've come up with a bit of a compromise.
This is how I did her belly:

Keep watching! I'll be posting more samples later!

Contest Extension!

2010-08-24T17:42:00.002-05:00

Apparently people are a little late to jump on the bandwagon, lol. The contest deadline is extended till Friday! (This way I have enough time to do the finishing touches, lol.)

Is this right?

2010-08-23T18:44:00.003-05:00

My contest ends this Wednesday, but I'm considering giving it an extension. My blog is showing 14 responses to my contest. Is this right? Because I'm getting new people following my blog--but no entries. Hmm. Maybe people don't like the giveaway? I think it an interesting conundrum. So far I have entries for:
Willow (1 entry)
Spellbound in Salem (1 entry)
Nydia (4 entries)
Anastasia (3 entries)
Sydnii (1 entry)
Lisa (1 entry)
Myster (1 entry)
Lyn (1 entry)

If you have responded to my giveaway but for some reason it isn't showing up on my blog, or if the numbers I have here are incorrect, please contact me at windchild26 AT gmail DOT com and I will ensure that you get your entries.

Crafty Witch's First Giveaway!

2010-08-11T07:28:00.009-05:00

In celebration of 100 followers, I will be giving away this small (apprx. 8" in length) Goddess statue! (click to enlarge)

This statue will be handpainted by me over the course of the contest and 'glazed' with one of the handiest faux glazes--clear nail polish.

To enter this contest, you must
1) Be a follower of my blog
2) Reply to this post on whether you would like to see the finished product before or after the contest ends.

For extra entries you can
A) Post about my giveaway on your blog (2 entries)
B) Have one or both of my buttons (crafty witch and witchword--I don't mind. ^_^) on your blog (one entry total)
C) Check out my other blog, The Witchword, and reply here with what you think of it--be honest! (2 entries)

That's right, you can get a total of 6 entries! This contest will be going through Fri., August the 27th. You have two weeks! Go spread the word! ^_^
(Please make each entry a separate comment)

100 followers?!?

2010-08-10T23:09:00.002-05:00

Wow! I have 100 followers already?? Come to think of it, it is right around a year since I started this blog--so the numbers go right along with my prediction (that being that in a year I'd have about 100 followers).

Do you know what I'm going to do? Yes, some of you have guessed it: *trumpet sounds* I will be having my first official giveaway! Now, I'll be posting with more detail later, but I can tell you what it is now: This is a Goddess (Mother) sculpture made by me that I will be hand-painting. This will be perfect for an altar, or just around the home!

Again, the actual contest will be posted later, but I wanted to get the word out there first: tell your friends!

Blessed Lughnasadh!!

2010-08-01T12:17:00.003-05:00

Wishing everyone a merry Lughnasadh/Lammas. Now, I'm off to make some breadstuffs!

This is the bread I made for Lughnasadh--my first loaf ever! (well, outside a bread machine that is...) I also made some yummy yummy honeybutter...and as I'm writing this there's only a little bit of the bread left. Apparently people really liked it! Yay! My friend who has Celiac's disease couldn't partake of the bread, but she brought her own gluten-free bread and plenty of the honeybutter. ^_^

Practical Magic: Gillian's Necklace

2010-07-25T17:50:00.006-05:00

"Where's my tigerseye? No, I need my tigerseye, it means good luck. No, no, I gotta get my tigerseye!" --Gillian, Practical Magic

As I understand it at one time Gillian's necklace was actually manufactured and sold. Despite this, I have never been able to find an accurate representation of Gillian's Tigerseye necklace.

I once spent an entire afternoon replaying the few scenes the necklace is visible, pausing and staring at the necklace in hopes of divining what exactly it looks like. This is what I've determined so far:

The tigerseye is carved into either a sphere or a rounded point. It is situated below a single-terminated clear quartz point. The crystal is pointed upwards towards the wearer. I cannot determine whether the metal was composed of gold or silver, lighting is too tinted to determine pure color. Considering Gillian's personality my bet is on the gold (more firey).

There is metal trailing across the surface of the crystal in some sort of pattern...I've never been able to determine what exactly it is. Instinct says something asian, either a tiger or chinese dragon. It could also be a vine pattern.

Magickal properties of this necklace: Traditionally with this stone's color of brown/yellow indicates that it is a grounding earthy stone as well as having some draw in the the mental sphere. The colorplay suggests that it would do well for divination as well. I've always thought of tigerseye as a very sensual stone, likely due to the tiger associations. Some other added magical properties of this stone are courage, energy, and luck. Tiger's eye is ruled by the Sun. Holding it in your hands can promote courage and confidence whenever you need it.

I find the fact that there are no images on the internet of this necklace remarkable, by the way. You'd think with such a popular movie that there would at least be an image...there are plenty of images of Jimmy's ring after all! Grr...

It's a Practical Magic Blog Party!!

2010-07-23T18:26:00.006-05:00

Yes, that's right: a blog party for Practical Magic, the book or the movie! And its September 25th, the day before my birthday...what a lovely birthday present!

The lovely ladies Anna from Frosted Petunias and Justina from La Boheme Magique are hosting this amazing blog party--in fact Justina made a post on her blog on how the Universe kept giving her nudges in this direction...it's more than a coincidence!

I don't know about my blog followers who may or may not be reading my blog anymore, but I simply adore the movie. I don't really know any pagans who don't...everyone I've met has said "I wish magick worked like that in real life!" I'm with them, honestly. I'd love to light candles by blowing on them, have my spoon keep stirring my tea for me...

I've not read the book, but as I understand it the movie and book are quite different. Both are good in their own right, just not terribly the same. The magick in the book seems to be even more subtle than in the movie.

A closer match to the movie, honestly, would be the book Garden Spells. I spent my workbreaks reading excerpts of it on Amazon...I need this book now.

In any case, I'm already busy writing posts on Practical Magic for the blog party--y'all just won't be able to read any of them until the 25th! I know, I know, I'm horrible.

Anyways, the button is on my side bar, but I shall include a link here: http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Well, what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

I can't resist...

2010-07-06T17:38:00.003-05:00

Alright! I give in! As much as I wanted to try and keep only my own posts on here, I can't help but advertise a simply marvelous giveaway! I know I know, I'm a total slut when it comes to blogging for extra contest entries!

This incredibly generous 3-in-1 giveaway (or is that 1-in-3? Hm...) is being hosted by Mother Moon's ((http://mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com/2010/06/mind-body-and-soul-first-anniversary.html)) Dear readers I cannot hope to tell you all of the wonderful things that are being included in this giveaway; I can only recommend that you go check it out yourself! Good luck!

I am absolutely drooling over the 'mind' giveaway, by the way.

New Look, and a Question

2010-07-04T13:40:00.003-05:00

So...do we like? Hm? It's quite a bit darker, but I do like the mystery-feel. The mystique. The music I have on my page really does enhance viewing, so I'd recommend giving it a play. ;) Blackmore's Night and Omnia--how can you go wrong? I'm just sad that the music site didn't have Niiv or Dance Till we Die available...then again, those are both new songs so it's understandable.

I've gotten back into reading again--picked up one of the paranormal romances I own. I also got back into WoW, so we'll see how that goes. I've never really been addicted to it--to the point where I rearrange my real life around the game--but I can be a bit obsessive at times. I don't think that should be a problem for now, or certainly not until the next expansion comes out.

I've also felt the pull to be more magickally active lately, but for some reason I'm just not. Well, what would I really do a spell for anyways? I'm one of those types that if I can accomplish it without the use of magick I do. A love spell? I've already got my true love. Money? Well, while I could always use more money I don't NEED more money--I'm getting by as is. Maybe not terribly comfortably, but its not something I feel I really need to use magick to improve.

