The use of sage is for healing. The smoke is used to bless, cleanse and heal the person or object being smudged. Sage is used to 'wash off' the outside world when one enters ceremony or other sacred space. Objects are likewise washed off with sage medicine smoke to rid them of unwanted influences.
The plants that are called sage can come from very different families of plants:
True sages are in the genus of Salvia; this includes Salvia Officinalis and Salvia Apiana (White Sage), also called California White Sage and Sacred Sage.
Many of the herbs called sage come from a completely different family of plants, the Asteracea family. This family brings us the genus of Artemisia from which come New Mexico Sage (Artemisia tridentada), and the sage from the Dakotas (Artemisia ludoviciana), also called Grey sage, Prairie sage, Dakota sage, Lakota Sage and mistakenly sometimes called White sage.
All of these sages (Salvia and Artemisia) are used for healing and cleansing. More can be learned from the book "Sacred Sage, How It Heals."
The act of smudging is done with a bowl or Abalone Shell with the appropriate herbs directly lit or burned on a coal or Charcoal Tablet. When using charcoal tablets, the bowl or shell should be filled with sand or a flat stone to prevent overheating the container.
"I use sage in this manner very often," says Rob Hawley, "a 1/4 cup pile should burn for at least 10 minutes and if your ceremony is longer you can just sprinkle a bit more sage on the pile or put another pile right next to or on top of the first pile. Be careful as the bowl or dish may get very hot and burn surfaces below it or your hand, you can put sand in the bowl to prevent this or use one of our smudge Bowls made especially for this purpose." Smudging is also done with herbs tied in bundles called smudge sticks. In either case the smoke is 'washed' over the person or object with a feather or by fanning the smoke with one's hand.
Blessings
Smudge SticksTo do a blessing of a person, begin by looking into the eyes of the person for a moment to 'greet' them, fan the smoke first at their heart and then up to the right side (your left) of the person's head, moving around clockwise (sun-wise), gently washing them with the smoke. Continue brushing smoke down over their left shoulder and the length of their arm and back up again to the shoulder. Wash the smoke down the left side of the torso, left leg and foot. Now smudge the right foot, up the left leg, torso and down the length of the right arm and back up to the shoulder. Now turn the person around, turning to their right (sun-wise again) and repeat these movements as you smudge and bless the person's back. For objects, bless them moving sun-wise around them also.
Smudging in the Seven Directions
FeatherFacing East - I welcome the energy of the beginning way, the rising sun at the beginning of the day and the light of illumination. Welcome Eagle, flying nearest the heavens, with the clearest of vision. I welcome the energies and spirits of the East. HO!
Facing South - I welcome the energy of service to all my relatives, the heat of the noonday sun and the spirit of action in the world. Welcome Coyote spirit. I welcome the energies and spirits of the South. HO!
Facing West - I welcome the energy of looking within to find the gifts of healing. Welcome Bear spirit going deep within to seek the gift of renewal. I welcome the energies and spirits of the West. HO!
White Sage Essential OilFacing North - I welcome the energy of wisdom and blessing and the Grandmothers and Grandfathers who teach me. Welcome Buffalo and the spirit of giveaway, teach me to be generous and honor all that I receive. I welcome the energies and spirits of the North. HO!
Looking up - I welcome the energy and spirit of Above. Father Sky, Star people, and Cloud people. Welcome all that is masculine, grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles and sons. And that masculine energy that also exists within the feminine. I welcome the energies and spirits of Father Sky. HO!
Looking down (touching the ground) - I welcome the energy of Mother Earth, the feminine principle, the energy and spirit of Below. I welcome the energy and the spirit of our grandmothers, our mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters. And that feminine energy that exists within the Masculine. I welcome the energies and spirits of Mother Earth. HO!
Looking within (holding your hands over your heart) - I welcome the energy of Within, the principle of being connected, the energy and spirit of Within. I welcome the gifts of balance, oneness, and the connection with all things, for all things are one and all things are related. HO!
To prevent a fire hazard is it always necessary to use a container that is not flammable under the burning sage. You can use sand in the bowl to prevent the burning of surfaces below your container.
Use Caution When Burning Sage
White Sage is very fragile, we handle it carefully but there is always some that is broken. It will burn just as easily though when the leaves are broken. To prevent a fire hazard is it always necessary to use a container under the burning sage. Even with smudge sticks burning embers can fall to the floor and start a fire.
To burn broken leaf white sage first get a bowl or dish that is not flammable and put a pile (about ¼ cup) of sage in it and simply light a match to the leaves and hold it there for a few moments. The sage will begin to glow and if you blow gently the entire pile will eventually burn.
White Sage Liquid Mist Smudging Without Smoke White Sage liquid mist is used in the same way as smoke smudging, to cleanse and clear your home, office, bathrooms, meditation or event space without smoke.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
What Is Alchemy?
I have always been fascinated by Alchemy, I found this article and feel it really brings the basics together in an interesting way. Hope you enjoy!
A Beginners Guide To The Question - What Is Alchemy?
Alchemy is the most mysterious and beguiling of all subjects. It is totally unique in its scope, in its ideas, and in the way that it is presented. Of all the esoteric spiritual subjects, and of all the philosophies that I have studies over the years, from kabbalah to buddhism to Plato and Aristotle I have found alchemy to be the most inspiring, the most beautiful, and the most fascinating.
Studying alchemy can be a very rewarding experience, and I would recommend it to anyone, but hand in hand with this goes the unavoidable fact that alchemy is also one of the most difficult and often impenetrable subjects that you can study. Anyone who tells you that they understand alchemy in all its forms and throughout all of its parts is either lying or desperately misguided.
In a way that is part of its appeal – and perhaps deliberately so. The old alchemical motto ‘obscurum per obscurius’, meaning ‘the obscure by the more obscure’ and refering to the traditional way that an alchemist explains himself certainly seems to revel in the air of mystery and secrecy which surrounds the subject of alchemy.
