Coming back to BoS Prompts 2018

Hi my lovelies, I trust we have all had a magickal Spring / Summer. I know hosting the three Instagram challenges #OMGItsJuneWitches  #OMGItsJulyWitches  #OMGItsAugustWitches  were all a fantastic success and I absolutely loved seeing what everyone else was up to!! That said I’m also announcing my #31WitchyThings  Instagram Challenge for October which feel free to follow me on my Witchy Instagram @ www.instagram.com/missimoinsane as we head into Autumn (Fall) now what with Mabon / Autumn Equinox this weekend coming – many Mabon Blessings to you and yours!! 

What’s Mabon? Click HERE to see the blog I wrote on Sabbats. 

So it’s usually in these darker months that we tend to focus more on the darker aspects of our practice and it’s this time of the year a lot of us start looking at Shadow Working. Now I touched on Shadow working before in fact I wrote a whole blog on it HERE. But also over these darker months I’d like to get back into writing for you all so I’m looking for ideas (either further in depth of what I’ve already wrote or stuff I haven’t yet covered). So absolutely feel free to comment here, the facebook page, facebook message or contact me on one of my other social medias.

If you wish to catch up on my previous Book of Shadows / Grimoire Prompts & Information please feel free to click HERE

- Imogen aka missimoinsane @ www.ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk

BoS Putting Specimens (Flowers, Herbs etc..) in your books!! WARNING! ⚠

I saw a blog where the lovely was taping flowers into her journal to journal about..  I wrote a blog about it and a reply to her blog and I also thought this would make sense to share with BoS users as we're probably very likely to put herbs and flowers and such in our books..  So..

Thankfully I did this quite early on with my wreck this journal and not much later on with my Bullet Journal (or Book of Shadows)..

I put flowers from my valentines flowers (2016) into my WTJ I taped them in and tapes over the pages..  Sort or a poormans lamination lol.

After a week there was this aweful smell coming from my bookcase..  Eh?  I took my WTJ to do more of the wrecking and realised the pages had gone super manky!!  They STINK!!  Wrecked.. And not in the fun way the journal encourages or that I was hoping!

The prompt says 'press' leaves and other found objects.  The key word is press, like using a flower press to dry out these things..  I have a spooky box club flower press but they're not too expensive on ebay, obviously reuseable and there's loads of tutorials online as to how to dry flowers or press flowers inc diy your own flower press.. But I digress.

So.  I ended up taping the backs of the pages and hoping for the best and putting more tape over the front of the pages..  It didn't look too bad and the smell was contained but it's kinda put me off wanting to do this WTJ and over the last year or two it's decomposed more and more and more.  Maybe I should remove these pages.......?  Maybe I didn't or this happened to me simply so I could share this knowledge and experience with you all now........?

So here it is.  Ew!  

Oh and the manky brown bleeds through onto 7 or more pages!!!  Yeh!!

...

Im not being a killjoy and saying don't put specimens in your book... But perhaps do it in one of these ways..

⬜ Option 1. Use a flower press and thurrely dry out the flowers so they're well preserved and not wet at all..  before putting them in.. Not only will they be thinner in your book but shouldn't decompose or cause as much damage.  - I don't know how this would hold up over time.

⬜ Option 2. (what I do) Take photos and print them out... And stick them in and do it that way or if you're talented enough draw them.

There may be some other options but point is don't be sticking decompostable wet things in your books.  This includes insects too btw..

And while I have your attention..  People who are sticking magazine pages in note they're not all acid free and this will tarnish your books over time if you plan to keep them.  Same with some cheaper stamping inks and printer inks that are not acid free or archival quality.  - this for me doesn't so much matter as I take photos of the pages so I'll always have a digital copy if anything should happen to the book..

🖤 Imogen

Ps. Sorry for the icky-ness just trying to help! x

BoS Prompts 9: Herbs, Oils and Stones etc.

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

Prompt 9. Sunday 21st January 2018 - The 9th prompt will be...  Herbs, Oils and Stones etc.

I apologise for my little outbreak last week, I am going through a bad time with my depression / mental health and disabilities / illnesses and I know that's absolutely no excuse. But I just very much feel like the people who said they would love me to do this haven't seemed to have done any of the activities and most I'm unsure if they even bother to read since they don't comment I might get a thumbs up at best.  So I felt very down.  I know I'm sharing this in other groups and other places and the support after my little outbreak last week was mostly positive - with the exclusion of the two groups I walked out on as apparently they're happy for me to share my knowledge but not happy for me to share my emotions when I'm upset.  Anyway, this was not aimed at anyone specifically I just needed a little reassurance I'm not just wasting my time here.  So thank you all for the support. - Imogen xo

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

Todays blog post will be a 3 in 1, probably more than 3 actually..  but I’m lumping these together in this section simply because this isn’t something I’m including in my BoS - but I know a lot of you might/are..  So I thought I’d cover this section purely for you guys.  Which is probably going to be long and repetitive. 

