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Transcript of May 2013 issue 10
JUMPING THE
BROOM ~ Modern
weddings with an
OLD twist
MOTHERS DAY Gifts for the
Pagan Mom DANCING WITH
DRAGONS ~ forging
a lifelong friendship
FINDING NATURE IN
THE CITY ~ Explore
nature in your backyard
THE
WICKERMAN
Harmony Hearth Brooms And
Faancy Hats
For more information and pricing please contact Anne at [email protected]
2
Gensha Publishing
Maxine Byers
Lazy Witch
Ingrid Jeffries
CraftyWitch
Patti Wigington
Lady Ti-Eagle
Alena Orrison
Gertrude Moon
Crafty Witch
Maxine Byers
Janie Bass
http://elementalmagick.wetpaint.com/
3
DEPARTMENTS
8 MOTHER’S DAY HISTORY
9 GIFTS FOR THE PAGAN MOM
10 DANCING WITH DRAGONS
11 THE ELEMENTAL DRAGONS
13 THE WICKER MAN
14 FINDING NATURE IN THE CITY
16 THE WICCAN ALTER
26 THE FLOWER MOON
27 SPRING FULL MOON RITUAL
17 SUBSTITUTES FOR ESENCIAL OILS
19 TOOLS OF THE WITCH
20 SPRING FLOWER MAGICK
29 THE MAGICK OF WATER
30 JUMPING THE BROOM, A BRIEF HISTORY ~
31 BOSOM WEDDIMGS
4
6 FROM THE EDITOR
7 CALENDER OF EVENTS
12 PLANT OF THE MONTH ~ LOTUS
18 THE WHITE TIGER & THE WHITE ~ BUFFALO
22 TAURUS MOON SIGN
23 MAY MOON CALENDAR
24 GEMINI MOON SIGN
25 GEM OF THE MONTH ~ AQUAMARINI
28 GOD/DESS OF THE MONTH
32 CRAFTY WITCH’S BOOK REVIEW
33 BELTANE RITUAL FOR KIDS
32 CRAFTS FOR KIDS PIPECLEANER FARIE FRIENDS
32 MAKE A MINI OR ALTER MAYPOLE
Questions? Comments? Ideas?
If you have something to say, we want to
hear it!
Letters to the editor can be sent to
5
I never really bought into the “fake it til you make
it” mentality when it came to happiness. Forcing a
smile when I was grumpy felt like stroking the cat
the wrong way and my reaction often paralleled the
wrath of my dog Burt on a bad day. I didn’t like the
idea of what felt like suppression of my true emotion
in order to achieve an alternate frame of mind,
though I do understand there is a science behind the
concept. In fact, an increasing amount of evidence
from research over the past few decades does show
facial expressions can result in experiencing the
correlating mood (whether positive or negative). But
plastering a grin on my moody mug made me feel
like I was walking in a world of Stepford wives, as
though everyone around me was faking their
happiness, too. From there, the dominoes would
tumble and plain grumpiness would take a turn for
depression.
Unfortunately, good intentions can go bad and what
works for some may not be the ticket for others. I’ve
gotten used to the fact that I tend to fall in that
“others” category, but at least I’m not alone.
Recently I read a tip in Whole Living magazine that
confirmed my inner turmoil over this point. Under
their action plan (tips for healthy change each day)
June 29th simply states, “Stop Faking It.” They go
on to say, “A recent study at Michigan State
University found that faking smiles throughout the
day can lead to bad moods and withdrawal… If you
don’t feel like smiling, don’t.”
Does your fake smile lead to a real smile?
Maybe forced smiling will bring a superficial sort of
happiness or even a sincere happiness for some, but
that doesn’t mean it will erase underlying negative
emotions. I have come to treat my emotions like
symptoms. If you break your leg, you can’t pretend it’s
ok until it is. You would be in immense pain and the
bones would likely heal incorrectly, leaving you with a
lasting chronic condition. Similarly, instead of pulling
up the bed sheets against my inner turmoil, I try to
discover the underlying cause and work to understand
and heal that instead.
Let yourself feel the emotions you are encountering.
Explore them. When I take the time to recognize an
emotion (often through discussion or journaling) rather
than trying to suppress or avoid it, I am able to process
that emotion and possibly even realize its hidden
source. This leads to a more natural transition in letting
go, which means I am one step closer to healing and
feeling sincere happiness.
Have you ever tried to “fake it til you make it” to
happiness? Has it worked for you? Do you have other
alternatives to boosting your mood when you find
yourself in a funk? Write to me and let me know what
works for you.
Until next time…
Bright Blessings
Maxine Byers
6
7
Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation of 1870
8
Dragon Magick is the calling upon of Dragons to aid
you and become co-magicians with you. Dragon Magick
can be practiced on its own or along with other
Magickal Traditions. Dragon Magick is not for
everyone. Those who practice Dragon Magick must be
self-disciplined seekers who realize the potential
dangers but dares to communicate with and befriend
this vast astral power of the ages. Dragon magick is a
serious topic and is not to be meddled with, hence
the fact that there are many dangers in this kind of
magick due to the immense power it has. It is for the
Magician who is serious about working with dragons
on a magickal, spiritual, and friend-wise basis.
When a Magician dances with Dragons, as the
practice of Dragon Magick is called, he/she discovers
an intensity of power never before tapped. When
tapped into this intensity it is exhilarating and a
Spiritual high. When you are befriended by Dragons
as co-magicians they can empower your rituals no
matter what tradition you practice far beyond what
you have normally encountered. Their grasp of
ancient knowledge is deep and profound. Their ability
to see through layers of time both present and past
as well as the future is astounding and quite accurate
if they choose to reveal what they see to you. As
protectors during rituals or everyday life there are
no equals. If you are chosen by Dragons under their
tutelage you will have the opportunity of constantly
learning and evolving your knowledge and magickal
ability.
If you take the time to forge a friendship with
Dragons they can become the best companions you
would ever want. Although this companionship can
seem harsh and demanding it is always in your best
interests. A lifelong dance with Dragons is never
boring for it is a constant exploration of various
types of energies and the uses in which these
energies can be applied. Dancing with Dragons can be
a joyful, daily experience and one that is eagerly
sought after by all participants for the mutual
sharing of energies during ritual as well as in life
helps out both species in their evolution and spiritual
growth. The more that Magicians seek out the
companionship of Dragons, work with them, and earn
their trust the more Dragons will be encouraged to
once again have a closer, positive relationship with
humans in general just like they did in olden times.
