tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18726432907757550832024-03-13T21:36:55.311-07:00The Cauldron Keeper's Spell BookSpells, crafts, recipes, mental exercise, meditations and rituals for improving spirituality in your life and home. Down to earth, friendly, practical magic for everyday issues.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-78520062654628602772016-02-24T16:27:00.001-08:002016-02-24T16:27:28.121-08:00Salve base<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm so sorry that I've been away so long. I promise my excuse is a good one: I have been busy with my new baby. On November 30, I gave birth to my daughter Aislinn after an exhausting and rough pregnancy. Being the mother of three is a lot harder than being the mother of two, and I'm only now getting the hang of it.<br />
<br />
I haven't been idle, and I have a few projects to share. Today's project is a salve base. It's super useful as a starting point for other recipes, carrying oils, and basic moisturizing. It's also very easy.<br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>grated beeswax (or pastilles)- beeswax can take a really long time to melt if you use a chunk</li>
<li>cocoa or shea butter</li>
<li>oil such as avocado, olive, apricot, sunflower, or grapeseed (you can steep these with herbs to make use of their healing properties or add a few drops of essential oils for scent)</li>
<li>a double boiler (I often use small glass jars for my small batches)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Melt together your ingredients, in a 1:1:1 ratio ( in the double boiler over low heat. You can test the salve's consistency by allowing it to cool on the back of a spoon. Add more wax for a harder salve or more cocoa butter or oil for a thinner salve. You can add scent oils (skin safe only), herbs, or flower petals to scent the salve or to harness healing properties. Pour into a sterilized, dry container (I love metal lip gloss tins for this) and cover immediately. Allow to cool before use.</div>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-77883706961470688752015-03-19T19:34:00.002-07:002015-03-19T19:34:43.398-07:00Happy Equinox!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's Spring! Hooray! I'm wishing you growth, new opportunities, and fertility. Go out, enjoy the warm weather, the new life, and birdsong. Paint some eggs, cast some spells, and eat something that screams, "Spring!", even if the weather in your area isn't cooperative.<br />
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<br /></div>
<center>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-60980862416791276112014-09-05T20:36:00.000-07:002014-09-05T20:36:30.383-07:00I want your opinion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have been working on a huge ritual to prepare for change and get ready to create change in our lives. It's going to have multiple components, a few DIY recipes, a shopping or prep list, and then the outline. I'm not sure about how to publish it, though.<br />
<br />
Should I give you everything at once, even if it means the post is going to be insanely long? Should I publish it in pieces, and if I do that which part do you want first? I can't make up my mind, and I'm driving myself crazy. I hope you will all voice your opinion and let me know what you'd rather I do. The Poll is at the bottom of this post.<br />
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Thanks you !</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-43028921045286887942014-04-30T18:22:00.000-07:002014-04-30T18:22:52.275-07:00Happy Beltane!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
May your Beltane be fertile, filled with love and sunshine!</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-62018771574579145422014-04-23T10:41:00.001-07:002015-02-17T11:40:38.366-08:00DIY adventures- Toothpaste<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am weird about my teeth. I got excited when my husband bought me a new electric toothbrush for Valentine's Day when my old died. I sometimes brush four or five times a day, and I swap toothpastes every other tube (I have never found the perfect tooth paste- some are too sweet, others to abrasive, a few taste funny, and several leave my teeth really sensitive). My favorite tooth care is rubbing sage leaves on my teeth to remove stains and heal gums, but it's not convient at 6 in the morning when I'm trying to get my hair combed and teeth brushed before my husband and kids get in the bathroom. So I've decided to try making my own toothpaste. Let's just say it's been an adventure.<br />
<br />
I started out with a recipe from <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/2500/homemade-remineralizing-toothpaste-recipe/">Wellness Mama</a>, and I'm still adapting the recipe. The process isn't hard. Mix baking soda, xylitol, and calcium powder with coconut oil until you get the desire texture then add essential oil for scent.<br />
<br />
This is what I started with:<br />
<br />
5 parts calcium powder ( Wellness Mama says you can run calcium tablets through the food processor, but the powder is a nice texture and is ready to go)<br />
3 parts xylitol (most helaht food stores will have this birch based non-sugar sweetener)<br />
2 parts baking soda<br />
3 parts coconut oil (often a solid at room temperature, so you may want to heat it slightly- try setting the bottle in a dish of warm water for a few minutes- for ease of mixing)<br />
essential oil or flavoring oil to taste (avoid citrus, thought as it may react with the baking soda, and check to make sure the oils you use are edible)<br />
<br />
I skipped the <span style="background-color: white; color: #2f2f2f; line-height: 28px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Diatomaceous</span></span> earth from her recipe, because I haven't been able to find DE without added pesticides in my area. I also worry that it would be very abrasive, since I've seen it under the microscope. You can try it or not, but please, please, check the label for anything that might have been added before you stick it in your mouth.<br />
