WW. Lighting Charcoal Disc Tips!

I shared this on my Instagram @ www.instagram.com/missimoinsane

but I thought I would also share this here...

Few Tools & Tips For Lighting Charcoal Discs.

Tips for using charcoal discs. The ones I use are Sheesha hooka charcoal discs. I hold them with tweezers (mine are bent note), over a flameproof / fire resistant bowl like my cauldron, a dish, this silver leaf.. And above / placed upon salt, sand or a lot of ash (or in my case a mixture). I use regular lighters to light my discs and a pretty herb spoon (search AliExpress for tea spoons these ones are now less than 50p inc shipping!) used to place herbs on the disc once light. More tips would be you don't want hair or clothing anywhere near nor do you want to stand directly above as smoke can go in your eyes (even when you wear glasses) or be inhaled and that's not good.. Hope this helped!

REMEMBER ALWAYS PRACTICE 🔥 FIRE 🔥SAFETY!

Spoon - AliExpress years ago when they were £2-3 lol.

Lighter - pack of 5 for £1 from Poundland.

Tweezers - Set of 5 craft tweezers £1 from Poundland. (or a bit more on ebay)

Leaf bowl/dish - I found in charity shop for 50p YEARS ago and bought it as an offering dish originally.

Charcoal discs - I get on ebay in bulk.

*WW / MM. Vesta Powder - All about it.. + my recipe!

Vesta Powder

Named so and used in honour and in the name of the Roman goddess Vesta.

What is Vesta Powder? 

Also Known as Flash Powder / Chasing Powder.  Vesta Powder is an extremely flammable white powder.  Vesta Powder is very powerful so use it carefully and sparingly as a little goes a long way.  Saltpetre (aka salitre or potassium nitrate) is the active spark in Vesta Powder. Be sure you have plenty of ventilation and use with fire safety caution.  Vesta Powder is to be stored in a cool, dry and safe place away from heat.  Also keep away from children and animals. Note its toxic try not to touch / have skin contact..

How is Vesta Powder made?  

Recipe:
Version 1. Equal parts saltpetre & cornmeal Powder.
Version 2. Equal parts saltpetre & cornstarch Powder.
Version 3. Equal parts saltpetre & Powdered sugar (icing sugar).

{Anyway you start your magickal makings such as casting circle, invoking spiritual / divine aids, blessings, infusing your energy and intent etc.. before, during and after is down to how you work/practice.} 

In a clean glass container add equal parts of one of the above recipes (*eg. 1 teaspoon of both ingredients).  Mix well together using a clean tool such as herb spoon.  Use only a tiny pinch in flame-retardant pot such as cast iron cauldron.  Add more saltpetre if required but never more than half a part (*eg. Half of a teaspoon).

In my experience:

I purchase 100g Saltpetre from ebay uk seller tongmaster-seasonings http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Saltpetre-Top-Quality-Highest-Purity-Food-Grade-100g-For-Curing/222191240635 for £2.99 and also 100g Cornmeal from seller htl1112 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Grade-A-Premium-Quality-Cornmeal-Fine-Polenta-Ground-Powder-Select-Weight/272621930412 for £1.99 -  I have found 1.5 parts saltpetre to 1 part cornmeal works perfectly.  Mixed in a crystal, glass or metal bowl with smooth insides until the two parts form one non lumpy fine powder.  A small practice dedicated spoon or spatula to mix. And a clearly labelled jar to store.

How to use Vesta Powder?  

Burn it!  Always use fire safety and a long stick.  The Vesta Powder will explode with a quick flame and a fog of smoke fumes will quickly dispel any bad vibrations, spirits or evil influences. You can use charcoal tablets and a charcoal burner (cauldron).  Smaller amounts can be used to seal spells at the end of fire magick / cauldron spells.  Vesta Powder can be used to gain spiritual strength; place less than 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon of Vesta Powder in an incense burner or metal ash tray and light with a long match. 

What is Vesta Powder used for? 