Hmm...I could do a spell to bring a cat into my life. Money's just the issue. If I want a pet at all that's an additional $500 deposit on the apartment, then getting the cat (from a shelter of course), whatever shots and whatnot that they need, food, toys...right now what with car repairs and everything, a cat just doesn't seem possible. THAT is something I would consider using magick for--helping it become a possibility.

I don't know. I'm just not really the type to do spells, because most often than not I rationalize that I don't NEED magick to accomplish whatever the issue is. Really, what would I need a spell for anyways?
...and that's just a regurgitation of what I've already said. *sigh*

What do people out there use spells for? Anyone practice magick regularly? Why, and for what?...if you don't mind me asking. I just have difficulty understanding. There's not much in my life that requires magick, so I don't use it. Why do you?

I'm not dead, I promise!

2010-06-30T19:09:00.002-05:00

I just haven't been around as much as I should. One last post before this month's out! I have to tell you, dear readers, I have been OBSESSED with a game I am playing in currently. The system is Seventh Sea, which means that every monday night I am immersed in Swashbuckling and High Adventure like you sea in the old pirate movies--privateers, honor, and taking down enemy ships!

My character is fabulous--really. She is what I do best--rogue sneaky stuff and intel AND performing! I have been loving this game so hard core. My character is just frickin' FUN. Jaded as hell with tons of issues, but characters like that can be incredibly thereaputic. What I enjoy the most about playing her is her policy on life: Life is just a game that we all lose in the end, so you might as well play the way you enjoy most. Not that I endorse that, but its fun to just let all the inhibitions (and on occasion morals) go while you fly free and really enjoy yourself. In this way I can do so without hurting anyone (not a real person at least) in a world of harmless fantasy.

Now, some of you might say 'but you shouldn't even want to let your morals loose, that's bad!' Yeah, well, I'm not a completely good person. I'm honest with that, I accept that, and I continue to be true to my morals when I need to.

Mini-rant over...I wish I could tell you all the so-very-juicy secrets this character has, but unfortunately other members of the party read this blog! So while I want to, I really want to my dear followers, I cannot reveal anything on the off-chance that one of them sees this.

My character's name? Well, I can't tell you that either...her given name is a secret. She's been known to go by over 20 different names though! I will give away one little tidbit: none of the names that she goes by are her real name.

Work-In-Progress Update #6

2010-06-22T07:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Belated Litha!!!

So, I'm about halfway through the border pattern--unfortunately, progress has been halted again. I was only able to afford a skein each of the first three colors--black, goldenrod, and olive. White wasn't on that list, and I need just a tiny bit of white before I can get through the border and on to the main design. This means, loyal followers, that I won't be able to continue work until the next paycheck I can spend which is in three weeks. Ah well.

In the meantime I have to work on baby shower items for my cousin. I'm planning a hat, booties, and bib or something. Whipping those up by Sunday should keep me fairly busy...

Work-In-Progress Update #5

2010-06-12T22:38:00.002-05:00

I have yarn. I have my chart. I have my needles. And I am frustrated to no end. The beginning row of the interweaving border pattern is being very mean to me, refusing to play nice and go smoothly. I've already redone it twice, only to realize that I need to redo it a third time...on ONE ROW. Grr.

So I've set it down, stepped away and done my Buffy review for my other blog. I don't know if I'll be touching it again tonight, but the break should do me good and I'll be ready to tackle it again later. See what frustration I go through so others can have an easy-to-follow pattern? All for you, yes you, the loyal fans!

Meet us at the Water, June 12

2010-06-11T07:32:00.003-05:00

I know I haven't really commented on this much...I'll admit, I was a bit late to jump on the bandwagon. Then when I realized that I couldn't go and volunteer without either purchasing a haz-mat suit or risking my life, and with a job that I need to attend here, that option closed to me.

I have been spreading the word of the movement outside of the blogosphere--as far-reaching as it is, there are plenty of people not connected. Not only have I gotten Pagans in Touch, my local meetup group to join us, but I have also posted about this movement on Omnia's international message boards. There's a chance that the band will post about it on their main site, and that will gain HUGE attention and hopefully a lot more people internationally that will join us.

Keep your fingers crossed and intent hopeful, we may be able to spread the word much further!

Work-in-Progress Update #4

2010-06-06T11:58:00.002-05:00

Well, I have finally hit upon a successful border pattern...now its just a matter of actually copying the pattern with appropriate color to the chart. Since today is a bit of a lazy day I may just do it later. I still have till Friday before I can get yarn...Oooh, I can't wait! I hope I don't end up with a few skeins of sock yarn as well...sock yarn is my addiction. ^_^;;

I'm also hoping that my test swatch will go well--right now my worry is that the colors will bleed too much during the felting process and I'll end up with my white being grey. Won't know until I try!

First Post Up!!

2010-06-03T20:56:00.000-05:00

See my new blog here!: http://thewitchword.blogspot.com/
Read about the new blog in the previous post!

And Inspiration has Struck

2010-06-02T17:34:00.002-05:00

"Oh no" they say "What is she on about this time??" Relax, this isn't nearly as hair-brained as some of my other ideas. Nor is it really as crafty, come to think of it...

However, it is still quite intellectual and artistic! I'm going to be starting a second blog. "Whoa!" they say "That came out of left field! Another blog? A blog about what???" Well if the peanut gallery would shush for a moment, I'll tell you.

Recently I've been watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the tv series by Joss Whedon) for the first time. "First time? Seriously?? I've seen it at least 3!" Yes, seriously. And at first I thought it would just have another stereotypical look at the hollywood witch...then Willow started practicing...and I discovered there's much more to this than that. Go Joss Whedon!

As such my second blog will be named The WitchWord, and it will be a review blog of paranormal/witchy cinema. I'll start off going episode by episode through Buffy, critiquing them from a witch's point of view. Specifically, a witch who has been studying the paranormal and supernatural since she was a wee child, so I'll be studying the vamp/demon lore as well as the witchy stuff. From Buffy I"ll move on to the show Supernatural. Those two will keep me busy for quite a while, but we'll see where I go from there.

There will also be some critiquing from cinematographic point of view. C'mon guys, I was an acting major for a few years, you think I could resist that? I still have my theatre minor after all.

Anyways, I'm off to set up the new blog, do an intro post, and then finish season three so I can start back as season one. Come give it a looksee!

Work-in-Progress Update #3

2010-05-24T22:09:00.003-05:00

(Sorry its sideways. I might flip it later.) Well, the most time-consuming yet easy part is over. Now the hard part (that being the border) begins. At least in this phase of production--once I have the yarn its a totally different story. That printed tracing paper is coming quite in handy.
Yes, that was printer ink I was talking about before--boy do I WISH I actually had a tattoo! I've had one planned for years, its just a matter of money.

Work-in-Progress Update #2

2010-05-21T18:11:00.000-05:00

I HAVE INK!!!! That is all.

'Life is Good' meme

2010-05-20T11:31:00.002-05:00

By now I think we all know I have a love/hate relationship with awards. I'm very flattered by them, but I also don't like the obligation it forces on people (send this to at least 15 people in the next 5 minutes or you won't be happy ever again in your life!!!!). That being said, Magaly over at Pagan Culture (http://pagan-culture.blogspot.com/) has nominated me for the Life is Good award, complete with meme. Now I am quite appreciative, and in an effort to show my appreciation I'm willing to go halfsies on this. I will answer her questionaire--in my opinion memes are just fun--but I will not be targeting people afterwards. Sound fair?

