Home: Saving Money on Utility Bills.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAVING MONEY ON UTILITIES
(Gas, Electric and Water)

Since I've been doing a lot of research on UK energy efficiency..  This is some of the tips I've compiled from watching and reading so much content.  I thought I'd share it here (while yes this isn't a magickal blog post but think of the supplies you could buy with the money you save from your utilities) for anyone who it might help..

- Adding weather stripping rubber for bottom of doors, window foam stripping, cork and energy strip will keep the warm in in winter and will help keep the cooler air in in summer making your home more efficiently the desired temperature. 

- Try putting on extra layers like jumpers before reaching for the heating.  Try to limit your use of heating and also try not to max 68 degrees heat thermostat.. each degree is so expensive!!  Your body will adjust.   (Or if you're me grab some blankets..!) 

- If possible set water tank to medium-hot not very hot (120 F) no one needs crazy scolding water 24/7.  So heat the tank less save money.. 

- Unplug devices at the wall or turn them off at the plug.  Leaving items on standby can eat up so much money (a term known as vampire energy, phantom power, ghost energy etc).  Even worse when you leave items on - I watched a video where a guy was spending crazy money just leaving his cable box on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHBQ27udXHY - yes that's American BUT he has super helpful information on working out the cost of each item too so worth a watch no matter where you live. 

- Wash laundry cold/low heat and peg out laundry when possible.  You can wash your clothing with cold water but check your detergent is compatible for this.  Also make sure your washer is full and do big loads.  Also a front loading washing machine is typically cheaper to run. 

- Same goes for dishwasher - while it might save water in the long run it's a big electric eater so if you wash using cold & full loads again. 

- Try not to use dishwasher and oven. 

- Change all light bulbs to LED 9W you'll save so much money here's an average chart for different kinds of lightbulbs https://www.sust-it.net/lighting-energy-calculator.php  

- Turn microwave to correct setting,.  Ie don't nuke everything!! Also turn off at the wall / unplug when not in use it's crazy how much that clock display can cost you!!  If you need a clock buy a battery operated one they're not too expensive. 

- Add water aerator to taps. 

- Electric gangs with switches. 

- Fridge on 2-3 it doesn't need to be artic cold to keep your goods from spoiling.  Also keep fridge and freezer stocked so it takes less power.  Cover food/drink/liquid in fridge so doesn't create moisture and make fridge work harder.  Another tip is to put a paper towel in with (at the bottom) each item ie bag of lettuce, bag of carrots, box of tomatoes etc as this will help keep goods from spoiling and reduce moisture.  

- Open the curtains and use natural lighting through the day. 

- Turn off lights and items when not using them. 

- Change shower head to 1.5g aerator or less..  Typically a shower puts out 10 gallons a minute.  You can change that to 1.5 gallons a minute and still enjoy a shower.  Still get as clean.  And you at that rate you're using less water, less electric and you could even shower longer for less. 

- Wireless home phone is expensive use old fashion cord. 

- Empty the tumble dryer lint trap every time not only does this make the tumble dryer perform better and thus using less electric but also it prevents the risk of fire..  Again do bigger loads when possible.

So there's a few real money saving tips.  Feel free to comment if you have further tips.  Note I live in the UK where I don't have air con, ceiling fans etc but definitely look into those things if you do!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BoS Prompt 24: Real Dangers of Stones, Herbs and Essential Oils!

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

FYI: There is now a dedicated facebook page for you to follow so as to support these blog posts @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Prompt 24. Sunday 30th September 2018 - The 24th prompt will be..  Real Dangers of Stones, Herbs and Essential Oils!

I have previously done a number of blogs on Stones, Herbs, Oils etc..  Infact BoS Prompt Number 9 I believe was on this subjects but only on the positive uses and information found HERE.  Today I thought I'd bring you a blog which contains some very real health risks of these items and also dangers..

As Rumpelstiltskin says “All Magic Comes With A Price, Dearie” but what if some of those prices can be avoided?

In magick, much like all things, some items are not good for us, our pets / familiars / animals, our families and friends (people) and in all honesty even giving these things to your enemies could potentially land you in prison with a manslaughter charge.  Oh dear..  So let’s look at some of those potential hazards.  First I’m not going to mention the absolute obvious stuff, I’m sure you have a reasonable knowledge of right vs wrong and what could be potentially dangerous.  But I’m here to fill in just some of the lesser known hazards and side effects of use and actions..  