Speaking of you guys..  On the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on myTwitter and in various facebook groups..  OR JOIN THE NEW FACEBOOK GROUP!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/

So first of all let me mention why I’m not including this in my book.  – I may at some point I will make a seperate book especially for this stuff!!  But including this in this book would cause me somewhat distress that I took up so much book with this and/or not able to go back and add to this section due to lack of space and perhaps if I had a binder and not a bound book that would be different..?  Also basically I feel that I have a working book I keep recipes I work on in and also evernote.  But mostly this information can be found in the published books I own.  I own the crystal bibles and herb dictionaries and even essential oil books and such..  Various Grimoire, Book of Shadows and Journals.  But my go to resource for this stuff more often than not is the internet.  That’s assuming I don’t already know the properties and uses – which after a while you pick up on!!  I have my go to’s and I don’t really stray to others…  I have herbs that cover all my needs and I know their properties and uses.   I have them in dried herb form, real essential oil form, some are in tinctures or incense blends but I know their uses..  So I’m thinking of creating another book for recipes.  But you might want to include these things in your book or another book or be a complete beginner and not know what these things even are..  So let me explain!!

Stones.

Stones, gems, crystals, semi precious stones and precious stones etc – also can include metals in this section too if you like like Gold, Silver, Copper..  These are often natural (some are manmade) elements found in the earth or made from the earth for example quartz is a kind of rock that forms in various parts of the world and there's various types of quartz too.

Stones have properties and values, you can take a stone based on it’s colour (more on colours in my next blog entry), or its physical properties, it’s magickal properties and such forth.  Now a few things again it’s down to your own beliefs..  Also some stones people say have healing or powers which some of us take prescription medications for but stones, like all other things here, are not a substitute to actual medication and/or professional help. 

Stones are said to hold qualities and properties such as Amethyst has healing qualities it is said to be healing on all levels - body, mind and spirit. Amethyst raises vibrational frequency and protects against negative energies.  But what does that mean?  Well it means what you believe it to mean, if you feel as though having chunks of this stone around your home, neck or in your pocket helps with you healing process then brilliant.  If you feel like it’s a very pretty purple stone but that's it then brilliant.  If you feel this stone doesn’t have any kind of magickal properties it’s just a chunk of rock someone dug up but you get lost in peace and tranquility every time you look at it and find it to be calming and inspiring then brilliant.  Each to their own interpretation.  But this can then be used in magickal or none magickal workings for whatever properties you deem that stone to have..

Some popular uses for stones (and metals) are used in jewellery for either their properties or colour even colour properties (such as a green jade is a stone that, as far as I know, doesn't have money properties but green is a money colour so could be used in money workings).  Some are used in mojo bags, in making of oils, in workings, even added to candles, bath bombs, charms and much more..

Herbs.

Herbs are plants, mostly grown and gathered in the wild but some are farm grown and others home grown both in and outdoors.  They can be purchased in a variety of places and in a variety of ways this includes seed, plant, clippings for planting, fresh cut, cuttings, dried cuttings, chopped and ready for food, cut and ready for teas etc..

Some herbs are used in cooking or making/preparing of food and drink, others are used as decorations and some are used in makeup, medicine, perfume and a whole list of other fragranced products.  But again like stones should not be used as a substitute for medicinal use in fact you should check with your doctor and do your research.  They hold many properties literally and magickally as well as flavour.  Note: some herbs are poisonous and should not come in contact with skin, be ingested through eating, sniffing etc.  Some are poisonous to animals while they might be fine to us.  So really make sure you know about a herb before handling it!!  A lot of these starter or taster magickal herb kits include several I dispose of safely so as not to harm me or my cats.  So definitely check that out.

As mentioned much like the stones herbs have properties again down to your own interpretation of each but again some have set qualities.  For example lavender is said to be all round healing, calming and is often included in microwavable wheat bags as a calming, soothing, relaxing, aromatherapy all round good herb.  BUT not for everyone, lavender in wheat bags gives me headaches and makes me feel ill.. There’s nothing calming, soothing or relaxing about nausea or headaches..!  That said in massage oil / essential oil, raw herb, loose incense, most lavender scented candles or incense I’m fine but not air sprays, room sprays or cleaning product scents like dish soap, polish, floor cleaner etc. – that said I mostly make my own cleaning products but that’s for another blog!!