1. How old were you when you first showed interest in the written word?

Umm...ya know, I don't really know. When I was little my mom read to me every night before I went to sleep, and I always enjoyed the stories. In kindergarten I had trouble putting letters together to make words--I got the letters themselves, but this strange alchemical way in which they came together to make words boggled me. I do remember my 'Aha!' moment, when I figured out "The". It was the first word I ever learned to read, and credit goes to my favorite book at the time, "The Berenstein Bears and The Spooky Old Tree". Once I learned to read, however, I had little interest in reading until somewhere between ages 8 and 10. I reread a book my mother had once read to me, C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It was a struggle at first till the book sucked me in. Then I made the awesome discovery that there were MORE books continuing the story. That was absolutely amazing to me. Since that point I have been a certified bookworm--I just have to find a good story.

2. What is your favorite old time book and why?

Old time, hmm...bah! I like Shakespeare, and Poe, and Jane Austin--Macbeth, The Masque of the Red Death, and Pride and Prejudice, respectively. Older than that? I love Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales. In fact I would love to learn Old and Middle English...the growth of the English language fascinates me. Its the one thing I would actually be willing to teach in a classroom setting.

3. Superstitious?

Umm, I'm a witch. That generally comes with the territory. My mottos are "There is no such thing as coincidence" and "Expect the Unexpected".

4. Are you afraid of the dark or do you chase the things that go bump when the lights are out?

Combo, actually. If I've watched or read something scary I'm terrified because I know without the slightest bit of doubt that even if I do fight I can't win against...I don't know, the boogey man. If its something real-world I chase after them (I love ghost hunting).

5. Done any skinny dipping lately? Ever?

I've had multiple chances, but I never have, no.

6. What makes you go "DAMN!" when you look at an attractive person?

A lean muscular body and long hair. Long hair on guys drives me WILD.

7. What do you know about Witches?

....? Am I really answering this question? That would take forever...and what I DON'T know about witches would be just as long!

8. Environmentally friendly or environmentally terrorist? The last kind would get really pissed if others don't conserve water.

Friendly. I'm guilty of a lot of 'no-nos' myself, but I am trying.

9. Have you been in a strip club?

Nope.

10. What was the last book you read?
"Ken's Guide to the Bible". Really quite amusing. http://www.amazon.com/Kens-Guide-Bible-Ken-Smith/dp/0922233179

Work-in-Progress Update #1

2010-05-20T07:36:00.003-05:00

Well, that was a big resounding flop. Apparently tracing paper, when having lines drawn on it, likes to roll up at any given opportunity and not let you draw the knitting grid lines straight. *grr*

However! I've come up with a solution, and easier in the long run too. I've printed out a smaller version of the banner, cut the tracing paper down to size, and printed the grid pattern onto the tracing paper! One slight problem though; I'm out of ink!! T_T Oh woe is me! *sigh* Ah well...buying ink delays me buying yarn, but I'll get there eventually!!

On Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost

2010-05-19T10:55:00.001-05:00

I have a love-hate relationship with this movie, I really do. For those of you who have seen it, you can probably guess why. The movie attempts to educate the public (through children...bwa ha ha, corruption of a minor!) about wicca. Unfortunately it does this by making 'Wiccans'--which are apparently some humanoid race with supernatural powers like the Numenor--the good guys, and evil stereotypical hollywood witches the bad guys.

'Oh no, they're not witches, they're wiccans. They're good people who are in tune with nature and us their special powers to heal, not like those evil witches.'

There's a character Thorn, the band leader of The Hex Girls, who is "1/16th Wiccan on my mom's side." Yeah...'cause wiccans are a mythical breed of human with superpowers that are slowly dying out. Thorn's really just like Aragorn from Lord of the Rings, except she's female.

All that being said...when I was alone and starting out on my path, locked securely inside my broom closet, this movie gave me a ray of hope. Not only did it give me a couple pagan-y songs (which for me didn't exist before this movie) it gave me hope that maybe one day I could be who I was and not be judged for it. That maybe people wouldn't hear 'witch' and think of a green-faced warty old hag.

Despite all the unhelpful things about this movie, I still have a soft spot in my heart for it. You can tell the writers were trying to be helpful...they just went about it the wrong way, and may have done more harm than good. But this movie gave me strength, it gave me some great catchy sing-along witchy tunes, and most importantly it gave me reassurance and hope. For that I am most grateful.

My amazingly Beautiful Bow...

2010-05-14T18:03:00.004-05:00

Isn't she gorgeous?! The bow that is...the apartment and the girl are both terribly cluttered and could use a good purging. As within so without, after all. So disregard the clutter and admire the beautiful bow!

To Charge or Not to Charge?

2010-05-12T13:32:00.000-05:00

I think its a very good question. I am applying this question in regards to the charging of currency for a form of Fortunetelling. This post has been brewing in my head for a good long time--since I was comfortable enough in my beliefs to begin to question them, in fact.

You see, when I was first learning my path--and I was in that newbie phase for a few years--a friend informed me that you must never charge for a reading. I was just learning the runes, and she was an established tarot reader who knew what she was talking about. Being new to the whole fortunetelling thing I accepted it without question, although I did feel dissapointed that I would never be able to make a living doing something I was already rather good at.

Her reasoning was as follows: The ability to read tarot, runes, palms, astrological charts, etc. is a gift from the gods. As a precious gift, an ability we have been granted, we should not impose human limitations like currency on it. As a gift it should be given freely (with perfect love and perfect trust and all that) to those around us, better our fellow man etc., and we have no right to charge (in my mind this translates to "corrupt with money") for something like that.

This is all very well and good and sweet and well-intentioned. That being said, an artist has to make a living. If someone paints, and they're good at it and they love it, chances are they are going to try and make a living out of it. The ability to paint is a gift just as fortunetelling is, just as anything you have a natural knack for is (imho). You would not expect a painter to give their paintings away for free simply because they have a natural gift for it. As wonderful as life would be if we were all just one big loving commune, real life tends to set it. If you're going to paint you have to be able to attain the three basic requirements for life: Food, Water, Shelter. In order to attain said requirements, one needs the necessary amount of money to pay for them. In order to attain the necessary amount of money, you need to provide a service (product, labor, time, etc.).

I don't know about you, but I'm very unhappy being a lifeless drone mechanically performing my duties on a weekly basis for a paycheck. I don't enjoy it, and right now I'm just existing. Just get through the day. Just earn the paycheck, spend it, and repeat. I need to do something I love, something I'm good at, even if it doesn't earn me much of a living. At least I'd be LIVING. If I don't find something like that...well, I don't really know what will happen. I could just slowly die inside. No, I'm not being melodramatic, if the amount of nervous breakdowns and hysteric crying sessions since I've started this job are anything to go by. I've become the most antisocial person I know because being around and interacting with people makes it much worse--in fact more often than not social interaction triggers said nervous breakdowns.

My point is, I need a job that I enjoy and am good at. I'm talking enjoy so much that I would be happy doing it day in and day out, and as much as I love all my crafts they just wouldn't fit that requirement. Reading Runes would. So would anything related to magick. Since owning a magick shop isn't in my immediate future, I need a stepping stone in the meantime. In fact I wouldn't mind being a radio host/dj either, as it involves performing and also qualifies, but I hear they get shit for money. I don't know what I'll do, frankly, but I think the first step is to offer readings on my currently defunct Etsy shop. Sure I'll need to actually make get a banner, clean up my profile and whatnot, but I'll be doing something I love and making a bit of a living with it. Its a start.

And no, I'm not just advertising for my new shop (that comes later, when its actually up and running. ;) ) I am however recording my thoughts and feelings at this point in time. Any thoughts from the peanut gallery?

100TH POST!!!!

