Hedge Witchery

The last couple of days I've been reading Hedge Witch by Silver Ravenwolf. And have been trying some of the suggestions in there for candle crafting. wow! I feel so so good and positive and filled with happiness, peace & joy. I also did a small low magick ritual last night for the 1st time in probably a month or so. I slept so good and sound & actually had some good dreams! Woke up feeling really great too.

Took some more pictures of my new votive candles. They are brown in color aligning them with the element of earth. All of the colors, scents, herbs & spices used correspond with energies of love, fertility, good fortune & abundance.

Some of them have my little orange hearts dropped into them and some peeking out the top as well. Those votives are called ' Enveloped Love ' & I also made grungy candles (country prim) for the 1st time. They are interesting. My grungy votives are sealed in love with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Which correspond with good fortune, positive flowing energy and movement.

They are all scented with hollyberry candle liquid scent during my cooking process.
Holly is symbolic of fertility. Holly being used by Pagans dates back hundreds and hundreds of years to the time of the Egyptian ancients.

When burned these candles will have your home flowing with positive energy, abundance, and love.
As the aroma of coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove burn on the outside. And the scent of hollyberry spilling over into your home will be intoxicating during the holidays.
Also perfect for your yule rituals & celebrations.

What witch would not want to draw abundance, good fortune and love into their rituals. These candles with their properties would be all the more powerful for use in your ritual if used during a waning moon rite...

I am selling them on my Etsy Shoppe - Sacred Oaks Alchemy in sets of 3 for $12.00 You may order all Enveloped Love, or all 3 Grungy, or mix and match. Convo me on Etsy to secure your proper order. I'm offering a 10% discount to my facebook sisters and brothers of the craft. PAGAN is the coupon code to use for the discount. The listing is for 1 set of 3. Also convo me if you desire more than that. I can set up a custom order for you.

Brightest Blessings,
Raven )O(

A Time of Change...

 Samhain is a time of change. Perhaps that is why it is now at this moment in time that my kids have come home. It is a challenge for sure. Compromise. Extra efforts are needed by all. Myself, my husband and my daughter. But it always seems like I'm the only one who gets bombarded with my emotions, plus everyone else's. And that I'm the only one that makes any extra effort, sacrafice or anything. Everyone else gets to just be themselves. And I'm stuck getting in trouble with my husband. Everything I do is wrong. Everything I think is wrong. Everything that I don't do is wrong.

They just got here yesterday. They had moved to Illinois back in July. I have missed them terribly. And its like I don't even get to enjoy my own family. I've tried to do everything right. I've tried to not make decisions on my own, without my husband. But it just doesnt seem to matter. He is mad no matter what. Every idea or anything I do is wrong anyway, no matter what.

I'm still planning on my special naming ceremony on Samhain night. I'm looking forward to it. I need to take some time to do some research. So I can plan my ceremony correctly.

I'm looking forward to Samhain very very much. I might even have 2 rituals. Or maybe just combine everything into one?? I don't know...
As Samhain is the witches new year. I want to make a resolution. I want to welcome the members of my family who have passed. And welcome them into my home and to be with me. I plan to
have a lit candle in my windows. Wherever it is safe to burn them.
I would like to make some special samhain candles with the correct correspondences. I have 2 candle books to look to for the aid in this.

Well - today is clean out the fridgerator and freezer day. *giggles*

I've also been doing some new work on my pixel websites.
My main site is Faery Charm - http://faerycharm.net
I have a pay members area, some freebies in the main area...
Some new goodies on my Shoppe & My Etsy

Love & Blessings ~ Raven aka Jules

sigtag by me
graphics by: Pammy

Stressful News.. Or Not?

This morning when I checked the mail. I got really mad, then really really stressed. But as I sit at my computer 30 minutes after the fact. I began to think I am a witch. Why am I wasting energy on stress. My Goddess & God will look after me. They always do. And always have. Why do I want to waste my good energy on filling my body with negative energy. Well I do not choose that path. I will take action to fight back. I will not lie down and go away. I am a witch. I am strong. I always rise above the ashes victorious like a phoenix rising from the ashes of chaos and destruction.

The piece of paper that arrived in the mail today is a denial of unemployment benefits. I've been paying my bills with my last paycheck and my retirement fund I cashed out. But it's getting low & was hoping to get unemployment since I was harassed at work by administration until I cracked and quit.

But I guess the way I worded it, unemployment got the idea that I quit because I was being repremanded. That is so NOT what was going on, on my last day. That was the end of the line. It was the last straw. And it was all bullshit!

So, I will appeal. It also did not help that I had to keep starting over on their digital form because it was timing out and not saving what I had typed out!! So, I will also tell them that.

Bright Blessings, Raven )O(

Link to me

I have decided to make a button for my blog for those who are interested...
The graphics are drawn & colored by me using paintshop pro X2

URL: http://wiccanmoonmagick.blogspot.com

1st Candle Crafting!