<br />
I had to adjust the recipe for taste and texture. Mine currently stands at<br />
<br />
5 parts calcium powder<br />
3.5 parts xylitol (ground fine- I used the mortar pestle in the kitchen and it took a couple of minutes)<br />
2 parts baking soda ( if your soda s lumpy you might want to sift it or grind it)<br />
4 parts coconut oil<br />
.5 parts peppermint extract<br />
5 parts drops peppermint essential oil<br />
1 parts drop sage essential oil<br />
1 parts drop lavender essential oil<br />
<br />
I used a half teaspoon measuring spoon so it made a small batch, which is likely what you'll want to do until you find the best combination for you. Depending on what you are used to, you might want to make the paste thinner by adding more coconut oil. This toothpaste won't foam like commercial toothpastes, and it has a bit of a salty flavor, so you might want to keep a glass of water handy. After a week of transition, though, I hardly noticed the texture or the bitterness of the baking soda.I have a jar of the dry ingredients waiting in the cupboard, when I'm out of the fist batch, I'll add the flavoring and coconut oils. Store the dry powder in dry air tight container. The finished product ban be put in as plastic squeeze tube or a small jar.<br />
<br />
Total cost on this project was around $30, but will make enough toothpaste for a family of four for the next two years by my estimate.<br />
<br /></div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-80390554275849150582014-04-05T17:08:00.000-07:002014-04-05T17:08:00.935-07:00Peas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just started some heirloom sugar peas for my garden. We're going to try growing them in pots because the kids and I love peas (and because I found a neat way to use them for shade). I had never stopped to think about them in a magical sense, though.<br />
<br />
I pulled out my copy of Cunningham's<i> Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs </i>to check. Then I laughed. Peas, according to him, are good for love and money. I can see the love part, and I would have expected them to be a good choice for fertility spells (you know the old phrase about peas in pods, right?). Nine peas in a pod is supposed to be an aid for finding a woman's future husband. If she hangs the pod over the door, the next man through it will be her husband. Money was unexpected. Peas are excellent for business, especially if you shell them. Lexa Rosean's <i>Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients </i>recommends eating raw peas for beauty and using peas to relieve domestic concerns, particularly revolving around money. Remember "The Princess and the Pea"? That little pea was separating the impostors form the real princesses, which would be a domestic concern for the royal family, obviously. I'm reasonably certain that peas had some other meaning for the story, but I haven't dug it up yet.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, if you are looking for love or money (and really who among us isn't looking of rat least one of those?), add some peas to the menu. If you have a garden, you might try growing them yourself, and reaping the full force of this vegetable's magic. They are easy to add to spring recipes (Fettuccine Alfredo with prosciutto and peas is a common spring meal for us), can be eaten raw (I like them on my salads), and are readily available in the freezer (Frozen peas are a favorite snack for my little monsters and were one of the first table foods they got as babies) section of the grocery store year round. Enjoy!<br />
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-71387694103824022522014-02-02T10:11:00.000-08:002014-02-02T10:11:47.537-08:00Happy Imbolc!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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</a><br />
<a href="http://www.magickalgraphics.com/imbolc-comments1.htm"></a> <a href="http://www.magickalgraphics.com/">Magickal Graphics</a></div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-50988979959949003342014-01-21T15:56:00.000-08:002014-02-10T12:23:10.347-08:00Comfort food- 30 minute chicken and dumplings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Comfort foods can be very, well comforting, and sometimes, especially when we're sick, depressed or in need of some emotional support, comfort foods can help us feel better. We all have our favorites, our recipes that elicit an emotional response when we cook, serve and eat them. In my case, most of my favorite comfort foods take forever to make, so on a weekday evening, they aren't a likely candidate for dinner. Heather's mom used to make fabulous chicken and dumplings, and one day, Heather will have time to retrieve the recipe from her parents' storage unit to give to me. In the mean time, I did some research on the internet and found a <a href="http://www.parade.com/26573/donnaelick/30-minute-chicken-and-dumplings/">30 minute chicken and dumpling recipe</a> that I have tweaked to make my own. On chilly week nights, this can be thrown together in half an hour (no really, I timed it last time I did it) and my family loves it. It's also one of those meals that feels cozy and cheerfully homemade. <br />
<br />
On a magical level, carrots bring clear sight. Golden broth warms us like the sun, peas represent fertility. Celery promote peace. Sage in the seasonings provokes thoughtfulness, and dumplings can be cut into shapes that reflect what we need (small cookie cutters work great for this and make it fun for kids to help).<br />
<br />
Soup<br />
16-24 ounces cooked chicken (this depends on how carnivorous you feel)<br />
4-5 stalks celery, sliced<br />
4-6 carrots, peeled and sliced in to disks<br />
1- 16 ounce package of frozen peas<br />
1 tablespoon Better than Bullion (I love this stuff) or three bullion cubes<br />
4 cups water (if using broth omit water and bullion and add four cups of broth)<br />
3 cups milk<br />
