Now we tackle 2012! Also answers to some recent comments.

 Good Evening,

While warmly enclosed within my witches cottage, a fire crackling on the hearth and a snow, ice, sleet and rain storm hammering down outside, I thought I'd have a lively discussion with you. Grab a cup of tea, or maybe mug of hot cocoa and let's discuss some of the comment's I've received since we last talked.  Then we'll dig our teeth into a meaty subject, the 2012 controversy. 

First, we last visited while discussing the 13th astrological sign and all of the consternation it was causing.

Autumn wrote:  "I have always been a cancer. What I am finding very perplexing at the moment is that up until about halfway through this past summer I was everything my sign claimed me to be, and I loved the water. However,since about August, I have been very different. I read through Gemini, which the new zodiac says that I am, and it is actually far more accurate than Cancer was. What's the deal with that?"

A very good question Autumn.  You also seem to have a good sense of self awareness and that's important. Well, I mentioned briefly in my last discussion that we are not all fully developed as whatever sign we are born under. We tend to have aspects of every astrological sign within us, even in small amounts. If you were to read through all of the signs, I bet you could relate to at least one characteristic for each one.  That doesn't make you not an authentic Cancer, it just speaks to the characteristics in twelve signs attempting to generalize millions of individuals. 

Of course to really get the specifics for you, you would need an astrological chart done, in which you use the exact minute of your birth, day and date.  A trained astrologist can read your chart and tell you some very personal, individual aspects of you that aren't the same for everyone. 


Then again, I did say if you wanted to follow the Sidereal Zodiac and consider yourself, in this case a Gemini, by all means, do so.  Just be sure that you don't read the Gemini horoscope as your personal horoscope in your local paper, as that is synced up with the Tropical zodiac as discussed.  In the magickal world it is important that we consider many areas of our development for insight into our lives.  I find insight by reading my horoscope, by reading my animal medicine cards, throwing the witches runes, doing path working and meditation. I use the Ogham, the tarot, and crystal ball all to give me brief glimpses of my life and the world around me.  Does it give me all the answers? No. It just gives me a better insight and hopefully an edge I wouldn't have otherwise. 


Another reader CabynFevr  says:  "I would LOVE to hear your opinion on 2012! I think they simply got bored...or maybe ran out of tablets or ink or whatever the heck they wrote with! Maybe they just forgot to buy a new calendar? I don't mean to poke fun at the believers, I'm just not one (at least I don't think I am! What about the birds? The fish? The Pats losing to the Jets?)
Thank you for clearing up the confusion about the Zodiac"

Ha!! Thanks for the giggles!  Let me start at the end of your note, I don't bet or make predictions on sports, as I don't really follow any. But like any game played, someone must win and someone must lose. Its the nature of the games. I do enjoy how it bonds people in friendly competition.

The birds and fish. I could add to the list the bees, bats and rain forests which are disappearing. Unfortunately it has little to do with magick or nature, what is happening in our environment. Scientists are still trying to decide what is going on, but I feel it is simple mathematics. Add the over abundance of the human population with a disregard for the environment, and we succeed in destroying another bit of nature or coming up with a minus figure.  Over the centuries we have done this many times. What is different this time around,  is we are  technologically advanced and evolved enough to know we are doing this as we are doing it. I wonder if we'll be able to make the leap needed, to stop our damage before its too late. Hmmmm, we'll have to see.

'Enter'  2012 


Imagine scary, threatening music inserted right here. 'Da, da, da, dum.'  Lightening crashes and thunder booms!  Oh my! Let me say there is so many rumors, beliefs and superstitions concerning this mythology, its hard to know where to start. I'll keep it simple. The basis of the plot is it is believed that in 2012 the earth will come to an end. No really.   The story goes something like this:  The Mayan Civilization's calendar predicts the end of the world on December 21st, 2012.

Yes, I believe that the human race has evolved enough to destroy our race and most living animals on the planet.  But .  .  .  we do not have the technology, yet,  to totally destroy the planet. In fact some experts believe that should the human race cease to exist tomorrow, that in a mere five years the earth would reclaim itself and little of human creation would exist.  I don't know if I believe that as some of our man made structures are pretty amazing, but the point being a valid one, that the earth would shake off the damage we have done and before long would be as good as new.

This 'doomsday' or end of the world scenario was supposed to have been recorded by the ancient Mayans who were a great civilization located across Central America, that lived a thousand years ago and died off in the 1300's. 

The ancient Mayan calendar marks the 2012 date as an end of a 'long count'.  A long count is a time span of 5,126 years. Mayans measured time in segments called ba'k'tuns.  A total of 144,000 days or segments would add up to approximately 394 years. Thirteen ba'k'tuns would equal one Long Count, and the current Long Count, which began in 3114 BCE,   is now scheduled to end  in 2012 CE.  The Mayans were known for their astronomy and I believe it likely that this measure of time corresponded with an astronomical calendar they followed. 

Interestingly the urban legend that has sprung up around the 2012 date which again is most commonly stated as:  The Mayan Civilization's calendar predicts the end of the world in 2012'.  A seemingly obvious point becomes glaring when this statement is considered. 

If the Mayans had made such a prediction, they were simply wrong.  By about 700 years give or take. The Mayan civilization experienced a major and total collapse around the year 1300.

Trying to understanding the world at this time in history, it  is important to see how very small the world was for the tribes that inhabited the earth. With travel restrictive and difficult, the world consisted of the civilization or community one lived in.  Even for the Celts, a wandering nation,  the world consisted for them, of them.  Yes, there were other civilizations and tribes one encountered, but predictions concerning ones world would be specific to their world. If the Mayans had predicted an end of the world, it makes sense they would be referring to the end of the Mayan civilization. If they had predicted this they were simply wrong.

I said if, because the really interesting thing about this entire story.  .  .  is they never did. Predict the end of the world, that is.  Or doomsday. Or anything of the sort. The Mayan civilization left behind written accounts and records so we have much information about their culture and how this civilization lived, and researchers  and scientists have never found any written record of ancient Mayans predicting the end of the world.

They also never mention doomsday or an equivalent of any sort.  They never mention the 'Long Count' and mention of the year 2012 is not found. Not even once. The winter solstice of 2012 was never even mentioned.   The Mayans wrote and recorded their experiences by using a complex system of hieroglyphics, so we do have historical records. None of these records mentions 2012 or the end of the world.

How it got from a notation regarding an end of an era, like the ending of the age of Pisces and the beginning of the age of Aquarius to the 'end of the world' da, da, da, dum!!  I don't know if anyone knows who got this ball rolling, but it will roll until it stops at the end of next year. 

Until then the story will persist. And its a good one, I don't deny it.   Oooh, I can feel the goosebumps. It's not a matter of making fun of  'believers',  because I have a really hard time believing anyone gives this nonsense any credence. Truly you can and we have,  wrapped it up in a Hollywood movie, written all sorts of books about this topic and the authors are oh, so very credible.  I've myself have watched a number of very well done documentaries that give some very convincing arguments.  Yet it doesn't change the fact that its all a bunch of unsubstantiated rumors with no historical evidence to back it up.  Can I be more clear? It's a fake, a hoax and I personally feel that those who spout this type of nonsense do so to either make money and or to build themselves up while frightening others. Shame on them! tsk, tsk.

It also hadn't escaped my witches notice that the supposed end of the world was conveniently placed on an ancient pagan holiday, our winter equinox and Yule Sabbat.  Why not a Tuesday in June? Shouldn't the end of the world rate it's very own day!! I mean really. 

Now perhaps if the money that has been spent on this silly 'prediction' that was never predicted by anyone,  could be directed towards the scientists trying to determine the loss of our bats and bees, we might be able to do some real good for the earth.  We will talk more about our vanishing roommates on earth at another time.

So, whose having a party to celebrate the world not ending?  I'll bring the sparkling juice!!


