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..  

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

Imogen x

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

Coming back to BoS Prompts 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So here it is.  Ew!  

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

...

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

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

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

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

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

🖤 Imogen

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

BoS Prompts 12: Runes, Symbols, Sigils & Cyphers +Alphabet

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

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 12. Sunday 11th February 2018 - The 12th prompt will be...  Runes, Symbols, Sigils & Cyphers +Alphabet

There are many different types and kinds of Runes, Symbols, Sigils, Cyphers and such..  Some use ancient alphabet, alphabet of different languages and cultures, some are symbolism, some are words, some are something all of their own entirely.   - In this blog I’m going to try and give you some food for thought so you can go and learn for yourselves..

Basics by Google Dictionary.

What are Runes?
A letter of an ancient Germanic alphabet, related to the Roman alphabet.

What are Symbols?
1.  a mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process, e.g. the letter or letters standing for a chemical element or a character in musical notation.synonyms: sign, character, mark, letter, hieroglyph, ideogram

2. a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.synonyms: emblem, token, sign, representation, figure, image, type; More

What are Sigils?
an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power.a seal.a sign or symbol.

What are Cyphers?
a secret or disguised way of writing; a code.

Symbols & Sigils.

Symbolism is everything and it's everywhere it's in icons, apps, logos, branding, packaging, signs and so much more.  Symbols are often used in place of words and sentences to quickly give information.  It's like they say "a picture is worth a thousand words" well maybe not a thousand but the warning falling rocks sign is much more easier to read than the text "Warning falling rocks ahead!" don't you think?!!  So like I said it's everywhere and everything..  I touched more on Symbolism in this blog I wrote a while back about two kinds of Sigils.  - Which if you're interested in Sigils I recommend you check out and learn about as said I only wrote about two (more commonly used) kinds.

I wanted to touch based a bit more on symbolism looked at from a Witchy / Pagan aspect and I know I mentioned symbolism when talking about The 3rd prompt...  Pentacle  / Pentagram meaning & The 4 Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. As we mentioned the Pentacle and Pentagram, also the 4 Elements.  I also touched on symbolism in The 4th prompt...  Tree of Life / Grounding Meditation / Whiteroom /Prayer and also in The 8th prompt...  Zodiac along with a few others..  But here's some other 'Witchy' symbols to learn and study about maybe..  or at least get you started!!

Sadly outside of Tumblr and Pinterest I can't find a source for this image
(please if you know let me know so I may properly credit thank you!)

Image Source = http://www.4symbols.com/symbols/pagan-symbols-d7e7e3.html

Cyphers.

Cyphers are still very commonly used between people of power, great importance or simply teens..  Yes almost anyone and everyone will at some point have created or used a secret 'code', 'hidden message' or other kind of encryption.  - It's even in our phones, images we use, software..  Cyphers otherwise known as codes or in cryptography a cipher / cypher is an algorithm of data used for performing encryption or decryption.  This is usually follows a pattern or a well designed series of steps that can be followed to unlock / lock..  Track, be a digital thumbprint, reveal or keep secrets and other kinds the coded messages or information. 

Runes.

What are Elder Futhark Runes?

Elder Futhark runes are a set of 24 (sometimes 25) runic alphabet symbols.  The Elder Futhark (also called Elder Fupark, Older Futhark, Old Futhark or Germanic Futhark) dates back to anywhere from the 2nd to 8th centuries!!  It is known to be the oldest form of the runic alphabet.   The runic alphabet itself was a form of writing used by the Germanic Tribes for Northwest Germanic dialects in the Migration Period (2^nd – 8^th C).  These runic alphabet symbols / runes would have been carved into bone, wood, stones and various other materials such as clay and metal.  These runes each were said to hold a value and a meaning as well as later being used as part of an alphabet.  These runic alphabet / runes were often inscriptions (and are found upon artefacts still to this day) including weapons, armour, jewellery especially amulets and talismans, tools, other item and of course rune stones/runes themselves.  From the 8th Century these runes were highly associated with a more simplified version (known as Younger Futhark) adapted by the Anglo-Saxons and Frisian in the 8th but for now we're just going to focus on the Elder Futhark but please feel free to study at your leisure!

