Sunday 25 March 2018

BoS Prompts 18: Divination.




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Prompt 18. Sunday 25th March 2018 - The 18th prompt will be..  Divination.


This week I have run out of energy and time to write all what I wanted to write about.  So I have stuck with some of the main types of Divination that are most commonly practiced and at the end I have referenced a website which has a long list of hundreds of forms and practices and sub practices of Divination.  - Since we are soon coming to the end of these blogs (at least for now) you might not want to rush and take your time to look at each subject and type; Study, practice and familiarise yourself with some of the basics even if you don't think it's your cup of tea (pardon that pun).


Divination.

For the purpose of this blog I will be referring to all forms of Divination and Fortune Telling etc as Divination.  I will explain..

The name Divination derives from the Latin word divinare which translation means "to foresee, to be inspired by a god".  Forms of Divination include many different types of practice from Tarot Card reading to Crystal Ball gazing (Scrying), using a Pendulum (Dowsing), Tea Leaf reading (Tasseomancy), Palmistry and beyond..   

Divination is such a wide wide wide topic and is the name collectively given to any ‘act’ that reveals The Future, Fortune and/or Fate.  Divination as said was/is done to gain insight into the unknown; most often the future but also the present giving answers to questions we might not have even asked consciously or it is seen as fate, an omen, what could be coming, warnings or simply answers.  Origins of Divination that readings be it Runes, Weather/Nature, Cards or Gazing into the remnants of a drink and even into the night sky etc and all this was interpreted as messages from the Divine (God/Goddess) or some other unknown being or even our future selves. Divination is viewed differently by different people and can therefore also be interpreted differently.  Seeing the shape and form of what could be one woman’s cat could be another man’s dog, or even a fox or other animal (speaking from a recent candle smoke picture I shared on my Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/p/BgkWYdehnL8/?taken-by=missimoinsane) – this is one of the reasons why Divination is often dismissed by skeptics (non believers) as being superstition; it is very easy to see what you want and make connections, the human brain is very good at forming faces and known shapes in items where faces wouldn't appear such as net curtains, stone, trees etc.  I’ll explain more about this in the ‘Card Reading’ section below.

Some say that there is a difference between 'Divination' and 'Fortune Telling' the first being that the reading is done as more of a ritual it's long and drawn out and treated with great respect and the act of the Divination would be a very symbolic working deeply rooted in religion and/or faith.  Usually practiced to gain an understanding on a larger scale, for example old Indian Tribes would do a form of Divination to gain insight to their future, tribe future, the weather, choice they as a tribe or individual should make all of course interpreting the signs as messages from God.  Not always the case, but throughout history there are a lot of Divination occurrences.  Whereas ‘Fortune Telling’ is more of an everyday practice highly associated with fairground attractions, gypsy booths and even freakshows - cheapened by movies and TV.  Often the same or similar imagery comes to mind when we say 'Fortune Teller' (are you not seeing a Gypsy like woman with her hands wrapped around a Crystal Ball?).  It's a more modernised approach and usually done for more personal gain (like a more selfish reason to know who we will end up with, how our lives will pan out as opposed to if our tribes in danger, if we need to plant more due to natural disaster and such) and often no ritual (or religious aspect) takes place during the Fortune Telling.  - There for we can think of this as more of a more “modern” Divination if you will, even though still hundreds of years old..  However each separate form and practice usually gets lumped together as just 'Divination'.

As said today Divination (Fortune Telling) incorporates tools into practice of psychics, mediums, witches, pagans and even mundanes (none magickal / gifted people).  Various forms of Divination come with stigmas, superstitions, legends, omens etc and a great vast history (as mentioned) some dating way back in time even to BC!  Plus a crazy amount of skeptics (non believers in Divination) and even haters.  Divination tools can be purchased or made, for me I feel that making gives a more personal connection although a lot of my items are purchased.  There's multiple ways of making those tools connect with you such as sleeping with them under your pillow and/or carrying them on your person or simply just working with them..  You'll get a feeling and a connection if that particular item is or isn't working for you.  Purchase items old or new should be Cleansed, Consecrated and Charged but this is down to what feels right for you.

The color purple is highly associated with Divination, Fortune Telling or anything relating to mysticism, psychic abilities/powers and/or magick.  


So let us look at some of today's practices.  – I feel it’s important to tell you I am no way an expert, experienced or even in full understanding of all of the form of Divination.  I will do my best to give the most accurate information here but these are all subjects I’m still learning or some only just started to learn while others I’ve been practicing for years; even before I knew what it was!

Card Reading.

Tarot Cards / Oracle Cards / Fortune Cards / Karma Cards / Angel Cards / Sigil Cards etc..  I’m lumping them all together here while they are different.  Most common would be the Tarot Cards as they’ve been greatly features in movies, TV shows and even books.  They’re iconic symbolism in most Occult / Goth / Witchy fashions.  Any ‘Fortune Teller’ worth their salt will have at least one deck on hand always.

Cards while often arrive boxed are usually stored in a bag or cloth usually of silk or satin as to show respect to the cards.

Cards can be drawn and read in multiple ways for yourself or for others.  Readings for yourself or others with cards is done by a question being asked (or most commonly a Past, Present, Future three card draw) and then the cards drawn (picked) from the deck in the way of which the reader deems best; often readings for others will include them cutting the deck (separating the pile), shuffling the deck and/or choosing a card or cards from a fanned out spread of cards.  Some people don’t like their cards to be handled by other people as they believe, much like with any magickal objects, peoples energies are transferred over (see my Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge blog for more information of peoples energies etc).  As said sometimes the cards are shuffled and fanned out (spread across a table) and one or more is chosen by what your eye is drawn to.  Other times cards are shuffled three times and then the top card is the chosen card and then shuffled again three times for the next and so on.  Sometimes cards are shuffled once and cards are drawn from the top without need to reshuffle after each card draw.  There are other ways of drawing and choosing cards which goes onto card layouts, meanings and such.   Cards usually have more than one meaning and can be applied literally or metaphorically to a person's situation.  Along side interpreting cards upside down to have reverse meanings much like with runes.