Peace and Happiness






© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

A 13th astrological sign! - Should you be concerned you're no longer the sign you thought you were?

 Good Evening,

 
Oh my!! Was I surprised when I emerged from my potions room, well its really more of a tower actually, at what has been going on in the world this past week.  Can you imagine??!!  News reports claiming they've added a 13th astrological sign into the zodiac?  Well, when this news first hit,  I was skeptical, as I always am at something so supposedly earth shattering!  I mean really,  just for instance,  think of all the people who have tattoos! A permanent symbol of your astrological sign is a popular choice, and so many people get tattoos today. To find out your Aries tattoo should now be a Pisces, well that's going to be hard to disguise.  Maybe two tattoos, one pre 2011 and one post?  This could get out of control,  when will this end? 

One's astrological symbol, for some people,  is part of their identity. As is true for some people as to their cultural heritage  Imagine waking up tomorrow and finding out you're not really Irish or the culture you thought you were, for many that would be stressful if not traumatic. This is true for those who have always known themselves to be an Aries, or a Virgo, an Aquarius or Cancer or whatever sign you are. If you've ever looked at the personal characteristics that describe your particular astrological or sun sign and have noted the similarities, now to be told you are really another sign, well needless to say,  its causing consternation everywhere!

 First let's take a brief glance at the basic Tropical zodiac that most of us follow in the Western world. Your horoscope in the local paper or on the internet follows the Tropical zodiac. The Tropical zodiac has 12 signs and those signs with their respective dates are as follows:


Aries  -  The symbol of the Ram - is anyone born from March 21 to April 19th and this is a Fire sign
Taurus - The Bull - April 20 - May 20    Earth
Gemini -  the Twins - May 21 - June 20  Air
Cancer - The Crab - June 21 - July 22  Water
Leo - the Lion - July 23 - August 22   Fire
Virgo - the Maiden - August 23 - September 22  Earth
Libra - the Scales - Sept 23 - October 22   Air
Scorpio - The Scorpion - Oct 23 - Nov 21  Water
Sagittarius - the Centaur the Archer - Nov 21 - Dec 21  Fire
Capricorn - the Goat - Dec 22 - January 19  Earth
Aquarius - the Water Bearer -  Jan 20th - February 18   Air
Pisces - the Fish  - Feb 19th - March 20   Water 

This is the astrological calendar we've been raised on and that we know in relation to those of us who live in the West and most parts of the world. Let me tell you, you should not stress because this entire bag of drunk monkeys let loose on the astrological world and causing such worry and stress, has nothing to do at all with our Tropical zodiac. So, now take a deep breath, hold for a second and release it. Feel better? That's right.  If you were an Aquarius last week, you're still one today!  Here, let me explain.

Much of the world follows an astrological calendar set down by Ptolemy. Ptolemy was a Roman citizen from Egypt who recorded his musings in Greek, the language of academics of the time.  He set down the dates and our understanding of the zodiac and he associated the zodiac with the Equinoxes and Solstices.  Although the different houses of our Tropical zodiac have the same names as the constellations of stars in the heavens, it is not based on the constellations. I know, a bit of a surprise this was, but its true.

The excitement of a 13th zodiacal sign really takes place in another zodiac that has been followed in some areas of the eastern world. Now, this isn't the Chinese zodiac, yet again another zodiacal belief system.  The eastern zodiac I speak of is called the Sidereal zodiac. This is a zodiac which is based upon the constellations and was developed by the Babylonians thousands of years ago. They had, at the origins of their Sidereal Zodiac, 13 signs and a few thousand years ago dropped one of the signs, the Ophiuchus, the snake bearer or serpent holder.  Those who have followed the Sidereal zodiac have now re-introduced this 13th sign into their calendar  because of shifts in the earth's positioning as it relates to the constellations.

Much of this recent hype is credited to an astronomy professor who claims the earth's wobble has shifted zodiac signs. Huh? First this has been discussed in astronomical circles for over a hundred years now so he's not the first one to notice this, just the latest to start a scare.  Secondly it's near impossible to get a person of astronomy  to even recognize the field of astrology which many astronomers feel is not a 'real' science as astronomy is, and is therefore less credible.  Thirdly this astronomy instructor Parke Kunkle, is basing his information on the constellations which when the earth's wobble has shifted would affect the Sidereal  zodiac bringing back into play their long set aside 13th symbol, which is cool in its own right.  And if an astronomer was going to follow a horoscope it makes sense that they would logically follow one that was based on constellations.

I have many friends of Asian descent that swear by the Chinese horoscope and I know I am the sign of the rabbit, which in ancient times on the Chinese zodiac was the sign of the cat. Oh yeah!  In other words we will follow that which resonates with us.  That which we can relate to and we feel comfortable with.  So, if you've followed the horoscope we follow in the United States and most of the world then you are just fine. Your sign has not changed.  For fun though, those that want to get a new sign may want to adopt the Sidereal zodiac, and hey why not? If it works for you, go for it.

Maybe you wish to look at the sign the Sidereal zodiac says you are and look up the characteristics of that sign and see how many of them fit you personally in addition to the sign you are in the tropical zodiac. Any insight into ourselves can be beneficial. This is what I can tell you about the Sidereal Zodiac with the major changes that have taken place.  Note some signs like Scorpio for instance have only 9 days.

The Sidereal Zodiac :



Aries  -  The Ram - April 19th - May 14
Taurus - The Bull -  May 14th - June 21
Gemini -  the Twins -  June 21st - July 21
Cancer - The Crab -  July 21 - August 11
Leo - the Lion -  August 11 - Sept 17
Virgo - the Maiden -  Sept 17 - October 31
Libra - the Scales -  Oct 31 - Nov 21
Scorpio - The Scorpion -  Nov 21 - Nov 30
Ophiuchus - the Snake bearer - Nov 30 - Dec 18
Sagittarius - the Centaur the Archer -  Dec 18 - Jan 21
Capricorn - the Goat -  Jan 21 - Feb 17
Aquarius - the Water Bearer -Feb 17 - March 12
Pisces - the Fish  -  March 12 - April 19

The symbols for the Ophiuchus that have been suggested for use:

Don't even ask me what they do with someone who is born on the cusp of a sign. The Tropical zodiac we follow has distinct separations of days and no overlaps, whereas the Sidereal zodiac has overlaps for every month making a potential of 13 days a year where there will be confusion or perhaps someone gets two signs? I don't know and I'll leave it for those who know more about that zodiac. I, as a witch am more comfortable following a system that follows my equinoxes and solstices as the rest of my magickal calendars world do  so I'm staying with my Tropical zodiac.

Know one thing about your sun sign. Whatever sign you were born under, you were not born fully developed in that sign. I was born under the sign of Virgo, but I will spend my entire life developing into a fully developed Virgo, at least that's the idea.  Learning to understand ourselves and to work on the shadow parts while using the brighter parts to their best advantage is really the basis of the work to be done.

 I hope I have answered some of the questions you may have had in relation to this media hyped rumor.  The silly thing is any reporter who did a tiny bit of research on the Internet would have seen that this was more of a sensationalistic story with little credibility in most of the world.  Yet it certainly did get everyone talking and not about snow! For instance this week it was reported on the national news, that every state in the United States with the exception of Florida had snow!! So maybe this silly astrological new 'urban legend' was a good thing, or  .  .  .  the very at least an interesting diversion.


If you have any questions or wonder about other things in our magickal world which seem to bring about fear or uncertainty, or make you nervous, please make a comment and I'll do my best to explain the real story to you.  Maybe next time we can discuss 2012?  Let me know! Thanks and have a great evening! 


Peace and Happiness


© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Oooh! technical difficulties!!

 Good Evening,

I've been experiencing some technical difficulties with this modern computer magick, so please excuse me as I retreat into my potions room and mix up a spell to fix this in my cauldron.  I hope to have a suitable solution in just a day or so.  Thanks for your understanding! 





© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

What a frosty wintry day!!

 Evening Greetings,

Oh my! Apparently here in New England we've broken the record for snowfall in a 24 hour period of time. We've had appx 27 inches in Manchester and surrounding areas.  An enforced snow day from Mother Nature and at times I'm convinced we need it. In a bit I'll tell you how you can magickally use some of this snow in your rituals.

Something about the storm today made me become philosophical.  Perhaps its the isolation a storm creates, and a witch should be good with being alone as witchcraft is primarily a solitary practice. I spend much of my time alone, with my cats as company at work. Its a way of life and a state of being. So days like today make me introspective and I started to think of how the storm was affecting me.  I'd like to share my thoughts with you.

We are known for the stress we have in our lives today, but a lot of our stress in self created.  We are still very similar to our ancient ancestors in many biological ways. Although our ancestors worked very hard physically  and had a much more challenging existence by many measures,  we have more stress today because of how we live, work and play.

Even when we go on vacation we are often heard saying "we need a vacation from our vacation" and we as a culture often cram as many exciting, fun and energy packed things into our time off. If we have kids, well then, just multiply that stress by an unknown number!!

So, what do we do when Mother Nature says, "um you're staying home today".  Some will immediately stress about it!! It's a change after all.  Some will work from home, no doubt with less stress just because staying home can be easier than getting up and out of the house, traveling and being in an environment that is not your home, and even with a nice work environment it is just more stressful because you're out.  

 What did I do today? Well, I took a moment to open the door and step out for just a bit. I like to hear the 'silence' of a winter snowfall.  It somehow muffles the typical daytime sounds and it can be very isolating and that can be comforting or not, depending on you.  I like it. The idea of being shut off from the world for a day.  I accomplished more today than I might have otherwise, but it was on my terms and that made for less stress the entire day.

One thing I try to do after a snowfall like this one, is to take a clean plastic container and fill it with fresh, clean snow.  This will melt of course when brought indoors, unless you store it in the freezer, but it can be used as the water for the blessed water during the ritual.  It can  be used as a base for potions and brews you might wish to stir up.  The energy of freshly fallen snow has a strong vibration I find cleansing, purifying and healing.

Store some of the snow in the freezer, just in case for the Imbolc ritual we find ourselves with no snow on the ground. At least not clean snow, and I use it to place little cups of fresh milk in for the cakes n ale ceremony of our Sabbat ritual. It can also be used to keep the cheese cold on the altar that I use for the cakes part of the ceremony.  Because the first milk of spring is such a big part of the Imbolc Sabbat I like the idea of milk and cheese rather than the typical cakes, cookies, crackers and juice or water. 

Because I'm not crazy about drinking plain milk, I make mine chocolate milk, oh yes I do!  The Goddess  loves chocolate, so do I. You can make your milk strawberry if you'd prefer.  The spring Sabbat rituals can be, I feel,  a happy and joyous occasion.

After a strong heavy snowfall like this one today may make for some potential harvesting in your yard. Notice if any evergreen bushes have snapped or broken branches. These can add a nice element to any altar you have set up.  Fresh evergreen in the house doesn't just have to be for Christmas. It brings the energies of life, longevity, abundance and renewal to your home. You can also fashion a wand or walking staff from broken branches. 

You may also wish to venture out in your yard in the next day or so, just to push some of the heavy snow off of your plants, as the weight over time will break even old, strong plantings.  We need to pay attention to our plantings year round. We can't always save them all from natural events like this storm, but we can utilize the gifts they leave for us.

Just the other day a great customer of Enchantments stopped by and gifted me with a cut slab from a Rowan tree that had to be taken down. It was a slice of the trunk about 1/2 inch thick and 4 - 5 inches in diameter. It was a lovely gift and in this way they were honoring the spirit of the tree. It was a very thoughtful, completely witchy thing to do. 

This is a time of year our ancestors stayed indoors for practical as well as environmental reasons and even though work was seldom finished, the chores adjusted.  The witch in me today tries to adjust  to the world around me, at the same time I try to keep around me that which makes me happy and comfortable. I like love hearth cooking but I don't cook in my fireplace. No I use my stove.  I love my candles, but I'm the first person to switch on the lights as I walk into a dark room.  I've studied the lives and culture of people in Medieval times for many years and I appreciate personally indoor plumbing, modern lighting and modern heating methods.


We really live in the most amazing time as far as I'm concerned. We can have it all. The security of modern technology, medicine and knowledge and the freedom to wear cloaks, worship in the woods or in our homes with no societal or governmental repercussions.  We have the best of every world available today.  I must admit after my moment of silence in the midst of the storm, I then spent a few hours just researching on the Internet today and looking up things not because of a writing project or teaching assignment, but just because.  The world, at our fingertips.  Amazing.

Peace and Happiness





© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Spring Cleaning the energy in your house or office space!

 Evening greetings,

I know its not 'springtime' quite yet, even following a pagan calendar.  Yet this is a perfect time to 'clean' the energy in your home or office.  You see,  just like our physical space can get a bit stagnant and 'old' when items or things we no longer need start to pile up and become clutter, so does the energy in our living and working spaces.

Just as opening the windows on a warm day in early April, sweeping away the sand and dirt that has accumulated during the winter and cleaning, tidying and organizing can bring a sense of peace, balance and accomplishment to our critical mind, so it also does to our soul energy.

This is the perfect time to cleanse the energy of your space especially after the energies of the holidays, when often some strong emotions or feelings are lingering.  Of course we will assume that the space is physically clean. Now don't confuse clutter with unclean.  You may have many objects around your personal space that make you happy, or have stacks of books you are currently using for research and this does not make for an unclean space but it may help capture and hold onto the energies that have come around.   Of course in the case of an unclean environment, that situation will just add to the discord and discomfort in an area, so if this is the case,  a throughout cleaning is required before we start. 

What's so important about this type of energy cleaning? Stuck energies can  make communication difficult, attitudes may become more sensitive or illogical and people can tend toward unhappiness and irritability. There is a belief amongst those who believe in energy fields and the energy that affects us,  that an area with stuck, stagnant energy can turn harmful and eventually with enough exposure,  can cause emotional, mental and perhaps even physical maladies.  I am not making any such claims as I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on T.V.! Yet I believe in the energy field which surrounds us all and I personally feel better when the energy around me is balanced and clean and fresh.

Let me show you how I do it!  First a short shopping list, and you may already have these items around. If not, its worth going out and picking up the following:

a bag of fresh lemons, or hand pick approximately 6 - 12, enough to fill up a pretty bowl, or a practical bowl if that's more your style.

a bottle of apple cider vinegar and a small glass or ceramic bowl that will hold 3-4 cups of liquid.

a smudge stick made from desert sage

a wind chime or a chain of tiny chimes or bells often called prayer bells,or a small bell will work

First take the lemons, rinse them under cool water and dry,  then arrange in a pretty bowl and place in any room or on the kitchen table.  Lemons naturally banish stuck and stagnant energies and allow fresh, positive, sun infused energy into an area.  This is also a nice alternative for an office situation.  A bowl of lemons in a communal lunch or lounge area will work well in keeping all the different energies in a work environment flowing peacefully around. They can remain in one location and do not have to be moved from room to room as some of our other cleansing techniques.

After you've placed the lemons. Sit in each room of your area for at least five minutes without doing anything except look around the space. Look around and see where energy may become stuck.  Large areas of clutter should be put away if possible.  Collections of objet d' art should be dusted or cleaned and replaced on cleaned surfaces. If using a wet solution to clean the objects use a solution with a splash of lemon juice in the water.

