The Crafty Witch

"The Pastoral Symphony" by Jonathon Earl Bowser

  Artist:  Jonathon Earl Bowser - Used with permission

   

Herb Broom Psychic Mandala
Chalice Magick Mirror
Wand Moon Baskets
Cauldron Book of Shadows
Altar Spell/Ritual Paper
Altar Cloth Pot Pourri
Altar Pentacle Pomander
Altar Dishes Bat's Blood Ink
Spirit Board Dragon's Blood Ink
Spell Bottle Dove's Blood Ink
Money Candle Solid Perfume
Flying Ointment

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The Crafty Witch knows that you don't have to spend all of your hard-earned cash on expensive tools in order to perform your rituals and spells.  

In fact, making your own tools will not only give you a sense of well-being and make you extremely proud of your handiwork, but will also save you oodles of money and be a LOT more powerful than shop-bought goods.  This is because, as you have handled and lovingly worked on your project, you have unconsciously charged it with your own personal energy.

Here are just a few ideas:

 

Artist unknown

  

Herb Broom

  

If you manage to get permission from the plant to remove some of the younger, greener plant material the fragrance lasts a long time.

Collect handfuls of plants to use in a magic broom, such as..
     Yarrow
     Cedar
     Juniper
     Fruit tree sprigs
     Oak tree sprigs
     Birch or ash sprigs

Bundle plants together and tie cut ends together. The bundle may be tied to a branch if a longer handle is desired. Use the broom to sweep away negativity and to sweep your magic circle clean.
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Ritual Chalice

(From Ambrosia Knight's personal Book of Shadows)

You can use an ordinary cup or glass purchased from just about anywhere for your chalice. But a wine glass would be best.

Take your wine glass and wash it. Even though no one drank from it, it was still placed on the shelf by someone you don't know and many others have touched it before you bought it.

Then cleanse it. This is not the same as washing it. This is done to get rid of any negative energies that may still linger in the glass.

To cleanse, fill a bowl with water and add a pinch of kosher salt to it. If you do not have any kosher salt, table salt will do fine.

Place your index finger in the water, stir it three times clockwise, and say:

"As Above and So Below,
I cleanse this water so bad may go.
Please cleanse this ritual chalice for me,
This is my will, So Mote it Be."

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave the bowl undisturbed for one hour. Then, rinse the chalice under spring water. Or, just use tap water. Dry the chalice.

Then, decorate it anyway you choose. You can paint the outside of the glass, but make sure you don't paint all the way to the top where your lips will be. Leave about an inch to an inch and a half of space.

You can also get some fake gems at a store that sells crafts and glue it on your chalice. And / or tie a bow on the base.

Most importantly, be creative! This is your chalice, so add whatever you wish to it.

After you are done, consecrate the chalice. It is now ready to use.
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Ritual Wand

(Refer to Misc Correspondences for the powers of trees)

It is best to use a branch that has fallen off a tree.

If you must take a branch from a living tree, you should do so respectfully. Ask the spirit of the tree for its gift, tie off the place to be cut with a red cord, score it with the bolline, and pass the bolline through the complete cut after the sawing is done. Afterward, thank the tree and give it a gift of water. The branch will need to be thoroughly dry before it can be made into a wand.

The wood is first cut to an appropriate length. The traditional length is from elbow to fingers, though as with most other things, this rule is not absolute. Some people like them longer, and some petite. After a thorough sanding, oil the wood to bring out the grain. A favorite embellishment is to mount a crystal point in the top end. You would do this by making a hole in the top with a power drill, insert the crystal, and secure it with epoxy. From there you can decorate according to the natural lines of the wood, perhaps mounting smaller stones and crystals in the hollows. Symbols or runes can be added with wood burning tools.
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Cauldron

A cauldron needs to be fire-proof because you will be mostly burning things in it - but you may also be putting it on the stove if you want to make brews.  Bear this in mind when you choose - items that spring to mind immediately are stock-pots, old/new pans, stew/casserole pots.  If you have no intention of making brews in this (so it will not be used on the stove) you can paint/decorate the outside of it as you please.  But this would be unwise if you are going to brew with it - heated paint fumes can be toxic.

