Mystical Musings

Celebrating Black Friday Early

2011-11-18T09:41:00.001-05:00

Starting today, you can get 20% off on ALL my stores! On Egyptianmarketplace.com and Sensual-Desire.com no coupon is needed (these 2 stores never had the coupons added to them lol) and all prices shown are already at 20% off. All other stores, use coupon code "BLK20" for the 20% off. The only thing it doesn't apply to are items on clearance since these are already more than 20% off. This sale runs until November 30 so it's a great way to get your Christmas shopping done early!!

Oh and yes, you STILL get free shipping on orders of $100 or more too! Free shipping applies to orders delivered within the US only. Standard international or express shipping rates still apply.

Commerate Life instead of the Tragedy of 9/11

2011-09-11T10:22:00.003-04:00

I'm not watching TV today. I know every channel will be having it's tribute to 9/11. The 10th anniversary of a tragedy isn't worthy of commemoration to me - instead, we should commemorate life, not the day those lives died.

I haven't totally decided what I believe about death or the afterlife. Most Wiccans believe in reincarnation - that the soul is eternal and comes back many times to keep learning and growing. Some believe their souls merge with the Divine upon death, some believe in "heaven" (known as the Summerland in Wicca). I didn't know anyone that died on 9/11/01, but I have lost loved ones - my mother, beloved mother and father-in-law, grandparents and friends. I used to light a candle on the day they died. I don't anymore. Instead, I light a candle on their birthdays and celebrate the life and love they brought into this world and the light they had, and perhaps still do.

Yes, 9/11 was a tragedy of epic proportions - but every time I flip past yet another program showing the Twin Towers burning and falling I wonder how the families of those that did lose loved ones must feel. Having to watch that again and again and again is truly tragic to me. How hard it would be to move on and let go of your grief when it's cause is shown so often you cannot escape it.

Grief is a process and, as painful as it is, at some point you do move on. You have to for your own sanity. And yet the families and friends of those that died are constantly reminded of it. A wound re-opened every anniversary year.

So instead of focusing on the day they all died, I'd rather think of the day they were born - of the joy and love they created while they were on our mortal plain. And let go of the death and destruction of 9/11.

Mother Theresa once was asked to participate in a march against war. She declined saying that she would gladly march for peace. Instead of focusing on the tragedy, I prefer to act as Mother Theresa - to look forward, not back. To focus on the way the world came together after 9/11. Not since World War II were so many countries united it one cause or help each other so much. And to focus on the lives the people who died had before - and perhaps will have again if they are reborn.

It's their lives I celebrate today.

How to Empower your Amulet or Talisman

2011-08-03T08:30:00.002-04:00

A few posts ago, I talked about how an amulet or talisman was just a hunk of metal - unless you empower it. This time, I'll expand a little more on it and tell you how to empower it for your intent.

First of all, what is an intent? An intent is something that is intended; purpose; design; intention. Basically what you want that shiny new amulet (something that deflects something away from you or protects you) or talisman (something that draws something to you) to do for you be it lose weight, get more money, get a new house or car, pass a test, find the love of your life - or keep your dog from running away. Some faiths call this sort of intention "magic" or "a spell" - others think of it as an "affirmation" or "prayer". However you think of it, get clear on what you want this specific talisman to do for you. You want one talisman with one intention (and I don't suggest you load up on a lot at once - achieve your first goal and then set another. Working on too many things at once can scatter the energy you are trying to draw).

So the first thing you need to decide is what do you want to work for? What is the biggest challenge in your life right now?

Once you decide on your intent or goal, make sure it is clear and measurable. If you need more money for example (and who doesn't these days?!), set a time limit and amount. Such as "I will have $5,000 dollars more than usual by the end of the month" or "My income will increase 20% beyond what I need for all my bills and expenses within the next 60 days". Get specific, but don't hold yourself back either. I like to include "...at least..." when I set a goal like this: "I will have at least $5,000 dollars more than usual by the end of the month". That lets the universe attract more into my life than I thought I needed, yet still sets a goal.

I always write out my intent and includes a clause to prevent any unintended results. For my money example, I wouldn't want to achieve that $5,000 goal by having a loved one cross over or by harming another person. So at the end of whatever intent I set for myself, I always include a generic clause of "for the greater good and so it harms none". So to continue by example, the entire intent I may write down is...

"I will have at least $5,000 more than usual by the end of this month for the greater good and so it harms none".

I usually write down intents on bookmark size pieces of papyrus paper since I practice Egyptian Wicca, but you can have some fun with it and write it beautifully in calligraphy embellished with stones or gems on your favorite stationary (green is ideal for money of course)....or just on a piece of notebook paper. You could even make a copy of one of your bank deposit slips and make a $5,000 "deposit" to yourself writing your intent on it! Creativity builds energy so have fun with it. This little note can be put somewhere you will see it often to remind yourself of your goal as well.