Neaten up, organize and make presentable the room you are in. Then place a cup or two of apple cider vinegar into a small ceramic or glass bowl.  You need a bowl big enough that the vinegar sits on the bottom and can't slosh out. Place this in the center of a room and leave it for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove it and place it in another room.  All rooms in a space whether a home or work environment will benefit from the powerful absorption qualities of vinegar. It absorbs and holds stagnant energy as well as any stronger energies that may have been released into the area such as anger, rage, grief and intense sadness or depression.

Vinegar is also excellent for absorbing the energies found in a sick room or area where someone has been ill for a prolonged period of time, two weeks or more.

Another excellent treatment for cleansing and lightening up an area is by using a smudge stick. But please!! Use the correct sage, and NO,  not all sage is created equal!  Let me explain. This next photo is a bundle of desert sage or sagebrush and this is the legendary sage used to cleanse the energy in an area.

 
This magickal concept comes from the Native American culture when for hundreds or thousands of years   the prairie would be set on fire by originally,  natural occurrences such as lightening, and the indigenous peoples, we can assume, noticed the resulting clearing of the dead and stagnant plants of the prairie and deserts.  They would have noticed the resulting re-blooming and 'coming back to life' the prairie experienced.  Over time the process of smudging came to symbolize this clearing which brought renewal, regeneration and rebirth.
Although Sagebrush also known as desert sage was the sage credited with this cleansing ability, somewhere over the last fifty years or so it has been confused with typical garden sage that when dried appears very white.  Here this is a photo of garden sage dried. Can you see the difference?   

 It is at first hard to tell the difference if you're not familiar with the two varieties.  Yet there is far more difference in magickal usage. For desert sage, of the gentle cleansing abilities, has a sweet smoky smell that   so many people have proclaimed "Smells like marijuana".   To me it smells like burning fresh, dried green hay. But that's the farm girl in me. You'll need to decide on the smell for yourself.  I can only assure you it is legal and has very powerful abilities.

Garden sage on the other hand, frankly smells funky and a bit nauseating to me. No offense true garden sage lovers!! I love it also, in many applications,  but I don't burn it. Magickally it has the properties of Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection and Wishes.  According to Mr. Scott Cunningham, in his book "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs"  it  is Sagebrush that has the properties of purification and exorcism, the elimination and cleansing properties we've come to expect from burning sage. I believe Mr. Cunningham to have been truly one of the great magickal masters,  especially when it comes to understanding the magickal properties of natural things. 

So when buying sage to burn for cleansing beware to purchase the correct material.  You will find garden sage more easily available in the magickal markets as its cheaper to purchase and sell.  Plus the misconception over the years has seen a proliferation of the mistaken belief to such an extend that even at Enchantments we carry small bags of garden sage to meet the demand. We label it with its correct magickal properties and will explain to those who care to listen the difference so they are aware of what they are purchasing. 

 When you do have your smudge stick in hand, I recommend taking a pair of snips and cutting the yarn or thread wrapped around the bundle, but only at the end. Use your fingers to gently separate the ends of the smudge stick so a bit of air can get to the inside. Then wrap a cone of aluminum foil around the base of the herb bundle. Cup the foil outward and upward to create a 'moat' around the smudge stick, to catch any stray embers that might float off the stick.

Then using a lighter, hold the flame to the ends of the bundle holding the foil wrapped base securely.  Once the dried herb bundle catches on fire, allow it to burn for maybe 10 seconds no more than 15 seconds at most. It will often go out by itself, or you can gently blow the flames out allowing a stream of fragrant smoke to release from the stick. Walk through your house or area and wave the smoking herb stick around the doorways and windows. You can wave it around a room for just a minute or two, no longer as its is not the case of "the more the better".

Now, now my witchlings, no reason to fumigate the place!!  Once you've smudged all rooms, and the openings and entrances, wrap the cone of foil around the stick wrapping it tightly.  Place the foil wrapped stick in a dry sink or on a fire proof surface, maybe the cold burner of a stove until cool to the touch.  Then you can store it where you wish until you want to do this again.  Once a month is usually enough for a residence, though in our shop we do it every week as we are a retail business catering to the public. 

You will definitely feel a difference once you smudge an area. Speaking of smudging an area,  I would hesitate from using this in a business.  I have been employed to smudge many businesses over the past 20 plus years, but its usually by very innovative and cool business owners who recognize the benefits of magickal smudging, especially as it aides financial draw and gain very strongly.  Yet, that's a decision for the individual boss to decide, asj perhaps not all clientele will be good with the concept, and oh yes, I wouldn't recommend smudging your office or business work area without permission, if you're not the boss! Try explaining that one!!


Another concept you might like to try is a strand of tiny bells. Sometimes called prayer bells, celestial bells, and other names they are small bells strung on a strand or string of either chain, yarn or brightly colored thread.  I hang these across doorways and stairways and I make a habit of touching them, just once lightly as I go down the stairs or when I pass by them. They 'clean' the air. Bells have magickally affected the air by their sound for thousands of years.

Some cultures felt our prayers were delivered to heaven on the vibrations of their sound, others felt that the ringing of the bells could bless an area, cleanse or promote a specific feeling by their very sound.  An example are bells rung for a funeral, which are much more somber and almost tear inducing by their mournful tone as opposed to the gay ringing of marriage bells.  As we are also affected strongly by sound and vibrations it causes, make sure the sound of the bells are pleasing to you and if you like the sound of wind chimes these can also be used. By hanging them inside you control when they ring, a nice alternative for those who like wind chimes yet don't or can't have them outside.

These are just a few of the tried and true cleansing methods I've used for years and I can recommend them to you.  Try one or all if you wish to affect the energy you surround yourself with.


Peace and Happiness






© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Some of the freakier experiences that happen in my life!

 Good Evening,

We'll take a bit of a break from the history of our friends the Celts tonight and focus on some hopefully entertaining stories I have to impart.

As you know, I am a witch. Truthfully a mild mannered, Goddess loving, curious and always seeking witch.  At times I wear renaissance garb, cloaks and long dresses, well simply because I think I look good in that style of clothing.  Primarily I wear this style of clothing in my shoppe because it does sort of stand out at the A&P! Yet like today, with a potential storm on our horizon I am looking at stopping at the store after work to get milk and bread, dressed in a medieval purple velvet, floor length dress with black frogging on sleeves and bodice.  I wonder if I'll get any looks?? Ha!

Honestly that's about as freaky as I get.  But, when I'm missing the unusual, strange and OMG weird!!!, I just have to wait a minute.  They will usually find me in my store. Really,  like the New England weather, if you haven't had freaky in a while, wait a minute!  For instance recently I had Jesus Christ's brother stop by. I kid you not!!  He was selling his services, not cheaply he informed me, of his miracles and deeds.  He informed me he had visited hell and vanquished the devil, not once but three times!! Well then.


That same day I was contacted by a woman, on the phone, who wanted to know if we were capable of creating illusions that would cause people to see what we wanted them to see. She thought she saw tarantulas scurrying around her bathroom and thought we may have had something to do with that!! Oh, the power people seem to think we have!!  Then you have those who are not fond of their friendly neighborhood witch.

Once a couple of years ago I had a gentleman come into the store and he waited patiently until the customers who were purchasing items left,  then he came to the counter and asked  "So, what do you think about them witch burnings?"  Well, I had conducted, just the week before our annual bus trip to Salem, MA and the instructor in me was at the forefront and I started to gently correct him that we didn't have any witch burnings on this continent, only hangings and that the burnings were primarily in Europe, when I was interrupted.

He flourished a small book that I assume was a copy of the Christian bible and waved it in my face and started to scream about the evil that we do and the terrible punishments we would suffer in hell, etc. etc.

I was able to come out from behind the counter and opened the door for him and asked him to leave. After a few more threats he did so.  My friend Laurel, who is a Wiccan Priestess and works with me, and I have often joked how we seem to get a lot of 'extreme' people around Halloween and that they tend to go away around Christmas.  We joke they must be at the mall harassing Santa!!  So the other day left me a bit baffled. I looked at my calendar and nope, not our time of the year yet!!

