Flammeous {De Empress}'s Posts - RealPagan- Paganism for the Real World

ROCK your Grimoire! (Video Share)

2016-08-20T12:00:00.000Z

Hmmmm...I don't know what happen to the option of uploading a video; for I thought these were two great videos for BOS/Grimoire ideas.

Enjoy!

- Flammeous

It's All Pagan To Me

2016-08-10T16:00:00.000Z

My practice is Hoodoo. I’m a budding root-worker. A Conjurer.

First let me square some things away.

The one thing to remember with Hoodoo is; it’s not a religion. Wica/Neo-Wicca is a religion. Voodoo is a religion. Santeria is a religion. Hoodoo is not. It’s all about the magick. It’s a fusion of ‘what works’, and it’s influence came from every religion, from every culture that came here to the States, and from those who were already here. To examine the threads that holds the tapestry of Hoodoo together, is practically a crash course in American history. So yes, you will see things from Afro/Caribbean Traditions, Native Spirituality, European Witchcraft, Eastern religions, Santeria, Voodoo and even Christianity. The only constant with Hoodoo practitioners is the ‘work’ or spell-work. The deities & spirits however are variable and subjective based on the individual. Hoodoo worker’s are spiritual, not religious.

A big component in Hoodoo is the use of Christianity. This may make some in the pagan community squirm in their seats a little, but I assure you we ain’t having Sunday School here. ‘Heretic’ is certainly the best word to describe a Hoodoo worker; like myself, that integrates bits of Christianity into their work. Such as the Saints, the Trinity, the Psalms and the Bible. Those who are familiar with Hoodoo know that these things are commonly used, and to really understand why that is, has to do with the history of it's fusion and a time when one had to hid their spiritual/religious practice behind Christian elements.

Because of this major component in Hoodoo, every now and then I get asked “How can I use the Bible and practice magick?” “How is it that I can meld two idea’s together that seem to oppose one another?” Simple. Personal interpretation. I read it, understand it; view and examine all things “Christian” through a pagan’s eyes.

That means, that whatever the church down the street is teaching or preaching, to the one 10 miles away. To the bible belt, straight up to the Vatican herself. I could give two craps about they’re interpretation. They can have all the cliff notes and Bible Studies they want, to indoctrinate the people to all be on the same page. I could care less. It’s all pagan to me.

Now, every root-worker may have their own reasons or beliefs, that make them able to incorporate some things from Christianity with ease. Here I’m sharing just mine. Below are some things I have come to know and understand, so I can do the Hoodoo that I do so well.

First, I think many pagans already know that Christianity did absorb* (see side note at end) many things from paganism. Holidays is the most well-known. Demonizing pagan deities is another. But that’s really not the end of it.

Based on my studies, I’ve formulated my opinion or conclusion, that the most influential on Judaism and Christianity was from ancient Egypt. Actually, the whole idea of absorbing gods is very reminiscent of a common practice by the ancients. The Egyptians certainly absorbed and morphed characteristics and qualities of other Gods into theirs, even within their own pantheon. It’s true that there’s nothing new under the sun.

Monotheism actually came from paganism. The first time this belief came up was from the Egyptian King Akhenaten or Amenhotep IV, reigning between the mid 1300 BC, who tried to introduce a doctrine of monotheism; which is viewed by some scholars that he may have been the pioneer of a monotheistic religion that later became Judaism, then Christianity.

Here’s a quick list I put together of similarities I’ve noticed:

* The Trinity – Egypt: Osiris, Isis, and Horus.
* Resurrection – Egypt: Osiris Myth
* Born of a Virgin – Egypt: Osiris Myth
* The Ten Commandments – Egypt: called The Law of (Goddess) Ma’at
* Heaven and Hell – Egyptians did have something comparable to ‘hell’. Where you would not reincarnate to another life on earth, or have your soul ascended to Upper Egypt; which was in the sky, and be immortal with the Gods and the ancestors. If your heart was judged to be impure, then it would be thrown to Ammit, who would devour your soul, and it will become restless forever. This is call the Second Death.
* Judgment of Souls – Egypt: The Hall of Two Truths (see above)
* The Cross – Egypt: Ankh
* The Conquering Lion That Breaks Every Chain (aka Jesus) – Egypt: Goddess Sekhmet myth.
* Amen – From Egyptian God Amen/Amun/Amen-Ra. His name was used after ending a prayer in Egypt, because all things go to Amen-Ra, he made everything, even the lesser gods and goddesses, thus respecting Amen-Ra. The Alpha and The Omega.
* Sin – A Mesopotamian God that ruled the moon
* The Good Shepard – Egypt: Osiris Myth
* Psalm 23 – Most quoted of all Psalms during a funeral. From Egyptian Hymn To Osiris (the god of death, rebirth and resurrection); also found in The Book of Death

The Bible may possibly reveal how Egyptian myth and religion and others influenced Judea-Christianity:

* Joseph (interpreter of dreams) – Governor of Egypt
* Moses – Raised by Egyptian royalty. Author of the 10 commandments. Scholars believe this may Amenhotep IV himself, or derived from him.
* Hebrews/Israelite’s/Jews (same people, called different names at different times) – Enslavement in Egypt, Babylonia and under rule of Rome.
* Jesus – Mother & Father fled to Egypt to escape the death order of King Herod, with baby Jesus. They stayed 13 yrs. That means Jesus grew up in Egypt.
* New Testament story of the child Jesus teaching in a Temple – It was at an Egyptian Temple; he was still a child (see above).

As far as Goddesses mention in the Bible:

* Ashtoreth/Asherah – Is an adopted Babylonia Goddess that the Hebrews/Jews worshiped at on time.
* Eli and Eloah and Elohim – Names interchangeable used for the Abraham God in Judea-Christianity. Hebrew translation. Eli is masculine. Eloah is feminine. Elohim means they. He. She. They. This is known in sects of Jewish mysticism.
* King Solomon – Allowed Goddess worship, and allowed his many foreign wives to worship their gods and construct temples unto them.

Magick in the Bible:

* King Solomon – Was a ceremonial magician. Who could conjure and cast out demons. Book: The Key to Solomon. Highly revered in Hoodoo.
* Moses – Turn a lake into blood. Walking stick turned to a snake. Parted the Red Sea. Pretty bad ars magician if you ask me. Moses is revered as a magician in Hoodoo too.
* Joseph – Interpreter dreams.
* Jesus – Do I really need go there?

Below is a list of the Psychic phenomena found in Bible (source unknown, had this in my file for years).

1. Clairaudience: Acts 9:4; Job 4:15-16; Exekial 17:1-8
2. Clairvoyance: 2 Kings 6:16-20; Acts 7:55-56; Esther 17:8
3. Fire Immunity: Daniel 3:21-27
4. Healing by Magnetized Objects: 2 Kings 4:29; Acts 19:11-12
5. Healing: Matt. 8:13-15, 12:10-13; Luke 4:40; Acts 3:4-8;
Acts 9:33-34, 39-41
6. Healing of Obsession: 1 Samuel 16:14-23; Numbers 21:8-9;
1 Kings 17:7-24; 2 Kings 4:18-29,37 and 5:1-14; Matt. 8:16;
Luke 4:35, 9:11 and 14:2; John 4:47-54; Acts 16:16-18
7. Immunity to Poison: Acts 28:3-6
8. Independent Voices: Ezekiel 1:28; Deut. 9:12-13; 1 Samuel 3:3-9;
Matt. 17:15; John 12:28-30; Acts 7:30-34, 8:26 and 29, 9:14-18
and Acts 12:7-10
9. Independent Writing: Exodus 24:12, 34:1 also 31:18 and 32:16 ;
Deut. 5:22 and 9:9
10. Spirit Writing: Daniel 5:5 also 2 Chron. 21:12
11. Inspiration of Spirit: Ezekiel 2:2; Job 26:4; Mark 13:11;
John 14:26; Luke 12:12 and 1:15; Acts 4:31 and 6:10; Acts 2:2-4;
1 Cor. 12:8
12. Materialization: Genesis 3:8,18:1 and 32:24; Exodus 24:10-11;
Daniel 5:5 and 10:10; Ezekiel 2:9; Matt. 28:2-3; Luke 24:15-31;
John 20:17-30; Acts 5:19-20
13. Dematerialization: Acts 1:9
14. Ministering Spirits: Hebrew 1:13-24 and 2:5
15. Prophecy: Acts 2:17-18, 19:6 and 27:10-11, 21-26, 31, 34;
1 Cor. 12:1-11 and all of chapter 14.
16. Spirit Levitation: Ezekiel 3:14 and 8:3; 1 Kings 18:12; Acts 8:39
17. Telepathy: Luke 5:22
18. Trance: Genesis 15:12; Daniel 8:18 and 10:9; Acts 10:10-16;
Acts 11:5-17 and 22:17
19. Transfiguration: Acts 6:15 Matt. 17:2-3
20. Trumpet: Exodus 19:13,16,19; Exodus 20:18,31:18 and 34:1;
Deut. 5:22 and 9:19; Revelation 1:10
21. Spirit Power: Acts 16:25-26
End list.

Then there’s that whole nasty part in the Bible that says: “suffer not a witch” part. When reviewing the origins of those passages, the word that was used in Greek: pharmakeia. Which means poisoner; a druggist. When we translate it to English, it means pharmacy. The Hebrew word used was kishsheph: could mean sorcerer, practitioner of black magick. Linguistics aside, we can accredit the addition to the words, witch and witchcraft to King James, who ruled 1590 AD with his Bible version, who himself was fearfully superstitious of witchcraft, as he reigned during the height of ‘witch hunt’ craze in Europe, Secondly, witchcraft as we know it today was not a part of the culture in Bible times. Abraham, Moses, Saul and Paul did not have witches in their culture, what they had were medicine-men/women, psychics, herbalists, astrologers and polytheism.

* I say ‘absorb’ here and not ‘steal’ because every convert was once a pagan. It’s really no surprise to see pagan customs cross over to Christianity. First, that’s all people knew. Monotheism, was a rarity compared to the rest of the world religious beliefs. Secondly, Pagans were prosecuted, therefore anyone who was a practicing pagan had to hid, and most certainly did so under the guise of Christianity. Understandably, Roman Empire Constantine played a big hand to ‘Christianize’ pagan holidays, after he himself converted. Actually, Constantine was fighting against the spread of Mithraism (that’s a whole other history lesson by itself). However, let’s avoid wide sweeping statements about stealing, because that’s not entirely the case. Not every pagan idea, belief or custom, was carried over into Christianity with ill-intent. Some were done with true intention to Christianize. Others things were not. It’s also my belief that this fusion, influence, absorption is always happening and that we can trace these even further back to the beginning of time.

- Flammeous

Destined In The Stars?