1 tablespoon cooking sherry<br />
1-2 teaspoons poultry seasoning<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Dumplings<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 T butter softened<br />
1 T baking powder<br />
1/2 t salt<br />
1 cup milk<br />
<br />
Add all soup ingredients, except milk and peas, together in a large pot. Cook on medium heat until veggies are tender. add peas. Add milk and reduce heat. <br />
<br />
I find that making dumplings takes about the same amount of time as getting the soup ready for them to be added, so start this step as soon as the soup is set to simmering. Combine dry dumpling ingredients and whisk together. Add butter and blend with a pastry cutter. Add milk and continue blending until all ingredients are combined. Heavily flour a surface for rolling out and cutting dumplings. Sprinkle flour on top of dough (the extra flour works as a thickener, and this dough is really sticky, so be generous) Roll out until dough is about 1/2" thick (if you are in a huge hurry, go a little thinner). Cut into whatever shape you like (for winter solstice, I did stars, but squares work great, too- just be warned they warp during cooking), and drop into the simmering soup. Cook until dumplings are not doughy inside. Serve immediately.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-54686208420232745742014-01-09T18:43:00.000-08:002014-01-09T18:43:22.898-08:00Coffee scrub <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Magic and cosmetics have a long history together. So it is no surprise that you can use your time set aside for your beauty routine to work on some magic. This scrub is an excellent way to get rid of some dull, dead skin cells and promote a energetic glow while also focusing our magical intentions on loving ourselves and promoting self confidence. The caffeine in the coffee is used in many high end masks and scrubs to make skin appear refreshed and awake.<br />
<br />
2 tsp Coffee for dispelling negativity (it's more mundane use is for caffeine to wake of the skin)<br />
2 tsp Sugar for love and sweetness (it's also a really great, cheap exfoliant)<br />
1 tsp Honey for healing (it's got a number of medicinal properties such as reducing dryness, redness, and being antimicrobial, which is important if your skin is acne prone like mine is)<br />
1/4 tsp Cinnamon for success and healing (reduced inflammation and is antibacterial, again great for acne)<br />
2 capsules Evening Primrose oil for attracting love- (It is used in a number of cosmetics due to it's anti- aging properties)<br />
1/2 tsp Salt for protection (another great exfoliant, as well as attracting excess fluid from cysts and swollen areas)<br />
<br />
Mix the dry ingredients together in a small jar, then add the honey and begin mixing slowly. The mixing process takes time and it will seem like you need more honey at first- keep mixing. I found working the ingredients together with two small spoons was helpful. At the half way point, at the liquid from one evening primrose capsule, add the the second when everything looks pretty mixed together. This will create a ball of sticky, black paste. You will only need a small amount to scrub your face with, so the rest could be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for few days, or you can splurge and exfoliate from head to toe.<br />
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Ask you scrub, focus your thoughts on absorbing the love and energy from the scrub while releasing negative thoughts about yourself. See the old, attitude falling away to reveal a new one that is healing, loving and positive about yourself.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-68446750638967455192013-11-15T06:30:00.000-08:002013-11-15T06:30:00.023-08:00Happy TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Fun)!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mandy has been swallowed by PTA responsibilities so she
asked me to blog for her…that was before I told her I thought Peter Pan was
hitting on me the other night at an improve show, so she might be regretting
her decision!</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven’t written anything other than emails lately and I’m
currently in the middle of shifting the way I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve decided I’m going to concentrate on having fun even
with the tasks I detest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like
typing: I’m not a typer…I’m a talker!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Typing is a tedious task as far as I’m concerned along with cleaning.
I’ve been attempting to clean/downsize, when I look around it seems that all of
my hard work feels like I haven’t accomplished anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mess instead of being contained in
one area is now sprawled out in the living room and I swear the paper in my
house might eat me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m blaming
this on my parents for I don’t feel I was ever taught how to really “clean”…I
am however amazingly talented at rearranging the clutter…so much so that I
hired an organizer once who told me I had no system and basically I was S.O.L.!
EXACTLY I was S.O.L. that I had paid someone to tell me what I already knew!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These acts are not “fun” for me but
with my new <i>I’m going to make it fun </i><span style="font-style: normal;">attitude;
I’m realizing I’m lucky that I am able to go through my own stuff as opposed to
someone else going through it (or shoveling it out as they do on the hoarder
show; even though that seems like a must easier task than actually cleaning)
and with writing it is not my preferred form of communication but I am
able to communicate this way (I'm not saying it's my most successful medium).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all have tasks we dread in all aspects of our life and we
do them anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we do them?
