WW: Pumpkin Spice Mix: Magickal Properties, Health Benefits and Possible Side Effects.

Disclaimer:  I wish to dedicate and reference that the majority of this blog post was directly copied, pasted and altered from http://www.witchipedia.com of whom I’m issuing full credit for this particular blog post.  That said all the facts: including the additional sourced information from other sites, google, my personal library and information from my personal Book of Shadows and my experience all coincide and backup the information from witchipedia as well as enhance and compliment their information with further information which I have shared blelow.  - I always credit my sources when possible.  The purpose of this blog entry is not for profit, it is not to steal their information but it is to bring knowledge and information to you.  I hope this helps!!

-        Imogen xo

Magickal, Health Benefits and Negative Side Effects of Pumpkin Spice Mix.

Assuming you didn’t think pumpkin spice was made from actual pumpkin then you may or may not know that it is is a blended mix made up of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice and Ground Clove.  So I thought I would look at SOME of the health benefits, magickal properties and real possible side effects:

Cinnamon

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:cinnamon

Magickal properties:

• Cinnamon is associated with the element of fire and the sun. 
  
  
• Cinnamon is commonly used in incense.
  
  
• Cinnamon can be burned to cleanse, smudge and/or sanctify an area, room or object.
  
  
• Burning cinnamon can increase the spiritual "mood", aid in healing spells or in healing in general.
  
  
• Cinnamon oil (inc diluted essential oil) may be used to anoint objects during blessing and protection rituals.
  
  
• Cinnamon can be used in love spells and to make charms to draw love, happiness, and money.
  
  
• Cinnamon can be used in any fire spells or to add heat.
  
  
• Cinnamon can be used in money spells.

Health properties:

• Cinnamon is one of the go to spices for upset stomachs and stomach problems, including car sickness and morning sickness.  Also for digestive problems, including gas, vomiting and diarrhea.
  
  
• Cinnamon can be used in teas and other beverages when a warming affect is desired such as in the Autumn/Winter months.
  
  
• Cinnamon is also useful in combination beverages as it stimulates the action of other herbs and spices.
  
  
• A cup of cinnamon tea after dinner is said to stimulate digestion and help regulate blood sugar.
  
  
• Cinnamon oil (not essential oil) can be applied to a toothache to deaden the pain (much like clove oil; but it is not as effective as clove oil).

Negative side effects / warnings:

• Women who are pregnant should not ingest large amounts of cinnamon as it can endanger the pregnancy.
  
  
• Over-chewing of cinnamon gum can deaden the nerves of the mouth and cause inflammation.
  
  
• Cinnamon should not be applied topically (to the skin) as it is considered a dermal toxin and it is extremely irritating to mucus membranes in particular.
  
  
• 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.

Ginger

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:ginger

Magickal properties:

• Ginger is associated with the element of fire and the sun.
  
  
• Ginger is energetic and fiery and adds power to any magical activity.
  
  
• Ginger is used in spells to "speed things up" or to cause plans to come to fruition quickly.
  
  
• Ginger can also be used in spells to add passion to an existing relationship.

Health properties:

• Ginger is a great boost for the immune system and is great for any cold conditions associated with shivering. Such as low grade fever or walking home from the bus stop in the rain. Or those Autumn/Fall months.
  
  
• The most common use for ginger in healing is the treatment of upset stomach. Ginger tea, ginger ale, candy, tablets, and the curiously strong ginger Altoids are often kept on hand for sour stomachs, morning sickness and car sickness. It is also used to help combat nausea associated with chemotherapy. Studies have shown similar results between ginger and over the counter medicines for treating nausea. (These contain sugar and phosphoric acid and coloring, which is pretty much Caffeine Free Coca Cola. You decide.) People who tend to have sensitive stomachs and indigestion may find relief by developing the habit of drinking a cup of ginger tea after each meal.
  
  
• Ginger is also a noted anti-inflammatory agent. You can eat ginger candy or apply fresh slices of ginger directly to the affected area.
  
  
• Ginger has also been rumoured to help fight cholesterol and to prevent blood clots. Some research also suggests that ginger has cancer fighting properties.

Negative side effects / warnings:

• Too much Ginger can stimulate your stomach too much and lead to indigestion and gassiness, so moderation is advised.
  
  
• Blood thinner and should not be taken by anyone on blood thinning medications or with bleeding disorders.
  