·       Fire magick.
·       Used by burning to dispel evil, negativity, bad energies and bad vibrations...  
·       It can be burnt to clear the house of bad spirits / entities.  
·       Can be used to stop sexual frustrations or sexual tension.
·       Used as a sachet it is said to help present the illusion of the wearer`s youthfulness purity and innocence.  (flammable so I wouldn’t)
·       Sprinkle around the room prior to ritual to entice the flame of brightness. (flammable so I wouldn’t)
·       Used like dragons blood resin to empower things and give that additional energy kick.
·       As an incense to gain spiritual strength
·       Invoking / Working with Goddess Vesta
·       Invoking / Working with Goddess Hestia

Vesta Powder is used to honour and/invoke the goddess Vesta.  In magick you can ask her to aid you in your fire workings, though much more powerful if your working is to do with the hearth, home of family.  Vesta powered can be used without call for the goddess as an energy spark to increase the energy put out by your working or to seal your workings.

History!

Vesta: The Roman religion believed Vesta is the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family.  She was rarely depicted in human form, and was often personified by the fire of her temple in the Forum Romanum.  It was said that only her priestesses (the Vestals) were permitted into her temple and it was they who tended to the ‘sacred flame’ at the hearth of her temple.  In Roman times the people worshiped the goddess Vesta; in fact they considered her a guardian.  Each year one of the most important Roman festivals, Vestalia, was held between 7th – 5th June in her honour and the sacred flame of which she manifested herself.  It was rare she was seen in human form but most often in flame – this is also how she would also come to those in need of her aid especially with pregnancy. She was the daughter of Saturn and Ops, and sister of Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto, Juno, and Ceres. Her closest Greek equivalent is Hestia. 

Hestia: – In Ancient Greek religion Hestia was also known as the virgin goddess of the hearth, home and family as well as architecture.  In Greek mythology she is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea.  It was said that Hestia would receive the first offering at every sacrifice in the household.



BB Imogen 

WW. Skull Candle Magick - How to?

Using skull candles to change, influence, affect and/or open one's mind...

First, and most common, skull candles are used to change/affect/influence someone else's mind.  For example to make someone think about you, to make someone forget you, to aid someone's memory..  And more.

Second, and less common, skull candles can be used to make changes to your mind or thinking,  bring about something you want be it memory, mental behaviour change, make you forget or remember, bring about a mental clarity.  Show a mental/psychic link between you and another.

Using a colour representation of your choice.  Though typically they are

White - all purpose / positive.

Black - negative / dark / grounding.

Red - love / affection.

Green - money / prosperity

And so on. 

I make my own skull candles.  I have a variety of skull styles and sizes.. 

But purchased ones work too.

This is how I do it:

I put in thought about what it is I want to achieve (intention).  I will select relevant herbs, oils, stones and/or other objects to infuse into my wax while melting prior to pouring.  - If you purchase your candle make sure you cleanse and consecrate, think about your intention, select the previous mentioned items to add later. 

Once the candle is made, set and ready.  {Some people like to blindfold the skull candle, so the unknowing intended can not see who is doing this working or what has been done!} 

Carve into the bottom creating a well.  This is where items can be placed..  (also known as loaded / loading candles.)  Such as writing the intention on paper 3 times folding it up and placing it inside - with the name of the person/people it's regarding and/or a photo.. description and/or personal items such as hair, fingernails, or something generally belonging to that person.  (optional add the previously mentioned to a bought candle or more herbs, oils and/or other items to a self made).  Take the removed wax and cover the well in the bottom of the candle.  Seal it all back up.  (optional.  carve the name and/or intention into the side, front or back of the skull. - most people choose back for doing working on others as they can't see the back of their head!)

Meditate, praying, ritual, spell or whatever feels right to you to add your energy, intentions and perhaps additional oils into the candle each night for a week.  Pay attention to moon phase new moon will be great for new things and positive improvements, leading up to the full moon will work best with bringing and building up positive such as making someone come to you, improving memory, aiding with mental health improvements..  The full moon is more or less an all rounder for workings of both kinds.  Leading away from the full moon works best for banishing and getting rid of negative energies, bad relationships, aiding in ending bad thoughts, removing and all those types of workings - at least in my experience and from most things I've read.

Once the 7 nights has passed or the relevant number that feels right to you or the night that corresponds best for you.. Such as there may be a night that is the perfect moon phase, it's in the person's star sign, it has all the relevant astrological aspects and requirements this would be much stronger to do on night 3 than wait until night 7 when the moon is in the wrong phase, it's astrological ratios don't corresponds with you/the intended or otherwise..  So work with what is best to suits. 