Responsibility, obligation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
recently been given the task of coordinating Thanksgiving dinner for my
Father’s side of the family for saying something along the lines of <i>spending thanksgiving with the family
is like Dante’s Inferno (my communication skills rock…I put that in
writing on Facebook).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;">Thanksgiving is my least favorite “food” holiday so I
suggested we all pitch in money and order Chinese food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprisingly more people were accepting
of this than I would have thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My Aunt whose house it’s at has vetoed this idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means the responsibility will be
taken away from me or I’ll be having egg rolls on Thanksgiving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a tedious task and made it fun (for me at least)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Think about what you dread doing and then turn it into
something more enjoyable than you normally would.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt I will ever enjoy cleaning but I liven the task
up by cranking the music and putting on my dancing shoes. I think about
dressing up but then I realize that would be one more outfit I’d have to wash
unless I buy a maid or a prison uniform both seem appropriate for this chore then it'd be worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fun should be applied to all aspects of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you feel you need to play one song
over and over again to the point people around you begin to wonder if you have
OCD, do it! Sing in the car at the top of your lungs, who cares if your car is
mostly windows: what are the odds you’ll see the people around you again?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drive with the top down on your car if
you can’t do that drive with all of the windows down and stick your arm out the
window and hand surf (after all when was the last time you did that)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start dancing when you feel the urge
regardless if you are at home, work, in your chair or out and about!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is short…make it fun!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me know if you have any suggestions on what else one
could do for making things fun…I’m always up for a new FUN experience…hopefully
you are too!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11080067067413186513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-53352342236900967832013-10-25T13:20:00.001-07:002013-10-25T13:20:32.638-07:00Mommy magic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you have little people in your life, you know that magic is pretty easy for them to accept. It can also be employed to help them through their problems. a little symbolism and a bit of belief in magic and children can manifest miracles.<br />
<br />
<b>Nightmare repellent</b><br />
<br />
<i>I have tried many things to keep nightmares away from my sons. This works pretty well and is easy.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
21 drops sweet orange oil (for happiness)<br />
3 drops chamomile oil (for calmness)<br />
5 bergamot oil (for good thoughts)<br />
1 drop lavender oil (for relaxation)<br />
1 drop mint oil (for protection)<br />
1 drop rose or violet oil (for love)<br />
4 ounces of water<br />
1 small plastic spray bottle<br />
<br />
Fill the bottle most of the way with water. Add each oil, stating why you are adding it. It's important for kids to know that changing things is sometimes more than just getting rid of something- you also have to invite the replacement energy in. Shake well and spray around the bed at bedtime.<br />
<br />
<b>Colors for bad days</b><br />
<br />
<i>My first grader woke up one morning in a terrible mood. He said, "Mom, my colors are all gone, and I can't be happy." (He'd even dressed in black and gray). A bit of ribbon and he had some colors. A promise to think f him when I looked at mine and he was set for the day. All the kids were intrigued by the bright new bracelet, and my little guy had an awesome day.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 pieces of rainbow colored ribbon, string or yarn- one long enough to wrap around your child's wrist and tie, the other long enough for your wrist<br />
<br />
Tie the ribbon around the child's wrist and your won to make bracelets to link the two of you together. Promise to think of your little one when you glance at it during the day. It's the thought that counts in this spell, and little people are excellent users of these types of talismans. The colors can also brighten up gray days.<br />
<br />
<b>Calming potion for bad tempers</b><br />
<br />
<i>My older son has a terrible temper which he hasn't been great at controlling. This potion is his creation, tweaked a bit to balance the scents. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
13 drops chamomile oil<br />
7 drops mint oil<br />
1 drop lavender oil<br />
1 moldavite chip (moldavite is an excelelnt stone for those with explosive tempers)<br />
1 small glass vial<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients int he vial during the waning moon. Let the oil sit under the moonlight for at least one night, then it can be added to a spray bottle full of water to disperse it or dabbed onto your child. I like to add it to his shoes and jacket lining.<br />
<br />
<b>Healing bath for colds and flu</b><br />
<br />
<i>Viruses are just part of life, but suffering is optional. This warm, green, fragrant, steamy bath is a great way to involve some healing and clear sinuses at the same time. Kids also love mixing colors.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
5-10 drops food coloring to tint the water green (use green or blue + yellow)- don't rinse very blonde hair in this, though, as it can pick up the color<br />
7 drops eucalyptus oil<br />
2 drops peppermint<br />
1 pinch of ground ginger<br />
<br />
Add all ingredients to a pleasantly warm bath and soak until your little one feels better or the water gets cold.<br />
<br />
<b>A place to put bad feelings (ours was called the Bad Attitude Box for a while)</b><br />
<br />
<i>My older son went through a very rough patch at age four. His attitude was bad enough and big enough for any four kids. Punishing him didn't help. Yelling didn't help. Ignoring him just made it worse, but shoving the bad feelings in a box worked like a charm.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1 small box, chosen by your child (make sure it's big enough for them to fit their emotions inside)<br />
a piece of string to tie it closed<br />
<br />
When someone's attitude is too nasty and too big to be allowed, ask them to stuff it in the box. Put the lid on it and secure the box by tying it up. This gives your child the power to defeat their own attitude and sometimes, the silliness of stuffing a large, invisible something into any empty box can be a great break from the tension of rough moments.<br />
<br />