  
• Pregnant women shouldn't use huge amounts of ginger for a long period of time because it can irritate the abdominal area. To reduce danger, use only fresh ginger rather than dried ginger.

Nutmeg

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:cinnamon

Magickal properties:

• A whole nutmeg seed can be carried to bring luck during all games of chance from cards to Bingo to roulette. This effect is greatly enhanced by creating an amulet of the seed by drilling a hole in the nutmeg and filling it with Mercury and then stopping up the hole with wax or glue or by carrying the seed wrapped in green cloth (or both).
  
  
• Nutmeg can also be carried as a charm to encourage a favorable decision in court cases and success in other legal matters. Wrap it in a purple cloth or string it on a purple string for this purpose.
  
  
• A Nutmeg in the pocket will also help to ensure good luck while traveling.
  
  
• An old Creole spell suggests that sprinkling nutmeg in a woman's shoe at midnight will encourage her to fall madly in love with you. Other ways of using nutmeg to encourage another's love is to share a beverage flavored with nutmeg with them, or to wear a fragrance featuring nutmeg oil.
  
  
• Nutmeg can be added to beverages drunk before meditation and divination to enhance clairvoyance and clear sight and to encourage visions. A massage oil containing nutmeg essential oil or nutmeg butter may also be rubbed into the temples for the same purpose.
  
  
• Nutmeg essential oil is an ingredient in Money Drawing Oil which can be used to anoint candles and other items during spell work aimed at bringing money to the household. Powdered nutmeg can also be added to money drawing powders which can be sprinkled over coals, candles and other items during money drawing spells.
  
  

Health properties:

• For the stomach: Nutmeg encourages the appetite and aids digestion. It reduces gas and excess acid and eases cramping associated with diarrhea, relieving many sources of stomach discomfort.
  
  
• Nutmeg is calming and can help ease you into a gentle sleep. Try it sprinkled into a cup of warm milk sweetened with honey.
  
  
• Nutmeg butter may be added to salves for the relief of minor skin irritations and for rheumatic rubs.

Negative side effects / warnings:

• Use caution with nutmeg as it can cause hallucinations if used in large amounts and can be toxic. Doses larger than 1 tsp are not recommended. Pregnant women should not use nutmeg medicinally.
• Fatal.
• Not to be taken with antidepressants.

Allspice

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:allspice

Magickal properties:

• Allspice is associated with the element of fire and the planet Mars. It is masculine in nature, very manly. Use to honor very virile and powerful male archetypes.
  
  
• Allspice is very uplifting and increases energy and determination making it useful in many different types of spells, especially healing spells.
  
  
• The dried berries, oil, or allspice incense can be burned to aid in spells for attracting money and/or luck. The berries can also be added to sachets for attracting the same.
  
  
• Allspice is useful in all healing mixtures.

Health properties:

• Allspice can be used in a paste to soothe toothache (much like cloves) and a mouthwash to freshen breath. It stimulates the gastro-intestinal tract, so it can be used in teas to encourage the appetite or aid in digestion. Allspice can also be added to tonics and purgatives. Two or three drops of the essential oil with some sugar has been used to cure flatulence.
  
  
• Allspice is also listed as a rubefacient, which means that it increases circulation to the skin, so it can be used in treating acne and cold limbs. Allspice contains tannins, which provide a mild anesthetic making it useful for the treatment of arthritis and sore muscles either in a soak or a poultice.

Negative side effects / warnings:

• Insufficient evidence suggests that Allspice may cause Intestinal gas, Indigestion, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Fever, Flu, Colds, Heavy menstrual bleeding.

Cloves

Looking for more information?  Why not check out: http://www.witchipedia.com/herb:cloves

Magickal properties:

• Cloves are masculine in nature and aligned with the planet Jupiter and the element of fire.
  
  
• Used in magick to attract good luck and prosperity, to keep good friends close, and to help stop malicious gossip. Burn to prevent people from spreading rumors about you or push the cloves into a red candle and burn that.
  
  
• To keep friendships strong, make each friend a cloth bag with seven cloves inside. Wear always.
  
  
• Cloves can be added to money drawing and good luck mojo bags for gamblers and clove oil can be added to oils for similar purpose.
  
  
• Cloves have been used as an aphrodisiac. Simply infuse cloves into wine or apple cider to enjoy its effects.
  