Once you have your intention written down, gather any other items you want to use in your spell. I'm not going to go into correspondences of crystals or herbs or incense or colors here as it would be huge and there are many great books that give you such lists. Just take a look around and see what you have that can lend it's power and sympathetic vibration to the spell. To continue with my money example, I might choose a green pillar candle I can burn for several days, a malachite stone, cinnamon oil or powder.

Once you have everything you need (and don't forget things like matches, plates or bowls!), prepare yourself and your altar. You might want to take a ritual bath with salted water to clear your energy. I like to do a quick cleansing with a sprinkling of salted water across my altar to clear away any remnants of past spells or other energy. You may want to erect a special spell altar just for this particular working or use your main altar (spell altars are best for a long-term spell you want to work such as for someones health or prosperity). Put on a green altar cloth if you'd like. Shut off your phones, play soft music if you'd like - whatever you need to do to get into the mood.

A good basic pattern is:

Cleansing of negative energy
Casting a circle around you and your altar
Prayer to the God & Goddess while lighting your altar candles (if using your regular altar) and calling the Elements if you use them in your practice, lighting incense or any other rituals you follow.
Cleanse the talisman by dipping it into salted water, passing it thru incense smoke, or whatever method you prefer. Visualize all energies it accumulated before coming to you drifting out into the universe or sinking into the ground leaving it pure.
Dress your spell candle - you could engrave runes or symbols into it ($ for prosperity spells are always good), rub it with oil or sprinkle herbs on the top of it.
Read your incantation while lighting your candle.
Hold your talisman in both hands and repeat your incantation over and over visualizing its energy infusing the talisman shining like a star to attract what you need.
Pray to Diety. I like to include why I need what I'm asking their help with, what I plan to do mundanely to help myself, and what I really need from them. Ask them to add their energy to the talisman to aid you in your quest.
Meditation or quiet reflection on the problem. Often a great solution suddenly occurs to you during this time.
Put the talisman on if you will be wearing it or on your altar on top of the written incantation if you will leaving it on the altar.
Thank Diety with an offering if you'd like, or just a simple thank you.
Close the circle, ground and center.

I'll often put the incantation paper under the candle and let it burn for a bit sending my intent to the Gods (be safe of course - don't do this if you have children or pets that could knock the candle over and never leave a burning candle unattended). Of course adjust this for whatever spiritual practice you regularly follow. You might also want to write down what you did - I always journal after working a spell recording the time and date and working I did along with a repeat of my incantation. This is a great reference for you to be able to go back months later to work the same spell again (or make adjustments if it didn't work exactly as you had hoped). Be sure to include your mood, moon phase, and any sensations or feelings you experienced while performing the spell.

Once charged, your talisman is ready to do it's work. If it is intended for a long term goal, you should recharge it at least once a month (every full moon is a good time). If you will not be wearing it constantly, find or make a pretty pouch or box for it (another opportunity to infuse your intention into the storage vessel by decorating it too!). If you will be leaving it on your altar or another area, try to put it where others will not pick it up or bombard it with negative energy. Most witches like to avoid energy from technology as much as possible too keeping it away from their computer, phones and televisions.

Remember that the talisman cannot do all the work for you either - you still have to do the everyday mundane things to support your intention. If you charge a talisman for increased prosperity then quit your job the next day it's going to be a much harder battle! Focus on all the tasks you need to do to achieve your goal and let your talisman help make them smoother and faster for you - or attract the people or things you need to accomplish it.

Once your goal has been achieved, be sure to cleanse your talisman and store it until you need it again. Treat your amulets and talismans with respect and you will find them working their magic for you for many years.

Oprah's farewell a lesson in gratitude

2011-05-25T17:20:00.001-04:00

I was never a regular watcher of the Oprah Show - I would occasionally catch a part of it now and then and watch when she had a guest that interested me. But I have long admired her and caught the very end of the very last show today.

Teary-eyed, she said farewell with grace and with gratitude for her fans, her life, and God. I've admired her beliefs in the Law of Attraction, meditation and gratitude. It's so easy for us to get distracted from the good in our lives - and forget to be grateful for it. Struggling to make our lives work, we forget that there is a universe out there that supports and nurtures us. Watching Oprah's final shows reminded me of how amazing the universe does work. What miracles can happen if we persevere and be true to ourselves.

How many thousands of other people have been in the same situation as the young Oprah - in small towns, with people telling them they cannot do what they want, with abuse, with everything possible to keep them down and keep them from achieving their dreams. It's the rare Oprah's that make it due to their own hard work and belief in themselves. And the rare examples can remind and inspire us of all we can be - if we only believe, stay focused on working towards our goals - and let the universe help us along the way.

Listening to the Universe...even the things you don't want it to say

2011-05-13T20:09:00.002-04:00

I had an interesting conversation with a customer earlier. He had a bad job situation and ended up forced to resign due to one person he had issues with for more than a year. He called looking for ideas for candles and oils he could use to help get the job back. But after talking for a bit, I got the impression that perhaps that wasn't the best idea. Maybe the universe was telling him it was time to move on.