There are some schools of
thought that say that Dragon
Magick must be kept strictly as
High or Ceremonial Magick, but
that is not the case. Dragon
magick can and does work within
any magickal system. It can be
practiced as its own Tradition
or in conjunction with another magickal tradition. Dragons can help to empower your rituals no
matter what tradition you practice.
You will find these graceful beings in almost every magical system
throughout the world, where they are usually deified or vilified.
Each system looks at dragons in a different way and helps us to
learn about different facets of their personalities. There are some
who see them only as elemental energies without independent
existence; while others seem them as symbols of that energy and
having no true existence at all. My belief is that Dragons are astral
beings, having form and existence but they do not have the ability
to manifest on the physical plane that we live in. Their bodies are
made of energy, but the will and personalities that we connect with
are very real and independent of us.
Dragons do not only exist when we call upon them. They do not wait,
suspended in time, until we remember to invoke them. Just as we do
not live only in ritual, the dragons that we work with will have other
things to do and their own lives to lead. What may be convenient
for you may not be for them. As astral beings time may flow
differently for them, but they are in no way bound to our wills nor
must they obey our commands. In fact, that is a sure way to drive
them off and possibly suffer backlash from such an action.
Some call any magickal practice with Dragons is to “Dance with
Dragons”, but they can be more than just a dance partner. As
teachers of ancient knowledge their grasp of it is deep and
profound. Their ability to help in divination is astonishing and quite
accurate. As protectors during rituals and everyday life there are
no equals. And if a Dragon chooses to take you under their wings
you will have the opportunity of learning knowledge and evolving
your magickal ability, which few have done.
A lifelong practice with Dragons can form a bonding companionship
with them and they can become the best companions you could ever
have. If it is practiced daily it can be a joyful addition to your life
not to mention the benefit that both species gain in their evolution
and spiritual growth. The more that you seek them out, work with
them, and earn their trust the more Dragons will be encouraged to
once again have a closer, positive relationship with humans in
general like they did in old times.
10
Alextrasza- Dragon Goddess of Life
She is a deep red, with jade eyes, and is of enormous
proportions. She creates new life, blesses, and saves lives.
She is the dragon mother.
Khellondros-Dragon God of Storms, Rain,
He is a sapphire blue, with grey eyes. The son of
Alextrasza.
Ysera- Dragon Goddess of Sleep
and Dreams
She is a yellow/green color, quite
large as well. She is also known as
'She of the Dreaming'. She usually
has her eyes closed, but when they
are open, they are every color of
eyes you have ever known and more.
She is very wise and controls dreams, sends them, and
keeps nightmares at bay. She is a powerful magician, with
immense mind power.
Malygos- Dragon God of Magick
He is a beautiful dark blue, with silver eyes. He creates
magick in all worlds, aids in magickal workings, anything to
do w/magick, you can be sure he is a part of. He tends to
keep to himself, and prefers icy climates. Don’t be
intimidated, if your intentions are good, you have nothing to
fear.
Nozdormus- Dragon God of Time
He is a gorgeous golden color, with eyes the color of the sun
itself, so try not to blind yourself looking into them! He
tends to hiss more than the others and rolls his s's more
the most dragons do. He is also
known as 'Lord of Time'. He
controls time itself, the
future, the past and the
present. He is obsessed with
collecting the past and wears an hourglass necklace around his giant neck. He doesn’t like
being bothered at all, so make sure you have a good reason
for doing so.
Deathwing- Dragon God of Death
By far the most terrifying of the dragons, he is the
blackest of blacks, with cold, yellow eyes. If you are ever in
his presence, you will immediately know, for you will feel the
most fear you have ever felt in your life. He is terrifying,
awful, cold and calculating. He has quite a long, evil past, but
since then has stopped being a thorn in dragon kind's side. I
wouldn’t recommend having anything to do with him, unless
it’s an emergency and all other resources have failed. He
takes the lives that are meant to be over with, and takes
them to the other world, where they can be reborn through
Alextrasza.
He creates storms, hurricanes,
tornadoes, etc. He breathes lightning
breathe. He dwells on our world usually
in the spring, summer and fall times. He
smells like thunder. He is very laid back
and has a good sense of humor.
Beryl- Dragon Goddess of Earth and All things Green,
She is a deep emerald green, with yellow eyes. She is
Khellondros's older sister. She makes things grow, plants,
the earth, grass, etc. She leaves our world during the winter
months. She can be cruel when crossed, but tends to be a bit
mysterious.
Frostwing- Dragon Goddess of Winter
She is a diamond white, with clear, ice like eyes. She is also
Deathwing's daughter. She makes the snow, the ice,
everything that has to do with winter. She is not one to be
crossed. She is cruel, savage, and doesn’t have much of a
sense of humor. Do not contact her directly unless
necessary.
11
The Lotus
~ by Lazy Witch
12
One of the most beautiful flowers and plants of the water world, the Lotus has been used in different forms of magick for thousands of years. Originally found in warmer climates such at Egypt, China and Japan, it has spread across the world and is known as a flower of love and passion. There are even a few species that can be found in our Northwest ponds and small quite lakes. The Lotus is best known for love magick. Anyone who breathes the scent of the Lotus will receive its protection. It also helps in psychic opening and spiritual growth. Sacred to Egyptian gods, Indian gods, Hermes, Oshun, and Osiris. Lotus oil has a high spiritual vibration and is suitable for blessings, anointing’s, meditation and as a dedication oil to your god(s). One who wears Lotus oil is sure of good fortune and much happiness. Going hand in hand with the Lotus is the Lotus Root which can be carried to keep thoughts pleasant and clear. Lotus Root can be uses as a "Fortune Chit" by slicing it on the round. Write "Yes" on one side, flip it over and write "No" on the other. When you need help in making a decision that can be answered with a Yes/No answer, flip your Lotus Root and get your help!! Place the root of a lotus under the tongue, and say the words "SIGN, ARGGIS" toward a locked door and it will miraculously open.
Lotus seeds and pods are used as antidotes to love spells, and any part of the lotus carried or worn ensures blessings by the Gods of good luck. REFERENCES The Extremely Large Herbal Grimoire, on Search Engine Squibd Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
The Lotus-Flower
All the heights of the high shores gleam
Red and gold at the sunset hour:
There comes the spell of a magic dream,
And the Harbor seems a lotus-flower;
A blue flower tinted at dawn with gold,
A broad flower blazing with light at noon,
A flower forever with charms to hold
His heart, who sees it by sun or moon.