Runes were used for a great many things (as we will cover in symbolism).  An example:  The symbol of an up pointing arrow is runic alphabet symbol is called teiwaz and was the symbol of the god Tyr.  (And later represented the letter t or T) this runic symbol was engraved into warriors chest, chest armour, right hand and even weaponry before battle to give them the strength and abilities of the god Tyr and not forget what he stood for - for the Norse God Tyr is the ancient god of War and said to have been the bravest as it was he who sacrificed his own right hand to show strength of human sacrifice.  Tyr was once said to be the great leader of the Norse Pantheon, much later to be supplanted by Odin.  (Feel free to look into Norse Pantheon and such).

Other uses for these runes or what they are used for more commonly today we’re still engraving the symbols into jewellery and such but much less common that way back when and it’s more a niche market.  These days’ runes are more commonly used as casting stones.  There are multiple different types made from varying materials too from semi-precious stone, wood, bone, ceramic and so on.  Casting stones can also be used in a variety of ways most common I believe to be (or at lease how I use them) a circle is drawn upon the ground and the stones are drawn from a bag and thrown to the ground while asking your question.  Stones outside are not counted and face down are reversed meanings and the direction the stones are facing, groups of stones together / near each other and such can be read too.  This is just one way of casting and reading stones which people interoperated this in a variety of ways.  They can also be read for their symbolic meaning or alphabetical (similar to how you might use spirit dice to form words!)

Elder Futhark runes are a great traditional source of divination.  If you wish to learn the stones and their meanings YouTuber Tarot Tribe Beyond Worlds has a great set of learning the Rune meanings by making your own flash card prompts and rememberable ways of learning them.  Video 1  /  Video 2 /  Video 3 /  Video 4  /  Video 5 she also has a video on Casting Runes.

As said there's 24 runestones but sometimes a 25th is included in the set which is a blank stone meaning unable to answer, unknown, blank,  nothing, not yet determined etc.

Elder Futhark Runes look as follows:

Image source = http://glenavalon.com/futhark/elderfuthark.html

Runes / Runic Alphabet is also used for other things, that can also be combined to create more powerful combination rune or bind rune which I believe there are two types of bind rune but please do some research for yourselves on this subject.

What are Witches Runes?

Moving on from Futhark the other more common to use set of runes will be those known as the Witches Runes.  They don't date back anywhere near to even Younger Futhark but they have a similar purpose.  Now while there's only 13 of these they're not the same as the Witches Alphabet.  13 symbols again carved / engraved into wood, bone, stone etc..  and cast in a same/similar ways and read in similar ways too.  In honesty Witches Runes is something I've learnt a bit about but not practiced.

Witches Runes look as follows:

Image source = https://witchesofthecraft.com/2014/04/02/graphic-images-descriptions-of-the-witches-runes/

I hope that has given you a small insight to runes, what they are and of course how to learn and use them.  I hope this gives you food for thought and that you go do further research and learn this wonderfun Divination tool.

And for anyone curious while Witches Alphabet is nothing to do with runes but often used in making Sigils so I thought I would show you here..

Image source = http://www.evolveandascend.com/2017/06/26/six-magical-alphabets-to-know-and-use/

Activity..

• Follow up on the paths where I left off.  Read the other blog posts I suggested.  Study more.  Don't just stop at the materials and prompts I gave you here in this blog.  Take it further and learn more.  
• (Optional) Perhaps even have a go at making your own Sigils, Cyphers, Runes and such forth.

Book Activity..

• (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.  Even if it's just some basic symbolism, a page or two for for Elder Futhark Runes, Witches Runes or other kinds of Runes. 

Interact with me Activity..

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

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

Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.13 - Spirit guides / animals & totem animals & Familiars

BoS Prompts 11: Intuitive, Empath & Clairs.

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Prompt 11. Sunday 4th February 2018 - The 11th prompt will be...  Intuitive, Empath & Clairs.

This week is another open to your interpretation, your beliefs and such forth.  We will be ‘slightly’ delving into the psychic world and touching on some of the basic aspects of what makes a psychic, medium or just intuitive etc.

For most people will say everyone has intuition.  They will tell you that psychic abilities such as 'The Clairs' is a load of old codswallop and that these people are fakes, phonies, swindlers and such - while sometimes that is true and conmen/women like to extort people.  I ask of you to not be ignorant and be open to other peoples beliefs and/or at least the concept of possibility.

