The Joy of Crystals!

Hello my Witchy friends.

I know it has been a while but…I’m blaming it on my crystal addiction. I have bought so many crystals over the last couple of months. I truly need an intervention!

I discovered a Facebook group called Joy Rocks and…I’m hooked! I’m broke! I have lots and lots and lots of new pretties! It was totally worth it! Joy and Adolpho are the greatest! And, oh my goodness, they are so incredibly funny!

You have to check the group out. Join and watch your pocket book empty!

Joy Rocks offers crystals, stones, 925 sterling silver jewelry, bracelets, and hand-picked specialty items. Even factory direct pricing during warehouse shows! Monthly Bins are available to members of this group. So you can buy throughout the month and save on shipping. The live shows contain exclusive content and one of a kind items. We also post Members Only items!

Some of my new pretties:

I REALLY need an intervention!

Best Sellers

Going a Little Dark

The state of the world today is disheartening.

I make no secret of my distaste for the Cheeto-in-Chief. His use of discourse to cause the divide within the nation is despicable. His treatment of women is cowardly, childish, and horrendous. His belief he is, somehow, above the law and deserving of worship just floors me!

It is why I have been working on a ritual which, I’m hoping, will bring some much-needed relief to America. It has been slow in development because it does lean a little dark. Unfortunately, the Cheeto-in-Chief deserves a little dark.

Here is what I have:

Items Needed:

Black candle in the shape of a man.
Goofer Dust (and yes, I know the implications of using this)
A picture of the Cheeto-in-Chief
His name carved into the black candle
Rose quartz and selenite to temper the darkness

 
Once you have carved his name on the candle. Place it on top of his picture on a flat, fireproof surface. Then, sprinkle the goofer dust on and around the candle. Place the rose quartz and selenite on the outside edge of the space.

Then cast your circle. Here is what I sometimes use:

In this place, this circle round
I consecrate the sacred ground
With golden light this space Surround
All power here contained and bound

From earth, the things that manifest
From air, the things of mind
From fire, the things that motivate
From water the souls refined

And yet no place or time there be
Between the worlds, my word and me
Welcome, ancient ones and see
This place is sealed, so mote it be.

Call your quarters. Here is what I generally use:

To the North, I call upon the guardians of the element of Earth.
Guard and Guide Me. Hail and Welcome

To the East, I call upon the guardians of the element of Air.
Guard and Guide Me. Hail and Welcome

To the South, I call upon the guardians of the element of Fire.
Guard and Guide Me. Hail and Welcome.

To the West, I call upon the guardians of the element of Water.
Guard and Guide Me. Hail and Welcome.

Invocation:

We call forth from time and space
The Ancients who protect this place
Angels, Sages, Spirit Guides
Stand beside us, be our guides

Intention:

Is it our intention this night, to redirect negative energy
To make what has been wrong, right.
For the good of all, harming none.

Now that you have invoked back up and set your intention. Focus on the black candle and imagine all the evil in the world caused by the Cheeto-in-Chief entering the candle. Send all your anger, frustration, depression, darkness deep into the candle. Then, as you say the following, light the candle:

When light fades
And dusk comes through
The harm you’ve caused
Returns to you

Three times Three
The tables turn
Your failed presidency
Will forever burn

Darkness of demise
And constant disease
Will consume the whole
Of your family

I call upon Karma
And The Fates
Reverse the Damage
This man caused with hate

I say this spell
The words hold tight
I am the Witch
Who now stands and fights

Let the candle burn for an hour. Then extinguish the flame – do not blow it out. Repeat daily until the candle is completely burned. Then release your quarters and close the circle:

Starting in the North and working backwards:

To the North, I thank and release the guardians of the element Earth
Hail, and Farewell

To the West, I thank and release the guardians of the element of Water.
Hail, and Farewell

To the South, I thank and release the guardians of the element of Fire.
Hail, and Farewell

To the East, I thank and release the guardians of the element of Air.
Hail, and Farewell.

Then, release your circle. I am a creature of habit and always use:

Open now this sacred space
Send all energies back to place
Fare the well, and safe return
Let not our magick ere be turned

Place any remaining pieces from this ritual in a tin can and bury it at a crossroads as far away from anything living as you can get it. Place the rose quartz and selenite with the remaining pieces. Do not reuse!

Please be careful using this ritual. It is not to be used lightly. I even hesitate to use it but, I firmly believe this is one time…we need to use every tool in our arsenal to rid ourselves of this evil man and his minions.

Stay well, stock up on elderberry syrup (this virus is nasty!), and Blessed By my friends!

As the Ticking Foretold…

Up until recently, I ignored the ‘myth’ associated with the “Deathwatch Beetle” (Xestobium Rufovillosum).