Took a shot at some candle crafting tonight. Wasn't sure how much wax would go and how far. If that makes any sense. *lol* So I started with 3 cups. Which to me seemed like a lot. But it wasn't sugar. So it didn't go very far. Just 3 votives and 1 wineglass. (soy wax flakes).

But I did achieve the color I was wanting. And I would like my glitter more spread out the next time. And I do like the scent that I used also. Most of this was just winging it. My thermometer didn't work. So I was really really winging it in that area!

Temp to add my scent & color is 160 F & pour temp is 150F. I was thinking it would cool really
fast so I was trying to hurry hurry hurry. I feel like I could have waited just a smidgen longer
to pour though.
So, here are some pics of my very 1st hand poured candle crafting experience.

soy wax flakes

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mabon Season...

This week I have been celebrating the coming of autumn with crafts. Yesterday I went shopping w/ a friend & picked up some crafts that will be used in my candle crafting. All my supplies have shown up for my candle and incense crafting.

I'm so excited to be starting candle making. I've been interested in candles, herbs, alchemy for such a long time. And it really feels free and wonderful to finally be living my dreams.

I'd also like to share a link. I've just listened to my 1st pagan podcast today. Very interesting.
http://imbleedingprofusely.com/archives/4682/

Harvest Moon ~ Wishing Moon ... 2011

Our Harvest Moon ...

What does harvest mean to you. To bring forth, to finish, a new beginning, a new cycle...

I would like to share a poem I recently wrote about the moon.

Moon so big & bold
burning embers of silver & gold.
If only you were mine to hold
what divine mysteries would unfold.
(finished on September 3, 2011 - started on 9/13/11)




The harvest moon is a special moon. Also a wishing moon
I really don't have much to say. I feel quiet like it is a time of reflection for me. I am noticing a pattern though. And I do not understand it. I get sick and or moody right before the full moon. Once it is full, then I'm find & full of energy... I've been tracking this in my book of shadows for 3 months now.

Here is one of my harvest moon photos from tonight.

Mabon Approaching

With Mabon approaching I have been purchasing more and more candles, books, & supplies.
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I feel a calmness in the air. The esbat for the month of September is the Harvest Moon & it is also a Wishing Moon. I am wanting to have a naming ritual for myself to claim my true magickal name that I was given through dream some months ago. I had thought that the Wishing Moon would be perfect. Autumn being my favorite season as well as the sign I was born under - Virgo. So my birthday being this month. Actually tomorrow. September 6th. I thought September would be perfect for my naming ceremony. But then a few days ago. I wasn't even thinking about anything even related to my practice. All of a sudden this big thought just jumped right into my head. That Samhain would be more meaningful. And so it will be.

Samhain pronounced - [ Sow-in ] [ Sahm-hayn ]
is the celtic new year. A time when the veil is the thinnest between the worlds. And a time of reverence. A time to remember those who have walked before us. Those who have sacrificed and paved the way. And to remember our own dead ancestors in both our own families as well as in the craft.

I've always felt that Samhain or Halloween as I used to call it is such a magickal day. I only just now am learning why I have had those feelings.
Here is a wonderful page on Samhain.

Thus far into my path I have celebrated each Sabbat starting with Beltane. I will probably make Beltane as my 'a year and a day'. Unless I can find the date that I signed up with Seasons in Avalon. According to my lessons I am 7 months into my classes through there. I started my path the ending of March. All of the rituals and feasts, activities I've done with each of my very 1st Sabbats have been so wonderful and meaningful. I have documented them all through photography and journaling.

For my birthday my daughter Nicole is sending me a Barnes & Noble gift card. I'm wanting so badly to get this wonderful book I've heard about by Ellen Dugan. - Autumn Equinox.



I have the feeling it will be one of my more treasured books.
I am blessed that my family is supportive of my path.


Well I'm off for my morning dedication & prayer. Well, today it will be more like an afternoon one.
*lol*
I always feel so much better afterwards too. Its amazing. So full of energy. So awake and alert. And ready to
conquer whatever comes my way...
Blessed Be Isis )O(

                                                                 
                                                        signature crafted by me
                                                                                          outlines purchased at ALP
                                                                                                          colored by me

 

To be a Good Witch

Daily Affirmation:

Keep a clean & organized home, garden, yard.

My word is my bond. Keep my word. If I'm not sure if I will
fulfill my commitment. Do not commit.

Be good to the inviroment.

Help others whenever possible.

Get enough rest.

Meditate daily

Sister Wind Moon - Esbat of August

I've been tracking my mood, and sleep around the esbats the last couple of months.
I get moody, depressed, tired, difficulty sleeping. Then the night before the full moon
I require not much of any sleep at all. And am so energized that day...

An esbat is a time of high energy and power. Maybe that is why I feel energized w/out much sleep. I thought that it meant that the moon is most powerful though...

Connecting With the Earth...

I keep feeling really mopy sadly all the time lately. I feel better for a while after I've
done a ritual working of one sort or another, connected with Isis... I did do my morning prayers to Isis this morning. Was not overly abundant with energy today though. Just in a hum drum mood..