2015-05-03T13:30:00.000Z

Some time ago, I had a spurt of interest in really digging my heels in my astrological chart. Albeit, it left me seeing stars, bearing quite a headache afterwards, with trines, conjunctions, houses and ascendants - making notes, footnotes and side notes, saving it all to resume at a later time when my head cleared and wasn't spinning. However, what I have learned thus far about the position of the heavenly bodies at the time of my birth is just too uncanny.

Giving my word here, that what I share wasn't revealed to me until now. I admit I have lazily browsed my astrological chart before. Glanced at it, read some things about it and scratched my head over it. After all it didn't sound like me. But since really digging in and plugging in my CORRECT birth time for a change and not just the guesstimate as before. Proved to divulge a lot more. It left absolutely no room for any confusion.

Now, if any one pays at least bit of attention to me. Knows I have usually romped around RP hiding behind a lion as my profile picture, or it's on my profile banner. So if anything one's would get from that is; that I have an affinity for lions. Well, that much is true. The lion has always walked with me since I can remember, and to take it one step further, is also my first encounter with "a" Goddess, Sekhmet - of all Goddesses out there to make contact with, it had to be Her (I've asked 'Why me?' several times over again). Coincidentally; I come to find out and again completely unknown to me. The lion (or Leo) takes front and center stage in my birth chart, as my rising/Ascendant sign. Which it is said the rising/ascendant sign is one of the most important signs, as it determines your personality/character traits and has a great deal of energy influence overall in a birth chart.

But wait! There's more. I'm also drawn to fire, hence explains my online presence, Flammeous. You've probably guessed already even before completing this sentence, that fire must dominate my chart. Correct. Balance? What the heck is that? Fire is totally off the scale. Smoked every other element and left them in the dust. The next runner's up are; Air then Water, but barely. Looks like they just took a few steps and the race was over. Earth I guess never even left the starting line, leaving me with a big fat zero, zilch, none. And Leo, the ascendant sign that influences it all, is a fire sign too. Add another point for fire and fire wins, hands down! It wasn't much of a race to begin with anyway.

Although it's been an intriguing discovery and explains a helluva lot. I, however, have not been amused. But maybe you will be.

Blessings.....

- Flammeous

The Essentials Of A Witchy Wife Intro

2015-03-22T17:00:00.000Z

Good Day All,

This is an intro to announce a series I will be doing, entitled "The Essentials Of A Witchy Wife", which has been approved by Ms. Witch and it will be hosted at her The Witchy Wives Club group here at RP. I didn't want to clog the group with intro/details of the series, so thus I'm presenting it on my blog here.

The series is basically me sharing my mod-podge of personal 'go to' staples of herbal recipes; that range from medicinal to magick, that I have came to have a preference for and/or have deployed over the years. I think everyone aligns their spirits with various plant whom they are allayed with. These are just mine.

I will make note, that I'm eclectic by nature and my practice is of hoodoo. Wanted to put that out there so this is understood.

You won't find a long list of properties or correspondences. It's just me digging around in my brain sharing what I have used or deployed as a wife and a mother in my family life. So it won't include everything there is to ever know about something in particular that is being wrote about, but group members are more than welcome to add their uses with a particular subject at hand.

Not only do I hope that this series gives you an enjoyable read, but also your participation. As I love to learn as much as I love to share!

Coming Soon!

The Essentials Of A Witchy Wife.

Blessings Always.....

- Flammeous

Mercury Rx Recap - It's That Time Again!

2015-01-20T04:30:00.000Z

Yes, Ladies and Gents! It's that time again. Mercury Retrograde, starts today and will go direct 2/11/15.

Now if I recall correctly. The last time I blogged about the Mercury Retrograde, I was undecided, if I wanted to shake Hermes hand or to punch him in the face.

Well, let's just say we had a couple of fire side chats since the last posting, that I no longer want to punch him in the face. Actually, I see him now, more like....hmmm... a Sage behaving like a Court Jester in his Retrograde state.

Today, I would like to recap on a few things that I learned from the past Retrograde. Granted. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I do hope to give others a place to start looking for further understanding of their personal relationship with Mercury Rx, and how it may affect them.

I compiled a list, in which I think may contribute to a stronger influence being felt at the Mercury Rx. This list is based off of what I found in my own Natal Chart - since I seem to have all the classic symptoms.

But before I delve into my 'Top 5 Hit List'. I would like to take a moment to share some other insights that came about during our 'fireside chats. In which I think it would be helpful in putting Mercury Rx, in a more proper, less apprehensive perspective.

Now, Mercury Rx really isn't anything new. Nor is he the only planet that goes Retrograde. His Rx has become the most predominate though; where all eyes are on him. Primarily due to us being so reliant on modern technology: communication and travel, which he is Lord over. But know, he is going through his cycle just like the sun, moon and earth does. Although we sometimes cannot see the grandeur scheme of all his trickery; rushing around and hurrying. We don't always appreciate the interruptions, when things veer off it's course and seem to be moving sluggish. However, his purpose is still an ever needed one, just like Winter is to Summer.

On thing to note is: to go against the grain of Mercury Rx energy, is to run head first into turbulence. It's a time to mellow down. Laugh more, and stop being so serious. Stop being in such a hurry. It's a time to get to things that you've been putting off. A time of forgiveness and reconciliation. A time of reflection. Mercury will force a break, like it or not, so we can have a break, and take a moment to drink some chamomile tea and just muse. Granted, in this hectic world, we can all use some more of that.

The biggest revelation however, has been fathoming the massive scale of what his Lordship entitles. Mercury is Lord over just about anything that moves. Words move. Prayers move. Spirit moves. Energy moves. Psychic moves. Just thinking, is movement. It's not limited to just tangible things we can touch, hear or see; like cars, phones, computers, communications and messaging systems, concepts where we all can acknowledge and agree upon. Which means Mercury Rx can adversely affect other areas; psychic, spirit and energy. With that being said, it doesn't mean to stop everything that you are doing during his Rx state. It just means be more conscious with yourselves, what you are doing or asking and the time that you are doing it, and learn ways to be more proactive about it, and to be patient through it.

Now, unto the compiled list of what to look for, that may be contributing to a stronger influence with Mercury. This will involve delving into your Natal Chart, and astrology for further analysis. Knowing your exact birth time, is greatly beneficial.

There's a few online sites for birth charts. I prefer using this one here.

The Top 5 Hit List

Things to look for:

- If your sun sign is Gemini or Virgo. Both signs are ruled by the planet Mercury. Take cusps into consideration.

- If you were born during a Mercury Rx, in it's pre-shadow or after shadow phase - the closer to the Rx the more intense. You can find the dates of all the past Mercury Rxs here.

- Double whammy, if you were born during a Mercury Rx, in it's pre-shadow or after shadow phase and it was in Virgo or Gemini.

- If your 3rd House; The House Of Communication (which is ruled by Mercury), has either one or a combination of Virgo, Gemini and/or the planet Mercury in it.

- If you have intercepted signs of Gemini or Virgo or the planet Mercury in your Natal chart. You can read more about intercepted signs here.

Other Things To Observe

- Another thing that you can look at is to find what house Mercury is sitting in your Natal Chart. It may provide a clue to what areas of your life the Mercury Rx would be affecting. If you're real observant with previous Mercury Rxs, you may notice there's only one area of life that it's affecting.

- Also, you can look at what sign Mercury Rx is currently in. For example Mercury Rx is in Aquarius, then go back and refer to your Natal Chart to what House Aquarius is in. This may provide a clue in how the Mercury Rx may affect a specific area in your life during this the current Retrograde.

What You Can Do

- There's been suggestions on ways to counteract the affects of a planetary influences, if it appears dominate in a House or area's in ones Natal Chart. In the case of Mercury, it's suggested to look to where Jupiter is sitting and work towards that, to counteract Mercurial influences, if they are in a bad positions.

- Hindu or Vedic astrology. There are mantras that can be chanted to petition a planet for mercy, kindness and it's favor, again, if it's in a bad position.

In Closing

Hopefully, this has inspired you to really go take a gander into your own natal chart, and see if it holds any clues in how Mercury Rx may be affecting you and possibly how to curve it's adverse influences. In order to come up with your own rituals, spells, mantras, ect. I know I have a few ideas to experiment with, but that's another post!

More importantly, be vigilant with observing how things are trending for you during the Mercury Rx. Sometimes answers are hidden in the stars. You just have to look up.

So there is a plus to the Mercury Retrograde after all. For without his repetitive and constant interference. I would have never ventured in all that I have shared here with all of you.

Thanks for reading!

May we all have a gentle ride.

Blessings....

- Flammeous

The Crafty One - Homemade Yuletide Gifts

2014-12-22T14:00:00.000Z

A real quickie here. As I still have things to get done. Like Pink Lemonade frosted Sugar Cookies and baked Jerk Chicken for a pot luck I'm attending to at work. But just wanted to show a few things that just got completed. There's more that I would like to show; crocheted hats and scarfs, but my little princesses who would under normal circumstances model them for me are still tucked away in their beds. Lucky them. No school, and they're taken full advantage of not having to wake up till noon. While mom is down stairs spazzing over last minute things before heading off to work.

First, some lucky individuals will be getting a mini loaf of my famous Chocolate Rum Cake, smeared with semi-sweet chocolate on top. Baked with my love of Wrays & Nephew Overproof White Rum (Rootworkers, this is the best Rum offering there is!) and glazed with Appletons Dark Rum. This cake will pack a punch! I had to shoo the daughter away from licking the cake batter leftover in the bowl last night. The tags were made by me in photoshop. With all the stress of the holidays, I thought it was only fitting.

Next. Here's a look at some phone cozies that I crocheted. These were really quick to whip up in no time. The owl took a little longer and finding a button for the nose wasn't as easy as I thought.

So in two weeks time. I've crocheted two scarves, two phone cozies, two hair scrunchies, three hats and one voodoo doll. Plus made some soap, along with the rum cake. As you see I've been BUSY! Now off I go to make some cookies and jerk chicken! I surely wish I had two stoves right about now.

Blessings & Happy Holidays!

- Flammeous

The Crafty One - Pine Cone Ornaments

2014-12-19T18:00:00.000Z

Pine Cone Ornaments

Here is today's addition of homemade holiday ornaments. This one is my most favorite!

Materials needed:

- Pine Cones

- Spanish Moss

- Floral decorations; berries, ivy/holly leaves

- Twine

- White Paint (optional)

- White/Clear Glitter (optional)

- Hot glue gun

Step 1:

If you like a snow kissed look, dab some white paint on the edges of the pine cones, and sprinkle with glitter. Now wait for paint to dry.

Step 2:

Take your twine and form a loop and tie this off. Glue the knot of the loop, to the top of the pine cone with hot glue.

Step 3:

Now take your spanish moss and floral decorations; in that order and glue them to the top of the pine cone, covering the knot as much as possible. Have some spanish moss cascade down to one side. (Gluing spanish moss can be a little tricky. So be patient!)