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Altar

This is a focus for your religious works, spells, devotions and meditations.  You can either build a one out of door or indoors (or both if you wish).  An outdoor one can be built from bricks or large, flat stones which will support a large slab across the top on which to place your tools and complete your magickal works.  Alternatively you could suspend it from a sturdy tree bough - using strong rope.  Bear in mind that a suspended altar will sway in the wind and you will therefore need a sheltered spot to accommodate it.  An indoor altar can be constructed on top of just about any piece of furniture - a kitchen table, sideboard, chest-of-drawers, or even a cardboard box.  Just make sure it is secure as you don't want the whole thing to come crashing down around you ears with lit candles upon it.  Some people simply use the floor.  An altar traditionally faces north and this should therefore be borne in mind when placing it - although some people prefer the east.  The choice is yours.  It is, after all, your altar.

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Altar Cloth

Altar cloths can be expensive.  However, this role could just easily be fulfilled by just about any piece of material - a tablecloth, spare piece of material (remnant perhaps), curtain.  The choice is endless.  If you wish (and are able to do so) you could embroider a design onto it to your own tastes - you could also tie-die it.  The choice is endless - and entirely up to you!

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Altar Pentacle

This forms the central focal point in the centre of your altar and (again) can be very expensive.  Why not make your own?  There are several methods, though you may be able to think of more).

  • Use a piece of spare wood (or perhaps one you've found whilst out walking - preferably not cut from a live tree) and smooth any necessary areas with sandpaper.  Draw (or trace) a pentacle onto one side of it using a pencil or felt tip pen.  Heat up a soldering iron until it is at its hottest setting and score the pentacle that you've just drawn until it is scorched into the wood.  Stain and varnish the wood to your preferred finish.

  • Use a flat rock, slate, floor tile or wall-tile (whatever takes your preference) and, again, draw or trace a pentacle onto one side of it.  Then follow the line of the pentacle with paint (acrylic for rocks, slate and floor tiles; and appropriate tile paint for a glossy wall-tile).  A ceramic wall tile will then need to be sealed with an appropriate sealer for the purpose.  For the other materials, you can either leave it as it is or  varnish it with clear varnish - the choice is yours.

  • Use a piece of wire or a wire coat hanger and bend it into the required shape.  You will need to attach the outer circle to the star with either a suitable glue or a soldering iron.

  • Use an ordinary picture frame.  Remove the cardboard back and then either draw (or trace) the pentacle design onto the glass using permanent marker pen.  Use acrylic paints to add colour and texture and add any other pieces as desired.  When dried, place the glass back into the frame and you will have a beautiful altar pentacle. (Place the painted side down so that it is nearest the altar, thereby protecting the painted surface).

Of course, you can also 'spruce up' your pentacle as you wish with the use of acrylic paints, beads, glitter, ribbons, etc.  The choice is endless - have fun!

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Altar Salt & Water Dishes

Traditionally an altar will also boast a dish of water (to represent that element) and a dish of salt (to represent earth) - in addition to the candles for fire and the incense for air.  The containers for the salt and water do not need to be the expensive exhibits from the shops.  You could use anything that takes your fancy - some pickled seafood comes in little jars with embossed designs on them, tiny tea-light holders come in all shapes and sizes and are ideal to hold the salt and water or (as I have done) you could use seashells - they don't need to be big.  If you do this, make sure that they are ones that you've collected yourself (or a friend did) from the beach.  Shop-bought shells have usually been farmed for this purpose and then the occupants killed in order to sell the shells to the general public - steer clear of these.

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Spirit Board

(From Ambrosia Knight's personal Book of Shadows)

I usually warn people against the use of these. If you are not an experienced practitioner with a good knowledge base of the Craft, don't make a Spirit Board.

Spirit Boards (a.k.a. Ouija Boards, Witch Boards, etc.) have been around for a very long time. They were invented so people could communicate with spirits. Hence, the name "Spirit Board."

Personally, I believe it's mind control. Your subconscious makes the indicator move. However, I have had some experiences that could not be explained. And to be honest, not all of them were good. So, if after my warning you still wish to make one of these, remember: NEVER USE IT ALONE! Always use it with a partner.

You will need:

a Wooden Cutting Board
1 Black Permanent Marker
A Large Bottle Cap
(Snapple would be good, not that I'm doing a promo...)

Using the pen, write all the following in large lettering: Yes (top left corner), No (top right corner) the letters A - M (slightly above the middle area) N - Z (middle area under the other letters), Goodbye (at the bottom center).

Draw a Pentacle in the middle at the top between Yes and No. Pentacles are the symbol of protection.

On the bottle cap, draw a point. This will be used as your indicator.

Place the indicator in the center of the board and place your fingers on the bottle cap. Move the bottle cap over the entire board making a circle 8 gesture three times. Say this three times:

"I cleanse this board of all negativity."