Studying alchemy can be a very rewarding experience, and I would recommend it to anyone, but hand in hand with this goes the unavoidable fact that alchemy is also one of the most difficult and often impenetrable subjects that you can study. Anyone who tells you that they understand alchemy in all its forms and throughout all of its parts is either lying or desperately misguided.
In a way that is part of its appeal – and perhaps deliberately so. The old alchemical motto ‘obscurum per obscurius’, meaning ‘the obscure by the more obscure’ and refering to the traditional way that an alchemist explains himself certainly seems to revel in the air of mystery and secrecy which surrounds the subject of alchemy.
Most people know alchemy simply as the quest to make gold from ‘base’ metals such as lead, and this was indeed a major part of the alchemical endeavour, the ‘great work’ of the philosophers when interest in alchemy was at its peak around the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Europe. At that time those men who were obsessed with the idea of making gold and spent all day every day at their furnaces in their home made laboratories were know by the derogatory epithet ‘puffers and blowers’.
Despite the fact that these men were derided at the time, and that today most people think of alchemy and its ideas about turning lead into gold as nothing but deluded, superstitious nonsense it is interesting to note that it is actually possible to make gold from other metals. In fact, all gold which exists in the whole universe was made from other metals - through the processes of nuclear fusion burning inside the stars. The only reason that there are not alchemical factories on every street corner making gold is because of the technical difficulty and the energy requirements, not because it is impossible.
I think it is interesting to note this because although many people think that alchemy is something from the past, which has been superceeded and proved wrong by more modern scientific knowledge (in particular chemistry which can trace its origins to the experimentation of those ‘puffers and blowers’), alchemy was in many ways wise beyond its time and there is an underlying philosophy and spiritual / metaphysical vision behind it which is deep, profound, and contains a wisdom that is still relevant and useful to us today.
But this issue of making gold is just an interesting aside. Alchemy was and still is much more than the original ‘get rich quick’ scheme. The foundation of alchemy is a philosophy of transformation, evolution and perfection.
The alchemists believed that the universe itself was evolving towards perfection, and that the efforts of an individual human being could serve to help it on its way. It was from this basic philosophy that the idea of making gold cam about, because gold was considered to be the ‘perfect metal’, so it was thought that all metals were evoloving towards becoming gold, and that the philosopher could expedite this process and turn a less perfect metal into gold.
Also derived from this evolutionary idea were the quest for the infamous ‘philosophers stone’ – a substance with great magical powers to make anything perfect, and the ‘elixir vitae’, the elixir of life, which would perfect the human body and make anyone who drank it immortal.
This idea that a person with the proper wisdom and knowledge could play a part in the coninuing creation and evolution of the universe, combined with the deep spiritual convictions of those who created and practiced this art lead to some interesting theological ideas.
One of the most beautiful and inspiring of these ideas was that of the goddess Sophia, the divine feminine. According to this branch of alchemical thought it was not only mankind who was ‘fallen’ from a state of perfection, but also the feminine aspect of god, represented by the goddess Sophia. And so far from God being perfect and all powerful, and humanity needing to be ‘redeemed’ by God, it was the role of the alchemist to redeem God, to redeem the feminine wisdom of God and thereby to help bring the world to a state of perfection.
You can also find in alchemy many parallels to various eastern mystical traditions, such as Taoism and Tantra. A large part of the great work is based around the unification and balance of opposites, often represented by the sun and moon or by the Red King and White Queen. This parallels the unification of the divine masculine and divine feminine of Tantra, and the balancing of Yin and Yang in Taoism.
In more modern times the psychologist Carl Jung drew a large amount of the inspiration for his work from alchemy, and saw the great work as being identical to his process of ‘individuation’ which would unite the conscious ego with the power of the unconscious mind and create the perfectly balanced personality.
Alchemy has inspired many great thinkers over the years, and there are many great ideas to be found within its various threads. But it is worth remembering that there is no unified concept of what alchemy is, or what its aims are. Each writer has his own perspective, drawing on a huge well of symbols and ideas to express his thoughts.
Despite the fact that these men were derided at the time, and that today most people think of alchemy and its ideas about turning lead into gold as nothing but deluded, superstitious nonsense it is interesting to note that it is actually possible to make gold from other metals. In fact, all gold which exists in the whole universe was made from other metals - through the processes of nuclear fusion burning inside the stars. The only reason that there are not alchemical factories on every street corner making gold is because of the technical difficulty and the energy requirements, not because it is impossible.
I think it is interesting to note this because although many people think that alchemy is something from the past, which has been superceeded and proved wrong by more modern scientific knowledge (in particular chemistry which can trace its origins to the experimentation of those ‘puffers and blowers’), alchemy was in many ways wise beyond its time and there is an underlying philosophy and spiritual / metaphysical vision behind it which is deep, profound, and contains a wisdom that is still relevant and useful to us today.
But this issue of making gold is just an interesting aside. Alchemy was and still is much more than the original ‘get rich quick’ scheme. The foundation of alchemy is a philosophy of transformation, evolution and perfection.
The alchemists believed that the universe itself was evolving towards perfection, and that the efforts of an individual human being could serve to help it on its way. It was from this basic philosophy that the idea of making gold cam about, because gold was considered to be the ‘perfect metal’, so it was thought that all metals were evoloving towards becoming gold, and that the philosopher could expedite this process and turn a less perfect metal into gold.
Also derived from this evolutionary idea were the quest for the infamous ‘philosophers stone’ – a substance with great magical powers to make anything perfect, and the ‘elixir vitae’, the elixir of life, which would perfect the human body and make anyone who drank it immortal.
This idea that a person with the proper wisdom and knowledge could play a part in the coninuing creation and evolution of the universe, combined with the deep spiritual convictions of those who created and practiced this art lead to some interesting theological ideas.
One of the most beautiful and inspiring of these ideas was that of the goddess Sophia, the divine feminine. According to this branch of alchemical thought it was not only mankind who was ‘fallen’ from a state of perfection, but also the feminine aspect of god, represented by the goddess Sophia. And so far from God being perfect and all powerful, and humanity needing to be ‘redeemed’ by God, it was the role of the alchemist to redeem God, to redeem the feminine wisdom of God and thereby to help bring the world to a state of perfection.