Card reading is probably one of the most common forms of Divination today.  Decks are also highly collectable and readers usually have a number of them.  I myself am not so much into Tarot, though I own a few Tarot, Oracle, Fortune, Karma etc.. Decks.  I like visuals and I connect very well visually to item, places, people and things so therefore I would rather a Fortune or Oracle card with a word and a well illustrated image to give a clearer understanding and image (literally and mentally).  - This in turn means I am able to make associations and connections much better than just a number and suit of a card.  

Skeptics don’t believe in Card Readings they say that anyone can make connections with any Tarot / Fortune / Oracle  etc..  Cards as you can often connect any card with something going on in your life right now.  

For me it speaks to me when I can make something higher than an association; a connection – this is more when a certain aspect is really risen and dominantly in my life and a card drawn at that time speaks to me exactly and helps me realise what I need to do or look at the situation differently.  – I remember one time this stands out to me.  I was having a very difficult time in a relationship and I was toying with the idea of traveling to see him but I didn’t want to go alone, I didn’t know what to do for the best and I didn’t know if just showing up was the answer.  I turned to my cards and drew a reading for the week/weekend ahead and indeed this dilemma.. which basically said that ‘I had a difficult decision ahead of me and that I should travel to seek my answers, once there I should rely on a wise elder (friend) for their wisdom and guidance of what I should do but the truth will be revealed before I return I should have the answers I seek be beware unforseen surprise’.  – It was just so fitting!!  And more so creepy when I got there with my friend and there was my boyfriends other girlfriend.. 



Scrying.

Scrying is most commonly associated with the mental image of The Fortune Teller (as previously mentioned) – Scrying can also be known as ‘Seeing’ or even ‘Peeping’ it can be done with a Crystal Ball, Black Mirror or other shiny reflective surface – Preferably not an actual mirror as that would cause distraction being able to see yourself plainly.  Alternatively scrying can be done by looking into a drinks reflective surface such as tea or a bowl of water.  It can also be done with smoke and/or candle flame.  The act of Scrying is gazing into the object unlocking the third eye and subconscious to create images in the reflection to our minds eye which is projected to use and interoperated as a shape or form which then has symbolic meaning.  (I wrote a blog about Symbolism!  But I urge you to invest in books related to your topic and of course books on symbolism such as ‘Element Encyclopaedia Secret Signs & Symbols’ also maybe some tea leaf and/or dream dictionaries and other symbolism books etc..)  

As mentioned skeptics don’t so much believe in ‘Divination’ since as with Cards you’re looking for an answer which may be more ‘convenient’ to you.



Dowsing.

Dowsing is mostly commonly done using a Dowsing Pendulum to gain answers to questions.  Dowsing however can also be done with those ‘L Sticks’ used one in each hand most commonly known to aid finding water, gravity pulls or spiritual activity depending on your beliefs.  Other Dowsing tools include the Y Rod and the Bobber.

Using a Dowsing Pendulum to find answers (unlike in the popular TV show Charmed where they used the term Scrying when they meant Dowsing and used their Pendulum many times over maps to locate someone – I’m sorry to say this is TV Magic and this doesn’t actually happen!)  A Pendulum is used by you ask a question hold the non-pointed end and let the Pendulum hang down.  You ask a question that you know the answer to ‘Yes’, ‘No’, ‘Maybe’ and ‘Don’t Know’ or ‘Unsure’.  There’s no right or wrong Pendulum typically it’s an item on one end that is a heavier (and usually pointed) object most commonly made of semi-precious stone or crystal and then is attached to a freely moving piece of chain or string and then on the other end it might be knotted or have a charm or something that you can hold.  (Traditionally this would be a non metallic item such as a crystal on a string just so people cant say the Pendulum was pulled by a magnetic field.)  You’d hold this between your thumb and first two fingers (of your dominant hand).  Then let the weight hang straight down from the chain or string.  As your questions “Am I a boy?” “Am I a girl?” “Is my name Tom?” “Is my name Imogen”..  as what you like but has to be something you know the answer too to begin with so you get a feel for which way the Pendulum swings (Up and Down Yes, Left and Right No, Diagonally or in Circles Maybe?  Get the feel for which way is Yes, Which is No...).  Then ask your questions..   Now there’s a few way this can be interoperated.  For Skeptics they say its gravity or magnetic pull or that you’re swinging it yourself.  For some it’s a Spirit, Divine or Unknown Being moving the Pendulum to give the answers! and for others (like me) we feel you can’t ask questions you don’t know the answer too like “Will it rain tomorrow?” but you can ask things like “Is going out with my parents tonight a good idea?” because what happens is it triggers the subconscious part of our brain otherwise known as our true self or inner self – it works as like your gut feeling and knows answers like where you actually misplaced your phone, if you really do or don’t want to do something etc (I wrote a blog which touches on this in the clair senses and intuition blog) but it’s that trigger (like in the episode of Friends when Phoebe asks Joey a bunch of questions and he has to just answer really fast and not think just answer and he gives her the answer to which route he would rather take to the movie set ending his dilema..  Well that!)  Those brain waves cause slight muscular movements causing the Pendulum to swing one way or another to which association you have.  For me up and down is usually yes, left and right no, diagonally is maybe and round in circles is I don’t know.  