Then, in a clockwise, circular direction (moving it three times again), say this three times:

"By the Power of Three
So Mote it Be"

The board is now ready to use.

Your fingers should now be lightly touching the indicator, almost barely touching it. State your question (without thinking of an answer) and patiently wait for the indicator to move. Could be anywhere from a couple of seconds to a few minutes. If the indicator doesn't move after 2 minutes or so, state the question again.

When you are finished with your session, place the indicator above Goodbye and say:

"My subconscious has answered my questions.
It is now time to say good bye."

At this time, the indicator will move to good bye.

Many people do not know why Good Bye is written on a Spirit Board. It's there so the supposed "spirit" won't be wandering around your house long after you're done with your session. That is, if you believe that it's a spirit talking to you. It may just be your subconscious like I said. Either way, use the Good Bye with the above statement.

Helpful Tips

  1. Be in a really positive mood before using the board. If you are negative in any way (sad, depressed, angry, etc.), don't use it. Also, don't be in a silly mood or get mad when the indicator isn't moving fast enough for you.

  2. Believe that it's your mind moving the indicator, not a spirit. Since I started thinking this way, I haven't come across any problems.

  3. Always use a partner.

  4. If a problem does arise, just throw it away and you'll be fine. You won't have to call me to perform an exorcism for you. :)

I'm sure you may be wondering, "If this is so dangerous, why post it?" Well, I don't hide what I do and it's only dangerous if you have little to no understanding of it. I have used boards since I was 8 years old and I'm now in my 20's.

They have helped me to increase my mind power and I wish the same for you, if you are inclined to use one.
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Home Protection Spell Bottle

(From the book "Spell Crafts" by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington)

Ideally, such a bottle should be walled up in a new home under construction, or placed under the floorboards. If this is impossible, simply place it in a position of importance somewhere in the home.

Items Needed:

1 bottle with cork stopper
1/2 to 1 cup salt
3 cloves garlic
9 bay leaves
7 tbsp. dried basil
4 tbsp. dill seeds
1 tbsp. sage
1 tbsp. anise
1 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. fennel
1 bowl

In the morning, ideally on a bright and sunny day, assemble all items. Place the salt into the bowl and say:

"Salt that protects, protect my home and all within it."

Add the rest of the ingredients, one by one, saying the above phrase. Just change the first word to whatever herb you are putting in next.

Mix together the herbs and the salt with your hands and fingers, lend energy to the potent protective items. Visualize your home as a shining, safe, guarded, secure place of sanctuary.

Pour the mixture into the jar. Seal tightly and place in your home with the following words:

"Salt and herbs, nine times nine
Guard now this home of mine."

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Money Candle

(From the book "Spell Crafts" by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington)

Items Needed:

2 to 4 pounds of paraffin
Thin candlewicking
Green candle dye (or a green crayon)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
A small bowl
Patchouly essential oil
A large pot
A clean coffee can
Baking soda (for fire safety)
1 wooden spoon
Wax paper

To speed the melting process, grate or chop the paraffin into small pieces before melting. Fill the large pot about 1/3 full of water. Place on high heat until boiling. Place the paraffin in the coffee can, and set the can into the pot.

Turn the heat down to medium. Watch the paraffin as it's melting. Paraffin easily bursts into flames over high heat (this is exactly why it's used to make candles). If flames appear, place a lid over the can or drench the area with baking soda to snuff out the fire. If you keep the heat low you should have no problems.

While the paraffin is melting, place the two spices into the bowl. Mix them together, empowering them as you visualize money manifesting in your life. Infuse the herbs with your goal.

Check the paraffin. For best results, you should have at least 6 inches of melted paraffin. If there's less, add more paraffin. (If the paraffin has melted, but has begun to harden, the heat is too low. Turn it up a bit.)

Add a few chunks of green candle dye to the paraffin and mix with the wooden spoon. Alternately, remove the paper wrappings from a green crayon, break it into pieces, and add this to the paraffin.

The dye will melt. Stir until the paraffin is evenly colored. The finished, dried candles will be a shade or two lighter than the color of the melted paraffin. More dye may be necessary to create the desired dark green shade.

Once the paraffin has been tinted, sprinkle the spices onto the paraffin with your projective hand. Dust off your fingers over the pot and stir the herbs into the paraffin with the wooden spoon. Stir clockwise and visualize.