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-88702995561942329102013-10-08T12:33:00.002-07:002013-10-08T12:33:44.818-07:00Pruning and weeding as magic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's that time of year again, the time when we start to tuck our gardens in for the winter. Even here in the mild climate of the Bay Area, there is important work to be done outside. Arborists are tying up traffic all over as they trim the trees. The leaves are creating a rich blanket of detritus to feed the soil, and I am preparing to start pruning and pulling.<br />
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Pruning is an excellent action for sympathetic magic. You can trim away those things you don't need in your life as trim your plants. My blackberries are a perfect example. While blackberry has it's own magical connotations, my personal plants are out of control, along with many parts of my life. They can handle pretty aggressive pruning, and have bounced back from whatever I've done to them. They are invading other pots, scratching me constantly, and growing willy nilly with no plan or discipline. They also need a good pruning to be healthy next year. As I prune them, I'm going to ask them to stand in for those areas of my life that are a bit out of control, and I'm going to cut away what I don't need. By getting rid of excess, we allow our energy, much like a plant, to go to where it is needed. We prevent it from being wasted on far flung, thin, reaching ideas that don't help us be strong and healthy.<br />
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Weeding the garden is much the same. It allows us to clear out all those little ideas that steal our resources. The wild buckwheat is preventing the kitchen herbs from getting sunlight, and so it it needs to go. The unidentified greens growing in the flower pots are robbing the violets of nourishment, much like my excessive number of projects are doing. My eliminating some competition, I am asking for the strength and inspiration to do something amazing with what I've planted, not what's popped up. The dying tomato plants are tangible symbol of a successful venture that is now over. It needs to be thanked and removed so that something can grow in it's place next year rather than holding on to something that's time has passed.<br />
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As I put the garden to bed, I am also planning for next season. Seeds are being gathered from the snapdragons (protection against bad luck) and columbines (can be used to promote finding our higher purpose). The poppies were harvested months ago (poppies are good dream magic, not to mention very cheerful early spring flowers). I am making lists of what pots need soil or nutrients or replacement. It never hurts to have an idea of what you need and plan to make that happen.<br />
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As you tend your garden, it can be a way to act out what you want or need in your life. They can be mirrors for our inner realms and positive energy to promote life and growth. Like our inner selves, gardens need nourishment, plans, dreams, and attention, and this is the perfect time to combine all of these along with some healthy cardiovascular exercise and fresh air.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-87663673816997408562013-09-21T11:27:00.000-07:002013-09-23T10:19:50.773-07:00T.T.H.M. Part 6- Etsy feature<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>This is it, the end of the Taming the Housework Monster series. It's been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I hope that something I shared helps make your housekeeping greener or more magical. Our outer spaces can be a reflection of our inner spaces, but they also have the ability to influence us in ways we tend to not acknowledge. Housekeeping is a necessary part of life, but it doesn't have to be boring, mundane or toxic. Thank you for sticking around through this.</i><br />
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If I can do for myself, without too much equipment, money or effort, I make my own stuff, but I'm weird like that. It's a combination of mad scientist and kitchen witch when I make cleaning supplies, but it can be difficult, messy, and in the way. I acknowledge this, and I know that not everyone likes to jump into these projects for themselves; this is why I'm putting together this etsy feature. I've been combing esty for weeks, collecting cool things to share. These wonderful craftspeople have given me permission to share their creations here.<br />
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<a href="https://img1.etsystatic.com/012/0/8083360/il_570xN.460179127_ispz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dirty Dames Clean House Starter Kit" border="0" height="266" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/012/0/8083360/il_570xN.460179127_ispz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Who could resist a name like Dirty Dames? Not to mention these pretty bottles.This is a great way to get started on green cleaning. The set includes kitchen cleaner, all purpose spray cleaner, air fresheners, bug repellent, and bathroom cleaner in one kit. Visit the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151485541/dirty-dames-clean-house-starter-kit?ref=shop_home_feat">Dirty Dames Goods</a> etsy store for more information, options or even a custom order.</div>
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<img alt="Plain Jane Black w/White Polka Dots Oilcloth Gloves - Latex Free - Not Just for Cleaning (Size Med)" height="320" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6210809/il_570xN.300751612.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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Aren't these cute? Plain Jane Gloves from<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RachaelsSoaps?ref=l2-shopheader-name"> Rachael's Soaps</a> come in different prints and can help keep your hands out of the muck. Rachael also has some adorable clothes pins (I love polka dots!), scrubbers and soaps to go with. These are great gifts for housewarmings or anyone setting up a new household.<br />
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/012/0/7789372/il_570xN.432668262_e4g9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flash Sale - Lowest Price Ever - One Only - 12 Unpaper towels with snaps, Birdseye cotton, Snapping towels, Kitchen towels" border="0" height="320" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/012/0/7789372/il_570xN.432668262_e4g9.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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If sewing isn't your thing (and it's not really mine, either), you can still have reusable mop pads, paperless towels, and dusters. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/eco4life?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar">Eco4life</a> is a great little shop with lots of very green options for household cleaning tools that can be washed and reused. Believe me, the assortment that Hollie has on her shop is amazing!</div>
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I hope these shops get you excited to make a greener, cleaner, more magical living space!<br />