You can also find in alchemy many parallels to various eastern mystical traditions, such as Taoism and Tantra. A large part of the great work is based around the unification and balance of opposites, often represented by the sun and moon or by the Red King and White Queen. This parallels the unification of the divine masculine and divine feminine of Tantra, and the balancing of Yin and Yang in Taoism.
In more modern times the psychologist Carl Jung drew a large amount of the inspiration for his work from alchemy, and saw the great work as being identical to his process of ‘individuation’ which would unite the conscious ego with the power of the unconscious mind and create the perfectly balanced personality.
Alchemy has inspired many great thinkers over the years, and there are many great ideas to be found within its various threads. But it is worth remembering that there is no unified concept of what alchemy is, or what its aims are. Each writer has his own perspective, drawing on a huge well of symbols and ideas to express his thoughts.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ghosts and Spirits and Entities - Oh My!
Ghosts and Spirits and Entities - Oh My!
I have noticed that there is some confusion about whether or not a ghost is a spirit is an entity or if they are completly different animals. First of all, let me say, I am not an expert, but as a 'sensitive' I have had some small amount of experience with these types of things.
So, in my humble opinion, based on my own experience, here is what I think:
1. A ghost is a human who has passed away but has not yet crossed over for various and assorted reasons. These can be harmless to fairly menacing depending on how they were in life and how they died.
2. A spirit is a human who has passed away, has crossed over and has chosen to come back to visit, usually to deliver a message to a loved one. They have a specific purpose for their visit and they don't stay very long. They also visit us in dreams. These are beneficial beings.
3. Entities are non-human, they can be 'alien' or from the 'demonic' planes, the 'alien' entities can be harmless to mildly frightening just out of the strangeness, whereas the 'demonic' entities are entirely malevolent and intend to do harm.
I believe it takes professional help to deal with these types of beings.
4. Angelic - Yes, there are angels and yes they do visit us. They are always benevolent and here to help us. They are always available and will always help if they are asked.
I hope that makes sense, I hope it helps. Feel free to disagree or add to the list.
So, in my humble opinion, based on my own experience, here is what I think:
1. A ghost is a human who has passed away but has not yet crossed over for various and assorted reasons. These can be harmless to fairly menacing depending on how they were in life and how they died.
2. A spirit is a human who has passed away, has crossed over and has chosen to come back to visit, usually to deliver a message to a loved one. They have a specific purpose for their visit and they don't stay very long. They also visit us in dreams. These are beneficial beings.
3. Entities are non-human, they can be 'alien' or from the 'demonic' planes, the 'alien' entities can be harmless to mildly frightening just out of the strangeness, whereas the 'demonic' entities are entirely malevolent and intend to do harm.
I believe it takes professional help to deal with these types of beings.
4. Angelic - Yes, there are angels and yes they do visit us. They are always benevolent and here to help us. They are always available and will always help if they are asked.
I hope that makes sense, I hope it helps. Feel free to disagree or add to the list.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Aura's
Right now I am doing research on an article that I will present here at a later date, so today I just don't have any creative juices available to me so I am just bringing you an interesting article on Aura's. Can you see them? Let me know what you think.
By: Kephri Ra
Emotional Synaesthesia: The Science of Auras
By: Kephri Ra The Aura, which is a halo of coloured light surrounding a person, whose colours and patterns change according to that persons health, mood, intentions, spiritual condition, and so on, is a staple of 'New Age' theories and spiritual paths. It is phenomena which people have claimed to have seen for as long as such observations have been recorded (and probably a hell of a lot longer). There are even special photographic techniques which can be used to get a picture of a person’s aura. And as part of the multi-billion dollar new age industry that has sprung up over recent decades there are now a multitude of professional aura readers, along with many, many books in the stores which supposedly teach interested candidates how to read auras for themselves.
The attitude of the scientific establishment to such things is, of course, that it must be a load of rubbish, and that people who claim to be able to see these auras are either con artist out to make a quick buck from gullible and naive 'seekers', or they are poor self-delude fools. It has always been my own opinion, however, that the scientific establishment discounts such phenomena far too readily, without putting any real effort into providing a scientific explanation for what large numbers of people seem to experience as real.
The problem is that scientists base their judgments solely on the explanation given for particular phenomena by its practitioners and proponents, rather than on the phenomena itself. They see that this explanation runs contrary to science, and so they discount the possibility that the phenomenon exists. But this fails to take into account the fact that scientists and mystics use radically different kinds of language.
When mystics or occult practitioners talk about some kind of spiritual energy, or the light of the soul, or uses whatever language their particular tradition has adopted, then the automatic reaction of the scientist is to dismiss it as religion or superstition, and then not pay the matter a second thought. But just because the Vikings thought thunder and lightning where caused by one of their gods striking a hammer in the heavens does not mean that thunder and lightning don't exist, just that they were wrong about the reasons. I believe the same could be true for many new age phenomena, including auras. Likewise if a mystic talks about the motions of the heavens being regulated by universal love, he may well be talking at least in part about gravity and the motions of the planets. And that is why I was fascinated to read of research conducted by Jamie Ward of University College London and reported in the journal Cognitive Neuropsychology which suggests that a rare form of synaesthesia could explain the phenomena of auras.
Many of you will be familiar with a condition called synaesthesia. It is not a common condition, and has only been thoroughly documented and explained quite recently, but because it is such an interested condition it has received relatively large amount of publicity, including many television programs and magazine articles. To summarise the condition briefly: synaesthesia, in its most common form, is when the area of the brain dealing with two separate senses somehow becomes linked. When this happens the subject experiences a mingling of usually distinct faculties, and finds they are able to smell colours, taste sounds, and so on. Synaesthesia may also involve the subject associating colours, or tastes, or whatever it may be, to certain words or numbers; so that whenever they come across a particular word, the corresponding taste comes into their mouth.