Sometimes if I don’t like the outcome or I feel disappointed with the answer the Pendulum will switch and change direction.  Pendulums for me or Dowsing is best done when I’m in two minds about a decision.  My main Pendulum (named Divina) is one of the oldest tools I have I bought her when I was 18 (I’m now 29) and she’s a pink agate.  I also have much smaller black onyx I keep in my travel altar and I have a seaglass bead I found at the beach I sometimes use.  If I feel the need for one and I don’t have one with me I use my pentacle necklace.  There’s no real right or wrong way to create a Pendulum (although I have some for sale on my eBay UK with Global Shipping).



Palmistry.

Palmistry or palm reading is another Divination form of reading commonly associated with the Gypsy Fortune Teller.  It is the study of the hand or more specifically the palm and foretelling a person’s future through the study the lines, creases, dents and such forth. 

Palmistry is not one of my practiced Divinations (yet) but the subject I do find intriguing.



Aura Reading.

Aura reading is seeing and reading the a kinetic field / distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds (and is generated by) a person, animal, place and/or object.  Practicing this come so easy to very few and very difficult and impossible to others.  I believe it’s done by looking at the subject and unfocusing your eyes almost like you’re looking through the subject so it becomes blur and a fuzzy coloured form appears around the outside.  This can be white, grey or coloured..  These colours usually have their own interpretation and meanings.  For some very well practiced and/or gifted people seeing and even feeling Aura’s comes as second nature.

Again Aura reading is not something I practice.  I have read books and watched videos and been told to hold my hand up in front of a all-white or all black background and focus and unfocused my eyes on my hand.  Sometimes I’m a little successful however it causes eye strain and pain for me rather quickly apparently with practice it will go away but I fear damaging my eyes further.  

There is a lot online about this subject one website that references colours would be https://paranormal.lovetoknow.com/Aura_Colors_and_Their_Meaning



Tasseography / Tasseomancy. (Tea Leaf Reading)

Tasseography or Tasseomancy is the Divination of interpreting shapes and symbols through reading tea leaves, coffee grounds, or wine sediments.  Throughout history people have been looking for the answers in the bottom of drinking vessels (and no I’m not talking about drowning your sorrows with beer).  Even though tea was discovered in 2737BC by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung it wasn’t until the Seventeenth Century that tea leaf reading became popular (mostly the rich since tea was very expensive and it would be a way to pass time after afternoon tea for well to do people who didn’t need to work.)  But originally it was the Romans in apx 753BC who used to read the dregs in the bottom of their wine remnants to interoperate symbols and signs to give readings and tell fortunes much like how we do today; Only today we are more focused on reading tea leaves and coffee grounds since our wine is usually filtered and not all of use drink.

This is often done with loose tea, not herbal tea and not bagged tea either – bagged tea tends to be too fine and small while herbal has unwanted items such as flower petals or fruit chunks in it.  Loose green tea, black or white tea is ideal in a shallow round based cup with a saucer (or small plate) with milk and sweetener if desired.  Once the tea is drank turn the cup upside down on the saucer and let drain for 30 seconds before righting the cup and reading the remaining leaves that form patterns and shapes in the bottom of a cup much like in Scrying.  I recently got into this and picked up a wonderful book called ‘The art of tea-leaf reading’ by Jane Struthers it has a brief but detailed history of Tea and goes on to explain all about tea leaf reading, ritual, choosing a teapot and/or cup and an extensive 100 symbol directory of shapes you might come across.



Runes.

Runes are another form of Divination they're cast and read and interpreted symbolism much like other forms of Divination.  I have already wrote a blog about a few different kinds of Runes such as Elder Futhark and Witches Runes.  This blog also contains information on symbolism and can be found HERE.






I have touched based on a few more common types of Divination however believe me there’s hundreds and each have subtypes.  I found this website which seems to be a good collective list of types of Divination https://www.paranormal-encyclopedia.com/d/Divination/types.html 

Activity..

  • Research more about the different types of Divination.
  • (Optional) Practice the different types of Divination.

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..


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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 week (1st April) no post due to Easter Sunday
Sunday April 8th's prompts No.19 -  Starting to learn Stones & Herbs etc..




Sunday 18 March 2018

BoS Prompts 17: Types of Witches..



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!! 


Prompt 17. Sunday 18th March 2018 - The 17th prompt will be..  Types of Witches.


This week is perhaps a slight cop out for me..  As it’s a lot of work for you and well not so much for me!!

First lets say that this week is focused on witches..  I understand not everyone is interested in this subject.  Some of you are here as Pagans.  However even if you're not interested or think you already know everything there is to know yourself please still read..  I believe it's important to learn and view other peoples opinions and perhaps increase your education and knowledge.  Or recap and refresh your memory.  I know personally when I first started getting into Witchcraft I was in my element as I hadn't realised the things I'd done for years was actually a real thing and not just pretend in the movies..  Education always defeats ignorance..  Even if you still don't believe in the end at least you know exactly what it is you don't believe so you can hold a better opposing argument.  As said I encourage you to read and go study further (even if you already have) I know a lot of people, like myself, consider themselves to be a Pagan of sorts as well as a Witch of sorts and yes you can be both, one or neither.  Now we have that cleared up a little let's delve in..

Please note the following is written from my personal education and thoughts, I am happy for you to disagree with me.. in fact I encourage you to converse with me about it as I'm always looking to expand my knowledge and practices too..


So what do I mean by types of Witches?

No I don’t mean good, bad, fire, water, light, dark………….  Well I suppose I could mean that if that's what you believe and/or practice but what I actually meant is there are different practices of witches; as there are witches that have different focus, practice and beliefs.  Witches that focus on herbs only, on prayer only, on fairy magick, on elemental, on Mother Earth, on only divination...  There are witches that are more focused on a Pagan practice such as Shaman Witches, Druid Witches, Wiccan Witches..  Although the two are not always the same you can be a Witch without being a Pagan.  As said that not all Pagans are Wiccans, all Wiccans are Pagans and some of these people are Witches too.