I have approximately 15 or so individuals on a list that we keep that have been reported to our local police department. I find it interesting that the psychosis that we deal with most often seems to have many things in common. I  mean 'psychosis'  as these individuals are mentally ill and need our sympathy, not a rude attitude because they misinterpret our ways. Some of the common beliefs from this type of individual are:

• an extreme religious fanaticism, not exclusive to the Christian belief, as many are vehemently non Christian but just as religiously fanatical concerning their belief in the magickal world. Also let me say I do not label religious fanatics Christian or otherwise. They are mentally ill people who have lost serious touch with most of reality and need professional help. 

• These individuals,  I have met or had any contact with, primarily written correspondence as well as some phone conversations, almost exclusively believe in a greater than human power that they want, think I have and can give them, or that they have and will bestow on others. 

• Many of these disturbed people  that are attracted to our ways also have a strong unshakable belief in curses, evil spells being cast upon them, and others doing them wrong with the help of magick.  When we try to explain to them that magick doesn't, or can't work that way, they are disbelieving or disappointed.  Unfortunately there are many cons on the internet and in local communities that prey upon these people and make tremendous money off of them. 

It is apparent to us how easy victimizing these people can be, and we have a strict policy to not encourage them in their mistaken assumptions.  We may sell them small stones, or a smudge stick that may bring them a sense of personal peace and self protection, especially where they are doing something positive to make change in their life.  But we do not feed into their mistaken assumptions to make money.  Actually, often when we deal with these people, depending on the severity of their psychosis,  we won't sell anything to them, especially if we feel it will further encourage them in a harmful way.

I have had a few people contact me over the years from psychiatric hospitals, requesting magickal supplies be sent to them.  We won't do this. Magick should not be practiced by those who are not in strong control of their mental faculties as I believe it can cause them harm.  Allowing them to believe with magick all of their issues will magickally vanish., when many times therapy and or medication is the real 'magick' needed.   It does not work this way, as you know by now.  I spoke with a woman's doctor once, a psychiatrist and told him I felt it could be potentially harmful for her to practice unless she was mentally stable. He said he was surprised I wasn't in this just for the money and that he had a new respect for who we are because I wouldn't sell her anything. 

I  had a young woman once,  a few years ago, in her early twenties, who came into the store and inquired about classes.  I explained the course and requirements and she asked a bunch of questions and she seemed perfectly normal and rational. I still believe she was although perhaps a bit naive, for after she thought for several moments about the information I gave her she said to me "well, I'm interested in classes but I don't know if Satan will accept me." huh?

I personally, would have loved to have a photograph of my face after that statement was uttered.  I think I said "pardon, I don't think I heard you correctly, would you repeat that?" and she did.  I hadn't misheard her. 


I ask you, how would you have handled these situations?   Well to the young woman, who thought she was not up to Satan's standards, I gently explained that to us Satan doesn't exist. We don't work with him and that was an important concept she needed to understand to be accepted for classes at Enchantments.  I actually felt bad, after explaining that to her, as her face showed how crestfallen she was. Seriously, she was so disappointed.  She left and has not returned.

As far as the other individuals, I deal with them on a one on one basis.  Always with respect and a pleasant demeanor. When its apparent that the person is not in full control of his/her rational faculties, I try to get them to leave the store without anyone getting hurt, because we can't help them. I don't attempt to psychoanalyze as I'm not a trained therapist and I have issues with people who 'pretend' they are!  I also don't underestimate that a person,  perhaps in the grip of a psychotic episode,  can be potentially dangerous.

I also don't try to debate them and discuss with them history or concepts to 'prove' to them that they are mistaken about our world and what we do in it.  These people are vested in their understanding of the world and how they see it.  Its not a battle I wish to engage in, because for them, at that moment in time, they are right as it relates to them.  They are incorrect in their assumptions of us, but in their mind they are correct and to try to argue them to another position is the mistake of the young and inexperienced on this path.

I have had correspondence from State prisons, males who would send me letters wanting to learn from me. I know that there are those who go into prisons to help those inside but that is not something we do at Enchantments. A fun letter received from an inmate wanted to know what a Priestess wore under her robes and if a Priestess was a dominant.  What?! 

O.K. this was several years ago when I first opened the shoppe, and would advertise using a very nice photograph the local paper took showing me in my tarot parlor.  Needless to say I no longer use my photograph in any advertisements that may find their way into a prison system!!  I also had to look up the term 'dominant' and no I don't believe our world syncs up with the worlds of S and M or bondage and discipline, though I have worked with some past coven members I would have dearly liked to tie up and flog!! (Ha!)

I have had at least one individual receive a written warning from the local police and he is never allowed to enter our shoppe again. He was convinced he was some sort of soul mate of mine and we needed to be together!! The really crazy part is I had never met him and he had never set eyes on me, ever, well as far as I know! My staff dealt with him, then the police. Yes, the scary does at times visit Enchantments.

Then the really bizarre! Once and thankfully only once,  a gentleman who drove a small car affixed with placards all over it, proclaiming him the son of light, stopped by to shop!  Not the brother of Jesus, at least he didn't introduce himself as such. Well, he certainly caught our attention as he walked into the shoppe wearing a large cloak and, o.k. I'm not kidding, an orange traffic cone on his head.  Not the small ones used for kids games, but an honest to goodness full sized traffic cone!! Bright Orange.  Yep.  Try ringing up that man's purchase with a straight face I dare you!! We are expected at Enchantments to be pleasant and polite to all regardless of dress, religious affiliation or oddities. Sometimes I'll admit to going home with a sore inner lip from my teeth biting down so hard to keep a polite face and respectful demeanor.

These are just some of the fun, freaky stuff I encounter in my shoppe. Some of the less fun stuff has happened from those who I did work with and who knew me as their instructor at my school.  These are the most disturbing.  I'm considered a strict teacher in the respect that I require my students to be responsible for their attendance, tuition payments and to do homework and studying as required.  They are required to get very high grades to pass from one section of study to the next and they need a 90% to graduate.  This is not kindergarten!  I'm proud to say that the students who do graduate achieve these requirements and all of my graduates I am so proud of.  There have been those who are a bit, shall we say lazy.  When things don't go as smoothly as they expect some have left with disgruntled attitudes and complaining "Ms Faith is sooooo .  .  .  " I'll let you fill in the blanks.

Some of these past students have accused me of the most ridiculous things.  Let's see,  I've been accused of  attacking someone in their sleep and it was said this person  awoke up in the morning with hand prints on their body, and the hand prints were obviously mine!!  Really?

I've been accused of controlling their minds and being able to see and hear their thoughts! As if I don't have enough trouble dealing with my own overcrowded thoughts!!

Then the topper was when I was accused of burning someone's house down with my spells!! I brought this one to the police's attention because to be accused of arson or any other crime frankly just ticks me off!  That situation involved a person stealing candles from my store and they were caught on video tape. The person was asked to leave and never return and I refused their offer to pay for them, after they had been caught and fired.  Simply because I believe in Karma and I wasn't inclined to soothe the karmic flashback.  When I heard that the thief's house burned down a couple of months later, I knew karma had taken care of the situation. Karma was kind, as no one was injured that I know of. And I fervently hope that to be true. But karma can be a bitch.  It's funny, sometimes I think people think I make this stuff up! 

Well,  to be accused of such an act, was very concerning and I brought the story to the police department. The police then handled the issue and the irony of the situation did not escape me.  For a mere couple hundred or so years ago would have seen me hung on the State House lawn in Hartford for that accusation.  It made me glad that the government no longer feels this way about what we do, and in my town the police have been very respectful and helpful whenever a situation requires their assistance. 