Oils.

Oils very much work on the same bases as herbs,  Essential oils or pure oils is what you're looking for as they're herbs made into a high concentrated oil. Though while I wouldn't recommend putting them in your food they can be used in oils, dressings, tinctures, incense, fragrances and more.

They can be purchased in real pure essential oil form (100%) or different variations of pure-ness.  Which needs diluting down usually with something called a ‘carrier oil’ before use.  Coconut oil, vegetable glycerine, almond oil, rapeseed oil are but a few..

Oils can also be bought in massage oil form, these are essential oils that have already been diluted.  Though most of these are synthetic fragrances and not real extract.

Oils can come in scented oils for oil burners, but often these are just fragrance oil and therefore hold no magickal properties as they’re synthetic oils as well.

Tinctures.

What exactly are tinctures?
Typically tinctures are usually made for medicinal purposes.  They're then consumed (usually a small amount is placed under the tongue).  Tinctures are often made from liquid extractions of herbs in alcohol, but they can also be extracted in some carrier oils such as vegetable glycerine or in apple cider vinegar (these are non-alcohol tinctures).   Tinctures are easy to use and make.  They’re even safe for children as only a small amount need to be consumed.  As mentioned because they are taken directly under the tongue, they enter the bloodstream much more directly than by any other means. This means that the body has a quicker reaction.  That said some may require continual use for several weeks before any real effect takes place like other medications.  - If you wish to know more about tinctures like how to make I do advise you look into this further.

Tea.

Like Tinctures herbal teas can be made, or bought, for medicinal or health benefits such as relaxation, revitalisation, sleep, energy and so on.  They can also be made for things like nausea, stomach pain, constipation and more.

Incense.

Incense typically comes in three forms: Cone, Loose or Stick.  Most cone and stick incense unless it was home made is often more synthetic smell and doesn't hold the properties and values of real herbs, real oils etc.  Most loose incense is home made and made directly using herbs and sometimes essential oils are also added.

These can be store bought or homemade.  I really recommend having a go at making your own loose incense.  This can be burnt on a disc (such as charcoal or coconut) and burnt in a fire safe container such as a sand filled cauldron, pan, specifically designed ceramic or metal burner.  I put cork coasters under for additional protection.  Note: the container will get hot and sand / salt / dirt should be used between the container and the disc.  - Always exercise fire safety and you can never be too cautious, too safe or too careful.

Etc.

These are just a few examples.  But there's some more information I wish to pawn off on you before you go..!!

First if anything says "part" such as a recipe requires 1 part lavendar to 2 parts rosemary to 1.5 part rose and 3 parts sage.  What 'part' means is 'measured amount' so be it teaspoon, tablespoon, or any other measurement.  Eg tablespoon.  1tbsp lavender, 2tbsp rosemary, 1 and a half tbsp rose and 3tbsp sage.  - A lot of people don't know what "part" means it literally stands in place of a value measurement because if you're making a one time spell amount you might want to use a teaspoon but if you were making a big batch for doing 10 candles you might want considerably more but have the same same recipe.  - I hope that makes sense!

Making potions, spells, ointments, salves and other similar stuff I haven't covered here is also so much fun.  Take a premade recipe off of the internet, a book, your mystical Aunt Sally (with permission) and make your own, or adapt it and make it your own.  We all saw Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince (right?) "crush not cut" well that but "dragons blood not sage" don't be scared of messing up.  Don't disbelieve - belief is part of the active ingredient to all magickal workings.  Make your own.  

How to write your own recipes for eg spell work?
Easy!  Consider what you wish to achieve.  And how?  Next week I'll be looking more at candles (I have an old blog on candles) and also colour correspondences.  But consider what herbs have those properties - can you add them to a candle, loose incense, a mojo bag/sachette, what stones have the properties you're looking for?  A mixture and make it as complicated or as simple.  You could make candles, incense, write a prayer, make a bag or a box or do all of those things and it's really let your creativity run wild.  or sometimes it's a simple as a relax and concentration oil spell.  3 drops of each of the following 100%  pure essential oil; rosemary, lavender and patchouli in an oil burner with some water.. done.

Activity..

• Research and practice making a simple loose incense using your own written recipe.
• Research and practice making a simple sachette you put under your pillow containing at least 3 stones, a herb and 1 other item of your choice (poppet, feather, charm, written upon paper etc..) don't forget to write your recipe (perhaps even journal about the results).
• Research and practice making a simple anointing oil, this can include stones as well as herbs, oils and anything else you wish to infuse into a carrier oil.
• Research the above and decide what you may wish to include in your book.  Those three recipes you just researched and practice may be 3 of your own workings you might want to include if you felt they worked as intended.
• Perhaps try amending what you've previously created here to improve it or use it in other ways.  A loose incense may also work great imbued into candles. 