That's all there is to it!

Another variation is to make them scented with spraying adhesive glue, and sprinkling them with cinnamon. You can add bows. Leave them as is. Or paint the entire thing. I do have some smaller ones that are all red, without the spanish moss, with holly leaves and berries adorned on top.

Oh, and don't let the photoshop picture throw you off. Just wanted to accent the ornament for better visibility.

Hope you enjoyed this entry!

Blessings....

- Flammeous

The Crafty One - Twine Candy Cane Ornaments

2014-12-15T14:30:00.000Z

Twine Candy Cane Ornaments

So here's another crafty holiday decoration idea.

Materials needed:

- Candy Canes

- Ribbon

- Raffia

- Twine or Tan yarn

- Bells

- Hot Glue gun, and or comparable adhesive.

Step 1:

Begin individually wrapping two candy canes with twine or yarn, periodically gluing the string down as you go. Make sure that the ends are sealed well with glue.

Step 2:

Take the two candy canes and criss cross them across each other into a position that is pleasing to you. Hot glue the two pieces together.

Step 3:

Take the ribbon and tie a big bow. Glue bow down at the intersection of the candy canes.

Step 4:

Slide the bells onto the raffia and begin to tie a bow, positioning the bells to fall right in place with the front knot. Hot glue this on top of the ribbon.

Make as many as you like and hang them on the tree as is, or make a loop with some string and glue this on the back for hanging. I have just inserted an ornament hook on the top candy cane for hanging. Have not experienced any snags or unraveling of the twine/yarn by doing this.

Other words of advice:

- When gluing be careful not to break the candy canes. I lost a few myself in the process.

- Be prepared with using hot glue on such a light plastic, may cause it to melt. I experienced a little of this, however it really wasn't that terrible.

- I didn't tie a bow around the candy canes because when I did, the bows were crooked. This is why I did a free style bow and hot glued them in place.

- Candy canes may break over the years if not stored in a safe place. It's been 3 years since making mine, and I now have some that are broken. Although the glued twine is still preserving some of it's shape. If I had to do this over again. I might opt to buy a cheap set of candy cane ornaments from the store, for a more lasting project. Guess that's what after Xmas sales are for.

- Goggle: 'Wrapped Candy Cane Ornaments' for more ideas how to decorate your wrapped candy canes.

Hope you enjoyed today's holiday craft!

Blessings Always......

- Flammeous

The Crafty One - Rag Ball Ornaments

2014-12-14T17:43:49.000Z

Granted this blog post was inspired from two things. First, from RP member Harobed, with her latest blog entry: Lets Get Crafty ......Refurbishing Xmas ,Cheap And Easy, and secondly, while crocheting gifts beside my festive holiday tree, adorned with all it's homespun goodness. Is when I realized that I have some crafty refurbishing that I could share as well. So in turn, I'm piggy backing off Harobed's entry and the idea. I only hope Harobed enjoys this share, along with a few others I have to offer. Just as much as I have thoroughly enjoyed following her blog. Thank you Harobed!

Rag Ball Ornaments

The back story:

About 2-3 years ago, I've gotten real tired of the whole glitz out, shiny, gwady Xmas decorations. As if Santa and his merry elves just threw up tinsel all over the place; in my house and on my tree. I was being drawn to a more rustic look, that captured the nature of the season, far from the modern commercialized overkill of tackiness. A going back to the 'roots of things'. The way things once were. Xmas/Yule's once past.

Rag balls are great for this. Hopefully, you and yours have gotten your halls all decked out in all it's holiday glory by now. As this isn't the quickest project to complete on such a short notice. Although it is possible. I'm a living proof of that, starting this project and many other's a few weeks prior to Dec. 25th rolling around, but I don't advise it. Avoid the stress and make this a working project for next year. The more hands the better, but this project may not be suitable for young children. Adult supervisor will be required because of the adhesives being used.

If this strikes your interest you can find a tutorial in making rag ball ornaments here.

Below is a picture of how mine turned out upon completion.

In the linked tutorial, the blogger uses Styrofoam balls, Fabric-Tac and distressing, with ink and tea. With my rag balls I used, regular Xmas ornaments, a hot glue gun, with no distressing. The fabric I used was an old, outdated skort (skirt shorts) and one of my husband's plaid shirts that no longer fit him. Both pieces of clothing were destined for the donation bin. So there's really no need to go out and purchase extra items for this project, as you may have many of these things laying around your house already.

This is a great craft idea for refurnishing Xmas ball ornaments in creating a new look. Goggling rag balls, will provide lots of inspiration using all kinds of material.

I do hope you enjoyed this entry.

Stay tuned for more crafty Holiday ideals!

Blessings Always...

- Flammeous

The Law Of Attraction Derailed

2014-11-26T20:00:00.000Z

The Law Of Attraction Derailed

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

I'm sure we've all heard of this by now. It's the new thought, the latest catch phase. From Prentice Mulford Hicks. To the movie 'The Secret'. Pumped up by Oprah Winfrey and Larry King. Everyone knows this. From businesses, to mutual friends and family. To Christians, New Ager's, Witches and Pagans. It really needs no further explanation, because we all heard of this by now.

For those who don't know:

The law of attraction states that every positive or negative event that happened with you was attracted by you.

That's a heavy statement. One in which is more-so highly suggestive, than factual. An ideal that implies we should always be in a positive mind frame and surround ourselves with positive people, in order to attract all the gumdrops and lollipops that the world can offer. And that catering to negative thinking and people, will attract very bad things to us. O' how we don't like it when things don't go our way and when it doesn't we only have ourselves to blame.

Alright. Since when did the world ever work like that? And what about Murphy's Law?

More importantly what of the other Universal Laws, that this is deriving from? How many of us can just rattle all these off at the top of our heads, just as quickly as the Law of Attraction?

Thing is the Law of Attraction is just a small piece of the equation. But it's been put out there and peddled on front street as the end all and be all, and people have just taken this information and ran with it. Not everyone is going to do the leg work, to know that by itself, it's inadequate. This is probably why esoteric knowledge shouldn't be just handed out to the masses like bits and pieces of candy at Halloween.

Which brings me to my personal complex with this Law of Attraction and the Positive Thinking philosophy that comes along with it.

Keyword is YOU

The law of attraction says simply that. It's what YOU put out. It's how YOU respond to things. It's for YOU to have some personal accountablity. It's for YOU to own the choices that you make. This has absolutely nothing to do with what everyone else is doing. This is not to be used like a radar detector to determine which end of the negative or positive side of the spectrum that people fall on. It's not for you to referee someone's disposition on anything based on your often times limited perception of them. Everyone has the ability to think and feel freely for themselves, and not all of it is going to be pretty or agree with you.

The Law of Polarity

The Law of Polarity says - Movement, creation and comprehension are produced between opposites. This is really self-explanatory. That for everything that exists, so does it's opposite. Both are needed, for movement, change, creation and understanding. Even our atomic world is based on this very structure which then permeates throughout the entire universe. It also means, that there is an opposite of you, in character, personality, opinions and feelings. To resist polar opposition, may just be that you're resisting change, movement and growth.

There Are Real Problems With Real Solutions

Poverty, mental illness, sickness, malnutrition, natural disasters and even child abuse. Are some very real problems, that real people are experiencing everyday, and often times have real solutions. This is where a metaphysical philosophy should never be applied. The Law of Attraction actually does nothing for such people. To simply explain their circumstances away as been brought on by themselves, when in fact there are indeed some things in life that are beyond our ability to control. It's almost inhuman, just to write people off like that. Even discriminatory towards people who are dealing with a hard hand in their life, and what can be perceived on the outside as being 'negative' may be attributed to any one of the aforementioned circumstances. It's like when you're sick. Are you bouncing around, full of energy, filled with immense joy that it radiates to all who greet you? No. But we all deal with things in our own way. It doesn't mean you have to put up with some serious repetitive offenses on your overall well-being regardless to what another person is going through. However, isn't it much more beneficial for all involved, to access the circumstances that another person may be going through, especially if you don't know, before you just write them off as being 'negative' and not worth your time?

Making People To Be Monsters

There's this slight of hand trick that we tend to do, that even propaganda works on these lines to make us feel or think a certain way about a particular person or group of people, and that is: When we start viewing people as monsters, we're therefore able to disassociate that they are in fact human beings. Which makes it easy not only for hate and discrimination to continue to flourish, but it also makes it real easy to write people off. To turn your head and look the other way. The terminology that is being used does just that. Negative. Toxic. Vampire. These terms are becoming so overused and misused, when it just may be a case of any one of the observations mentioned above. It's coming like a machine gun being fired randomly into a crowd. Not everyone is bad. Not everyone is out to get you; to pull you over to the dark side. It's really strange how a positive movement of consciousness has become so blatantly ladled with name calling, bullying and even shunning towards those who just don't meet or share an observer's agenda of fluffy clouds, rainbows and happy thoughts.

It's not to say there isn't some grain of truth behind the Law of Attraction or the ideal of the power of positive thinking that it embodies. But it is to say that it is being applied wrongfully; towards one another.

To experience the full array of life, is to experience all it's joy and sadness that it has to offer. It's neither good or bad, or negative or positive, we just perceive it that way because change, differences, oppositions and certain feelings are often times uncomfortable. Allow yourself to experience life, and grant other's the same. Above all be kind to one another.

Blessings.....

- Flammeous

Linear Thoughts - A Poetic Musing On Chaos

2014-11-12T18:30:00.000Z

Linear thoughts has got me down.
While the world spins round and round.
Predicting snow, but then it rains.
One man's loss is another man's gain.
Such musings are quite insane.

One plus one, forever is two.
But what's good for me ain't good for you.
Though seasons come and seasons go.
Just surfing a chaotic flow.
The more we learn the less we know.

Success is failure inside out.
Good seed in bad soil can even sprout.
The sun and moon changes in age.
A crab moves back and sideways.
Nothing goes straight, like they say.

Every dollar doesn't earn a cent.
Every kindness is not always well spent.
If it's not darkness it must be the light.
If it's not wrong it has to be right.
When all in all brinks on twilight.

To find the way out is the way in.
Every beginning starts with an end.
The most important isn't always seen.
What poisons can be the vaccine.
Even dirt can make one clean.

Not everything that glitters is gold.
Every thought cannot be controlled.
In an abundance of water, there is a drought.
Linear thoughts should pose much doubt.
For life never takes a direct route.