Its beauty burns like a ceaseless fire,
And tower looks over the top of tower;
For all mute things it would seem, aspire
To catch a glimpse of the lotus-flower.
Men meet its beauty with furrowed face,
And straight the furrows are smoothed away;
They buy and sell in the market-place,
And languor leadens their blood all day.
At night they look on the flower, and lo!
The City passes with all its cares:
They dream no more in its azure glow,
Of gold and silver and stocks and shares.
The Lotus dreams 'neath the dreaming skies,
Its beauty touching with spell divine
The grey old town, till the old town lies
Like one half-drunk with a magic wine.
Star-loved, it breathes at the midnight hour
A sense of peace from its velvet mouth.
Though flowers be fair -- is there any flower
Like this blue flower of the radiant South?
Sun-loved and lit by the moon it yields
A challenge-glory or glow serene,
And men bethink them of jewelled shields,
A turquoise lighting a ground of green.
Fond lovers pacing beside it see
Not death and darkness, but life and light,
And dream no dream of the witchery
The Lotus sheds on the silent night.
Pale watchers weary of watching stars
That fall, and fall, and forever fall,
Tear-worn and troubled with many scars,
They seek the Lotus and end life's thrall.
The spirit spelled by the Lotus swoons,
Its beauty summons the artist mood;
And thus, perchance, in a thousand moons
Its spell shall work in our waiting blood.
Then souls shall shine with an old-time grace,
And sense be wrapped in a golden trance,
And art be crowned in the market-place
With Love and Beauty and fair Romance.
By Roderic Quinn
The Wicker Man
13
Finding Nature in the City ~ by Kelly Brenner
Perhaps you live in the city, or you’re visiting for a
conference, family or vacation. We’re all nature
fiends here and we need our nature fix. Even those
who are not self-declared nature fiends need their
nature fix, they just aren’t aware of it. Worry not;
it’s not as hard as you might think to find nature in
the city.
How to find it
First of all, you have to change the way you think.
Sure, bears and deer and mountain birds are great,
but you’re not likely to find them in the city center.
Although, sometimes you can be in for a treat when a
Snowy Owl takes out a gull in the middle of a busy
neighborhood, or if you’re lucky enough to live in a
city like Seattle where Orca whales are regularly
spotted. For the most part however, you’ll have to
assume you won’t see these kinds of wildlife. Instead
there are two ways to alter your typical thinking.
The first step is to think very small. Think like an ant!
Insects are most often overlooked, but they can be
abundant in the city. Crawling around on your hands
and knees along 5th avenue might get you some
strange looks, but you won’t be the only one to have
done it. Butterflies, beautiful bees and flies, beetles,
dragonflies and so much more can be found in even
the most urban of places. You will be surprised at
what you find. So bring your hand lens, field guide to
insects and macro lens and watch where you step.
The second step is to open your mind to the common
species. Crows are everywhere it’s true, but you may
gain some incredible insight and learn a lot if you stop
and watch and study them. If you have a doubt about
the incredible draw of common species, read the
fantastic (and one of my very favorites) book Crow
Planet. There is so much to learn about species that
we pass over without a second glance when we’re out
in ‘nature’ looking for more interesting species. Even
now, scientists are learning new things about common
species. Who knows, perhaps you’ll observe something
nobody has ever noticed before.
Where to find it
When you think about finding nature in the city, the
first thing that jumps into your mind is most likely
parks. While that is the most obvious answer, there
are many other places to find nature in the city. Here
is an example of a few.
Small Parks: While the bigger parks get all the news
and attention, even the tiny neighborhood parks can
hold a great deal of excitement. For example in my
neighborhood, is a small wetland park which I’d never
even heard of until I moved here. The bigger parks in
the city are well known to have owls, but I found one
in my park which I saw on a daily basis for over a
month. Just because they don’t get the press doesn’t
mean they can’t harbor interesting wildlife.
Traffic Circles: Visit these
locations with caution as you
don’t want to get run over while
looking for nature. Many cities
have volunteer homeowners
maintain their local traffic
circles. Some of them can be
spectacular and I’ve found some here in Seattle which are simply buzzing with bees,
flies and butterflies. In Vancouver, B.C. there is a
program run by the city which allows people to adopt a
traffic circle or street curb.
14
Community Gardens: If you’re lucky to be in a city
with community gardens (Seattle has over 44 acres)
you’re bound to find some good wildlife.
Cemeteries: One area of green space which is never
paved over is cemeteries and many older ones have
beautiful, mature trees which provide habitat for many
Among the gardens I’ve
visited, one is known as a
butterfly hotspot, another
keeps tracks of all their bird
species. With the flowers
growing and such a diversity
of plants, you’ll find a wide
variety of insects and birds.
Vacant Lots: Whether it’s a lot with weeds so tall
you can’t see the other side, or an old parking lot
with plants starting to poke through the cracks in
the pavement, these are a refuge for all manner of
wildlife and plants.
Green Roofs: Many cities such
as Portland, Chicago and
Seattle have added a
tremendous amount of green
roofs in recent years. While
many are private, there are
many more which have
observation decks or are
accessible to the public. Many of these roofs are finding a surprising amount of
wildlife on them. Green walls are starting to catch
up in popularity and can also be places for birds to
nest and other wildlife to shelter.
Bridges: This may seems like a strange one for the
list, but bridges are well known to many as excellent
places to find wildlife. Many Peregrine falcons can be
found nesting on bridges and bats roosting in Austin
create a huge tourist draw as they leave each night
to go out in search of insects.
many species. They are also a
quiet, peaceful place in a city
where you can get away from
people and noise.
Golf Courses: Fancy hitting the links while you get
your nature fix? Many golf courses attract an
abundance of wildlife. When you slice your ball off into
the pond, you can check out the frogs and dragonflies
while you make your drop. Just be sure not to get too
absorbed in the wildlife you forget to watch out for
other bad golfer’s balls flying at your head. I never
said watching city wildlife was safe!
There are many more places to find nature in the city
and more and more urban designers are starting to
include habitat in their plans. If you’d like to find out
more about incorporating habitat into urban
landscapes, visit my blog, The Metropolitan Field
Guide.