  

Health properties:

• Clove oil (not essential oil) has long been an essential part of the herbal first aid kit. It is both antibacterial and anesthetic. Rub the oil directly on your gums to numb a toothache.
• Clove oil helps stimulate circulation to the skin. It can be added to warming massage oils and dabbed on acne to encourage healing.
• Use clove buds in a tea to improve digestion, prevent and relieve flatulence and relieve nausea and diarrhea. It is also lovely steeped in milk, wine or juice with a cinnamon stick for these purposes.
• Test a drop of clove oil on the inside of your elbow to ensure you are not sensitive to it.

Negative side effects / warnings:

• Common side effects of topically applied clove may include: erection problems, trouble having an orgasm (delayed ejaculation), itching, rash, mild skin irritation, sore gums, mouth irritation, bleeding or swollen gums, or tooth changes after using clove inside the mouth.
  
  
• Inhaling smoke from clove cigarettes or injecting clove oil into the veins unsafe and can cause side effects such as breathing problems and lung disease.
  
  
• Dried clove can also cause mouth sensitivity and irritation, as well as damage to dental tissues.
• In children, clove oil is likely to be unsafe for use. It can cause severe side effects such as seizures, liver damage, and fluid imbalances.
• Shouldn't be used by women who are pregnant and/or breast-feeding despite it's said to be safe there is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking clove in medicinal doses if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  
  
• Bleeding disorders: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that taking clove oil might cause bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
  
  
• Surgery: Clove oil contains a chemical called eugenol that seems to slow blood clotting. There is a concern that it might cause bleeding during or after surgery. Stop using clove at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

BoS Prompt 23: Where and What Supplies to buy!

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 23. Sunday 23rd September 2018 - The 23rd prompt will be..  Where and What Supplies to buy!

Supplies I’m back!  I mean surprise!!  But this particular blog entry is going to be about Supplies..  What I use and where I get it from..!!  And perhaps even why!!

Full disclaimer 1.  You absolutely do not need to buy anything to practice Magick, Witchcraft, any form of Paganism such as Wicca, Druidry, Shamanism etc.  These are all Earth Based Religions / Practices / Faiths etc meaning that our ancestors wouldn’t have gone out and purchased their tools and supplies; in fact most of them couldn’t afford to!  Supplies were picked and grown from our lands while tools would have been shaped, carved and created from trees, bone, antler, clay etc.   Although granted some would have been traded or purchased.  - I am in no way encouraging you to spend money.  2. I’m from England UK and so I will try and reference international sources but keep that in mind.

I have been asked by a few people on Facebook, Instagram and a few other Social Media haunts as to where I get my supplies from..  What I use, how I got my Altar and how I have accumulated so much stuff…  Do I use it all?  Absolutely not!  But I’m a creature of hoarding, collecting and materialistic things – especially if I can find them very inexpensively, make them myself or support independent businesses.  - Though I am no stranger to chain stores etc either.

Since magick is all around us everywhere and in everything we are not restricted to how we practice nor what we use..  Although that said let's take a look at some of the more common tools and supplies aka the "basics"?!!

First I'll look at more stereotypical witchy items and then Wiccan and then a few other general items you may wish to practice with..  

So when we think of witches aside from the typical crooked nose, warts and green skin we also picture the conical hat, besom (or broom as it's more commonly known), a cat or other witches familiar, spell book, cauldron and perhaps a few other noticeables such as a black cloak or cape, potion bottles, spell ingredients such as frogs legs and eye of newt etc.  So let's break down some of these more stereotypical witches items; though while I can't do much for your completion I'm sure there's some interesting makeup or special fx gurus on youtube who will aid you in the tips and tricks of cosmology..  So let's look at the more material things shall we.. 

Besom/Broom:  The besom as I said a besom is more commonly known as a broom or a witch's broom.  These items are much more symbolic or for metaphysical use than literally functional.  They are very much traditionally made brooms made for sweeping though these brooms are more for sweeping away negative energies and to cleanse a space spiritually /magickally / metaphysically than it is for literally sweeping dirt.  (SPOILERS!) Besoms/brooms are also noted as the witch’s mode of transport however I don't personally know any that actually fly!!   Besoms can also be purchased around Halloween, at specialist stores including Etsy.com and some antique shops or made yourself – I made mine from upcycled Poundland Halloween costume props and a large fallen branch I obtained in the woods.  Besoms are also incorporated into some wedding or handfasting ceremonies and/or ritualistic dance and traditions.

Cat/Familiar:   A cat or other witches familiar I have done a blog covering this so will link it HERE.  Essentially a pet that chooses you and lends its energies to you and your workings among other things.