Until recently, I don’t recall hearing the ticking of the Deathwatch Beetle. Nor do I remember putting much thought into the mythos surrounding it. Insects were insects and, spiders were unwelcome in the house. That is the extent of which I pondered their existence.

Two months ago I recall hearing a ticking. Tick, tick, tick. Tick, tick, tick. It rapidly became an annoyance. Tick, tick, tick. Trying to sleep. Tick, tick, tick. Watching TV. Tick, tick, tick. Trying to meditate. Tick, tick, tick.

Apparently screaming obscenities at a beetle is futile. The ticking continued unabated. I pondered pulling my hair out…figured I wouldn’t look good bald…then attempted to find the offending ticker. I failed, miserably, but my house has never been cleaner.

During this ticking adventure my better halfs step-father received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. They gave him six months without treatment and a year with treatment. It was a very dire prognosis. The world instantly became a little darker.

Slowly my mind connected the ticking with the diagnosis. I’m a little blonde sometimes and honestly, I did’t want to connect the two. As far as omens go, I would have gladly lived a lifetime without encountering this one.

I attempted the old trick of, “It’s all in your head. It’s just a stupid bug making noise. Doesn’t mean a thing.” My ‘Witchy Sense’ was tingling though. The harder I pushed to ignore it, the less I could.

He never saw six months. He never began treatment. His time was cut far shorter then expected.

The beetle is silent. I’ve heard no ticking since. I am adding this misadventure to the BOS in memoriam. And I hope it is many years before I hear the ticking of the deathwatch beetle again.

Be well. Be safe. And Blessed Be!

 

Familiar Recovery

A quick update on my faithful familiar.

 

He lives!

He will argue he has been horribly mistreated but, he is alive and recovering. The vet sent him, and MurrLynn, home with doses of antibiotics. Administering the doses were quite the adventure. I never knew stress could cause ulcers to form in a cats mouth. No wonder the poor things were miserable and not eating.

On the road to recovery though, they had to horribly enjoy 5 days of soft gravy covered cat food. They generally only receive this treat on Sunday nights because…well, I always feel bad about abandoning them during work hours. I’m a softy. What can I say?

After 5 days though it was back to our regularly schedule cat food program. A fact which Jinx and MurrLynn both informed me they were not happy about. Admittedly, I wouldn’t be happy either but, I remind them there are homeless cats who rarely see food on a daily basis. They, of course, remind me I voluntarily took them in and good food was part of the deal so…. you just can’t argue with a cat.

Jinx has not completely returned to himself. We are still not doing our morning inspections. However, we are doing our nightly cuddles and talking up a storm. So, things are looking up.

I feel a bit better about their recovery. I hope we can return to normal before long. However, with the new addition to the family, I’m wondering if we’re not headed for a new normal.

All of this because of this cute little face. We have named him Schrodinger because he spent his first four hours in a box. Here’s hoping he becomes as familiar as our other familiars. They all come to us for a reason.

 

 

 

Best Sellers

Painfully Torturous

So….I like my job, I just hate the 8 hours I have to spend doing it.

I would much prefer to be home crafting. Making soap. Brewing potions. Mixing teas. Anything which involves doing more with my hands then just typing, or clicking a mouse. There is an inane boredom which comes from sitting behind a computer all day. It is repetitive and mundane. I never, ever, thought I’d say those words.

The day I discovered computers I knew I had to know everything about them. Inside and out! I built my first computer in part to irritate my ex-husband. He’s still convinced the computer ruined our marriage. He conveniently forgets about accusing me of cheating while he’d spend his nights on the phone with another woman. But ya, I’m sure, the computer made him do it. Divorce can be a wonderful thing.

Anyway, back to work.

When you love your job the days go by in a blink of an eye. When you’re bored with it….five minutes lasts five years. Lately, I have had more five minute/five years days. They are painfully torturous. So…

I add a little magic to the day. I pull out my trusty little time spell. I have written more time spells then I’ll admit to over the years. I either lose them, or they cease to work as quickly as they once did.

I tend to write my time spells for only a days time frame. I just want to speed up the work day to get to the afternoon where I can kick back and relax. This new one though, I can move the whole week along and still have my nights slower. It is amazing!

So…of course… I have to share.

You have to focus on the time frame you want sped up. Is it 8 hours? 24 hours? 40 hours? I add the visualization of hands moving rapidly around a clock face. Starting the moment I want the spell to start until the time I want it to end – generally 8 am to 5 pm. If I notice time is dragging at 9:15 am, then you can bet I’ll start at 9:16.

Once I have the clock visualized I start saying my little spell:

“Hands on the clock move quickly round.
Faster. Faster. Time abounds.
As they move the day moves on
Speeding faster ’til the work day is done
Then time return to its slower pace
So I can enjoy a slower gait.”

