BloodRose Esoterix: proudly pagan

Thursday 22 December 2011

proudly pagan

I am Pagan and proud.

I will not knock on your door with threats of being sent to a place of fire and suffering.

I will not try and "save" you.

I will keep an open mind and respect you and your beliefs if you grant me the same kindness.

Your neighborhood cats, dogs, birds, goats and virgins will not mysteriously go missing at my hand.

I am not a "devil-worshiper" - as I do not believe in Satan. ...

I am not a "dirt-worshiping hippy" but a contributing member of society.

Before you judge me, ask me - I will gladly educate you on the misconceptions perpetuated by religious institutions and popular culture.

I promote healing and understanding, clarity and enlightenment, education and justice, realism and positivity among those around me, regardless of their religious affiliation or their sexual or lifestyle choices.

References: Facebook post

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Silvus Wands

Silvus-rods are wands of exceptional power and focus. Proudly handcrafted in South Africa, these wands are unique not only in the manner of construction, but also each wand is unique as it will never be duplicated….

The unique copper-coiling enhances the innate powers of the user, amplifying the will of the user before converging the energy on a chosen object. The hardwood shaft lends a timeless feel and hard wearing quality to all Silvus-rods. Flawless stones of the highest quality and pristine crystals are selected by hand for each wand and pressure-mounted by hand without the use of resin or glue.

From leather off-cuts, to sleeper hardwoods, to copper wire, to tree-branches - all materials used in the production of these exceptional wands are reclaimed and/or harvested directly from Nature.

No chemicals are used, all materials are organic

and natural, and only natural oils are used to treat the timber.

Standard Silvus-rods are of exceptional quality and design, and made exclusively from the energy of Silvus. Custom wands are also of exceptional quality and design, and are a mixture of Silvus-energy and the intent of the wand-owner.

Making Salves

Making Salves

Collect What You Will Need

Herbs and or essential oils - You can use one herb or up to 5 for a compounded salve.

Olive oil - Enough to cover herbs with a 1/2 - 1 inch of oil over the top of the herbs. Other oils and butters can be used as well.

Pan or pot with cover - Stainless steel, glass or crock to heat oil and herbs in. A crock pot can be used also.

Cheese cloth - for straining.

Non aluminum container - For straining herb/oil mixture in.

Glass bottles or jars - To keep any remaining infused oil in.

Beeswax - Approximate amounts are 1 1/2 lbs for 1 pint oil.

Ice and jar lid - For testing consistency after adding beeswax.

Vitamin E capsule (optional) - Preservative or as an active ingredient. Some oils do not spoil quickly such as jojoba.

Prepare Herbs - If Using Fresh

Fresh herbs and flowers may have a high moisture content which could result in early spoilage. Remove any bugs or dirt by shaking or washing and spread them out for several hours and let them dry and wilt.

Infuse The Oil

Place desired amount of herbs in heating pan, pot or crock. Add enough olive oil to cover herbs plus 1/2 - 1 inch of oil over the herbs.

Cover and place on or set crock pot on low heat.

For leaves, thin flowers or fine to medium materials, heat 3-4 hours. For heavier flowers, roots, barks, seeds heat for 6-7 hours.

After heating, cool several hours or over night.

Strain

Strain herbs through a cheese cloth into a clean jar or bowl by pouring all the oil and herbs into the cheese cloth. Squeeze out all oil possible from the cheese cloth.

Wipe out pan, pot or crock to remove any herbs or residue stuck to sides or bottom.

Return strained mixture to heating pan, pot or crock

Add Beeswax, Test

Add desired amount of beeswax and heat just enough to melt it.

Test the consistency by adding a small amount to a jar lid and placing it over ice, stirring while it cools.

If the consistency is right, remove from heat.

Stir in essential oils well if you are adding them before the salve begins to harden. Add contents of a vitamin E capsule if you are using it. This will limit their exposure to heat to insure better integrity. If making a salve based on essential oils I suggest adding half right before melting beeswax and the remainder after melting the wax.