Cauldron:  While having a cauldron is nice it's also not necessary at all.  Cauldrons were the cooking pots of the day.  If you think of a big pot of stew bubbling over an open fire then that was how food would have been cooked back in the day.  Today our traditions would be the equivalent to a pan on a stove.  Cauldrons / cooking pots and pans would be used to brew tea, potions, ointments, medicines etc..  As well as cooking food or preparing ingredients.  While it's not impossible to find cauldrons you're definitely going to pay a pretty penny especially for a heavy cast iron one.  I myself have quite a few small ceramic, brass and cast iron cauldrons which I believe I purchased them all from ebay.  Again second hand shops / charity shops / thrift stores around Halloween, Antiques places, car boots (or yard sales for our international friends) are just a few places to look.  Equally as mentioned a cauldron is not essential any heatproof cooking pan will suffice and even better if it has a lid.  I even know some people who use oil burners or fondue sets and again I have both.

Witches Hat:  The conical hat is a pointed hat worn in many styles, fabrics and traditions  throughout the ages however one belief of the witch is that it was believed that energies would manifest almost like a lighting conductor and be attracted and conducted as they hit the point of the hat and then be magnified as they’re protruded down the cone shape to the brim which then expels down into the witch surrounding her in an invisible cylinder of energies.  Conical hats are not terribly difficult to make even out of paper although typically they're made of stiff fabric.  They're also not terribly expensive to buy especially around Halloween where a cheap one could be purchased for use or even altered to adorn other elements and be customised to his or her tastes (as said Witches can be male or female).  I actually stole mine from my kid Sisters Halloween costume some 4 years or so ago since she was throwing it out.  I believe originally it was purchased from Wilkos for a few pounds or even Poundland. 

Cloak/Cape/Robes:   A cloak or cape can easily be made or purchased at places such as eBay which is where I got mine.  This is much more ceremonial or symbolic.  Part of the attire almost like a uniform however not essential nor important.  The colour(s) may also be symbolic or carry values.  I did a blog on some colour correspondences HERE.  Alternatively some practices are done Skyclad (naked).

Bottles/Jars/Vials/Containers:   Potion bottles themselves are easy to come by depending on type, size, colour etc Pound shops, wilkos, ikea carry them but see second hand / charity shops / thrift stores.  Also check out crafting sections of chain stores, craft shops or repurpose other bottles or food containers, again ebay, etsy, aliexpress etc and then fill the empty bottles / veils etc with your desired supplies, potions, poisons, tinctures, specimens, oils etc..

Spellbooks:   Spellbooks can be purchased from specialist shops, book shops, ebay, amazon etc or even passed down.  The majority of my books, including my spell books, came from ebay.co.uk as I'm no stranger to second hand goods especially when you apply the three C's (cleanse, consecrate and charge). Book of Shadows or Grimoires are typically made yourself or handed down.

Spell Ingredients:   Spell ingredients such as herbs, spices, resins, bark etc can be purchased from specialist shops, food/grocery shops/stores, spice shops, herbalist shops etc etc they can also be home grown, traded, harvested from the wild etc  -  I also want to point out that back in days of old when spells used 'wing of bat' and 'tongue if dog', 'eye of newt' etc these were nicknames given to herbs a lot of these herbs we still use today check out this website for some of those more obscure old world names HERE.  

In Wicca on a Wiccan altar you have a god and goddess side.  Typically the altar will be also split into element representative quarters.  There are a few set ways of laying out an altar and the items which should be upon it for use in various workings, rituals, spells, etc..  However the silver rule of do what feels right to you strongly applies here.

Altar:   An altar can be made in any space.  Traditionally this would be wooden like a wood table - this is an earth based connection.  However some of use, like myself, get a little more creative with our secret shoebox altars or our grand room dedicated spaces, our inconspicuous shelves etc..  I myself have a glass display cabinet for the simple reason my cats (or my cat and my familiar) like to get into everything!!  Altars can be created and altered from many mundane items; purchased or sourced for free preloved / second hand or new from places like Ikea, Argos and other furniture sellers.  Feel free to get inspiration here: http://fuckyeahaltars.tumblr.com/

Altar Cloth:  Said altar would usually be covered with an altar cloth (but not always) - this is both for protection and also the colour of the cloth or any pattern can be symbolic to the season, dedication, user, path etc.  I have a piece of black velvet which works nicely as simple and Gothy looking.  Other ideas are off cuts of fabric, scarves, tapestries, shawls, blankets, towels, prayer mats, table mats, ceramic tile, cushion covers, chopping board etc..

