Tuesday, July 15, 2025

TOOL SERIES - Crystals : An Introduction

 Merry Meet, friends!

As I began researching for this post, I realized that while CRYSTALS are an important tool in our practice, like their facets, their are many different aspects to each one. So, I'm going to introduce CRYSTALS in this post and give you some book titles you might want to explore. I'll turn Crystals into their own series in the future.

I want to start with the Kitchen Witch's Guide to Magickal tools by Patricia Telesco.



In the opening of Chapter 14 on Crystals, Patricia gives this background:
"In looking at our community, there's no doubt tat we love our pretty, shiny things not only in jewelry but as implements of the altar, components to spellcraft..... Humankind has always been drawn to stones and utilized them in a wide variety of ways."

She goes on to showcase a small selection of crystals and their meanings.

YA Fantasy author, Sarra Cannon always has a variety of crystals both on her desk at home as well as set up in her work area when she goes out to a coffee shop to write or retreat stay. 

    
                                                                            AMAZON

Melanie Marquis reminds us that crystals are a natural substance and that they, as well as other rocks have intrinsic magickal powers. They are an energy source. If you've ever walked into a rock & gem store or a New Age shop without cloaking yourself from the energy, you may feel a bit off-kilter (putting things mildly)  Some people react differently to the various stones and at varying levels. 



While on my recent trip to Central Illinois, I felt off-balance while walking through the mall. Now, keep in mind this was before I found an amazing shop. I've seen shops like this in stand-alone brick n mortar but never in a mall. I was in love the moment I stepped into their doors. Follow the link above and check out their website.  Anyway, after taking a moment to cloak I wandered the store until I came across the Amethyst stones. Mind you, I didn't take any crystals with me. I only wore my protection amulet give to me by a friend but the amulet wasn't doing what I needed. I needed the 'balance' of the amethyst. I found a CHARMED Amethyst bracelet with a Triquetra charm. I don't know if it was the other stones in the shop or putting that particular stone close to my skin that did the trick. I felt much better. 



If jewelry is your thing, check out Ms. Deborah Blake's book above. Beginning on page 32, you'll find instructions for a gemstone necklace. We'll explore more of each of the books mentioned during the Crystal Series.

In the mean time, I hope you'll add these books to your craft library (if you haven't already) and I'll see next week.

Blessed Be!
~ Rain






Monday, July 14, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

I spent a good portion of last week at the RSJ romance writer's conference. Lots of good energy coming into this week. How is your July going so far?


Blessed Be!

~ Rain


Thursday, July 10, 2025

FULL MOON - Buck Moon

 Merry Meet, friends!

The Buck Moon peaks tonight. I'm ready to recharge my soulful batteries and continue with pitching more from my studio. A good cleansing is needed.

We still have heat here in southern Missouri. 

If you've not prepared for tonight, here are a few things to keep in mind:

*A Full Moon is great for charging crystals, charging boards (a board used to absorb energy outside so you can charge items inside the home if needed)

* Start a gratitude journal. Sometimes we get so busy focusing on all the garbage in our live, we forget all the good things we can be thankful for.

* Cleanse your space (and your personal entity) with sage. 

* Have something you on your mind you need to extinguish? Write the thought on a piece of paper and burn in your cauldron, adding a little incantation to send the problem on it's way.

* Dance in the moonlight, freeing yourself of all the things that are weighing you down.  (skyclad is an option) This will help ground you to the earth.

* Light a candle. Thank the Earth Moon for providing you with the cleansing energy, allowing you to move forward.

* Fill a bottle with spring water (preferably) and place in the moonlight for future ritual purposes.

* Meditate. I love to light a candle and meditate with the flame. 

* Drum. This is a great way to offer thanks.

* Take a cleansing bath. I recommend The Book of Sacred Baths:52 Bathing Rituals to Revitalize Your Spirit by Paulette Kauffman Sherman

Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Tuesday, July 8, 2025

TOOLS SERIES - Candles

 Merry Meet, friends!