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<i>All photographs belong to their respective owners!</i></div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-54567216856464158592013-09-20T08:23:00.000-07:002013-09-20T08:23:14.058-07:00Happy Autumn Equinox!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy Autumn Equinox (for my Northern Hemisphere friends- Happy Spring to those elsewhere)!</div>
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I bless you with balance in all that you do.<br />
I bless you with a love of the rhythms of life.<br />
I bless you with the ability to embrace each new season as magical.<br />
I bless you with cool, dark nights in which deep thoughts happen.<br />
I bless you with days full of rich colors and changing scenery.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-57688539757759279052013-09-18T10:56:00.001-07:002015-02-17T11:45:59.991-08:00T.T.H.M. Part 5- Resources for getting started<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>As promised, here is a list, with some commentary, of resources to have a greener, more magical home. They aren't in any particular order, as I added them as they popped into my head. I tend to shop according to my values, so I have a personal reason for shopping at each supplier I've listed here. For me, it's also an act of magic to support a better world with my dollars.</i><br />
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It's scary to give up some things that we're really attached too. <i>Chemerical</i>, a funny documentary about household toxins, is a great way to see what giving up commercial cleaners is like (If you have Netflix or Hulu, it's available there to watch instantly). Yes, I'm recommending a documentary on cleaning things, but it has some recipes, some good information, and it lets you see that going green while you clean can be done without a huge amount of work. It's also a great way to see that going green can be done by regular people. Visit: <a href="http://www.chemicalnation.com/content/">Chemical Nation</a> for more information.<br />
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<a href="http://brambleberry.com/">Brambleberry.com</a> is dedicated to soap making. If you are getting toxic chemicals out of your life, making your won soap is safe, easy and fun. They also sell bulk citric acid and essential oils which are helpful to making your own cleaning supplies. Their Youtube channel, Soap Queen, also has tons of recipes and tutorials. If you ever wanted to know how to make your own cosmetics, body care products or soaps, this is a great company to start with.<br />
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Tess Whitehurst wrote <i>Magical Housekeeping </i>and<i> Magical Clutter Clearing Boot Camp. </i>She mixes recipes, practical advice and spell work together in her books which are available on paper or as e-books. These a re good books to read to get you in the mood to change your habits, but I find recipes are best from other sources. Visit her <a href="http://www.tesswhitehurst.com/1/Welcome.html">website</a> for more information.<br />
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<i>Housework Blues, a survival guide</i> by Danielle Raine is an e-book that looks at practical ways to deal with housework if you hate it. She doesn't sugar coat the feelings, she points out ways we can cope with our emotional burden when cleaning. It's available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Housework-Blues-Survival-Emotional-Challenge/dp/0956493904/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379524227&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=houseworkblues">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://wellnessmama.com/">Wellness Mama</a> is a blog with a huge variety of recipes for everything form household cleaners to toothpaste, plus some good advice about less toxic living. You'll have to search for what your are interested in, though, as she's been writing this blog for a while.<br />
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<a href="http://mountainroseherbs.com/">Mountain Rose Herbs</a> is the leader in organic herbs on the West Coast. When I need herbs, especially bulk herbs, this is where I order. Their blog also has recipes for body care, medicines, and even green cleaning supplies. Sign up for their newsletter to receive advance notice of sales and discounts. They are also invested in promoting sustainable agriculture, fair trade, herbal medicine and access to organics.<br />
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<a href="http://method.com/">Method</a> is the first green cleaning supply company I used. They were founded in the Bay Area, where I live, and they have a great vision, not to mention fun advertising. I love their laundry soap, and the refillable packages. I'm not huge on brand loyalty, but they won mine when my then three year old son, opened and drank a bottle of their glass cleaner. He thought it was Gatorade, and I had turned my back for just long enough to start the answering machine messages when we got back from the store. A frantic call to the doctor's office and a doctor's check of the poison control database later, and we had nothing to worry about. The doctor laughed and told me at worst, his urine would smell like mint, but that there was nothing in the cleaner to worry about. Method was also the first company to use recycled ocean plastic as packaging. They have been vocal proponents for Bay Area pollution controls, and sponsor beach clean ups in San Francisco. They are also really responsive if you call, email or write with questions or concerns.<br />
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<a href="http://drbronner.com/">Dr. Bronner's soaps</a> are organic and fair trade, and they've been a around for decades. They are also really easy to get a hold of (I can buy Dr. B's at CVS, Target, Safeway, Fresh &Easy, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Rite Aid and all of the health food stores around here). If you need castille soap, especially in bulk, this is a great product. Personally, I like the peppermint and citrus soaps, both of which also come in bars. In some locations, you can even refill your container from a drum to reuse your bottle.<br />
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Need spray bottles for your creations? Some essential oils are hard on plastics. Storing homemade cleaning supplies often requires some light filtering and non-reactive bottles. The best choice is glass, which reacts with very few substances, doesn't off-gas, and can be recycled. Turn a jar into a spray bottle with this <a href="http://www.crunchybetty.com/how-to-turn-a-glass-jar-into-an-eco-friendly-spray-bottle">tutorial</a>.<br />
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I love my Swiffer, but I feel guilty using disposable pads. A quick check on etsy and I found several people who would make me some, but they were pricey. Then I found a blog post titled <a href="http://lookmanopatterns.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-make-your-swiffer-less-evil.html">"How to Make Your Swiffer Less Evil"</a>. The directions were easy, and I now have several very cute Swiffer pads. I'm also including a picture of my Wetjet hack. When the tank is empty, drill a hole in the top, wash it well, and fill with vinegar. A champagne cork worked great for plugging the hole (I painted mine purple to match).<br />
