tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83057364339059128992024-02-20T19:19:29.097-05:00The Crafty WitchAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-46046303661214972802014-11-24T16:02:00.000-05:002014-11-24T16:02:00.719-05:00Celtic Tree Month of Elder begins tomorrow<h2 class="heading ">
Elder Moon: November 24 - December 23</h2>
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The Elder Moon is a month of beginnings and endings. </div>
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The <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/a/About_Yule.htm">winter solstice</a> has passed, and the Elder moon is a time of endings. Although the Elder can be damaged easily, it recovers quickly and springs back to life, corresponding to the approaching New Year. Called <em>Ruish</em> by the Celts (pronounced <em>roo-esh</em>), the month of Elder is a good time for workings related to creativity and renewal. It is a time of beginnings and endings, births and deaths, and rejuvenation. Elder is also said to protect against demons and other negative entities. Use in magic connected to Faeries and other nature spirits.</div>
</figcaption>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-16483503161633103672014-11-21T13:39:00.000-05:002014-11-21T13:39:44.759-05:00How To Make a Book of Shadows<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="BOS1e.JPG - Image © Patti Wigington 2014; Licensed to About.com" class=" addPinit" data-description="Make a Pagan Book of Shadows: Your BOS contains all of the important magical information of your tradition." src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/h/Q/-/-/BOS1e.JPG" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/h/Q/-/-/BOS1e.JPG" height="288" itemprop="image" width="385" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The <strong><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/ig/Magical-Tools/Book-of-Shadows.htm">Book of Shadows</a> (BOS)</strong> is used to store information you'll need in your magical tradition, whatever it may be. Many Pagans and Wiccans feel a BOS should be handwritten, but some use a computer to store information as well. Bear in mind that a BOS is considered </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Craft_Tools.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a sacred tool</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, which means it is an item of power that should </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Consecrate_Tool.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">be consecrated</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> with all of your other </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/godsandgoddesses/ss/How-To-Make-Pagan-Prayer-Beads.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical tools</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Copy spells and </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/a/Year_Rituals.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">rituals</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> into your BOS by hand – this will not only transfer energy to the writer, but it also helps you to memorize the contents. Make sure you write legibly enough that you’ll be able to read your notes during a ritual!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To make your Book of Shadows, begin with a blank notebook. A popular method is to use a three-ring binder so items can be added and rearranged as needed. If you use this style of BOS, you can use sheet protectors as well, which is great for preventing </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/a/Candle_Magic.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">candle wax</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and other ritual drippings from getting on the pages! Whatever you select, your title page should include your name. Make it fancy or simple, depending on your preference, but remember that the BOS is a magical object and should be treated accordingly. Many witches simply write, <em>“The Book of Shadows of [your name]”</em> on the front page.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What format should you use? Some witches are known to create elaborate Books of Shadows in secret, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="7" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/thecelticogham/ig/Ogham-Symbol-Gallery-/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical alphabets</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Unless you’re fluent enough in one of these systems that you can read it without having to check notes or a chart, stick with your native language. While a spell looks beautiful written out in flowing Elvish script or Klingon lettering, the fact is that it’s just hard to read unless you’re an Elf or a Klingon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When it comes to the contents of your personal BOS, there are a few sections that are nearly universally included.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Laws of your coven or tradition:</strong> Believe it or not, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="8" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/faq/f/Rules_Magic.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magic has rules</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. While they may vary from group to group, it’s a really good idea to keep them at the front of your BOS as a reminder of what constitutes acceptable behavior and what doesn’t. If you’re part of an eclectic tradition that doesn’t have written rules, or if you’re a solitary witch, this is a good place to write down what YOU think are acceptable rules of magic. After all, if you don’t set yourself some guidelines, how will you know when you’ve crossed over them? This may include a variation on the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="9" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/recommendedreading/a/Wiccan_Rede.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wiccan Rede</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, or some similar concept.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="10" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/OurChristianFriends/f/Why-Would-A-Pagan-Have-A-Bible.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dedication</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> If you’ve been initiated into a coven, you may want to include a copy of your </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="11" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/faq/f/Initiation_Req.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">initiation</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> ceremony here. However, many Wiccans </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="12" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Self_Dedication.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dedicate themselves</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to a God or Goddess long before they </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="13" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/howtofindacoven/How_to_Find_the_Coven_Thats_Right_for_You.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">become part of a coven</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. This is a good place to write out who you are dedicating yourself to, and why. This can be a lengthy essay, or it can be as simple as saying, <em>“I, Willow, dedicate myself to the Goddess today, June 21, 2007.”</em></span></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Gods and Goddesses:</strong> Depending on what pantheon or tradition you follow, you may have a single </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="14" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/godsandgoddesses/Gods_and_Goddesses_Found_in_Paganism_and_Wicca.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">God and Goddess</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, or a number of them. Your BOS is a good place to keep legends and myths and even artwork concerning your Deity. If your practice is an eclectic blend of different spiritual paths, it’s a good idea to include that here.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><strong><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="15" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/spellworkfolkmagic/tp/Magical-Correspondence-Tables.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Correspondence</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> tables:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> When it comes to spellcasting, correspondence tables are some of your most important tools. </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="16" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/moonphasemagic/Moon_Phase_Magic.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Phases of the moon</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="17" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">herbs</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="18" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/tp/Crystals.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">stones and crystals</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, colors – all have different meanings and purposes. Keeping a chart of some sort in your BOS guarantees that this information will be at the ready when you really need it. If you have access to a good almanac, it’s not a bad idea to record a years’ worth of </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="19" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/fullmooncorrespondences/tp/Magical-Moon-Phases.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">moon phases</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> by date in your BOS.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sabbat rituals:</strong> The </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="20" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/Wiccan_and_Pagan_Holidays_and_Celebrations.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wheel of the Year</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> includes eight holidays for most Wiccans and Pagans, although some traditions do not celebrate all of them. Your BOS can include rituals for each of the Sabbats. For example, for </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="21" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/Celebrate_Samhain_The_Witchs_New_Year.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> you may wish to create a rite that honors your ancestors and celebrates the end of the harvest, while for </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="22" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/a/About_Yule.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yule</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> you may want to write down a celebration of the winter Solstice. A Sabbat celebration can be as simple or complex as you wish.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Other rituals:</strong> If you’ll be celebrating each full moon, you’ll want to include an </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="23" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Esbat_Rite.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Esbat rite</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in your BOS. You can use the same one each month, or create several different ones tailored to the time of year. You may also wish to include sections on how to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="24" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Cast_Circle.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">cast a circle</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="25" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Draw_Down.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Drawing Down the Moon</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, a rite that celebrates the invoking of the Goddess at the time of the full moon. If you’ll be doing any rites for healing, prosperity, protection, or other purposes, be sure to include them here.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Herbs:</strong> Ask any experienced Pagan or Wiccan about a specific herb, and chances are good that they’ll expound on not only the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="26" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/a/MagicHerbUses.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical uses of the plant</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> but also the healing properties and history of use. </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="27" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/glossary/g/Herbalism.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Herbalism</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> is often considered the core of spellcasting, because plants are an ingredient that people have used for literally thousands of years. Put together a section in your BOS for </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="28" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/a/MagicHerbUses.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">herbs and their uses</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. Remember, many herbs should not be ingested, so it’s important to research thoroughly before you take anything internally.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Divination:</strong> If you’re learning about </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="29" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/tarot/All_About_Tarot_Cards.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tarot</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, scrying, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="30" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/astrology/Astrology_Whats_in_the_Stars_for_You.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">astrology</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, or any other form of divination, keep information in here. When you experiment with new methods of divination, keep a record of what you do and results you see in your Book of Shadows.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sacred texts:</strong> While it’s fun to have a bunch of new shiny books on Wicca and Paganism to read, sometimes it’s just as nice to have information that’s a little more established. If there is a certain text that appeals to you, such as </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="31" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/prayersandincantations/a/Charge_Goddess.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Charge of the Goddess</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, an </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="32" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/prayersandincantations/a/Prayer_Hub.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">old prayer</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in an archaic language, or a particular chant that moves you, include it in your Book of Shadows.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Magical recipes:</strong> There’s a lot to be said for “</span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="33" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/pagantraditions/p/KitchenWitchery.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">kitchen witchery</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">,” because for many people, the kitchen is the center of hearth and home. As you collect recipes for </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="34" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicaloils/ss/Oils_Intro.