Well, these are just some of the fun highlights of my day to day life. Some are concerning, some downright scary and some ridiculous in the extreme.  Trying to educate people as to who we are and what we do, and what we don't do is my focus and the reason Enchantments exists. The people I discussed tonight are just one reason I continue to try to teach others. Because many times its these people who are the most outspoken and who are mistakenly thought to represent the average Wiccan or witch. I assure you they do not!!!

The primary reason I teach and have Enchantments is the normal, magickal, rational and interested folks who really make my day.  I have so many great customers that come in to say hi, support us and to get information. They may ask how to cast a specific spell, are trying to find the right herbs or stones, maybe need their cards read or just want to visit. To the magickal people who make up our clientele and make each day a happy experience,  I personally thank you!!  


This is a bit of a a different topic than what we normally discuss, but I did promise you by the very title of this witches blog, that I will share with you the experiences that visit my witches life.  I hope the stories made you laugh and I look forward to our next discussion. 

Peace and Happiness



© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website.  

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

The Celts

 Good Evening,

Let's start the discussion tonight with a message that was emailed to me regarding our last discussion


 Yira wrote: "Hello, I have just read your blog about the Druids, I have been always interested in their story and will like to know some more, such as more about the origins and practices, do you recommend a book in particular? That I can get with more of this subject."


Thanks for asking Yira. I can't recommend a particular book as there are just so many of them. Many of them are quite good.  When it comes to such a vast topic as Celtic culture and history, magick and beliefs I can't recommend one title or author. It really depends on what you are looking to read about. I will advise what I tell my students. Look at the books available and choose the ones that speak to you. Read the covers, the introduction, skim through the chapters. Definitely read a few paragraphs and make sure the writing style of the author agrees with you.  Although I will tell you, I prefer the published hard copy over Internet available information.  I've found just more credibility in the published works. 

Though having said that I will recommend one book that should be on your bookshelves if you are at all interested in Celtic culture.  "The Mabinogion" is a collection of stories or fables from the Welsh culture.  These stories are considered the some of the earliest verbally passed on stories which, which was finally written down in a small book sometime in the 14th century.  "The Mabinogion" gives us examples of early Celtic myth, culture and folklore.  Reading this little book will be a great start to your Celtic education.

For tonight allow me to tell you some of what I know about this topic.

The culture of the Celtic people is ancient and goes back thousands of years and its origins, as we briefly discussed, come from a vast region of Eastern, Central and Western Europe. As a nomadic culture, slowly migrating westwards over thousands of years, it is expected that enculturation occurred as they traveled. Enculturation is the socialization, the adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding society.  The indigenous people who lived in the areas would have adopted cultural practices that were considered improvements. The Celts being an inventive and industrious people brought their inventions and innovations with them as they conquered.  I mean really, when someone introduces soap into your society, whose going to object?!


The Celts were known for their warriors and their war tactics.  They were known to have painted their bodies with blue woad, a natural plant dye and what today we recognize as a war paint most likely designed to generate fear in their enemies.  It is recorded in early battles between the Romans and the Celts, that when encountered, the Celts would create a cacophony of noise, from carnyx horns being blown, clanging spears against shields, giving banshee cries and wailing and singing as they ran in no particular formation at the Romans, which resulted in the first few encounters to cause the Romans to turn and run for their lives.  This crazed behavior in comparison to the tight, disciplined formation style of warfare practiced by the Roman Legion,  was unusual and freaky enough that the Celts had the initial advantage. 

Yet the Celts as a fighting race favored and considered the strength of the individual warrior superior to the war machine the Romans used of a mass of well trained men fighting as one unit. In initial contact the 'scare factor' gave the Celts an edge, but the well trained Roman soldiers soon returned and this time they weren't startled and the mighty mass of the Roman Legion took over and eventually conquered all Celtic inhabited lands. 

The Celts and the pagan Romans, (all Romans were pagan before the edict of Milan passed by Constantine in 313 c.e.) all had similar views when it came to worship. They may invade your lands and conquer your people, for both the Romans and the Celts were warrior cultures that frankly went where they wanted and fought those who objected and won.  They didn't care though who the conquered people worshiped or how they worshiped. Both the Romans and Celts had their many gods and goddesses and worshiped many different ones within each pantheon, so had little concern about other peoples gods. It was only with the unification of the Christian Church in Europe started by Constantine and completed by Pope Gregory that not only was one religion considered accepted, but others not so.

What happened when the Romans finally overtook the Celts was the last two great warrior nations finally found themselves facing no one but the other, and eventually one had to win out. In this case the Romans and Christianity. Yet the Celts did not die out, the Romans occupied Great Britain for 400 years and in this time both the Romans and the Celts learned to live with each other and soon became one with the other. 

This is also true with the Celtic culture from the beginnings. If we look at the area of Europe where they had influence we can see flavors of so many cultures and this is found in the culture of the Celts. To assume they are 'Irish' or Scotch', Welsh' or 'British' is severely restricting and narrowing their scope. The culture is an amalgamation of so many cultures, traditions, beliefs and superstitions as to make it one of the most colorful and exciting histories of the earth's people.

The Celts were a very magickal people. I believe them to be so today, but we'll stick with the ancient culture and I'll let you discover for yourself the charm of the modern Celt, if you don't already know!  They saw messages in omens, symbols and natural signs.  They used many methods of divination to foretell the future such as divining the future by 'reading' the entrails of a sacrificed white bull.  After gutting the animal the internal organs and intestine were scrutinized and the druid priests would tell of the future for the Celtic tribe or clan. They believed that spirits resided in trees and that all living things had an energy or a soul.

They also had a belief of an eternal soul, and in reincarnation where we come back again and again to experience this life.  They believed in the natural world around them and in doing so the cycle of life that continues to go on even after apparent death.  

Some of their magick included sympathetic magick. They would run cattle between roaring bonfires so that the cattle would be purified by fire. Fire indeed purifies, and I can see why they would think this as a symbolic gesture which would magickally transform the purity and blessing onto the animal. Yet, having grown up on a farm and a dairy farm at that, I think it a far greater magick that any cattle herder had the control to run the cattle between roaring bonfires! Not an easy task I would imagine.  'Cause bulls don't go where they don't want to go.' At 2000 lbs or so for a full grown bull, you just don't force these animals to do what you want.  They must have had strong magick indeed, hmmm. 

The Celts more so than the Romans or other 'civilized' cultures at the time regarded woman as equals in most areas. Woman ruled while men battled and protected the tribes.  

"The whole nation is war-mad, both high-spirited and ready for battle, but otherwise simple, though not uncultured." ~ Strabo, 1st century A.D. geographer

"A simple but not uncultured" people that ha a fine eye for art and finely detailed and patterned fabrics.

 This is the Gundestrup Cauldron found in 1891 in a peat bog, by peat cutters in the hamlet of Gundestrup, Denmark.  It is thought to date to the first century c.e. (common era)-( now commonly used in lieu of B.C.)
The material is pure silver proven to have been made from silver coins. The boiling down of coins to fashion something else was a common practice of the day.  The detail is finely engraved and experts have determined that three different silver smiths worked to create this masterpiece of ancient art and religious artifact.

This image which is believed to depict Cernunnos, a horned god of the Celtic people shows him surrounded by animals. This cauldron is made up of several plates which were soldered together with a base plate and reinforced inside with metal tubing   It was determined that the craftsmen took each panel, covered the back with pitch to give it strength, pounded the images into the silver, with the pitch helping keep strength in the precious panels and after the images were finished, the panel was heated until the pitch melted away. 

These were not an unskilled or uneducated people. They were and in many ways still are today misunderstood and underestimated.  In addition to wool that the Celts used and were able to make waterproof, they also used linen and silks, furs and leathers.  They made complex, detailed patterns in cloth by using looms and a technique called card weaving.  This is an example of a modern piece of fabric using an ancient pattern, according to its manufacturer.  They are reputed by early r\writings from Greek and Roman reports to be a golden people. Tall, many were blond who wore gold torques around their 'milk white necks'.