Add eight to sixteen drops patchouly essential oil to the paraffin and again stir with the wooden spoon.

Smell the paraffin. It should be heavily scented. If not, add more patchouly oil.

Begin dipping. Hold a length of cotton wicking between your thumb and forefinger. Dunk it into the paraffin. It will probably just float on the surface the first few times you do this, for the wick lacks enough weight to plunge it to the bottom of the can. After dipping, remove it and hold it in the air for a moment or two until the paraffin has set, then dip again.

Dip again, lifting the wicking completely from the melted paraffin, allow the paraffin to set, and re-dip. Repeat as needed. The longer you wait between dippings, allowing the paraffin to harden, the faster the candle will build up. If you simply dunk and dunk and dunk, the hot paraffin will melt each proceeding coat and you'll end up with a soggy piece of wick.

With proper dipping, the candle will soon form. Its bottom will grow into an inverted cone-shape from the paraffin that drips down the taper's sides as it cools. This is natural; don't worry about it.

When the candle has achieved the proper width, hang it dry in a spot where it won't be touched for several minutes.

Test the candle after 20 or so minutes. The paraffin should have set but the taper should still be warm. Check it periodically to be sure that it hasn't completely hardened before the next step.

Turn off the heat under the paraffin. Place the wax paper on a counter or table. Lay the candle on the paper and gently, with an easy rocking motion roll the candle back and fourth on the wax paper. This straightens the taper and reduces irregularities on its surface.

When the candle is fairly straight, cut off the inverted cone at the bottom of the candle with a sharp knife. Dip the taper two more times into the melted paraffin and hang to dry until hard. You've just made a money candle. (To save time and produce more tapers, make two, three, or four at a time. Hang each to dry as you dip the next.)

To use your Money Spell Candle, choose a time when you'll be alone. Smell the rich, prosperous scent and visualize money manifesting in your life.

Hold the candle tightly between your palms. Send energy into it, saying something like the following words:

I charge you by Jupiter,
I charge you by the Earth,
I charge you by the Sun, Moon, and Stars:
Bring money to me,
Prosperity.
Money to me,
Prosperity.
Money to me,
Prosperity.

Set the candle in a holder. Light it. Sit or stand before it, watching the flame transform the wax into a liquid. Visualize the candle releasing the energies that you've placed within it. Sense it sending out the power to bring your need for money into manifestation.

Let the candle burn down to its end (if in a safe location). Or allow it to burn for 4, 8, or 16 minutes daily until your need manifests.

Note: Never blow out the candle. Always use a candle snuffer.
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Other Types Of Candles

(From the book "Spell Crafts" by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington

The same ritual and processes as the Money Candle can be used to create candles for any magickal purpose. Recommended colors, herbs or spices, and oils suited to many of these goals follow, but feel free to experiment. Grind all herbs before using, and use only genuine essential oils.

Health: blue candle dye, allspice, sage, sandalwood oil

Love: a bit of red candle dye (this will dye the wax pink), rose petals, basil, lavender oil

Protection: no dye; leave the wax white, rosemary, sage, frankincense (or cedar) oil

Psychic Awareness: blue candle dye lemongrass, yarrow, lemon oil

Purification: no dye; leave the wax white, anise, lemon peel, lavender oil

Spirituality: purple candle dye (if unavailable, leave the wax white), myrrh, cinnamon, true jasmine oil (which is quite expensive), or sandalwood oil
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Flying Ointment

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening
3 tbsp. mugwort (powdered)
3 drops dragons blood oil

Melt the shortening over low heat. This will be your base. Add the mugwort and the dragons blood oil to the base. Visualize your intention while stirring. Steep for 9 minutes or until the herb is 'fried'. Strain into a glass jar. Allow the ointment to cool before use.

Note: The dragons blood oil will not only strengthen the spell, it will also make the ointment smell good. You can put this ointment over your body, but I would recommend that you just anoint the chakras.
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Beaded Psychic Mandala

(From the book "Spell Crafts" by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington)

This Mandala is designed to create Psychic Awareness.

Items Needed:

16 inch embroidery hoop
Purple felt
#0 beading needle
Purple or blue thread
Blue #10 gauge glass seed beads
Purple #10 gauge glass seed beads
Scissors
Household glue
A large, flat rock
A blue candle and candle holder

1. Assemble all items. Put felt onto embroidery hoop and secure. Thread needle, knot one end of thread, and push needle through center of felt from reverse side. Pull thread taut.