2010-05-11T07:21:00.002-05:00

....because I had to do something. Still on a quest for tracing paper, and it seems that for now that will be my best bet. ((Did everyone just forget that I existed, or is my idea really the only viable option with my limitations? Who knows?)) In any case, yay 100th post for me. If anyone knows where I can get like a stack of tracing paper let me know!!!

Work-in-Progress...The Beginning

2010-05-06T21:12:00.007-05:00

I have determined to pick up a new project...in fact, it is to be the first knitting project I have ever created (besides simple bags and whatnot...). I am creating a wall hanging of the band Omnia's logo.

Now if you don't know what Omnia is, its only the best pagan band evar! Seriously, go check them out www.worldofomnia.com . They allow you to download several of their songs right from the site, including the masterpieces they have put to music such as The Raven (Poe), Jabberwocky (Lewis Carroll), and Witches' Brew (the spell from Macbeth).

I have determined that as this is to be a somewhat lengthy project, I shall be posting in progress pictures as it slowly creeps along.

The first step is to blow up this image, clean it up, and get ready to trace into knitting grids. Yes, I have none of the technology that would make this infinitely easier, so old-fashioned method it is. And yes, the logo does include a triskelle and a crescent moon superimposed over a Chaos Star.

Hmm...Not too shabby. Now the sad part is that the graph paper I have is a) a perfect square, which is not what you want for a knitting grid and b) not nearly see through enough to trace with. Hmph. Suggestions anyone? Find tracing paper, print the appropriate grid on it, and use that you say? Hmm...its a thought. Anyone else in the peanut gallery?

Par~tay, Mad Tea Par~tay!

2010-05-04T17:37:00.002-05:00

Will you be joining us, my sweets?

Happy Beltaine!

2010-05-02T22:08:00.002-05:00

I don't know how it happened, but I managed to spend yet another Sabbat at Nero (larp). This was the National event, with people traveling from Texas, California, New York, Florida....you get the idea. How far did I have to travel, you ask? 1 1/2 hours. Yup, the National event was held here in humble *snort* little Illinois. Convenient, and I appreciated it. While I wasn't able to celebrate Beltaine with my man yet ;) I did spend a good deal of Saturday doing rune readings. And making a killing off of them! Nero actually mints its own coin, and I made at least 60 gold--quite impressive, really, especially for someone who's only been playing since August.

Business was slow for this humble *snortguffawcoughcough* gypsy at first, but once I managed to get two readings under my belt word spread like wildfire and I was practically booked for the rest of the day! Murmurs spread of the gypsy fortuneteller who was 'scary good'...everyone had to see for themselves. I charged five gold per reading (pretty cheap actually...gypsies usually employ themselves with massages and charge 10 gp), but the trend soon took hold that if I did a good job people tipped me five extra! I did NOT start this, I swear...all it took was one Noble who was really thankful for her reading, and it was an avalanche effect! I was consistently making the five extra too...even with those few skeptics who made derogatory remarks on how my runes helped me to 'guess'.

But boy, I have to tell you I was wiped after that. I passed out by midnight and missed meeting the Great Sage Dragon. :(

No, it wasn't the most traditional Beltaine. I didn't light incense and hold a ritual and *ahem* ensure a good crop the traditional way. But really, I had a day full of fire, energy, adventure, and plying my craft. What more could I ask for? It may be non-traditional, but it sure as hell works.

Beautiful...

2010-04-24T12:30:00.003-05:00

Domestic Witch is having an amazingly beautiful giveaway. "Simple Abundance"...boy could I tell you, that is one hell of a pampering care package.

Books, prayer beads, an amethyst, sage smudge...
...Wood candle...wood is my Chinese element...
Perfumed stationary. Give me an excuse to write letters snail-mail style.

Goddess may it go to whomever could use it the most.

POOF!

2010-04-23T22:18:00.003-05:00

...did you enjoy my disappearing act? No? Hehe, I know I was gone for far too long. I'm sorry guys. ^_^;

The big reason I disappeared in the first place...I hate to say it, but I just didn't want to deal with the awards. Don't get me wrong, I love gifts and I'm hugely flattered that everyone rained them down on me at once. I just...I don't like participating in something that I see as mostly chainmail. Flattering chainmail, but still something that obligates you to do something you wouldn't otherwise--and you're supposed to send it to X number of people. THAT's the part I have the most issue with. I don't want to 'trap' people in the same way...the trap of polite obligation.

As such, I am politely declining as is my right. That I allowed it to affect me so much is absolutely ridiculous, and I refuse to allow it to again. Please excuse me while I slip over to Secret Diary of a Mountain Witch and pop these into her award cauldron. *Pop*

Now that that's over...I MUST share with you my latest craze. Omnia. Now, some of you may already be aware of this amazing band (Likely those of you that live in the UK). Omnia is, sadly, largely unknown here in the US. I myself have only recently discovered it. You see, I have been on a quest for pagan-y music...the closest I seemed to get was Blackmoure's Night. Very nice medieval folk-ish...some of the songs could easily be called pagan...but they do not call themselves a pagan band and do not write songs for that crowd.

My search led me to OMNIA. I'm sorry, but any band that dedicates a song to Morrigan and ends it with chanting "Kill, maim, fight...slay, DIE!" has my vote. Oh, and Satyrsex...nice and hot and fast-paced with plenty of moaning and grunting. :D However my favorite song so far has to be Niiv...its one of their new songs. Its simply...beautiful. Its about a star-crossed love between a fae and a mortal. The fae's lines are in Finnish (I believe...), while the man speaks in English. Oddly I've only found versions where the man speaks to be live performances on youtube (the version on their website only has her singing).
***EDIT***
Apparently the man is singing in their recorded version. I only wear one headphone and work and usually have it playing quietly, so I didn't realize that if you have both speakers and turn it up a bit he's there in the background.
Either way its breathtaking. http://www.worldofomnia.com/ (its the second song on their opening player.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5i3yyYHRuc&feature=PlayList&p=DCE6DDC7EEDE77F9&playnext_from=PL&index=2 is the best sound quality I could find on youtube. It cuts off the beginning, but has both of them singing.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective...) this has stirred in me to take up an instrument (or five...) once again. I already own a tinwhistle, and would like to get to a moderate level of play. I've been wanting to play the violin since I was three (I can remember the exact moment when I first heard one played) and would like to finally learn that. I'd also like to restart the piano. IN ADDITION to all of this, there are two medieval/renaissance instruments I'd like to pick up. Fortunately they both seem to be a bit of a cross between a violin and a piano. The Nyckelharpa and the hurdy-gurdy (NOT a barrel organ). Oh! Crap, I forgot to mention I also want to learn to play the bodhran. Yeah...one can dream.

Now, would I like to learn all these instruments, start a pagan band, and begin touring the country? HELL YES! It sure as hell beats the day job. However I'm also realistic. Let me cling to my dreams...they're the teaspoon of sugar to my real life medicine.

Ack!

2010-03-19T09:54:00.001-05:00

Its an avalanche of Awards! Far too many to discreetly slip into my award cauldron...hmm...quite the conundrum. Y'all must be running out of people to award them to. ;) Unfortunately this will have to be resolved when I get back. Thats right, I'm gone for the weekend! Nero here I come!

...what, you newcomers didn't know I larped? That's right, I get to spend the weekend as a fabulously flamboyant gypsy--flirting with random passerby, defending myself with my trusty dagger, saving people's asses with my healing ability, and raking in the gold with my fortunetelling. Now, this isn't like some lame larps *coughvampirecough* where instead of acting things out you say 'my character seems angry at you' and instead of beating each other up with foam weapons you do rock-paper-scissors to resolve combat. No, this is full-blown combat with immersive acting. ^_^ So excited! And better yet, I've been given permission to slip off saturday for a small Ostara ritual. (Game is going 24/7, starting tonight and going through sunday morning. which means yes, you can get ambushed by goblins in the middle of the night.)