Sometimes we get stuck - in a job, a relationship, situation, or just a mindset. When we are in it, it's hard to see any other way. No options. We just keep trying to work within it digging ourselves deeper into the mire. Until the universe, Gods, a good friend or sometimes even a stranger kicks us in the butt to get us out of it...which often just confirms that feeling we had but did't want to admit. It is time for us to move on.

A lot of times, getting out means taking a step back...which no one likes to do and perhaps is one of the big things that keeps us stuck. Collecting unemployment, ending a relationship, moving back in with parents or borrowing money from them is never a fun thing. But that step back can make it easier for you to see the big picture - make it easier to realize you are stuck and have to make a change.

If you practice any form of divination, you might try doing a reading on the situation. Ideally though, have a third party do a reading for you as it will be more objective. It's easy for us to see what we want to see.

And if you practice The Craft, don't get stuck on doing a spell that will keep you stuck. If you truly feel that is your best choice for now, be sure to include a clause that you will keep yourself open to all possibilities. But consider working towards new options, drawing towards you that which you need for your greatest good. Meditate or pray on what you really want and how to move towards it.

Here's to that kick in the butt!

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Happy Beltaine - Reflections of the Day

2011-05-01T07:38:00.001-04:00

It's May 1. Beltaine. A time to celebrate fertility and the growth around us - of the Earth, of children, or ourselves.

Traditionally, Beltaine or May Day was a celebration of the union of the God and Goddess - of the Earth and Sky. It was often celebrated with bonfires and May Poles, dances, picnics and revelry. Often bonfires were lite the night before or on May Day Eve to burn away the old with a dance around the May pole the next morning to ring in the new.

May Poles represent the penis of the Earth or God and the ribbons from the top of it are his divine emanations spilling upon the land and it's people to fertilize and bring new life to all. This to me, makes the Earth more in line with the Egyptian view of it being male (the God Geb), though most Pagan traditions consider the Earth female - Mother Earth or Gaia. The pole could be seen as reaching into the heavens for Nuit - the Egyptian sky Goddess and mother of the Gods. Though it could also be seen as One God renewing him/herself and in many other ways.

Whatever your tradition, Beltaine is a day to celebrate the God and Goddess joining in marriage and love - and is a traditional day for handfasting (marriage). It's a time to celebrate the loved ones in your life, to appreciate your children (and children in general) for the unbounded possibilities they hold for the future. To plant seeds that will grow throughout the warm, summer months and blossom into flowers or food.

It's also a great time to reflect on the seeds you want to metaphorically sew in your business or life. What changes do you want to blossom in the coming months? What plans to you want to see bloom? Celebrate today as a day of opportunities, new birth and joy. Let failures or set backs go and focus on the brightness of what is to come.

If you have the space to erect a real May pole, dance around it and let go in joy. If you cannot, make a small one for your altar - decorate it with ribbons and flowers and know that the God and Goddess are present in your life bringing their energy to whatever you want the future to hold.

Enjoy the day!

Having problems with my posting software :(

2011-04-20T10:33:00.000-04:00

Been having some issues with my favorite posting software so have to actually go to each of my blogs and do a manual post - not the easiest way to do it, but I'll try to get going on some new content this week. Sorry for the blip!

Just a quick test post

2011-04-20T10:30:00.001-04:00

Just a test to see if the issues with my posting software is fixed so I can actually easily post to my blogs again. :(

New Daily Tarot Blog Launched

2011-02-23T08:13:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to let you all know I've started a separate blog for my daily tarot posts. This will help me keep them all together, include photos of the cards so you can learn along with me perhaps, and let you comment as well. Please feel free to add your interpretations and notes - I'd love to see another view!

The new blog is Daily Tarot.

An amulet is just a hunk of metal...unless you empower it

2011-02-09T09:54:00.002-05:00

Owning a spiritual/witchcraft shop means I get a lot of questions - some of them very interesting ones (like the customer in my last post that asked about disposing of a sacred object). Well, actually, most of them are very interesting.

One of the most common questions I get is "What amulet will do x for me?".

From the response to my answer, I can always tell how experienced in The Craft the questioner is. My answer? "Any amulet is just a hunk of metal...it depends on what it means to you and what you empower it to do".

It's true that a certain design, pattern or materials of a piece can aid in a particular function - but really the humblest hunk of stone from the street can work just as well as the most expensive amulet or talisman (not that I don't want you to buy one of course!)...if you put the time, energy and programming into it.

Any mention of what a particular piece is useful for on my or any other site is really just a guide - what it means to you is the first important thing. The second is what energy you put into in to empower it's function (I'll get into that in a later post).

When you are considering something to empower (or enchant if you want to use a more magical sounding term), consider what you want it to do..and look at the design to see what it says to you. Just as dreams are best interpreted by the dreamer as they draw on your unique symbolism, so do the symbols on a piece of jewelry or other object. A tree is generally thought to embody growth, renewing opportunity, and abundance - but it could also be seen as longevity, Earth, and a lot more. So think about what the design means to you. You might need to meditate on it a bit to know, but patterns speak to our subconscious far better than words. Just seeing a design that to you symbolizes courage can give you a lot of courage when you need it - even if you don't empower it!