2. Place one blue bead onto thread of needle; sew tightly onto center of felt. This is the center bead--the middle of the project.

3. Sew a purple bead beside the center blue bead. Position it as close to the center bead as possible. Sew purple beads in a circle around the center bead, once again closely positioning them. Make the beads touch each other.

4. Sew a circle of blue beads around the purple circle.

5. Sew a circle of purple beads, then a circle of blue, a circle of purple, a circle of blue, a circle of purple.

6. Sew a circle of blue beads. When you've sew the last bead in this circle, tie off the thread and firmly knot on the reverse side of the felt. (by this time you should have eight concentric circles of alternating colors of beads around the center blue bead.)

7. Remove beaded felt from the hoop. With a pair of sharp scissors, carefully cut off the access felt as close to the last circle of beads as you can. Ensure that you don't cut any of the threads that secure the last ring of beads.

8. Glue Psychic Mandala onto the rock with household glue. Be sure of your placement. (If you can't find a suitable rock, glue the Mandala to a flat piece of driftwood or some other natural object.) It is now ready for use.

9. Hold the completed Psychic Mandala between your palms. Breathe deeply and close your eyes. Send it peaceful, soothing psychic energy.

When you wish to use the Psychic Mandala, light a blue candle. Place it behind and to one side of you so that its light shines onto the Psychic Mandala. Turn off all the other lights in the room.

Gaze at the concentric circles. Say in a hushed voice:

Sacred Circle of Second Sight,
With Magick Rings of Nine;
Bring me Psychic Visions tonight
While gazing at this Sign.

Sit comfortably and contemplate the Psychic Mandala. Don't stare; gaze. Blink naturally if you wish. Soon your Higher Consciousness will be awakened. Be still and listen.

Night is the best time to promote Psychic Visions. Be sure that you are alone when you make the attempt.

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Magick Mirror

(From the book "Spell Crafts" by Scott Cunningham & David Harrington)

* 50 to 150 shells of various sizes. Scallop shells are ideal for this project. Have at least one dozen tiny shells, which you'll use to fill in small spaces.
* Clean sand or white-colored, fine aquarium gravel
* Household glue. This shouldn't be instant drying, and should be clear.
* An 8 inch piece of thin wood or corrugated cardboard
* 1 round, 4 inch mirror
* A ruler and a pencil
* Moistened and dry cotton cloth
* A large scrap piece of corrugated cardboard
* A chewed piece of bubble gum or a piece of tape
* 1 blue candle and candle holder. This will be used in the ritual to bless the magick mirror.

1. Assemble all the items on a table or other flat working surface. Sort the shells according to size and, if you wish, color. Hold your hands over the shells and say:

Spiraled treasures of the Sea,
Awake the Psychic Mind in me.

2. Using the pencil and ruler, draw lines across the wooden or cardboard base, from a to c, and from b to d. This will allow you to accurately place the mirror onto the center of the base.

3. Allow at least a 1/2 hour for this step. Place the mirror onto the center of the base, using the lines as a guide. Now place the shells in a symmetrical pattern on the base around the mirror. Some of the shells may overlap a bit onto the mirror itself. Some suggestions: begin with the largest shells first, then fit in the smaller ones. Large shells can be placed at the base's four corners. Shells of different colors can be alternated to form pleasing, contrasting patterns. A large shell can be placed between two corners to create the "top" of the mirror. Cover as much of the base as possible. If you don't like the pattern that you've created, begin again. This is the time to decide, not later when you've actually gluing the shells in place.

4. When you've finalized your pattern, individually transfer the shells to a flat surface, re-creating the same pattern there.

5. Enchant the mirror by holding your hands above it and saying, in a soft, dreamy voice:

Glow, Mirror,
Shimmer with Power.
Assist me in my Workings.

6. Apply the household glue to the back of the mirror. Also apply glue to the center of the base. Place the mirror onto the center of the base. Place base and mirror firmly together. Allow to dry for at least a 1/2 hour.

7. Apply glue to the base around the mirror. (If glue smears on the mirror, remove it with a moistened piece of cloth). Spread glue evenly with a finger. Pour the sand (or gravel) onto the glue, ensuring an even coat. Allow to dry for at least 15 minutes.

8. Tip up one end of the base and tap gently on the reverse side. Some sand will slide off. If the base isn't completely covered with sand, re-glue those areas and pour on more sand. Let dry for 15 minutes.