Kelly Brenner writes The Metropolitan Field Guide, a blog for ideas, thoughts and resources for the design of urban wildlife habitat. She earned a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Oregon. Kelly has studied and watched wildlife from a very young age in the great Pacific Northwest and from that has nurtured her passion for creating, discovering and encouraging habitat development in the urban environment. In addition to the blog, The Metropolitan Field Guide can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr. For fun, she enjoys traveling and taking photographs which can be found online at Kelly Brenner Photography.
15
Why Is A Wicca Altar Important?
Any altar is a symbolic
manifestation of your innermost
self. It is an expression of your
heart's longing and your soul's
potential. It is also a focal point
for your devotion . . . A spiritual
practice arena for devotion to
the Divine.
Temples Within And Without
We each have a Temple in our
inner hearts. And any spiritual
process is about entering and
worshiping there. But it's not
easy to access something so
abstract. So, like your symbols
and tools and Gods and
Goddesses, you create something
that comes through the gate of
your senses. Something you can
see and smell and touch. Even
hear and taste, if possible. The
more senses you engage, and the
more you balance your sense
perceptions, the more you can
access the spiritual levels that
you seek. In this context, altars
are not some esoteric mystery,
but the most natural expression
of what has value to you.
Natural Altars
So, in the broadest terms, an
altar is any collection of items
that are personally meaningful.
Almost everyone has one . . . That
collection of photographs on the
bedside table. The mementoes
that gather on the mantle place.
These are altars to your loves and
your life. When you want to make
an altar dedicated to your
spiritual life, you simply focus a
little more. You put only items
that uplift your spirit and remind
you of your ideals. That's all any
spiritual altar is - Wiccan or
Your Private Relationship With
The Goddess
You will want to give your Wicca
altar the respect it deserves.
Especially once you've
experienced the Power that your
altar can move, in your life. Only
those to whom you could safely
entrust your most tender
feelings should see this . . . if
anyone. Even then, think about it
carefully. There is no reason why
you should share this altar at all.
Your spiritual life is between you
and the Divine. Your Wicca altar
is the outward manifestation of
this relationship. It can be kept
completely confidential.
Sometimes the most sacred
things need to be kept silent
about. Your relationship with the
Divine is the deepest of
relationships. Just as you are
unlikely to let people watch while
you and your beloved are making
love (or so I assume ), keep your
most personal altar truly sacred.
All your other altars can be as
open as you (and they) like.
It's Simple
A Wicca altar doesn't have to be
complicated or costly. You don't
really need anything other than
what you have on hand, or can
easily find for free. You don't
even need a specially designed
altar table. Many people set up
altars in convenient places, like
an end table, a dresser, a mantle,
even on top of the TV! For a
private altar, a hutch with closing
doors, or a bedside table can
work well. And don't forget your
outdoor spaces - perfect for
Wicca altars!
otherwise . . .
A symbol to help you remember . .
• Who you really are,
• Where you really come from, and
• Where you are choosing to go!
Your Altar Nourishes Your Soul
Once you make your first conscious
altar, and discover how beautiful
and nourishing it can be, you may
find yourself wanting to make
altars everywhere.
Go for it! How could you possibly go
wrong, bringing the blessings of the
Divine wherever you are. Your
office, your car, your bedroom, . . .
all are perfect places for an altar.
. . . Because every altar becomes a
home for what you enshrine there.
When you create an altar to the
Divine, She lives there. (So behave
accordingly!)
You’re Inner Temple
You'll probably want to keep at
least one altar private. Put it in a
personal part of your house, or
somewhere you can discretely close
a door and keep it from sight. This
can be your innermost Temple's
altar . . . the Heart of your witchy
heart. This is where you can put
your most personal and meaningful
items.
The Power Of Keeping Silent
This privacy isn't about hiding. It's
the Fourth Power of the Witch:
holding silence. When something is
very sacred, it's not easy to talk
about it. The words don't exist, for
one thing. Even more, the respect
for Soul and Spirit isn't common in
our culture. So to expose your
innermost Temple to idle curiosity,
disdain, or ill intent is to open your
Heart to violation and disperse the
Power gathered by your altar. 16
Wicca Altar cont….
• Old stumps,
• Hollows or nooks in trees,
• On top of stones,
• Beside creeks,
• Small caves . . .
Anyplace you aren't likely to step or sit on it, you can
set up a little altar.
Tending Your Wicca Altar
Tending an altar is a wonderful spiritual practice that
anyone can do. It's very forgiving, as spiritual practices
go. Which makes it perfect for those of us who are not
yet particularly disciplined?
The Magick in a Wicca Altar
The benefits of tending your altar are not all in the
spiritual realm. Your daily life will reflect what's
happening on your altar. In other words, when you make
changes on your altar, you will alter your life.
If you feel stuck at work, for instance, alter things in
the spiritual realm. Clean your altar thoroughly. Put on a.
fresh altar cloth in a bright color. Decorate it with some
new Wiccan stuff. And then watch your life
transform. This magickal benefit creates motivation
to keep your altar devotion up. The Care and Feeding
of Your Altar has more on these topics.
Summary
Some people will try to tell you that you absolutely
must have this or that on your Wicca altar. If so,
smile politely, say thank you, and walk away.
It's your altar. And it's your spiritual Path. There
are no rules for what kind of Wiccan stuff you put
there, except the Silver Rule - do what works for
you.
Be creative. When making a Wicca altar, let your
heart speak. Let your inner magickal child express
the wonder and delight in the world that you once
had.
This is your pure divine self-expressing itself.
And that's what spiritual practice is all about.
With Bright Blessings,
SOME SUBSTITUTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS ~ by Lazy Witch
Some of you may have a very large collection of
Essential Oils in your Magic Cupboard while
others, like myself, have very few, using these
oils primarily for anointing candles or just a dot
on my forehead before doing ritual or ceremony.
I do my best to keep my stock limited so they are
fresh and full of energy.
In an effort to help our readers to know what can
be substituted for some of the more frequently
used oils, here's a short list you might wish to
keep handy.
Essential Oil Substitute
Bergamot = Grapefruit
Chamomile = Lavender
Clary Sage = Equal Parts of Sage and Nutmeg
Grapefruit = Lemon
Jasmine = Ylang Ylang
Lemongrass = Lemon
Mandarin = Orange
Patchouli = Vetiver
Rose = Rose Geranium
Sandalwood = Equal Parts of Benzoin and
Cedarwood
Spearmint = Peppermint
Tea Tree = Equal parts of Lavender and White
Camphor
These substitutions will only slightly affect the
fragrance of a blend, and will often drastically
reduce the cost. You can use this table as a
guideline for experimenting with other aromatic
recipes, sometimes you can even get away with
double substitutions (i.e., using Lemon for
Grapefruit for Bergamont) without significantly
affecting the fragrance.