Place the salve in glass or plastic jars while cooling. Seal and label with salve name, ingredients and date made.

Salve Recipes / Blends

Calendula, plantain, comfrey, St. Johns Wort - Dry skin, acne, diaper rash, eczema and burns.

Arnica Flower - Chapped lips, rash, acne, painful joints and muscles.

Chest Rub - Essential oils of eucalyptus, camphor, menthol and wintergreen.

Plantain - Bleeding, swelling, insect bites, burns, wounds.

Information on this site are not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. If you have a medical problem, you should consult your medical doctor. The ideas and information on this site have not been endorsed or approved by the FDA. In no event shall the owners of this website be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or defamation. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Opinions expressed here are those of individual contributors. This web site does not verify or endorse the claims of contributing writer

We belong to them as much as They belong to us...

~~~Breath~~~

Now thank the Goddess for the Trees!

~unique.

Poultice

A potato poultice is a warm compress made with grated potato that is used to relieve congestion and inflammation and heal skin. It's used traditionally for conditions such as arthritis and eczema.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 20 minutes

Here's How:

1. Chop two un-peeled potatoes into 1 inch cubes.

2. Boil the potato cubes. Mash them.

3. Spread the potatoes onto a thick gauze or cheesecloth. Add another sheet of gauze or cheesecloth or fold it over.

4. Test the temperature with your hand, making sure it's not too hot.

5. Apply the poultice to the affected area. Wrap it with a dry cloth or towel and hold it in place with string or bandage.

6. Remove the poultice once it is cold.

What You Need:

Potatoes

2 pieces of cheesecloth or gauze

Towel

String or bandages

Reference: http://shawnacohen.tripod.com/thetribaltraditions/id38.html

Medicine chest

Seasonal Tips from the Book Of Shadows

One For The Medicine Chest

That's Gonna Leave a Mark - NOT

How to stop or reverse a bruise with Cinquefoil

Several years ago, I discovered Cinquefoil growing in the woods. Instinctively, I knew that this plant was significant, and I made a note of it. When I found it growing in my flower garden, about five years ago, I got off my duff and did the research. Now, I keep my medicine cabinet stocked with this plant.

Aside from its many spiritual properties, Cinquefoil has many medicinal purposes. Not the least of which is that a decoction from Cinquefoil will prevent a bruise from forming, and reverse a bruise that has already begun to form. It is nothing short of amazing - a black and blue mark just vanishes. Forget the ice pack! This is what you really need.

What to do:

As soon as you possibly can, put one cup of water on the stove.

Add a full handful of dried Cinquefoil (Roots, Leaves, Stems, Flowers), and bring this to a rapid boil.

Simmer on low heat while stirring and smashing the plant with a fork for about 1 minute.

Turn off the stove, and continue stirring and smashing for about 3 minutes.

Place a strainer over a coffee mug, and pour the contents of the pot into the strainer.

Smash the plant down in the strainer to get every drop into the cup.

Put two ice cubes into the brown water and stir till they melt. If the liquid is still hot add another ice cube. You want the liquid to be luke warm.

Get some paper towels and fold them into a compress. Don't use a wash cloth because this decoction will permanently stain any cloth brown.

Dip the compress into the brown water and gently squeeze out the moisture so it isn't dripping.

Apply the compress to the bruised area and hold it there.

Refresh the compress by dipping it back into the cup every 10 or 15 minutes until the bruise or threat of a bruise is gone. This will take about one hour if the bruise has begun to form - About 1/2 hour if you get to it before the bruise forms.

Put any left over liquid in a glass jar and store it in the fridge for future use.

Wash the cup, strainer, pot, and preparation area well because Cinquefoil will stain. Keep this stuff away from your clothing too.

How to Harvest