Athame:   An athame (athame is pronounced as 'a thor may') it is a ritualistic or ceremonial knife. This knife is not for cutting physical objects.  Traditionally black handled double edged blade that doesn't have to be metal if can be carved wood, bone, antler or stone even plastic if you so wish. It is used to direct energy, cast/recalling circles and cut metaphysical or energy ties.  This is dominantly a male/masculine object.  Personally my athame isn't black handled its pink handled, double edged letter opener I got on ebay.

Bell:   Bells are used for many a purpose from clearing negative or bad energies, dismissing of spirits or elementals, cleansing, as a signifier to starting/ending working/spell/prayer/ritual etc or as a representation of the element air.  A bell is a feminine object. I personally don't have a bell.  I do however have some thumb symbols, a singing bowl and a few other high frequency sounding items.  None of which are on my altar top.

Besom/Broom: I've already covered ^.

Boline:  Another kind of knife is a boline this is a curved blade almost like a small scythe.  They're typically very sharp and are used for cutting herbs or engraving candles.  I got a carpet cutting tool on ebay with a curved blade and wooden handle.

Candles:  I have a fair few blogs about candles including types of candle and candle colours.  Typically any white candle can be used in place of a colour.  Candles can be a shape or type to represent the working/ritual/spell etc or be engraved.  They can be anointed with oils or herbs.  I typically get my chime/spell/wish (birthday)/Hanukkah candles from ebay, tea light candles from Wilkos and any time I see a great deal on candles I get them plus I also make them myself such as my skull candles, votive and other specialist candles.  In Wicca candles are used to represent the god (usually gold, red or black) and the goddess (usually silver, green or white).  They can also be used to represent the elements or mark the quarters, spirit, as a working candle, fire etc.  Fire is a male item.

Chalice/Cup:   A Chalice or Cup has multi functional properties firstly it is a feminine object as its represented as the womb.  It is a ceremonial object in which wine or water (or other liquids) can be poured and shared with the divine, spirit, deceased etc as an offering.  It can be as simple as a cup or glass or as complicated as a forged goblet or chalice.

Cauldron:  I've already covered ^.

Dishes:   Dishes as I mentioned before about various dishes and such forth some are for specific tasks such as a libation dish which is typically a small bowl, dish or cup/chalice that is used to place offerings in (see my blog post on offerings HERE). 

Divine / God and Goddess representation:   You may wish to get some figures, sculptures, pictures or some other representation. You may also want to do this with ancestors, spirits, demons, angels, symbolism of people etc. I myself have a wooden male and female sculpture I use to represent male and female. Again purchased from ebay. I also have some crow figures as one of my goddesses is The Morrigan.  - The Divine lives in all things!

Feathers:   Feathers are a representation of air and also of angels.  Feathers can be obtained from parks/woods or craft stores.  Be aware that some countries such as America it is illegal to own animal parts including bird feathers.

Mortar and Pestle:  A Mortar and Pestle set is used for grinding ingredients these can be obtained in the as mentioned shops.

Pentacle or Pentagram Altar Tile:   A Pentacle or Pentagram this is another symbol which I've covered in many blogs so click HERE for more information.  However in Wicca typically a Pentacle/Pentagram would be used as the centre of the altar.  I myself have a white wall tile with a silver and black Pentacle drinks coaster on top.  The tile I had laying around but the coaster was from ebay..
Salt/Salt Water:   Salt / Salt Water is pretty self explanatory.  There's various salts from sea salt to Himalayan pink rock salt and epsom salt.  Salt is pretty much used as purification among other things.  It can be used as a representation of water.

Spellbooks:   I've already covered ^.  

Sword/Dagger:   Some people also like to have swords or daggers as part of their arsenal of tools though this lends itself more towards weapons.  - I personally haven't looked into this however.

Stones/Crystals:   Stones or crystals can be used for many of their metaphysical or magickal properties.

Wand:   A wand can be used instead of an athame.  Typically this will be a wooden stick.  Tree associations and properties are usually used here.  Alternatively crystal wands (and their properties), clay or even your index finger or dominant hand will suffice.  I made my wand for more information on this go HERE.

Working book:   Some people like to have a separate notebook for their planning which they copy finalised and successful recipes etc into their Book of Shadows / Grimoires later.