I do apologize for coming in late today. I just could not stay awake this morning so I went back to bed. Then I awoke to rolling thunder and pounding rain, so no internet. I guess that means, I'm right on time.


AI generated from Pixabay

Candles have so many purposes in our magic tool box. 
Let's start with the colors. I LOVE colors. Like stones or the clothes we wear, each color has its own vibe and correspondence.  If you want to attract money, use a green candle. Love, red or pink are the colors to use, black for shielding or warding of negativity, and so on. White, a non-color can be used for anything. Just visualize the color and the intent and you're good to go.


If you've made a wish and blown out a birthday candle, you've been practicing magic. Though, we now know, you should never blow out a candle. Either snuff the candle or let the flame burn down, depending on the spell. 

Candles are great for those still practicing in secret, or 'in the broom closet'. If someone askes, just tell them you felt like using a purple candle today or a specific scented candle. No one will be the wiser. Remember, the intent comes from within. 

I'm in the process of revamping my magic area. Such a jumble of things, including a tub full or books I need to find shelf space for and a vintage wardrobe from the 1800's that serves as my altar - or should be.  I'll get there. 
AMAZON

One of the books I love on candle magic is Magical Candle Crafting by Ember Grant. This is a great resource for creating your own candles for spells & rituals.

I love the 'chime' candles for spells. They're only about 4" tall and the size of your pointer finger. If you don't have some place local for chime candles or their small ceramic holders, do a search on Etsy for chime candles and holders. You'll be shopping for awhile. I especially like this Selenite holder. Adds a little something extra to your intention. 
You can also search for Candle Magic Guides if you'd like pintables for your BOS.

If you like things a bit more visual, there are several on YouTube. This one by Ethony has great basic information. Even if you've been doing candle magic for awhile, sometimes going back to basics sparks something you'd not thought of or forgotten.  I will say, she's a bit 'entertaining' but the information is there. 


When talking about intentions, colors are not the only thing to keep in mind. You can enhance the intention by carving sigels, rune signs or other images such as hearts or dollar signs into the candle for added umph. 

However you work with candles, always keep safety in mind. Your candle should be placed in a sturdy base, small cauldron, terra cotta dish or similar item. Adding a base of sand is also a good idea. Never leave a candle unattended. If you're doing candle magic that requires you to burn from one marking to another over a period of five days, for instance, always make sure you have the time to be vigilant with the candle the entire time it needs to burn. Always extinguish with a candle snuffer. I've picked mine up at Dollar Tree. 

Here are a few links to magical candle supply shops on line. NOTE: I've not shopped from any of them, so please do your homework - and shop local when you can.

Click the word to be taken to their shop:
Velvet Witch  

Until next time...

Blessed Be!
~ Rain






Monday, July 7, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends.

I hope everyone had a safe and pleasant holiday weekend.


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Tuesday, July 1, 2025

TOOL SERIES - The Cauldron

 Merry Meet, friends!

The hour is early for me but I wanted to get this post written while Bob sleeps in. He hasn't done much of that since his retirement. While I love my coffee time with Bob, I've also missed my morning work hours.

I got home late yesterday afternoon from my trip to IL. I know were spending time today so diving in.

AI generated from Pixabay

This basic vessel is so much more than it's simplistic design leads you to believe. 
For centuries, the cauldron has served as the heart of the home. Made in various sizes, the vessel could be used for boiling water or making a hearty stew. They were also used to create concoctions for various ailments.
Shakespeare's quote often comes to mind when people think of the cauldron. The imagery in a few words is in itself, magical.

"Double, double, toil and trouble;
fire burn and cauldron bubble."

Cambridge Dictionary defines the cauldron for two purposes:
A large, round, usually metal container for cooking in, usually supported over a fire whose contents can be set on fire as part of a ceremony or to start a sports event. 

You'll often see cauldrons at RenFair's and medieval fetivals. Sometimes, even at Rendezvous Re-enactment encampments. 