Of course, jewelry is the most common thing to empower as a talisman (something that draws something to you) or amulet (something that deflects something away from you or protects you), but anything can become your personal magical tool. This is especially useful for situations where you want to keep your Craft work secret - such as at school or work or from family members that don't agree with your beliefs.

Have a co-worker that is always causing issues for you? Try a pretty crystal on your desk empowered to deflect that person's negative energy. Plants are other great absorbers of negativity. Need some help with a project or test? How about setting aside a special pen or other mundane tool empowering it for creativity or memory and only using it when you are in need of it's help (a "thinking cap" would be another great object for this). The ring you wear every day - even your wedding ring - can be empowered for anything you need on a daily basis. Seeing or touching that object will bring your goal to mind helping you keep it energized and working its magic for you.

Some ideas? Tuck a Tarot card or other symbolic art into your text book as a book mark or a rune stone in your pocket. Design a sigil (more about that another time) and draw it on your notebook or scrap paper when you need to release it's power. Put a pretty statue on your desk - just as decoration, of course ;-). Tie a cord or ribbon of a meaningful color around your wrist as a bracelet to remind you of whatever it is you need that day. Even wearing clothing of that color will give you a boost!

Sure a piece with those fancy symbols or made of a specific metal or set with that certain stone can help give your magic an extra boost, but don't rule out the simple things that you use every day as your own personal amulets or talismans. Give the humblest of objects power, and you have an object of great magic. Only you have to know.

Disposing of Sacred Objects

2011-02-05T07:56:00.002-05:00

One of my best customers on Egyptian Marketplace asked me something the other day that got me thinking - which of course means I had to write about it :-) He had accidentally broken one of the statues in his temple - a statue of Osiris he had knocked over and unfortunately the head broke off. He called me to get a replacement for it, but then asked what to do with the broken one. He didn't feel comfortable just throwing away something that had been used for some time in his temple, so what should he do.

This is a very good question. A piece you have used for a while in your spiritual practice picks up your energies as well as the energies of the Gods or any spells you have used it with. So if that piece is no longer needed or becomes damaged, should you just throw it away?

After some discussion with my customer, he decided the best thing to do was to bury it (appropriate too since this particular case was Osiris, Lord of the Underworld). Wrap it in clean linen or other natural fibers and bury it with reverence.

At the very least I think you should cleanse the piece of any residual energies - something you should also do if you give away or sell a piece you have used. You can do this by several methods such as burying it using the Earth to ground it. You could also hold it under running water (a natural source such as a stream would be best, but a faucet would do too) visualizing the water washing away all energies.

You could also get a little more formal and do a cleansing ritual - many spell books have rituals on cleansing and consecrating a piece before you use it on your altar. You could do the same ritual stopping after the cleansing part.

The other question is of course, if it is a broken piece, can you repair it and continue to use it? This is another tricky issue - many people feel that anything dedicated to the Gods should be perfect and once broken, it loses any power or significance it had. You could certainly repair it and use it after as just an art object instead of in ritual, but can you use a repaired piece in ritual - especially if it was an expensive piece, one you cannot replace, or you just don't have the budget to replace?

After having had my cats knock over more than one of my statues, I thought a lot about it and personally came to the conclusion that I would still use them. My personal path is Egyptian based and I feel that even the fragments of ancient Egyptian artifacts and temples have power - the chips and cracks and wearing they have experienced do not destroy their power, so why should a bit of super glue destroy the power of my pieces?

In the end, you must decide what feels right to you. Meditation, intuition, prayer and asking your spiritual guides is always a great way to determine the best path in any situation - this one included.

Your altar should be personal

2010-07-25T21:54:00.001-04:00

A lot of those just starting out on the Wiccan path get this book or that one and start obsessing over following the directions in it exactly - finding the perfect items for rituals and their altar. But what they often fail to realize is that the most powerful altar is one the means the most to you - a personal altar.

So before you go hunting for all those items you want to buy, relax! First decide the best location for your altar. It should be one that is relatively "safe" - meaning a place that isn't in the main traffic zone of your home where it might be bumped or disturbed (or become a place to dump mail or keys) or where your children or pets will think its the perfect spot to play. And remember, you can have more than one altar depending on your path and what you want to use them for - an ancestral altar, meditation altar, or moon phase altar are all great supplements to your main, working, ritual altar. Perhaps you will want to create your ritual altar fresh every time you need it (practical if you don't want everyone in your house to know what you are practicing) instead of being set up permanently. So decide what the main focus of your altar will be (and don't be afraid to change it as your practice evolves).

Once you find a place and decide the purpose of it, start with a simple altar cloth - measure the flat surface you are planning to use and take a trip to the fabric store. You can often find remnants of very beautiful fabrics for just a dollar or two. Get some fabric paints if you'd like and decorate a plain cloth. Get several fabrics of different colors if you want to set up a seasonal altar. Let your intuition guide you and have some fun with it - your altar doesn't have to be serious!