I would normally recommend saying this 3×3 or 9×9 but…I keep going until the hands on the clock are ready to fly off. I want that time to go by so fast I feel like the day started and ended in one minute. So, if you use it, do what feels comfortable.

I would love to hear your results!
 

That Old Familiar Feeling…

When your familiar is sick the world stops.

Saturday I notice my faithful familiar was not his usual talkative self. He didn’t adhere to his set schedule. When I say his set schedule, I do mean HIS. Jinx is the master of the house and he determines how things are done.

He didn’t greet me first thing in the morning to ‘inspect’ the bedroom while I prepared for the day. He didn’t talk me through the number of morning treats he deserved. He didn’t greet me at the door when I arrived home. He didn’t demand ‘good stuff’ for the clowder Sunday night. He just wasn’t Jinxy Jinx over the weekend.

Then, Monday night, came home and he wasn’t eating or drinking. He was drooling all over himself. Just looking absolutely miserable. I am not one who can see an animal in distress and not want desperately to save it. So, I called the vet to get direction on next steps. Jinx was going to the vet first thing in the morning – much to his trepidation.

Amidst the planning for Jinx’s visit to the vet. We discovered our poor MurrLynn was experiencing the same issues. We would likely have caught it earlier if MurrLynn was of the mind to be social. She’s very much a ‘love me on my time’ sort of cat. When she wants your attention she will make it loudly known. When she doesn’t want your attention, well, she will be inaccessible for extended periods of time.

You generally see MurrLynn at night. She will race you to the bathroom where you WILL pay attention to her, and you WILL brush her. Failure to do so will result in a week long snubbing. To say she’s a little head strong would be failing to capture the uniqueness which is MurrLynn.

So, this morning, off to the vet we go. Jinx complaining on every bump. MurrLynn just complaining.

I will tell you – last night was hell. I kept imagining the worst. I was afraid I would wake and both cats would be beyond saving. I expect horribly bad news from the vet. I just knew I was losing my faithful familiar and his mini-me, Murr.

But, the vet called within an hour and said both cats were healthy but stressed. Stressed to the point they had ulcers.

Normally, my first response would be: “What on earth could they be stressed about?”

But…I know why they are stressed.

Two weeks ago tomorrow. My wife discovered she had a passenger in the engine compartment of her truck. A cute little fuzzy kitten had hitched a ride. The adorable little grayish calico was none to pleased with his travel accommodations or, with the subsequent rescue from the engine compartment.

We tried to find a home for the little traveler but, as of yet, have failed. So, he resides at our home. He is likely to become a permanent feature. It’s how the others came into being part of our home. His addition would bring our clowder count to six.

I love cats. I love dogs. Heck, I love all animals. But, a small house with six cats is getting to be a bit much. We either need a bigger house or a smaller cat count…or an outside catio.

Whatever it is we need, you can be sure we’ll do it. I adore all of our cats but, Jinx is a piece of my heart I can’t bear to lose. The only familiar I’ve had who speaks English…fluently…and often.

So…while few things can rattle my cage, a sick cat can completely destroy it.

Meet Jinx:

       

Meet MurrLynn:

   

 

BOS Withdrawls!

Today…. Today I left my BOS at home.

I carry it with me every day, everywhere I go. Most days, I don’t even open it. The spells I use most are well memorized and quickly recited. And, for the naysayers, you do not have to write a new spell each time. If it worked once, it will work again. Plus, there is something comforting about having familiar spells.

There is also a comfort in having your book handy. I often rewrite spells. The words I used initially don’t sound as good today, as they did. Sometimes I’ve Suess’ed it too much and need to rethink it. There are also times the spell didn’t work, or didn’t work as well as I expected it to. A rethink and edit never hurts.

Today, though, I do not have my book. I feel a bit lost. Sort of like the days I forget to put on my jewelry. I know there is supposed to be something there…and it’s not! And I keep reaching for it. And it keeps not being there. And….and….it drives you crazy!

I have to admit. When I first came to Witchcraft I didn’t think a BOS was important. I journaled. Why did I need another book?  As time passed…I figured it out. My journal contained the thoughts of my day. My BOS contained the beginning of thoughts, ideas, spells, and questions. Lots and lots of questions. I still have questions after all these years.

I can look back on my old books and see what worked, what didn’t, what I found answers for, what I’m still searching for answer for….I can see my whole path laid out before me. And it’s comforting. I know where I found strength, and where I faltered. Where the world was dark, and when I found the light.

I really miss my book!

If you are just starting out. I really hope you start a Book of Shadows (BOS). It will be one of the best things you do. You won’t regret it either. I’ve rediscovered old spells I wrote, and reworked them. Now, they’re my favorite. Old friends rediscovered.