Many say that the best time to harvest Cinquefoil is in June, but I find that any time after it flowers and before it goes to seed is fine. Uproot the whole plant. Discard any diseased or bug bitten leaves. Rinse the plant with clean cold water to remove any dirt, pollutants, and bugs. Hang the plant upside down under a shade tree, and let it dry for a few days. After it's dry, chop up the whole plant, and pack it into a glass jar. Label the jar, and store in a dark cabinet at room temperature.

Reference: http://hedgewitchforest.com/MedicineChest.htm

Candle Wheel

Imbolc is also known as Candlemas, a name which derived from the practice of ritually lighting fires to lure back the slowly waxing Sun. Little wonder the Sabbath is called the Festival of Lights. Although this is a fire festival, candles are more often lit than balefires. This is probably because the gentle fire of a candle better represents the Sun at this time of year.

A popular candle-light custom of Anglo-Celtic cultures was to have a young woman, representing the Virgin Goddess, enter the ritual area carrying a circle of lit candles. This was a lighted Sun Wheel, a symbol of the Wheel of the Year being warmed and lighted again by the returning Sun.

Later, the candle wheel was worn as a chaplet on the head. Edain McCoy in _Sabbaths: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways_ says this idea originated with Norse Yule customs. In Sweden today, this custom remains intact. There the crown is usually made of woven wortleberry twigs or evergreen boughs, and is used in the celebration of St. Lucia's Day (December 13). Lucia, by the way, is probably a later incarnation of Lucina, Roman Goddess of Light.

Many covens and solitaries still practice this custom at Imbolc, and great care and creativity goes into ensuring the safety of the wearer. Non-drip candles are a must.

OBLIGATORY DISCLAIMER: I should say here that I assume no responsibility for your actions should you choose to try any of these ideas. IF YOU CHOOSE TO WEAR THESE CANDLE WHEELS, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL THAT YOU DO NOT SET YOURSELF OR YOUR SURROUNDINGS ON FIRE. HOT WAX CAN ALSO BE DANGEROUS.A CROWN OF BIRTHDAY CANDLES

In their book, _A Witches' Bible_, the Farrars recommend wearing a skullcap of aluminum foil on the head to keep wax spatters off the head and scalp. They also recommend using white birthday cake candles. These don't generate much wax to speak of and will burn for the time it takes to complete a ritual.

Instructions are easy: Measure a thin cardboard band to the head of the wearer. Lay a piece of scotch tape STICKY SIDE UP along the top edge of the band. Position 8 candles, one for each Sabbath in the Wheel of the Year, evenly along the crown. Lay another piece of tape, STICKY SIDE DOWN over the candles. Secure the candles and tape strips to the crown with more tape. Now cover the crown with aluminum foil, enough to support the candles upright while on the head. Weave evergreen or plastic foliage around the crown.

A CANDLE WHEEL TO WEAR OR CARRY For the safety minded, it is appropriate to carry a candle wheel or merely use it as a decoration. Here's another method:

MATERIALS:

8 wooden candle holders

8 white candles to fit in your holders (if wearing, no longer than 4 inches)

Super glue

Aluminum foil

Pencil

Ruler

Green vines, real or artificial

Heavy cardboard

First decide how big you want your wheel to be. McCoy in _Sabbaths_ recommends an outer circle of 11 inches and an inner circle of 9 inches. Use your ruler to evenly space the candles, then mark the spots with a pencil. With super glue, glue the candle holders to the cardboard at those spots. (Place something heavy on them as they dry overnight).

The next day, wrap aluminum foil around the cardboard to round its form and lock the candleholders in place. Wrap your greenery around the foil. Fasten it in place with glue or florist's wire.

After decorating is completed (red or white ribbons might be appropriate here), place the 8 candles in the candleholders and light.

See Sabbath Rituals for other ideas...

The Candle Wheel above was designed and made by ~unique. For Cats Lair Temple Imbolc Ritual 2005

High Priestess for Imbolc Ritual was ~Lady unique.

How to Make Magical Wands

By Lily Gardner

Wands have served as tools since humans could break a branch off a

Tree point. They are as old as magic itself.

As a wand extends from your arm, magically speaking, it extends from