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">oils</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="35" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/incense/Incense.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">incense</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, or herb blends, keep them in your BOS. You may even want to include a section of </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="36" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/holidaysandcelebrations/u/Celebrations.htm#s7"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">food recipes</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for Sabbat celebrations.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Spell workings:</strong> Some people prefer to keep their spells in a separate book called a grimoire, but you can also keep them in your Book of Shadows. It’s easier to keep spells organized if you divide them up by purpose: prosperity, protection, healing, etc. With each spell you include - particularly </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="37" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicandspellwork/ht/Write_a_Spell.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">if you write your own</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> rather than using someone else's ideas - make sure you also leave room to include information on when the working was performed and what the outcome was.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The biggest dilemma with any Book of Shadows is how to keep it organized. You can use tabbed dividers, create an index at the back, or if you’re really super-organized, a table of contents in the front. As you study and learn more, you’ll have more information to include – this is why the three-ring binder is such a practical idea. Some people choose instead to use a simple bound notebook, and just add to the back of it as they discover new items.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You may want to use one notebook for information copied from books or downloaded off the Internet, and another for original creations. Regardless, find the method that works best for you, and take good care of your Book of Shadows. After all, it’s a sacred object and should be treated accordingly!</span><br />
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Reblogged<br />
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By <span class="heading" itemprop="name">Patti Wigington</span></div>
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Paganism/Wicca Expert </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-23187799481729144682014-11-19T13:02:00.000-05:002014-11-19T13:02:49.695-05:00Ancestor Altar Cloth<a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="1" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Ancestor-Altar-Cloth_2.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt="AncestorCloth2_1500.jpg - Image by Patti Wigington 2013" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make An Altar Cloth to Honor Your Ancestors: Make an Ancestor Altar Cloth" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/U/X/-/-/AncestorCloth2_1500.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/U/X/-/-/AncestorCloth2_1500.jpg" height="274" itemprop="image" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Make an ancestor altar cloth to honor your family tree. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">An ancestor altar cloth is something you can make any time of the year, although it can come in particularly handy </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">for Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, when many people choose to perform </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/ht/Ancestor_Rite.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ancestor-focused rituals</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. This project can be as simple or as complex as you like, depending on your time constraints, creativity, and crafting skills.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You’ll need:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A plain white or cream-colored tablecloth, or other piece of fabric</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fabric pencil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Embroidery floss and hoop, or fabric markers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A genealogy of your direct ancestors</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few notes here, before you get started. There’s no hard and fast rule about how to do this - it’s a craft idea that is very personalized. Do what works best for you. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you can embroider the cloth - it will definitely last longer that way. If you’re not confident about your stitching abilities, you can use fine-tipped fabric markers (keep in mind that this option may limit your ability to wash the altar cloth if it gets dirty or stained during ritual).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As to your genealogy, you can keep it simple if you like, or if you’ve never done any genealogy research. You’ll need the names of your parents, of their parents, their grandparents, and so on. If you want to include your children, you can do that too.<br /><br /> The ancestor altar cloth in the photos contains eight generations going in four different genealogical directions - it’s a lot of people, spread out over a full-sized tablecloth. If you’re keeping yours small, you may not need as much room - or you can choose to make the text larger.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Start by putting yourself in the center, and writing your name carefully with a lightweight fabric pencil - these wash or brush off easily when you’re done. Branch out, including your parents’ names above you, one on each side. Using lines to connect everyone, gradually add the names of your ancestors. You can even include dates of birth and death, or place names if you have the room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It’s best to do all of this in pencil first - or better yet, use Post-It Notes, one for each ancestor’s name - to position people around the cloth. If you know the names of lots of ancestors on one side, but only a few on the other, it can start looking lopsided pretty quickly, unless you’re able to rearrange people (this is why sticky notes are great).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once you’ve figured out everyone’s placement, add the names in fabric pencil until you’ve included as many people as you like. If you’re going to embroider the names, work from one side to the other, just to keep things simple - you may even want to do different branches of the family, or different generations, in alternating colors. If you opt to use fabric markers for the final work, be careful! Stitches can always be picked out, but markers are permanent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keep in mind that the very act of creation can be a magical one, and you can utilize the crafting of this altar cloth as a ritual in and of itself. Particularly if you're stitching, there's a very meditative aspect to the creative process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After you’ve put everyone’s names on the fabric, use it as an altar cloth for rituals involving ancestor work.</span></div>
</figcaption><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-85372767351297049152014-11-17T12:41:00.000-05:002014-11-17T12:41:01.420-05:00Make a Ritual Robe<a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="1" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/shoppingandsupplies/ss/Ritual_Robe_2.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image © Patti Wigington 2008" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Ritual Robe: Why Use a Ritual Robe?" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/m/4/-/-/RitualRobe200.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/m/4/-/-/RitualRobe200.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<a class="PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=mxufAvpCBK5i-1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Fshoppingandsupplies%2Fss%2FRitual_Robe.htm%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2F0%2Fm%2F4%2F-%2F-%2FRitualRobe200.jpg&description=Make%20a%20Ritual%20Robe%3A%20Why%20Use%20a%20Ritual%20Robe%3F" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1415133260718_hidden" id="PIN_1415133260718_pin_count_0"><i></i></span></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A ritual robe is simple to make, and can be created in any color your tradition calls for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Many Wiccans and Pagans prefer to perform ceremonies and rituals in special robes. If you're part of a coven or group, your robe might have to be a certain color or style. In some traditions, the color of the robe indicates the level of training a practitioner has. For many people, donning the ritual robe is a way of separating themselves from the mundane business of everyday life -- it's a way of stepping into the ritual mindset, of walking from the mundane world into the magical world. Most people prefer to wear nothing at all under their ritual robe, but do what is comfortable for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's not uncommon to have robes for the different seasons, symbolizing the turning </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/glossary/g/Wheel_of_Year.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wheel of the Year</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. You can make one in blue for spring, green for summer, brown for fall, and white for winter -- or any other colors that symbolize the seasons for you. Do take the time to put some thought into your color selection -- it used to be that most Wiccans wore white robes, but many people prefer to use earth tones, because it's a way of establishing one's connection with nature. Some people choose to avoid black, because it sometimes has negative connotations, but use the color that feels right for you.</span></div>
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<a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="2" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/shoppingandsupplies/ss/Ritual_Robe_4.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) 2007 Patti Wigington" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Ritual Robe: Getting Started" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/S/-/-/-/Robe1.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/S/-/-/-/Robe1.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<a class="PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1415133260718_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=mxufAvpCBK5i-3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Fshoppingandsupplies%2Fss%2FRitual_Robe_3.htm%23step-heading%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2F5%2FS%2F-%2F-%2F-%2FRobe1.jpg&description=Make%20a%20Ritual%20Robe%3A%20Getting%20Started" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1415133260718_hidden" id="PIN_1415133260718_pin_count_3"><i></i></span></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Fold your material in half, and cut out a piece from either side, leaving a t-shaped piece of fabric. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To make a basic robe without buying a pattern, you can follow these simple steps. You'll need the following: </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A piece of material in the color of your choice -- make sure you select something that will be easy to sew and comfortable to wear. On the average, you'll need about three yards, but if you're heavyset or extra-tall, add in some more. A flat bedsheet is actually the perfect size for this.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Scissors, thread, tailor's chalk, and a measuring tape.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A sewing machine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A length of cord or light rope, approximately 6 feet long.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You'll need some help for this first step, because you need to measure yourself from wrist to wrist with your arms outstretched. Unless you have a third arm, get a friend to do this for you. This measurement will be Measurement A. Next, figure the distance from the nape of your neck to a point even with your ankle -- this will be Measurement B. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Fold the fabric in half (if the material has a print on it, fold it with the pattern side in). Using your A and B measurements, cut out along the lines indicated in Figure 1, making a sort-of T-shape. Don't cut out along the top fold -- that's the part that will go along the top of the arms and shoulders. </span></div>
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<a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="2" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/shoppingandsupplies/ss/Ritual_Robe_5.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) 2007 Patti Wigington" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Ritual Robe: The Next Step" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/T/-/-/-/Robe2.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/T/-/-/-/Robe2.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Cut a hole for your head and neck, and then stitch under the arms and down the sides. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, cut a hole for your head (X) at the center of Measurement A. Don't make it too big, or your robe will slide off your shoulders! On each side, sew along the underside of the sleeve, leaving an opening at Y for the arms (Figure 2). Then sew from the armpit down to the bottom of the robe. Turn your robe right-side out, try it on, and adjust it for length if needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) 2007 Patti Wigington" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Ritual Robe: The Finishing Touches" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/U/-/-/-/Robe3.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/U/-/-/-/Robe3.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Add a cord around the waist to keep your robe from flapping about during ceremonies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finally, add a cord around the waist, as shown in Figure 3. In some traditions the cord may be knotted to indicate </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/qt/DegreeSystem.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">degrees of training</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> or education. In others, it acts simply as a belt to keep the robe from flapping around during ritual. You can also add trim, beadwork, or </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Pagan-and-Wiccan-Symbols/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical symbols</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to your robe. Personalize it, and make it yours. You may also wish to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Consecrate_Tool.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">consecrate your robe</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> before wearing it for the first time.</span></div>
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Reblogged</div>
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By <span class="heading" itemprop="name">Patti Wigington</span></div>
