BoS Prompts 19: Starting to learn ie Stones & Herbs etc..

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

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Prompt 19. Sunday 8th April 2018 - The 19th prompt will be..  Starting to learn ie Stones & Herbs etc..

First let me say I hope you all had a very blessed Ostara (Spring Equinox) and a Happy Easter!!  I'm already loving the springtime!

Through out this series of blog posts (Book of Shadows / Grimoire Prompts) I seem to have been asked the same one question, or similar question, multiple times over.  “How do you learn stones?” “How do you learn herbs?”  So I thought I would interject this series and add this blog in to help people with that.  - Doesn't matter if you're brand new or the wisest crone I'm sure you can learn something from these posts..

First note there’s no right or wrong way.  Also if you haven’t read the blog I wrote that includes the basic and key information about ‘Herbs and Stones’ you really should go read that first.

So as said there’s multiple methods..  For a lot of us we will never know every stone name, use, values, properties and such for nor herb for that matter.  There’s a great number of books including encyclopedias, bibles and other directories which hold great details on stones and herbs their properties and uses etc..  Alongside buying some of these books, the internet is an amazing resource.  BUT you might want to learn the basics of say 10 or so of the more commonly used ones, or that you would use most in your practices.  Eg. White Sage, Rosemary, Patchouli, Lavender etc..  Clear quartz, Malachite, Amethyst, Rose Quartz etc..  Just to name a few.

So here’s some of the methods I use (but there’s others).

Stones.

For the purpose of this blog when I say Stone I’m referring to all stones, semi precious and precious rocks, gems, crystals etc..

Now purchase yourself one of each of the stones you’d like to learn (if you don’t already have one/them) this can be online (such as ebay) – where one will be sent at random OR if you can get yourself to a shop and choose one that feels right to you even better!!  Although a lot of people say the stone chooses you not you choosing the stone!!  Note it doesn’t matter the size.  Although when starting out you don’t want to spend silly money on these things; as it might not be for you!  Note it's been said that some stones just don't work for some people.  Some times it's that particular stone and other times it's that particular type of stone.  There are always multiple stones that can be used the the same purpose!

Now you have your stone (feel free to Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge – a lot of people will have been handling the stones no matter where you got it from!  You can move on..

Some people choose to spend a few days with no real knowledge of a stone and try it out try sensing it’s vibrations and qualities, what feelings you get when holding it in your right or left hand, sleeping with it etc.. (write them down).  Other people jump right in at the beginning..  Either way if you spent a few days getting a feel for the stone (note you might have multiple stones but try to learn only one at a time).  Once you’re ready a great way to learn a stone is to spend a week with it!!  Look in books and online to get as much KEY information about that particular stone..  You don’t necessarily need to know its origins or how it’s farmed or made etc.  Although that information can be highly interesting I especially love the history and legend of The Apache Tear Stone.  But knowing things like..

• ·       What is this stone primarily used for in holistic healing?
• ·       Does this stone belong to one of the Chakra points?
• ·       Does this stone have a zodiac sign associated with it?
• ·       Does this stone feel hot or cold?
• ·       What are the metaphysical / magical uses?
• ·       Is this stone affected by Sun or Water (some stones can be damaged!!)

..You have the basics?  You wrote them down?  Good from here you can start practicing with it..  Try carrying the stone around on your person, try sleeping with it under your pillow, try out some workings which would include that stone, what feelings do you get..  If the stone is water tolerant what happens if you put it in a glass of water and then drink the water?  If it’s a stone that helps with say creativity do you notice your creativity enhanced?  A stone that aids with anxieties do you notice a decrease in your anxiety? – Note these things don’t always work straight away but really strong connections to stones may mean that stone is definitely one you’ll find yourself working with more often than not.

Continue your studies, and your regular life..  and see what happens.  There’s nothing wrong with spending more or less time with a stone..  It’s completely your choice.  Then move on to the next stone and repeat.

Note.  Getting to know stones, even if you don’t remember everything about them locks into your subconscious.  You may later find yourself writing a spell, ritual or working of some kind and find yourself reaching for that particular stone even though you can’t remember its properties though upon research that stone may be perfect.  Don’t shrug off that inner voice.