Source: From the New Jersey Pagans Notes on Facebook, Thursday, 21 March 2013, crediting The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood. 17
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Correspondences: Spring Flower Magic
As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually
bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow
have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often
connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring
is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around
you, and consider the different magical applications they
might have.
• Crocus: This flower is one of the first you'll see in the
spring, and it's often associated with newly blooming love.
The crocus is also known to enhance visions and bring
about intuitive dreams.
• Daffodil: The bright petals of the daffodil are
typically found in shades of white, yellow or even pale
orange. This flower is associated with love and fertility --
place fresh ones in your home to bring about abundance.
Wear this flower close to your heart to draw love and
luck.
• Dandelion: The leaf of the dandelion is used for
healing, purification, and ritual cleansing. To bring positive
change about, plant dandelions in the northwest corner of
your property. The bright yellow flowers can be used in
divination, or placed in a sachet to draw good energy your
way.
• Echinacea: Also called purple coneflower, this garden
mainstay adds a little bit of magical "oomph" to charms
and sachets. Use it for prosperity related workings. Burn
the dried flowers in incense, and use on your altar during
ritual as an offering to deities.
• Goldenseal: This sunny yellow flower is often found
growing in the wild, alongside roads and in fields. Use it in
money spells, or for business dealings. Work it into
charms connected to matters of financial gain or legal
issues.
• Hibiscus: This lusty flower incites passion -- use it to
attract love or lust, or for prophetic dreams about your
lover. Burn in incense, or carry in a sachet to bring love
your way.
• Hyacinth: This flower was named for Hyakinthos, a
Greek divine hero who was beloved by Apollo, so it's
sometimes considered the patron herb of homosexual
men. Hyacinth is also known to promote peaceful sleep,
and guards against nightmares. Carry in an amulet to help
heal a broken heart or to ease grief when a loved one
dies.
• Lily: The Easter lily or Tiger lily is associated with all
• Lily: The Easter lily or Tiger lily is associated
with all kinds of Spring connections -- fertility,
rebirth, renewal and abundance.
• Narcissus: Named for another Greek figure, the
Narcissus helps promote polarity and harmony. Its
calming vibrations bring about tranquility and inner
peace.
• Tulip: The tulip appears in many different colors
and varieties, but is typically connected to
prosperity. You can use the different colored
variations in color magic -- use a dark strain such
as Queen of the Night for full moon rituals, or
bright red flowers for love magic.
• Violet: In Roman myth, the first violet sprung
from the spilled blood of the god Attis, who killed
himself for Cybele, the mother goddess. However,
today the violet is associated with tranquility and
peace. The leaf offers protection from evil, and
can be sewn into a pillow or sachet for a new baby.
Carry the petals with you to bring about luck and
enhance nighttime magic.
Important: Remember that some plants can be
toxic to pets. Before you plant or pick any of
these, be sure to check to make sure it won't be
harmful to your furry companions. A great resource
to check is on the ASPCA website at Toxic & Non-
Toxic Plants.
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
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Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is all about reward .
Unlike the Aries love of the game, Taurus loves the rewards of
the game. Think physical pleasures and material goods, for
those born under this sign revel in delicious excess. They are
also a tactile lot, enjoying a tender, even sensual, touch. Taurus
adores comfort and likes being surrounded by pleasing,
soothing things. Along these lines, they also favor a good meal
and a fine wine. The good life in all its guises, whether it's the
arts or art of their own making (yes, these folks are artistic as
well), is heaven on Earth to the Taurus-born.
It's the Bull that serves as the Taurus's mascot, and along with
that comes the expectation that these folks are bull-headed and
stubborn. Yes, they are. Hey, this sign has a Fixed Quality
attached to it after all, so expect that things will occasionally
grind to a halt. That said, Taurus does not start out with the
intention of getting stuck. They simply want to get things done,
and it's that steady, dogged persistence that winds up being
viewed as stubbornness. Bulls are actually among the most
practical and reliable members of the zodiac, and they are
happy to plod along, as it were, in pursuit of their goals. The
good news for Bulls is that once they get to the finish line,
they'll swaddle themselves in material goods. A self-indulgent
beast? Perhaps, but if you toiled as laboriously as these folks
do, you'd need some goodies, too.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, a lovely goddess who didn't deny
herself many things. In ancient Roman mythology, Venus was
the Goddess of Love, Beauty and Pleasure, and Taurus has
pretty much taken up where she left off. Bulls are fond of all
things pretty, whether it's in their home, at a museum or on the
stage. Life as one sweet pas de deux is how the Taurus-born
like it. To onlookers, this may look like so much materialism
and blessed excess, but Bulls really aren't interested in living
without beauty in their lives. Beauty to the Bull also comes in
the way of a happy home life, one that includes a partner and a
stable relationship.
Taurus values harmony in their personal lives, so they'll work
hard on keeping their mate happy. The Bull's penchant for
sensual pleasures, of course, can only help things along!
Bulls can also be the sappiest of sentimentalists. Will all this
overweening attention to their mate turn a Bull into a
possessive mess? Probably not, although these folks do have to
manage their tendency to latch on a bit tight. At the end of the
day, however, Taurus’s are true romantics and loyal to the core.
The Element associated with Taurus is Earth. No pie-in-the-sky
for these practical folks, since they'd much rather be on terra
firma.
Bulls tend toward conservatism, and this is often seen in their
day-to-day behavior. No far-out schemes (that's Air) or
shrieking ultimatums (more like Fire) here. Taurus much
prefers to take each day slowly and steadily and work toward
their ultimate goal. Along these lines, those born under this
sign are happy to stick with their projects until they have
reached a successful conclusion. They are also extremely
patient and dependable along the way. Does that sound earthy
enough? The only kink in this well-oiled chain is the heckler
in the gallery that tries to upbraid the Bull. These folks may
not have a hair-trigger temper, but it's short enough. Bulls in a
hissy fit can get pretty argumentative, but eventually they'll
calm down and come back to center, since these folks would
much rather be Zen. The Earth in this sign does tend to act as a
balancing mechanism so that things never get truly out of
hand. For every one person who considers the Bull a pain,
there are two who will say 'No way!' and happily take the
Taurus' gentle charms any day.