Before we go on I think it's important to mention that 'witch' is the name of someone who practices witchcraft.  This is not gender specific, you do not have to be a female to be a witch.  This is often confused and said that male witches are Wizards though this is not true (unless you wish to identify yourself as such).  Equally male witches are also not Warlocks.  In fact Warlock in old English is actually a very offensive term to label someone its meaning "oathbreaker" someone who has deceived and gone against their tribe / clan / coven / people and are now tarnished with this name and cast out.  Other names for magical people may be Mage, Alchemist or Sorcerer.  - Feel free to look up those definitions. 

So let me mention a few types of witches which might get you started..
Green Witch:  A Green witch (no we don’t mean her skin is green, thanks Hollywood!) but a Witch who is one with the Earth or more specifically who’s practice is with Nature Magick and their working are with Mother Earth.  This extends beyond just growing, picking and using herbs.  A lot of the practice would be done in the woods or lakes (or other larger bodies of water) to literally be one with the Earth throughout their practice.  A Green Witch usually makes her own tool and uses mostly items found in Nature / connected to Mother Earth in their practice.   
Flora Witch: A Flora Witch is A Green Witch who is more into the floristry side of things and who mostly uses flowers in their practice.
Herbal Witch: Much like a Flora Witch a Herbal Witch is again A Green Witch who mostly uses herbs in their practice.
Hedge Witch: A Green Witch may also be known as a Hedge Witch.  Hedge witches are most often symbolised as a type of large bird such as a raven and sometimes a goose.  It is said that the Hedge Witch has the ability to travel to and from other realms / worlds and communicate with spirits.  They’re recognised as powerful healers or even midwives.  - I have actually written a blog all about hedge witches (which you can read here) this was written some time ago as part of a class study!
Kitchen Witch: The Kitchen Witch name isn't exactly as it says on the label; as typically a Kitchen Witch is not just confined to the kitchen like some old house wife.  Although her practice is more focused on potions and brews as well as the stereo typical broth and other edible/consumable goods.  The tools are usually quite practical and mostly kitchen based and their practice usually focused on practical magick.  That's not to say they don't make the rest of their home and its surroundings magickal or practice outside the kitchen.
Cottage Witch: Cottage Witches are more focused on the Home similar to the Kitchen Witch but their practice also focuses on practical magick as well as rituals and ceremonies.  A Cottage Witch also makes practical and mundane items into their tools and also everyday tasks into sacred acts as well as being very much focused on ‘nesting’ and making her home and its surroundings a magickal place.  Often the Cottage Witches practice is focused around the home and family.
Ceremonial Witch: Some witches are more Ceremonial based these are sometimes known as Ceremonial Witches which as the name suggests they are more focused on holding ceremonies and rituals.  Their knowledge is nearly always passed down through ancestry and practiced from a ceremonial book eg a Book of Shadows.  Their practice usually calls for an archetypal figures and/or known spiritual entities that represent the kind of energy they wish to manifest. 
Gardnerian Witch: Gerald Gardner created a form of Wicca known as the Gardnerian Wiccan or the Gardner movement in the 1950’s derived from that has become a type of witch known as Gardnerian Witch whose practice I’m sure you can guess is mostly Gardner Wiccan based.
Dianic Witch: Dianic Witches stem from the most feminist of all Wiccan movements, the Cult of Diana.  The Cult of Diana focuses primarily on the worship of the Goddess.  Dianic witches are usually female 99% of the time.
Eclectic Witch: Of course you also have Eclectic Witch which basically like anything and everything ‘eclectic’ generally means not restricted to one type or takes various bits from other types.  For example my music taste is very eclectic I don’t just like rock, country, flute pan music I like bands from this type and songs from that type.  There for Eclectic Witches practice a variety of magick.  – For me I consider myself Eclectic Wiccan / Pagan and a Witch because I take different things I study and apply what appeals to me to my practice, what feels right to me.  I don’t like to stick to one set way of doing things..  I like to dabble in different kinds of spell work, ceremony, ritual, divination and other practices.  I had a deep love for herbalism and horticulture workings but I’m also a fire sign and very into my candles too.  I also love musical ritual and working with sound, sometimes I drift away from the hedge witch healer into a more cottage witch / kitchen witch as I love to make my home and its surroundings magickal as well as make use of everyday items and do daily practical magick with mundane things and other times I find myself plunging into alchemy type workings, sigils and runes, oracle, spell writing I like to write my own and I take different things I like and apply them to me and my practice / journey..  
Faery Witch: Another name for Eclectic Witches maybe a Faery Witch or at least they’re somewhat similar.  A Faery Witch is one who practices their own practice typically a lot of their practice is created themselves from what they have observed.  Rather than Eclectic that takes what it likes Faery creates from what it likes.  That said as the name may suggest their practice they may wish to communicate or have association with fae, fairy, folk and nature type spirits - As they too are known as observers. 

Shamanic Witch, Gypsy Witch, Elemental Witches, Draconic Witches, Vampiric Witches, Spiritual Witches, Psychic / Medium Witches, Techno Witch, Modern Witch, Traditional Witch, Druid…  Oh the list goes on for types of witches.  Feel free to study each and others.  