When it comes to magical practice, cauldrons come in all sizes from about 2.75" x 3" as seen on the WitchesSage website to vintage pots that will hold multiple-gallons. 
Small to medium-sized ones are perfect for burning incense as well as moon festivals to burn pieces of paper with statements of things we want to let go. There is definitely magic in placing intentions into the cauldron, setting the piece on fire and watching the negativity go up in smoke!  
You can also use them for water scrying or vision quests by filling them with water. (I prefer using my moon water for this or that little extra something)

Properly treated ones such as those from Lodge Cast Iron or Lehman's (they offer an 8 oz. size) are great for cooking or serving celebratory foods. Keep shipping in mind when ordering on-line. They are heavy in any size. I purchased the small one for my altar at a local Bass Pro shop, so search places that offer camping cooking equipment.

Keep in mind that, like the finger 'wand', any vessel will serve your purpose with the right intention but who doesn't love the expanded belly of a true cauldron?

For more detailed information, please check out the following sites:


Let me know in the comments below, do you own a cauldron? If so, what do you use it for most?

Blessed Be!
~ Rain
 



Monday, June 30, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, Friends!

Wow.. another month in the books for 2025. Did you accomplish all you'd hoped? If not, we're on the cusp of a new quarter and new beginnings. You Got This!


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Tuesday, June 24, 2025

TOOLS SERIES - Wands

 Merry Meet, friends!

The ribs are on the mend. I still can't bend over without feeling them wanting to overlap one another (think crossing your fingers where each of the two fingers represent a rib bone)

But I am back to work so let's get started on this series!


Photo Courtesy of Pixabay - BWSavannah

Each tool in your bag of tricks serves a specific purpose. One of my favorite tools is the WAND.

Wands are an extension of the power within. When directed appropriately, they can open or close doors to other worlds and offer protection. According to McFie's Wizard Shop, the wand is nothing more than a hand-held stick made of either metal, wood, or stone. One thing the blogger does not mention is the finger. I'll talk more about that in a minute.

Orangerium  sums the point up nicely that the wand is 'a symbol of mystical power, transformation and enchantment'. 

The tool dates back to early biblical times where they were nothing more than a STAFF for shepherds protecting their flock, or creating change. (Exodus 7:10-12) We've always thought of that simple stick as a walking stick for the shepherd, not necessarily as a weapon. A good shepherd knew the power he could wield in that simple, often times carved, piece of wood. 


AI Generated from Pixabay

Over time, we've seen wands change from those basic sticks into beautiful pieces of art.  The fact remains that these are are visual tools. Wands come in various forms as McFie's mentioned but they left out one.  If you don't want to share your practice with others, the most basic wand you have is your finger. Yes, your FINGER! The intention directed through any wand comes from the power within you. Remember being told as a child "it isn't nice to point"? Well, there was a lot of truth to that statement.. If you were pointing at something, or someone, I hope it was with good intention.  Think ET phoning home, where he points his alien finger and the tip glows with power.  You have that same power within you, no special tools required!

Several years ago I purchased an entire collection of Mind Body Spirit pages as part of their binder series. Under SPELLS & MAGIC - Casting Spells, there is one on Using Magic Wands. Here are some of the uses they suggest:

* Sleeping with a willow wand is said to make your dreams more vivid and meaningful.

* Rowan wands can help to enhance clairvoyant abilities

* Cast circles - opening and closing metaphysical doors

* Place a wand on an altar at a gathering as an offering to the ritual

* Enhance the power of your spells to focus energy

* Use a wand made from specific wood that fits the intention, such as a seasonal festival

Deborah Blake talks about various tools in her Witchcraft on a Shoestring book. She also gives instructions for making a basic wand.

For more of a visual, there are several tutorials on YouTube. Rebekka from The Witch's Cookery is one of my favorite channels. Here's her wand video from four years ago:


Blessed Be!
~ Rain



Monday, June 23, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry meet, friends!

I hope everyone had a blessed Mid-summer! Anything you'd like to share, please leave in the comments.