That said please don’t let this blog detour you from practicing as practicing is very important!!  Just be mindful and do your research :) – As said the internet is a wealthy resource of information for all walks of life and interests.

Let us begin. 

Crystals & (Semi) Precious Stones etc..

Crystals, Semi-Precious and Precious Stones are sourced in a manner of different ways while most are commonly, as assumed, mined from the ground.  Some however are mined from wetter climates, some drier, and some are mined not from the ground but from fallen meteorites and space debris!!  Some however aren’t mined at all like the Cubic Zirconia oh yes the ever so popular fake Diamond which embraces most engaged ladies hands is actually a man made stone.  Applying research can save you the upset of fakes or damaging your crystals and stones eg: 

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is created from the cubic crystalline or crystalized form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).  It is a synthetic hard material that to the naked eye being optically flawless, low cost, durable and usually colourless makes for a much cheaper Diamond dupe or replica.  Cubic Zirconia was first discovered in 1892.  It has a high melting point of 2750 °C or 4976 °F.  

However there are a few tell tail signs that the stone is a CZ and not a real Diamond the first being that if you look closely 10+ magnify zoom you will be able to tell a difference in Colour, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight.  

Some other tell tail differences include: 

- Use a black light and if it doesn't glow under UV light then you probably have CZ and not a real Diamond.

- CZ retains heat and can be tested by going to a cold location, breath upon the stone, the hot air will fog any CZ while a real diamond will remain unchanged.

- Another heat test (though more permanent) using tweezers hold the stone over a light flame for around 40-50 seconds and then immediately drop into ice water a real diamond will not react however a CZ will shatter or break under the extreme temperature changes.

- You can see right through CZ and read print this is often known as the newspaper test.

- Place the loose stone in a glass of water a diamond due to its density will sink where as a CZ will usually float.

So from this information we can deduct that we don’t want to be subjecting our Cubic Zirconia stones to extreme changes of temperature, if we’re trying to fool people we’re carrying around a big Diamond and not a CZ we may wish to avoid black lights, anything that could create fog or even water with loose stones.  Just for some examples.

However that’s just one type of stone which is a synthetic man made stone as mentioned.  Some other man made stones or dyed stones may include Agates, Apache Tears, Howlite, Malachite, Marble, Moonstone, Obsidian and Pargasite but to name a few.  Which we may wish to look into the properties of those.  I know some people prefer to use only natural grown, coloured or sourced stones within their practices.  I happened to of onced purchased a piece of blue Lapis Lazuli which got wet by accident while in a white silk pouch and the silk pouch turned blue and grey where the dye ran!!  - Even thought Lapis lazuli is found in limestone in the Kokcha River valley of Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan.

Water Damaged Stones:

Some stones can also be dissolved, rust or damaged by water!  Here's an example of some of those stones:

• Calcite (will dissolve)
• Carnelian (salt water can cause fractures)
• Galena (will rust)
• Halite (will dissolve)
• Hematite  (can rust)
• Labradorite (will dissolve)
• Lepidolite (will flake apart)
• Lodestone (will rust)
• Malachite (can break in hot water)
• Mica (will flake apart)
• Moldavite (can break in hot water)
• Muscovite (will flake apart)
• Opals (can crack/ break)
• Pearls (will lose luster and can break)
• Pyrite (combined with water produces sulfuric acid)
• Selenite (will dissolve)
• Turquoise (will fade)
• Obsidian (all forms can break from extreme liquid temperatures)
• Ulexite ( will dissolve)

Sun Damage:

Some stones will fade as a result of being exposed to the sun.  Some of these are more directly while some will fade just from being in a sunny room.  It's usually advised you keep stones in cloths or bags to prevent from such damage.  Here's an example of some of those stones: Aventurine, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Citrine, Kunzite, Sapphires, Fluorite, Rose Quartz, Smokey Quartz

Fragile stones: 

Although Amber & Opal may not fade in the Sun, they can become brittle from the sun causing them to crack.

While stones like Selenite are quite fragile and can chip or smash just from knocking them.