Hard Lessons of Mercury Rx

2014-10-15T18:00:00.000Z

Still feeling the effects of Mercury Rx. Just last week everything at work seem to go bust. Printer's lagging, jammed up with too much information; was at a standstill for 5 hours. Computer shuts down by itself, all email account information bites the dust. Had to call IT to get it resolved. Shipments coming in ahead of schedule, all at one time. Mind you having 10 shipments to come in with urgent requests to off load in the next 24 hours, along with our regular workload is truly a feat to be accomplish by Superman. Shipments being held up at the rail, and arriving late. Of course go ahead and put an urgent request on that too. No problem! Then a co-worker makes mention of meeting up after a employee held sale we were at. I go there and wait for an hour, co-worker never showed up. I think it's their fault. Co-worker thinks that's my fault. Yadda, yadda, yadda. I tell you it just can't get any better!

If anyone see's Mercury or Hermes, tell him there's someone down here, that is liable to go postal if he don't ease up!

I know, mistake number one. I'm fighting this, but to quote the words of Simeon and Garfunkel:

"In the clearing stands a boxer,
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of ev'ry glove that laid him down
And cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame,
'I am leaving, I am leaving.'
But the fighter still remains"

In other words, I'm a fighter, it's in my blood.

But I'm going to 'try' to see the positive in this, as I do believe I have gotten many of my questions answered. You can read more of a detailed response, to fill in the gaps here on Ms. Witch blog: http://realpagan.net/profiles/blogs/mercury-retrograde-and-you, because I'm being too lazy to re-edit it for this entry. You can also catch more here on my previous blog: http://realpagan.net/profiles/blogs/stop-this-train-i-wanna-get-off

Basically, I have some strong pulls from the Moon and Mercury in my natal chart. The Moon governs Intuition and Emotion. Mercury governs Communication. Me, being a Gemini/Cancer, I guess that makes me an Emotional Communicator. Which I really hate to admit it, but that I am. So maybe, just maybe, a lesson here is to harness this better, and start keeping that aspect on a very short leash especially when Mercury Rx is doing it's thing. I can certainly see this as being a cause to a few misunderstandings.

Secondly. I'm very Intuitive. I rely on it ALOT, to the point that I feel disabilitated when it's not running up to par. But being intuitive relys on being able to recieve messages, and interputating them. Hope you are following where I'm going here. Mercury rules over this realm. So under normal circumstances (when Mercury is direct) when verbal communication is stumbling a bit, I will fall back on my intuition to help me through, and make sense of everything. The grand deluxe communication package, if you will. But. When Mercury is in Retrograde, where verbal communication is known to have pitfalls, I see now, that I have a problem drawing upon my intuition, as it seems the wires are being crossed and or blocked, even on that level. Now, it makes complete sense as to my last blog, I said all this makes this Gemini/Cancer feel crippled, because I see that my own misunderstandings are from not being able to relate or communicate even at this level. So that explains my frustration. How is it that I am to function like this? At most, this particular insight, shown me how much of my intuitiveness has become like a crutch, and it can be faulty at or during certain times; that I need to be careful going on this alone. I also can see this too contributing for all the misunderstands as well.

It's not the most cozy feeling in the world to be forced to really look at yourself in the mirror, and to admit your downfalls. So with that being said. I'm still not sure to shake Hermes hand, or punch him in the nose. O well. Meh!

Thanks for reading!

Blessings Always.....

- Flammeous

Stop This Train! I Wanna Get Off!

2014-10-03T20:30:00.000Z

I just found out that today officially marks the beginning of this year's 3rd Mercury Retrograde.

Now, granted I'm not always on top of, when the Mercury Retrograde is going to happen. 8 times out of 10, it usually catches me off guard. Then there are those times I've known about it beforehand and saw it coming. But this time. This time. It totally side swiped me; with a couple of good blows to the left and the right, completely knocking me on my backside. I was really beginning to think I've seriously have stepped into some sort of mess. Bad luck. Jinxed. Oh yea. It's been one heyl of a ride these past 3 weeks; which is the shadow period prior to Mercury doing it's tri-yearly moonwalk across the heavens.

The good news; and phew! That it is the Mercury Retrograde, which explains a whole dag-gone lot! The bad news is; it's the Mercury Retrograde, and after these past couple weeks - I don't want to ride this train anymore. Can we please stop? Bypass the next upcoming weeks? How about just making a stop at Venus where I can get off. Heyl, I will settle for Mars. Something? Anything? No? Dag-nit!

Note to self: Must find good hermit cave to hide out in, during future Mercury Retrogrades.

Mercury REtrograde - RE-visit. RE-think. RE-flect. RE-do. RE-peat.
RE... RE....RE....RE....RE...RE....RE...RE....RE....RE...RE...RE...RE...RE...RE...RE...RE...........

It's coming like a CD player on skip, and actually it's just as annoying if you ask me. So in part, consider this entry honoring the energies at this time as I RE, RE, RE-FLECT on every unforgettable bloody Mercury Retrograde, and why DO I feel the effects of it in my life, so; 'right on'.

For starters. I should lay down how the past couple weeks have been going. First, there were a series of days where I was getting a lot of heat at work, which basically stemmed from nothing more than mis-communication or a lack of communication. The next thing is my BFF of 7 yrs and I, had a fallen out, over something horrible in which I apparently said, but I don't re-call saying such a thing ever. We couldn't 'hash' things out this time, because to her I'm a lying about not recalling what I said, and for me I think she's in need of a good hearing aid. All and all we haven't spoken for 3 weeks. Plus, I realize and acknowledge now, that I too have been having my own misunderstandings with certain people who I really do desire to have a good relationship with. So all around the board, it just feels like everything keeps blowing up in my face.

But wait. It get's even better!

I discovered just last week, a long time friend unblocked me on Facebook (I know. I know. Silly Facebook), after blocking me last November, for as I seen it, over a misunderstanding. O! Should I also make mention that this happened during a Mercury Retrograde? This time I seen this one coming, so I was mentally prepared for this to happen, but couldn't do anything to stop it, when I seen things going all haywire. As a matter of fact, I remember having to rely solely on the internet to communicate; which is notorious for it's misunderstandings on any given day, because my cell phone just up and takes a nose dive right in the toilet! Next thing I know I'm getting blocked every which way but sideways. Now without a phone. With no access to my contact phone numbers; lost them all. I'm still adding people numbers on my new phone to this day, and I haven't spoken to her since.

There's more events that I could share but it's all RE-dundant; to what goes on with me during the Mercury Retrograde. If anything, I hope that you are able to see from the RE-telling of my own personal awareness of what goes on, of how this is coming like a 'classic' Mercury Retrograde phenomenon - everything you ever read about it. I was skeptical before, but I'm really begging to differ now.

But why is that? And why me?! Why meeeeeeeeeeee!!?

Before anyone comes tells me about patterns and learning lessons, and how it will keep RE-peating. Yeah, I know all that, and it's caught my attention to say the least. However, this entry isn't about RE-flecting on that at the moment. It's a RE-flection of why the pull of the Mercury Retrograde is so bloody obvious. Why do I feel it seems to have more of a pull on 'me'?

And in a somewhat of a dull moment of contemplation. It dawned on me that I'm born on the Cusp of Magic. Gemini and Cancer (DUH!). Trust me, there's nothing magickal about it. Whoever thought of pairing a two headed twin, with a moody emotional crab, needs to be checked for sanity. Sometimes even I, get on my own nerves.

Anyways. Gemini, is ruled by Mercury, and I'm wondering if this may have something to do with it. Are Gemini's more effected by the Mercury Retrograde? Is this to a Gemini's advantage or disadvantage? Or can this be used to a Gemini's advantage someway? And How?

I would love to get answer's to these questions. Surely, there must be a better way to work with these energies, and get through the Mercury Retrograde, without coming out in the end, standing in amiss of a brutal aftermath of destruction. Maybe in my case, Gemini is the poison and the remedy?

Well, lots to think on, I suppose. All this skipping down memory lane; RE-miniscing, and not having a darn thing you say being understood and vise-versa; RE-peatly, wear's down this ole' Gemini/Cancer - all the recollecting done at this time triggers the emotional Cancer, and all the miscommunication gives Gemini a mental headache, because communicating is what we do best! The whole bundle is just about crippling. Guess there's nothing left to do, but to hold on.

So down the rabbit hole we go!

To learn more about the Mercury Retrograde you can read about it here:

http://astrology.about.com/od/advancedastrology/p/MercuryRetro.htm

http://www.crystalinks.com/retrogrades.html

Thanks for reading.

Blessings.......

- Flammeous

Who Is Flammeous {De Empress}?

2014-07-24T18:00:00.000Z

It has recently came into my awareness, that I haven't put much out there on RP about me. I even went to check my blog entries, and YUP. I seemed to miss that part.

Growing up, the/a Lutheran church was like my 2nd family - just me attending, not so much my parents. At least I had more pleasant experiences with people there at Church, than I did any where else. Outside from Church I had a really rough childhood. I was bullied, picked on; an outcast with other children, in a racist and impoverish neighborhood, along with being abused; verbally, physically and sexually in the home. I was overly sensitive even then. I also had dream true experiences, and often I would sit in my room for hours meditating on life and all the wrong in it. Because of my, not so pleasant childhood, I severely chastised this all-loving 'God' for the brute hand that I was dealt with in my life. That by the time I reached adulthood, God to me, was nothing but a joke. It's around that time, I started looking into Witchcraft, and to be really honest, I believe I was looking for some kind of control or power, since my life was full of people who mistreated me, and I felt powerless about it. I did not understand that it was a religious/spiritual path at the time.

I then met my now husband. Who is from Jamaica, and a Rasta. I do remember fighting with him; tooth and nail when he got on his soapbox about Scriptures in Biblical proportions. I'm ashamed to say, I'm sure that Bible that he was so heyl bent on schooling me in, went whizzing past his head on one occasion. But sometimes, he would say things that intrigued me, as this is Rasta theology, and not a Christain one. I began reading it for myself, and was slowly coming around.

But what really sealed my fate, was on a cold January morning, 17 years ago. A stranger invaded my home, sexually assaulted me, an attempted to murder me, by suffocation. I think anyone in my position, would have found themselves praying for their dear lives. Some say they see their lives flash before their eyes. I, however, seen future events unfold right before my eyes, and my prayers were not about me, but about my BF, who was going to be the first accused of my demise, and didn't deserve to go through that. I receive an answer to my prayers, in the midst all of the horror happening to me. A voice; "Today you surely won't die". It was loud, and clear as a bell, as if someone was speaking directly into my right ear. Of course I got away, to live to tell the tale.

So unto the path of trodding Rastafari. Naturally, I should be in servitude to the One that saved my life. Right? One thing though. Ever since that day, I have had this ability to 'hear' - spirits, people thoughts, and it only escalated over the years, the more I denied and refuse to accept even the possibility. The more intense it became.

I walked the path of Rastafari for 7 years. Dressed accordingly. Followed the diet. Meditated on the Scriptures (read the whole Bible; the Deuterocanonical and Apocrypha/Lost Books of the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Kebra Negast and even the Koran). Had the dread locks. The whole nine yards.