Working knife:  Working knife unlike the athame this is used to cut, carve, chop, draw, engrave etc it's a multi tool knife.  Traditionally this knife would be white handled.  I myself have a penknife as my working knife which I believe I got from an army stall on a market.

I hope that gives you some ideas of things you'd like to obtain.  Most ritualistic tools while dedicated to one's craft would still be made from mundane items; as said a lot of things traditionally would have been made from found objects gathered from nature including a lot of clay sculpted, wood carved or woven creations etc.   Wands would have been carved from sticks and knives from sticks, branches, bone, antler etc.  Even mortar and pestle would have been a rock and a bigger rock or stone surface.  Incense would have been made from scratch ingredients (plants, resins, bark etc).   A lot of herbs, resins, bark etc would have been picked fresh and dried then stored for use.  Today we're lucky in that we can pop to most grocery stores to find basic herbs; pre-dried and bottled ready for our use.  Specialist shops inc ebay and etsy sellers may carry more obscure items. - I also recommend keeping your magickal and cooking supplies separate just encase!!

Other things you might like to buy are more personal to the user such as jewellery pieces especially those which are amulets, talismans, trinkets etc (I did a blog on these and what's the difference between them HERE).  Of course you can make your own or purchase them.  Mine are a mixture of what I made myself and inexpensive AliExpress jewellery.  This then falls into our curio items (curiosities); so unusual and obscure items like skulls, taxidermy, legs, wings etc..  Which is usually more for decor purposes than functional in modern day practices.  You may also want to buy, alter or make trinket boxes, dishes, drawstring bags, silk cloths etc..  Or other items such as dreamcatchers, evil eyes, wards, signs, wall hangings, windchimes, suncatchers etc

And of course not forgetting all the different kinds of divination tools..  I've written about Divination and some Divination Tools such as Tarot Cards, Dowsing Pendulums and Scrying Mirrors HERE.  I'd like to point out how you can draw or print your own tarot cards / oracle cards / fortune cards / sigil cards / angel cards / iChing cards / rune cards etc etc..  Likewise you can sculpt with clay or engrave wood, stone, bone, antler etc to make your own rune set be it Elder Futhark Runes, Witches Runes or some other Runic set. You can very easily make a Dowsing Pendulum, Crystal Grid, etc, you can make your own Spirit Dice (or do as I did and repurpose a boggle set!) etc.  Again you can scry into a bowl of water, paint the back of picture glass to make your own black mirror or use a number of other items.  You can make your own ouija board.  Tasseography / tea leaf reading can be done in almost any cup.  You're not limited to spending a fortune on premade divination tools and items.. 

You may also want to purchase or make notebooks, diaries or journals for recording experiences such as spells, rituals, dreams, communications etc. 

Next weeks blog is going to be about sourcing supplies / tools / materials for free / very cheap as a "Practice for the budget/broke practitioner!" plus it will include some completely free practices which really work and cost nothing to do!!

Activity..

• Look at ways to make your own supplies.
• Buy a herb plant.

Book Activity..

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

Interact with me Activity..

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

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

Thank you all for the support.  For anyone wishing to share, ask for help, talk about BoS / their book and relevant content (or for more information, ideas and unmissable blog posts go to the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/

Imogen x

Next Blog: Sunday September 30th's BoS Prompt:  Real Dangers of Stones, Herbs and Essential Oils!

(UK Review 23) Enhancing your Mind, Body, Spirit Magazine Issue 85 - 88 Subscription

 See YouTube Video Description 

* The full playlist + bonus content - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP7v71QgbKgqOVcYHqP5UaGsEApfShjul


November 10th: Thank you for 700 YouTube Subscribers❣️

December 23rd: Thank you for 825 YouTube Subscribers❣️

January 20th: Thank you for 948 YouTube Subscribers❣️

February 3rd: Thank you for 1005 YouTube Subscribers❣️

March 16th: Thank you for 1141 YouTube Subscribers❣️

April 19th: Thank you for 1199 YouTube Subscribers❣️

May 27th: Thank you for 1253 YouTube Subscribers❣️

June 30th: Thank you for 1368 YouTube Subscribers❣️

August 1st: Thank you for 1541 YouTube Subscribers❣️

September 5th: Thank you for 1567 YouTube Subscribers❣️

September 22nd: Thank you for 1614 YouTube Subscribers❣️

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

October Instagram Challenge #31WitchyThings

This summer I brought you 3 witchy challenges; #omgitsjunewitches #omgitsjulywitches #omgitsaugustwitches and I know a few of you were sad to see my tripple challenges end when I announced I wouldn't be hosting a September challenge but as promised I had plans for an October so....... I'm now announcing my October witchy Instagram challenge #31WitchyThings x.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn5yyo5HOY0/?taken-by=missimoinsane