Some other apparently brittle stones and minerals include but are not limited to: Cerussite, Chrysoberyl, Dolomite, Fluorite, Grossular Garnet, Hessonite, Lazulite, Malachite, Rhodonite, Rutile, Scheelite, Sodalite, Smithsonite, Turquoise, Unarovite, Vesuvianite, Watermelon Tourmaline 

Toxic stones: 

Some stones even give off bad health properties if prolonged contact such as worn in jewellery or put into drinking water as many crystals and stones are actually water soluble but will expel toxic minerals into the water that you definitely do NOT want to drink.   So here are a few crystals that are able to go in water but you should definitely NOT use to make elixirs or prolonged worn jewellery:

• Amazonite - Contains copper
• Black Tourmaline - Contains aluminum
• Emerald - Contains aluminum
• Fluorite - Contains fluorine, can cause extremely painful skeletal disease
• Pyrite - Contains heavy metals
• Coral - Organic material, may contain pathogens
• Garnet - Contains aluminum
• Jade - Contains aluminum
• Malachite - Extremely high copper content
• Moonstone - Contains aluminum and potentially other toxic materials
• Rose Quartz - Contains aluminum
• Ruby - Contains aluminum
• Saphire - Contains aluminum
• Serpentine - Contains asbestos
• Tiger’s Eye - Contains asbestos
• All Quartz - Some forms are water safe but be careful with storage as all kinds of quartz dust causes silicosis

So perhaps keep that in mind especially since some of these are quite pricey and we definitely don’t want to be damaging them.  I honestly recommend cleansing and charging your crystals by laying them out on your window ledge (inside) under a full (or new) moon.  Equally keep what I said here in mind when doing any experiments, putting them in tinctures, oils or perfumes, burying them etc etc.

Herbs (Plants, Flowers, Bark, Roots etc)

Herbs and plants have been used since the very beginning but not everything is safe!  While some herbs (plants, flowers, bark, roots etc) come with a load of health benefits some really don’t and not just to us humans but to our pets and other animals and even our plants!!  I beg of you to do your research before bringing anything home.  Even in plant form or kitchen herbs and spices!

• A-Z Poisonus house plants to Cats - https://pethelpful.com/cats/Houseplants-Poisonous-to-your-Cats 
• Unsafe herbs for Pets - https://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/unsafe-herbs.html 
• 199 Poisonous to humans and animal plants to look out for - https://www.proflowers.com/blog/poisonous-plants - especially useful if you pick your supplies from the wild.
• A List of Poisonous Plants and Herbs and Their Lore - https://exemplore.com/misc/Poisonous-Herbs-a-list-of-poisonous-plants
• Dangerous herbs - https://www.thoughtco.com/toxic-and-poisonous-herbs-2562022

That’s just to throw a few websites at you.  Also note that some that are poisonous to ingest are fine once cooked.  And that some you can’t even touch so definitely don’t want to burn, eat, sleep with under your pillow etc.  SOME herbs that are poisonous to ingest:  Aconite, Belladonna (aka Deadly Nightshade), Lilly of the Valley, Mandrake Root, Mistletoe, Monkshood, Morning Glory, Mugwort, Skullcap, St Johns Wort and Wormwood are just some of the more poisonous ingredients you can obtain. 

And some while carrying very good health benefits and that can be used safely in tea, tinctures, cooking, eating raw, medicine, massage, ingested etc etc also carry unwanted properties.  Such as Aloe Vera which is an all round good plant.  The gel inside is used in a great many healing tonics, creams, aftersun, etc..  It can be used raw on the skin too and is fantastic for burns.  It also has many antioxidant and antibacterial properties.  It can also be used in more obscure ways such as reducing dental plaque if you brush your teeth with it.  It can help with canker sores, reduce constipation and has even been rumored to help prevent wrinkles and improve low blood surages – thank you google.  But for all those good points it doesn’t tell you that it’s a blood thinner and may be fatal if swallowed in large doses or use incorrectly. 

Aloe gel (not the yellow latex inside or the external leaf) is deemed as safe when applied to the skin appropriately as a medicine or as a cosmetic.

Aloe gel is probably safe when taken orally in low dose. However taking aloe latex or outer leaf by mouth is considered as unsafe but you can consume.  
Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex. 

Aloe latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking aloe latex 1 gram daily for several days can be fatal.