If you're lucky I might share some pictures when I get back. ;) See y'all monday!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

2010-03-17T06:51:00.003-05:00

...Hope no one reading this is Scottish. I've had people be terribly insulted before.

Make sure you wear green today (except you Scotch folk...you can wear orange). If you don't, keep an eye out for the wee folk, they're liable to give you a pinch!
What, you've heard of pinching for not wearing green, but didn't know why?
This is apparently a tradition that started in the 1700s. It was believed that if you wore green, the leprechauns wouldn't be able to see you and therefore wouldn't be able to play tricks on you. Thus, the pinching if you don't wear green. Hope everyone in America has a wonderful day (don't get too hungover) and for everyone else, I hope you have a wonderful day regardless.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May the Gods hold you in the palm of their hand.

(yes, I tweaked it a bit...hee hee!)
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2010/0315/St.-Patrick-s-Day-Did-Patrick-become-Christian-for-the-tax-breaks

I've been tagged!

2010-03-16T18:15:00.003-05:00

Here are the rules:

Open your first photo file
Scroll to the 10th photo
Post the photo and tell the story behind it
Tag five more people

Urgh. Not my best picture. >_<

That is my actual eye color. Looks kinda red right? About the color of artificially red hair? Yup, that's exactly right. It's not redeye! I had come home for a few days with my boyfriend for my sister's birthday. She's the one with the new camera. If the rules had said to go to the 11th post, it would have been both the boyfriend and me!

Now, y'all should know I don't like picking people. I don't like people to feel obligated. However, to me this is different--its a game! Therefore this will be an exception.

I tag
The ladies over at Carnelian Chronicles (http://jupitergreenmoone.blogspot.com/)
Zedral Z over at Witchin' in the Kitchen (http://witchininthekitchen.blogspot.com/)
Magaly over at Pagan Culture (http://pagan-culture.blogspot.com/)
Rue over at Rue and Hyssop (http://rueandhyssop.blogspot.com/)
CrystalRainbow over at Sparkle and Shine (http://crystalrainbow-sparkleandshine.blogspot.com/)

See? I actually picked people!

My package came in!

2010-03-15T18:32:00.002-05:00

I made a purchase from Luna over at eWitch (http://ewitch-virtualcoven.blogspot.com) four days ago, and its ALREADY IN!!!!! Talk about fast, cheap shipping! (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpelledWithaW)

I'd been looking into making the switch over to resin/herb/charcoal incense as opposed to stick/cone incense for a while. Got myself some coals (because I'd rather support a fellow pagan than a local smoking shop) and resins. Testing 'em out now. MMMmmm....frankincense.... ^_^

But not only did I get my wonderful goodies in record-fast shipping, no. I got extra treats!!! One of those wonderful Chinese Fortune Fish, PLUS small samplings of St. John's Wort (how did she know I was running out?) and some attraction oil...maybe I should try it out tonight? ;) I feel like I hit the jackpot!

Hope she doesn't mind me raving too much...

I let movies affect my emotions far too much

2010-03-08T21:40:00.002-06:00

Sing Sorrow Sing
let Reality ring
all the World may bring
Sing Sorrow Sing

No worries. Like love, I find Sorrow to be a celebration of life. But I've been put through the emotional wringer--by Confessions of a Shopaholic, oddly enough. Who'da thunk it?

Its an awesome--and very long--questionaire!!

2010-03-04T20:05:00.005-06:00

I found this questionnaire over at Divining Women, and I think its fantastic! If you actually read the whole thing...I'll be very impressed? Feel free to take it and answer it yourself!

Basics

Do you have a magickal name?
Umm...I do. I'm not telling what it is, but I will tell you how I learned it. I was in my room fuming about something that was terribly important in highschool but I can't remember what it is now, and cleaning out my closet. One second I'm chucking junk over my shoulder, the next WHAM! I'm in a vision. I'm in a dimly-lit museum with two of my close friends. We're looking through old armor and weapons, and I realize that I can place every piece--for example, 'That's a 16th century english helm, this was used by the Spanish in this era' etc. Around a corner and down a hallway, and there is a single display all lit up. Its a longbow. I know without reading the plaque that the string had been cut. Sabotage. Reading the plaque, I see that the bow was thought to have belonged to an archer in Joan of Arc's army. I then hear I giant, resounding (male-sounding) voice "You are ". Then I'm back in my closet staring blankly at the floor.

Does it have a special meaning?
Yes...It means 'Snowy Owl', but I won't tell you in what language.

How did you find Wicca/Paganism?
I found magick first. Naturally practicing magick and being Christian is a bit of a no-no...and being in highschool with wild hormones, it made me a bit suicidal. I couldn't understand why such a beautiful, amazing thing would condemn me to hell. I can actually say that I was saved by the goddess. I was in one of my favorite stores in Hayward, WI--the celtic shop. On the bookshelf there was a book called "Maiden Magick" by C.C. Brondwin. Naturally I was intrigued. It was an introduction to the Goddess path, and that was how I discovered paganism. It led me on a path of research and discovery, and I wouldn't change a moment of it.

How long have you been practicing?
Hmm...I think its been about seven years now?

Solitary or group practitioner?
Solitary, but I do have a group of other solitaries that I meet with. Check us out on meetup! http://www.meetup.com/Bloomington-Pagans-in-Touch/ I'm the discussion organizer. ^_^

What is your path?
Umm...Eclectic is probably the best way to describe it. Currently I'm very housewitchy, but I've called myself a hedgewitch in the past.

Are you out of the broom closet?
Yes, but that doesn't mean I have a deathwish. Unless it comes up I'm discreet about my religion.

Gods/Goddess

Who are your patron Gods?
Hmm...Cernunnos and Odin would probably be the closest things I have to patron gods.

Who are your patron Goddess'?
See above...but Brighid and Freya. I've also recently become interested in Idunn (technically the 'd' is a thorn. Norse pantheon, rather obscure).

Which Gods/Goddess' do you worship?
Well...I have a unique view of Deity. Ya know that 'all gods are one god' saying? Yeah, I believe that. However if, say, I'm going horseback riding and would like a safe outing, I can call on Epona. I believe it is our view/belief of Deity that defines it, and so I can call on certain aspects depending on my needs. ...I just realized the way I said that sounded rather presumptuous. I would like to clarify that Deity is, well, Deity. I am simply human. That means that while I may request, respectfully, I don't call the shots.

Do you fear dark aspects of the Gods/Goddess, or rather, respect them?
I do not fear them...I could never accept the phrase 'god-fearing', but I do have a very healthy respect for them. In essence, I seek the balance. That means not all light, not all dark. Everything shades of grey.

Do you worship the Christian God?
See my explanation of Deity. Yeshua gets included in that great conglomeration.

Do you ever worship animals?
Worship? No. They are fellow entities. I do believe they are intelligent, have souls, and are spirit guides (totems).

Or plants?
No, but plant entities are much the same as the way I see animals.

Nature

Do you regularly commune with nature?
As much as I can, as often as I think about it. I have a tendency to wander off because I'm 'called'. I experience the seasons first hand. This time of the year I celebrate with the trees as their buds start forming on their branches.

Ever walked barefoot in the woods?
MMmmm....yes. I really enjoy it. Though it can be painful at times.

Taken a camping trip just to talk to nature?
No, but I do use camping trips as excuses to talk to nature.