Storing your stones..  I keep my main ones an my alatar.  They’re the first of each that I got since starting my practice and so I keep them in a glass on my God side of my altar and/or placed around my center pentagram (see yesterdays Instagram post here https://www.instagram.com/p/BhP5wQrAD7w/?taken-by=missimoinsane) I keep the other stones I buy that I use in workings and then throw away or are permanently in the working such as a witches ball, in candles that are kept or gifted, in offerings or offering stones, in mojo or medicine bags, in manifestation box etc..  Some people keep them wrapped in silks, individual bags, in thimble display cases, shelves, around their home, in bowls and so on..

Buying your stones..  an idea for buying stones to use in workings is to buy chip stones, small bottled stones and/or beads of the stones you wish to use.  This can be cost effective while still giving your workings the same properties and powers.  Just a thought.  Also look out for deals I know a lot of ebay shows do 3 for 2 type offers.

Stones can be reused such as cleansed by the full moon's light, if they’re tolerant to water you could wash them with salt water or bury them in the ground for a night and a day..  There are multiple ways you can cleanse, consecrate and charge your stones.

Herbs.

For the purpose of this blog when I say Herb I’m referring to all herbs, spices, fungus, flowers and plants (flora) etc..  As well as resin, bark, powders and even oils (essential oils) etc..

Learning herbs can be very similar to learning Stones.  A lot of people do that getting to know it before actually studying about it which is great but I must advise some herbs (when touched, ingested, burned etc) are poisonous to humans and/or animals.  I always do my research before buying any herbs and bringing them into my home.

Again like stones buy some of the herbs you’d like to learn; again this can be online (such as ebay) assuming you don’t raid the kitchen cupboards, grocery store or your garden, nearby woods or other nature places).  Note it doesn’t matter the size/amount but you’ll want enough to do a few practice workings..  Unlike stones herbs can’t be reused unless it’s within the same working (such as you might use them in a blessing ritual which you then anoint your candle and roll it in the herbs and the remaining herbs you put into an incense especially for that particular spell or type of spell then of course..

Now you have your herb (feel free to Cleanse, Consecrate and Charge – a lot of people will have been handling the herbs no matter where you got them from!) you can move on..

Some people as mentioned choose to spend a few days with no real knowledge of the herb and try it out try sensing it’s vibrations and qualities, what feelings you get when holding it, sleeping with it etc.. (write them down).  PLEASE REMEMBER WHAT I SAID ABOUT POISONOUS ONES!!  MOST DIRECTORIES ETC WILL TELL YOU IF THEY ARE POISONOUS – BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CHECK ONLINE SOME WEBSITES A DEDICATED TO POISONOUS FOR HUMAN, CAT, DOG ETC..  Other people jump right in at the beginning..  Either way if you spent a few days getting a feel for the herb..

Repeating everything I said you’d do for stones..

Storing your herbs..  I keep mine mostly in glass jars/bottles/tubes – or in foil bags in boxes (mostly).  I then keep these in a dry dark place.  Note I find it important to keep my magickal practice herbs and my kitchen herbs separate (just encase of cross contamination).

Buying your herbs..  While buying in bulk is somewhat cheaper note these things do have an expiration date.  So if you buy a few kilo’s of say jasmine make sure that’s something you’ll use within say 12 months.  You don’t want to find you still have practically a full bag four years down the line.  Sometimes a small amount will go a long way and you don’t need to buy much more than a sample bag.

Conclusion. 

I hope that’s given you some ideas for how you can learn herbs and stones.  Some people literally buy a bunch of stuff as a spell / working that requires a specific type of herb or stone and then learn them there and then or at least research enough to make sure it’s something you’re wanting to work with.  Which isn’t a bad way either although it’s good to keep a supply of the basics just in case.  You don’t want to find yourself requiring items for a spell on Friday which the online stores won't ship till Monday and it’s practically a week before you can do the working you wanted to do right away!

A better understanding of herbs and stones means that if you come across a spell that requires eg. White sage for purification but it’s hard to find that where you live or you just burnt your last leaf this morning but you have a bunch of frankincense resin or palo santo wood..  You’re in luck as you’ll know it’s possible to substitute the white sage for either of these two (for example).  – Meaning you can do your working now.  I love to customise workings by using what I have or what I feel connected too that will still work.  The same can be said for substituting other items such as candles.  But that’s now treading on the toes of next week’s blog focus “how to write your own spells and workings!”

Activity..