Seeing as how Bulls are generally strong and well-built, it's no
surprise that these folks enjoy testing their strength on the field
of play. Expect to find a Bull engaged in a spirited game of
hoops or mountain climbing. Hiking is also a favorite pastime,
since it keeps Taurus close to their beloved earth. Indoor
adventures are also favored by Bulls, which is why the opera
or ballet is right up a Taurus's alley. When it comes to love,
the Taurus-born are devoted, romantic and somewhat
possessive. Their sensual nature has a way of erasing any
mistakes! Since Taurus rules the neck and throat, Bulls would
be wise to keep a silky scarf at hand, ideally in a warm (and
soothing) earth tone.
The great strength of Taurus is in their stability, loyalty and
dogged determination. Bulls want to get the job done, and they
will. What better way to get the riches they so fervently crave?
The Bull
April 21 to May 21
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Gemini May 21 - June 21
Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, and those born under this
sign will be quick to tell you all about it. That's because they
love to talk! It's not just idle chatter with these folks, either. The
driving force behind a Gemini's conversation is their mind. The
Gemini-born are intellectually inclined, forever probing people
and places in search of information. The more information a
Gemini collects, the better. Sharing that information later on
with those they love is also a lot of fun, for Gemini’s are
supremely interested in developing their relationships.
Dalliances with these folks are always enjoyable, since
Gemini’s are bright, quick-witted and the proverbial life of the
party. Even though their intellectual minds can rationalize
forever and a day, Gemini’s also have a surplus of imagination
waiting to be tapped. Can a Gemini be boring? Never!
Since Gemini’s are a mix of the yin and the yang, they are
represented perfectly by the Twins. The Gemini-born can easily
see both sides of an issue, a wonderfully practical quality. Less
practical is the fact that you're not sure which Twin will show
up half the time. Gemini’s may not know who's showing up
either, which can prompt others to consider them fickle and
restless.
They can be wishy-washy, too, changing their mood on a
simple whim. It's this characteristic which readily suggests the
Mutable Quality assigned to this sign. Mutable folks are flexible
and go with the flow. Further, the Twins are adaptable and
dexterous and can tackle many things at once. It's a good thing,
too, when you consider their myriad interests. The downside of
such a curious mind, however, can be a lack of follow-through.
How much can any one person do, anyway?
Ruled by Mercury, Gemini’s exhibit a delicious brand of
mercurial energy. They are quick-thinking, quick-witted and
fast on their feet, much like the messenger god of Roman
mythology that rules their sign. Gemini’s are both curious and
clever, which is why they are such a hit at cocktail parties.
Although they talk a great game, they also love to listen and
learn. With any kind of luck, the Twins will find themselves in
interesting company, because if they don't, they are likely to get
bored and start fidgeting. Any social setting is a good one for a
Gemini, however, since these folks are charming, congenial and
love to share themselves with their friends. While their
effusiveness may be misconstrued as scheming by some,
Gemini’s generally have their hearts in the right place. It's that
ample energy which can also paint them as scatterbrained and
unfocused, but behind all that zipping around, the Twins are
busily filing all that good data away.
The element associated with Gemini is Air. Air signs are the
thinking person's signs, and the Twins don't disappoint.
Those born under this sign prize intellect and consider it the
key to all things. At work, they are the clearest of thinkers,
looking at a project from all (well, at least two) sides and
putting forth some logical and well-thought-out ideas. This
quality makes Gemini’s an asset to any team, and while these
folks are not inclined to take the lead, they are a most
valuable component. It's also the Gemini's literary bent that
allows them to offer a useful perspective on most any
situation. The Twins also enjoy bringing their objective
reasoning and big-picture ability into their personal
relationships. While some may perceive all this logical
thought as cold and unemotional, it's simply how these folks
tick. They want to connect, they just do it their own way.
Luckily for Gemini’s (and their pals), their lightness of spirit
and youthful exuberance help them to appear forever young.
In keeping with that skip in their step, Gemini’s enjoy short
road trips -- and their agile minds and nimble hands ensure
that they could change a tire (if needed) in no time flat. Is all
of this Twin-energy more than any one person can handle?
Ah, maybe that's why they are two.
When it comes to sports, Gemini’s would seem a natural for
doubles tennis -- and they are. They love the camaraderie of
games and play, which is why they excel at team events.
Whether it's volleyball or a game of charades, Gemini’s are
always ready to play. A book club would certainly stimulate
their literary minds. In the game of love, Gemini’s are
playful, flirtatious and endless fun. Physically speaking,
Gemini rules the nervous system, which is why Twins should
practice yoga or deep breathing techniques. Layering
themselves in soft yellows and blues will also calm their
mood.
The great strength of the Gemini-born is in their ability to
communicate effectively and to think clearly.
Adventures of the mind are what the Twins are all about.
They also love to share themselves with their friends, and
they make for charming companions.
Gemini traits, both good and bad:
Gemini Positive Traits
Very versatile and can adapt to anything
Talkative and quick-witted
Smart and polite
Energetic
Gemini Negative Traits
Prone to nervousness and tense
inconsistent &Superficial
Inquisitive & Cunning
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The GOD/DESSES of WATER
By Lazy Witch
Egyptian Sobek - God of the Nile River
Nephthys - Goddess of the rivers
Fijian Daucian - God of seafaring
Dakuwaqa - the Shark God who
directs the seafarer to his
destination
Finnish Ahti - God of the depths and fish
Vellamo - The wife of Ahti and
Goddess of the sea, lakes and
storms
Greek (there are many, many
gods and goddesses the Greeks
used for the waters. These are
just a very few!)
Amphitrite - Sea Goddess and
consort of Poseidon
Poseidon - King of the sea and
lord of the sea gods; also god of
rivers, storms, flood and drought,
earthquakes and horses. His
Roman equivalent is Neptune.
Haitian Agwe - A loa who rules over the
sea, fish and aquatic plants, and
the patron loa of fishermen and
sailors
Clermeil - A loa who made rivers
flood their banks
In preparing for this month's
column, I came across more
Water Gods and Goddesses
than I could shake a stick at.
Since most of us practice a
combination of Magick from
around the world, I've decided
to give you three or four or so
from different paths. I hope
you will find one or two that will
suit you in your workings.
Aztec Tlaloc - God of thunder, rain
and earthquakes.