Describe the moment you felt closest to Mother Earth?
Hmm...tough call. I think it would have to be while I stayed for the weekend in Eagle Cave, WI. My favorite place is the Hornet's Nest, which was formed by a whirlpool in the cave and looks like...well, the inside of a Hornet's Nest. I used to dissappear from my troop (a no-no in Girl Scouts...you ALWAYS have a buddy) and meditate in there for hours at a time.

What is/are your power animal(s)?
Tiger, Deer, Owl, Raven...those are the only ones I know, though I do believe my Shadow Totem is the Spider.

Do you have a familiar?
No. Maybe someday...

Have you ever called upon the powers of an animal in ritual?
Hmm...no, surprisingly. I did call upon Tiger quite a bit in highschool though...Shaman-style. 'Becoming' a tiger.

Or a plant?
Does incense count?

Do you hug trees?
Hell yes! As often as I can!

Give them gifts?
Sometimes. I have a bad habit of not having anything on me while I go commune, but if there's a coin or something in my pocket I do leave it in offering though.

What is your favorite flower to work with?
Lavender...Mmmm....

What is your favorite tree to work with?
Hmm. At the moment it seems to be Cedar. It keeps popping up in my life.

Wheel of the Year

What are your favorite holidays?
Mabon and Samhain

What if your least favorite holiday?
Ya know, I honestly don't know. Maybe Imbolc. I connect with it the least.

Have you ever held a ritual on a holiday?
As often as I can...even if its just an invoking and balancing.

Ever taken a day off work to celebrate a pagan holiday?
Never really had the opportunity. I've been a student, this is the first year I'm working full-time (it SUCKS!) I've only been in this since February 1st, I don't have any PTO until 90 days have passed.

Do you celebrate Yule on the 21 rather than the 25?
21st. I celebrate Christmas with my family on the 25th.

Have you ever felt the Veil thin?
Yes.

Ever danced the Maypole?
Yes! At my handfasting, last May 2nd.

Know what the Maypole symbolizes?
Doesn't everyone? How more phallic can you get?

Ever made love on Beltane?
Mmmmm.... ;)

How do you usually celebrate the pagan holidays?
Sometimes it as simple as a meditation. Sometimes I consecrate a new magick item. It really depends. I love going to ritual with Pagans in Touch though.

Divination

Do you use Tarot?
Well...I have a deck. The faery wicca deck. I haven't been doing so well with the learning to read them. Tarot never really spoke to me. I thought if I found I deck I liked I would be able to...it will still take some time though.

Do you use runes?
Yup. I'm pretty good at them too if I do say so myself. I've been able to give readings not just for people before, but also for game characters. How's them apples? I'll know I'm really good though when I can tell someone where their lost keys are--a friend of mine who reads tarot was able to do just that.

Do you use a pendulum?
Yup. I used to make my own pendulums, but they never really had that much personality. They were very aloof. Surprisingly the first pendulum I bought had the most personality of any pendulum I've handled, and its personality is that of a mischievious child.

Do you use dowsing rods?
Occasionally. The most I've ever had though is a wire hanger set. If I were ever to get an actual set I may use them more.

Do you use astrology?
Yes. I have basic knowledge of how to draw up a chart as well as basic knowledge of the signs, planets, and houses.

Any other form of divination?
Tiny bit scrying and the hot-wax-in-water method.

Spells

What was the first spell you did?
The Stone Gaurdian spell from Scott Cunningham's 'Earth Power'. Before that I simply used intent and energy to control the weather, not a formal spell.

What was the latest?
A Large-scale home cleansing and a dream pillow for peaceful rejuvinating sleep.

Ever done a love spell?
Yes. It was how I met the love of my life. That was the only time.

A job spell?
Yes. Multiple times. I was jobless from the time I graduated in the spring till mid-november...and it wasn't a confirmed full-time job until February 1st.

A healing spell?
Yup. I once lost my voice (entirely--there was only a very little raspy breath) and did a visualization of golden light raining down and surrounding my throat. My voice was almost entirely recovered within 10 minutes.

What was the most powerful spell you've ever performed?
A spell to recover a lost item--my palm pilot. It had been stolen, I performed the spell that night, and the very next day it was found--next to a trash can in a building where I had no classes. Good thing I had my phone number programmed in.

Cryptozoology

Do you believe in Vampires?
Yes--psychic vampires at the very least.

Werewolves?
Not so sure on that point.

Shape shifters?
Yes.

Elves? Faeries? Dragons? Nymphs? Sprites? Mermaids? Sirens? Satyrs?
These are all creatures I consider to exist on the spiritual/astral level.

Angels?
Yes. Angels existed long before Christianity, after all. Same with Demons. I tend to avoid either extreme, as I feel that neither of them have my best interest at heart.

Ghosts/Spirits?
I've been researching ghosts/ghost-hunting since I was eleven.

Ever "seen" any of the above?
No. :( Not even a ghostie! I've researched them so much and know so many theories...my sister sees spirits and my own mother, the Christian who add to ask her pastor if she was allowed to believe in ghosts, has seen a ghost. I know that I've been contacted by spirits--both my mother and my sister woke up in the middle of the night, heard the front door open, someone walk down the hall, and open and close my door. They then heard me conversing with whoever this male being was. I have absolutely no memory of this, and have always wondered what it was about.

Ever talked to any of the above?
See above. Wish I could remember. Oh! I suppose I should ammend the 'seeing'. Never with my physical eyes, and that's what I'm waiting for. I've spoken with spirit guides on the other side before, as well as animal spirits.

Ever called on any of the above in magick?
Umm...I don't believe so.

Do you have one of them as a personal guardian?
*snort* Who knows what my guides are? The first one, and the only male of the four, is easily confused as a Shadow Being--I thought he was for the longest time, but the most I could do was keep him in a corner of my room! Unfortunately, it was the corner in front of my door. One may be a dragon in humanoid form. Though why a dragon would want to be my guide is beyond me (dragons generally don't like me).

Random

Do you see a rabbit, a man or a woman in the moon?
I see an elderly woman with lots of wrinkles in her face.

Own a cat?
*whine* OOoooh, I want one so much! But I can't get a cat until I can afford to support one...

When you meditate what does your sacred/safe place look like?
Its a lush temperate rainforest next to a waterfall. Very very vibrant green. Next to the pool the waterfall creates is a bright pavilion with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, very Indian in theme. Inside there's a chaise lounge, heaps on silken pillows on the soft mossy ground, and a short round table covered in scrolls and books. The pavilion leads off further, but I've mostly only explored this main 'room'.

Do you work with Chakras?
yes, but likely not as much as I should.

Do you believe in soul mates?
Certainly. I also believe you can have more than one soul mate. I also believe in twin flames--literally, the other half of your soul.

Ever met one?
Yes--I believe my boyfriend is a soul mate, though I think this is the first time I've ever met him in a lifetime.

Do you have a Spirit guide?
Four. I also have multiple animal totems.

Is it always love and light?
Certainly not! As I said before, shades of grey.

Well. Interesting.

2010-03-01T01:03:00.004-06:00

A dear friend of mine recently got a new deck of cards--Brian Froud's new Oracle Cards, to be precise. Might I say, Wow. The deck is direct to the point of being painful at times (which I love--a lot of my readings lately have beaten around the bush, and I desperately needed the straight talk). It will tell you the truth regardless of whether you want or need to hear it...its simply brutally blunt.

I rather liked my reading, actually. There are a few lessons I need to learn (look at my work situation from a different perspective, and learn to take joy and fly through ALL of life). Past that it was incredibly positive--essentially becoming a 'Queen of Hearth and Home', and ultimately the person that observes all with quiet power. If I actually become that, I would find myself quite happy with life.