Other people believe there to be witches that practice light / white / good (positive) magick and others that practice dark / black / evil (bad / negative) magick.  Some people believe there's grey magick too which is sort of an inbetween of the two.  For me I believe that everyone is capable of all kinds of magick regardless of what type of witch they set out to be.  Doing workings to negatively affect or harm others or to bring love and peace but at what cost?  Even if your intention is to bind someone (that would be bad) to stop hurting someone (that would be good), or (and this is why I hate 'love' magick) forcing someone to love you (bad for them, good for you).  Always really think about your intentions before you set out to do any workings.  There are also people who believe in Karma and/or the three fold law / rule in that anything you do (good or bad) will come back to you / come back to you three times.  This could be it happens 3 times or is what would be considered 3 times worse or better than what you did.  - Note doing things specifically to get good Karma or good back is considered bad!!  (I won't be going into 3 fold law or Karma so feel free to look into that further if you wish.)



Open or in the broom closet witches?

I absolutely love that term derived from the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender etc scene being that you're still "in the closet" and not out and open about your sexuality to the world.  Being in the broom closet is much like that in that you're not open to your family, friends and/or the world as a Witch (and/or Pagan).

Some people go their whole lives in secret practice; this is sometimes because of personal choice but often it's more because of how society perceive witches and/or witchcraft, because you feeling stupid due to other peoples ignorance / lack of education on the subject (ie tarnished as a satanist, devil worshiper, idiot!).  Or because their family is highly religious and it would be frowned upon.  These days because of Social Media this has become a lot more popularised and well known.  Equally it's easy to create a persona on the internet and have a whole witchy internet life and hide it outside in the real world (think of yourself like some Witchy Hannah Montana) - This is a great time to show off your magickal name that you choose (feel free to look into that yourself) though some people keep this secret or just between their coven as there is believed to be a lot of power in a name.  Other Witches are out to close friends and family and some of us are out to the whole world and don't care what anyone thinks..!  But know even in 2018 there's still witch hunters out there who will kill anyone claiming to be a witch!!  - No Joke!!
Side Note: PLEASE NOTE I AM NOT TELLING YOU TO LIE TO YOUR FAMILY AND/OR OR DO ANYTHING THAT WOULD UPSET/HURT THEM.  TRY AND FIND A WAY TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF BUT WITH DAMAGE CONTROL.  - There are such things as ChristoWitches / ChristoPagans (Christian Witch/Pagans)  I'm unsure how that works..  but feel free to look into it and/or ask someone that does/is!!
Some Witches and/or Pagans have altars set up permanently that they work on/from/with and add to and/or change over time/seasons/events.  I mentioned in my last blog post about the Tumblr blog "Fuch Yeah Altars" which has a lot of inspirational altars.  Equally if you're not out it might be difficult to explain why you have an Altar.  I know some people like YouTuber DragonFeather369 has a Dragon Altar (aka Draconic Altar) which when she was younger she told her family she was just really into Dragons and that was her Dragon collection.  Others (like myself for the first maybe 10 years) have pocket altars, shoebox altars, travel altars and other kinds of easy to set up and take down and hide altars.  Here's my YouTube video on my current travel altar which is in a small jewellery box I altered (I have this along side my main altar which can be seen on my @missimoinsane Instagram.) - That said it's not important to have an altar and/or tools (as a Witch or a Pagan).  The biggest tool you need is yourself.  Tools are more of a visual aid and something pretty we like to have.  While some can be more practical like say a mortar and pestle for grinding herbs it's not always essential and these things can also be easily found in nature (ie mortar and pestle = two rocks!) and some times are household items ie a wine glass can be a challice, a saucepan can be a cauldron, you could use a side plate or trinket bowl to give offerings (see more about offerings on my last weeks blog HERE). - This is just to name a few things.  Other ways to incorporate Witchy / Pagan elements are things like mundane looking jewellery which is actually an Amulet / Talisman or Charmed Jewellery (read more about that HERE).  Between Goth Decor, Vampire Decor, Bohemian Decor, Tumblr Decor, Pottery Barn Decor and oh the list goes on it's not completely unusual to have semi precious stones or crystals around your room/home nor dreamcatchers, moon phases, statues of black cats or even angels or other things like skulls or ravens or your favorite animals, deities or even element symbols, trinket boxes (containing secrets)..  A kitchen cupboard of herbs and spices oh the list goes on.  Of course if you're out it helps.  There are many subtle and not so subtle decor pieces, jewellery and items you can use as mentioned and there are many ways to keep a Book of Shadows such as on the computer such as evernote which you can link to multiple devices, a notebook or plain coloured folder or diary..  Mundane things can become ritualistic and magickal workings such as epsom salt in baths is very common for a relaxing bath but can double as a purifier to remove negative energies from yourself before working such as prayer.  Similar goes for blessing water, drinks you make such as tea or coffee stir in positive thoughts that you think while string in a clockwise (positive) or anticlockwise (negative) intentions.  If you're allowed a pet (why not get a familiar!) go to the pet store/shelter and allow one to choose you.  If price for tools, decor and/or supplies is a factor perhaps look on second hand places like Ebay, Charity / Thrift stores, PreLoved / Gumtree / Craigslist / Freecycle - depending where you live..  Also check out swap meets & groups.  You can always Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge (The three C's blog).  Other things you could do are Feng Shui (I spoke a bit about that in my colour blog).  There's a good number of books out there on everyday magick such as those by Author Deborah Blake.  Or books on Magickal Housekeeping!! - I'll be doing a blog about this and going into more details of what I wrote in this paragraph in a blog soon!!

Typically there are a few types of practicing witch.  

This also applies for Pagans and other Practitioners.