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Want to go paperless in the kitchen? Here's tutorial and links to purchase <a href="http://www.kamsnaps.com/Reusable-Washable-Cloth-Unpaper-Towels-75.html">unpaper towels and diapers</a>. If you have no sewing skills, try my etsy treasury, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAxNTMyNTF8MjcyNDkwOTYxNg/greener-and-cuter-cleaning?ref=af_you_tre">"Greener and cuter cleaning"</a> for some ideas. It's a good starting place, and there are tons of people who can help you out with Swiffer pads, unpaper towels, and cleaning supplies. I will feature a few of these on next week's post, so stay tuned!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWGI7NmxCS0/Ujnn7XyyTsI/AAAAAAAACac/G2Kte3U4FdA/s1600/first+day+of+school,+stargazing,+swiffer+514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kWGI7NmxCS0/Ujnn7XyyTsI/AAAAAAAACac/G2Kte3U4FdA/s320/first+day+of+school,+stargazing,+swiffer+514.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Swiffer pads- batik fabric on one side and terry cloth from a ripped towel on the other.</td></tr>
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Check out <a href="http://lifehack.org/">Lifehack.org</a> once in a while for some amazing, clever and useful tips and DIY projects. If you want to know how to properly fold a fitted sheet, clean your shower head, organize cords, or how to peel hard boiled eggs easier, this is the place to go (especially if you need to know all of these at once).<br />
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Your grandmother, or other older women in your life, may have some great advice, after all, they didn't have the same dizzying array of cleaning supplies we have at the store. It can't hurt to ask, and depending on how creative they are or were, you might be surprised to find that some very old fashioned tricks are still really useful.<br />
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-41339988425446477552013-09-11T11:38:00.000-07:002015-02-17T11:39:33.733-08:00T.T.H.M. Part 4- Going greener<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Fruit fly traps are expensive and sometimes really toxic. You can make your won with a little bit of old red wine in a jar or glass and a drop of plain soap. The flies will be attracted to the scent and will land on top and drown. Then you can rinse them down the sink. Ants don't like vinegar or peppermint, so apply either of these to the areas they frequent and they won't stay long.<br />
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Let's face it, some things are modern miracles and have no easy green substitute. Like chlorine bleach for some tasks. When I need to use bleach, I try to do all the bleaching in one day to reduce our exposure and the amount I use. Stained whites and the shower curtain liner can soak together in the bathtub (which also eases staining to the plastic coating they put on the tub rather than replacing it). Using the broom to stir gives me a chance to disinfect the broom bristles (pull of the hair and dust that sticks before you start, though). When I'm done with those tasks, and before I drain the tubs, I rinse the garbage and recycle bins, dip a few cups out to add to the toilet, and then rinse things. After that, I drain the tub and wash it out.<br />
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Baking soda and/or vinegar will clean almost anything. Vinegar can be used on hard surfaces, except for marble. Infusing your vinegar will make it smell better and give you a chance to add some magic to it. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to ease the vinegar smell, which dissipates after about half an hour. Baking soda mixed with water or peroxide can be used to scour enamel, tile, grout, and stubborn stains. Mix the two together in the drains to clear the pipes (it's also fun for kids to watch, so you can entertain and clean) or stains on carpet- but check for colorfastness first. Baking soda can also be used to freshen the carpet, just sprinkle, wait a bit and vacuum it up; you might need to clean your vacuum filter afterwards, though.<br />
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Save some water- plan out your watery cleaning tasks. You might be able to reuse your water from one light task to another heavier task. Reasonable clean bathwater or dish rinse water can be used to water plants or clean the driveway.<br />
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Reduce your dependence on disposables. I've replaced my Swiffer Wet Jet pads with reusable ones that I made (I will include pictures with the "Resources" installment of this series). I'm trying unpaper towels for cleaning up small spills, and cloth napkins are no longer just for holidays. It's had a huge impact on how much trash our house generates. Glass jars are kept to be used for storage. Plastic baggies can be washed, dried and reused. Newspaper can be reused to clean glass and then recycled. Cut up plastic grocery bags into strips to make plastic yarn, then you can knit or crochet it into pot scrubbers, baskets, and shopping bags.<br />
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Find a balance. Eco friendly products that you can buy sometimes aren't all we hope for. I've tried several green dishwasher detergents, and so far, I haven't had much luck. Part of this is because my dishwasher is old and dying, but the landlord won't replace it until dies for good. Homemade dish soap didn't dissolve properly (but it works great in combination with conventional dishwasher detergents, so I can cut down). Seventh Generations' detergent didn't work with our hard water, and the Method dish tabs were too expensive, so I'm still using some conventional products. Other wise, every load in the dishwasher requires scrubbing and multiple washes, which isn't very friendly to the Earth. Try, try again, but do so responsibly. When you find what works for you, it will not feel like a chore and you won't miss your old cleaning supplies.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-25374165923953972932013-08-31T09:10:00.000-07:002013-08-31T09:10:21.496-07:00Part 3- Magic and the housekeeper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All of us witches know that objects can hold energy. It's the basis of spell work. This is also why cleaning your house can be very powerful magically. From herbs to tools, add some magic to your cleaning and reorganizing to make your spell work more powerful and to reinforce ideas you want in your space. It's also lots of fun to mix and mingle ingredients to create your own custom cleaning potions or turn the boring task of sweeping into an act of magic!<br />
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<li>Basil is often used to draw money. Keep a healthy plant in your kitchen for cooking and for prosperity. basil oil also helps cut lingering odors like seafood on your hands.</li>
<li>Lemon to ward off jealousy. It's also a clean, tart fragrance that clears the senses. Lemon oil is useful in polish wood.</li>