The idea which is now being put forward is that the phenomena of auras can be explained by an unusually strong connection between the areas of the brain handling emotions and colours, reinforced by the innate pairings of certain emotions with particular colours, which all cultures seem to share. In this case when a person sees and aura what they are actually seeing is a mixture of their own emotional response to a person combined with their intuitive understanding of that person’s own emotional state.
I would also add, before finishing this article, that to explain such a phenomenon scientifically in no way invalidates its explorations and practical use. It is a peculiarity of the modern world that when a proper scientific explanation for such things comes along people say that they have been 'debunked', and that their falsity has been proven. This seems perverse to me; to explain something scientifically does not disprove something - it proves it. In the case of Auras one can easily imagine how having this kind of emotional synaesthesia could lead to an intuitive sense far more advanced than that of the ordinary person. Huge amounts of information are continually being exchanged between our subconscious minds, and for ordinary people the main obstacle to our accessing and using this information in our day to day lives is that we only really experience it consciously as very vague ill-defined feelings. A form of synaesthesia which displayed such vague feelings as concrete sensory symbols, colours, and even images could greatly increase the ability of the conscious mind to access and utilise subconscious information, and to draw out specific details. It is also entirely possible that meditation and training could induce a mild form of this kind of synaesthesia.
If science could put aside its enmity towards such 'new age' subjects, really think that a great deal could be accomplished
The attitude of the scientific establishment to such things is, of course, that it must be a load of rubbish, and that people who claim to be able to see these auras are either con artist out to make a quick buck from gullible and naive 'seekers', or they are poor self-delude fools. It has always been my own opinion, however, that the scientific establishment discounts such phenomena far too readily, without putting any real effort into providing a scientific explanation for what large numbers of people seem to experience as real.
The problem is that scientists base their judgments solely on the explanation given for particular phenomena by its practitioners and proponents, rather than on the phenomena itself. They see that this explanation runs contrary to science, and so they discount the possibility that the phenomenon exists. But this fails to take into account the fact that scientists and mystics use radically different kinds of language.
When mystics or occult practitioners talk about some kind of spiritual energy, or the light of the soul, or uses whatever language their particular tradition has adopted, then the automatic reaction of the scientist is to dismiss it as religion or superstition, and then not pay the matter a second thought. But just because the Vikings thought thunder and lightning where caused by one of their gods striking a hammer in the heavens does not mean that thunder and lightning don't exist, just that they were wrong about the reasons. I believe the same could be true for many new age phenomena, including auras. Likewise if a mystic talks about the motions of the heavens being regulated by universal love, he may well be talking at least in part about gravity and the motions of the planets. And that is why I was fascinated to read of research conducted by Jamie Ward of University College London and reported in the journal Cognitive Neuropsychology which suggests that a rare form of synaesthesia could explain the phenomena of auras.
Many of you will be familiar with a condition called synaesthesia. It is not a common condition, and has only been thoroughly documented and explained quite recently, but because it is such an interested condition it has received relatively large amount of publicity, including many television programs and magazine articles. To summarise the condition briefly: synaesthesia, in its most common form, is when the area of the brain dealing with two separate senses somehow becomes linked. When this happens the subject experiences a mingling of usually distinct faculties, and finds they are able to smell colours, taste sounds, and so on. Synaesthesia may also involve the subject associating colours, or tastes, or whatever it may be, to certain words or numbers; so that whenever they come across a particular word, the corresponding taste comes into their mouth.
The idea which is now being put forward is that the phenomena of auras can be explained by an unusually strong connection between the areas of the brain handling emotions and colours, reinforced by the innate pairings of certain emotions with particular colours, which all cultures seem to share. In this case when a person sees and aura what they are actually seeing is a mixture of their own emotional response to a person combined with their intuitive understanding of that person’s own emotional state.
I would also add, before finishing this article, that to explain such a phenomenon scientifically in no way invalidates its explorations and practical use. It is a peculiarity of the modern world that when a proper scientific explanation for such things comes along people say that they have been 'debunked', and that their falsity has been proven. This seems perverse to me; to explain something scientifically does not disprove something - it proves it. In the case of Auras one can easily imagine how having this kind of emotional synaesthesia could lead to an intuitive sense far more advanced than that of the ordinary person. Huge amounts of information are continually being exchanged between our subconscious minds, and for ordinary people the main obstacle to our accessing and using this information in our day to day lives is that we only really experience it consciously as very vague ill-defined feelings. A form of synaesthesia which displayed such vague feelings as concrete sensory symbols, colours, and even images could greatly increase the ability of the conscious mind to access and utilise subconscious information, and to draw out specific details. It is also entirely possible that meditation and training could induce a mild form of this kind of synaesthesia.
If science could put aside its enmity towards such 'new age' subjects, really think that a great deal could be accomplished
For more great new age, esoteric and spritual articles check by this author check out the Morning Star New Age Portal, which coverse many diverse subjects from astrology to witchcraft to yoga to psychic abilities or join in the discussion and debate at the New Age Forums
Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com
Friday, July 22, 2011
Simple but Powerful Magic Ritual
One of the - many! - things a lot of people misunderstand about Magic is the use of Ritual. Ritual does not have to be complicated or filled with pomp (ie. Catholic Rituals). Ritual can be simple, it can be spare, earthy or airy, what works is our intention for change - in our lives, our circumstances otr the lives of those we are trying to help. Now I am not speaking about Dark Magic here, that is a completely different cauldron of spells, I am talking White Magic, which is never manipulative or harmful to others.
Any way here is a very simple yet powerful spell which I love:
This is a simple but powerful energy magic ritual which causes "a flow of blessings". It is also good to counteract depression and a very nice boost for self esteem. Safe and beneficial to do with children, too and as a partner exercise to share.
Use 100 stones for this.
Pebbles, magic stones or anything else you have a 100 of - dried peas, pasta shells and beads will do in a pinch.
Put all the stones in a pile in a quiet place.
Light a candle and state your intent to celebrate one hundred blessings on this occasion.