It wasn't until 3 years after my youngest daughter was born, I went seeking. It was because of what I seen in her, I felt the need to get answers, that I wasn't getting from Rasta, nor have I from Christianity, and that's where my fluttering and learning began. From New Age, to Lightworkers, to Gnostic, to Neo-Wicca. Which then lead me to explore various pagan paths, and onto studying history and occult history.

As my perspective as shifted and changed over the years, I no longer fit the 'Rasta' profile. My journey has taken me 10 years to find a home that suits my beliefs; primarily in Hoodoo, with a dash of Kemetism, and some flare of American Indigenous thought. Although I do have a tendency to draw from all that I have learned. So I guess a better way to say it is; I'm eclectic.

As far as my online presence. Flammeous {De Empress}.

I'm a sucker for multiple meanings. The name has many meanings for me.

- Flammeous : means consisting of or resembling the color of flame or pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling fire; fiery. Which explains my temper at times, and how passionate I can feel about certain subjects. For me my passion and temper are one in the same.

- Rasta's like to "chant down fire", with a razor sharp tongue. This is rebuking. I may not 'rebuke' anyone anymore, but I still do have that razor sharp tongue. It gets me in trouble most of the time. :P

- Fire is an element that I relate to or drawn too the most. Although I 'should' avoid it. Candle burning, or any kind of fire, seems to go like all kinds of wrong for me. I really do have to worry about burning the house down.

De Empress part.

- De : is using Jamaican patios or slang.

- De Empress - I am drawing from Rastafari with this, as Haile Selassie (who is the God-head of Rastafari), his Empress is also honored in this path. It's very typical to find Rasta's addressing their Kingsmen wives as Empress or Queen, and I'm used to being addressed as such in certain circles. To me that kinda aligns with some Wica traditions to address those as Lord or Lady. There's a near similar thought in Rastafari. When we address one another as King or Empress, we are invoking the God-Head of King Haile Selassie and/or his Queen; calling us to honor and acknowledge the Royalty and the Divine that dwells within us, and in that was in H.I.M (His Imperial Majesty, a title bestowed on Haile Selassie I, who is the whole focus; God-head, God-like, Reincarnated of God, of Rastafari) Thus making us all Kings and Queens, as to like we all come from the God and Goddess/Lord and Lady; that we are all Gods and Goddesses.

- Actually the significator card that I usually pick for me in Tarot.

- And it lets everyone know how to address me, as I'm a wombman.

Well, more than I wanted to share about me. Probably ever. But that's me, as much as in a nutshell as I can put it.

As always. Thanks for reading and Stay Blessed.

- Flammeous

On This Day July 23, 1892 - The First Hebrew Path To Obeah

2014-07-23T18:00:00.000Z

This blog entry is tying into my previous blog The History of Obeah, in my quick attempt to explain more about "The First Hebrew Path to Obeah", that is mentioned at the link on that blog. It also gives a little insight to the spiritual, Afro-centric path, of Rastafari, which I personally believe Obeah, and Christianization may have contributed to the path of Rastafari, but that's a whole other blog entry, at another time.

It is written that the blood line of King Solomon went into the Land of Sheba, via the Queen of Sheba, which is modern day Ethiopia. The coupling of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is not mentioned in the Bible, just only of her visit. One can only speculate what really happened (story here). According to an Ethiopian book called the Kebra Negast, this coupling did take place, an even goes on to state that is where the Ark of the Covenant was taken to. Read more about the Queen of Sheba.

On this day July 23, 1892 formerly known as Ras Tafari (Ras means 'head' or prince, Tafari means one who is respected or feared in Amharic) was born.

Upon his ascension to throne of Ethiopia he took on his regnal name Haile Selassie I (meaning power of the Trinity in Ge'ez) and is considered a descendant of the royal blood line of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.

Ethiopia is possibly the oldest Christian nation, and is known to have one of the oldest bibles (Orthodox Tewahedo biblical canon), that has 81 books, and not the Roman version of 66. He reigned as Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, and addressed the League of Nations, condemning the use of chemical weapons by Italy against his people during the Second Italo–Ethiopian War. His internationalist views led to Ethiopia's becoming a charter member of the United Nations, with his political thought and experience in promoting multilateralism and collective security. Ethiopia is the only independent people in Africa, which has not been colonized.

Below, Haile Selassie was featured on the cover of Time magazine in 1930. Captioned "King of Kings"

72 Nations came to His Imperial Majesty's coronation, and bowed before him.

The song lyrics to Bob Marley's 'War' were extracted directly from a 1963 speech Selassie delivered at the United Nations in New York City.

There's a whole lot of history around Haile Selassie, and that time during his reign. That this entry alone, really doesn't give due justice to all that. So please forgive me, as I'm short on time to really go in-depth on the subject, and only hope that there is some more understanding, in 'The First Hebrew Path To Obeah', than there was before.

I will end with leaving you words by Haile Selassie I.

If there are any questions. Please ask!

As always, thanks for reading ..and Blessings!

- Flammeous

The History of Obeah

2014-07-20T12:00:00.000Z

Since my husband (whose Jamaican), usually refers to me as Obeah. I've been curious as to what that really is or means (aside from his quick definition of it).

So I've always been on the look out for any online information in regards to Obeah, and I can attest there hasn't been a whole lot of information online about it, as it is probably the most secretive and lesser known magikal practice around today. Witchcraft is still illegal in Jamaica. So, if you are in to that sort of thing. It's best to keep it hush, hush. It could save your life.

But, some things have came up over the years of searching, and I would like to take a minute to put in a word of encouragement right here. If you are searching for information on something. Never give up. Something is bound to come up. Just keep looking.

I have since ran across a site that explains more on the subject, than I have ever encountered, and would like to share it with all of you. When I first read it myself. It's no wonder why my husband calls me Obeah.

So, without further ado. Here's the link that will give you a little glimpse what Obeah beliefs are, and it's history.

http://www.obeahrituals.com/obeah-history.html

I also posted a video, with an interview with an Obeah man. Follow the link below.

http://realpagan.net/video/jamaican-obeah?xg_source=activity

Enjoy!

Blessings Always.....

- Flammeous

Pagan Obsession - Collecting & Hoarding

2014-07-19T14:00:00.000Z

I admit it. I like to collect spells, magickal formulas, and herbal recipes (baths, incense, oils, powders). I'm sure I got a remedy to whatever ails ya. Magickally and medicinally. Some where around here.

Why?

Well, when I first went seeking, and not even necessarily 'The Craft'. I found myself even then, collecting spells and formulas, as if I was satisfying some obsessive compulsive disorder, like I had to collect them all like Pokemon. The more secretive and personal, the better. I had no answer as to the why's. I just did it. I've never used them, but I could easily waste my day away searching, reading and re-reading, and cross referencing particular components of a spell or formula. I've never grown tired of it actually.

But now, I understand what it is I was doing. I was learning, by dissecting it. The herbs, the curio's, the colors, the correspondences.... all of it. After pouring over so many variations of spells and formulas and picking them apart. I've become very good at recognizing why something is used, and why it would work, just by looking at it, without all the digging. Although there are still many other's spells and formulas that simply do not have any rhyme or reason to them, according to any path, or magickal system. I can point those out too.

Presently, I find my stash of spells/formulas a source of inspiration in creating my own. As I stated, I have never really used a spell word for word. I actually believe the ones that are out there are vague and lacking a lot of detail; like a skeleton, without the sinews and muscles holding it together. But I have used them as a springboard for ideas. I have even combined components from from two, or even three spells in collaborating something more tailored for my own purpose.

Formulas, it depends. Obviously if it's just one ingredient, which there are a few, then there's no mucking that up. I mean cascarilla powder, isn't cascarilla powder if it doesn't have crushed egg shells. Or red brick dust, just isn't red brick dust, if there are no crushed red bricks. That's just obvious. If a formula is more elaborate, then it's subjective to change according to what I have on hand and how I feel. Rarely, if ever, do I follow a recipe precisely like using a cookie cutter. Usually one or more ingredients I have changed, or even added too.

Still, I love finding new spells and formulas. I love reading how other's problem solve with their magickal knowledge within a particular system, and the clever, innovated ideas even with the mediocre. To the simple and to the complex. Granted, I might save it and use it as a personal reference for inspiration, but I may never, precisely use as it's written.

Now, I turn it over to you. What are your pagan obsessions? Is there something that you seem to collect? Are there things that you are hoarding right now? Why do you do it? Don't leave me sitting here all by my lonesome, like I'm really the only one. ;)

Look forward to reading your replies.

As always. Thanks for reading, and Stay Blessed.......

- Flammeous

Insight Under Unfortunate Circumstances - Psalm 68:2

2014-07-15T17:00:00.000Z

The other day, I had the most insightful thought.

See, I have gotten this really gnarly tooth infection - lucky me. Now, I'm not panhandling for anyone's sympathy here, as it's my own bloody fault for not taken care of it in the first place, and I'm left to pay the piper. Although your prayers for a quick healing, and the courage to take care of this once and for all, is greatly appreciated.

Phobias. I tell ya. Can inflict more harm, than the original fear itself. Noted!

At the moment, I'm left with a bottle of antibiotics and painkillers. Instructed for the time being, to simply take my meds and wait it out. Not much can be done, with a swollen jaw the size of Texas, and even if that's possible; I don't think I would want anyone poking around in there with all the craziness going on anyway. Not to mention the thought of searing pain; that I know just a feather could bring alone, makes me about faint.

So I am doing the most sensible; reactive thing, under the circumstances. That much is squared away, and in my impatience of not being able to sit still, and to take it like a big girl. I thought a little magick thrown on top of the mundane, couldn't hurt. Well, at least it made me feel like I was doing something. One can only lie in bed and watch Netflix for so long.

I then whipped out and prepared a candle and concocted a quick incense to throw on the incense burner, and thought on my intentions to drive out this infliction, was when these words popped into my head:

"As the smoke driveth away"....................annnnd SHOOT! I forget the rest! Darn delirium! Meds!

I can't count how many times I heard this verse, and for the love of me, I couldn't remember. However, I can't even recite Psalm 23 to save my life. So meh. No surprise there.

I squeaked through it, using my own words, but me recalling this verse was intriguing. I had to go look it up, because I have never really put much thought into it, as I'm seeing a whole new meaning in the words now.

The verse I was recalling is actually from Psalm 68:2.

"As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God".

"As smoke is driven away, so drive them away.." (incense)
"..as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish.." (candles)

Next time, I think I will remember this little gem to chant, while lighting my candles and incense whenever I'm in need of banishing, or chasing out evil.

Lucky Mojo site says that Psalms 68 is recited while preparing baths that are used to exorcise evil spirits, and from another online rootworker, Caroline Dean suggests to use it for reversing evil. So I guess I'm not too far off the mark with that.