Etc..

Book Activity..

• (Optional) write down the properties of your most used herbs, stones, oils etc.  It would take you a very long and pointless time writing down every oil, herb and stone.  But perhaps write down the most common or your more frequently used ones.
• (Optional) create a space you can write recipes, add recipes, and such forth.
• (Optional) write notes such as what 'parts' mean in a recipe, what measurements are and their meanings, maybe create a signature incense and just write that.  Perhaps write notes on what herbs are "Herbs are plants grown....." what stones are "Crystals come from..." how tinctures are made... etc etc..
• (Optional) Any part of this blog post you thought might embellish your book and help your practice or that triggered your own thoughts and ideas for what to include.

Etc..

Interact with me Activity

• Comment on this blog, facebook post, twitter, patreon etc and tell me / us how you went about adding this section / these sections to your books..  Your thoughts and any other relevant helpful information xo

As said before for me, and I know for a few others like Rhomany, this sort of thing would take up too much space in a BoS and be difficult to add too so perhaps a separate book especially dedicated to just herbs, just oils, just stones, just recipes etc.  And for others that's the point of their BoS is to have those recipes and references.

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.10 - Colours & Candles.

BoS Prompts 3: Pentacle / Pentagram meaning & The Elements.

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

Prompt 3. Sunday 3rd December 2017 - The 3rd prompt will be... Pentacle  / Pentagram meaning & The 4 Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water.

A much shorter read for you this week but more research and activity for you to do for yourselves..  So this week we are looking at the Elements - This week touched on symbolism and I just wanted to note that I will be doing more on symbolism soon, however some of that crosses over in this section..  In Fact throughout there will be cross over information.  Where possible I'll try and band like subjects together throughout these prompts..  Enjoy..

There's now a dedicated facebook page to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Thank you all for the support.  I've now made a dedicated facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ so if you go there turn on all notifications you won't miss these blog posts!! 

P3A:  What is a Pentacle / Pentagram:

A pentagram is a five pointed star which has lines that cross each other, also it has one point facing up.  A pentacle is said same star with a closed circle around it - The circle is said to contain and protect what is within.  Each point represents a different element, each line a different attribute and the direction the lines are drawn have opposite meanings..  The best way I can show you this is with the following diagrams.

I Collaged These Images Together From Royalty Free Images on Google.

Image Source found HERE

A Pentagram/Pentacle is one of the most powerful symbols to Pagans, especially Wiccans, but also witches and similar spiritual and magickal folk.  – As a symbol it can be used as a marking or a sign of magick.  It can be used for protection as it consists of all the elements.  It’s a symbol of nature, a symbol of Pagan/Wiccan path, a magickal symbol, it enhances with the power of (a spell, ritual, blessing, working etc) all 5 elements, It can be used as a number 5 and the list goes on..  Please feel free to do some research of your own.

The pentagram can also represent the Microcosmic Man with his arms stretched out.  The pentagram can also represent the 5 points in which Jesus Christ was crucified.  (Hands, Feet and Crown).

  

Side note/ A Pentagram/Pentacle upside down (inverted) is often what gives us a bad name and associates the good with the bad.  Upside down is actually known as a key symbol of Satanism (Satanic followers) and was actually misused to give witches/pagans a bad representative.  It is said to symbolise that of a goats head or the god Baphomet and known commonly as evil – but that’s not really for here; feel free to look into this if you wish, also feel free to look into the term Occult which means ‘secret society’ and not the same tarnished with the blood dripping paintbrush as Satanists give the upside (inverted) pentagram/pentacle to be.  Much like how the Nazis took a symbol of peace and turned it into the swastika we all know today!

I Collaged These Images Together From Royalty Free Images on Google.

Image Source found HERE

Activity: Writing in your book time - I know it's scary but you're doing so well I promise!!  So here's some ideas for what you might wish to do in your book..  You could dedicate a page to the pentagram / pentacle (or other symbols that mean something to you) and then colour them.  - I know YouTuber Rhomany has a video where she shows you colouring techniques for symbols in her BoS and she colours a pentacle.  If you wish you could then use the information I gave you here (and also do your own research) to write about this.  - This may be especially useful if you forget which way is invoking vs banishing and/or which point is which element..