Intuition

So let us start with intuition and what makes us intuitive.  Now this is the one aspect which no one no matter who they are can deny that everyone has this “ability”.  Intuition or being intuitive is a phenomenon that you just can’t explain where you just ‘know’.  It’s that instinct, gut feeling, little voice in the back of your head.  It displays itself in various forms of emotions; such as that ‘I know he is cheating on me, I don’t need proof, I just know!’ to ‘I know she will be mad if I do this’ right on through to ‘I can’t shake something is wrong, but I don’t know what’ and the list of course continues with possibilities of intuition.  There’s also that intuition fear intuition and even anxieties can partly be linked with irrational fear intuition.

 

There for in magick and similar workings or practices being intuitive is the easiest form of psychic ability as more or less everyone has it.  Most witchy types (and I only say this as these BoS prompts are more focused on a Witchy / Pagan aspect) will find that their intuition is heightened.  This is also affected by ‘the Clairs’ and other similar psychic based forms.  If you’re looking to increase your divination skills and psychic abilities etc..  Starting by looking more into your intuition; how and why would be a fantastic starting point for you in my opinion!

The Clairs

 Speaking of ‘the Clairs’ what on earth are they?  - The Clairs, also known as Clair Senses, are 7 forms of psychic abilities these are based on the six senses being heightened to be able to receive or interact on a higher frequency such wich is often what is used when “communicating with the dead”.  While, to my knowledge, there's no scientific evidence this actually happens countless accounts of unexplainable events of people ‘knowing’ things they just couldn’t possibly know.  Such as complete strangers knowing everything about someones deceased dad now either they’ve really really really done their homework or there’s something else happening.  Some people may need to be in an altered state or an alpha state to be able to interact with these abilities such as meditation or sleeping while others receive information from these abilities without warning while being ‘normal’ or awake and lucid.  The Clairs are also beyond what we can explain or perceive in scientifically explain in our relative time and space.

But let’s look a little more into what each type of Clair is, what it’s called and a little more about it.

Clairvoyance (vision)

Well let’s start with Clairvoyance since this is probably the most heard of aspect.  Being Clairvoyant (having Clairvoyance ability) is to see more than everyone else.  Many Clairvoyant people receive visual information based on past, present and/or future and in a variety of circumstances and ways.  This can be done in a multitude of different ways from a literal higher vibrational frequency to be able to literally see more: into another realm, into the void, into other dimensions, into other states of time, into or beyond the veil etc..  Or it can be the gift of “inner sight” (more common) this is usually what people say is being perceived by “the mind’s eye” to form images or symbols mentally without the aid of physical eyes which is beyond what we can comprehend or explain currently due to our limitations of scientific explanation. 

Clairaudience (audio /hearing)

Clairaudience much like Clairvoyance only instead of visual its audial hearing sense which is the ability to hear on that higher frequency we mentioned.  This can be sound, words or unexplainable extrasensory noise.  It is what’s known as the gift of "inner ear".   There are some people who can literally pick up radio frequency in their heads, but I’m unsure that relates to Clairaudient people..  Clairaudient people can pick up this audio from sources beyond the physical here and now or mental tone which are then perceived without the aid of the physical ear hearing.

Clairsentience (sensation or feeling)

Clairsentients have the ability to perceive information by a "feeling" this is not to be confused with intuition.  Clairsentience is often more like the sense of emotion and can be experienced within the whole body, without any outer stimuli related to the feeling or information. (Also see clairempathy)

Clairscent (smelling)

Clairscent people have the ability to smell a fragrance/odour/smell of a substance when it isn’t around.  This is similar to having a memory and being able to smell a scent such as the way someone smelled, or flowers in a certain field without the scent being present only again this works on a higher frequency vibration to enable Clairscent. These smalls are perceived without the aid of the physical nose.

Clairtangency (touching)

Clairtangency, which is more commonly known as psychometry, is the ability to touch an object or an area and perceive through the palms of one's hands information about the article or its owner or history that was not previously known by the Clairtangent people.   This is similar and has associations with Clairvoyance but is specific in that the person needs to be holding/touching something to form a connection.

Clairgustance (tasting)

Clairgustance is the ability to taste a substance without anything being in or around your mouth.  It is similar to Clairscent but only tasting not smelling.   It is one of the more rarer Clairs but it’s said that people who possess this ability are able to perceive the essence of a substance from the spiritual or ethereal realms through taste.

Clairempathy (emotion)

Clairempathy is being able to connect emotionally or connecting to their energy.  It’s also known has being an Empath or having Empathic abilities (I’ll detail more about this in a moment).  Being an Empath / Clairempathy is being able to psychically tune into other peoples, animals and/or beings emotions and/or emotional experiences. Clairempathy is a type of telepathy to sense or feel within one's self, the attitude, emotion of another person or being. Empaths tune into the vibrations and "feel" the tones of the aura.  As said I will talk more about it further down in this blog.