Pick up the first of the stones, hold it in your hand, and name your first blessing, for example:
"I am grateful for my gift of sight."
Kiss the stone and place it to become the beginning of the "pile of blessings", then get the next.
"I am grateful for the gift of my friends."
Continue on with whatever comes to your mind until you have run out of stones.
Take a moment to look at your 100 blessings and know that you have just counted yourself very, very lucky ...
NB: When I first did this, I found the first twenty or so the most difficult - but then a change happened, as though floodgates had been opened (or an energetic dam had been broken!) and the blessings simply began to FLOW. I ran out of stones way, way too soon!
This is a super ritual/exercise and I wish you fun and truly beneficial results with this!
© Silvia Hartmann October 2004
Any way here is a very simple yet powerful spell which I love:
100 Blessings Magic Ritual
This is a simple but powerful energy magic ritual which causes "a flow of blessings". It is also good to counteract depression and a very nice boost for self esteem. Safe and beneficial to do with children, too and as a partner exercise to share.
Use 100 stones for this.
Pebbles, magic stones or anything else you have a 100 of - dried peas, pasta shells and beads will do in a pinch.
Put all the stones in a pile in a quiet place.
Light a candle and state your intent to celebrate one hundred blessings on this occasion.
Pick up the first of the stones, hold it in your hand, and name your first blessing, for example:
"I am grateful for my gift of sight."
Kiss the stone and place it to become the beginning of the "pile of blessings", then get the next.
"I am grateful for the gift of my friends."
Continue on with whatever comes to your mind until you have run out of stones.
Take a moment to look at your 100 blessings and know that you have just counted yourself very, very lucky ...
NB: When I first did this, I found the first twenty or so the most difficult - but then a change happened, as though floodgates had been opened (or an energetic dam had been broken!) and the blessings simply began to FLOW. I ran out of stones way, way too soon!
This is a super ritual/exercise and I wish you fun and truly beneficial results with this!
© Silvia Hartmann October 2004
Thursday, July 21, 2011
History of the Tarot
I love Tarot! I love doing readings as much as I love getting one! I have been fascinated by the depth and accuracy that can be achieved in a Tarot reading, even by amateurs (like me!). The history and origins of Tarot are as murky as the deepest swamp but I found the following article interesting and informative.
Enjoy!
By: Sally Jordonia
Enjoy!
Origins And History Of The Tarot
By: Sally Jordonia The origins of the Tarot are surrounded with myth and lore. It is hard to know for sure what the facts are. The Tarot has been thought to come from places like India, Egypt, China and Morocco. Others say the Tarot was brought to us from the Sufis or the Jewish Cabbalists. Still others contend that the origin of the tarot was from Moses. In the library of Alexandria, in Egypt, there were scrolls that were based on the Book of Thoth, an ancient book that came from Egypt’s mystery schools. One theory is that the illustrations on the Tarot cards are secret teachings of the Book of Thoth hidden in the innocent pictures.
It seems that wherever there was a secret ‘word of mouth’ tradition handed down from teacher to pupil, it was hailed as the origin or beginning of Tarot. A large group believed it was the Gypsies who brought the tarot to Europe, the word gypsy being a corrupted version of Egyptian. That is highly unlikely, since evidence points to gypsies not using Tarot until the 20th century. Before that, palmistry was their preferred method of fortune telling.
The Historical Evidence Behind the Origins of the Tarot
It seems the only evidence there is to the origins of the Tarot can be found in the cards that were made in Italy, around 1420. The symbolism of the trumps can be found in the European art of the time, with some drawings being exactly the likeness of those found on Tarot cards.
History tells us that a scholar named Marziano da Torona, who was secretary to the Duke of Milan, may have invented the Tarot deck. Marziano was a scholar and an expert astrologer. The young duke, Filippo Maria Visconti instructed Marziano to create a game, using a deck that would replace the common suits of swords, coins, staves and cups. The duke wanted the new deck to have cards that represented virtues, riches, pleasures and purities. Marziano went on to create the card deck that Visconti wanted. He wrote a companion book to go with the deck of cards. It is on display in the Paris National library. In the book, there are no divine meanings to the cards, but no real rules for a card game, either. The book focuses on the symbolic meaning of the pictures and the different ranks of the depicted characters. Michelino da Besozzo is the Italian artist credited with painting the cards.
Is it plausible that the origins of the Tarot as the curious card game invented by Marziano da Torona? If so, why doesn’t the book that accompanied the deck refer to the divination of the cards?
The Mystery Continues About The Origins of the Tarot
Where did the word Tarot come from? It has been called a Hebrew, Latin or Egyptian word. Is the word Tarot really an anagram, which when solved explains the mystery of the cards? Once again, the historical evidence of the origins of the word points to where the cards first appeared - in Italy. The cards were called Carte da trionfi, which is Italian for “cards of the triumphs”. Later, a new card game was introduced, called Trumps or Triumphs. As it was played with different cards, the original Carte da trionfi became tarocco. In French they were called tarot.
What are these cards that are shrouded in mysterious beginnings used for? Are they good or evil? The Tarot is basically a set of symbols, which are printed on a pack of 78 cards. Regular playing cards have hearts, clubs, spades and diamonds as suits. Tarot cards have different suits, with meanings. The Wands (also known as staves or rods) point to creativity and energy. There are the Cups (or vessels), relating to emotions and friends; Swords cover the area of challenge and thought; the Pentacles (coins or disks) relate to money and security. The cards are placed in a particular pattern. A Tarot reader uses the cards as an oracle that can answer questions from the past, present or future.
The philosophy behind the Tarot is that the future is subject to change. If you are given enough notice, you can avoid the event you are being warned about. The Tarot makes you think, make you take steps that you might not have considered. When you ask a question of the Tarot that relates to the future, you’ll be shown what will happen if you don’t change anything. Many consider the Tarot cards as more of a counselling guide than a divining tool. Tarot readings can provide flashes of inspiration where otherwise the problems the person may be facing may seem insurmountable.