The first type is Solitary Practitioners – Solitary Witches are, as the name suggests, witches that practice alone; at least for the most part.  All their spells, rituals and other workings are done alone by themselves.  That's not to say they don't get together with others especially for the Sabbats, Esbats or other Holidays and Events.
The second type would be Coven Practitioners – There are many different types of covens.  Some include a high priest and/or priestess they often are the physical representation of Deity.  Some are very few in number (most typically 9 members or 13 members) and others are extensively larger.  Coven members usually gather together at least once a month - online or in person.  Think of them like a family.  Often if you wish to be a member of a Coven then you have to be initiated into it – this is more common for Pagan / Wiccan Covens than Witch Covens.  Typically when a coven is practicing or working attendance is mandatory.  That’s not to say that members don’t practice alone outside of the coven practices / workings.
Other types of study may be closed covens, open covens, circles, groves, couple or actual family practices and I shall not say cults.  (Feel free to research these study types and more).



Infamous / Famous witches from History?

As said in my opinion it is important to know the basics even if it’s not necessarily your interest or practice.  Likewise I deem it important to know some basics of Witch history internationally too not just Salem Witch Trials or the Spanish Inquisition.  Equally it’s important to know some basics of famous / infamous witches such as..


Tituba - An enslaved witch and died quite famously at the Salem Witch Trials.
Anne Boleyn - yes the second wife of King Henry VIII from the Tudor period of sixteen century England.
Marie Laveau – Famous Voodoo Priestess/Queen of New Orleans.
Sybil Leek - Modern historian and Author of many witchcraft books.  She was taught from a younge age and is one of Britain’s most famous witches.
Gerald Gardner - Of the as mentioned Gardnerian movement of Wicca in 1950's
Scott Cunningham – Although he much preferred to be known as a Wiccan than a Witch he is most famous for his books as on Wicca, Herbs and Incense although he wrote a few others.
Silver RavenWolf - Another famous witch and Author that is alive today is Silver RavenWolf.   
Just to name a few..



Activity..

  • Research more about the different types of witches and their practices.
  • Research Historical / Famous / Infamous Witches and Witch Events.
  • (Optional) Research more into types of magickal people not just Witches.
  • (Optional) Research and create yourself a magickal name.
  • (Optional) Research more into Karma and/or Three Fold Law.
  • (Optional) Journal about what type of Witch you believe yourself to be.

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..


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

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.18 -  Divination.




Friday 16 March 2018

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Sunday 11 March 2018

BoS Prompts 16: Deity Offerings & Fae Offerings



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!! 

Prompt 16. Sunday 11th March 2018 - The 16th prompt will be..  Deity Offerings & Fae Offerings (another more hands on).  


Advanced note.  If you don't know what Deity is you might want to check out this blog post HERE also if you want to know more about God/Goddess check out this blog post HERE and finally if you want to know more about the Elements & Deity check out this blog post HERE.  If you've already read those posts or are not a beginner you'll probably want to skip those blog posts!!

Another one completely open to your own interpretation and beliefs.  It is important to note this is my take and my understanding..  A lot of people have different views and similar views and the same views in fact. 


Offerings.

This blog post looks at SOME different types of offerings not just Fae & Deity offerings.  I also want to point out that this blog is not just for those believers in the fantasy, mythical and even legendary beings we’re not looking at The Fae, Fairies, Pixies, Gnomes, Elves etc..  Nor Mermaids or Sirens, Unicorns or Griffins in these blog series (so feel free to look into any of that at your own leisure!) This week we will be looking at offerings with a mention of The Fae, God, Deity, Ancestors, Spirits, Beings, Other Realm Dwellers etc..

For the purposes of this blog post I will be referring to ALL ‘little people, pixies, elfs, elves, gnomes, fairies etc.. etc..’ as Fae or The Fae.

So this week is a lot more open focused.  I know not all Pagans follow this kind of belief / system, nor do witches, other spiritual people, mundanes etc partake in offerings of any kind.  Some take part in multiple kinds of offerings depending on beliefs and views same with Religious people..!!
  
There are many different types of offerings throughout religious and non-religious faiths and cultures.  Often offerings are given to honour, show thanks, respect, gratefulness, appreciation etc and in hope to continue being watched over and receiving luck, love, money, good health, abundance, guidance etc.  Some offerings are made almost as a payment for their requests it's like a good faith payment in hope that a certain Deity / Deities / Being will lend themselves and/or their specialities to the situation at hand.  Some offerings are made in the name of others.  Offerings can be made in exchange for physical items too such as when you take something from nature be it a herb, shell, pebble, flower, feather, stone, water etc.. be it for any reason, but especially if you’re hoping to use it in magickal workings, it’s a kindness to leave something in return.  Offerings would also be given by Tribes to their Spirit Animals, Spirit Guides & Totem Animals and such.  - You can read more about them in my blog post here.

I personally have left 1 pence coins, 1 pence coins with pentagrams/pentacles drawn on them, light a candle (but do not leave fire unattended), incense, herbs, left fruit and drink, another idea I have done is to buy a bag of small semi-precious stone chips or beads and leave one of them, seeds you have purchased (planted or left), baked Fae stones (I’ll leave some YouTube links further down this blog!), bread or other baked goods and I'll go on to mention a few others..  Offerings aren't always left in exchange for goods while out and about though!  Some offerings are done at home, a place of worship and/or other locations..