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P3B: The Elements:

Speaking of Elements, if by some freaky coincidence you completely missed what the 4 elements are by now then we might have some issues here!!  But..  Let me refresh you..  Earth, Air, Fire and Water (the fifth being Spirit).  In all honesty I'm unsure what it is I can tell you about these elements..  It's a mixture of 1. The obvious traits, qualities, signs, feel, touch, smell etc..  and 2. Your personal relationship, correspondences and feelings towards / with / of these elements.  - A few years ago I wrote a blog post based on TipToeChicks series on spending time getting to know the elements and what element(s) work best.  We are all born with an Element.  If you did last weeks prompts you may also know that we have a Western Zodiac Sign & and Chinese Zodiac Sign (mine are Sagittarius - Fire and Dragon - Earth,  That said personally I feel the only element I don't really resonate with is Air!)  But I shall list that series here if you wish to check it out..  My Blog Containing TipToeChicks video advice.  Plus a whole bunch more on Elements!

Activity:

1.  Go do some research on Elements.  Perhaps follow TipToeChick's activity and spend time getting to know each one personally..  Even if you've been on your path for some time it honestly, speaking from experience, is such a fun activity!!  Perhaps even journal about this experience..  Yes in your book!

2.  You might want to include the symbols for each element and/or the directions; The way I remember it is.. Earth is above (North), Fire is below (South), Water and West begin with a W which leaves Air in the East.  (Yes it's right up there with Wax on and Wane off: New to Full, Full to New!)

3.  You might want to dedicate one or two pages of your book per element.  Write, draw, stamp, paint, colour, collage..  Anything that corresponds for you with that particular element.  I know YouTuber Seka's Broom Closet has 2 amazing videos on her channel where she does some stunning art to match the elements she has a page for water with a mermaid, air with a fairy, fire with a dragon and earth with a gnome.  Title and Earth Pages and her Water, Fire and Air Pages 

4.  You can always leave space to come back to this section, add more over time as you work with the elements..  I know some people have used these pages to include physical pieces of that element.  I think that was a YouTuber Molly Roberts prompt.

5.  If you don't wish to dedicate 4 - 10 pages on this subject you could simply have just one simple page.  A Pentacle/Pentagram at the top and a list of element inc their star position, element symbol, element directional position and some very basic information on each.  It could be quite a stunning simple minimalist one page or a big full colour multiple pages with lot of information and images, again it's your book. - This more simpler single page is what I am working on in my book.

Picture stolen from Instagram / Hemlock Grove

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Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to new Fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoSPrompts/  Also as previously mentioned you can go on the website version of this blog over on the left there’s a ‘subscribe by email’ so you don’t miss a single post from me.  If you’re on the mobile version scroll right down to the bottom and click ‘view as website’ and that should take you to the website version where you can expand, navigate to the left and subscribe by email :)  I will continue to share this on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.4 - Tree of Life / Grounding Meditation / Whiteroom /Prayer

🌜UK - Altered Cover of Astro Moon Diary 2018 - Northern Hemisphere.🌛 MM/PP

First of all a quick note, I did purchase Llewellyns Witches' Datebook which is fantastic with the exception of one problem..  It's US time zone not UK.  So I went in search of a UK book that I like and finally decided upon the 'Astro Moon Diary'.  - I did do an "unboxing / review" type thing on my YouTube >> Click To Watch The Video <<

Where to buy?

🌝Their site £15.99 + £2.50 P&P (Also available in punched ring binder and other bindings) https://www.astrocal.co.uk/product/moon-diary/astro-moon-diary-2018/

🌝 Their Ebay £15.99 + £2.50 P&P http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/142512227388 (I GOT IT ON EBAY)

🌝Their Amazon £17.50 + Amazon Shipping https://www.amazon.co.uk/DIARY-Datebook-Calendar-Personal-Organiser/dp/B0716SDWVF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508596926&sr=8-1&keywords=astro+moon+diary+2018

However I didn't like the binding of the Moon Diary.. I did read on their website the reason for the binding change this year (from the regular spiral binding) is based upon lots of people complaining that the binding got damaged in their purses/bags (strange I carry spiral bound books a lot over the last 15 years with no issues ever!)  I did like the contents though and I felt I could possibly alter the binding myself to be how I wanted it...  That said I did mention, on my Instagram, my disliking for how their binding is and to my surprise since I had tagged them (their instagram is https://www.instagram.com/astrocalmooncalendars/) in the post they actually commented back and informing me that they will be changing the binding back to the regular spiral bound next year.  - While I'm here it might be worth mentioning they also sell this in a variety of bindings including pre punched for A5 Filofax!! Since then I've pondered about altering the binding and today I did it - Super Easy!!  But I thought I'd throw a blog together for anyone curious!

I took the original book and as you can see the binding inside is a regular spiral bound book..  So all we have to do is move all the pages to the left and once we gain access to the back of the book carefully pull the spiral binding apart. (Feel free to use pliers, my fingers hurt a bit after..) Then carefully remove the cover from the binding!