Then I ended up transplanting my rosemary plants back inside. And wow! I feel so happy. It's like digging my hands around in the soil, and touching the rosemary and whiffing it. That alone and all by itself gave me a happy bubble. *giggles*!!

Maybe connecting with the raw earth is what I'm missing out on lately.
Perhaps I need to sit and make a list of the ways I can connect with Earth.

I love autumn. It is my favorite time of year. In a way when I think of autumn here in wyoming I almost feel sort of lost though. Compared to thinking of it as a child in the mid-west. I'm from Des Moines, Iowa. When I think of back home, I see leaves of all shapes, colors, and sizes on the ground. I could easily gather tons of nature in my hands and bring inside to enjoy; just from walking around any neighborhood. Acorns, rocks, leaves, buckeyes just to name a few of the most common items found outdoors in my home town.

But here in wyoming I don't ever see any acorns. I do love to buy the cinnamon scented pinecones in the autumn/winter. I place them in wicker baskets around my house, with real cinnamon sticks...

I will have to try harder to bond with nature. Maybe go for a drive and find something wonderful & woodly...

my signature tag is created by me.
Graphics Purchased at: Andrea's Lil Pixels

With a prayer heard, she flew to the East...

I have continued in my morning prayers to Isis. Today is the 4th day. I kind of missed yesterday though. And that was actually the day I should have needed guidance the most. I was oh too gloomy.
Anyway, I always feel so good after my devotionals to Isis. I wanted the smoke from my blue candle float upward to the East as my prayers were carried up. A envisioned Isis with her wings spread far & wide glide upward into the East Sun.

It was overcast & gloomy when I woke up. Which doesnt bother me any. I like it cool and gloomy. Makes me happy! But now the morning sun is peeking up. Good Morning Isis!!

With Mercury Retrograde going on until the 27th of August I feel like nothing is going right.
My new camera shuts off when I plug the USB in to the computer to upload my pics. Which is very much bumming me out, since I've been documenting a lot of my life the last few months. When I buy new tools I take pics of them. When I have rituals I take my pics of my altar. Sometimes before & after... Then my dishwasher wouldn't function this morning. After an hour I realized it was the outlet. ?? What the heck! *uuuurgh*

I'm looking forward to the full moon of August 13th (Lughnasadh 15) The Sister Wind Moon.
I am planning to do my naming/initiation either on that night or Esbat (full moon) of September 12th. Which is also a Wishing Moon named the Harvest Moon. I'm more drawn to the September Esbat. It is my birth month. Isis rules over Virgo, Sapphire, and many other elements associated with myself. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It just feels calming to me. I will also be claiming the Egyptian Pantheon as my spiritual path. I already have a personal relationship with Isis and Osiris.

Also, I have some homework to perform from my Seasons in Avalon on the Sister Wind Moon Esbat. So, I'm looking forward to that also.

Amazing August

An amazing month of transformation, change, & new beginnings in ways I
did not think possible. It all started the last few days of July actually. Right as
Lughnasadh was beginning.
I told my husband I was moving out to Illinois that I was miserable. That we don't have the kind of marriage that I want. That it seems like we are paying bills is the only reason we're together.
Much to my surprise he didn't feel the same way. And didn't want to split up at all.
I thought he would be relieved. Turns out that even after 24 years he cannot read my mind. *giggles*
So, we've opened the doors of communication. And they are still going. I feel really good.
Through all of that chaos I found Isis. And I feel completely connected to her. I've been reading a lot about Osiris & Isis. Its remarkable how many similarities there are between my zodiac sign, and how they are connected to Lughnasadh.

I feel a new light and a new love glowing inside of me.
Isis is not only a triple Goddess but is known as the ALL Goddess. She covers pretty much everything. She answers prayers to the rich and the poor. She is the only Goddess that is a triple Goddess but does not change form. She stays the same. She rules over so many things that are connected to me as a Virgo. It's so completely amazing. The star where it is said her soul resides is called Sept by the Egyptians. My birthday is in September! She rules over the element of Earth which is the ruling element of Virgo. She also rules over Mercury. Mercury rules Virgo.
When her consort / husband Osiris was killed and his body parts were scattered it was on September 5th that she is said to have found his backbone. My birthday is Sept.6th

Isis' b/day is also celebrated around the time of Lughnasadh. I had a wonderful Lammas ritual a few days ago. Lugh the God of the Harvest & Sun is celebrated on August 7th. (Lughnasadh)
I think I will bake a loaf of bread for my Lughnasadh ritual Sunday night.

I've had a huge fascination with Egypt for a long long time. One of the 1st altar tools I purchased was an ankh. I found out that it meant the symbol of life. But I felt a strong pull to have it. But didn't really know why. I was persuing celtic lore.  And felt that is where the ancient ancestory of Paganism lies. But I have also had an urge to have a Bast or Bastet statuary. Why?? I dunno. Just seems right. After all the cats are the protectors of the underworld. right?

After being touched by Isis it is all slowly starting to make sense.
Things are all coming together...