Blessed Be!
~ Rain



Wednesday, June 18, 2025

TOOLS SERIES - Delayed

 Merry Meet, friends!

I have to apologize for the delay. I had things laid out to post then cracked a couple of ribs. I'm better today but still have a couple of weeks to go before I can sit upright for very long. Lots o reclining or laying down for the time being.

In the mean time, please leave a comment below -


I'll be back as soon as I can!

Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, June 16, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

The month is zipping by. Soon we will be celebrating Mid-Summer. Are you attending a gathering? I'd love to hear!


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, June 9, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry meet, friends!

Getting back into the swing of posting and paying more attention to the calendar. How are you doing?


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Tuesday, June 3, 2025

TOOLS FOR WITCHES Series - Part 1

 Merry Meet, friends!

I'm crunching posts today as I leave tomorrow for a writer's conference and I am trying to keep things rolling. 

I have plans to talk about Ten Tools For Witchcraft so I thought for today's opening post, I'd share a video from Megan at Round The Cauldron across social media. In this video she talks about tools she can't live without. I haven't watched the video in awhile but as I do more research, my list and hers may differ.

You'll find all of her links in the description box of the video. 


Blessed Be!
~ Rain



Monday, June 2, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

Merry Meet, friends!

I hope your world is full of beauty.


Blessed be!
~ Rain


Monday, May 26, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

As June approaches, are you beginning to make plans for Litha? I think I'll have the grandgirls. Haven't set that time-line yet.


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, May 19, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

I hope your week is full of promise. 


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, May 12, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

Remember to Smile!


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, May 5, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet!

Another beautiful month of possibilities.


Blessed Be!
~  Rain


Monday, April 28, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!


Blessed be!
~ Rain


Monday, April 21, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

Merry Meet, friends.


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, April 14, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, friends!

I apologize for not having April's posted. I was in such a state the last couple weeks of March preparing for a road trip that I just didn't get to the computer. 

We're back on track as I have no plans to travel long distances any time soon. I'm parking the broom for awhile.



Blessed Be!
~ Rain

 

Monday, March 3, 2025

MINDFUL MONDAY

 Merry Meet, everyone!

After a long absence of finding my space again, I'm ready to return to regular postings. Thank you to everyone who've enjoyed my Monday posts and for your patience. I may only have one more post this week - talking about what I have planned - then we'll be back to inspiring!


Blessed Be!
~ Rain


Monday, February 24, 2025

MAGIC IN NUMBERS

 Merry Meet, my friends!

The cabin is a bit dusty but I'll have it cleaned up and ready for visitors again soon. My plan is to open the doors and windows the first week in March. 

I love numbers and am studying numerology this year, so when dates come up I know there is magic in the air.

In case you've not noticed:

02-25-2025

Photo lifted from thereisadayforthat.com

Among many this celebrated on this day, it is also World Spay Day. I know this might seem cruel to some folks, and everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, if you are okay with spaying and don't have a pet, consider making a spaying fee donation to your local animal shelter or veterinarian's office.

I took the second half of 2024 off to try and bring order to the chaos in my office/ studio. I'm not done yet but at least everything is sorted together and I know where stuff needs to go. Now to find time to put stuff away while still creating and writing. 

I'm also participating in the #dothe100dayproject. If you don't know what that is, the challenge is to do something creative, everyday, for the next 100 days. We started on the 23rd but feel free to jump in.

Some folks are making actual art pieces, finishing up unfinished projects or sorting through their stuff a little bit every day.  Me, I'm using a card sketch to make a tag. I have lots of manilla file folder 3x5 tag bases, over 600 stamp SETS and LOTS of patterned paper. Here's an example of my tag from yesterday:


I have over 300 card sketches I've collected. I pick one and condense the sketch from a 4.25 x 5.5 card front to a 3 x 5 tag. I've also broken the 100 tags to be made down in to 10 themed categories with 10 tags in each category. When I'm finished, I'll have enough tags for 10 themed journals (yet to be made)

I have a plan for posts coming up so I'll be back March 3rd.

Blessed Be
~Rain