Chalchiuhtlicue - Goddess of
water, lakes, rivers, seas,
streams, horizontal waters,
storms, and baptism.
Ainu Pepun Kamui - God of the sea
Canaanite Yam - God of rivers and the sea
Celtic Boann (Irish) - Goddess of the
River Boyne
Lir (Irish) - God of the sea
Chinese Gong Gong - Water God
responsible for the great
floods, together with Xiang Yao
Mazu - Water Goddess and
protector of sailors
Hawaiian Kanaloa - God of the Ocean
Namaka - Sea Goddess
Roman Fontus - God of wells and
springs
Neptune - King of the sea
Salacia - Neptune's queen
These are only a very few of
the Gods, Goddesses and spirits
of the sea and water. For a
more expanded listing go to
Wikipedia at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lis
t_of_water_deities
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The Magick of Water
Water is flowing. It is emotional, it is psychic. Water is cleansing, cooling, and calming. Water is the element of the subconscious mind, of intuition, and of the astral plane. The elementals of Water are the Undines, and they control to a great degree the movement and flow of streams, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Undines may be found in any place water exists, in a droplet of water, and in oceans. Water is Feminine, Its direction is West, Its symbol is the Chalice, Its color is Blue. Autumn is its season, and its time is Twilight. Water Magick may be used in calming a hurt, Easing the flow of a situation, Aiding in emotional distress.
The elemental energy in water spells is used for
magick involving love, friendship, mystery, psychic
abilities, healing, dreams and sleep. You'll want to
add some water elements for any magick that has to
do with your emotions or the astral world beyond.
So if you're looking to cast a water spell, here are
some of the things you could use:
Stones like moonstone, aquamarine, jade or
malachite
Altar tools like a chalice or cup
Oils and herbs such as valerian, jasmine or
gardenia
Though drinking is a common part of water magick,
ritual baths are another great way to bring in some
water energy to your spells.
Peaceful Dreams Spell This spell can help promote a more restful sleep and pleasant dreams. An ideal magickal option if you're under stress and can't sleep. This is what you need: • 1 tsp coarse salt • 1/2 oz rosemary • 1 oz rose petals • 1 oz valerian • 3 pieces of moonstone • Glass bowl Before bed, fill the bowl with water then add the salt and herbs. Stir it around gently, and repeat the following:
Bring me quiet Bring me peace
Ease my dreams Nightmares cease
Drop the 3 moonstones into the bowl, and place it near your bed. Go to sleep and let the bowl absorb any negative dreams.
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By Jaclyn Geller
There is an ongoing debate as to the exact origins of
“Jumping the Broom”. Dating back to slave days,
jumping the broom together has been part of
weddings for couples who want to honor that
tradition. It also has roots in the Celtic culture and
including but not limited to Welsh, Celtics, Druids, and
Gypsies and some aboriginal or shamanistic cultures.
During the early days of the American south, when
slavery was still a legal institution, slaves were not
legally allowed to marry one another. Instead, a
ceremony was held where the couple would jump over
a broom in front of witnesses, either together or
separately. No one is really sure where the tradition
originated.
Once African-Americans were legally allowed to
marry in the United States, the tradition of
broom-jumping virtually disappeared -- after all, it
was no longer needed. However, there has been a
resurgence in popularity, due in no small part to
the miniseries Roots.
Danita Rountree Green,
author of Broom Jumping:
A Celebration of Love
suggests the practice
came from Ghana: where
bridal brooms were waved
above the heads of
newlyweds and their
parents, but she also says
there's no hard proof of
the custom existing there. Some believe this “Jumping the Broom” ritual
was originated by the Asian culture: where the placing
of sticks on the ground represents the couple's new
home; having the duo leap over the bundle. The late
scholar and folklorist Alan Dundes makes the
argument that the tradition of jumping a broom
originated among England's Rom, or gypsy, population.
Dundes also points out that the broom is highly
symbolic, saying, "the symbolic significance of the
ritual to be the 'stepping over' as a metaphor for
sexual intercourse. If a woman's jumping over a
broomstick produces a child, one could reasonably
assume that the broomstick has phallic properties*."
There are several
historical book
references, pictures,
illustrations and
historical artifacts
proving of its existence.
The earliest
documented reference
given to the phrase “Jumping the Broom” is in the 1774 Oxford
English Dictionary, a quote from the Westminster
Magazine: "He had no inclination for a Broomstick-
marriage" and in the late 1700’s a song was
published in The Times of 1789, mocking this
tradition; a lyric referring to the rumored
concealed marriage between the Prince Regent
and Mrs. FitzHerbert; “Their way to
consummation was by hopping o’er a broom, sir.”
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Jumping the Broom: Besom Weddings
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
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Crafty Witch’s Book Review
Witchcraft for the Hearth and Home
Author Deanna Anderson recently released Magick for the Kitchen Witch, a guide for those of us who see
the hearth as the center of the home. The tradition
of kitchen witchery has its roots in early folk magic
and folklore itself, and has lived on in the modern
Neopagan movement. Anderson's book, the first in a
proposed series, takes a look at how we can
incorporate magical living into our homes, our hearths,
and our daily lives with the kitchen witch philosophy.
Each chapter looks at a different aspect of the
kitchen witch methodology. In a section on Food
Magick, Anderson tackles one my of my personal
favorites -- the idea of incorporating magical energy
into cooking. She suggests magical ingredients for pie
fillings, sigils to be inscribed on crusts, herbal broths
and teas, and more. Another chapter looks at simple
healing magic, such as homemade lip balms and health
charms. Unlike many authors who simply say, "Use
these herbs to feel better!", Anderson is savvy
enough to include a disclaimer that medical advice
regarding illnesses should be sought out from a
licensed practitioner.
The always-adaptable witch bottle gets a chapter of
its own, and Anderson offers some great ideas on how
to fill one based upon your needs. She provides
recipes for a variety of bottles -- one to protect the
home, another for peace and quiet, still another to be
given as a wedding gift.
Chapter 11 covers Divination and Scrying, and it's one
of the best sections of all. She looks at techniques
found in folklore and traditional hill magic, such as the
uses of acorns, stones, or even needles as divinatory
tools. I'd have liked to see her go into more details
about some of these, and hope that at some point she
writes a book focusing solely on divination, because
each of the topics in this section could
easily have an entire chapter of its own.