Now that you have a cloth, most altars have 1 thing for each of the elements of the Craft - Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Spirit. Look around for things you already have that mean something special to you - they will already have great energy. Perhaps your grandmother's candy bowl is perfect for holding water or that beautiful sea shell you found on your trip last summer could represent water. Small fountains are also perfect adding the beautiful sound of water to your rituals.

Candles are wonderful, but not always practical depending on where you set up your altar or if you have cats that can knock them over (one of my cats set herself on fire and never knew it by brushing against my candle at the wrong time - I freaked more than she did and she only singed a few hairs). Perhaps a night light or electric Christmas candle would be a better fit for fire for you.

Air is usually represented by incense, but a feather found on a spring walk would do as well. A pretty potted plant or found rock or pine cone works well for Earth. Spirit could be represented by a candle, a pentacle (how about one made from twigs from the nearby park!), or any image of a God or Goddess that you like.

Beyond the basics, you might want to add special objects depending on the purpose of your altar. Ancestral altars are easy - photos or mementos of members of your family in pretty frames with a candle or offering dish is all you need.

Moon altars could have any shiny, round object to show the moon - for years I used a silver blown glass Christmas ornament with the hook and cap removed sitting in a tapered vase - I covered it with a black cloth completely during the dark of the moon, partially for other phases and let it shine uncovered during full moons.

Meditation altars can have anything that helps you focus - a statue, incense, candle or mirror are some ideas.

If setting an altar for a specific ritual or spell, again take a look around and figure out what represents the purpose of the ritual best to you - it will automatically be more powerful and just the process of considering objects and designing your altar can be magical.

If you are not going to let the altar set up permanently, find a pretty box to store everything in when not in use. Craft stores have inexpensive plain wood boxes of all sizes you can get and paint or decorate as you'd like. Perhaps you'll want to get several and store seasonal altars in their own boxes for when you need them.

Books are wonderful, especially when just starting out, but don't get too bogged down in what they say you "should" do - treat them as guidelines and let your own intuition be your true guide. Don't be afraid to mix things up and change them from time to time either. Enjoy the process and your magic will be that much more special.

Planning some updates

2010-07-21T10:04:00.001-04:00

I'm planning to spruce up the blog a bit over the next week or so...fix the width of the header image for one thing!

New posts are in the planning too - looking forward to getting back to writing regularly. It's a creative outlet I've missed as I have been so caught up on the mundane things like paying the bills! Silly me!

Making Your Days More Magickal

2010-06-16T11:03:00.001-04:00

We all do it - plan to do a ritual or study that new book just to get caught up in our day and at bedtime realize we never even said the briefest prayer or meditated for even 5 minutes. And every day promise we'll make time that day... repeat.

So how do you make your days more magickal? How do you find the time?

Take a look at your current daily and weekly schedules - actually take some time to write them down. What do you do every day right now? Be honest - if you veg in front of the TV every night for 6 hours...write it down. Not sure? Take a week and carry a notebook with you to jot it all down.

Next comes evaluation. Look honesty at that schedule and see what is really serving you - do you HAVE to watch the news every night for 2 hours or can you watch the 30 minute evening recap or scan the headlines on the internet for 15 minutes? If there is a TV show you really enjoy and don't want to miss, schedule it in, take the time and enjoy it. If there is a show you like, not love - do you have to watch it when it airs? These days most shows can be viewed on the internet whenever you want to and DVRs can record anything when its on to watch when it fits in your schedule (tip: record it and you can quickly scan thru commercials watching an hour long program in 45 minutes or less).

Cut out the fat from the list you made and narrow it down to the things you really have to do (like pick up the kids from school - a MUST), and the things you want to do (a WANT).

Next prioritize. Make 2 lists: MUSTS and WANT. Don't worry about the "I should do..." as often those are the things you *think* you should do (or others have told you to do) but really don't need to. Do you HAVE to clean out the refrigerator every week like your mother used to make you do...or can it wait for once a month? Include in your WANT list all the rituals, meditation time, and study time you want to do.

Next, create the schedule you WANT. Go thru the list and estimate the length of time you think that task will honestly take. Figure out when you want to do them. Take into account your energy level - are you a morning person able to zip thru things best first thing in the morning? Or are you more of a night person coming alive and being more focused after the kids are in bed and its dark? Schedule the hardest tasks during your peak energy times.

Start small. Don't plan an hour long New Moon ritual when you know you are going to be exhausted by the time the moon rises. A 10 minute invocation said before bedtime can be just as powerful. Don't marathon reading that new book - read a few pages when you can (for years, the ladies room at work was my reading room - I'd read 2-3 pages every time I had to visit it). Look for those little holes in your schedule - the daily commute when you could listen to a book on tape, the times you are waiting for the kids to get out of school when you could read a page or 2, and prepare for them. Put a few books, notepads and pens in your car. Buy that book on CD you really want to listen to. Get a mini pack of Tarot cards or runes and carry it in your purse for a quick moment of reflection on your day.