Feel free to join in x x

(UK Review 21 & 22) Enhancing your Mind, Body, Spirit Magazine Issue 77 - 84 Subscription

 See YouTube Video Description 

* The full playlist + bonus content - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP7v71QgbKgqOVcYHqP5UaGsEApfShjul


November 10th: Thank you for 700 YouTube Subscribers❣️

December 23rd: Thank you for 825 YouTube Subscribers❣️

January 20th: Thank you for 948 YouTube Subscribers❣️

February 3rd: Thank you for 1005 YouTube Subscribers❣️

March 16th: Thank you for 1141 YouTube Subscribers❣️

April 19th: Thank you for 1199 YouTube Subscribers❣️

May 27th: Thank you for 1253 YouTube Subscribers❣️

June 30th: Thank you for 1368 YouTube Subscribers❣️

August 1st: Thank you for 1541 YouTube Subscribers❣️

September 5th: Thank you for 1567 YouTube Subscribers❣️

August Instagram Challenge #omgitsaugustwitches

Since my June and July Instagram Witchy Photo Challenge was such a successful - thank you to all who took part.. I thought it would make sense to finish the summer off with a 3rd and final challenge from me for August so here's #omgitsaugustwitches x.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BltaSB2gV9B/?taken-by=missimoinsane



Feel free to join in x x

(UK Review 20) Enhancing your Mind, Body, Spirit Magazine Issue 73, 74, 75 and 76 Subscription

 See YouTube Video Description 

* The full playlist + bonus content - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP7v71QgbKgqOVcYHqP5UaGsEApfShjul


November 10th: Thank you for 700 YouTube Subscribers❣️

December 23rd: Thank you for 825 YouTube Subscribers❣️

January 20th: Thank you for 948 YouTube Subscribers❣️

February 3rd: Thank you for 1005 YouTube Subscribers❣️

March 3rd: Thank you for 1109 YouTube Subscribers❣️

March 16th: Thank you for 1141 YouTube Subscribers❣️

April 19th: Thank you for 1199 YouTube Subscribers❣️

May 5th: Thank you for 1222 YouTube Subscribers❣️

May 27th: Thank you for 1253 YouTube Subscribers❣️

June 30th: Thank you for 1368 YouTube Subscribers❣️

July Instagram Challenge #omgitsjunlyitches

Since my June Instagram Witchy Photo Challenge was such a success - thank you to all who took part.. It's absolutely never too late to share your inspirational images! - I decided to put together a witchy Instagram challenge for July#omgitsjulywitches x.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkgAA33g3aA/?taken-by=missimoinsane

Feel free to join in x x

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

June Instagram Challenge #omgitsjunewitches

I decided to put together a witchy Instagram challenge for June #omgitsjunewitches x.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjVQ3wEADaT/?taken-by=missimoinsane


Feel free to join in x x 

(UK Review 19) Enhancing your Mind, Body, Spirit Magazine Issue 69, 70, 71 and 72 Subscription

 See YouTube Video Description 

* The full playlist + bonus content - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP7v71QgbKgqOVcYHqP5UaGsEApfShjul


November 10th: Thank you for 700 YouTube Subscribers❣️

December 23rd: Thank you for 825 YouTube Subscribers❣️

January 20th: Thank you for 948 YouTube Subscribers❣️

February 3rd: Thank you for 1005 YouTube Subscribers❣️

March 3rd: Thank you for 1109 YouTube Subscribers❣️

March 16th: Thank you for 1141 YouTube Subscribers❣️

April 19th: Thank you for 1199 YouTube Subscribers❣️

May 5th: Thank you for 1222 YouTube Subscribers❣️

May 27th: Thank you for 1253 YouTube Subscribers❣️

BoS Prompts Part 1 Conclusion.

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!!  

BoS Prompts Part 1 Conclusion.. Sunday 5th May 2018 The Conclusion to this series thus far.

This week isn’t much of a Book of Shadow Prompt as it is more of a conclusion summary to the previous posts and also a follow up of a few things plus a mini recap.  So..