9. Spread household glue onto the scrap piece of cardboard (or a paper plate). Press the bubble gum or a piece of tape onto the center of one large shell that you'll be using in your pattern. Using the gum as a holder, lift the shell, quickly dip its edges into the glue, and press it firmly onto the base according to your previously created pattern. Carefully detach the gum or tape.

10. Repeat this entire process for each shell. Begin with the largest shells. It's best to also start with those shells that are close to the mirror, then work your way outward toward the edges of the base. Remove all glue smears immediately from the mirror with a moist cloth and dry. Don't be tempted to check if the glue has fastened the shells to the mirror. It's best not to touch them until the glue has had time to dry. If you find that you are losing the pattern that you've created, alter it as best as you can. Shells seem to grow or shrink when you're actually trying to glue them to fit the design.

11. Fill in any holes with leftover small shells. These can be difficult to accurately place, so use care. Allow the glue to dry for at least a 1/2 hour.

12. Gently touch each shell. If any are loose, re-glue and allow to dry for at least 15 minutes.

13. Charge the blue candle with Psychic Energy. Place it into the holder. Place holder onto the center of the mirror. Say these or similar words with your hands held, palms downward over the mirror:

Candle lights
Mirror bright:
Bring to me
The Second Sight.

Allow the candle to burn for 9, 18, 27, or 36 minutes. Snuff out the candle's flame and wrap the mirror in blue cloth when not in use.

To use, position the mirror so that it reflects the ceiling (this may be achieved by leaning it against a book). Turn off the lights. Empower a blue candle, light it, and place it behind the mirror (where it won't be reflected). Sit comfortably before the mirror, breathe deeply, and gaze into the mirror. Allow yourself to be psychic.

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Moon Baskets

  

Given as a gift, baskets filled with goodies have long been a tradition in most cultures around the world.  During holidays, festivals, and birthdays, the human family has given and received baskets of full of bounty, favors, and food for thousands of years.  Basket lore has even found its way into children's stories, such as Little Red Riding Hood who brought a gift basket to her grandmother, or nursery rhymes, like the tisket tasket basket that carried a love letter.  Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz carried a basket, and let's not forget the witch in Snow White, whose basket included magical apples.  However you look at it, baskets are here to stay.

Theme baskets are especially fun to put together as a gift.  They allow for a wide range of diversity and cost.  Moon baskets are one of my favorite theme baskets to make because they are so well received.  Everything in the basket has something to do with the Moon. I like to line the baskets with oak moss, a powerful Moon herb which can later be used as a smudge, or ground into powder for incense.  The type of Moon basket dictates what goes into it.

For example, a Moon bath basket might include any of the following:  a loofa sponge or washcloth with the Moon on it; an avocado mask; a cucumber astringent; a bar of coconut milk soap along with coconut shampoo and lotion; and a coconut scented candle or incense stick.  Hyssop or hibiscus essence may be substituted for coconut.  Avocado, cucumber, coconut, hyssop, and hibiscus are all ruled astrologically by the Moon.  The point is to fill the basket with delightful Moon-inspired gifts for the bath.  Since the Moon rules waterfowl, a rubber ducky can be tossed in for good measure!
 
Another kind of basket might include some stationery with the Moon on it, a sheet of postage stamps, a bag of watermelon flavored jelly beans, a silver pen, Moon stickers, a rubber Moon stamp, and a seal with silver sealing wax. You might want to include a cup or mug with a Moonscape on it, and some hibiscus or watermelon tea along with a corresponding incense stick. A peaceful New Age music tape or CD adds a nice touch to this gift.  Folks who like to correspond usually enjoy this basket.
 
For your friends who love food (and who doesn't?) you can fill baskets with a myriad of Moon delicacies.  In season, a garden Moon basket might include seeds or fruit and vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, kale, potatoes, onions, melons, cucumbers, watercress, lettuce, squash, cauliflower, and rosemary, all of which are ruled by the Moon.  If garden foods are not available, a variety of canned lunar foods will do nicely.  Smoked oysters, salmon, and clams are a favorite for this kind of basket.  If you want to get fancy, include a package of poppy seeds for baked goods, and a good old-fashioned ham, goose, or rabbit!
 
With so many variations on the Moon, your imagination can run wild while filling your baskets.  Mix and match lunar complements, include a lunar calendar or a poem,  make Moon-shaped poppy seed cookies or rosemary flavored vinegar,  and add a mushroom log.  Your friends will really appreciate the time and thought put into their personalized gifts, and you will have fun creating them as you carry on the age-old tradition of basket giving!