Clair channel / Channelling

There are also others who have one or more of these abilities or none at all which are able to act as a conduit (sort of a conductor) for other people known as ‘Clair Channelling’ which is a person who allows their body to be used to increase the frequency or as a conductor.  I guess the best way I can make you understand this is similar to when a group of people sit in a circle holding hands and ask that an entity speaks or communicates through one of the group members.   

Clair Channel is a person who allows themselves to be used to bring information or healing energies to others. 

Empath

As mentioned Clairempathy (clear emotion) is being able to connect to other peoples, animals, or beings emotions or on an emotional level.  It is more commonly known as being an Empath, having Empathic abilities.  Since this is what I’m afflicted with (oh yes we don’t all see The Clairs as blessings and gifts) I wanted to talk about this more specifically and also how it can affect people, while I don’t (to my knowledge) experience any of the other Clairs on a frequent basis to say I have them.  I have always seen things, things which now I would possibly consider more as 'entities' than Clairvoyance but this is very rare I've had maybe 5 experiences and I'm 29 and sometimes I dream things that then happen or similar happens and I do get deja vu often.  Occasionally I smell things which make me think of past memories but I wouldn't say I'm Clairscent either.

Being an empath can cause you to be affected by other people’s energies and emotions.  Even adoption those moods, emotions and energies ourselves for example:  You’re happy and had a lovely day out and in a reasonably good mood, you come home and you can sense that your parents have been fighting they’re not talking to each other but you can feel the anger, the bitterness, the resentment.  Now by looking at your parents one is watching TV and the other reading a book and to anyone else this would seem like a normal situation but to an Empath you can feel the emotions being pushed upon you and even stat feeling in a foul mood, angry and bitter yourself for no other reason than these are strong emotions taking over your own so you perceive and feel their energies and emotions yourself.  – For me this is one reason why I avoid busy places, or going out (alongside my disabilities, illnesses and anxieties).  This makes Empaths sort of introverts.  Sadly the major downside is a lot of Empaths don't understand and try to block out these feelings and emotions and so turn to escapes such as addictions to try and block out these unwanted emotions such as having addictions to alcohol, drugs or even sex.

I mentioned before we like to be alone, introverts.  But while introvert implies we like to stay indoors we actually just prefer the peace and quiet it is also a connection to nature such as those silent woods or desolate calm beaches.  We have a high love for nature and also for animals.  We love our peace and quiet and go crazy if we don’t get our alone time – This is more present in children who may act out!  But we do love our adventures, freedom and it’s said that Empaths are free spirits. – This can also take its toll on us as we are not good at being bogged down with routine, rules and control as we find it boring and imprisoning.

Similarly to this we can also pick up phantom illnesses such as being around people who have flu we will feel all the symptoms and sickness without having any of the physical symptoms and/or sickness. Also it’s said that most Empaths have some kind of digestive disorders and/or lower back problems which can relate to the Solar Plexus Chakra (as it’s based in the centre of the abdomen and is known to be the Chakra of emotions).  Evidently this can also manifest into physical symptoms causing a weakening of the area, stomach ulcers, IBS and more actual illnesses (Yes your doctor can treat these ailments, but please don’t tell them you’re an Empath so you must have this, this and this wrong with you... For sure he will lock you up and throw away the key.. Ya loony! ;) lol!).  Speaking of health it’s said that Empaths are usually chubbier people as it’s believed that excess weight acts as a barrier to people’s negative emotions it can make it difficult to lose weight even if we’re not overeaters!! 

Empaths have that higher intuition of just knowing stuff without being told but it’s more than that and this can be attuned and worked with.  We even have the ability to be a human lie detector oh yes we know all about dishonesty more so than just that intuition or common sense.  We strive for truth, honesty and justice.  We also have a sever intolerance to narcissism yet we typically attract narcissistic people it’s like we’re a magnet and they’re just drawn to us.  Often we find ourselves in relationships with these people which is unhealthy we feel we want to help them and fix them though often they’re too broken and damaged even though they can’t help it.