First of all I’m closing the Facebook Group.  These posts get between 200 to 1000+ views each and the group has 103 inactive members (excluding myself) so I figured that closing down the group and creating a Facebook Page @ https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts would be better.  I have amended each post so they link to the Page and not the Group.

I’m sadly ending doing these Book of Shadows blog Prompts here with a view to continue doing these posts come late Autumn (Fall) / Winter time..  But anything can happen between now and then so I make no promises.  However I will resume back to doing one off posts here and there which I think would suit this BoS category and so I’ll be posting them on my Patreon *for free* and also on my Twitter and in various Facebook groups..  & Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/BookOfShadowsPrompts/.  It’s been a crazy journey this past 25 weeks or so and so much has changed for me in that time.  I really hope these blogs have been of use to someone; and no I won’t be deleting them and so they’ll remain here for as long as they remain...!

What have I learnt?  I decided to do a 5 part series on getting started with a Book of Shadows.  I did 5 posts on setting up a Book of Shadows / Grimoire and then fellow members of a group I frequented asked me to do these blog posts every Sunday, we would work on them and share within the group what we had done on Fridays.  By week 8 I was very frustrated that not one person had bothered to do these prompts..  And by week 18 I had been banned from that group for being depressed and suicidal and unfriended by some of the people I thought were like family to me – so live and learn.  I did start doing these prompts for them but soon found that I was doing them for myself and I have learnt more, recapped, reviewed and grown so much as a spiritual / magickal person.  Outside of these I have also grown from my depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and other medical problems and have a much more positive view forward with my life, at least the near future.  I am sad to be ending these posts here but I feel that I have achieved what I wanted to do in bringing you food for thought and a jumping off point as to what to include in your Books of Shadows as well as hopefully some encouragement to learn and grow yourselves.  I have a lot of people come to me and say 'I'm new, will you teach me..' and in truth the only way (I personally feel) you learn is to read everything, practice everything, take onboard everyones opinions (not just one persons) and work out for yourself what YOU feel works for you regardless of if you're a Wiccan Pagan, Druid Pagan, Other kind of Pagan, Witch, Spiritual, Unsure, Inquisitive, Mundane or somewhere inbetween or beyond.  We all have to start somewhere so I thought I'd write a blog each week with some IN MY OPINION & MY BELIEFS (as an Eclectic Wiccan / Pagan and a Witch of 16-19 years (at this time).  Please feel free to disagree with me - but you don't to be rude about it.  Feel free to get others opinions or make your own mind up.

You can see the full list of blogs here.

You can see the Pinterest pins here.

You can follow me on Instagram here. (I’m currently doing a Giveaway!)

You can also check out my YouTube as I post unboxings and my thoughts and opinions on DeAgostini’s Enhancing Your Mind Body Spirit magazines so check that out here.

I truly hope we have covered What is a Book of Shadows / Grimoire?   - From my understanding (in my opinion) that these books are used as journals and/or references and/or..  Well let me explain - A Book of Shadows (BoS) / Grimoire is used to contain a Pagan/Witch/Spiritual Persons spells, ritual, recipes, notes, thoughts, instructions, other workings, instructions, education etc..  It is typically handwritten, but not always, and it's usually a very private book.  Sometimes this book may be a collective book like one shared in a coven (but here we're looking at personal BoS/G).  Sometimes this book is passed down throughout a family or left to descendants upon death and other times it's to be burnt with the writer.  Some writers even publish theirs or versions of.  - Similar books may be a Book of Light, Book of Mirrors, Book of Rainbows, Book of Angels and the list goes on.  

Is there anything I didn’t blog about of which you would have liked me to of blogged about?  Feel free to IM me on that Fb page, to my Instagram, in the comments below..  I’m sure my knowledge is much more extensive than what I’ve shared here.  Plus I love to learn and grow too..

So until Merry Meet again for now Bright Blessings, much Love and Light and Merry Part xX Imogen x

Ps.  Here's some of my favorite YouTubers..

RhomanysRealm YouTube 

Molly Roberts -HerSpeak YouTube
Kelly-Ann Maddox YouTube
Adam Balan YouTube
Joey Morris YouTube 
TipToeChick YouTube 
Tarot Tribe Beyond Worlds YouTube
LadyGraveDancer YouTube
Earthly Alchemy YouTube
Raven Flower YouTube
Owlvine Green YouTube
Joanna DeVoe YouTube
DragonFeather369 YouTube
Amethyst YouTube
Erick Silvermoon YouTube

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

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/