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Book of Shadows

  

In my experience there are two things that new 'converts' to the craft get anxious about - a magickal name, and a Book of Shadows - and there is no need to get into a fluster over either of these.

 

A Book of Shadows is merely a witch's notebook in which she keeps details of all of her spells, rituals, correspondences, oils, herbs, and all of her other 'witchy' information.  There are lots of 'Books of Shadows' out there which (I think) are very expensive, but with a little thought, you can really save a packet on this one.

 

Firstly a Book of Shadows does not necessarily even have to be a book.  It can be a folder of loose-leaf pages, a lever-arch file, a spiral notebook, a pc or a filing cabinet filled to the brim with folders for each section.  It doesn't matter - the main thing is that you have the information to hand so that you can use it.  

 

To make a Book of Shadows from a lever-arch file (and still make it look special) you could cover it in suede, leather, velvet or any other material of your choice.  Simply glue, tape or stitch the cover into place (avoiding the ringed, inner spine obviously).  By moonlight you could place herbs underneath this cover to protect  or empower the book).  You can then leave it as it is or attach beads or charms to the cover - or even embroider a design onto it yourself.

 

The main thing to remember is that it is YOUR book and you can therefore personalise it as you wish.  Bearing this in mind, I have detailed the 'classic' contents list for a Book of Shadows, but this is intended as a guide only - if you'd never use a section on the list (Ghost & Talking to the Dead, for instance), then why should you collect research on it?  I wish you well.

 

Book of Shadows Contents List

   

Book Blessing

Favourite Quotes & Magickal Rules

Index

Magickal Information

Alphabet (Magickal) Research

Astral Projection Research

Astrological Correspondences

Alantean Wand Research

Bi-Location Research

Biofeedback Research

Candle Magick Research

Chakra Research

Crystal Research

Colour Magick Research

Compass Point Research

Divination Research

Dowsing Research

Druidic Research

Earth Magick Research

Egyptian Magick Research

Elemental Tables

Emotions (Human) Research

Ethics

Gem Research

Ghosts & Talking to the Dead

God/Goddess Research

Graphology

Herb Magick Research

Magickal Correspondence Tables

Magickal Definitions

Moon Magick Research

Power Research

Psychic protection Research

Sensitivity Research

Shamanistic Research

Spell Casting Research

Symbol & Sigil Research

Tarot Research

Telepathy Research

Time Research

Vision Questing Research

Webweaving Guide

Women's Spirituality Research

Spells, hands-on information, working information, rituals, healing herbs, formula & other Basic instructions.

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Make Your Own Paper

 

What could be better for that truly special occasion than making your own paper.  It will naturally be empowered by yourself in the process and it also means that you can customise it to your own requirements - add food colouring for a tinted look, oils/herbs for empowerment and scent.  An additional benefit is that it is environmentally-friendly - this recipe uses scrap paper which would normally be thrown away, but you'll be recycling it.  A great (and seemingly endless source) or pulp for me is from the shredding machine at work - so it's free, too! (Don't forget to get your firm's permission before taking the shredded paper - better safe than sorry!)

 

You will need:

      scrap paper (not newspaper or thick glossy magazine paper)

      water

      an electric blender

      a mould, or 'deckle', to shape the paper (see below)

      starch (optional)

      kitchen wipes (or squares of calico larger than the deckle)

 

To make the mould:

Using smooth timber, make two identical shapes similar to a picture frame.  Size of mould determines the size of the paper produced.  The timber should be flat on the top and bottom.  Set one aside.  Cover the bottom of the other with muslin or cheesecloth - be suer to pull it firmly across the mould and slightly down the sides.  Staple of tack it in place securely.

 

Pulp:

Tear up paper into pieces about 4cm x 4cm.  Add quantity of paper with water (and oils, food colouring and herbs if using) to blender.  Mix until thoroughly pulped.  Pour pulp into oblong basin - not circular.  Strongly coloured paper will tint the mixture and result in coloured paper.  To make paper which is suitable for calligraphy, add a small quantity of powdered starch to pulp to stop the ink running (1 tablespoon per square basin).

 

To use the mould:

Place the open mould on top of the covered mould so that the fabric forms a middle layer.  Holding the two firmly together, slide them through the paper mixture, scooping up pulp into mould.  Allow to drain on side of basin, take off top frame, flip pulp onto damp kitchen wipe laid across damp towel (called a 'couch').