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Paganism/Wicca Expert </div>
</figcaption></figcaption></figcaption><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-72907467308246632112014-11-14T13:18:00.000-05:002014-11-14T13:18:44.222-05:00Make Your Own Besom<a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="1" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/shoppingandsupplies/ss/Besom_2.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) Patti Wigington 2007" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make Your Own Besom: The Witch's Broom" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/d/-/-/-/Besom.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/d/-/-/-/Besom.jpg" height="400" itemprop="image" width="286" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The besom is the traditional witch's broom, and can be used for ritually cleansing a space. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The besom is the traditional witch's broom. It's associated with </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/HouseholdMagic/a/Broom-Magic-And-Folklore.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">all kinds of legend and folklore</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, including the popular notion that witches fly around in the night on a broomstick. In addition to being good for </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/b/2010/10/25/quidditch-takes-off-gets-serious.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">playing Quidditch</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, the besom is a great addition to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Craft_Tools.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">your collection of magical tools</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> -- it's used in many traditions as a method of </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/qt/Cleansing.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">cleansing or purifying a space</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. In some cultures, the rite of </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/handfastings/p/BroomJumping.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">jumping the broom</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> was considered an important part of a marriage ceremony. This ritual has seen some resurgence in popularity as more and more Wiccan and Pagan couples celebrate </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/glossary/g/Handfasting.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">handfastings</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While it's easy to just buy a broom, it's also pretty easy to make one of your own out of different types of wood. Although the items that follow are for the more traditional style of besom, you can use nearly any types of branches available to you. You'll need: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A four-foot length of ash or oak for the handle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thin branches of birch for the bristle part (you can substitute a woody herb like mugwort or thyme for the bristles if you like)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lengths of willow or heavy cord to bind everything together</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You'll also need scissors and a bucket of warm water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Whatever you'll be using for the bristles -- whether it's birch, an herb, or some other wood -- should be soaked in the warm water overnight to make them pliable, as should the willow binding, if you're using it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) Patti Wigington 2007" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make Your Own Besom: Crafting Your Besom" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/e/-/-/-/Broom_Fig_1.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/e/-/-/-/Broom_Fig_1.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Line up your broom handle and bristles, with the bottoms of the bristles pointing towards the top of the handle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lay the handle on a table or the floor, and place the bristles alongside it, lined up about four inches from the bottom. Point the bottom of the bristles towards the top of the broom, because you're going to flip the bristles in a minute (see Fig. 1).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) Patti Wigington 2007" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make Your Own Besom: Wrapping the Bristles" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/f/-/-/-/Broom_Fig_2.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/f/-/-/-/Broom_Fig_2.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Tie the bristles in place around the handle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Use the willow branches or cording to wrap the bristles around the broom (Fig. 2). Add as many as you want to make the broom full. Make sure you tie the cording off securely so your bristles don't come popping out later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image (c) Patti Wigington 2007" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make Your Own Besom: Tying the Magic in Place" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/g/-/-/-/Broom_Fig_3.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/g/-/-/-/Broom_Fig_3.jpg" itemprop="image" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Finally, fold the bristles down over the inner tie, and then tie on the outside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now, take the bristles and fold them down over the willow binding or cording so that they're pointing towards the bottom of the broom. Tie them down again at the base of the broomstick to secure them(Fig. 3). As you're wrapping the cord in place, visualize your intent for this besom. Will it be strictly decorative? Are you going to hang it in place over a door? Perhaps you'll use it ceremonially, or maybe even for physical cleaning. Focus on what you're going to be doing it, and charge it with energy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let your broom dry for a day or two, and when it's all done, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Consecrate_Tool.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">consecrate it</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> as one of your </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Craft_Tools.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical tools</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Reblogged by</span><br />
<div class="muted">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By <span class="heading" itemprop="name">Patti Wigington</span></span></div>
<div class="site-expert">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Paganism/Wicca Expert </span></div>
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</figcaption><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-91873595361899590932014-11-12T12:33:00.000-05:002014-11-12T12:33:23.211-05:00Make Your Own Altar Pentacle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="AltarPentacle_1500.JPG - Image by Patti Wigington 2007" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="How to Make a Pentacle for Your Altar: Why Have A Pentacle?" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/R/Y/-/-/AltarPentacle_1500.JPG" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/R/Y/-/-/AltarPentacle_1500.JPG" height="300" itemprop="image" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This altar pentacle is easy to make using a simple wooden circle and a woodburning pen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The pentacle is one of the most commonly used </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Craft_Tools.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical tools</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in the Wiccan religion, as well as in some traditions of Paganism. Typically, it is used on the altar as a place to hold items that are about to be </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Consecrate_Tool.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">ritually consecrated</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> or charged. In some traditions, the pent represents the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/a/elements.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">element of Earth</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There are many absolutely beautiful pentacles available commercially, made of wood, tile, metal, ceramic, and just about every other type of material. If you're </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/contemporaryissues/ss/LiveOnABudget.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">operating on a budget</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, however, or if you just like the idea of handcrafting your own </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Craft_Tools.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">magical tools</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, it's not hard to make a pentacle of your own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You'll need a wooden disc in the size of your choice, available at nearly any hardware or craft store. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The one in the photo is a 7" circle, and cost less than $3.00. You'll also need to decide whether you want to paint your pentacle pattern, or burn it into the wood. The one in the photo is burned on, using a woodburning pen that I bought for $2.00 at a craft store. Finally, you'll need some clear polyeurethane and a brush.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First, print out the image of the pentacle above, in black and white. Use a copy machine with resizing capabilities to either enlarge or shrink the image, depending on the size of your wooden disc. Once you have it the size you want, place it on top of the wooden disc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Using a pencil, trace over the outline of the pattern, pressing down so that you make an indentation in the wood. Once the design is indented, use the pencil to go back over the indents, making a complete penciled pattern on the wood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you're painting, use your paints to go over the pencil lines. If you're using a woodburning pen, carefully trace over the lines -- depending on how experienced you are with woodburning, it may take a couple of hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you're done, brush a few coats of polyeurethane over the design to give it some shine and to protect it from wear. If you like, use a small drill bit to make a hole in the center for </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/incense/tp/All-About-Incense.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">incense</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> sticks. Finally, if you're concerned that your pent might scratch your altar top, cut out a circle of felt the same size as the wooden disc, and glue it to the bottom of the wood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Use your pentacle on your altar to consecrate ritual items, to bless or charge talismans, or to represent the element of Earth. Alternately, you could attach a hook to the back and hang it on your wall.</span><br />
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Reblogged by<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-34137154480593971582014-11-10T09:54:00.000-05:002014-11-10T09:54:15.548-05:00Portable Altar<a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="1" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/shoppingandsupplies/ss/Portable_Altar_2.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image © Patti Wigington 2008" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Create a Portable Altar Kit: Why Bother With a Portable Altar?" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/9/E/-/-/AltarBoxElem.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/9/E/-/-/AltarBoxElem.jpg" height="341" itemprop="image" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> This simple box holds a stone to represent Earth, a broom for Air, a tealight candle symbolizing Fire, and a seashell for Water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why bother? Well, the obvious reason is that a portable altar is... well, portable. For some people, that's a desirable thing. You may wish to have a portable altar for any number of reasons. Perhaps your job requires you to travel a lot. Maybe you're a </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/PaganCommunity/a/Surviving-Campus-Life-As-A-Pagan.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">college student</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in a cramped dorm, and space is at a premium. Do you belong to a group that holds rituals in a different place each time? Got small children who will knock over anything and everything that you set out on a table top? Any of these -- and more -- are good reasons to creat a portable altar kit. It's easy to do, and it makes it a snap to just grab-and-go on your way out the door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img alt=" - Image © Patti Wigington 2007" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Create a Portable Altar Kit: What to Include?" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/0/2/-/-/DSCN0063.JPG" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/0/2/-/-/DSCN0063.JPG" height="308" itemprop="image" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A small box can hold an altar cloth, and tools representative of the four elements for your rituals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The first thing you'll need to do is decide what items you want to include in your portable altar. Some people like to put in every single magical tool they own, five different decks of Tarot cards, and their entire gemstone collection, but I've found that simple is usually better. In fact, if you keep just four items in there, you've probably got it made -- and those are the ones associated with the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/a/elements.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">four classical elements</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Earth is symbolized by a pentacle, so if you can find a small one for your altar kit, add it. If you can't find one small enough to be portable, improvise. Use a small decorative dish, a small flat stone, or even a small vial of salt to represent earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Air can be represented in a number of ways, the traditional tool being the wand. If you don't have room for a wand, consider a feather, or even </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/incense/tp/All-About-Incense.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">incense</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> - the smoke is associated with both air and fire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fire is often connected to the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/glossary/g/Athame.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">athame</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, but if you're traveling around you may not be able to put anything with a blade in your bags. If that's the case, never fear -- use a candle (and bring matches or a lighter), or some other fire symbol. Deer antlers are also good substitutes for an </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/glossary/g/Athame.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">athame</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The cup or chalice represents water. You can carry actual water with you in a small vial, or use the cup as symbolic of water. If you don't have access to water, try carrying a seashell or some other symbol of the feminine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If your tradition requires you to use other items, you can add those as well. Some things you might want to include in your altar kit are:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A crystal </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Tarot cards </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A small statue representing deity </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> A bell </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finally, add a piece of fabric to use as an altar cloth. It doesn't have to be big, just large enough to spread all of your tools on, so you can perform a working anywhere you may be.</span><br /></div>