Upon the burning night you will want to (if you didn't before you might want to engrave the candle - such as the name of the intended,  usually I wait until this stage as a final this is my intention step) then dress the candle with oils, anointing. Add herbs if you so wish.  Place on a candle stand in a fire safe bowl adding sand and/or salt to the bowl for grounding and additional fire protection. 

State again what your intentions and requirements are for this candle and its contents; once again reaffirming your goals three times.

Light the candle and meditate over the flame.  Let the candle flame completely burn out.  Do not interfere with the flame.  You can put your hands around the outside of the candle a good 4-6" away making sure your skin and clothes are not near the flame.  Stare into the flame and scry or meditate while repeating the desired intention.

HERE IS A GREAT VISUAL WALKTHROUGH BY YOUTUBER Madame Pamita

(click for youtube version)

Once the flame burns out you may have seen a vision in the flame, any smoke from the paper or items, the candle may have only half burnt for example only burnt down the right side of the skull.  Look into those correspondences.. 

- Left hemisphere processes linear and sequence.  It's also the side of the brain that processes verbal information such as speech. Logical. Analytical. Objective.  (so the answer you seek may be in talking, or taking a more logical or objective approach) etc.. 

- Right hemisphere is more creative. Intuitive. Thoughtful. Subjective. (so the answer you may see may be in a creative outlet or take time to be thoughtful and perhaps meditate on the subject.  Or take into consideration that person's thoughts and what could be in their mind) etc..

Delving further into left brain, right brain functions and characteristics. Or associations. May reveal some answers.  In other situations it's a case of allowing that intent to be taken into the air, into energy force and put out those desired intentions and wait.  Not everything is black and white and you don't you get answers at once or even how you may expect.

Once done the remaining contents should be disposed of.  Correctly..

-Negative / neutral / bad energy working such as banishing or removing - toss it away in the bin, bury it at sea or generally take away from your home...

-Positive / invoking / good energy workings bury in your garden, reform into a wearable charm (such as in a vial), bury in a plantpot in your house, keep in a jar under your bed...

Another video by  Madame Pamita to get rid of spell remains https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKA1xwqgV84

My latest experience 1st August 2017 (Blessed Lammas wishes today.)

Me I have no problem sharing this.  Tonight I put out my intentions between me and this other person and during burning I got a phone call out the blue from said person and while the candle was still burning down the right side.  We discussed our situation at hand.  And while my intention was that I wanted things to either move on and progress and develop now or end and be done with because we seem to have been at this stalemate for months where we just 'are' and it's not healthy.  As the conversation turned so did the candle as the majority right side burnt away with the paper that oddly didn't smoke or behave like burning paper at all.  Sadly it seems this has taken a turn for the worst of the two and it would appear it is the end of that relationship, I could be wrong.  But at least it is a development and not just same thing different day...  I wonder how this will unfold.

Imogen xo


2-3 Hours later (update) 
So tonight is riddled with emotional Magick. I did said skull candle spell I've been working on a while and tonight is burn night. The intention was to influence my boyfriend (long distance) to either make the effort to come see me NOW or break up with me. During the first 5 minutes he called... (out the blue) and we talked - we broke up. I'm very sad but at least it's progress one way or another.. Trying to get 'ok' with it by basically blogging and focusing on learning new things. I went to make a cup of tea and that exact area where I was sat doing the skull candle before I found a black craft feather!! I have absolutely no idea where it has come from!! No clue!! So I Googled the meaning of 'black feathers' which apparently means a spirit is watching over me and I am protected and loved and/or a sign of clarity that I'm on the right path. Now I feel somewhat emotional... Shaking.. Actually. 

Back feather meaning http://www.wishingmoon.com/what-do-black-feathers-mean/

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

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

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

© Imogen Cane - missimoinsane 2016

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

PERFECT!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imogen x

 - Exploring what's in my head.

www.missimoinsane.webs.com 


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

WW. Lesson: Finding 'My' Element.

Hi everyone,

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

What are the Elements? 

(Please note this information is valuable).

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

What Element am I?

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

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

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

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

How do I find my Element?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have my element, now what?

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

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

Challenge:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imogen xo