Just wanted to share.

Above all, despite my 'self inflicted' misfortune. I do at least still have my sense of humor, and that's a good thing. Still counting my blessings, and giving thanks!

Now, I wish these darn meds would run it's course. I've had enough already!

Blessings Always.......

- Flammeous

What Is This Peculiar Dreaming Ability?

2014-06-03T17:00:00.000Z

Since I can remember, I've always been interested in dreams. My interest grew in childhood, from having 'dream true' experiences. Although, I must admit, there's nothing really significant about those dreams to retell, other than I experienced it. I went on later in HS English class, to write up a paper on dreams and dreaming, and that was my first encounter with the thoughts and theories of Carl Jung and Sigmund Feud on the subject. Along with the scientific information to what happens while we sleep like, REM and lower brain frequency. Much of what I learned from that paper still sticks with me today, as I continue to analyze my dreams. All the while still searching for answers.

I can't say I've encountered having many 'dream true', dreams in adulthood, as I have had when I was a child. Yet, I do go through these periods of having deja-vou. Which I believe my dreams may be contributing to such feelings. I'm just not remembering them.

I don't miss the 'dream true' experiences that much, really. It's pretty unnerving. Especially for a young child. However, my dreaming experiences now, has taken new twists and turns. Some, I have names for. Others, I haven't chanced upon any description or word to even begin to explain; only personal theories. Maybe I have been looking in all the wrong places?

Lucid Dreaming - Hands down. This isn't a problem for me. I know what I'm doing or experiencing and I know what to call it. I am skilled with the ability to recognize that I'm dreaming and being able to take control over the dream.

Astral Projection - Usually in a relaxed, meditated or sleep state, however I can do this with ease standing on my feet. No need for meditation, lying down or any quaint ritual to do so. It's almost like a trance. Where you feel you traveled long distances, but only a few minutes have passed. Time is an illusion. Usually, I 'go visit' and *talk* to people. Some people have said I'm just daydreaming. I think not. Daydreaming to me, is fantasizing that I'm a ninja, or a rock star, not carrying on a conversation with people I know, far from me, living or deceased.

But what eludes me is the ability to discover and/or find things out in my dreams. This is not a hit-or-miss sorta thing. It's purely intentional. I rely heavily on my dreams to tell me what I want to know. So much so, that any kind of divination is purely unnecessary. This IS what I do best. Once I inquire, I dream it, and then I KNOW.

As I mentioned earlier. I have my own theories as to why or how this is done. However, I haven't ran across anything similiar. A tangible word to describe what it is I'm doing or what's really happening.

For starters, let me clarify what I'm questioning here. The most curious and yet baffling dreams that I have in seeking answers to, all involve people/relationships. Maybe it's someone I know, who I think is acting funny and I want to know why. Maybe we had a disagreement, and haven't spoken to each other since. Maybe I haven't heard from the person for a long time. Or maybe I have suspicions about something, and I want to know for sure.

What usually happens in the dream is; that person and I have a conversation (I've had dreams of a particular person who would 'talk' to me while I was dreaming; like a voice over, but was not a character per-say partaking in the dream scene). Or that person calls me or messages me. Or even better, I receive a letter in my dream, telling me everything. This happens so much that phones, letters, texts or emails from people I know in the waken world, are big red flags when they appear in the dream realm. I'm so aware these forms of communication appearing in the dream world, that it's very easy for me to snap into a lucid state and start carrying on a conversation with said person.

To me this doesn't fit so nicely into the category of dreaming true, or astral projection. So what is it?

What I think is happening is - and I know it sounds bizarre, but I feel/believe that I'm more prone to pick up people's thoughts in my dreams, due to the lower brain frequency that occurs while sleeping (which by chance also happens when meditating or doing anything in the spiritual/astral realm). It's coming like sleeping/dreaming is the perfect 'channel' for me to pick up on things. I think sometimes, I may be picking up on someone thinking of me - and just to add here, I'm pretty good at picking up on things in the waken world; empathic, but it seems amplified or I'm more open to it, in the dream world.

Long ago, a firekeeper from the Six Nations that I once knew, referred to me as a dream walker. Basically it is a person who can astrally/spirituality walk into another persons dream, but I haven't found any more about this, aside from that. Personally, I don't really think it's fitting to in my experiences. Then again I don't really know what that all consists of.

As always. Thanks for reading. I look forward to your comments and suggestions. I'm open to answering any questions if you have them.

Blessings.....

- Flammeous

Why I can't stand white belly dancers - A Rebuttal Of A Different Sort

2014-03-11T14:30:00.000Z

This seems to be the newest topic of late, especially if you're a belly dancer, or if you're a 'white' woman. If you haven't read it yourself, you can find it here:

http://www.salon.com/2014/03/04/why_i_cant_stand_white_belly_dancers/

At first I wasn't going to feature a rebuttal here or any where else, because of the inflammatory so called journalism tatics that seeks to get the little 15 minute internet fame by pushing people's buttons. As far as I'm concerned, we shouldn't be giving her any more attention, with counter arguments and rebuttals to increase her hits. But on the other hand, there are a few things; actually one in particular, that really bothers me about this article, that I just haven't seen commentators point out, or even notice.

Now, my rebuttal I said is of a different sort. I'm not going write about belly dancing is a form of art, and that it started out as a 'women's' dance, or even how "it's as a vehicle to break down stereotypes about Arab culture and to foster a more supportive community"(quote from CONOR FRIEDERSDORF: In praise of polyglot culture and multicultural belly dancing). There are some very well written articles which already addresses these points and more.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/03/in-praise-of-polyglot-culture-and-multicultural-belly-dancing/284290/

http://witchesandpagans.com/Pagan-Studies-Blogs/cultural-appropriation-or-creative-expession.html

For the record, I'm not a belly dancer. Just an admirer, and I know it's harder than it looks, and takes years to perfect. So, much respect is given to anyone, that has taken up belly dancing. I would, however, have sulked quietly into the night, without saying much after reading "Why I can't stand white belly dancer's", IF it wasn't for the author going off on a slight misappropriated tangent of Caucasians "appropriating" another culture, and the inclusion of a video that made me see what a bloody hypocrite the author is, that depicts a highly controversial song; if ones 'really' knew what was being said.

For starters. This paragraph here:

“It’s Arab face,” my friend Nadine once said, pointing at an invitation from a white acquaintance of hers. The invitation was printed on card stock and featured the woman and a dozen of her white friends dressed in Orientalist garb with eye makeup caked on for full kohl effect and glittery accessories. We wanted to call these women up and say, “How is this OK? Would you wear a dashiki and rock waspafarian dreads and take up African dance publicly? Wait,” we’d probably say, “don’t answer that.”

I understand the author's point of glamorizing the Middle East, especially by Westerner's; particularly in belly dancing. However, comparing that to sporting dreadlocks, wearing dashiki's and taken up 'African dance', the point becomes clouded as I'm left to question what culture is supposedly being appropriated here(?), because not all Africans wear dashik's or even dreadlocks. And I do believe that any 'waspafarian' is not appropriating African culture. This appears to be more Jamaican. Although there are some people in Africa have dreadlocks........So do some Sādhu in India. So maybe if it read 'Would you wear red, green and gold colored shirts and rock rastafari(an) dreads and take up Jonkonnu dance in public' Or. 'Would you wear a pagne and bantu knots and take up African dance'. Then I might say the author knows what she is talking about. So this paragraph comes across very strange, and it also reads like all kinds of ignorant. Which is ironic considering what the article is about.

But the kicker, and the one that bothers me the most is, the embedded video link, 5th paragraph in. Screenshot below:

This video is suppose to be an example of real Egyptian working class women belly dancing. To show that it's not all about being glitz up, and that it's not a dying art as the media was portraying at the time.

Now I didn't know what I expected to find when I clicked the video link, but I will say I was floored when I heard the music that overlay this particular video and seen 'Egyptian women' belly dancing in the streets....... shimming to the JAMAICAN dancehall tune by Cutty Ranks; Limb by Limb! WT?!

I understand, that the author may not have collaborated this video. However, the whole appropriation argument goes flying out the window with the inclusion of that video. I'm still trying to decide if the author is that cretinous, or if that what she thinks of Westerners, to slip that one by.

Let me clear this up. Even though I love me some Cutty Ranks. I will not include any video that features the Limb by Limb song, not even here for the example, because it's an extremely violent song about murdering politicians, police..... AND.......gay men, and I'm not looking to make enemies (at least not that quick!) Sure it sounds catchy. Danceable. Makes you want to shimmy and shake, but if you don't know patios, and if you don't know a Jamaican to explain the song. You'll remain oblivious to what it's really about.

I have yet to see anyone call that out, but then again the author has recently deleted and closed comments, to even question her knowledge of Jamaican or African culture, and if whether or not she knows what kind of material she has linked to her blog, and if she supports it. However, I do know, if that was a blatant in your face message. No one would be counter arguing belly dancing that's for sure.

- Flammeous

Food For Thought and Balance

2012-03-01T19:30:00.000Z

I think it's right for me to note here, that I've been studying Kemetism & Holistic Health which most of this entry is deriving from. This is just my own personal thoughts in regards to caring for the entire physical body/temple.

A thought passed through my mind the other night, while juicing a bulb of fennel. Which was an observation about how we take more care of the outside of our bodies than we do the inside.

It is not to say that there is anything inherently wrong with adorning the physical body with a fine presentation that alludes to being clean and well taken care of. But it is to only point out the obvious of being a visual species, where the eyes are heavily relied on as the windows to interpreting our world.

Even though there is quite the focus on outward appearances, our optical perspective is a very limited one indeed. As we may perceive that a surface appears to be clean, however the ability of viewing it on a microscopic level with the naked eye alone is impossible. So not only appearances can be deceiving but there's a lot more going on than meets the eye.

Our internal organs that give us life and the ability to function is indeed out of sight and therefore out of mind and because it is hidden from us, it's not something we take the greatest care in, especially when there is no emphasis to do so, even though it plays a very important and vital role in our lives.

When speaking on Ma'at who is the Egyptian Goddess and personification of Justice, Balance and Truth. She is the keeper of balance and order in the universe. Now the Universe is the function of the many working together as one, in order to sustain life. If there is an disruption of this order and balance, then chaos will ensue. The body (Ka) is fashioned after the like of the Universe with the many working together as one. So as it above, so as it below.

I then ask if we were to personally weigh the up keep of our visual appearance and outside cleanliness with the hidden parts of our body, would those scales be balanced? What if we would then apply those same scales to society's standards of caring for the entire body, would they tip?

This is what Ma'at teaches, balance and to weigh things out. If the scale tips, then we are out of balance and chaos will arise. In this case being a decline in health but can be applied to anything. She also teaches Truth, which includes being right and honest with ourselves.