This can be anything from a kind gesture such as donating your time, goods or finances to a worthy cause to aid others. 
This could be putting out bird seed in your garden / planting seeds in your garden or planters in your home for The Fae, birds and other creatures.  Planting seeds and flowers could also be an offering to Deity(s) / God(s) or even ancestors and other beings.  - I know in my garden I have planted some Sweetpeas and some Livingstone Daisies because they were always in my Nana & Granddads gardens, they loved them and since sadly both are deceased I thought it would be a lovely way to keep them alive.  So honouring my ancestors in a way as well as the sustenance they provide to a variety of creepy crawlies.  – Plus I harvest them (and other plans such as Lavender and Rosemary that I have planted myself) for incense and other ingredients.  – Sweetpeas that I know of have no noted magickal properties but from what I have read they do have connections to Fairy magick and offerings plus the sweet airy fragrance has correspondences with Air element.
This could be to the Elements or using the Elements!  Some creatures / beings / deities may have certain elemental correspondences or like certain smells so your could leave an elemental type offering with water such as perfume, oils, sharing of ingested items wine, tea, fruit juice etc..  It could be a fire offering such as cooking something over a fire, lighting a candle, cauldron offering.  It could be a wind offering such as something made or purchased such as wind chimes, bells, incense (which could also represent Earth and/or Fire), feathers etc.  Finally it could be an Earth elemental offering such as herbs, or as mentioned incense, flowers, seeds, planting etc.  There are many many types of elemental offerings.  I think by far lighting candles or herbs and/or incense are the most common though.
Other offerings may include sharing of foods such as ‘breaking bread’, soup kitchen, setting a meal place for the dead, sharing of the harvest, food donation, sharing what you have with deity, pouring wine on the ground or in the sea..
Offerings to The Fae may include honey, fruit juice, fruit, and other sweet tasting food and drink.  Some people offer bird seed, other seeds and/or nuts.  Smaller items like setting up a fairy house, garden, nook.  You could make miniature furniture or other items to give to them in offering as gifts that aren’t food or drink based, or that as dedicated to containing said food and drink.  I mentioned earlier Fae Stones / Offering Stones which are biodegradable, green for the environment and can be made in a multitude of ways.  I prefer to use all natural products including edible glitter as opposed to real glitter which is tiny shards of glass that can damage and hurt animals and other creatures.
Offerings to deity, ancestors, spiritual beings and entities, etc..  May include things I’ve already mentioned other material items such as dedicated items, trinkets, personal or sentimental items, jewellery, altar space, your time, your thoughts, your energy, your thankfulness, artwork / crafted items and the list goes on..
Some people set up whole altars dedicated to an ancestor, deity, the dead, etc.. as an offering.  These may be added to over time, sat at while praying, giving offering, showing respect or doing workings etc..  Some place fresh flowers or herbs or food/drink daily or fresh candle burnt daily.  I absolutely love looking at Tumblr blog 'Fuck Yeah Altars' and also pinterest for altar ideas, offering ideas, or just to see what everyone else is making and doing.  Not that I like to copy but I love new ideas, learning and seeing what other people are doing.  - You can see my main altar and other things I post on my  main Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/missimoinsane/.
I also mentioned before about Gardens and how setting up a Garden could be an offering.  You could also set up a Moon Garden (as mentioned in my Moon blog post) in a dedication / offering to The Moon - A Moon Garden, in this sense of the term, is a garden created using white plants and/or white flowering plants only.  So as the white reflects the glow of The Moon.  - You could also follow the Perpetual Moon Calendar which would make this Moon Garden dedication / offering a lot more personal.  I also have a free printable I designed on that blog I just mentioned.

Note. Some Gods / Goddesses, Saints, Beings, Entities, Fae etc etc may be dissintereded, dislike or even offended by your offering so it really does pay to do your research.  While I'm sure MOST would appreciate any natural gesture that came from your good will and intentions some may like it even more if you took the time to do the research and find out what they like.. It may bode well in your favour.


Activity..

  • Research about various types of offerings.
  • (Optional) If you have a Deity or particular Faith / Religion / Belief why not look up what your particular God/Goddess/Belief correspondences are for types of offerings they might like to receive.    
  • (Optional) Create / Buy some offering pieces. 
  • (Optional) Journal about your offerings / thoughts and how they worked out.

Book Activity..

  • (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. especially offering ideas, types of offerings and if you did the research on your particular Deity/Deities or other beings that you work with and found out what they like and don't like it might be a good idea to note that. 

Interact with me Activity..

  • (Optional)  Share your offering ideas and experiences in the facebook group and/or with me.
  • (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 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.17 - Different types of Witches.




Sunday 4 March 2018

BoS Prompts 15: Magickal Jewellery (Amulets, Talismans & Charms)




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!! 

Prompt 15. Sunday 4th March 2018 - The 15th prompt will be...  Magickal Jewellery (
Amulets, Talismans & Charms).

Another one completely open to your own interpretation and beliefs.  It is important to note this is my take and my understanding..  A lot of people have different views and similar views and the same views in fact.  I personally make jewellery and have been doing so using semi-precious stones and jewellery charms/findings to create various magickal and none magickal jewellery: Amulets, Talismans, Charmed Jewellery and other items over the years.  A book I like a lot which contains some information on this subject is a book called Goth Magick: An Enchanted Grimoire by Brenda Knight.

Today’s post I thought I would touch base on some magickal jewellery which can be worn by itself for its magickal purpose, used only during workings such as prayer, ritual, certain ceremonies, divination and other practices.  Made or bought for a specific magickal task etc..  

To start I think it would be best for me to describe these types of these Jewellery/Ornamental like pieces and give you my understanding of what they are and their uses; dating back throughout time itself!!

Amulets – An Amulet is typically a small piece of jewellery or an ornamental item that is used most commonly as protection against evil, danger, disease and other harm and negative energies, entities, beings and such forth (but not always).  Most typically Amulets were worn on a chain around the neck, other forms of jewellery or carried in a pocket; but always kept on the person seeking the Amulets properties (such as protection).   An Amulet is an item that already has all the properties in it as the Amulet itself carries certain properties meaning there's no requirement for it to be made or changed; other than perhaps for it to be sculpted, carved, mounted, set or turned into a wearable piece of jewellery or ornamental item type Amulet.   Amulets for this reason are more commonly made of precious or semi-precious stones as they each already have properties such as protection, grounding, healing and such forth.  Other items which already have qualities such as four leaf clover, pennies, rabbits foot, iron nails.  Sometimes people carry raw pieces of precious or semi-precious stone or even metal which are used as Amulets.  - Anything that is used because of its properties that it already has and doesn’t need to be created or changed for it to work.  