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Reblogged by<br />
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By <span class="heading" itemprop="name">Patti Wigington</span></div>
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Paganism/Wicca Expert </div>
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</figcaption><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-18810690673343998802014-11-07T14:34:00.000-05:002014-11-07T14:34:19.633-05:00Sew an Elemental Altar Cloth<div style="text-align: center;">
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Use your altar cloth during rituals to represent the four classical elements</div>
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In many traditions of Wicca and Paganism, the <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/a/elements.htm">four classical elements</a> of Earth, Air, Fire and Water are considered significant. To make an altar cloth that represents all four of them, you'll need to select four different kinds of fabric -- one for each element, and get about 1/4 to 1/2 yard of each, depending on how big you want to make your altar cloth.</div>
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When selecting your fabrics, make sure each material is of a similar weight -- you don't want to try stitching together satin, a heavy brocade, and tulle all in the same project. Quilter's cotton is a great fabric to use, and it's reasonably priced -- usually under $3 per yard. You may wish to pick a material with a design -- I used a green one with leaves for Earth, blue with clouds for Air, etc. -- or you might just want to go with colors that symbolize the elements in your tradition.</div>
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Begin by cutting four quarter-circles out of your material. </div>
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First, cut out a 1/4 circle out of each fabric. To do this, you'll need to make sure you have one square corner. Tie a piece of string to a pen, and hold the end of the string at the corner of the fabric. Guide the pen along the fabric, as shown in Figure 1. This will give you four quarter circles that have the same radius all the way around.</div>
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Stitch your quarter-circles together in pairs, giving you two half circles</div>
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Once you have four equal quarters, you'll want to piece them together in pairs. Match up two adjacent quarters, such as Earth and Air, and stitch them along the straight edge, with right sides together (see Figure 2). Once you've stitched them together, unfold and press out the seam. Do this with the other two pieces as well. Now what you'll end up with is two half-circles.</div>
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Match up your two half-circles, and sew them together at the center line. </div>
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Take your two half circles and place them right side together, matching up outer edges and center seams. Stitch together along the long straight edge. Press the seam open.</div>
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Use your altar cloth during rituals to represent the four classical elements. </div>
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Finally, press under 1/4" all the way around, and then fold that edge under another 1/4" to create a smooth hem on the circle. Pin in place, and then stitch the edge. You'll end up with a complete circle, with each of the elements represented in a quarter. Use it on your altar during ritual or other celebrations.<br />
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**Helpful tip: If you use a full yard of fabric for each element, you can cut four quarters for each one -- make one altar cloth for yourself, and then make more for three of your friends!<br />
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Reblogged by<br />
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By <span class="heading" itemprop="name">Patti Wigington</span></div>
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Paganism/Wicca Expert </div>
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</figcaption><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-57969553203313457432014-11-05T13:18:00.000-05:002014-11-05T13:18:56.238-05:00Make a Tarot Box<h2 class="heading " style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt=" - Image © Patti Wigington 2009" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Tarot Card Box : Make a Tarot Box" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/c/C/-/-/TarotBoxCover.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/0/c/C/-/-/TarotBoxCover.jpg" height="320" itemprop="image" width="400" /><br />
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<a class="PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=UYAsMPVphrk4-1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Ftarot%2Fss%2FTarotBox.htm%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2F0%2Fc%2FC%2F-%2F-%2FTarotBoxCover.jpg&description=Make%20a%20Tarot%20Card%20Box%20%3A%20Make%20a%20Tarot%20Box" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1415133245419_hidden" id="PIN_1415133245419_pin_count_0"><i></i></span></a><br /></div>
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Make this simple Tarot box to store your favorite cards. </div>
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If you've got a set of Tarot cards that you'd <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/tarot/ht/Protect_Cards.htm">like to keep safe</a>, one of the best ways you can store them is in a special box. This easy craft project is one you can make either for yourself, or as a gift for a friend. You'll need the following:</div>
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<li> A plain wooden box, available at craft stores </li>
<li> A pencil </li>
<li> Paints or a woodburning tool </li>
<li> Scrap fabric </li>
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</article><article class="sbs content widget expert-content"><a class="ajax-link" data-component="stepbystepImage" data-ordinal="2" data-source="stepbystepImage" data-type="" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/tarot/ss/TarotBox_3.htm"></a><span class="btn p-b-col"><span class="sprite arrow5-right"></span> </span></article><article class="sbs content widget expert-content"><div class="sbs-img-wrapper">
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<img alt=" - Image © Patti Wigington 2009" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Tarot Card Box : Choose Your Design" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/d/C/-/-/TarotBoxPrep.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/d/C/-/-/TarotBoxPrep.jpg" itemprop="image" /><br />
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<a class="PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=UYAsMPVphrk4-2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Ftarot%2Fss%2FTarotBox_2.htm%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2F5%2Fd%2FC%2F-%2F-%2FTarotBoxPrep.jpg&description=Make%20a%20Tarot%20Card%20Box%20%3A%20Choose%20Your%20Design" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1415133245419_hidden" id="PIN_1415133245419_pin_count_2"><i></i></span></a><br /></div>
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Use a pencil to copy the design of a Tarot card onto the box's lid. </div>
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For the box's cover, choose a design from your Tarot deck. For the one in the photos, I chose <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/tarot/ig/The-Major-Arcana/0---The-Fool.htm">0, the Fool</a>, because it's the first card, and signifies the beginning of a journey, which I thought was perfect for the lid's design. Using your pencil, copy the design of the card onto the box's lid.</div>
Use either acrylic paints or a woodburning set to finish the image permanently. Although you may wish to add a coat of polyurethane to seal the design if you use paint, it's not absolutely necessary.<br />
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<img alt=" - Image © Patti Wigington 2009" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="Make a Tarot Card Box : Finish the Inside" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/e/C/-/-/TarotBoxInside.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/5/e/C/-/-/TarotBoxInside.jpg" itemprop="image" /><br />
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<a class="PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1415133245419_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=UYAsMPVphrk4-3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Ftarot%2Fss%2FTarotBox_3.htm%23step-heading%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2F5%2Fe%2FC%2F-%2F-%2FTarotBoxInside.jpg&description=Make%20a%20Tarot%20Card%20Box%20%3A%20Finish%20the%20Inside" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1415133245419_hidden" id="PIN_1415133245419_pin_count_3"><i></i></span></a><br /></div>
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Use pieces of scrap fabric to line the inside of your Tarot box. </div>
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Use a piece of scrap fabric to line the inside. You can either glue it in place, or leave it loose to wrap around the cards. Before you place your cards in the box for storage, <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Consecrate_Tool.htm">consecrate the box</a> as you would any other <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Craft_Tools.htm">magical tool</a>.</div>
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Reblogged by<br />
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By <span class="heading" itemprop="name">Patti Wigington</span></div>
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Paganism/Wicca Expert </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-75789692528945952912014-10-31T12:07:00.000-04:002014-10-31T12:07:00.083-04:00Happy Halloween / Samhain<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Have a Happy Halloween/Samhain Everyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Cast in good spirits and be mindful of the energy, ancestors and cosmos around you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Blessed Be!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">-The Crafty Witch</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-56485529578220128862014-10-29T12:06:00.000-04:002014-10-29T12:06:00.424-04:00Samhain Folklore - Halloween Superstitions and Legends<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Love Divination:</span></strong><br />
<div class="expert-content-text">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep a </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/Rosemary.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">sprig of rosemary</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and a sixpence under your pillow on </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Samhain night</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, and you'll dream of your future spouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ever go </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/p/AppleMagic.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">bobbing for apples</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> at a Halloween party? In England, everyone knows that the first girl to successfully retrieve an apple will be the first to marry!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/e/Y/-/-/ThreeKidWitches_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ThreeKidWitches_1500.jpg - Image by mediaphotos/E+/Getty Images" border="0" class=" addPinit" data-description="How Much Do You Know About Samhain Folklore?: Samhain is a time of many superstitions and legends." data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/e/Y/-/-/ThreeKidWitches_1500.jpg" height="256" itemprop="image" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/e/Y/-/-/ThreeKidWitches_1500.jpg" width="385" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">In parts of England, it was believed that if a maiden carried a lantern to a well on Samhain night and held the light above the water, she would see the reflection of future husband.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Spirit World:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">People were often cautioned that if they heard footsteps behind them on the night of Samhain, they shouldn't turn back because it may be a spirit following them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you host </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/Dumb_Supper.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">a dumb supper</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and no one speaks, the spirits are far more likely to show up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was believed that ringing a bell on Samhain kept away evil spirits.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Burying </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/a/AnimalParts.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">animal bones</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in front of your house on the night of Samhain will keep evil away, according to some legends of eastern Europe.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Samhain is a good time of year to work on </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainmagic/tp/Samhain-Magic-Divination-and-Spirit-Work.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">communicating with the spirit world</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Birds and Animals:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Black cats were once seen </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="7" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/Black_Cats.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">as bad luck</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One old folktale from Appalachia says that </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="8" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/othermagicspells/a/Legends-And-Lore-Of-Owls.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">owls</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> flew down on Samhain night to eat the souls of the dead.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="9" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainmagic/p/Bat-Magic-And-Folklore.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">bats come out early on Samhain</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> night, and fly around, it means good weather is coming.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people believe that if you see </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="10" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaintraditions/a/Spider-Mythology-And-Folklore.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">a spider on Samhain</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, it harbors the spirit of a </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="11" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/AncestorAltar.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">dead ancestor</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, watching you... so don't squash it!</span><br />