It is often said that watching violence, cruelty or tragedy even on TV is unbearable due to the emotions attached to it.  Thankfully this is one of the many Empath traits I’m not afflicted by when it comes to fantasy / TV I’m able to separate the acting and pretence away from realism.  That said I am deeply affected by real violence, cruelty or tragedy etc and even the concept of.  This trait of being an Empath also makes us very aware and weary of others and therefore we tend to mother and protect others more especially those who may be suffering with emotional pains.  Empaths are said to be natural healers and very drawn to holistic therapies and all things metaphysical.  This can often make us a sounding board, shoulder to cry on and that punching bag for people to offload their problems onto you (even strangers).  Unfortunately this again plays on that aspect of adopting other people’s emotions, ailments and such.  Thankfully on the bright side this can make us have more addictive personalities and make us well liked people. 

Empaths are also very open to having their energies sucked from them by Psychic Vampires (99% of which don’t even realise they’re doing it!)  Because of all this heightened energy and emotions it’s often said that Empaths are usually plagued with fatigue, and most have illnesses like (FM) Fibromyalgia (I do) or (ME) Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.  Some of us can even become Psychic Vampires (also known as Energy Vampires) desperately in need to suck energy from others.  Plus oddly Empaths are usually more night creatures anyway!

It’s not all bad I promise, Empaths are said to be very creative types and are often at the forefront of anything creative such as arts and crafts, performing arts like singing, dancing, acting or even written arts such as journalist, bloggers and other writers too.  We’re said to have strong and vivid imaginations.  Plus a lot of this is a positive outlet for those emotions not to mention the healing it can give.  We’re also great daydreamers though sadly we can get bored easily without these creative outlets so mundane tasks, school and work if they’re not beaming with creativity it will take its toll and most of us find it impossible to do things we don’t enjoy.  We also crave knowledge we hate not knowing and so a lot of us love to research, learn and even teach.

Usually Empaths have a slight sense of Clairtangency (touching) and while they can’t associate a second hand object with its former life in the same sense as Clairtangency they tend to avoid second hand items (even cars and houses if they can financially afford to do so!) due to the emotional baggage and energies they carry.  - Though for me (and blog prompt 2) I learnt and use the other 3 C’s of Cleanse, Consecrate and well Charge..  Maybe not so much the ‘charge’ aspect but definitely the cleanse and consecrate as I’m actually a second hand, antique, charity shop / thrift store JUNKIE!!

Empaths are usually Vegetarian or Vegan and/or will only eat free-range as they sense energies in food especially of animals.  – I’m not one of these types.  Sorry.

When I first started looking into Empaths and Clairempathy I was very shocked that about 95% of the Empath traits were things I had and couldn’t explain, my characteristics, my hobbies and interests, my personality, my beliefs and the more I learnt and started adapting myself and learning how to control this the more it works in my favour (usually).  Therefore I suggest to anyone who has or thinks they have one or more of the Clair gifts to harness, embrace, learn and develop.  Don’t fear.  Don’t ignore.  And don’t try to force things you haven’t got.. In my opinion it’s just not going to happen for you.

I’m hoping that this blog gave you a little insight into the psychic world.  Soon I’ll be covering more on Divination and you definitely don’t need to be Psychic or have any of the Clair abilities but it would definitely help!!!!!!

 Side note.  – Note they’re not a common gift and it’s not all that common for people to have multiple Clairs but it’s not unheard of.  Not having any of these gifts doesn't make you any less of a Witch / Pagan etc.  But it does make you a fraudster and a charleton if you claim you have something you don't / can do something you can't.

Activity..

• Just like Clairempathy each of the Clairs have a lot more attributes, traits and characteristics research them.
• (Optional) in your own words on scrap paper, or in the Fb Group, write your thoughts and opinions, associations and your experiences with one or multiple of the Clairs. 
• (Optional) research some ‘famous’ psychic mediums who (claim to) have one or more of the Clair trates.
• (Optional) research Psychic/Energy Vampires.

Book Activity..

• (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.  Ie The Clairs and a basic summary of each.  I know that Clairempathy (because I have it) is Emotional based and that Clairvoyance is seeing and that Clairaudience is hearing and the rest I struggle remember which one is which let alone spell them!!  So like me write them in your book?

Interact with me Activity..

• Feel free to add any information you deem worthy, other forms of psychics.  How these affect your life and who you are, your thoughts (if you think it's a load of BS that's fine but please be respectful to other peoples!) Fb Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/ feel free to add any information you deem worthy..  
  
  
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Imogen x

Next weeks prompts No.12 -  Runes, Symbols, Sigils & Cyphers +Alphabet