In fact, if I had one complaint about this
book, it would be that because Anderson
tries to cover so much great material, a
few of the chapters leave me wanting
more. I wouldn't have minded seeing some
of the ideas fleshed out in more detail.
The chapter on witch ladders and knot
magic seemed all too short, as did the one
on the use of candles as a magical tool. I
know Anderson has a creative flair, and
I'd like to see more, so I'm hoping that
she's indeed able to produce an entire
series of useful books for folks
interested in kitchen witchcraft.
On the whole, I'd highly recommend
Magick for the Kitchen Witch, not just to
beginners but to more experienced
practitioners as well. It's a good general
overview of kitchen witchery and folk
magic techniques, and hopefully we'll see
a lot more in the future from Deanna
Anderson.
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Beltane Ritual for
KIDS
By Alena Orrison
You will need: • Fresh flowers, dandelions, daffodils, any spring flower that grows in your area (make sure that you have enough for each child to end up with a small bouquet, as they will be wrapping them in the ritual) • Ribbons of every color that ties in with spring
1. Arrange the flowers on the altar to look pretty. You can have the kiddos do this. Make sure that your ribbon is cut long enough to go around a few flowers though.
2. Have the boys in your group pick up half of the flowers and present them to the girls (if there aren’t enough boys and girls mixed in your gathering, just have everyone take half of their flowers and give them to the person next to them). As the flowers are given, have the boys (or everyone) say,
(if your group is all doing the same thing, just have everyone hold up their flowers and speak to the Goddess as opposed to speaking to each other) 3. Have the girls in the group take half of their ribbons and present them to the boys (again, if there aren’t enough, just pass half of the ribbon to the person next to them). As the ribbons are given, have the girls (or everyone) say,
(again, if your group is all doing the same thing, just have them hold up the ribbons and speak to the God)
4. Have each child hold their bouquets of flowers, and their ribbons and have them begin wrapping the stalks of flowers with the ribbon. As they begin to wrap, read this story:
After the story and everyone has wrapped their flowers with ribbon, place the bundles of flowers either on the altar or in areas the children can sense faeries and/or the Goddess. Then celebrate with small cakes or cookies and juice.
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Crafts for
KIDS
By Alena Orrison
Pipecleaner Faeries Friends Here is a fun project to do with children of all ages. I made one before crafting with the kiddos to see how much help they would need. I found that hot glue worked much better than crafting or school glue, so obviously the children would need help with that. The rest wasn’t too hard. I found the directions I followed in Family Fun Magazine. What you'll need: o Silklike artificial flowers o Scissors o Red and pink markers o Fine-tip black marker o Drilled 16 mm round wooden bead o Pipe cleaner for the body o Wire cutters o Embroidery floss (about 4 feet) o Hot Glue Gun o Pipe cleaner, feathers or butterfly wings for the
wings
Creative Tips: To choose a flower skirt, hold the bloom upside down and envision it on a fairy before you buy it. Add a dried flower wand or a tiny crown for special midnight parties.
How to make it: Separate the flower from the stem. If it
doesn't pull off, use scissors. Select as many layers of petals as you like for the fairy's skirt.
Use the markers to draw a face on the
wooden bead. Be sure the hole is at the top of the head.
Fold the body pipe cleaner into thirds and
use wire cutters to snip off a third.
For the hair, wind the embroidery floss around your fingers to form a mini skein.
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Bend the longer piece of pipe cleaner in half and tuck the floss in the fold. Thread both pipe cleaner ends through the bead head.
Make sure the head is tight against the floss, then snip the floss loops. Use a glue stick to keep the hair in place on the sides and back of the head.
Thread the legs through the petal skirt. Slide the skirt up under the arms and twist the legs to keep it in place.
Fold in the tips of the legs and arms to hide the sharp ends and to form hands and feet.
Pipe cleaner wings: Wrap the wings pipe cleaner around the fairy's waist and twist it tightly in back. Shape the ends into wings, then trim any extra. Or feather or butterfly wings: Choose 2 small feathers (or cut a large feather in half across its spine), or butterfly wings (some fake flowers have these embellishments) and attach them with glue.
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By Alena Orrison
Here is another fun project for everyone. You can use the time creating the mini Maypoles to give some background information on Beltane and the customs. Since Beltane is a celebration of marriage between the Goddess and God, and often has heavy sexual undertones, use your best judgment when discussing this Sabbat with your children. Take into consideration their age, maturity level, and curiosity. This project also uses hot glue so children will need some help. It’s best to pre-prep the pots and poles if possible, especially if working with younger children who have shorter attention spans. I don’t have step-by-step photos for this project, so if you have any questions, just give me a shout at [email protected] What you’ll need: o 2” terra cotta planter with base - one for each person o 18” long wooden dowel, 5/8” diameter (able to fit through
the hole in the bottom of the pot) - one for each person o Paint, glitter, markers, etc. to decorate the Maypole o Small fake flowers o Ribbons various colors cut to 18-22” in length, depending on
how long you want them, 7-10 for each person o Hot glue gun
How to make it: Place hot glue along the rim of the pot, turn it upside down and put it on the base. Place the dowel in the hole and use hot glue around it to secure the dowel. Decorate the base and pole as desired using paint, glitter, sequins, markers - anything goes! If you want flowers around the base, now is the time to add them.
Decorate the base and pole as desired using paint, glitter, sequins, markers - anything goes! If you want flowers around the base, now is the time to add them.
Hot glue the ribbons to the top of the pole, rotating them so they hang all around the pole. If desired, decorate the top of the pole with more flowers.
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Wiccan Rede
Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must,
in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.
Form the circle thrice about, to keep unwanted spirits out.
To bind ye spell every time, let ye spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye, light of touch, speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, singing out ye Witches’ Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out ye Baneful Rune.
When the Lady’s moon is new, kiss your hand to her times two.
When the moon rides at her peak, then ye heart’s desire seek.
Heed the North wind’s mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West, departed souls may have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in ye cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be ye Lady’s tree, burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.
When the wheel begins to turn, soon ye Beltaine fire’ll burn.
When the wheel hath turned to Yule, light the log the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady blessed be.
Where the rippling waters flow, cast a stone and truth ye’ll know.
When ye have and hold a need, harken not to other's greed.
With a fool no season spend, nor be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind ye threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is anow, wear the blue star upon thy brow.
True in love ye must ever be, lest thy love be false to thee.
In these eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,
‘An ye harm none, do what ye will.