Well, thanks to the deck we had a bit of drama drama, drama llama. As such there was a good deal of cleansing I did in my home in the past few hours. In addition to that I made a nice little spell sachet to go under a friend's pillow as he's now staying the night with us. The sachet is for sleep, peace, and healing. As I said, we had some drama. Fortunately I believe that after the storm passes things will be much better in the long run. Can't delve too much into it now...I may in a few days, with permission from those involved. Right now I'm going to pass out and hopefully rejuvenate enough in the next 6 1/2 hours to be able to work in the morning. >_<

Well...I'm quite pleased.

2010-02-25T22:28:00.005-06:00

This is my latest beauty:

I really like how it turned out. The cedar branch I had found a few months back--either in October or November. Just picking it up I knew it was my wand. Being the beauty-seeking Libra that I am, I planned to make it into an artpiece. I found a fantastic smoky quartz point that actually had Citrine growths. This wand has come out with warm fiery colors and murky shadows. That's exactly its energy as well...Flame and Shadow. Hmm...perhaps I should name it Balrog? Lol. I wish I had had it done by Imbolc...it felt the right time to cleanse and dedicate it. Ah well...Bealtaine might work just as well.

Edit: Is it just me, or are there faces in the black mirror? Hmm...it may be time for a cleansing...

Emergency Incognito Tools 101

2010-02-21T23:45:00.004-06:00

For those still in the broom closet, and for those who simply don't want to attract unnecessary attention, magick can be rather difficult to perform in public. As such I've decided to compile a list of undercover tools that can be used in a pinch.

Compact mirror--many women carry these in their purse anyway. This item does tend to be a bit more challenging for guys to work-- sorry guys. This tool is possibly the best known undercover tool. You can take it out of your purse pretending to check your makeup, and do a quick mirror spell or scry.

A deck of cards--as these are based on the Tarot cards, this should be pretty self-explanatory. Its also great for when you're stuck someplace and bored.

Jewelry--These are perhaps the most multi-purpose undercover accessories. Any piece of jewelry you own can be charged, made into a talisman, etc. In highschool I used to make quartz point pendulums that could double as necklaces.

Pocket/Swiss Army Knife--Athame anyone? Plus they're just downright useful.

Clove Cigarillos--Surprised? Don't be. The herb Clove has amazing protective/exorcism properties (not to mention love and money). Find yourself being followed by some negative energy? Run into a nasty spirit somewhere? Light one of these suckers and blow the smoke in the unsavory's direction. You don't even have to really inhale, just suck some smoke into your mouth and puff it out.

Lighter--I know, I know, the energy really isn't the same as wooden matches. That being said, sometimes a wooden match just isn't practical. There a breeze out? You can't get something to light? You can run through a half box of matches before what you need to light is lit. Bic lighters (and other such) also work as a light source in a pinch.

Pen+Paper--symbols, desires, intents...all of these can be written down. Granted, lighting in on fire right then and there usually isn't the brightest, but you can tuck it into you pocket (or into a bra--I find keeping the intent close to my heart helps) and it should do the trick.

Empty Perfume/Cologne bottles--These can be refilled with any sort of potion or aromatherapy something-or-other you desire.

Don't forget the power of visualization! When push comes to shove, you really don't need any tools (though they can help). Your imagination is the greatest tool you have.

Have some ideas? Did I forget something? Go ahead and shout 'em out! Its always useful to know what resources you have.

They're finally done!

2010-02-11T07:38:00.006-06:00

Well, I've been promising for a while that I'll post my most recent crafts; here is the pair of socks I *FINALLY* finished about a week ago. I had SSS for the longest time--Second Sock Syndrome, for the non-knitters out there. SSS is when you've finished your first sock, start the second...and it sits on the needles for months. And months. And MONTHS.

This is the pattern up close. Sorry if its kinda dark, but I wanted you all to see the cool zig-zag pattern.

Witchy craftiness at its finest!

2010-02-11T07:24:00.006-06:00

This is my beautiful new altar! I know, I'm a horrible person, I kept my Mabon altar all the way through Imbolc...I just couldn't get myself to take down the beautiful fall leaves! Autumn's my favorite season. I suppose I just wanted to hold onto the feel of it as long as possible! I know, though, that I really should have changed it around Yule at least. Ah well. Here is my new beauty...you might be able to see the raw materials for the wand I have planned just in front of the lotus candle.

Its Imbolc...

2010-02-02T10:55:00.001-06:00

...and I have a miserable headcold. No group ritual for me tonight. Everyone else please have a happy Imbolc. Celebrate for me!

Hmm...perhaps I shall finish crafting my new wand....

Around October I was wandering around the camp where I go to LARP and found a beautiful branch of Cedar that called out to me. I've already cut and sanded it as well as found the beautiful smoky quartz point that will top it off...its waiting for the finishing touches. Hm...perhaps I will finish it tonight...a quick stop by hobby lobby for the chain and wire and cord...hm...

well, that's it for the fuzzy brain rant...I'm going to try and work some more...

Warning: Mush-fest straight ahead.

2010-01-26T13:09:00.001-06:00

4 years and 3 weeks ago I cast a desperate lovespell. I was heartbroken, stressed, and desperately in need of someone who would be loving, understanding, and gentle.

4 years and 1 week ago I met the love of my life by 'chance'. He offered to fix my wifi. We ended up talking the whole night.

4 years ago I gave my new crush a birthday gift even though I had only known him a week. He asked me out that night.

I am celebrating 4 years with an absolutely wonderful man today. The man who is everything I ever asked for and so much more. He is a stubborn, exasperating, far too logically-minded science/math kind of guy. He is the perfect man for me. He listens and comforts me when I'm upset. He'll leave me small gifts I'm not expecting. He does the dishes without asking. He's sensitive and shares his emotions and is amazing. He is my Heart, my Joy, my Life. He's mine, and I am completely his. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him.

Happy Birthday my love.

Oh Snap Batman! Its the Knit Signal!

2010-01-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

I'm forwarding this email I got from my knitting group:

The Yarn Harlot put up "the knit signal" (like the bat signal, but with needles on it) on her blog on the 13th to help raise money for Doctor's Without Borders in Haiti. In six days knitters have sent HALF A MILLION dollars to Doctors without Borders and posted to the blog so Steph could update the total. She's been posting about it on her blog. http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/

That amount is now around 800 thousand. I haven't really posted about relief for Haiti...while I'm in a better place now than I was when I started this blog, money is still a concern. BUT, as this is a really good cause, I've donated the money I was saving to go see Avatar again. Y'all KNOW how fanatical I've been about that movie. It would have been my fifth time seeing it, second in 3-D...*sigh* This is a better cause. I can wait till it comes out on dvd...I guess...

As you've probably already heard, Haiti suffered a 6.1 aftershock this morning. What wasn't trashed before is now. I'm calling all knitters, crafters, and people who wish they were crafty. Check out Stephanie's blog (link above) and scroll down 'till you see the knit signal. Make sure you read her whole post; she makes a very specific request in there. If you'd like to see how much money the crafting community has mustered, the total is at the bottom of this link: http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/tsffaq.html

Please at least take the time to read her post!

It just keeps getting better and better

2010-01-17T17:01:00.002-06:00

So, by this point I think most of you are aware with Mother Moon's Message. Her January giveaway is absolutely breath-taking, and I cannot resist further attempts is securing it--thus, this post.

Check it out!
http://mothermoonsmessage.blogspot.com/2010/01/january-giveaway-true-blue.html

Rapid Heartbeat

2010-01-13T21:08:00.002-06:00

Mrs. B's having a giveaway. Mrs. B's having a giveaway. Ay ay AY Mrs B's having a Giveaway!!!!!!