Pregnant women, Elderly and Children shouldn't ingest any part of Aloe to be safe and to seek specifcally designed Aloe products and not use raw Aloe plant.

Diabetes: Some research suggests that aloe might lower blood sugar. If you take aloe by mouth and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely. 

Intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: Do not take aloe latex if you have any of these conditions. Aloe latex is a bowel irritant. 

Hemorrhoids: Do not take aloe latex if you have hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse. 

Kidney problems: High doses of aloe latex have been linked to kidney failure and other serious conditions. 

Surgery: Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

- I wripped most of this information off of Stylecraze website which I do reccoment you go read the full information at https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/side-effects-of-aloe-vera-juice/#gref

Keep in mind that while some herbs, plants, flowers, fruits, bark, roots, nuts etc etc can be eaten they are very different when it comes to burning in incense or visa versa.  Making your own oils, tinctures, incense, home fragrance and cleaning products, medicine, pest control, teas etc etc should always be done with full research as to the positive benefits as well as the negative side effects to you, others in your home inc animals and plants depending on how you wish to use said ingredient.

So here's a very incomplete list of some of those as mentioned.. but please do your research on ALL.  There's many amazing books out there or the internet.  He are some examples of herbs that are considered all round "good" but that have some bad properties.

• Allspice -  Insufficient evidence suggests that Allspice may cause Intestinal gas, Indigestion, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Flu, Colds, Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Aloe vera - Blood thinning, kidney problems.
• Cinnamon - Can cause skin burns if applied topically. Eating / drinking too much cinnamon may cause liver damage.  May Increase the Risk of Cancer. May Cause Mouth Sores. May Cause Low Blood Sugar. May Cause Breathing Problems. May Interact With Certain Medications.
• Chamomile - Can thin the blood, do not take with blood thinners, aspirin, antidepressants, and some Alzheimer’s medications. It can also cause allergic reactions in people with ragweed or daisy allergies.
• Echinacea - Do not take with immunosuppressants, after organ transplant, or if you have an autoimmune disease.
• Feverfew - Blood thinning.
• Garlic - Blood thinning.
• Ginger - Blood thinner and should not be taken by anyone on blood thinning medications or with bleeding disorders, Too much can stimulate stomach upset leading to indigestion and gassiness, Pregnant women shouldn't use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time because it can irritate the abdominal area.
• Ginseng - Blood thinning.
• Gingko - Blood thinning.
• Goldenseal - Do not take with immunosuppressants, after organ transplant, or if you have an autoimmune disease.
• Licorice - Can cause high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, and heart failure.
• Nutmeg - High dosage can cause hallucinations and can be toxic, Pregnant women should not use nutmeg medicinally.  Not to be taken with antidepressants.
• Dong Quai - Blood thinning.
• Tumeric - Blood thinning, upset your stomach, may stimulate contractions.
• Willow Bark - Blood thinning.
• St. Johns Wort - Do not take with contraception, immunosuppressants, or antibiotics. Also, avoid if taking any medication that causes sun sensitivity or if you’re naturally prone to sunburns!
• Mugwort - Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding, may cause miscarriage. May cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to ragweed and daisies.

Also for my own interest I have just put together a little blog on Pumpkin Spice mix and the Magickal properties, Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects of the ingredients involved in that which you can view here:

Essential Oils

First warning comes with common sense that Essential Oils are high concentrated extracts of herbs, flowers and other plants, roots, bark, fruits and nuts etc.  It should never be ingested in any way in raw essential oil form as it should always be diluted / watered down with a carrier oil (vegetable glycerin, almond oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil etc), water (such as with use in oil burners) or something else.  Once diluted even then do not take orally or inject.  – True massage oils are made of diluted essential oils and a carrier oil.  Please be mindful what you’re absorbing through your skin or inhaling when you breath.  As as mentioned in the herb section not all of these are safe for people, animals or even plants.

Under no circumstances should you ever use anything on animals orally or externally as it can be highly fatal or cause other very bad side effects etc see the herbs section.

Another point is that all oils are fire hazards and are flammable; while I’m not saying they’re going to spontaneously combust please be very mindful when creating and using anointing oils, using oils in oil burners and/or any other way in which any oil may come in contact with any flame.