Follow the guideline of the inside back cover to cut the outside back cover down to size.  Flip this over and then cut the front cover down to size; please be sure to cut the spine off and not the front edge as cutting the front edge will destroy the pocket inside and also the writing on the front.  (we're just removing the spine of the cover.).  

I then decided to use a double sided tape mouse (glue runner) and stick the two parts of the back cover together where the holes are.  - This is optional but I think it looks better.

Using a hole punch (I have a single 7mm hole punch but you could use almost any kind of holepunch you have as long as it allows for the thickness of the cover.  Also please please please be careful to not punch holes where you don't want them!!) take the tray/catcher off and turn the punch upside down so you can see exactly where you're punching.  - I then punched over the top of the holes that were there so I punch through the back piece too.

Here's a picture from later, but I wanted to show you what I meant by
being able to see where the whole you're wanting to punch is.

I then lined up the back cover with our new front cover, making sure it's all lined up nicely.  Then holding the two covers together firmly (or clip them) I drew inside the circles as a guide for where I needed to punch my front cover..  If you have a hole punch that will allow you to insert the front and the back cover thickness and punch then you can do that.  Once I had drawn my guide I then punched over the top of those circles to create the holes in my front cover..

As you can see we now have holes all the way through the front and back covers.  So now it's time to reassemble our book.  Now this is the tricky part; it's not all that tricky but the number of times I've put them on backwards, the wrong way round, upside down...  I'm shocked I did it right the first time.  So you want to have both the outside faces of the cover placed together.  You then want to hook it onto the binding making sure the front cover is touching the first page.  Check to make sure you assembled it correctly.  Then you want to squeeze the spiral binding back together as tight as you can without damaging, distorting or breaking anything.  Then flip the back cover to the back and we're done.

Now as you can see the book acts like any other spiral bound notebook which can fold back on itself..  This is something I enjoy from these kinds of books.  - Optional to continue using that bit or elastic they provided as a book closure!

Finished.

Imogen xo
Magickal Makes / Pagan Planner

BoS Prompts 2: The 3 C's, Book Blessings & About you!

Link to previous prompts: http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/cauldroneers-bos-prompts.html

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Cauldroneers Prompts 2. Sunday 26th November 2017 - The 2nd prompt will be... Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge as well as write a Book Blessing and/or Dedication.  &  About me.. Signs, Elements, Correspondences, Stones etc.

Ok so Prompt 2 is going to be a 3 parter (at least) some of you may have done this/these prompts already but for you and others I hope it might inspire...

P2A:  Cleansing, Consecrating & Charging - What and why:  

This is usually done all that the same time, and in different ways.  Some people like to cast a circle, hold a full blown ritual; only do this on certain days or night of the moon phases etc.  I'm going to touch on some of this here - but if you don't know what this is or how to do it you might want to research a little more in depth and then figure out what's right for you..  But here's an outline...

Tip - Please be mindful of your item, I know in this case we are talking about your book which doesn't want to get wet, you don't want to set it on fire, ruin it with damp dirty earth, oils may stain it, the sun may bleach the cover..  and this goes for other items..  Eg.  Not all crystals are good with water, sun exposure and such forth.

Cleansing.

Why: In short you would do this is to get rid of all energies your item has picked up from people who have touched it before; lets say the maker was unwell and rushing to get it made on time and thus in a distressed mood, the shop that purchased it put it out on display for many people of all kinds of moods, energies and walks of life to touch and examine before the shop owner then sold it online as part of her failing business liquidation sale, bundled up and manhandled throughout the delivery system only for it to end up in the hands of Mr delivery man who is going through a divorce and not looking forward to an afternoon in court and finally it just arrived but you and your partner just had a huge fight and now he's holding the item! (Yes this is a little extreme but I hope you understand my point, and I know not all energies are particularly bad ones!) - All those unwanted energies..  You want rid of them as this item is to be to be yours, hold your energies (or perhaps you're repurposing an item eg. a letter opener is now an athame) and for your item to all round work for you.

What: This is the act in which we clean the item (book) while this is meant as more of a metaphysical cleaning/cleansing by all means feel free to literally physically clean if the item is dirty or just magickally which is what the term cleansing actually means.  There are a number of ways in which Pagans and/or Witches like to do this:  From passing it through the smoke of a (often sage) smudge wand, burying it in earth or salt, leaving it under the full moon for a day and a night, holy water blessing etc.. The list goes on (feel free to look into this and find what works for you!) 

Consecrating.