Chaos also applies to Ma'at's order. For it is in chaos that shows us that we are unbalanced and will eventually lead back to Ma'at.

Food for thought.

Blessings........

The Quest, The Rant, The Questioning of Universal Laws

2011-12-30T17:30:00.000Z

The Quest

If your not familiar with The Universal Laws you can do a quick Google search and get plenty of sites listing apx. 10-20+ more Laws which apparently govern the universe. I would provide a link however I personally do not want to direct any traffic to any of these sites here on my blog.

Not until recently The Universal Laws have been passed off as some secret ancient esoteric knowledge made public and appears under many names such as Spiritual Laws and the Laws of Nature. They are quoted in New Age books, Spirituality books (sometimes sided with Karma and Karmatic Laws) self help books and popular books entitled *How to be succesful*.

This however is not my first run in with The Universal Laws. I've been aware of them for a long time. The difference now is, I am wanting to know where did it orginate from?

Interesting enough, it doesn't seem I am having much luck finding the origins of these * Universal Laws*. A good majority of sites online that have these listed are just copying from a book called The Light Shall Set You Free by Dr's. Milanovich and McCune published in 1996. However I did find a lead to the Hermetic Principles in the Kyablion published in 1908. Which suggest that Drs. Milanovich and McCune may have nothing more than read The Kybalion and other resources and collaborated their own philosophy geared towards those seeking the Lightworker's path.

As far as any further predated information beyond The Kyablion is pretty much glossed over on a lot of these sites or not even mentioned at all. The claims are that it date backs to ancient philosophers, however no resources mentioned to which one and to what writings. One site goes further to vaguely claim these are the teachings of some *mystery school* which I'm not going to even touch that.

If anyone has some more info. where these Universal Laws are being derived from aside from The Kyablion I would love to hear from you.

The Rant

All and all I hope this proves to be a good example of what others have reiterated time again on this site. That some resources aren't useful at all. That people are more primed to read a book, or a site and take a piece from it and run with it than to ever question it or dig further. Anyone can open a Youtube account or a website or write a book now-a-days and the best advice to seekers is to always use discretion. It also goes to show how lumping things together based on similiarites without any respectful mention of the differential components that went into it and it's origins, destroys the unique diversity of all Earth's people; culture, individuality and overall Our History. Quite frankly I am feed up in having to pick things apart. Plus copying and pasting is just not an impressive skill as to using your own words, this is annoying!

The Questioning

This next part is only my reasoning over these * Universal Laws*, which there are a lot more to it than what ones can instantly pull up on Google. There are subsidiarity laws as well. And in contemplation over the whole package I have come to the conclusion: There are no absolutes.

These laws suggest a world, a universe, nature, the spiritual realm and magick consists of only black and white. If you do x and y equals z, everytime. But the world/nature/universe doesn't always perform according to how we see it; with our use of finding tangible words in order to describe our observations in trying to understand the universe and any future outcomes. There is that grey area that says if you do x and y it won't always equal z and that should be taken into account as well. I think my personal reasoning is more in lines with the chaos theory here.

I personally do not have a problem with someone applying these Universal Laws in their path or practice and actually some of them do make sense to me, along with taking into the account that it may not go according to how we choose to describe how the world works. If it makes them a better person and a better person towards others than Bravo! But when these Laws are being thwarted on others as the end all, be all, as a divine absolute which all living things must be conscience of and follow in order to avoid a cosmic can of whoop ass, then by all means, I start to have a problem with it.

Blessings.........

Church Style Incense

2011-12-22T19:30:00.000Z

Before you get your undies in a knot about this incense being *church* style incense. Let me start off by saying this is a xmas gift for a nearby hubby's friend/babysitter who watches my children when needed without payment (I know you want to have wanna those *friends* who would do that but sorry I can't help you there).

Of course this friend (and family) has more of a christian bent. That I chose a typical and common standby for them. Basically frankincense and myrrh with a bit of a twist. As to why I would make incense for them is because my hubby came home one day asking if I had any incense because this friend was asking for some (why of course I'm a witch!) and I sent with him a couple homemade dragon's blood incense cones that I had on hand. End of story, word got back to me that it was the best incense they have ever had (and just to note the dragon's blood was not for ritual purposes for I was experimenting with makko for the first time). Needless to say since my homemade incense was a hit, I thought it would make a good gift.

So here is the list of ingredients. Play with it how you see fit.
Sorry, this isn't much of a how to guide. Just sharing a recipe.

Frankincense
Myrrh
Cedar
Cloves
Makko
Distilled Rose Water (to make a dough and shape into sticks or cones)

Here's a picture of the incense drying between two jars that I crochet a cover for. They look really pretty when tea lights are burning in them.

Yes, that is a pizza hut paper plate. I didn't realize I was out of wax paper to dry my cones on and had to improvise.

Blessings and Happy Winter Solstice/Yule or Holidays!

Homemade Conjurer Lamp

2011-07-23T19:30:00.000Z

This is a work in progress and just thought I would throw the idea out there for others to experiment as well.

When we dive down into the roots of hoodoo, we will find that many things were conjured with oil lamps and not candles.

So in taking from the old tradition and applying it. I have come up with this.

Recycled baby food jar, with some olive oil. A hole in the cap and a strip of cotton sock as a wick (thinking we could really work some personal concerns for a wick as long as it's 100% cotton *wink, wink*).

If ones would conjure in a lamp, the associated herbs would go into the lamp then the oil poured over and thus of course you have your *condition oil*.

Personal concerns could go in. Petitions pin to the wick or even burnt petition ashes can go in as well. Can even color the oil or jar to a suitable color. Add or draw pics on the jar. Even choice of oil can be a factor as well.

I like the idea of the oil lamp. To me things

really seem to be *cooking* in there. ;)

May not look all fancy and pretty but that doesn't matter as long as the intent is there.

Herbal Recipe Book

2011-06-27T14:06:59.000Z

Here I decoupaged a mini photo album that I got at the 99¢ store, that originally said "Thanks for the memories" picturing a flower. Planning on writing my herbal recipes on some index cards and sticking them in here, because they do fit perfect, no need for a recipe box. There's some St. John's Wort I found yesterday in the raffia.

The book will include, my recipes of herbal tinctures, jellies, syrup's, ointments/salves, tea's, and maybe some bath's ? or crafts ?, don't know about the last two yet. The primary purpose is to have all this in one accessible spot, geared towards medicinal however not confine to only that.

Blessings.........

How I receive messages...

2011-02-22T15:30:00.000Z

Or maybe how I get answers???

There has been something on my mind since the discovery of my high school sweetheart on FB this past Sunday. He was more than just that, we were engaged. We even went so far as purchasing wedding rings and obtaining a marriage license. Yes, at the tender age of 18yrs old. Needless to say that maybe not getting married so young was probably the best thing for both of us.

We went steady for apx. 2 yrs. When we went our separate ways, I wasn't so crushed as maybe I should have been. I think that's because I somehow seen it coming.

So now, I'm doing a lot of reflection......seeing now what I didn't see or want to see then.

I was a spoiled, childish and bossy brat to my ex boyfriend/fiancée. I think the only remedy for this was to just grow up. My domineering personality, paired with a passive and sweet guy was probably one good reason for him taking the advice of his family. To date around before settling down with his first girlfriend, being me. His family seen I was more than overbearing and they vocalized their concerns plenty because they cared. I would have probably told him the same thing if I were in their shoes.

I didn't harbor too much ill-feelings then and still don't now. I don't think he does either. After all he did show up to a lunch date with me, years after the initial break up. All that I can remember from that, being it was 15 yrs ago, was only to catch up on how things were going for the both of us and it didn't end up being a disaster, however this was the last time seeing him.

Well that was until this Sunday.

Now, I'm debating to contact him or not. To drop a line saying Hi and asking him how things have been after all this time. I mean, we did get quite serious with one another. Then on the other hand, I feel that maybe I should leave well enough alone.

Of course by now, I am wanting and seeking guidance and in trying to be very honest with myself and my intentions, I started to ask myself such questions like: What would be the point? and If I could only say one last thing to him what would that be if he never responded back? and To whom that would really benefit me or him?

Well, if there was one last thing I could say to him it would be all the above and I honestly felt the cards could fall either way as far as my admittance of err would be beneficial for him or not. This I simply did not know.

So all day yesterday, until I crawled into bed. I mentally rehearsed what I would write to him. Thinking also it might be good to consult some form of divination, to help determine how I should proceed.

Well, I think I got an answer, this morning waking up. This song (the chorus) was in my head. Btw, I don't listen to the radio, wasn't awoken by a radio alarm, and didn't even have a clue that it was Timbaland who sang this song until I looked it up. Which goes to show how much I'm up to speed on things. So this I know, was way out in left field for me. Is it a coincidence that I was seeking an answer if it would be good to contact (and apologize) to my Ex or not and this song was placed in my mind?

This also falls in line how I usually get answers when I am wanting to know something (in my dreams, upon waking, random songs stuck in my head) I think in this case, this is a very clear message. I should leave well enough alone and chock this up as coming about as a much needed reflection for me.

So I leave this post with what I learned.

Ladies treat you man as sweet as candy, if not, you may be pushing them into the arms of another girl who does.

Same goes for the men.

Blessings...........

Homemade Incense Stove/Burner

2011-02-21T15:30:00.000Z

Warning: The suggestion below is of my own making purely to burn dried fruit & honey incense and/or kyphi incense and Is Not Suitable for burning of loose incense mixtures, powders or resins due to it's construction. Please be advised, that burning such mixtures with the suggested method below is Not recommended!

Here is the link to my dried fruit & honey incense:

http://realpagan.net/profiles/blogs/incense-pellets-dried-fruit?xg_source=activity

I'm am sharing this idea, greatly stressing the use of caution and safety.

First, I am opposed to using charcoal discs, so I therefore had to come up with a method how to burn my dried fruit & honey incense after I made my first batch. Sure my kitchen stove top worked fine, however kinda hard to carry around about the place. I wanted something more portable and I'm really too cheap to dish out 40 bucks or more to buy any of the incense stove burners I scoped out online.

After a year of trying everything I could possibly think of. Many different oil burners, candle warmers and even went so far as to borrow a friend's soldering iron, calling myself making one, in which that went bust, needless to say. I stumbled on this idea by complete accident, while making peach cobbler. There sat the empty peach can and the strainer that I used to drain the liquid from the peaches and Wa La! Brainstorm! I placed the strainer on top of the can and wouldn't ya know, perfect fit. Now so very excited that I might be on to something. I hurried to find a tea light, placed it inside the can, lit it, then placed the strainer on top of the can, placed one of my dried fruit & honey incense pellets in the stainer and wouldn't you know it. It worked!

I know by the looks of the pics, it's really kinda tacky looking, but I don't care. I saved myself 40 bucks and that's all that really matters to me.