Do the cards that are used today, all over the world come from the deck Marziano da Torona created in the 1400’s? Is the reason the origins of the Tarot are so shrouded in mystery owing to Anima Mundi? The Anima Mundi or soul of the world is seen as the vital force that presides over the growth and continuity of all living things. Like a Universal library, it contains the entire human races’ memories and wisdom from the past, present and future. It can be summoned with deep thought. Imagine all the basic figures one could find in all religions, myths, legends and folklore. When combined, this wealth of knowledge is a powerhouse. To understand this more one can look at the Empress card of the Tarot. The very essence of femininity is represented in the Empress - she is the great mother Goddess of the world. She represents ‘the eternal feminine’, in myth and psychology. Does working with the images of the Tarot somehow allow our unconscious to connect with that human collectiveness? Does the Tarot become a porthole to the storehouse of answers to any question any of us has ever had? Perhaps it is because of the mystical Anima Mundi that we can’t pinpoint the origin of the Tarot with certainty.
We may never really know the true history or the origins of the Tarot. Nevertheless, we continue to be attracted to the Tarot’s wisdom, symbols and story.
It seems that wherever there was a secret ‘word of mouth’ tradition handed down from teacher to pupil, it was hailed as the origin or beginning of Tarot. A large group believed it was the Gypsies who brought the tarot to Europe, the word gypsy being a corrupted version of Egyptian. That is highly unlikely, since evidence points to gypsies not using Tarot until the 20th century. Before that, palmistry was their preferred method of fortune telling.
The Historical Evidence Behind the Origins of the Tarot
It seems the only evidence there is to the origins of the Tarot can be found in the cards that were made in Italy, around 1420. The symbolism of the trumps can be found in the European art of the time, with some drawings being exactly the likeness of those found on Tarot cards.
History tells us that a scholar named Marziano da Torona, who was secretary to the Duke of Milan, may have invented the Tarot deck. Marziano was a scholar and an expert astrologer. The young duke, Filippo Maria Visconti instructed Marziano to create a game, using a deck that would replace the common suits of swords, coins, staves and cups. The duke wanted the new deck to have cards that represented virtues, riches, pleasures and purities. Marziano went on to create the card deck that Visconti wanted. He wrote a companion book to go with the deck of cards. It is on display in the Paris National library. In the book, there are no divine meanings to the cards, but no real rules for a card game, either. The book focuses on the symbolic meaning of the pictures and the different ranks of the depicted characters. Michelino da Besozzo is the Italian artist credited with painting the cards.
Is it plausible that the origins of the Tarot as the curious card game invented by Marziano da Torona? If so, why doesn’t the book that accompanied the deck refer to the divination of the cards?
The Mystery Continues About The Origins of the Tarot
Where did the word Tarot come from? It has been called a Hebrew, Latin or Egyptian word. Is the word Tarot really an anagram, which when solved explains the mystery of the cards? Once again, the historical evidence of the origins of the word points to where the cards first appeared - in Italy. The cards were called Carte da trionfi, which is Italian for “cards of the triumphs”. Later, a new card game was introduced, called Trumps or Triumphs. As it was played with different cards, the original Carte da trionfi became tarocco. In French they were called tarot.
What are these cards that are shrouded in mysterious beginnings used for? Are they good or evil? The Tarot is basically a set of symbols, which are printed on a pack of 78 cards. Regular playing cards have hearts, clubs, spades and diamonds as suits. Tarot cards have different suits, with meanings. The Wands (also known as staves or rods) point to creativity and energy. There are the Cups (or vessels), relating to emotions and friends; Swords cover the area of challenge and thought; the Pentacles (coins or disks) relate to money and security. The cards are placed in a particular pattern. A Tarot reader uses the cards as an oracle that can answer questions from the past, present or future.
The philosophy behind the Tarot is that the future is subject to change. If you are given enough notice, you can avoid the event you are being warned about. The Tarot makes you think, make you take steps that you might not have considered. When you ask a question of the Tarot that relates to the future, you’ll be shown what will happen if you don’t change anything. Many consider the Tarot cards as more of a counselling guide than a divining tool. Tarot readings can provide flashes of inspiration where otherwise the problems the person may be facing may seem insurmountable.
Do the cards that are used today, all over the world come from the deck Marziano da Torona created in the 1400’s? Is the reason the origins of the Tarot are so shrouded in mystery owing to Anima Mundi? The Anima Mundi or soul of the world is seen as the vital force that presides over the growth and continuity of all living things. Like a Universal library, it contains the entire human races’ memories and wisdom from the past, present and future. It can be summoned with deep thought. Imagine all the basic figures one could find in all religions, myths, legends and folklore. When combined, this wealth of knowledge is a powerhouse. To understand this more one can look at the Empress card of the Tarot. The very essence of femininity is represented in the Empress - she is the great mother Goddess of the world. She represents ‘the eternal feminine’, in myth and psychology. Does working with the images of the Tarot somehow allow our unconscious to connect with that human collectiveness? Does the Tarot become a porthole to the storehouse of answers to any question any of us has ever had? Perhaps it is because of the mystical Anima Mundi that we can’t pinpoint the origin of the Tarot with certainty.
We may never really know the true history or the origins of the Tarot. Nevertheless, we continue to be attracted to the Tarot’s wisdom, symbols and story.
About the Author: Name: Sally Jordonia Website: www.tarotlines.com Biography: Sally writes for Tarot Lines - providers of live tarot readings.
Article Source: www.NewAgeArticles.com
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Candle Magick
Many years ago in my search for Spirituality, I came across a group of people who called themselves 'Witches' and practiced a religion called Wicca. Alright, I do admit that at first not only was I a little bit sceptical but also a teensy bit afraid, so being the dauntless seeker that I am, I enrolled myself in a year-and-a-day long Wicca class. I can tell you, not only was it one of the best years of my life, I learned an amazing amount and completely lost my fear. I have never joined a coven, and don't really follow any specific path but I still honor the Wheel of the Year and have a very special relationship with a couple of really groovy oak trees....