Its...I...just go look. No, seriously. Go look.
http://silvermoonwitch.blogspot.com/

Self Discipline? Does it taste Good?

2010-01-12T18:24:00.002-06:00

So, I have finally admitted it to myself: I am the master of no self-discipline. Seriously, I really don't have it. I am pretty good at getting myself to want to do things...sometimes. But if I just flat out don't want to do it? Good luck. No, seriously, good luck. You'll need it. You see, avoiding things I don't want to do is one of my specialties. I spend a great deal of energy and creativity avoiding things I don't like. Much more than it would take to actually just knuckle down and do it, in fact.

Part of me takes a certain amount of pride in that fact. That I can so masterfully avoid unpleasantness. The problem comes when I want a certain result, but the only way to attain it is unpleasant. Case in point: my weight. Until two years ago this really wasn't a problem. I could eat whatever I wanted, not really exercise, and be perfectly slim and healthy. Part of that was because whatever I wanted consisted of whatever my parents made. But, unfortunately college hit--suddenly there was no-one to do my discipline for me, and my metabolism slowed down. Double-suck. You see, my parents ran my life just as much when I was a senior in highschool as they did when I was five. They controlled what I ate, when I went out, and what extra-curricular activities I participated in. They weren't met with much resistance either--I learned very quickly that it would land me in a world of serious hurt. As such the part of me that should have developed into self-discipline developed into ways to get around my parent's discipline.

I realize that's not an excuse. No really, I fully accept that I have a miserably weak will and its all my fault. But that really doesn't help me develop a backbone and try to lose weight. We have a free gym in my apartment complex. I tried to make a commitment to go once a day for an hour. I asked the guy to come with me--not only would it keep me going, it would help him lose weight too. The pussy couldn't make it past 25 minutes...while I would stay for the full hour. That wasn't exactly conducive to my commitment. Not only is it that I don't exercise, I've also developed a miserable diet. Since I have the ability to make my own money, I also have the ability to spend it as I wish--which means going out to eat. A lot. At home we never did that except at most 3 times a year. Blame the boy--I didn't even go out once I got to college until I hooked up with him. Now its so convenient I can't seem to stop. And I don't know how to cook. I don't know about you, but I get a little tired of spaghettios sometimes. And 'banquet' dinners.

It really doesn't help that I have the most defunct tastebuds in existence. Muffins, sweet? You must be joking. I mean, I can kind of taste it...but it gets overwhelmed by the sourness of the blueberries. Sorry. The vegetables I will eat are carrots, broccoli, and corn (I know corn isn't a vegetable!!!!). I HATE lettuce. And peas. And tomatoes. I'm a little better in the fruit area. I even like that extremely sour/tangy thing known as a mango. Lets sum up my taste like this: sparse sweet receptors. Over abundant bitter receptors. Average salty/sour receptors. Its a BITCH.

*sigh* Speaking of bitch, this has degenerated into one big whine-fest. My apologies. I was kind of desperate to write something as I feel I've been rather neglectfull, and this was on my mind. I didn't intend for it to come out like this. So, sum-up: No self-discipline + hating working out + defunct tastebuds = overweight! And not happy about it. And wanting to be able to fit my own clothes. And frustrated that my job is sitting at a desk all day. Gah!!

A quick stop by....

2010-01-06T07:13:00.004-06:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted much in a while. Life has been kind of exhausting, and I"m not sure why I haven't found the time to bitch---err, I mean, talk about it here. Anyone remember that YA book series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate? The older/younger(teen) crowd may not be phased by it as much--it affected a pretty small age range at one point in time.

Anyways! Back to the point. I had the complete series back in the day, and my mom up and decided she would donate them to her school library when I was in highschool. I had started collecting these books when I was in 6th grade. Her reasoning was that it wasn't something I would read again, unlike the Boxcar children. She was definitely wrong, as I probably won't be reading boxcar kids again till I have kids to read them to, and I've wanted to re-read Animorphs countless times since she took them from me.

My boyfriend has all of the main books, and we just got the box of them from his mom. EEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!
So you can guess where I've been the past however-many days. Rereading the series, and I am simply STUNNED at how much there is a pagan influence in the books. Its probably not intended to be pagan--just philosophical or something. But damn.

Animorphs, as the title indicates, is about a group of kids who are given the power to 'morph' into different animals--any different animal, as long as they 'acquire' the DNA first. They are given this power by a dying alien in order to protect earth from a hostile covert invasion by another alien race. (Its a Sci-Fi, can you tell?) In one book they become dolphins for an undersea mission, and end up saving a whale that is being attacked by a group of sharks. The one who is narrating that book, Cassie, ends up 'speaking' with the whale--in a completely spiritual, sense-and-images-and-emotion kind of way. While the animorphs do have 'thoughtspeak' (telepathy) while in animal form, this is completely different. This is a real whale that she is talking to while a dolphin.

So, that doesn't sound like much. Consider these little nuggets are sprinkled all throughout the series. I am *loving* this. However, it happens to be sapping up all of my freetime. Sorry guys! I'll be back as soon as I'm done with the short 54 plus some odd book series. Promise!

My heart whispers...

2009-12-30T21:30:00.003-06:00

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!

2009-12-26T13:26:00.002-06:00

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

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Happy Yule

2009-12-20T22:44:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-19T18:21:00.003-06:00

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.

Confessions of a Crafty Witch

Okay! So...

An attempt

My new altar

The view...

5 years ago...

So you want a Witch Hunt, eh?

Sorry I haven't touched in in a bit...

Please light a candle...

Which Norse God/dess are you?

Year of the Cats has the. most. AMAZING. giveaway!

WE HAVE SNOW!!!!!!!!!

Happy Turkey Day all!

On Magickal Workings II

On Magickal Workings

And the winners are...

My giveaways close tonight!

What you likely never knew about Nightshade

My giveaway from Mother Moon!

Giveaway!

I finally got a new phone!

Results of the Samhain swap!

Hey! That was unexpected!

So I've been abandoned...

Review and GIVEAWAY: Awesome Pagan Musician!!

It's my Fall altar!

Finally, PPD pictures!

I'm sorry!

It's a blog award!

Oh, wow...

Whew!

It was Eventful!

Waaaah! Pagan Pride Day is this Saturday!

Foot in my mouth AGAIN

It's that time of year again...

So I have a theory...

I LOVE socks!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to me!!

Welcome Magical Partygoers!

It's another 31 days of Halloween....

"There's a little Witch in every Woman"

Practical Magic

The Magick of Practical Magic

Blessed Mabon!

Well...

Wish me luck!

My Labor Day weekend

More teasers

The results are in!

Contest Extension!

Is this right?

Crafty Witch's First Giveaway!

100 followers?!?

Blessed Lughnasadh!!

Practical Magic: Gillian's Necklace

It's a Practical Magic Blog Party!!

I can't resist...

New Look, and a Question

I'm not dead, I promise!

Work-In-Progress Update #6

Work-In-Progress Update #5

Meet us at the Water, June 12

Work-in-Progress Update #4

First Post Up!!

And Inspiration has Struck

Work-in-Progress Update #3

Work-in-Progress Update #2

'Life is Good' meme

Work-in-Progress Update #1

On Scooby Doo and the Witch's Ghost

My amazingly Beautiful Bow...

To Charge or Not to Charge?

100TH POST!!!!

Work-in-Progress...The Beginning

Par~tay, Mad Tea Par~tay!

Happy Beltaine!

Beautiful...

*POOF!*

Ack!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!

POOF!

Rapid Heartbeat