Of course some things we cannot move - like the schedule set by your boss of when you have to be at work. But look for those times when you might be able to steal a few moments of magick - the 15 minute breaks many companies give you in the mornings and afternoons are great times to meditate or read a few pages. Find a quiet spot and take that time for yourself (setting a timer if needed). It's amazing how even 10 minutes of meditation can re-focus your day! Take a moment before you eat your lunch to appreciate the bounty of the Earth that brought that food to you. Every time you get in your car, take a moment and breath.

If you can keep a few things on your desk at work, see if you can find something for each element - a small water fountain (or just a cup of water) or that shell you found on the beach, a candle or small battery lamp, a potted plant, that feather you found on your walk....for years I had a potted plant on my desk with a shell, feather, and led battery light tucked into it. Only I knew what it meant, but it was very calming. Take a moment when you get to your desk to acknowledge that "altar" and the energies around you.

If you can, try to schedule a few things the same time every day - the easiest way to build new habits is to do it daily the same time of the day. Want to learn Tarot? Pull 1 card every day and study its artwork, think what it means to you and jot it down. During your daily bath or shower, reflect on the element of water and what it means to you. When driving to work, open the window or sun roof and feel the Element of air blowing past you. When walking into the office, think of the ground beneath your feet (even if covered by concrete, the Earth is there, below you, supporting you). Feel the sun streaming down on you and think about Fire. All these little daily things can become magickal if you just pay attention.

Keep a journal and put in what I call "magickal moments" - the hawk that flew low over my car when I was stuck in traffic. My cat hoping into my lap at just the right moment when I needed a hug. Whatever strikes you as being special. This is also the perfect place to keep and adjust your schedule.

Once you start looking for time to make magick, you will be amazed at how much you can find.

Shops in Orlando area

2010-02-22T10:49:00.001-05:00

As the owner of an online only spiritual shop, I often gets calls for people looking for brick and mortar stores in the area. Here are a few you might like to visit if you are in central Florida. If you know of one not in the list, please add it to comments.

Avalon - Orlando, FL - Mostly jewelry, books, and stones
Luna Sol Estoterica - Sanford, FL (formerly Elemental Crossings)
Spiral Circle - Orlando, FL - Mostly books with some jewelry & other items
Fredline Botanical Shop - Orlando, FL
Leaves & Roots - Orlando, FL - Herbs & Spices. 407-823-8840
New Age Directory - Other stores in Florida

Feelings shape our reality

2010-01-27T08:13:00.001-05:00

As you can probably guess from the headline, I believe in the Law of Attraction and that what we think and feel shape our reality. And I've come to believe feelings - which actually I've never put a lot of stock into as I'm a more intellectual person than feeling - shape reality stronger than thoughts.

I don't really get depressed. But lately I've been going thru what I would classify as a slump, what others might call depression. I've been sabotaging myself professional and personally and no matter how much I've meditated and tried to think my way out of it, I realize my underlying feelings have been dragging me deeper. I feel poor - so my sales have slumped and I've screwed up several orders I shouldn't have for no reason other than forgetting to do something I should have. I've felt stupid (even though I've told myself I'm not stupid, I've just done a few stupid things). I've felt defeated and stuck and though telling myself I'll get out of it since I always do, I haven't been able to shake the feeling so the problem has persisted.

But...realizing it and acknowledging it is the first step to recovery, right? So I've made the first step today and will continue to work on it. I need to be out of the office today to help my father for a bit, so instead of looking at it as an interruption keeping me from getting done, I'll look at it as a chance to reflect on my feelings and start to change them.

What is making me feel poor - fix it! What is making me feel stupid - correct it! I know I can do it....now I have to feel that I can.

Haven't posted in a while

2009-12-28T07:48:00.001-05:00

Now that my busiest sales season is over (Halloween thru Xmas), hopefully I'll have more time for fun things like writing again! It's amazing how time gets away from us.

I'm trying to get back to my spiritual practice again too, so this is the perfect place for me to reconnect with myself and the Gods.

What Samhain means to me

2009-10-31T10:38:00.001-04:00

Today witches celebrate Samhain often thought of as the Witch's New Year and mundanely known as Halloween. I started thinking about writing an article today and instead of the usual history of type thing (there are TONS of those on the web already - just google "Samhain"), I decided to write about what Samhain means to me.

I'm still transitioning between Wicca and Kemetism and finding my true path (which will likely be something in between), but as I started Wiccan, I still feel strongly pulled to celebrate the standard Sabbats, though put a bit of Egyptian in them. One of the things I love about Wicca/Paganism is there are no set rules or defined practices - we are free to find our own way and create our own rituals. As a creative soul, that has always appealed to me and I tend to make a lot of things up on the fly rather than pre-planning (which is I know contrary to Kemetism and Egyptian spirituality that teaches repeating the ancient (or at least same) rituals make them more powerful).