Like all things do your research before purchasing and make sure you get several opinions not just one persons half-witted assumptions.

Activity..

Research other potentially dangerous, hazardous and otherwise bad side effects of your more commonly use stones, herbs and essential oils.

Book Activity..

(Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.

Interact with me Activity..

(Optional) on the Fb Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ feel free to add any information you deem worthy..  

-----------------------------------------

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 the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next Blog: Sunday September 30th's BoS Prompt:  Practice for the budget/broke practitioner!

* WW: Sea Glass - Properties & Uses (IMO)

"What are the magickal properties and uses of Sea Glass?"

So thought I would post this 'In My Opinion' response out there..  These are some of the uses I've used sea glass for and/or seen others use it for - I'm sure there are loads of other uses (feel free to comment with your uses and/or sea glass finds I truly would love to see them!!)

So first off let me say that I just love to find it..  And go beach combing!!  I live in Blackpool England which is surrounded by beaches but I've only ever found sea glass at Fleetwood (on a good day maybe 10 pieces?) - I found a sea glass marble which I have displayed on my altar..  I have some tiny pieces which are on my altar in bottles but mostly I collect it to use in jewellery making..!

That said..  I've seen people use them for / I've used them for a whole number of things.. Here's some examples:

*To use for water / sea properties - as real sea glass, which has been smoothed fully, has had a long sea life and ultimately a long exposure to the salty sea water!..

*Sea witches of course find them useful.  Or water witches.

*Ones found with holes in have similar properties to Hag stones or wishing stones especially with a sea or water element properties.

*They can be used as water representation on an altar or in the home.

*Mermaid representation or offerings.

*They can represent fire and water because of the fired glass properties too..

*Other ideas are to engraved with runes or other symbols to create a set of runes, as talismans, charms etc..  Also used in jewellery or to make pendulums for dowsing and other divination.

*The Goddess / The moon has a direct connection to water and the Earth's water so of course sea glass can also be used as offerings or workings or representations.

*As mentioned because of their sea life in salt water they have cleansing, healing, purifying, protection etc properties for use in ritual, spells and other magickal uses.

*Very handy for closet witches as most mundanes would happily have pretty coloured glass pebbles on display, in a vase, in a bathroom, used in artwork, around candles and for other home decor..

*Some people use them for luck especially rarer colours..  Sea glass for most is quite difficult to find and quite expensive to buy online it seems.

Anyways this is just some ideas.  You could also Google "sea glass Magickal properties" and see what others suggest!!  As said I'd love your comments below!!

🖤 Imogen xo

Haul: It's Elemental Dear Boy ;) hehe!! (Jars)

(Aww I got a magickal gift from a stranger!!  Sort of!!)

Photo of Coloured Glass Jars by me on 12th October 2016 

© Imogen Cane - missimoinsane 2016

A good while ago I found a seller on ebay selling reasonable sized but perfectly small-ish coloured glass jars (a bit smaller than those photographed above). The listing was for 5 jars and she would send all different colours or to message for specific colours. The colours available being Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple and/or Pink.

PERFECT!!

Being exactly what I had been looking for for some time now I went ahead, ordered and sent a message explaining I'm Pagan these jars are perfect element jars for something I want to do so could she please make sure to send Blue, Red, Green and Yellow. The 5th can be Purple ideally for spirit but I don't think I'd really use it so any colour for the 5th would do.

A week or so passes and she finally marks my order as dispatched. Two days later she replies to my message informing me my jars had been posted, shes only just read my message and she doesn't have any Green or Blue left. I replied and explained my disappointment and reaffirmed what I had said originally and elaborated my intention for these jars (Blue/Water, Red/Fire, Green/Earth, Yellow/Air and Purple or any colour...)  I politely explained she should have cancelled the order or at least contacted me prior to shipping.. She replied, seemingly not overly happy and divulged into a small rant of first come, first served notions.  She proceeded if I want to send them back, at my cost not hers, she would gladly refund - as a small independent business owner.  I replied explaining how I was disappointed based on the fact I had instantly asked for specific colours for specific reason upon my purchase (which her product description advised) a week prior to her actually shipping them. I went on to say how it was unfair return shipping to come out of my pocket so I'm sure I'll find another use for them. We exchanged a few more messages and I waited.  -Feeling disgruntled. 