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<div class="heading" itemprop="name">
By Patti Wigington</div>
<a class="muted" data-component="byLineDefault" data-ordinal="1" data-source="byLineDefault" data-type="authorSite" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/"><div class="site-expert">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-6365463016060148782014-10-27T12:02:00.000-04:002014-10-27T12:02:00.062-04:00Celtic Tree Month of Reed Tomorrow<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div id="content">
<article class="sbs content widget expert-content"><div class="expert-content-text">
<div class="firstBlock">
<a href="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/G/I/-/-/78052856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt=" - Image © Comstock/Getty Images; Licensed to About.com" border="0" class="content-img-img addPinit" data-description="What Is the Celtic Tree Calendar?: Reed Moon: October 28 - November 23" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/G/I/-/-/78052856.jpg" height="213" itemprop="image" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/G/I/-/-/78052856.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Reed is typically used to make wind instruments, and this time of year, its haunting sounds are sometimes heard when the souls of the dead are being summoned to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/GodsOfDeath.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">the Underworld</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. The Reed Moon was called <em>Negetal</em>, pronounced <em>nyettle</em> by the Celts, and is sometimes referred to as the Elm Moon by modern Pagans. This is a time for divination and </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/ScryingMirror.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">scrying</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. If you're going to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Hold_Seance.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">have a seance</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, this is a good month to do it. This month, do magical workings related to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/tp/Communicating-With-The-Spirit-World.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">spirit guides</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/dreamsandmeditation/p/Reiki_Intro.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">energy work</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/dreamsandmeditation/p/MeditationIntro.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">meditation</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, celebration of death, and honoring the cycle of life and rebirth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Reeds are associated with the dead and the Underworld. <span class="credit">Image © Comstock/Getty Images; Licensed to About.com</span></span> </span><br />
<div class="heading" itemprop="name">
By Patti Wigington</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-55709112223672125252014-10-24T11:59:00.000-04:002014-10-24T11:59:00.514-04:00Ancestor Prayer for Samhain<strong><span style="font-size: large;">A Prayer to the Ancestors</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/s/X/-/-/GirlAtGrave_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="GirlAtGrave_1500.jpg - Image by altrendo images/Stockbyte/Getty Images" border="0" class=" addPinit" data-description="Samhain Prayer to Honor the Ancestors: Samhain is a time to honor our ancestors, both of the blood and of the spirit." data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/s/X/-/-/GirlAtGrave_1500.jpg" height="256" itemprop="image" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/s/X/-/-/GirlAtGrave_1500.jpg" width="385" /></span></a><em><span style="font-size: large;">This is the night when the gateway between<br /> our world and the spirit world is thinnest.<br /> Tonight is a night to call out those who came before.<br /> Tonight I </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanpaganhistory/tp/Ancestor-Worship.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">honor my ancestors</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.<br /> Spirits of my fathers and mothers, I call to you,<br /> and welcome you to join me for this night.<br /> You watch over me always,<br /> protecting and guiding me,<br /> and tonight I thank you.<br /> Your blood runs in my veins,<br /> your spirit is in my heart,<br /> your memories are in my soul.</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> [If you wish, you may want to recite your genealogy here. This can include both your blood family, and your spiritual one.]<br /></span><em><span style="font-size: large;">With the gift of remembrance.<br /> I remember all of you.<br /> You are dead but never forgotten,<br /> and you live on within me,<br /> and within those who are yet to come.</span></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-31454843964096833202014-10-22T11:47:00.000-04:002014-10-22T11:47:43.931-04:00How To Make a Soul Cake for Samhain<a href="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/L/X/-/-/SoulCakes_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SoulCakes_1500.jpg - Image by Philip Wilkins/Photolibrary/Getty Images" border="0" class=" addPinit" data-description="How to Make Samhain Soul Cakes: Use your favorite simply pastry recipe to make soul cakes for Samhain." src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/L/X/-/-/SoulCakes_1500.jpg" data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/L/X/-/-/SoulCakes_1500.jpg" height="308" itemprop="image" width="385" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Soul cakes were traditionally baked as a </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/tp/Communicating-With-The-Spirit-World.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">gift for the spirits of the dead</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. In many European countries, the idea of "Souling" became an acceptable alternative for Christians. The cakes took many different names and shapes -- in some areas, they were simple shortbread, and in others they were baked as fruit-filled tarts. Still other regions made them of rice flour. Generally, a soul cake was made with whatever grain the community had available. You can make your own with one of these four simple recipes for your </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Samhain celebrations</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/L/X/-/-/SoulCakes_1500.jpg"></a>Pie Crust Soul Cakes<br /><br /><br />You'll need:<br />A refrigerated roll-out pie crust<br />2 Tbs. melted butter<br />1 C mixed dried fruit<br />2 Tbs honey<br /><br />Roll out the pie crust and cut it into circles. Use the circles to line a tin of muffin cups. Mix the butter, fruit and honey together. Scoop the fruit mixture into the pastry shells, and then bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Allow to cool for about ten minutes before eating.<br /><br /><br />Quickie Shortbread Soul Cakes<br /><br />You'll need:<br />1 stick of butter, softened<br />4 Tbs sugar<br />1 1/2 C flour<br /><br />Cream together the butter and sugar. Use a flour sifter to add the flour to the bowl, and mix until it's smooth. Divide the dough into two parts, and shape each half into a flat circle about half an inch thick. Put them on an ungreased baking sheet (baking stones are really nice for this) and poke lines with the tines of a fork, making eight separate wedges in each cake. Bake for 25 minutes or until light brown at 350 degrees.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />Buttery Soul Cakes<br /><br /><br />You'll need:<br />Two sticks butter, softened<br />3 1/2 C flour, sifted<br />1 C sugar<br />1/2 tsp. nutmeg & saffron<br />1 tsp each cinnamon & allspice<br />2 eggs<br />2 tsp malt vinegar<br />Powdered sugar <br /><br />Cut the butter into the flour with a large fork. Mix in the sugar, nutmeg, saffron, cinammon and allspice. Lightly beat eggs, and add to flour mixture. Add malt vinegar. Mix until you have a stiff dough. Knead for a while, then roll out until 1/4" thick. Use a floured glass to cut out 3" circles. Place on greased baking sheet and bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees. 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First Reading Now Free<br /><a href="http://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=CLCfoIqM6VM28GJKAwgGP2IGQC--3qJ4Hz9OU_ooBwI23ARAFII__2CAoBVCTqLGO-f____8BYMnWk4zQpOQPoAHxw6nOA8gBAagDAaoEmAFP0CI-X8jNb1SzesHF17UJGkAxgPAeOSM4RmyeaHTaRyptdS_I_PEliMiZvdzpXLhfgUXRPe8LyVOrRxwZeySbeVu8rt1JYFAV9cXDvRnw_HTDG0Xh-qUQ9GN9-Od2upqD3Lhkyuz-L_U-OaauhDs3M2S_lNCTaGMI8-KrSzLaJ4hO2m-61O5rNYl1Pzc7NJUFTBqc2TTstYgGAYAH97vWMQ&num=5&cid=5GgO4Al78gBWUAj93Vcr7Hd_&sig=AOD64_0dbxBZxE--eHTieJb8R3sovA9U-A&client=ca-aj-about-basic&adurl=http://free.myscrapnook.com/index.jhtml%3Fpartner%3D9Nxdm003%26pkw%3Dkids%2520halloween%2520invites%26theme%3DHalloween">Kids Halloween Invites</a><br /><a href="http://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=CLCfoIqM6VM28GJKAwgGP2IGQC--3qJ4Hz9OU_ooBwI23ARAFII__2CAoBVCTqLGO-f____8BYMnWk4zQpOQPoAHxw6nOA8gBAagDAaoEmAFP0CI-X8jNb1SzesHF17UJGkAxgPAeOSM4RmyeaHTaRyptdS_I_PEliMiZvdzpXLhfgUXRPe8LyVOrRxwZeySbeVu8rt1JYFAV9cXDvRnw_HTDG0Xh-qUQ9GN9-Od2upqD3Lhkyuz-L_U-OaauhDs3M2S_lNCTaGMI8-KrSzLaJ4hO2m-61O5rNYl1Pzc7NJUFTBqc2TTstYgGAYAH97vWMQ&num=5&cid=5GgO4Al78gBWUAj93Vcr7Hd_&sig=AOD64_0dbxBZxE--eHTieJb8R3sovA9U-A&client=ca-aj-about-basic&adurl=http://free.myscrapnook.com/index.jhtml%3Fpartner%3D9Nxdm003%26pkw%3Dkids%2520halloween%2520invites%26theme%3DHalloween">www.myscrapnook.com</a><br />Make Spooky Invitations, Collages, Photo Cards & More For Halloween!<br /><br /><br />Irish Cakes<br /><br />You'll need:<br />4 C flour<br />1 pkt active dry yeast<br />1 C milk<br />2 Tbs butter<br />1/2 tsp each cinnamon & salt<br />3/4 C sugar<br />1/2 C lemon zest<br />1 1/4 C golden raisins<br /><br />Cream yeast with 1 tsp sugar & 1 tsp milk, let it get frothy. Blend flour, spices, & salt together, then cut in butter. Add the rest of the sugar to the flour mix and blend. Add milk & beaten egg onto the yeast mixture; combine with flour mixture. Beat until stiff.<br /><br />Fold in raisins and zest, cover with a damp cloth and let rise. Divide in two, place each half in greased 7" round pan. Cover, let rise again for 30 minutes. Bake 1 hour at 400 degrees.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-10964407939158749102014-10-20T11:53:00.000-04:002014-10-20T11:53:00.044-04:00Samhain Ancestor Rite for Families with Children<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Kids Prayer for Samhain</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/-/Y/-/-/FamilyCemetery_1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="FamilyCemetery_1500.jpg - Image by NoDerog/E+/Getty Images" border="0" class=" addPinit" data-description="Samhain Children's Prayer: Children can participate in Samhain just as easily as adults." data-pinit-img-url="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/S/-/Y/-/-/FamilyCemetery_1500.jpg" height="257" itemprop="image" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/W/-/Y/-/-/FamilyCemetery_1500.jpg" width="385" /></span></a><em><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Samhain is here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, cold is the earth,<br /> as we celebrate the cycle of death and rebirth.<br /> Tonight we speak to those through the veil,<br /> the lines between worlds are thin and frail.<br /><br /> Ghosts and spirits in the night,<br /> magical beings rising in flight,</span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/othermagicspells/a/Legends-And-Lore-Of-Owls.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">owls</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> hooting up in a moonlit tree,<br /> I don't fear you and you don't fear me.<br /><br /> As the sun goes down, far to the west,<br /> my ancestors watch over me as I rest.<br /> They keep me safe and without fear,<br /> on the night of Samhain, the Witches' New Year.</span> </em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-47639961565374650222014-10-17T13:02:00.000-04:002014-10-17T13:02:15.665-04:00Samhain Divinations Pt 2<div class="adsense-desc">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Take the Free Chakra Test to Find Out Which of Your Chakras Are Weak</span></div>
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="1" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/ScryingMirror.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="ScryingMirror_1500.jpg - Image by Patti Wigington 2009" class=" addPinit" data-description="Learn About Divination at Samhain: Scrying Mirrors" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/g/X/-/-/ScryingMirror_1500.jpg" height="225" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">• </span></span><a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="2" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/ScryingMirror.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Scrying Mirrors</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Samhain is a time to do some serious divination - it's the time of year when the veil between our world and that of the spirits is at its thinnest, and that means it's the perfect season to look for messages from the metaphysical. Scrying is one of the best known forms of divination, and can be done in a variety of ways. Basically, it's the practice of looking into some sort of reflective surface -- </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/a/Moon_Scrying.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">such as water</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, fire, glass, dark stones, etc. -- to see what messages, symbols, or visions may appear. A scrying mirror is a simple black-backed mirror, and it's easy to make one yourself. </span></div>