• Buy a stone / herb and follow the above practice (you don't want to do multiple stones and herbs at the same time nor one of each at the same time..  simply study one item at a time!)
• (Optional) Expand this study to other items..

Book Activity..

• (Optional) Copy down any information from above you think you will find useful.. and/or any further information you find out.
• (Optional) Write down the stone / herb properties of your most used stones / herbs.

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

Sunday April 15th's prompts No.20 -  Writing Spells (and other workings)

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. Manifestation Box - About them!!

Manifestation box also known as a Creation Box, Dream Box, Wish Box, Intentions Box and probably a few other names..

The concept behind it being you have a box/container that closes (made of any material, I chose wood as it's more natural) - decorated if/as you wish.  Usually a power sentiment (see below *) inscribed in the lid (or anywhere on the box..  It's your box!) and then items you feel correspond with your desires put in this box.  That then is you dedicating a physical item to your requirement and in turn sending out your intentions, desires, wishes etc out to the universe to manifest, attract, make happen, achieve, grow, recieve, continue to have, build etc.  Shut those contents away, allow them to be forgotten and allow it to manifest (show, grow, appear, become seen) over time.  These items can be stones, charms, jewellery, materials, hair, something belonging to someone, a photo or simply write it on a piece of paper - words hold a lot of power.

Some of my first things were:

• A silver coloured coin (10p) to attract money/wealth or at least not lose it.
• NUMBER 10: Number ten carries the energies of both the number 1 and the number 0. Number 10 resonates with the vibrations and energies of leadership, optimism, confidence, independence, creative powers, success, energy, originality, adaptability, determination and individuality.
• NUMBER 1: The number one is individualistic and independent, showing leadership and drive. The 1 is masculine, focused, an originator and self-starter; it is also progressive, strong-willed, courageous, self-reliant and rebellious (in a constructive way).
• NUMBER 0: The zero is the infinite perfection of our Divine Creator, and represents a connection with God. The number 0 is symbolized by a perfect circle without beginning and end. It is both nothing and everything, the Alpha and the Omega.
• SILVER: Is healing and also represents The Moon and The Goddess.  Color Meaning: Meaning of The Color Silver is associated with meanings of industrial, sleek, high-tech, and modern, as well as ornate, glamourous, graceful, sophisticated, and elegant. Silver is a precious metal and, like gold, often symbolizes riches and wealth.
• COIN: Symbolises money, wealth, fair, token,value..
  
  
• A piece of rose quartz to attract love or keep being loved.
• Rose Quartz - Love, Self-love, Family, Platonic Love/Friendship, Romance, Heart Chakra, Balances yin and yang, restoring harmony after emotional wounding, lowers Stress and Soothes, Happiness/Joy, Healing, Love Healing. 

• A pentagram charm to keep me on my path..
• The Pentagram is a symbol of a star encased in a circle. Always with 5 points (one pointing upward), each point has its own meaning. The upward point of the star is representative of the spirit. The other four points all represent an element; earth, air, fire, and water. - Typically a Wiccan / Pagan symbol.

That is but a few things I have done!  I love symbolism and putting thought into things but it really doesn't need to be as complex as I make things..  Here's some ideas for YouTuber ' ThatRobynGirl ' of what you could put in your box https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD2ijZI27bc


Here's my box..

Supplies I used to make my box..

• A small screwdriver set (optional)
• Paint brushes / sponges
• A paintable box
• Some acrylic paint (your choice of colour / colours)
• Hardware spray paint (optional)
• Clear gloss/satin/matte sealer/lacquer (optional but recommended)
• Alphabet stickers & tweezers  (optional)
• A marker
• Drafts pieces / feet (optional)
• Hot glue gun
• Fabric such as crushed velvet (optional) 
  +cardboard/stock 
  +ruler
  +pencil 
  +scissors 
• You may want to add other decorative items.

* Inscribed sentiment..  On the box lid, write, paint, emboss, burn or otherwise place a phrase such as:

• • “Whatever is Contained in This Box.. IS"
• • “That Which is Contained Within: IS”
• • “Thoughts Become Things”
• • “Wishes Come True”

or some other present tense sentiment..