Whatever your path, Samhain is about honoring your ancestors and those
that have passed on during the previous year as well as looking back
and looking ahead. Looking back to release the negative energies that
may have plagued you, and looking forward to draw in the positive
changes you want to make.

While most Witches call on Hecate during the Samhain festivities, I use Anubis as my guide to the underworld and spend some time meditating about those that have crossed over, talking to my mothers (both blood mother and mother-in-law), my grandmother, and others I have known and loved. My favorite method of this in the past few years has been a candlelight bath using the bath water to scrye. I'm not sure what I will do tonight yet. I'll let the spirits guide me though a bath does sound wonderful!

I thought it interesting the other night that the TV show "Eastwick" showed Samhain in a good and positive light (though drama interferred in the final bonfire and I wish they didn't have a huge witch on top of the bonfire! You can watch the episode, "Bonfire & Betrayal" at ABC.com). The part I liked was that their Halloween featured a town-wide celebration where townspeople made small coffins or other boxes filling them with everything they wanted to get rid of from the previous year. Then then burned them on a huge bonfire in the town square. A wonderful representation of getting rid of what doesn't work so you can make way for better things in your life.

While I cannot have a huge bonfire in my backyard, I am planning a small candle and cauldron ceremony tonight burning my negative energy. There have been a number of things this year that didn't go quite the way I expected or wanted them to and disappointment often leaves negative energy and emotions I want to be rid of. So I'll write them on a piece of paper, light it from my candle, and let the paper burn in my cauldron (outside of course - ringing smoke detectors spoil the mood).

However you celebrate Samhain or Halloween, may it be a great start to the new year for you. Blessed be.

Lughnasadh – Celebrating the First Harvest

2009-08-01T14:49:00.001-04:00

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is high summer, for many of us, the hottest time of the year. August 1 or 2 is celebrated as Lughnasadh or Lammas, a celebration of the First Harvest when we reap the fruits of the Earth and celebrate life at its prime.

“Lughnasadh (also called Lammas) is the time of the first harvest, the festival of first fruits when the Sun King fades as the grain is taken from the fields. As god of the harvest and light, Lugh, king of Tuatha de Danann, was the male counterpart to Brigid. His death, according to Edain McCoy, comes from the “belief that a god must eventually bow down to his goddess through whose benevolence he is reborn.”*

Lugh is one of the most celebrated of the Celtic deities often used as the male archetype for those practicing Wicca. However, many Gods can be utilized during this time, include Osiris or Ra.

“In August, the hot, humid weather that bathes the land in a warm haze imposes a slower pace so that plants and animals (including we humans) have time to complete the annual cycle of growth. Roses may be fading, but lavender and chamomile are in their glory. Thunderstorms bring relief from blazing temperatures and raise energy that further nourishes growing plants. Whenever possible, tap into this energy. Rituals performed during storms can be powerful experiences.”*

A ritual for the day might include celebrations of the bounty of the earth, giving thanks for blessings, and preparing for the transition to harvest time, both physical and spiritual. It is a good day to work in the garden, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, bake bread, and enjoy all the Earth gives us.

Personally, I also like to take this day to reflect back on the first half of the year reviewing what went well or failed, setting goals for the rest of the year, and generally taking stock of what I need to change. The bright sun can burn away the past and show us a shining new future.

*Except from “A Year of Ritual” by Sandra Kynes available at left.

Changing things around a bit

2009-07-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

Please pardon the dust as I work on the layout and design of the blog. It's going to be a work in progress for a bit, though everything works - just might not look perfect :)

Doing the work for magick to happen

2009-07-07T14:19:00.001-04:00

A few times a month, I get a phone call, email or instant chat on my MysticConvergence.com store from someone wanting to get some things to do something…win a court case and evict neighbors were the most recent, but I’ve gotten requests for lovers to give them a second chance, to banish someone, and a dozen others I’ve forgotten. They usually want to know what they need to make it happen – what do they need to buy?

It’s obvious by the first few minutes they don’t know magick or practice Witchcraft. So I try to explain to them that not even the costliest or most beautiful objects will work for them without putting the time and effort in to study, learn, and energize the spell. Most don’t understand and repeatedly say things like, “…but I just need something now.” or “Can’t you do it for me?” I try explain I don’t work spells for others and usually end up saying “I just cannot help you. You should probably shop somewhere else.”

More and more books published about Wicca and The Craft are good for those of us that do the work and study, but it’s unfortunately so many mainstream people & newbies think all they need is that book. Spell books are especially bad since so few of them have more than a quick chapter on the how or why magic works and gets to the “good stuff” giving recipes, ingredients and rituals.

For the record, I don’t work spells for others as I feel a spell is a very personal thing and should be worked by the person needing the results. My emotions cannot lend energy to a spell for someone else, especially a stranger.

I will also turn down a sale rather than mislead someone into false hope that something I have for sale will cure their problem. I may get blasted by fellow merchants, but you really don’t need the pretty pretties if you know what you are doing. You don’t need that chalice or athame or perfect candle to do any magickal working…all you really need is yourself and your clear intent and focus.