The Celtic culture has influenced our modern magickal understanding and most of the 'traditional' Wicca leaned and practiced in the country has a strong Celtic flavor. Primarily because the earliest authors to write about the magickal world and make their works available in the United States were from Great Britain. Raymond Buckland and Stewart and Janet Farrar to name some of the first pioneers in writing about this subject.  I myself cut my magickal teeth on Mr. Buckland's work and all of his works available today are exemplary and truly worth reading. 

Because most of our early available texts came from the Celtic realm it makes sense that we use that as a foundation for the witchcraft we practice today.  I also was very influenced by the Celtic influence in my magick, but today I find my magick more of my own while still retaining that which works for me and I've kept much of the Celtic. I like it. Simply that. 

We'll talk next time more about the magicks of the Celtic people and  the magickal Priesthood of the Celts, The Druids. 

Peace and Happiness

 








© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website.

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

The Celts and Druids - the start of the discussion

 Good Evening,

Tonight I wanted to discuss a topic I'm often asked about. The Druids. Much of my magickal training was heavily influenced by the Celtic people and the Druids, the ancient Priesthood of the Celts. Many people have asked me about this topic so I thought this week I would touch on some of the areas of magickal interest about this ancient culture.

Firstly lets look at the Celtic people. They originated in the far eastern portions of Europe and those today of many Eastern European cultures can say they are of Celtic descent.  Though known commonly today as   inhabiting the Western part of Europe primarily the British Isles, they were a migratory race of people and can claim a connection to all parts of central Europe as well as Italy, Spain and France.  The Celts were a great culture who introduced into our modern world, the concepts of democracy, sexual equality, soap, even horses used domestically to name just a few.

They were a civilized culture that viewed men and woman mentally, spiritually and intellectually equal and had a well developed religious belief system, a complex medical understanding and the Druids, the Priesthood of the Celts were highly educated in all manners of religious philosophy and natural magicks.

Although I have studied extensively over the past almost thirty years, really? Thirty years! My stars! Even so, I don't consider myself a Druid.  I'm a witch that has studied, practiced and absorbed that which works for me and I have set aside that which doesn't.  I recommend the same to you. 

The Druid's were the 'government' of the people. They conducted the religious rites, studied divinatory methods to discern the future and taught the magicks and medicines which kept their people alive and healthy. The Celts were an advanced culture that used elaborately designed symbols on their artwork and their clothing.

They were known for their ferocity in battle, their passion for the earth and their magicks which were contained in the mystery of the natural world.  They revered trees and saw nature spirits in all things. They had a strong belief in the unseen, invisible worlds and the worlds in between. 

They did practice human sacrifice, divination by the entrails of animals and had many magickal practices we would look askance at today. Over the next week we'll discuss some of their beliefs, their magickal and cultural practices and what the people lived like. 

For tonight we'll focus on the Druid's reverence for anything in between. To them, anything in between was considered scared. What do I mean?  Things like mist and vapor. They could touch it and know it was water, but it hung in the air as if a spirit of the air.   Mushrooms.  They knew of animal, vegetable and mineral and even without high powered telescopes or even the concept of magnification, they knew mushrooms did not belong to any of the known worlds. They belong to the world of fungus and propagate with spores. Ice is water that mimics earth.

The times of the day and night also fell in the space in between. Midnight, not yesterday yet not yet tomorrow, Noon, not morning or afternoon, dawn and twilight, not day yet not quite night. This is a reason Samhain is considered such a sacred holiday as if falls the night of the last year, proclaiming the year is over, Samhain eve but is not yet considered the new year.

Even today we have in betweens. Can you find them in your life? Maybe its 'happy hour', not at work but if celebrating with co-workers not really off from work. Lunch? How about the time between work and vacation? Maybe its that time in the morning after you've awoken and have not gotten out of bed yet?  These can all be special moments, if we see the magick in the in between.  What  in betweens do you have in your life?


If you have questions regarding the Celts and Druids please post a comment and I'll address all questions in the discussions this week. 

I also wish to tell you, my faithful reader,  that for this year I will be posting a discussion 3-4 times weekly, rather than nightly. I am also, simultaneously with all I do, writing a manuscript that I hope to present to a publisher this year. The topic of the book is magickal practice,  and is specific to the magick I personally practice.  I am enjoying writing this witches blog and will continue as it has received some really nice comments and feedback. Thank you. 

I hope you keep reading and sharing my work with those in your life who may also enjoy my work. 

Peace and Happiness






© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website.

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Divination by ice cream?

 Good Evening,

A Happy New Year's Day to you!  So tell me, what was today like? I hope you had abundance, happiness and love in great measure for you shall surely bring that into your life again and again this year.  I am also happy to see our 'January thaw' has come so early.  How nice, especially after such a cold December.

We have just a few short weeks before the geese fly North again, and the spring starts to make an appearance.  Now, now!  No grumbling that winter has us in its grasp for another few months. Keep reading our discussions and I'll teach you how to spot the signs of spring when they appear as early as February first.

But for tonight let's discuss a fun topic.  Learning about other people by the ice cream they enjoy. Seriously!!  This came about one day when I was dining with friends and the topic came around to the type of ice cream everyone enjoyed.

I started noticing things about their personalities that seemed to sync up with the energy of the flavor.  It's not a science and its just for fun, but if you'd like to play along, find your favorite from the list below and see what kind of energies I attributed to it.  I started this for fun, but the more people I ask the more accurate my list seems to be.  I am sure that I haven't included every flavor, but primarily the most popular.  See how you match up and then ask your friends.  Mmmm, makes me want ice cream.    

Chocolate - likes luxury or the finest of things. Not necessarily riches and possessions but the finest quality of the things around them from food, music, drink, a quality rather than quantity type of person.

Vanilla - mild mannered, pleasant, dislikes change or extreme excitement. Prefers simple, sophisticated and elegant.


Strawberry - fun. A person who has a good feel for the child within and enjoys fun and frolicking!


Mint Chocolate chip - someone financially conscious and who has a strong sense of organization.

An ice cream with added nuts, chocolate or other ingredients, like Rocky Road - a person who enjoys surprises and especially likes gifts and treats.  Enjoys the 'discovery' of the next surprise.

Coconut - a passionate person who enjoys sex and physical exertion as in sports, working out dancing.


Coffee - a persona with an appreciation for the flamboyant, exotic, excitement. Would enjoy a Broadway play with all its theatrics as well as the excitement in the boardroom. Tends towards open-mindedness. 

Toasted Almond - again a passionate person who enjoys sex and physical exertion as well as having a keen sense of money and finances.

Vanilla Ice Cream coated with chocolate - an upstanding person with a strong sense of self with a fun, mischievous side.  A hard worker as well as a good friend.  Tends towards neat and orderliness.

Fruit flavored ice cream such as Orange, Cherry, Blueberry etc - responsibility but can have moments of drama


Cookies and Cream - studious, reads a lot and enjoys learning and studying even without having an assignment

Extra rich and complex  ice creams .flavors like Chocolate Carmel Crunch, Double Double Chocolate Chip, Death by Chocolate, Pralines and Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie dough - all have the same qualities of a person who wants it all.  Someone who lives a diverse lifestyle with many different likes and desires, Also a person who keeps a lot of themselves hidden inside, and presents only one face or two to most of the world around them. 

Butter Pecan - a person who is focused and concerned about their home and family life.  Being a homebody is not a bad thing to this person, they relish this role.

Pistachio - this person has an appreciation of the outdoors and would enjoy gardening as well as playing games out of doors.


Neapolitan - a person who doesn't like to make decisions when it comes to simple things like ice cream. They makes larger decisions in their day to day life. It is also liked by those who enjoy sampling everything life has to offer and doesn't like restricting themselves.