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="3" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/f/Ouija_Boards.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Ouija1_1500.JPG - Image by Patti Wigington 2010" class=" addPinit" data-description="Learn About Divination at Samhain: The Ouija Board" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/Z/W/-/-/Ouija1_1500.JPG" height="225" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Want to use a Ouija board for divination, or communing with the spirits? Well, that's fine... if you know what you're doing. Before you use one, be sure to read this information on how a Ouija board works, and what potential problems can arise</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">• </span></span><a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="6" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/othermagicspells/fl/Bone-Divination.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Reading the Bones</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It is believed that in many parts of the early Celtic world, at the time Samhain, villagers would throw the bones of slaughtered cattle into the fire, and then make predictions by scrying, or reading the images in the flames. You can do this too, or you can </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/othermagicspells/fl/Bone-Divination.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">make a set of divination bones</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, which is something many magical traditions rely on. To make your own set, follow </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/a/Lithomancy.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the tips on our Lithomancy page</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, but use bones instead of stones. A great resource for "throwing the bones" in divination is Cat Yronwoode's book, </span><a href="http://www.luckymojo.com/bonereading.html" target="_blank" zt="-o1/XJ"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Bone Reading Divination Magic</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="7" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/tarot/p/Intro.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="TarotReading_1500.jpg - Image by Greg Nicholas/E+/Getty Images" class=" addPinit" data-description="Learn About Divination at Samhain: Tarot Layouts" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/m/V/-/-/TarotReading_1500.jpg" height="198" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">• </span></span><a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="8" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/tarot/p/Intro.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Tarot Layouts</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">For many modern Pagans, Samhain is a good time to see what the coming year will hold - after all, it is the beginning of the Pagan new year! Consider taking some time to do a Tarot card reading - or have a friend do one for you - and focus on a bit of quiet reflection on what's to come. It's worth noting that if you choose to do this, it's worth the time and energy to do a detailed reading - after all, we're talking about an entire year to come! It's also a good idea to make notes as you go along. That will help you remember what you read during the process, especially when you're trying to figure out in June what you saw back in October. For some different Tarot layouts you can try, be sure to check here: </span></div>
</section><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-19920999859735015622014-10-15T18:25:00.000-04:002014-10-15T18:25:49.359-04:00Samhain Divination Pt 1<div class="expert-content-text">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In many agricultural societies, a popular pastime at </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/Samhain_History.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> was that of divination - after all, this is a time when the barrier between our world and the metaphysical realm is at its thinnest. From scrying in a mirror to using an apple to foretell the name of one's future lover, many traditional divination methods were practiced in rural cultures for centuries. You can use them today for your own divination </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">at Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, or any other time of the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="AppleStars_1500.jpg - Image by Johner Images/Getty Images" class=" addPinit" data-description="Learn About Divination at Samhain: Apple Divination" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/1/V/-/-/AppleStars_1500.jpg" height="251" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span><br />
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<a class="PIN_1410906687961_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1410906687961_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1410906687961_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1410906687961_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=R9yh175ffwxk-0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Fsamhainmagic%2Ftp%2FSamhain-Divination.htm%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2FL%2F1%2FV%2F-%2F-%2FAppleStars_1500.jpg&description=Learn%20About%20Divination%20at%20Samhain%3A%20Apple%20Divination" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1410906687961_hidden" id="PIN_1410906687961_pin_count_0" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></a><br /></div>
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• Apple Divination </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Apples have always been popular tools for foretelling the future. There are a number of traditional methods in folklore for seeing who one's lover might be.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Peel the apple, keeping the peel in one long piece. When the peel comes off, drop it on the floor. The letter it forms is the first initial of your true love's name.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Wait until midnight </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">at Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, and cut an apple into nine pieces. Take the pieces into a dark room with a mirror (either hanging on the wall or a hand-held one will do). At midnight, begin eating the pieces of apple while looking into the mirror. When you get to the ninth piece, throw it over your shoulder. The face of your lover should appear in the mirror.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If a girl has more than one potential lover, peel an apple and pull out the seeds. Place a wet seed on your cheek for each boyfriend. The last one left stuck to the skin represents the suitor who is the true love.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Waterfall_1500.jpg - Image by Alexandre Shimoishi/Moment Open/Getty Images" class=" addPinit" data-description="Learn About Divination at Samhain: Water Divination" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/3/Y/-/-/Waterfall_1500.jpg" height="200" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
• Water Divination </span></h3>
<div class="list-unit-expert-content">
<a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/a/Water-Folklore-And-Legends.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Water is known for its magical properties</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> in many belief systems, so it's only natural to use it for divination workings. Try one of these on Samhain night.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">At midnight on Samhain, go to a lake and gaze into the water. You should see your lover's face reflected in the lake before you.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Fill </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/ig/Magical-Tools/Cauldron.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a cauldron</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> with water, and then light a candle. Drip the hot wax into the water, and see what shape it forms. The shape will indicate the profession of your future lover, if you're working on love magic. It can also foretell changes in your non-romantic life, such as job issues or questions related to home and family.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Find a moving body of water like a stream or river. Select a piece of wood to represent the person you wish to be your lover, and throw it in the water. If it floats downstream, he will be true and constant. If the wood gets caught up on the bank, or sinks, your lover will be unfaithful.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="Hazelnuts_1500.jpg - Image by Alberto Guglielmi/Photodisc/Getty Images" class=" addPinit" data-description="Learn About Divination at Samhain: Foretelling with Food" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/J/V/-/-/Hazelnuts_1500.jpg" height="199" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span><br />
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<h3 class="item-heading">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
• Foretelling with Food </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">There are a number of divination methods that use foods, baking and cooking as their focus. Some of these are still practiced today.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Scottish Bannock Divination: in Scotland and northern England, a girl would bake a bannock cake in the evening. In complete silence, she walked to her room and placed the bannock under her pillow. Her dreams that night would show her the face of her lover, and in the morning she ate the bannock.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">To find out if you'll find love in the coming twelve months, separate an egg and drop the white into a glass of water. If it sinks immediately, love is forthcoming. If it floats on the top of the water, you'll spend the next year alone.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Take two nuts, one for yourself and one for your lover. At midnight on Samhain, place them on a grate over your fire. If they burn well, you'll have a long and happy relationship. If one nut pops or burns, it means one of you will be unfaithful.</span></li>
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<li><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/p/NuttingDay.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Hazelnuts</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> can be used in workings related to divination and dowsing - tie a ripe one onto a string and use it as </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/qt/Pendulum.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a pendulum</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">.</span></li>
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</span></section><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-65992862055896982362014-10-13T14:45:00.000-04:002014-10-13T14:45:14.949-04:00The Twelve Days of Samhain<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This silly song is a great way to get your kids (or other adults) in the mood for the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Samhain season</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. Sing it along to the tune of the classic <em>Twelve Days of Christmas</em>!</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Twelve Days of Samhain</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the first day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> a </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/Black_Cats.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">black cat</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the second day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> two </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/JackOLanterns.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">jack o lanterns</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the third day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> three </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Headstones.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">crooked headstones</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the fourth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> four </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Hold_Seance.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">séance spirits</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the fifth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the sixth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> six </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/othermagicspells/a/Legends-And-Lore-Of-Owls.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">owls</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the seventh day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> seven skulls a-grinning,<br /> six owls a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the eighth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> eight </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="7" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincooking/r/GhostPoop.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">ghosts a-haunting</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> seven skulls a-grinning,<br /> six owls a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the ninth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> nine </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="8" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/GodsOfDeath.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">dead men dancing</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> eight ghosts a-haunting,<br /> seven skulls a-grinning,<br /> six owls a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the tenth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> ten </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="9" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainmagic/p/Bat-Magic-And-Folklore.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">bats a-gliding</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> nine dead men dancing,<br /> eight ghosts a-haunting,<br /> seven skulls a-grinning,<br /> six owls a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the eleventh day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> eleven </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="10" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaintraditions/a/Spider-Mythology-And-Folklore.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">spiders crawling</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> ten bats a-gliding,<br /> nine dead men dancing,<br /> eight ghosts a-haunting,<br /> seven skulls a-grinning,<br /> six owls a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">On the twelfth day of Samhain my true love gave to me<br /> twelve </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="11" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/shoppingandsupplies/ss/Besom.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">brooms a-flying</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">,<br /> eleven spiders crawling,<br /> ten bats a-gliding,<br /> nine dead men dancing,<br /> eight ghosts a-haunting,<br /> seven skulls a-grinning,<br /> six owls a-hooting,<br /> five pointy hats,<br /> four séance spirits,<br /> three crooked headstones,<br /> two jack o'lanterns and<br /> a black cat in a spooky tree.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-33870294393811106722014-10-10T17:59:00.000-04:002014-10-10T17:59:24.342-04:00The Dumb Supper - A Feast With the Dead<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Speaking to the Dead:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Although traditionally </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Hold_Seance.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a seance</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> is a good way to communicate with those who have crossed into the spirit world, it's also perfectly fine to talk to them at other times. You may find yourself walking into a room and suddenly reminded of someone you've lost, or catching a whiff of a familiar scent. For me personally, every February I find myself picking over birthday cards and thinking to myself how funny my grandfather would find this one or that one. I make a point of telling him about them, even though he died in 2002. You don't need a fancy or formal ritual to speak to the dead. They hear you.