      Layer pulp with kitchen wipes of similar, until 6-7 layers have built up.  Place layers onto floor, place bread board on top of layers, stand on top to squeeze excess water out.  Take each layer of pulp/paper and place between layers of newspaper until dry.  Peel away kitchen wipes and your paper will be ready to use.  

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Pot Pourri

  

Pot pourri can be made from many different leaves, herbs and flowers in your chosen combination.  Many pot pourri flowers have colours which tend to fade when the petals dry.  Some of the unscented kinds retain their colours and for this reason are worth including to make your pot pourri mixture more appealing.  Pot geranium petals, for example, keep their colours well, so collect and keep any which fall.

      Pot pourri scents vary according to the ingredients.  One made mostly of rose petals will differ from one made of lavender, marigolds or verbena. 

      To retain their strength flower scents must be fixed.  The ingredients for use as fixatives vary.  Course sea salt is one, another is dried and powdered citrus peel.  Dry orange, tangerine and lemon peel in a cool oven or keep in a warm, dry place until peel is hard enough to be ground or pounded to a powder.  Angelica root powder can also be used.

      Once you've made your selection, dry the different ingredients separately (tie in bundles and either hang to dry or lay out on a wire-mesh rack and turn regularly).

      When properly dried, put your herbs and flowers into a glass jar (never metal) and mix together.  If you want a stronger scent, add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture.  Cover tightly and leave for 3-6 weeks.

  

Citrus Pot Pourri

8 cups of a combination of any or all of the following:  

    lemon, verbena, lemon-scented tea-tree, geranium 

    and/or lemon grass

1 cup eau-de-cologne mint

1 cup calendula petals

1/2 cup each orange and lemon peel

1 cup whole allspice, lightly crushed

1 cup fixative

6-8 drops lemon verbena oil

3-4 drops bergamot oil

Use dried daffodils, nasturtiums or everlasting daisies for decoration.

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Pomander

  

The original pomander consisted of a strongly scented pot pourri, formed into a ball with fragrant gum or wax and worn round the neck or waist in a small, perforated container.  It was thought to ward off diseases.

      The following instructions are for making an orange pomander which can be hung in the wardrobe, put into a linen drawer or placed in a pot pourri.  These combined scents always remind me of Yule and this may become a part of your Yule celebrations.  It should keep its scent for several years.

a small thin-skinned orange, free from blemishes

a darning needle or fine skewer

about 25g of cloves

1 teaspoon each of powdered cinnamon and orris root

a little freshly grated nutmeg and ground ginger

grease-proof paper or a paper bag

30cm of narrow ribbon

      Prick holes in the orange peel using a darning needle and leaving a cross pattern round which you can eventually tie the ribbon.  Make the holes fairly close together, and do not go so deep as to let the juice run out.

      Stick cloves in the holes so the spaces between the cross are covered completely.  Mix together ground ginger and orris root.  Roll the orange in the mixture, rubbing and patting the powder in.  Add a little freshly grated nutmeg and ground ginger if you wish.

      Wrap the orange in grease-proof paper and put into a brown paper bag.  Leave it in a cool, dark place for 5-6 weeks or until it is hard and dry.  Shake off any loose powder and tie the pomander round with ribbon.  Make sure the pomander stays dry - this will ensure the best results over a long period of time.

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Bat’s Blood Ink

By Bushdoktor

2 parts dragon's blood resin      
1/2 part myrrh resin              
2 drops cinnamon oil              
2 drops indigo color              
12 parts alcohol                  
1/2 part gum arabic.      

Steep the ground resins in the Alcohol until dissolved, then add ingredents and ground gum arabic. Filter and bottle.

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Dragon's Blood Ink

By Bushdoktor

1 part Dragon's Blood resin
15 parts alcohol
1 part gum arabic.

Steep the ground resins in the Alcohol until dissolved, then add ingredents and ground gum arabic. Filter and bottle.

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Dove’s Blood Ink

By Bushdoktor

  

1 part Dragon's Blood resin  

2 drops cinnamon oil

2 drops bay oil

10 parts alcohol

2 drops Rose oil               

1 part gum Arabic

 

Steep the ground resins in the Alcohol until dissolved, then add ingredents and ground gum arabic. Filter and bottle.

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Solid Perfume
   
1/4 lb. beeswax

2 TB jojoba oil

20-40 drops of your favorite single essential oil or a mix of your favorites

4 to 5 drops denatured alcohol.
   
Heat in a double boiler, stir well and add the essential oils last. Pour into a jar and let it set to harden.
  

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