Chocolate Chip - a persona who works hard but has a hidden fun side that many people don't get to see. But it there when Chocolate Chip lets loose, but they only let loose around those they trust.

Vanilla Fudge Ripple - a person who would just enjoy hanging out and relaxing all day. A "is it vacation time yet?" person. Fun and lots of friends typically, and the host or hostess at most parties in their lives.


Traditional Hot Fudge Sundae - a person who likes things just a bit special. They get pleasure from things made especially for them. They appreciate the personal touch and they would mostly pass up a lesser version of what they want, if what they want wasn't available.

These are just some of the ice cream varieties I was able to meditate on and come up with a personality type. As I said in the beginning it is just for fun and I came up with this list purely from my own intuition and I hope you find it a fun comparison.  If there are some flavors that I haven't included try figuring out what kind of person enjoys the flavor. How does the flavor make you feel?  the fun thing is, you can bring the qualities of the ice cream into your life, if you branch out and try different flavors. 

Working on your taxes? Eat some mint chocolate chip while figuring out the numbers. It will help. Want to add some spice to your sex life? Eat some coconut or toasted almond ice cream. Hey now, the ice cream in your freezer is starting to take on new possibilities, is it not? Want to have a fun outlook for the day, order strawberry ice cream instead of your usual. 

It sounds silly, but the more I inquire about peoples likes and dislikes when it comes to ice cream, and comparing them to the list, I've found I've had more accuracy than not. What do you think?

Oh, and what flavor did I say I liked?  Hmmmm, I didn't. I'll let you decide.

Peace and Happiness and a Happy New Year to you! 




© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.

Ouija Boards/ Oracle Boards/ Speaking boards

 Good Evening,

I was watching a documentary the other night concerning the Catholic Church and their history and perceptions in regards to exorcisms.  I found it interesting that they teach that you should not use Ouija boards and other oracle or speaking boards. They warn against them as if press board and paint can be inherently evil.

Actually, it surprises me how many magickally inclined people are unsure or afraid of using oracle boards.  These boards are flat, painted with letters and or symbols and use a 'planchette' or movable indicator which points to the word or letter. The first recorded history of using a planchette to allow spirits to write messages dates to 12th century China. Also called mediumistic spirit writing, a planchette was used with a pencil or lead attached and the user would hold his hands on the planchette and questions were asked. The planchette would move, seemingly of its own accord and write out messages. There have been examples of such spirit writing from ancient India, Greece, Rome and medieval Europe.

The placement of the planchette on a board with letters and numerals for the spirits to spell out answers, rather than a lead attached actually writing the answers,  was first invented by E.J. Bond who applied for and received a patent from the United States patent office on February 10, 1891 Patent number 446,054.  As he was the one who received the patent, regardless of claims made by others, this author regards Mr. Bond as the inventor and first person to commercially introduce this parlor game.   The talking board of Mr. Bond was considered harmless and simple entertainment when it was patented as a 'toy or game' as designated by the U.S. patent office, and wasn't considered for its occult properties until World War I.

Today the patent and all rights are owned by Parker Brothers,  a board game manufacturer, who interestingly enough, sell the board with no information included on its use.  Now that you have a bit of the background lets talk of the reputation this game has received over the years.

Many people it seems have scary, incredible and fantastic examples of the power of the Ouija board. Yes, I do believe it can be a medium's tool for communication with those who have passed over but I do not believe it can be evil, or a portal or in anyway allow evil entities to come in and take possession of a person, etc. etc. I know, I know!! And you might rightfully say, "Well, that doesn't make for a good Hollywood movie"!!  No, it doesn't.

Well, the Ouija board's reputation started when teenagers started to use this game to communicate with spirits, and the Catholic church along with other Christian organizations, fearing that young people might continue on a path of self discovery and knowledge, proclaimed the board to be evil. Much as the church has dealt with all in its path, that it is not able to control with typical bible verses and parables, it in turn gives such things great power by declaring them capable of all sorts of evil and dark abilities.

If one can communicate with spirits on the other side, why could we not learn to communicate directly with God/Goddess. Well, that is the greatest fear of the church, in this authors humble opinion. I mean really, if we can communicate directly with God, why would we need the priests, rabbi's and ministers except for their real role in offering human comfort and aid?  They would no longer be considered a conduit to the divine. No everyone would be able to access it. That is what the witch knows. We not only can touch the divine, we are 'of the divine'.

But nonetheless the talking boards have received incredible negative publicity.  I've met magickal people who have used the example of Edgar Cayce, a noted channeller and medium of the last century, who spoke out publicly against using the Ouija board saying it would bring evil spirits and harm to those who used it.  What most people, even in the magickal world, don't realize is Edgar Cayce was a devout Christian and prided himself on having read the bible, cover to cover, once for every year he had been alive. Without question he was a medium and had very enhanced psychic abilities but he was also completely Christian and believed all the teachings of the church. I'm sorry dear, but I have a hard time using as evidence the beliefs of someone whose basic fundamental understanding is very different from mine and the world as it really is, not as the church wants us to believe it is.

Most people I have spoken with who feel spirit boards are dangerous or can possibly bring harm to you, are also people who believe in spirit guides, angels and other positive, protective spirits which are always around us. Think about this logically. If we have protective, loving spirits surrounding us, like a dear departed grandmother or parent why would the use of a simple piece of press board, mass produced in a factory be able to wreak such havoc in someones life?

I personally have used oracle boards for years and nothing terrible or evil has emanated from such use. Nor am I foolish enough to attribute the next thing that goes awry in my life to having just used some form of divination. Oh my goodness! Doing readings with tarot cards, crystal balls and runes, and occasionally using the oracle board one would think my life would be in utter shambles!! It's not. When things happen I also don't blame them on something as innocuous as a form of divination. Remember, there are no victims in the world of the witch. 

The talking/ oracle boards whether Ouija or any of the others available today are fun to use and help you become better aware of the energies around you.  When working with any divination system that utilizes the spirit energies around us, be sure to follow a few simple rules.  Before you start, light a candle. A white candle is appropriate. Ask, aloud, for any spirits of the highest, most loving energies to come and work with you. If you have a loved one that has passed on, ask that individual to come and sit with you for a while and speak to you through the board.  Be aware of asking questions that you know the answers to. Spirits do not like to play games. Don't test your spirit either. Asking if your a girl, or other question when you obviously know the answer will cause the planchette to either not move or to give a confusing answer. Spirits can become unwilling to work with you if you treat them with suspicion and doubt.

Also, and I found this out during a seance we conducted one Samhain at Enchantments, if working with others in the same room, ask one question and have everyone be quiet while the board answers.  A quietly voiced question, or comment from other conversations in the room will be heard and answered making the answer confusing to the person who asked the original question.

Of course, if you really do have a fear inside of using this device, then don't. But realize its only because of your own fears and please don't fall into the group mentality that has perpetrated over the years. Trust me, the weirdness and unusual things that happen day to day would happen regardless of the use of a spirit board. By the way the legend that the Ouija board was involved with the Exorcist story and the Hollywood version has been dis-proven as false. But, it makes for a great story and the movie was pretty cool, actually one of my favorites!

In the Life and Times of this New England Witch I find the gentle and wondrous magicks of this life so much more gratifying and fulfilling and you will too if you stop looking for the unbelievable and fantastical  and really see the magickal in the world and universe around us.


Have a blessed, safe and healthy New Year's Eve,

Peace and Happiness





© 2010 Enchantments, LLC Portions of this blog posting may include materials from my book “Enchantments School for the Magickal Arts First Year Magickal Studies.” For more information, see www.enchantmentsschool.com or go to the title of tonight's discussion and click, it will link you to my school's website. 

If you know someone who would like my work, please send them this link. If you or they would like to be included on our daily email distribution list send me an e mail with your email address to be included. If you ever wish to unsubscribe to this blog, please contact me and you will be immediately removed from our list.