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why on Samhain?:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Why hold a Dumb Supper on </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">? Well, it's traditionally known as the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. It's the night when we know for sure the dead will hear us speak, and maybe even speak back. It's a time of death and resurrection, of new beginnings and fond farewells.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Menus and Table Settings:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Your menu choices are up to you, but because it's Samhain, you may wish to make the traditional </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincooking/ht/Soul_cake.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Soul Cakes</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, as well as serving dishes with apples, late fall vegetables, and game if available. Set the table with a black cloth, black plates and cutlery, black napkins. Use candles as your only source of light -- black if you can get them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Realistically, not everyone has black dishware sitting around. In many traditions, it's perfectly acceptable to use a combination of black and white, although black should be the predominant color.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Host/Hostess Duties:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When you're hosting a Dumb Supper, clearly the point is that no one can speak --- and that makes a host's job very tricky. It means you have the responsibility of anticipating each guest's needs without them communicating verbally. Depending on the size of your table, you may want to make sure each end has its own salt, pepper, butter, etc. Also, watch your guests to see if anyone needs a drink refill, an extra fork to replace the one they just dropped, or more napkins.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Dumb Supper:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In some Pagan traditions, it has become popular to hold a Dumb Supper in honor of the dead. In this case, the word "dumb" refers to being silent. The origins of this tradition have been fairly well debated -- some claim it goes back to ancient cultures, others believe it's a relatively new idea. Regardless, it's one that's observed by many people around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When holding a Dumb Supper, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. First of all, make your dining area sacred, either by </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Cast_Circle.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">casting a circle</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, smudging, or some other method. Turn off phones and televisions, eliminating outside distractions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Secondly, remember that this is a solemn and silent occasion, not a carnival. It's a time of silence, as the name reminds us. You may wish to leave younger children out of this ceremony. Ask each adult guest to bring a note to the dinner. The note's contents will be kept private, and should contain what they wish to say to their deceased friends or relatives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Set a place at the table for each guest, and reserve the head of the table for the place of the Spirits. Although it's nice to have a place setting for each individual you wish to honor, sometimes it's just not feasible. Instead, use a tealight candle at the Spirit setting to represent each of the deceased. Shroud the Spirit chair in black or white cloth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">No one may speak from the time they enter the dining room. As each guest enters the room, they should take a moment to stop at the Spirit chair and offer a silent prayer to the dead. Once everyone is seated, join hands and take a moment to silently bless the meal. The host or hostess, who should be seated directly across from the Spirit chair, serves the meal to guests in order of age, from the oldest to youngest. No one should eat until all guests -- including Spirit -- are served.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When everyone has finished eating, each guest should get out the note to the dead that they brought. Go to the head of the table where Spirit sits, and find the candle for your deceased loved one. Focus on the note, and then burn it in the candle's flame (you may wish to have a plate or small cauldron on hand to catch burning bits of paper) and then return to their seat. When everyone has had their turn, join hands once again and offer a silent prayer to the dead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Everyone leaves the room in silence. Stop at the Spirit chair on your way out the door, and say goodbye one more time.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Other Samhain Rituals:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If the idea of a Dumb Supper doesn't quite appeal to you -- or if you know darn well that your family can't be quiet for that long.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-78133842480206594852014-10-08T18:25:00.000-04:002014-10-08T18:25:30.699-04:00Tonights Blood Moon<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>If you're looking for information about the four lunar eclipses in 2014 - 2015 that are referred to as the Four Blood Moons, please skip over to the following article: <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/moonphasemagic/fl/The-Four-Blood-Moons.htm">The Four Blood Moons</a>. The article you're reading right now is about the October full moon, sometimes referred to as the Hunter's Moon or Blood Moon, and it is a different subject altogether.</em><br />
In October, we see the Blood Moon travel through the sky. This moon is also called the Shedding Moon or the Falling Leaf Moon. Coming right before <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm">Samhain</a>, it's a time when the nights are crisp and clear, and you can sense a change in the energy around you.<br />
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Correspondences:<br />
<ul>
<li>Colors: Dark blue, black, purples</li>
<li>Gemstones: Obsidian, amethyst, tourmaline</li>
<li>Trees: <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/p/AppleMagic.htm">Apples</a> and yew</li>
<li>Gods: <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/godsandgoddesses/p/Herne_Hunter.htm">Herne</a>, Apollo, <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/godsandgoddesses/p/Cernunnos.htm">Cernunnos</a>, Mercury</li>
<li>Herbs: <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/Apple-Blossoms.htm">Apple blossom</a>, pennyroyal, mint family, <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="7" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ig/Magical-Herbs/Catnip.htm">catnip</a>, Sweet Annie</li>
<li>Element: Air</li>
</ul>
This is the time when the veil between our world and the spirit world are at its thinnest. Use this time for spiritual growth -- if there's a deceased ancestor you wish to contact, this is a great month to do it. <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="8" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Hold_Seance.htm">Hold a séance</a>, work on <a data-component="link" data-ordinal="9" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/a/Moon_Scrying.htm">your divination</a>, and pay attention to messages you get in your dreams.<br />
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<strong>Also Known As: </strong>Shedding Moon, Falling Leaf Moon, Hunter's Moon</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-12845378637320839122014-10-06T11:19:00.000-04:002014-10-06T11:19:23.328-04:005 Easy Samhain Decorations<div class="expert-content-text">
<a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Samhain</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> is the last of the three harvest holidays, following Lughnasadh and Mabon, so keep the harvest theme in mind when you’re decking your halls and walls. Consider decorating your home with symbols of the season. Like all holidays – whether spiritual or secular -- decorating your house is one of those things that are a matter of personal taste. Try some of these simple and inexpensive decorating ideas for Samhain.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> 1. Welcome the Dark Side </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It’s the time of year when the world is dying; take advantage of it and get in touch with your darker side. While it may creep out some of the neighbors, Samhain is the perfect opportunity to take some </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Graverubbing.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">grave rubbings</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, hang scythes and skulls on the walls, and put out other symbols of Death.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="AutumnBasket_1500.jpg - Image by GMVozd/Vetta/Getty Images" class=" addPinit" data-description="5 Easy Samhain Decorations: Bowls and Baskets Galore" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/l/X/-/-/AutumnBasket_1500.jpg" height="200" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> 2. Bowls and Baskets Galore </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Find some inexpensive bowls, cornucopias or baskets at thrift stores. Fill them with harvest foods, such as gourds, </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/p/AppleMagic.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">apples</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, corn and miniature pumpkins. Place them on tables throughout your home. If you've got florist's wire, you can hang Indian corn and other goodies in a bundle on your wall.<br /> </span></div>
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="1" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/JackOLanterns.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="FatPumpkin_1500.jpg - Image by Alan Dow Photography/Moment Open/Getty Images" class=" addPinit" data-description="5 Easy Samhain Decorations: Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/k/X/-/-/FatPumpkin_1500.jpg" height="225" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Carve </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/JackOLanterns.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">jack-o-lanterns</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">! If you have very young children, they may have more fun painting their pumpkins than carving them. </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Painted-Pentacle-Pumpkins.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Painted pumpkins</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> will last longer than carved ones anyway. Use acrylic paints for brighter colors. Make one for each member of your family, and place them at the front door to greet visitors. If you don't have time to decorate them, that's okay - a few well placed plain pumpkins look nice, and bring home the sense of the season.<br /> </span></div>
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="3" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Yard-Ghosts.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="YardGhosts_1500.jpg - Image by Patti Wigington 2013" class=" addPinit" data-description="5 Easy Samhain Decorations: Outdoor Decor" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/_/X/-/-/YardGhosts_1500.jpg" height="242" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span></a><br />
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="3" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Yard-Ghosts.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><a class="PIN_1410907313708_pin_it_button_20 PIN_1410907313708_pin_it_button_en_20_red PIN_1410907313708_pin_it_button_inline_20 PIN_1410907313708_pin_it_none_20" data-pin-config="none" data-pin-href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?guid=nbrHGYFespnU-3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpaganwiccan.about.com%2Fod%2Fsamhaincrafts%2Ftp%2F5-Easy-Samhain-Decorations.htm%3Futm_source%3Dpinterest%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dshareurlbuttons_nip&media=http%3A%2F%2F0.tqn.com%2Fy%2Fpaganwiccan%2F1%2FL%2F_%2FX%2F-%2F-%2FYardGhosts_1500.jpg&description=5%20Easy%20Samhain%20Decorations%3A%20Outdoor%20Decor" data-pin-log="button_pinit" href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span class="PIN_1410907313708_hidden" id="PIN_1410907313708_pin_count_3"><i></i></span></a></a><br /></div>
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<figcaption class="content-img-subtitle"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></figcaption><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></figure><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><div class="expert-content-text">
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="4" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Yard-Ghosts.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> 4. Outdoor Decor</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It's the time of year when your neighbors might not even give you a second glance if you put up decorations outside. Consider making a group of </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Yard-Ghosts.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">ghosts for the yard</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> or even </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Headstones.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">your own cemeteries</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. Raid the Halloween stores for bargains and ideas!<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="5" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/AncestorAltar.htm" source="outbound_list"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="AncestorCloth_1500.jpg - Image by Patti Wigington 2013" class=" addPinit" data-description="5 Easy Samhain Decorations: Honor the Ancestors" src="http://0.tqn.com/y/paganwiccan/1/L/V/X/-/-/AncestorCloth_1500.jpg" height="225" itemprop="image" width="300" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></figure><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><div class="expert-content-text">
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<a data-component="contentListPage" data-ordinal="6" data-source="outbound_list" data-type="link.articleReview" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/AncestorAltar.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> 5. Honor the Ancestors</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">At Samhain, you can make a small shrine to honor your ancestors, or turn it into an </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/AncestorAltar.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">entire ancestor altar.</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> Set it up for the recently departed, or your entire extended family. If you know a bit of your family history, consider turning your family tree into an </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Ancestor-Altar-Cloth.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">ancestor altar cloth</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. Hang photos of your deceased family members in a place of prominence - in some traditions, these photos are adorned with a black cloth as a symbol of honor.</span></div>