Your will. It can be used to direct energy and amplify power, or it

Can help you cast your circle, draw magical symbols, or stir a

Cauldron.

The traditional wand is a simple branch of oak, willow, or hazel

Wood cut the length of your arm from the crook of your elbow to the

End of your middle finger. The wand is best cut on Wednesday, the

Day of Mercury. Although the simple branch is traditional, many

Witches possess wands made from an array of woods and crystals that

Reflect either personal energy or the intent the wand is being used

For.

Personal Energy

There are hundreds of ways to design a wand that reflects personal

Energy. Here are a few ideas:

Fashion a wand using your astrological sign. Suppose Cancer is your

Birth sign. Make your wand from willow, a tree favored by the moon,

Cancer's planet. Paint the wand silver or gray, Cancer's colors, or

Paint the Cancer glyph on your wand with silver paint. Insert Cancer

Stones, such as pearl or moonstones. Because Cancer is a water sign,

You might wrap your wand in watery colors of blue and green or

Attach charms of fish and crabs.

You could fashion your wand from your Chinese birth year. Suppose

You were born in the year of the rabbit. The rabbit is associated

With the Chinese element of wood, so any wood that appeals to you

Will work. Green is the color of the rabbit, so wrap your wand with

Green leather strips or ribbon. It is said that you will be

Especially lucky if you use the color green in combination with red.

Wrap a band of rabbit fur around your wand, or hang rabbit fetishes

From the ribbons.

Intent

The beauty of making a wand for a specific goal is the spell

Actually begins the moment you start gathering materials and

Preparing for it. Simply hold your magical goal firmly in your mind

And heart as you go about fashioning a wand, and the wand is sure to

Have tremendous power by the time you're ready to use it.

Gather a tree branch from the ground or from a tree itself. If you

Take a live branch remember to ask permission from the tree and its

Owner before removing it. Assuming that you have the tree's

Permission, leave an offering of copper, tobacco, or crystals. Next,

Take your wand home and sand it starting with medium-grade

Sandpaper, such as number 120. Finish with a number 180 sandpaper

For fine sanding. If you focus your intention on its magical use,

You will empower your wand. When it's sanded, you can hollow out one

End with a small knife and glue in a quartz crystal tip. Quartz

Crystals help focus energy. Some Witches tip their wands with acorns

Or pine cones.

The final step is to dedicate the wand. Many Witches put a drop of

Their own blood on the wand. It is said that menstrual blood is very

Powerful. Consecrate it by passing it through the smoke of burning

Incense and the flame of a burning candle to empower your wand. Drop

A few drops of holy water (or anointing oil) on your wand and

Sprinkle a few grains of salt on your wand to strengthen and deepen

It’s magic. If you have a name in mind for your wand, name it now.

Finally, hold the wand against your solar plexus, the chakra of

Will, and empower your wand.

Wands are powerful tools. Made with good intention from the work of

Your own hand, they can work mighty magic.

1. Gather the flowers or leaves when they are quite dry.

2. Dissolve 2 ounces of gum Arabic in 1 1/4 cups of water in a double boiler; then cool.

3. Dip one leaf or one flower at a time into the cooled gum Arabic (you may also use raw egg white but is not as satisfactory).

4. Spread out on a clean paper, and sprinkle with berry (very fine) sugar.

5. Dry for 24 hours.

6. Dissolve 2 cups granulated sugar in 1 1/4 cups of water.

7. Heat to 240 degrees; keep syrup well skimmed.

8. Cool.

9. Dip the flowers or leaves in, one by one, or pour the syrup over the flowers or leaves, and leave them in the syrup for 24 hours.

10. Drain, sprinkle with berry sugar again, and dry with gentle heat.

The best leaves for this are mints but borage, violets and rose petals are nice also

Herb pillows are wonderful for a restful night’s sleep. The covers can be made of any material that you like in any color or print that satisfies or soothes you. Make sure that the inner case that holds the herbs is made of a tightly woven material so that the herbs don't spill out. The herbs that you use for your pillows is a matter of taste, but here are a few suggestions:

Lavender flowers, Peppermint and Angelica leaves

Lemon Verbena, English Mint and Sweet Marjoram leaves

Rosemary and Rose Geranium leaves

Lemon Balm, Peppermint and Angelica leaves

Sage, Peppermint and Lemon Balm leaves

Lavender, some of the Mints, Lemon Thyme, Lemon Balm or Lemon Verbena can be used alone. Any potpourri mix may also be used.

Some books recommend using a fixative such as ores root, but be aware that some people are VERY allergic to it so please use caution

Basic Inventory of Magical Tools and Accessories

Do you have to have all of the items listed below? Certainly not! This is to give a basic idea of what tools are out there and how or why they are used. The most important tool is you; all that these others can do is be a tangible symbol for you to work magic through.

Altar cloths – they come in all sizes and shapes, as well as color and design. They provide symbolic meaning and protection for the altar.

Athame – traditionally is a double-edged, black handled knife and represents the God and masculinity. It is aligned with the element fire in our Tradition because you have to temper the blade with flames. Thames are used to direct and cut energy.

Bell – is used in ritual to disperse negative energies and spirits, as well as an invitation to the Gods to join you. It is aligned with the element of air.

Besom – the witches broom, it is used to ‘sweep’ away negative energies and is a feminine symbol.

Bowline – traditionally it is a white handled knife with a curved, crescent blade. This is the knife that is used to harvest herbs, cut items, and inscribe candles.

Candles – these also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They can be used to represent the elements, God/dess, and used in spells. Candles represent the element of fire.

Cauldron – represents the womb of the great Mother Goddess. It is used to scry, hold the Yule fire, and sometimes to cook in. It represents femininity and Akasha or Spirit.

Chalice – represents the Goddess and femininity, it holds holy water and the ritual wine for ceremonies. It is a representation of the element water.

Charcoal – small, round briquettes that are used to burn powdered incense on. These are different than charcoal used for cooking.

Censer – is a container used to hold burning incense. Also called a brazier.

Compass – used to find the cardinal points.

Crystals/Gems – used in various spells and can represent the element earth.

Decanter – a container to hold the wine during rituals.

Drum – used to help raise power and to keep ritual dancers in time.

Herbs – can be used in various spells and as components in incense and oils.

Incense – comes in a variety of flavors and scents, you can make your own or purchase it already made. It comes in three main forms: sticks, powdered, and cones. It represents the element air.

Libation Dish – holds food and drink offerings to the Gods.

Lighters/Matches – a must to light candles and incense. Always keep extra handy.

Magick Mirror – a black mirror used for scrying and Hathor/Oshun Magick

Mortar and Pestle – used to grind herbs to a find powder.

Oils – lots of types and flavors to choose from, these are used to anoint objects and people.

Pentagram – a star in a circle, is it used to represent earth. It is also a symbol of protection.

Sea Salt – it is used to purify objects and to make holy water. It also represents earth.

Smudge Sticks – bound herbs and grasses that are used to cleanse an area or person.

Staff – a wooden pole that is a larger version of the wand, it is used to direct energy and is a representation of the element air.

Stang – the masculine version of the besom, it can also be used as an altar. Stangs are usually wooden poles with forked ends; pitchforks can be used in their place.

Statues – used to represent God, Goddess, and/or the elements.

Sword – a larger version of the athame, usually used in coven work and dragon magick. Also represents fire and the masculine.

Wand – usually a wooden length from your elbow to the tip of your index finger. It is used to direct energy and represents the element air.

Reference:http://shawnacohen.tripod.com/thetribaltraditions/id15.html

For the garden

One For The Garden