Another week went past and no jars. I contacted the seller but no reply. Another week and another ignored message..  Then a few days later I received: Red, Yellow, Purple, Pink and Orange!! ORANGE WASN'T EVEN ON HER LIST!! - I thanked her for the jars, informed her they had arrived and left positive five star feedback. She sent me a thanks and informed me she was getting more styles and colours soon. - I didn't reply.

A few days later Ebay and PayPal notified me to say the seller had issued me a full refund!!

I decided to leave it at that and keep an eye open for other jars fit for purposes in the right colours, matching, glass and right size etc.. some other time. That was WEEKS ago!! I actually didn't pursue looking for more jars - I kind of hoped they'd turn up in a charity shop or when I least expected it and be perfect.

Today I received a surprise package from her containing four perfect jars: Blue, Red, Yellow and Green.  *pictured above*.

- Unsure if there's an underlying message in all of this, but either way I'm very happy!!

Imogen x

 - Exploring what's in my head.

www.missimoinsane.webs.com 


Ps. Yes I'm well aware the turn of phrase is "It's elementary dear boy" not elemental. But just go with it. - Before someone tried to be cleverer ;)

WW. Lesson: Finding 'My' Element.

Hi everyone,

So I got talking with friends about elements or more importantly how to find yours and how to connect..  I thought it might benefit a few people to have a little mini lesson on this.  Please feel free to add more helpful information to the comment section of this xX

What are the Elements? 

(Please note this information is valuable).

• There's a lot on Elements here - http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_elements/the_months_of_the_year.asp 
• This is it. I felt there was a lot of useful element information on here - http://wiccansage.hubpages.com/hub/Wicca-for-Beginners-Elemental-Powers-and-Finding-Your-Element (as always take and use what feels right to you).
• Some more element stuff - http://bluemoonwicca.org/solitary.html
• YOUR ELEMENT & Element information http://wiccadreamersmary.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-elements-are-building-blocks-of.html 

What Element am I?

Now each of us is born under a certain sign (birth Sign) and there for each of us already have an element!  For me (Imogen) I'm a Sagittarius which makes me a fire sign.  - BUT I feel more so connected to Earth!  And I don't feel connected to Air and a little bit to water..  For the longest time I actually felt like I was cheating on Fire!!  Like me and Earth were having some secret love affair and it didn't feel good.  Then I learned that my Chinese Element is Earth!!  Woah!!  So I am born under both Fire and Earth!!  But regardless of this.  You can be born under Water and Metal and still feel you're a Child of The Fire Element.  

So first let’s address "what are my signs / elements" - I highly recommend this site:  https://www.myspiritualprofile.com/ simply because it gives you so much information on your stone, tree, number, day, signs, and elements etc...  

Having done that you should now know a little more about yourself.  How did that feel?  What did you learn? Has this affected you in any way?  - So I suggest writing this information down, also make notes if there's anything there you feel connected with prior, that explains a little about you didn't know about..  Perhaps you just made a few personal connections you didn't even realise - and yes I know how tempting it is to now run off and do the same for your boyfriend, girlfriend, hubby, sibling, parents, best friend, boss, your crush... and while that's fun...  for now I suggest save on confusions and just learn about yourself.  - Now while this is 'YOU' don't take this as 'IT' you don't have to be or feel any of these things.  Eg.  Maroon I hate that colour!  Fig? I don't feel connected to this tree and I definitely am not a fan of Tuesdays!!  Just simply use this as a guide.

I know a lot of people who are 'X' sign and are not connected at all, only a little or they're most connected. Some people are indeed equally connected to all. And some people are connected to none. - While both of these are seemingly quite rare traits it does happen.

How do I find my Element?

Exercise Part 1. I personally feel (credit where it's due) and I would suggest a couple of things.  First being a video by YouTuber 'TipToeChick' I honestly feel her lessons on this would help everyone / anyone and even if you already have an element it could still be a fun exercise for you and a learning curve even.  So here's her video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhAJa4w2Rrw I personally feel it 'starts' from Lesson 2 but feel free to watch Lesson 1.  I personally felt that Lesson 3 / there was no real follow up to this I don't know if she deleted that particular video or what.  But she suggests spending a day with each of the elements and obtaining items from that day and well watch her videos.  I personally love all her videos.  So for me she's a must see beautiful person.  - Full credit to TipToeChick.