Talismans – A Talisman is very similar to an Amulet in size, shape and use as it’s worn or carried on the person.  Except a Talisman it is a made item, in fact it is my understanding that the word ‘Talisman’ translates as 'to create' or 'to change' so if you make something like a poppet for a purpose or to create something for magickal use from something which doesn't necessarily have magickal properties, or you change somethings value to use it for an alternative purpose, put multiple items together to create something personal or new.  Talismans can also be created of a symbol like a Sigils, Symbols or even using Runes or combined runes (click here for the blog), personal associations that is personal for you which you could then engrave or use somehow to again create a jewellery piece or ornamental item you wear or carry with you.  Talismans are used to bring about a change or to create something.  Such as for use in changing your luck.   Whereas an Amulet is used for the properties it already has for a purpose.  A Talisman is used to create or bring a change and is often created magickally and personally, it's also important to make a connection with you and that item so Talismans are usually a lot more personally created; like a lucky pair of pants making this only really lucky for you unlike an Amulet which properties would work for everyone. - Of course Amulets can be made into Talismans but not the other way round.

There’s somewhat of a fine line between the definition of Amulets and Talismans..  Some people believe things like pennies, horseshoes, iron nails, lucky rabbits foot are man made items making them Talismans and not Amulets which are natural items which come with their own standard properties whereas others believe that these items are made from materials found in nature making them Amulets.   Some people believe that if an item is for protection it’s an Amulet and if it’s for luck or anything else it’s a Talisman.  Some people believe if an item is created for anyone to use it’s an Amulet and if it’s made specifically for someone (yourself or a specific someone else) then it’s a Talisman.  Some people cross over the two, mix the two up and indeed don’t really know the difference at all.  But I say as long as it works for YOU and YOUR INTENTIONS that’s all that matters.. Right?

Charms – For me I believe Charms to be a number of things, from Charming someone..  a Charmed spell..  a Charmed item such as a mirror..  A temporary or long term charmed item..  and a few others but in this instance we are talking about Jewellery Charms.  Charmed Jewellery I believe is when you take any piece of Jewellery and you change its properties; much like creating a Talisman and/or changing an Amulet into a Talisman.  I believe this is also known as "imprinting intention".  It is simply done by taking any piece of jewellery (Amulet, Talisman or simply mundane and ordinary Jewellery) and basically following the steps of Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge (the three C's blog I spoke about at the beginning of these blog posts). - In doing this you're removing any magickal properties, energies and such forth..  You're then replacing them with your desire (you’re imprinting your intention) giving it its purpose and then finally you’re enforcing its purpose so it will serve your wishes - there's usually a bigger magickal working and ceremony.  - Feel free to also look into Enchanted items and jewellery.

Other Magickal Jewellery – There are more oh yes such as trinkets, cursed, enchanted, totem jewellery and more..  But I wanted you to do some work for yourselves!!  But now you know a little more about what Amulets, Charms and Talismans are (or at least my take) plus briefly a bit on their uses, I hope.  I was also hoping this week to do a tutorial on how to make something..  BUT sadly illness got the better of me, especially with the cold weather.  But I’m hoping to make something at some point and post it in the Facebook group.. inc a giveaway if this is something people are interested in then please comment under this post on the Fb group thanks.!!  So to be eligible to win all you have to do is subscribe to the Facebook group and look out for that post coming SOON!  Plus feel free to share your magickal jewellery with us there.

Now before I go I just wanted to give you an unusual insight to a very common bonding piece of jewellery (especially if you were born anywhere after the late 80’s in UK or America, but I’m sure they existed before and in other countries too).  It is a very powerful and magickal jewellery tool that we don’t even think of as Magickal at all and that is what’s known as the ever so common ‘Friendship Bracelet’ - usually these bracelets are woven and knotted using various types of coloured thread and sometimes beads and charms.  They're made with the desired intention to gift it to someone you hope will then always be your friend, while making it you would be thinking about the friend you're gifting it too thus putting your intentions into it.  And they may in turn make you one back creating an even stronger bond.  These days you can also buy best friend jewellery pieces such as half of a heart that says “BE FRI” and the other half that says “ST END” signifying that when the two of you come together you’re whole, stronger, complete, powerful..   Wearing it and being seen with it can enforce and create an even stronger friendship.  Other people seeing these jewellery pieces consciously or subconsciously knowing the symbolism and that too increases the 'power'. The making and/or giving of such jewellery unknowingly to most creates a magickal bond that is special between those friends. Not wearing it or removing it especially in a negative way could be seen as terminating that strong bond of friendship forever especially if one or both (all) are destroyed.  Friendship bracelets are an example of Talismans something made from non magickal items (such as yarn, string, wool – which I dare say do have some properties especially the more natural products but being used to create a symbolic friendship bond) to create an item that signifies a friendship, a bond, a coming together..  some even signify a group, following, bond.  - You can also take this and think of the wedding ring and its power.


Activity..

  • Research about origins and historical uses of Amulets, Talismans and other Magickal Jewellery items.  
  • Research about uses of such magickal jewellery.
  • (Optional) Create / Buy a magickal jewellery piece. 
  • (Optional) Journal about your magickal jewellery pieces.

Book Activity..

  • (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.

Interact with me Activity..

  • (Optional)  Share your magickal jewellery in the facebook group and/or with me
  • (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 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.16 -  Deity Offerings & Fae Offerings (another more hands on).