</section><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-90890027060045078392014-10-03T09:39:00.000-04:002014-10-03T09:39:57.145-04:00Ritual to Honor the Ancestors at Samhain<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">For many modern Pagans, there has been a resurgence of interest in our family histories. We want to know where we came from and whose blood runs through our veins. Although ancestor worship has traditionally been found more in Africa and Asia, many Pagans with European heritage are beginning to feel the call of their ancestry. This rite can be performed either by itself, or on the third night of Samhain, following the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/ht/Harvest_End.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">End of Harvest</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> celebration and the </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/ht/Animals_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Honoring of the Animals</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">First, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="3" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/SamhainAltar.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">decorate your altar table</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> -- you may have already gotten it set up during the End of Harvest rite or for the Ritual for Animals. Decorate your altar with family photos and heirlooms. If you have a family tree chart, place that on there as well. Add postcards, flags, and other symbols of the country your ancestors came from. If you're lucky enough to live near where your family members are buried, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="4" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincrafts/ss/Graverubbing.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">make a grave rubbing</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> and add that as well. In this case, a cluttered altar is perfectly acceptable -- after all, each of us is a blend of many different people and cultures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have a meal standing by to eat with the ritual. Include lots of </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="5" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/r/DarkMotherBread.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">dark bread</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="6" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/mabontheautumnequinox/p/AppleMagic.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">apples</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, fall vegetables, and a jug of cider or wine. Set your dinner table, with a place for each family member, and one extra plate for the ancestors. You may want to bake some </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="7" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhaincooking/ht/Soul_cake.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Soul Cakes</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If your family has household guardians, include statues or masks of them on your altar. Finally, if a relative has died this year, place a candle for them on the altar. Light candles for other relatives, and as you do so, say the person's name aloud. It's a good idea to use tealights for this, particularly if you have a lot of relatives to honor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Once all the candles have been lit, the entire family should circle the altar. The oldest adult present leads the ritual. Say:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is the night when the gateway between<br /> our world and the spirit world is thinnest.<br /> Tonight is a night to call out those who came before us.<br /> Tonight we honor our ancestors.<br /> Spirits of our ancestors, we call to you,<br /> and we welcome you to join us for this night.<br /> We know you watch over us always,<br /> protecting us and guiding us,<br /> and tonight we thank you.<br /> We invite you to join us and share our meal.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The oldest family member then serves everyone else a helping of whatever dishes have been prepared, except for the wine or cider. A serving of each food goes on the ancestors' plate before the other family members recieve it. During the meal, share stories of ancestors who are no longer among the living -- this is the time to remember Grandpa's war stories he told you as a child, tell about when Aunt Millie used salt instead of sugar in the cake, or reminisce about summers spent at the family homestead in the mountains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">When everyone has finished eating, clear away all the dishes, except for the ancestors' plate. Pour the cider or wine in a cup, and pass it around the circle (it should end at the ancestor's place). As each person receives the cup, they recite their genealogy, like so:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I am Susan, daughter of Joyce, the daughter of Malcolm, son of Jonathan...</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and so forth. Feel free to add in place names if you like, but be sure to include at least one generation that is deceased. For younger family members, you may wish to have them only recite back to their grandparents, just because otherwise they can get confused.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Go back as many generations as you can, or (in the case of people who have done a lot of genealogy research) as many as you can remember. You may be able to trace your family back to William the Conqueror, but that doesn't mean you have it memorized. After each person recites their ancestry, they drink from the cider cup and pass it to the next person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A quick note here -- many people are adopted. If you are one them, you are fortunate enough to be able to choose whether you wish to </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="8" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/faq/f/Honoring-Ancestors-When-Adopted.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">honor your adoptive family</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, your biological family, or a combination of the two. If you don't know the names of your birth parents or their ancestry, there's nothing wrong with saying, "Daughter of a family unknown." It's entirely up to you. The spirits of your ancestors know who you are, even if you don't know them yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">After the cup has made its way around the table, place it in front of the ancestors' plate. This time, a younger person in the family takes over, saying:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is the cup of remembrance.<br /> We remember all of you.<br /> You are dead but never forgotten,<br /> and you live on within us.</span></em></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Tips:</span></strong><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If you didn't do a separate ritual for animals, you can add photos and candles for deceased pets to your family altar.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If you like, you may wish to follow this ritual with a </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="9" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanandpaganrituals/ht/Hold_Seance.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Seance</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If your children are younger, and you'd like to include them in a short ritual, consider holding an </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="10" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainrituals/fl/Samhain-Rite-for-Families-with-Children.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Ancestor Ritual for Families With Children</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> instead.</span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-49222533156423152062014-10-01T09:47:00.000-04:002014-10-01T09:47:00.298-04:00Samhain History<strong><span style="font-size: large;">What is Samhain?:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Samhain is known by most folks as Halloween, but for many modern Pagans it's considered a Sabbat to honor the ancestors who came before us, marking the dark time of the year. It's a good time to contact the spirit world with a seance, because it's the time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Myths and Misconceptions:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Contrary to a popular Internet-based (and Chick Tract-encouraged) rumor, </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="1" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/a/About_Samhain.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">Samhain</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> was not the name of some ancient Celtic god of death, or of anything else, for that matter. Religious scholars agree that the word Samhain (pronounced "sow-en") comes from the Gaelic “Samhuin,” but they’re divided on whether it means the end or beginning of summer. After all, when summer is ending here on earth, it’s just beginning in the Underworld. Samhain actually refers to the daylight portion of the holiday, on November 1st.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">All Hallow Mass:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Around the eighth century or so, the Catholic Church decided to use November 1st as All Saints Day. This was actually a pretty smart move on their part – the local pagans were already celebrating that day anyway, so it made sense to use it as a church holiday. All Saints’ became the festival to honor any saint who didn’t already have a day of his or her own. The mass which was said on All Saints’ was called Allhallowmas – the mass of all those who are hallowed. The night before naturally became known as All Hallows Eve, and eventually morphed into what we call Halloween.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Witches' New Year:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunset on Samhain is the beginning of the Celtic New Year. The old year has passed, the harvest has been gathered, cattle and sheep have been brought in from the fields, and the leaves have fallen from the trees. The earth slowly begins to die around us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a good time for us to look at wrapping up the old and preparing for the new in our lives. Think about the things you did in the last twelve months. Have you left anything unresolved? If so, now is the time to wrap things up. Once you’ve gotten all that unfinished stuff cleared away, and out of your life, then you can begin looking towards the next year.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Honoring the Ancestors:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For some of us, Samhain is </span><a data-component="link" data-ordinal="2" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccanpaganhistory/tp/Ancestor-Worship.htm"><span style="font-size: large;">when we honor our ancestors</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> who came before us. If you’ve ever done genealogy research, or if you’ve had a loved one die in the past year, this is the perfect night to celebrate their memory. If we’re fortunate, they will return to communicate with us from beyond the veil, and offer advice, protection and guidance for the upcoming year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you want to celebrate Samhain in the Celtic tradition, spread the festivities out over three consecutive days. You can hold a ritual and feast each night. Be flexible, though, so you can work around trick-or-treating schedules!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-18753792084785579662014-09-29T14:25:00.000-04:002014-09-29T14:25:00.272-04:00Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As the year comes to a close and </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/samhainoctober31/p/Samhain_History.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Samhain approaches</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, the Ivy moon rolls in at the end of the harvest season. Ivy often lives on after its host plant has died -- a reminder to us that life goes on, in the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. The Celts called this month <em>Gort</em>, pronounced <em>go-ert</em>. This is a time to </span><a href="http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/divination/p/Spirit_Guides.htm"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">banish</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> the negative from your life. Do workings related to improving yourself, and placing a barricade between you and the things that are toxic to you. Ivy can be used in magic performed for healing, protection, cooperation, and to bind lovers together.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8305736433905912899.post-31590668901739193602014-09-26T14:20:00.000-04:002014-09-26T14:20:00.643-04:00The Inner Realm – The Physical or Terrestrial Realm<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The inner realm is the physical realm, composed of the four Platonic elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. These are the basest realms, comprised primarily of matter with very little spiritual essence. However, these realms are still important to occultists because they are the realms we can most easily comprehend and with which we can most easily rate. One must understand their physical nature before he can hope to elevate himself beyond it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nature of The Realm</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Physical realms are considered both material and perishable. Material things do not last forever, and they are frequently subject to compositing and/or mutation into new forms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Rarified Elements vs. Composite Physical Material</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Furthermore, even these base realms function at a higher level than what we generally consider physical reality. Rainwater is not the same as the element of Water, and a match flame is not pure elemental Fire. Everything that we can physically interact with is a composite of elements, comprised of elemental combinations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hence, even the realm of earth, the basest of the Terrestrial realms, is still more pure, more rarefied than the physical soil beneath our feet or the flesh from which we are made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Earth, Water, Air and Fire</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Terrestrial realms are ordered in a scientific fashion: through the application of heat (Fire), solids (Earth) can transform into liquids (Water), which can in turn evaporate into the air (Air). Fire, being the catalyst and strongly associated with the divine light, is then naturally placed at the top of this hierarchy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spirit: The Fifth Element</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Between the Terrestrial and Spiritual realms lies a fifth element known by a number of names, including Spirit, Quintessence (Latin for “fifth element”), and Aether. While numbered as an element, Spirit was generally accepted to be something more rarified than any of the four physical elements. Also, while all physical matter is comprised of combinations of the four elements, Spirit was beyond matter, and it served such purposes as connecting body to soul and, in a cosmological sense, the Terrestrial realm to the Celestial one.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13654946610728697878noreply@blogger.com1