A Little Haunted Beltane

So, I bought a haunted antique sewing box.

I’m always skeptical of items sold as ‘haunted.’ I always scoff at the listings and write them off as scams. This one I believed a bit. It did have an orb in the image which lent a little credibility. It still was not the deciding factor on my purchase. I bought it, because I really wanted it!

When I received the sewing box I didn’t feel any spirit connected with it. I was a tad disappointed. The optimist in me was hoping it was haunted. I have had it now for several months. Nothing out of the norm has happened. Well, that was until the past few weeks.

I blame Beltane. Beltane is mid-point of the year. The exact opposite of Samhain. It means the veil is thin. Not as thin as Samhain, but still thin. It means odd things happen, spirits come and go, and life gets a little interesting.

I have ‘spelled’ myself and my household to protect from Beltane’s antics. I didn’t this year. Oh, how I wish I would have!

My antique sewing basket spirit is running the house right now. She won’t give me her name, but has scared the crap out of me a couple of times now. My cat, Jinx, talks to her but, Nightmare isn’t a fan. He doesn’t like most people though. So, I don’t think she’s malevolent, just a touch mischievous. She’s welcome to stay with her sewing box.

I do think I will be spelling Beltane tonight though. The oddness is a bit much this week. I know there are only a few days left before the Beltane fires are lit. Still, a little peace would be a blessing.

The spell I use is simple. I add herbs, candles, etc. as the inspiration moves me. I don’t generally cast a circle or call the quarters with this one. It’s one of my ‘off the cuff’ spells. A little energy, a little focus, and a little intent. And a spell that goes like this:

“What’s amiss must now be mended
What’s unbalanced now be ended
Set free the strangeness from within
Until Beltane fires speak again”

 I love spirits wandering through my house. I love the new beginnings Beltane brings. The birth, the renewal, the spring. The beauty of it is awe inspiring. The gremlins which sometimes come with it though…not my favorite.

So, for tonight my friends. I wish you fires lit with inspiration and hope. Beauty never ending. And a future written of your dreams. This is a time of new beginnings, may yours be beautiful.

Goodnight my friends and Blessed Be.

Checking In

 We’ve been working to get a lot of our products actually placed online. Lots of taking pictures and writing and…work! We’re having a blast, but can’t wait until it is all listed. Take a look at a few of the items we have. The Cranberry Mandarin Carrot soap is fresh made last night and boy does it smell great!

Cranberry Mandarin Carrot Soap

Who can’t use a little Banishing Powder?

Our List of Natural Salves; handmade in our shop!

ADHD/Anxiety/PTSD Essential Oil Roll On for children and adults

Head it Off – Migraine Headache Essential Oil Roll On

Basically Achy – Tension Headache Essential Oil Roll On

Traditional Smudging Spray – for those places you can’t have smoke and fire

Cleansing Smudge Spray – for those stubborn places with excessive negativity

Can’t forget our Natural Home Cleaning Supplies

These are just a few of our items. This doesn’t include the hundreds of natural solutions we’ve specifically made for individuals. Menopause teas, cramp teas, thyroid roll on’s, pain relief ointments, salves and massage oils. Our pain relief ointment is locally known as “The Wonder Stuff.”

Our greatest joy is helping someone find a solution to a problem they thought they’d never solve. The one thing we hear the most is…”The doctor prescribed this pill…but it isn’t working.” We can’t promise we’ll have an answer…but we can promise our solutions won’t have horrible side effects. Check us out…

http://www.wilderthingsherbs.com

Something Quick

Spell to find a home:

Items you can use:

• Piece of paper
• Pen or pencil
• Pick an Incense which makes you think of home/comfort/etc.
• Choose an amulet – a key works well, rose quartz stone, pendant, citrine, amber, a sea shell, etc.
• Candles in any of the following colors: white, royal blue, purple, rose, dark green, silver, and grey.

Light the incense and candles. Place the amulet in the center of your altar. Cast your circle. Call the quarters. Ask the Goddess Juno (also known as Hera), Goddess of the home, to join you.

Visualize finding the perfect space. Don’t forget to picture yourself in that space! Write a detailed description of it on a piece of paper, then place it under the amulet. Put your hands over the amulet and paper and repeat the following (7-9 times depending on what feels right to you):

Goddess Juno
Hear me well
Find a home
For my heart to Dwell
 
Spirit and soul
Body and mind
Hear me Juno
Goddess be kind
 

Continue to focus your energy, and visualization on finding the perfect dwelling. Then wrap the talisman in the paper and carry both with you at all times.

Release the quarters and your circle. Thank and release Juno. Let the candles burn themselves out (if they’re small ones).