Why: To consecrate is like the ritual part, now you have cleansed it from it's past energies it's now time bless the item.  Doing this gives your item its purpose and for it to know it's purpose and also for you to know it's purpose and this, at least for me, binds you and the item together.  You may also wish to dedicate the item to a certain god(esse), pantheon, spirit, saint, ancestor.. etc..

What: This is super easy to do but very powerful..  It can also be done in a number of way and this may include saying a prayer over it, dedicating it to a certain god(esse), anointing it, naming it, telling it what it's purpose is, what it is for, what your intentions are with that item etc.  

Charging.

Why:  Now we've taken the energies away and given it a purpose it's now time to imbue new energies into the item.  (And no not by charging we don't mean plugging it into the mains, although if you went with a digital BoS.. then yes literally! lol) - Charging actually means giving it its own power/energy and building upon that.  Charging an item with the energy you wish the item to behold such as a 'healing' crystal, 'knowledgeable' book, 'lucky' charm, 'psychic' cards etc..  

What: There's a number of ways items can be charge but most common is under a new or full moon, another option may be music or a sound like from a bell or a singing bowl,  Oils,  Meditating with the item, sleep with it under your pillow etc.

* Charging is a recurring act it can be done in one or multiple ways.  It can be done once a month, week, before and/or after every time you use it..  Maybe only on the Sabbats (Pagan Holidays).

Activity: I'm assuming you got your book, as prompted last Sunday, or at least something you can use for now like a workbook or mock book you can dedicate to these prompts.  - Or even not a book at all, try it with a thrifted item or one you feel disconnected from.  But if you did get your book then assuming you haven't already why not go ahead and do The Three C's and go Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge your book(s).  - If you already have, no harm in charging it again..  (as said *)

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P2B:  Book Blessing and/or Dedication:  

Most Books (Book of Shadows, Book of Angels, Grimoire, Witches Journal, Book of Mirrors, Book of Light, Book of Blessings, Book of...) start with a Book Blessing and/or Dedication(s).

Book Blessing:  

This may be something you want to do as part of your Consecrating of the book!  Or after as a whole separate ritual / working / act..  Book Blessing in this case is literally the written word usually on one of the first page of your book you will write this.  Now you can simply use the generic one off of the internet - nothing wrong with that.  But if you're like me and are creative and love to create your own and personalise things then absolutely go ahead and do as I did and write your own - sorry not going to share mine!!  But, writing tips, you can write it so it may or may not rhyme, be based upon the generic one (shared below), could include your intention of the book, could be addressed to the Elements, Deity, Divine, God(esse) etc...  A common found Book Blessing on the internet is..

"Elements, protect this book,

From wandering eyes and prying look,

And fill it with Thine ancient power,

In this right and ready hour"

...it doesn't have to be as short.  It can be whatever you like, and if you like you can also incorporate your dedication to state what this book is for, who it is for etc.  For example I have addressed mine to The Divine and not the Elements and I have also asked for assistance in filling the book with knowledge so as I may continue help myself and others.  - There really isn't a right or wrong way (unless you're a strictly X religion follower eg. A strict by the book Wiccan then maybe there's a set way, for me I'm Eclectic Wiccan and do what feels right to me as long as I'm harming none!) 

Dedication:

If you didn't do the dedication as part of your book blessing you may want to do this on the next page.  You may wish to have more than one dedication say a book dedication, your personal dedication to your craft, your dedication to your god(esses).  This may or may not include a prayer.

You may also wish to follow this up on the next few pages with the written word of your faith or practice.  For me while I am not stricly by the book Wiccan I did include the full version of the Wiccan Rede, printed out and stuck in my book on 2 pages (Had I wrote it by hand it would have been more like 6 pages lol) and then also the 13 Goals of The Witch.  But if you're a Christian then maybe the 10 commandments or some other religion / faith feel free to add anything like that that resonates with you or you wish to honour.

Activity:  Yes, you guessed it..  If you haven't already..  Then go research book blessings and add this to your book.  Note, it's your book it doesn't have to be the first page or the first few pages..  It can also be a tip-in, hidden/concealed or inscribed into your book s inside front cover - have fun with it..  Add art (free hand, traced, stamped as mentioned in my mini-series), add symbol or symbolism (I'll touch on that later), add a personal Sigel (again I'll be touching on that soon too) or simply do as I have and not decorate the page while you wait for inspiration to come..  No rush!

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P2C:  About Me (you):

For me my book is a reference book I want to include all the things I need to know - including some of the stuff I do know, since Fibromyalgia brain fog likes to creep in sadly.  So one of the things I wanted to start with after my Book Blessing / Dedication is an 'About Me' section.