My most powerful spells have been spur of the moment worked entirely on the astral or with the most basic of ingredients. Those pretty trinkets certainly can lend their energies and help you focus – once you charge them of course or learn how to tap into their power. Before you do, they are just trinkets containing no more magic than a pea (okay, yes I know, peas can be used in some spells, but you know what I mean).

Daily meditation, energy work, visualization training – all are vital disciplines for anyone want to work the Craft. Spells should never to undertaken lightly or considered the only cure you need for your problem. Do the work, walk the path, and magick happens.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T15:06:00.001-04:00

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!

Tarot Card of the Day: June 22, 2009

2009-06-22T08:45:00.001-04:00

I drew the Hierophant this morning which is a reminder to listen to advice and my spiritual guides.

Summer Solstice

2009-06-21T22:12:00.001-04:00

What is the solstice? From Wikipedia:

“A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun's apparent position in the sky to reach its northernmost or southernmost extreme. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, the apparent movement of the Sun's path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.

The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) when this occurs. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In some cultures they are considered to start or separate the seasons while in others they fall in the middle. The English expressions "midwinter" (winter solstice) and "midsummer" (summer solstice) may derive from a tradition according to which there were only two seasons: winter and summer.”

In many mystic traditions, the Summer Solstice is a celebration of the maturation of the Forest God reborn during the Winter Solstice aka Yule. He is at his strongest having mated with the Goddess during Spring to form his successor that she will rebirth the following Yule.

It is also a time of transition as the days begin to wane after the solstice with the days growing shorter once again.

The solstices are part of the cycle of the seasons and the ever renewing circle of life.

Midsummer is a time of magic, fairies and unicorns in some cultures. Like Samhain (Halloween), it is said the veils between the worlds are thin, though this time the fairy realm instead of the land of the dead.

Often celebrated with feasts and flowers, honor the heat of the day with fresh fruits and vegetables and bright colors such as yellow, which further honors the God.

Tarot Card of the Day: 6 of Chalices

2009-06-20T09:52:00.001-04:00

The 6 of cups reminds us to remember where we have been. To look back on the past so we can learn from it. It also gives a sense of nostalgia and can indicate getting back to where we were before. Perhaps by visiting with family, honoring our ancestors, or just reviewing the past.

In the Egyptian Tarot Deck, the 6 cups are over the headdress of Ra, the creator/sun God who was the first God to rise from Nu, the nothingness or cosmic ocean. A visual of getting back to the beginning. (I really need to reconnect my scanner one of these days and scan my cards!)

About the masthead

2009-06-06T13:42:00.001-04:00

I had someone ask me about the image in my masthead. It’s actually a shot of a Wiccan Full Moon Ritual that was held in SecondLife at Covensted. They are an awesome group with education programs, sabbats and rituals held in the 3d world or SecondLife.

I am a resident going by the name Inara Blackburn, so if you are in SecondLife, say hi!

Trying out Windows Live Writer

2009-04-19T12:51:00.001-04:00

This is really just a test post to see how Windows Live Writer works. So far, so good. Especially if it will let me post to all my blogs from one place! :)

My daily tarot reading

2009-04-19T10:43:00.000-04:00

I'm going to try to get back into doing and posting my daily readings - it's been a long while since I have. I keep getting caught up in work and forget to take the time for myself and my practice.

So, today's reading is a simple 3 card one of what the day has in store for me:

Queen of Wands - intuitively: Isis bestowing blessings on me. By the book: Friend

8 of Swords - Intuitively: Barring my enemies, perhaps my own fears and inhibitions. Book: Trap, impediment.

Ace of Pentacles - Intuitively: Fortunes raining down on me. It's been a slow sales weekend so perhaps things are going to turn around today? Book: Acquisition, success.

Welcome to another blog of mine

2007-07-21T21:18:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I guess you could say I'm addicted to blogs. This is like my 5th or so. Some I have for specific purposes, some I have just because, some I post to regularly, some I don't.

This one I plan to be mostly mystical/occult oriented, but it will probably devolve to other ramblings too. We'll see. I might even post links to my other blogs eventually.

I love comments too so if you want to, feel free to leave me one.

A quick about me...

I'm a mature (over 40) year old woman in Florida that has been studying what most think of as Wicca/Pagan religions for probably 15 years or so though have been seriously practicing for around 8 years. Currently, I lean towards an Egyptian Path focusing on Isis, Thoth and Set primarily. I run websites for a living - my ecommerce stores pay the bills and if you are so inclined, check out Mysticconvergence.com & EgyptianMarketplace.com sometime. I actually have more than that but I don't want to overwhelm you in my first post :)

My household consists of a friend/near sister, 2 miniature schnauzer dogs and 4 cats (1 Persian, 1 half persian, 2 ragdolls) and 2 beta fish. We all live in a 4 bedroom house in Sanford Florida (near Orlando) and I've been working a lot on the lawn and garden as well as finally getting around to painting the previously all-white walls in this new house.

I'm also a big sci-fi fan and have a ton of other interests, but more about those in time.