The following article outlines one of the first things I learned in my Wicca class...enjoy!
One of the simplest of magical arts which comes under the heading of natural magic is candle burning. It is simple because it employs little ritual and few ceremonial artifacts. The theatrical props of candle magic can be purchased at any department store and its rituals can be practiced in any sitting room or bedroom.
Most of us have performed our first act of candle magic by the time we are two years old. Blowing out the tiny candles on our first birthday cake and making a wish is pure magic. This childhood custom is based on the three magical principals of concentration, will power and visualization. In simple terms, the child who wants his wish to come true has to concentrate (blow out the candles), visualize the end result (make a wish) and hope that it will come true( will power).
The size and shape of the candles you use is unimportant, although highly decorative, extra large, or unusually shaped candles will not be suitable as these may create distractions when the magician wants to concentrate on the important work in hand. Most magicians prefer to use candles of standard or uniform size if possible. Those which are sold in different colors for domestic use are ideal.
The candles you use for any type of magical use should be virgin, that is unused. Under no circumstances use a candle which has already adorned a dinner table or been used as a bedroom candle or night-light. There is a very good occult reason for not using anything but virgin materials in magic. Vibrations picked up by secondhand materials or equipment may disturb your workings and negate their effectiveness.
Some magicians who are artistically inclined prefer to make their own candles for ritual and magical use. This is a very practical exercise because not only does it impregnate the candle with your own personal vibrations, but the mere act of making your own candle is magically potent. Specialist shops sell candle wax and molds together with wicks, perfumes, and other equipment.
The hot wax is heated until liquid and then poured into the mold through which a suitably sized wick has already been threaded. The wax is then left to cool and once is this has occurred the mold is removed , leaving a perfectly formed candle. Special oil-soluble dyes and perfumes can be added to the wax before the cooling process is complete to provide suitable colors and scents for a particular magical ritual. Craft shops which sell candlemaking supplies can also provide do-it-yourself books explaining the technicalities of the art to the beginner.
Once you have purchased or made your ritual candle it has to be oiled or 'dressed' before burning. The purpose of dressing the candle is to establish a psychic link between it and the magician through a primal sensory experience. By physically touching the candle during the dressing procedure, you are charging it with our own personal vibrations and also concentrating the desire of your magical act into the wax. The candle is becoming an extension of the magician's mental power and life energy.
When you dress a candle for magical use, imagine that it is a psychic magnet with a North and a South pole. Rub the oil into the candle beginning at the top or North end and work downwards to the half-way point. Always brush in the same direction downwards. This process is then repeated by beginning at the bottom or south end and working up to the middle.
The best type of oils to use for dressing candles are natural ones which can be obtained quite easily. Some occult suppliers will provide candle magic oils with exotic names. If the magician does not want to use these, he can select suitable oils or perfumes from his own sources. The oils soluble perfumes sold by craft shops for inclusion in candles can be recommended.
The candles you use can be colored in accordance with the following magical uses:
If you wanted to use candle magic for healing, you would select a red candle to burn. To pass an exam, burn a yellow candle, to gain esoteric knowledge burn a blue candle or for material gain, burn a purple one. It is obvious these colors relate to the signs of the zodiac and the planetary forces.
The simplest form of candle magic is to write down the objective of your ritual on a virgin piece of paper. You can use color paper which matches the candle. Write your petition on the paper using a magical alphabet, such as theban, enochian, malachain,etc. As you write down what you want to accomplish through candle magic-- a new job, healing for a friend, a change of residence, a new love affair, etc. -- visualize your dream coming true. Visualize the circumstances under which you might be offered a new job, imagine your employer telling you that your salary has been increased or conjure up a vision of your perfect love partner.
When you have completed writing down your petition, carefully fold up the paper in a deliberately slow fashion. Place the end of the folded paper in the candle flame and set light to it. As you do this concentrate once more on what you want from life.
When you have completed your ritual, allow the candle to have completely burned away. You do not need to stay with the candle after the ritual, but make sure that is is safe and that red-hot wax will not cause damage or fire. Never re-use a candle which has been lit in any magical ritual. IT should only be used in that ritual and then allowed to burn away or be disposed of afterwards.
If you are conducting a magical ritual which involves two people (e.g. an absent healing for a person some distance away) then the second person can be symbolically represented during the ritual by another candle. All you need to do is find out the subject's birth date and burn the appropriate candle for that zodiacal sign. These are as follows:
The following article outlines one of the first things I learned in my Wicca class...enjoy!
| Basic Candle Magick Author Unknown |
This was a bulletin file on a local Pagan BBS years ago. We don't know where it came from or who wrote it. The information in this article is just one way to do candle magick. Also, be aware that color associations often vary from group to group.
| Most of us have performed our first act of candle magic by the time we are two years old. |
For More Information on Candle Magick  Advanced Candle Magick  Candle Magick  More Books on Magick Buying books via our Amazon.com links helps support The Cauldron. |
One of the simplest of magical arts which comes under the heading of natural magic is candle burning. It is simple because it employs little ritual and few ceremonial artifacts. The theatrical props of candle magic can be purchased at any department store and its rituals can be practiced in any sitting room or bedroom.
Most of us have performed our first act of candle magic by the time we are two years old. Blowing out the tiny candles on our first birthday cake and making a wish is pure magic. This childhood custom is based on the three magical principals of concentration, will power and visualization. In simple terms, the child who wants his wish to come true has to concentrate (blow out the candles), visualize the end result (make a wish) and hope that it will come true( will power).
The size and shape of the candles you use is unimportant, although highly decorative, extra large, or unusually shaped candles will not be suitable as these may create distractions when the magician wants to concentrate on the important work in hand. Most magicians prefer to use candles of standard or uniform size if possible. Those which are sold in different colors for domestic use are ideal.
The candles you use for any type of magical use should be virgin, that is unused. Under no circumstances use a candle which has already adorned a dinner table or been used as a bedroom candle or night-light. There is a very good occult reason for not using anything but virgin materials in magic. Vibrations picked up by secondhand materials or equipment may disturb your workings and negate their effectiveness.