A word of caution. The can will get hot! So make sure you have it placed in a bowl or on a dish and do not touch the metal when burning, only until after the candle has been extinguished and it has been giving time to cool.

Another suggestion, which I have not done yet, but plan to when I get my hands on some. Is to add sand at the bottom of the can, then place the tea light on top. Other wise, I have been well pleased with my handy, dandy homemade incense burner.

Once again, I repeat, and I really hate to sound redundant here. Do not use this method for burning loose incense! As you should know that the mixture or resins will fall/drip through the strainer into the candle flame, a great recipe for flammable conditions if that is what you so desire. I will not be held accountable if you decide to not heed my warning.

However, I will give another suggestion of burning loose mixtures, powders and resins without the use of a charcoal disc. Take this same idea with the can, cut a hole out of it compared to those of oil burners, to place the tea light inside and use a piece of aluminum foil, cupped downward over the top of the can. Please use a sensible foil for this. This is one time it doesn't pay to be cheap, for many of those off brands of foil can catch fire. Of course follow the above instructions about the placement of the can and handling.

Btw, I have tried the foil for the dried fruit incense, it doesn't produce the same results as the strainer does.

Now for pics, of my homemade incense burner for dried fruit & honey pellets (ONLY!)

Side view

View from top. You can see it smoking in this pic. I prefer to keep the handle on so I can easily remove and replace the incense pellets without touching the hot metal.

Blessings..........

Tried & True : Garden Irrigation

2011-02-14T14:30:00.000Z

Well, after having a brutal winter storm a few weeks ago, and then temperatures dipping down in to the single digits just this past week. The 50 degree weather as of yesterday was more than welcomed. I enjoyed a bit of it, sitting on my bench outside my front stoop, noticing the perennials I planted from earlier years bearing their leafy green tops in the soil and the rose bush sporting new buds and now my mind is on gardening! Or my excuse to play in some dirt, in preparation of some starter plants.

So here, sharing a tried & true method I use in irrigating my garden.

In the picture to your right you will see some 2 liter pop bottles positioned beside my tomato plants. I was looking for alternative ways of watering and in saving some money on my water bill. I stumbled upon this idea, which is about the same as those commercials that you see with the pretty glass bulbs you place in planters to water them...watering globes? Anyways, what I did here was take some pop bottles, cut the bottom off and drilled some holes in the cap. I dug a hole beside my plants, place them upside down and filled them with water until it stopped draining. The concept is, when the soil if full of water, the bottle will stop draining. When the soil is dry, it will water itself. Worked really well, I must say. Despite the pessimistic husband who assured me I would be over watering and thus kill my tomato plants. He was even freaking out about stagnant water and mosquitoes, which was an interesting point I never thought of. But he soon piped down when my remedy was cutting off the foots to some old pantie hose I had lying around and place them over the bottles. I also use water bottles for my container plants.

Using this bottle technique has proven to save on the water bill compared to how I was watering, with a garden hose, which was all over the place, encouraging the weeds to grow alongside my herbs and veggies. It did eliminate some of the weeding that I have usually done in the past. It's also great for catching and saving rain water, so the need of watering is also lessened.

I know it maybe a little early for this, but happy gardening!

Incense Pellets - Dried Fruit & Honey Method

2011-02-13T16:00:00.000Z

Kyphi Incense was used in ancient Egypt for religious and medical purposes.

All recipes for kyphi mention wine, honey and raisins.

Other identifiable ingredients include: cinnamon and cassia bark,the aromatic rhizomes of cyperus and sweet flag,cedar,juniper berry; resins and gums, such as frankincense, myrrh, benzoin resin, labdanum, and mastic.

You can learn more about Kyphi or Kapet Incense HERE.

The recipes listed at the above link are probably more closer to how the Egyptians made theirs than what I do, therefore I admit that my incense may not be *truly* Kyphi at all. So it's only right to title my blog *Dried Fruit & Honey Method* and not Kyphi. However my usage of wine, honey and raisins (or dried fruit) in my incense making stemmed from the knowing of the Ancient Egyptian method, I just didn't have all the ingredients at the time to make it exactly as the recipe stated. >.<

Okay, now the *how to's*

I'm being real lazy this morning and don't feel like writing this all out, however I will share this link that describes three methods of making it with honey, making it with dried fruit and honey and a soft resin method. I recommend this site for anyone interested in making their own incense. So please do browse around.

http://incensemaking.com/incense-pellets.htm

I have not tried the honey method just yet, but have plans to at some point. Neither the soft resins either. I can only speak about my experiences with the dried fruit and honey method for right now.

This process may seem a bit tedious to some. I mean why go through all the extra steps, when you can just grind some herbs and resins together and burn them on a charcoal disc? Well, it's just my preference; elimating salt-petre and charcoal in my incense burning. Plus the *extra's* like the soaking the fruit/raisins in wine, the honey, the mixing and the kneading, really opens it to an infinite number of possibilities, incorporating more energy...or harnessing a specific energy, especially if the incense is used for ritual or spell work.

Examples:

- You can match the properites of the dried fruit into the desire of the incense.

- You can leave the soaking dried fruit in wine in the moonlight or sunlight.

- You don't even have to use red wine, but any type of wine, liqueur, hydrosol and/or essential oil.

- You can empower some honey for a specific purpose into the incense.

- You can even incorporate numerology, or use the moon phases to how long the soaking or dried mix sits.

Sometimes, I just love the wait, as I use the moon phases and daily correspondences as my guide to make what when. I feel the waiting process builds up my energy awaiting for just that right time.

In no way I am saying that tedious or the more ingredients is better. It is just to say this method for me, has many possibilities to work with. Anyways, above all it smells absolutely wonderful and it only gets better with age! I personally think smell is important, however I know some may disagree, depending on what purpose the incense is for...etc..etc.

To avoid some mishaps with ingredients that do not smell *all that nice* together and to also save on my precious ingredients. A medium setting on the stove top, with a small tsp. of the dried incense mix placed in a bit of aluminium foil has helped me tremendously with making my own personal incense mixes.

I leave here with some pics I took of my first batch.

Pic on left: Far left is the soaking raisins.

To the right my dried mix of herbs, resins and woods.

Right pic: Are the pellets complete after kneading and shaping. The size was a bit larger than pea size. The dried mix does not need to be finely ground.

Here is a video on how to make Incense pellets with honey or a sticky resin.

(excuse any misspellings..in a rush..)

Mastering Psychic Empathy - Techniques

2011-01-24T15:30:00.000Z

Self doubt, skepticism, denial, fear, overexertion, impatience and being too serious will all work against you in mastering psychic empathy (or any other psychic ablitity for that matter).

There are three milestones that every empath needs to reach before becoming more controlled. As far as how long it takes will vary from person to person, depending on how much resistance, fear and impatience there is, but don't despair, give up or stress yourself too much in this achievement. It will come in due time, if you are practicing awareness.

The Three Milestones

1. Being consciously aware and to accept/acknowledge that you are an empath.
2. Being consciously aware and accept/acknowledge it can be controled.
3. A Strong will and belief in yourself.

The Fine Art of Detachment

If you find yourself in a heated or stressful situation, STOP what you are doing and THINK quickly. Rewind the scene in your mind, and recall how you were feeling PRIOR to this situation. Were you happy, calm or relaxed? Then all of the sudden overwhelmed in anger? You may have just taken on board the other persons feelings. An empath who is unconscious of this may not even know. That's why awareness is the key.

When you stop and think, and analyze the emotion as not being yours. It can be released with a simple act of affirming that these are not your feelings. This mental act detaches you from the *mix up* that occurs in taking on someone else's emotion. You can also include a physical gesture along with affirming, such as shaking your hands or flicking your fingers as if you were washing something off you and/or you can pierce your lips to *blow* the feeling away.

Turn It On/Off

Some empaths do have a problem with shielding because they feel *cut off*. It is strongly advised that basic shielding is put into practice because it will and can lead to more advanced methods of programming a shield. But for those who do feel this way, here is another technique.

- Close your eyes
- Invoke the name of your guide/master/diety
- Take a deep breath
- State the specific intention to either shut off or reduce
the volume of empathy
- Take several short breaths to come back to reality

Sponge In Some Music

Empaths are highly sensitive to music. As a matter of fact, an empath selects their music depending on how they feel. This aspect can be greatly used to your advantage in various ways. In a funky mood or one that may not be your own? Turn on some of your favorite sing-a-long, dance-along or relaxing tunes. In a crowded environment such as work and or even shopping? If possible, take an ipod along. Of course not too much can effect you having your ears plugged up in the first place, but even when those earplugs are removed to deal with a disgruntle boss and/or co-worker or that rude cashier at the grocery store, it's not so easy *to pick up* these emotions. You have essentially soaked in positive vibrations/energy as if it boosts your shield. Being a sponge isn't so bad, if you utilize it to YOUR advantage.

30 Second Aura Cleansing/Sealing

Briskly rub your hands together until they start to tingle. If you pull yours hands slightly apart you will feel a pull to draw them back together. Now take your hands and starting from your crown, gently clean your aura with a soft sweeping motion apx. 3 inches away from your skin. Do your head, neck, chest, each arm, and each leg and foot. . Then do a sweeping motion from the top of your head to the ground, first on your front and then on your back. Repeat as needed. Shake your hands out when finished.

The Finger Interlock Technique

To begin this technique, simply bring together the tips of your thumb and middle finger of each hand to form two circles. Then, bring your hands together to form interlocking circles while envisioning your body enveloped in a bright sphere of impenetrable energy. Finally, relax your hands and simply affirm, "I am now energized and fully protected." This simple, inconspicuous technique requires only seconds and can be used almost any time or place. With practice, you can use the finger interlock gesture alone as a cue to instantly activate the effects of the full procedure.

This is primarily used with encounters of psychic vampires, but can be used for instant shielding with a simple self-programmed gesture.

Criss-Cross

Another effective method that can come in handy when dealing with a specific person dumping emotional energy on you and or even in a crowded room, is to cross your legs and arms as a physical shield.

Recommended Crystals

By holding or wearing a gemstone necklace / stone / bracelet, they can help by dissolving negative emotions and replacing them with positive energy.

These gemstones need to be cleanse prior to using and should be cleanse periodically or daily if wearing.

You can also make elixirs as a spray. Carry a small spray bottle with you to spray yourself to rid of negative energy.

Aquamarine – helps you adapt to any harsh vibrations in your surroundings

Black Tourmaline – psychic protection (when necessary) – a good stone to carry with you when you are out in crowded areas or if someone is intentionally sending negative energy your way. Acts as a buffer from the physic bombardment.

Smokey Quartz - keeps you grounded if you start to “space out” or feel panicky e.g. in crowds etc. – also good for bringing spiritual energies down through the chakras so that they can be grounded and acted on.

Hematite - Offers protection and aborbs negative energy. Also a good grounding stone.