I want this to include given traits like my star sign (zodiac and meaning, Chinese zodiac, element, Chinese element, tree, stones, number, season/sabbatical, astral chart from when I was born along side any other 'about me given things'.

Study Activity:

Studying ourself/yourself - my main tip here isn't to just go grab the first information you seen on one website and keep that as the undeniable it's written on the internet so it must be 100% accurate truth - STOP.. shop around (so to speak).  That said I do recommend this website to get you started: https://www.myspiritualprofile.com/ - for me it's accurate.  On a separate notebook/piece of paper you may wish to write down all your correspondences.  Ie, what day of the week you were born on, under what planet, birthstone, birth sign, element, season etc..  And once you've wrote all that down do your research and if it still seems pretty accurate about you then delve in and find out more about your number and what does it mean, what are the properties of your birthstone, tree, element..  What are the traits of your star sign etc etc.. - Note you don't have to just write the ones from the website but also write your own, if you've had a favourite colour all your life, a lucky number, a tree you're fond of or a stone you carry..  Write that!!  

Perhaps write about your familiar, spirit animal/guide, totem animals (I'll be covering them at a later date too) or simply leave a space for it if you don't know right now.  Maybe include your name meaning (birth, martial, other names).  Favourite season, element that corresponds best with you (I wrote a whole blog years ago based on YouTuber TipToeChick's finding your element series http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/ww-lesson-finding-my-element.html) - Just because you're a Fire sign doesn't mean it works for you!!  Maybe have a basics section for your kids, siblings and/or parents - or just yourself.

Maybe you may be into astrology or just want to add your astrological Birth Chart - https://www.astro.com/cgi/ade.cgi?ract=genchart.cgi&lang=e - again feel free to look around online.

Maybe take time to meditate and take a long look at yourself, your given traits, your adopted ones.  Your hobbies and interests..  Who are you as a person, how can you apply that to your craft..?

Artsy Activity:

1. What type of Pagan/Witch are you?  Maybe apply that somehow.  - Eg.  You're a kitchen witch, I happen to know that Aliexpress has kitchen tool stamps which may work nicely.  You're a luna witch, get yourself some moon stickers or sticky notes.  You're a hedge witch, grab yourself some green and brown pencils and draw leaves (Ivy would look nice) as page borders.  You're not a witch at all, well I'm sure you could draw symbols of your religion/faith or get stamps and embellish away.. 

2. For me in this section I wanted to include a photo of myself.  (Tip, your photo should be acid free so as not to ruin your book over time!) Options..  So I could just stick in a photo of myself but I want to take into consideration that I'll age and I want this book to be a forever book if possible so in 30, 40, 50 years..  I'll want to have updates.  For me I've decided to use photo corners so I can add and remove 6x4 photos as I deem fit.  Alternatives may be to continuously tape a new photo over the top of the old one, this could even be done in waterfall format so you can flip through from newest on top to oldest on the bottom.  Just an idea.  Doesn't have to even be you it could be your familiar, your altar, your favourite items, ancestors etc and these pictures could be added throughout your book in one of the previous mentioned ways or tip-in as a page itself, in a secret pocket, envelope, hidden..  

3. Feel free to refer back to my blog "What to add (visually) to your Book of Shadows / Grimoire etc" @ http://ppwwmm.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/what-to-add-visually-to-your-book-of.html - for artistic ideas, or my Pinterest board!!

4. Scrapbook or collage style you might want to include some 3D elements like a pop-up picture, your favourite makeup, glitter, paint, a charm, small flat 3D objects, hair/fur, I recently bought a wax seal stamp of my zodiac symbol on it..  etc..  

5. Think about your presentation, it doesn't have to be masses of detail.  It doesn't all have to be cramped on 1,2 or even 3 pages..  Spread out, learn about yourself..  Leave room or create a pocket so you can add more about yourself throughout the years..  One thing for sure on this path I'm always learning and sometimes it's even new things about myself be it a name or term for something I've always done or believed, be it a hobby or trait, be it a new correspondence, totem animal, familiar, spirit animal/guide, angel, lost ancestor, the list is endless and while this whole book is about me and my practice I'd like to have a section at the front for personal to me things, things that aren't everyone else..  Well apart from those born on the 20/12/88 but even then I dare say won't have the same name, be born in the same town, like the same things, correspond with all the same things...

6.  For the very basics of us.  You could just write the information in a list format.  Or print out the wording and pictures from the internet...  Though even the goth in me is screaming for something prettier, personalised and dare I even say.. colourful?

7.There's absolutely no rush, thus why I suggested a notebook or piece of paper..  Gather your information together before deciding on your layout / format.  

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Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.3 - The pentacle/pentagram and the 4 Elements..