How to Make Your Own Manifestation box, what I did:

1. I go my box in a lot on ebay, but most places that sell craft supplies should stock them.  Some may need sanding!
2. I took one of the small screwdrivers and removed the hardware (optional).
3. I measured the inside rectangle length and width of the box.
4. I used a brush and painted the whole box metallic black to absorb positive energies and repel negative ones.  (2-3 coats!)
5. I spray painted the antique bronze coloured hardware and the white drafts pieces silver and let these dry. (Not the screws).  Once dried I clear satin lacquered to protect them.
6. While the box was drying I used the measurements to cut down a cereal box to size.  Hot glued my crushed velvet around it.  Then hot glued it into the box once the box was dry.
7. I then took the lid and on the inside I chose my sentiment, Alphabet stickers and placement.  Carefully, using tweezers and my nails, I stuck each character down..  (This took longer than everything else put together to do!) ..once happy I clear satin lacquered to protect them.  - Instead of alpha stickers you could use marker and just write the sentiment.
8. I glued on the feet.
9. Reassembled the box with its painted hardware.  I then used a silver sharpie to colour the heads of the screws.
10. Done. 

Imogen x

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/

* WW: Zener Cards - About and Use.

"What are Zener cards and How do we use them?"

Background: In my 15 years or so of practice and study I've never heard of Zener cards until I received some in a magazine subscription.  I asked around and no one seem to have a clue either so I did the research..  I read the magazines, looked online and well I thought I'd post my findings for other people.  So first off.. If anyone in the UK and has been collecting the Enhancing Your Mind Body Spirit magazines by DeAgostini they may have come across Zener cards OR if you've been watching my unboxings of the monthly magazine subscription I post on my YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/c/imogenakamissimoinsane you'll have seen I now have the full deck.  

So.. What are they?

- A basic deck consists of 25 cards with identical backs (much like playing cards, tarot, oracle etc).  The 25 card deck includes 5x 5 different shapes (usually square, triangle, cross, wave and circle) and these cards are also 5x 5 colours (one shape per colour).

What are they for?

- Zener cards are used to test and improve your psychic intuition, abilities and enhance your ESP (Extrasensory Perception also known as Extrasensory Perception and Telepathy).

How are they used?

- Do whatever it is you do to connect with cards or other divination tools such as tarot and oracle cards.  This may range and include (but not exclusive to) smudging, sleeping with the cards under your pillow for 7 nights, studying the cards, asking for guidance from Deities, Spirits, Angels or other beings and/or energies etc..  Or whatever it is you do to connect.

- Before the session you may wish to shuffle the cards face down much like you would do with any other unmarked cards.

- Move on to meditating, cleansing, special dress robe, ritual, lighting candles, asking for guide help and/or casting circles, or any other techniques used or tools to get you in that psychic zone ready for divination.  (Always use protection when evoking spirits and other beings). 

- Once ready turn the deck over.  Really focus on each card one at a time. Some people like to trace the outline of the shape with their index finger of their dominant hand while repeating (silently or out loud) the shape, or the colour and shape of that card over and over to really familiarise yourself with each unmarked card.  

- Once you have done this with each card turn them back away from you and again shuffle the deck while thinking about the cards as you shuffle.  Alongside this you may wish to repeat the colours and shapes, any chants, prayer or anything you deem helpful to aid your connection. 

- Once you feel ready you may stop shuffling the cards.  And draw one card (still with the back of the card facing you).  Beginners can focus on just the card shape to start with "guessing" that shape that's on the card - ok ok psychologically linking with the card to predict the shape. Repeat this process of drawing and predicting card after card.  (Optional write down your predictions and why you think that and then underneath the outcome and any thoughts you may have!) Building up that psychic intuition over time you can then move on to colour, mixing it up with colour or shape or indeed more advanced predicting both colour and shape.

Why would you use them?

- Now I could be wrong but seemingly the only real function, and don't get me wrong because it is a huge and awesome function, is to enhance your ESP abilities as mentioned earlier.

Food for thought:

Note. This can also be done with spirit working and connecting with them for them to aid you in your predictions.  - Always use protection!

Note. Making a Zener deck yourself would be very easy to do.  25 identical pieces of card, 5 different coloured pens and draw the 5 shapes; one with each pen.

Note. Like any divination this takes time and practice to build up the skill.  Not all divinations are for everyone.  While some people may excel in Zener they may lack at dowsing or tarot or runs or scrying etc.. Also equally it could be vice versa for any divination..

What is the meaning of Divination?

- The practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means (Google Dictionary).

🖤 Imogen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Mermaid representation or offerings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🖤 Imogen xo

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