Some magicians who are artistically inclined prefer to make their own candles for ritual and magical use. This is a very practical exercise because not only does it impregnate the candle with your own personal vibrations, but the mere act of making your own candle is magically potent. Specialist shops sell candle wax and molds together with wicks, perfumes, and other equipment.
The hot wax is heated until liquid and then poured into the mold through which a suitably sized wick has already been threaded. The wax is then left to cool and once is this has occurred the mold is removed , leaving a perfectly formed candle. Special oil-soluble dyes and perfumes can be added to the wax before the cooling process is complete to provide suitable colors and scents for a particular magical ritual. Craft shops which sell candlemaking supplies can also provide do-it-yourself books explaining the technicalities of the art to the beginner.
Once you have purchased or made your ritual candle it has to be oiled or 'dressed' before burning. The purpose of dressing the candle is to establish a psychic link between it and the magician through a primal sensory experience. By physically touching the candle during the dressing procedure, you are charging it with our own personal vibrations and also concentrating the desire of your magical act into the wax. The candle is becoming an extension of the magician's mental power and life energy.
When you dress a candle for magical use, imagine that it is a psychic magnet with a North and a South pole. Rub the oil into the candle beginning at the top or North end and work downwards to the half-way point. Always brush in the same direction downwards. This process is then repeated by beginning at the bottom or south end and working up to the middle.
The best type of oils to use for dressing candles are natural ones which can be obtained quite easily. Some occult suppliers will provide candle magic oils with exotic names. If the magician does not want to use these, he can select suitable oils or perfumes from his own sources. The oils soluble perfumes sold by craft shops for inclusion in candles can be recommended.
The candles you use can be colored in accordance with the following magical uses:
- White: A balance of all colors; Spiritual enlightenment, cleansing, clairvouance, healing, truth seeking; Rituals involving lunar energy' May be substituted for any color candle.
- Yellow: Activity, Creativity, unity; brings power of concentration and imagination to a ritual; use in rituals where you wish to gain anothers confidence or persuade someone, or in rituals that require solar energy.
- Gold: Fosters understanding and attracts the powers of cosmic influences; beneficial in rituals intended to bring about fast luck or money, or in rituals needing solar energy.
- Pink: Promotes romance, friendship; standard color for rituals to draw effections; a color of femininity, honor, service, brings friendly, lively conversation to the dinner table.
- Red: Health, passion, love, fertility, strength, courage, will power; increases magnetism in rituals; draws Aries and Scorpio energy.
- Silver: Removes negativity and encourages stability; helps develop psychic abilities; attracts the influence of the Mother Goddess.
- Purple: Power, success, idealism, psychic manifestations; ideals for rituals to secure ambitions, independence, financial rewards, or to make contact with the spiritual other world; increases Neptune energy.
- Magenta: Combination of red and violet that occillates on a high frequency; energizes rituals where immediate action and high levels of power or spirtual healing are required.
- Brown: Earthly, balanced color; for rituals of meterial increase; eleminates indecisiveness; improves powers of concentration, study, telepathy; increases financial success; locates objects that have been lost.
- Indigo: Color of inertia; stops situations or people; use in rituals that require a deep meditational state; or in rituals that demand Saturn energy.
- Royal Blue: Promotes laughter and joviality; color or loyalty; use to attract Jupiter energy, or whenever an influence needs to be increased.
- Light Blue: Spirtual color; helpful in devotional or inspirational meditations; brings peace and tranquility to the home; raditates Aquarius energy; employ where a situation must be synthesized.
- Blue: Primary spiritual color; for rituals to obtain wisdom, harmony, inner light, or peace; confers truth and guidance.
- Emerald Green: Important component in Venusian rituals; attracts love, social delights, and fertility.
- Dark Green: Color of ambition, greed, and jealousy; counteracts these influences in a ritual.
- Green: Promotes prosperity, fertility, success; stimulates rituals for good luck, money, harmony, and rejuvenation.
- Grey: Neutral color useful when pondering complex issues during meditation; in magic, this color often sparks confusion; it also negates or neutralizes a negative influence.
- Black: Opens up the deeper levels of the unconscious; use in rituals to induce a deep meditational state, or to banish evil or negativity as in uncrossing rituals; attracts Saturn energy.
If you wanted to use candle magic for healing, you would select a red candle to burn. To pass an exam, burn a yellow candle, to gain esoteric knowledge burn a blue candle or for material gain, burn a purple one. It is obvious these colors relate to the signs of the zodiac and the planetary forces.
The simplest form of candle magic is to write down the objective of your ritual on a virgin piece of paper. You can use color paper which matches the candle. Write your petition on the paper using a magical alphabet, such as theban, enochian, malachain,etc. As you write down what you want to accomplish through candle magic-- a new job, healing for a friend, a change of residence, a new love affair, etc. -- visualize your dream coming true. Visualize the circumstances under which you might be offered a new job, imagine your employer telling you that your salary has been increased or conjure up a vision of your perfect love partner.
When you have completed writing down your petition, carefully fold up the paper in a deliberately slow fashion. Place the end of the folded paper in the candle flame and set light to it. As you do this concentrate once more on what you want from life.
When you have completed your ritual, allow the candle to have completely burned away. You do not need to stay with the candle after the ritual, but make sure that is is safe and that red-hot wax will not cause damage or fire. Never re-use a candle which has been lit in any magical ritual. IT should only be used in that ritual and then allowed to burn away or be disposed of afterwards.
If you are conducting a magical ritual which involves two people (e.g. an absent healing for a person some distance away) then the second person can be symbolically represented during the ritual by another candle. All you need to do is find out the subject's birth date and burn the appropriate candle for that zodiacal sign. These are as follows:
ARIES red
TAURUS green
GEMINI yellow
CANCER silver
LEO orange
VIRGO yellow
LIBRA pink
SCORPIO red
SAGITTARIUS purple
CAPRICORN black
AQUARIUS all colors
PISCES mauve
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