Seasonal Tips from the Book Of Shadows

Green Tomatoes Wrapped to Red

When the first frost arrives, most gardeners still have green tomatoes on the vine. There is no reason to sacrifice those beauties to the weather.

Turning a green tomato into a red tomato is easy.

What to do:

You must pick green tomatoes before the first frost. News Papers and the Weather Channel always post frost advisories. You must pick your tomato before frost touches it, or it will be ruined.

Individually wrap the tomatoes in News Paper, or a paper bag.

Place the wrapped tomatoes in the garage or cool basement - no hotter than 55 degrees.

The tomatoes will slowly ripen to red over several weeks - be patient, and don't worry, they won't rot.

Other Methods :

Pull up the entire tomato plant - with the tomatoes still on it, and hang it upside down in a garage or basement. Pick the tomatoes when they ripen.

Reference: http://hedgewitchforest.com/garden.htm

Pot Pouri

One For The Cupboard

Seasonal Tips from the Book Of Shadows

Empowering Seasonal Potpourri

Cloves and Cinnamon are my agents of choice when I do a house clearing. Not only do they raise the energy of those doing the clearing, but they leave the house smelling great. I always recommend putting a cinnamon broom by the front and back doors, and whole cloves in every window after a clearing. It keeps the good energy in and bad energy out.

In Autumn, the scent of cloves and cinnamon are associated with the season - Much the same way that peppermint is associated with Winter. It just feels right to fill a home with particular scents in certain seasons.

Here is an excellent, inexpensive Autumn Potpourri for your home:

With a mortar and pestle:

Grind 20 whole cloves into a fine powder

Add one cinnamon stick, and grind it into small chunks

Add a dash or two of pre-ground cinnamon, and stir with the pestle.

Place this mixture in small container with a lid.

How to use:

Jack-O-Lantern

In a Jack -0- Lantern, sprinkle a small amount of the mixture on the bottom inside the pumpkin - just a pinch or two will do. Then light the pumpkin.

Stove Top:

Boil 2 cups of water in a small metal pot with a handle. A small camping coffee pot works very well.

Add 3 pinches of the mixture to the water

Add 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract and simmer on very low heat.

After the kitchen fills with the fragrance, carry the hot pot into the other rooms of the house, letting the steam escape into the air of each room.

Place the pot back on the stove to re-heat when needed.

After you are done, leave the pot simmering on the stove, or over a burning tea candle, and add water as it boils down.

Potpourri Pot:

You can use this mixture in a potpourri pot, but it isn't quite as effective as the above methods.

Reference: http://hedgewitchforest.com/Cupboard.htm

Salts and things

One For The Linen Closet

Seasonal Tips from the Book Of Shadows

Bath/Shower Salt for Body and Soul

When I was little, my Grandmother would draw a lavender bath for me in the middle of the day. I didn't know it at the time, but she did this to keep me calm. All I knew was that I always felt comfortable and happy when I stayed with her. To this day, when I think of my grandmother's house, I always recall that feeling.

These days, everybody knows the benefits of a lavender bath, but we don't always have time to take one.

In my craft, I often shower with coarsely ground sea salt. I found that when I add lavender oil to the sea salt, I sleep like I did at my Grandmother's.

How to make it:

Pour 1/2 cup of coarsely ground sea salt into a glass bottle.

Add 10 drops of essential lavender oil

Put a cork in the bottle, and shake the salt for 3 minutes. This will create a sound like crickets on a summer night.

Take the bottle into the shower with you

After you finish with your normal showering routine, pour a small amount of salt into your hand, and re-cork the bottle.

Set the bottle down, and wash your arms with the salt

Repeat this procedure with your legs, neck and back.

Fill the nearly empty bottle with water, close your eyes, and douse your hair, then rinse it out.

That's it. You will feel like you swam in the ocean, and you will sleep like a baby.

Reference: http://hedgewitchforest.com/linencloset.htm

Thursday 22 December 2011

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