Exercise Part 2. You can do this for each of the elements. http://www.wikihow.com/Connect-to-Your-Element cast a circle. making sure you call upon the elements and deity. I personally would bring a couple of items representing that specific element into the circle with you and spend a few HOURS with soothing very quiet music and just spend time meditating. Think about that element. How that element feels, smells, looks (I wouldn't suggest taste though lol). Think how that element came into your life. How do you feel about the element? How do you feel connected? Experiences. How often are you affected by this element? Etc etc. I'd take a notebook and make notes on thoughts and feelings. Also very much interact with your items. For example.

Fire. Candle, matches, charcoal (and cauldron) etc... Watch how the flame moves. The heat it radiates, the colours. The smell. The emotions etc. 

Water. Tap water, Sea water, Rain water, Spring Water, Storm.. Moon... Sun... Holy.... Different water temperatures? Is the water cloudy?  Can you feel the waters energy?  - I recently while on a beach trip found a bottle that had got filled with seawater. I brought this home - no idea what I'll use it for but you never know. But I notice this water is tainted with sand and other sea particles. It's cloudy not clear like tap water. Even rain water seems less transparent. Etc. Again feel how water feels on your skin. Does it smell? How do you feel about it etc.

Air. Feathers, incense (smoke), empty vial of 'air'. ...your lungs. Breath. Smell. Interact. I feel air is possibly the hardest yet the one we all do more so than the others.

Earth. Soil, herbs, plants, flowers etc. Feel textures. Smell... touch, other senses. Etc etc...

In the video TipToeChick did she suggests spending a DAY with each. Go out.. go places. Go to the beach, the woods, a field, your garden. Even big cities still have elements. Elements are everywhere.

Exercise Part 3. You do not NEED to cast a circle or spend a full day. You can simply just interact over any space of time. I would try and dedicate time to each element but you can also revisit this at any time or specific elements at any time. Always feel free to call upon the elements and talk to them. I personally use all elements in my rituals, prayer, spells etc etc. Even Tarot Readings and/or Dowsing. Here's another exercise where basically you can write down what you know about each element.. and then research to find out how accurate your knowledge is regarding 'that element' http://www.wiccantogether.com/profiles/blogs/your-personal-element 

I have my element, now what?

Practice! It really is that simple. Learn about it - this is important. Learn how to wield it to aid you in your magical and/or spiritual practices. As mentioned before I typically use all elements. Though I am more so connected to Earth and Fire. For me connecting to Earth and Fire can be something as simple as herbs for earth and an incense burner for fire. And burning these can enhance mood, state of mind, atmosphere etc. Aiding in relaxation, concentration, sleep, energy... and well a lot of uses. Though Air can also be used in this way and indeed an oil burner can represent water too. Fire connections in Candles and Earth connections in Plants. - This is just me personally. For Air you could try wind chimes. For Water you could try a small water fountain. There are many simple ways to connect with deep meaning.

Learn and study more about this element. How is it used? Who uses it? Deities (Gods/Goddesses)? Why is it used? Seasons and Wheel of The Year? Colour and item representations... Prayer, Ritual, Light Spell Work, Blessings... list goes on.

Challenge:

1. Read the information here and browse the links shared.

2. Write down your given element(s) from https://www.myspiritualprofile.com/ (please note that while your Chinese element may NOT be Earth, Air, Fire or Water).

3. Write down your elemental feelings prior to doing the exercise. If you like do this prior to any research at all and see how it compares up at each stage.

4. Pick one or more exercises to do / try.

5. Write about everything - this can be in a spider diagram, notes, pros and con's list, paragraphs - etc. However you feel comfortable writing, be sure you can reread this at a later date and it'll still make sense to YOU.

6. Keep learning and growing. Try different things. Do your own research.

7. Share any additional finds and helpful information, thoughts, suggestions, ideas, your journey and all that good stuff in the comments below (IF YOU WANT). Feel free to add more pictures to our growing galleries (or ask an Admin if they'd mind doing it for you).

REMEMBER THERE IS NO 'RIGHT OR WRONG' IT IS PERSONAL AND WHAT FEELS RIGHT TO _YOU_. I hope that might have helped some of you xX

Imogen xo