<li>Orange promotes happiness. Tess Whitehurst in her book <i>Magical Housekeeping</i> recommends leaving a bowl of oranges on the stove to bring happiness. Oranges are also incredible symbols of solar energy. A scraped dry orange peel with some salt inside makes a lovely, disposable air freshener. Dried orange slices can be strung together as a garland and used as sun catcher combined with air freshener.</li>
<li>Roses are the quintessential symbol of love. Use rose scents to promote a loving environment. Roses are also a summer time staple, so consider adding them to your cleaning products when you need a little summer in your life, too. Rose infused vinegar can be used both for cleaning and rinsing your hair. IT's pretty, too.</li>
<li>Cinnamon is full of fire. It adds warmth to a space and energy. Be careful handling it though, as it can be hard on the skin, especially as an oil. Boil a stick on the stove to scent the entire house. It covers strong odors very well (It almost completely covered the smell of boiling fish when I had to macerate a fish skeleton for a class in college.)</li>
<li>Salt is a well known deterrent to spirits. Sprinkle a bit in your window sills after a cleansing to keep things out, or pour a small amount into a dish and leave on your altar. Salt or baking soda in a hollowed citrus rind helps to absorb odors.</li>
<li>Apples are tied to the idea of beauty and longevity. Apple scents mix well with cinnamon and cloves to create a perfect autumn scent, and they are frequently tied to Samhain. Apple cider vinegar works for cleaning, but don't use it on white fabrics as it leaves a slight stain.</li>
<li>Sage is a thoughtful herb. Keep a bundle near the dinner table to provoke thoughtfulness.</li>
<li>Mint is both protective and a prosperity magnet. Mint essential oil is also a good, strong scent to cover up lingering odors. It's also antibacterial, which means adding it to your homemade cleaning products helps them be effective against germs.</li>
<li>Bergamot is a woody, earthy scent that balances well with fruits and sharp herbs. A few drops in your wash water or cleaning solution can make the smell less herbal and more complex. It also brings grounding, clarity and balance with it.</li>
<li>Cloves can be used for a variety of magical purposes from protection against spirits to drawing money or even comforting those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one. A couple of cloves in boiling water will scent a large area. Be cautious with this oil as it can be a skin irritant,</li>
<li>Lavender is the tried and true calming herb. It's also anti-fungal and antibacterial. Just remember, a little bit of this oil goes a long way.</li>
<li>Pepper is good for thank seasoning the roast. It's also a protective herb. </li>
<li>Thyme is a great purifying herb, which dovetails nicely with the idea of cleaning. Tie a bunch to your broom, infuse your vinegar with it or burn a bit as incense.`</li>
<li>Vanilla is often a reminder of sweetness. Use this scent when you need a little in your life.</li>
<li>Bay leaves are a traditional herb associated with divination. Attach a few leaves to your broom to encourage good omens.</li>
<li>Honeysuckle brings good luck, so bring in a bouquet if you have it. It should also infuse well in vinegar.</li>
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<li>Clockwise/ Sunwise/ Deosil is the direction you'll want to move if you are attracting or invoking. When I am focused on getting the house cleaner for a more positive vibe, this is the direction I move.</li>
<li>Coutnerclockwise/ Antisunwise/ Widdershins work in this direction to banish energies, If you're trying to cut the clutter, this is the direction to work.</li>
<li>Descending brings things down to earth. If your ideas are lofty, but in need of a foundation, work from the top down to bring things back to terra firma.</li>
<li>Work form the bottom up if you are in need of growth. I find with clutter, the stuff on the bottom often needs dealt with first because it's been put off the longest. </li>
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<li>Where would a witch be without a broom? Brooms have long been symbols of housekeeping, and they have been used by many cultures to sweep out the old, the dusty, the dirty, and unwelcome energies of life. Hang your broom with leaves or sprigs of herbs to direct your magical sweeping's energies.</li>
<li>The humble garbage can is a good tool for permanently disposing of ideas, habits and feelings. You can, really, throw away these things. When you're done using this tool, make sure to take it out right away.</li>
<li>Buckets are useful housekeeping analogs for cauldrons. Mix your cleaning potions and then scrub away. </li>
<li>Gloves are protective. They allow us to handle things without letting them in, which is great when cleaning somethings that are simply yucky. Consider pulling on the gloves as a magical reminder not to allow negative energies inside you. there are some situations thin life that can't be avoided, so try to keep them from getting under your skin.</li>
<li>Vacuums can be magical. Suck up the dust of stagnant ideas and then get rid of it. Clear your path while using yours.</li>
<li>Soap washes away almost anything. Got a sticky idea or set of feelings you have a hard time getting rid of? Add some soap and start washing away that dirtiness from your life.</li>
<li>Recycle bins are good symbols of turning the old energies in your life into new energies. Recycle those old papers and magazines you won't read again. </li>
<li>Tablecloths, coverings, paints, slipcovers, curtains, rugs are all use ways to smooth over a transition and brighten a space. If that table is old and unsightly, cover it up rather than think about how much you don't like it. If the carpet is stained, look for a rug to cover it. Curtains can be used to shield us from the outer world. When I hung an old table cloth as a curtain in my dining area (which looks directly into the parking lot), I felt much better. The view from my table is one of the things I most dislike about this apartment, and that helped tremendously. Because the curtain is rather sheer, it blocks the view, but not much of the light. If you need to store things under end tables, but don't want to see the clutter, add a table cloth. Camouflage can be your friend.</li>
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Colors are helpful reminders of what you ant or need. Pick your tools to reflect this.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Red is passionate and loving. Choose red when you want to increase love, lust, or your own passionate nature, whatever that means for you, personally.</li>
<li>Orange is the courageous and bold. If you are about to take big step and feel a little apprehensive, some orange will help bolster your courage.</li>
<li>Yellow is cheerful. If your household is in a funk, add a little yellow.</li>
<li>Green brings fertility, prosperity and the energies of green, growing things.</li>
<li>Blue is healing and communication. It's a soothing color that lends calm to space. If you are looking for tranquility, this is your color.</li>
<li>Purple is the color of spiritual healing. If your housekeeping and clutter busting is rooted in changes to your inner self, this is an excellent outward reminder of that goal.</li>
<li>Brown is the color to use if you need some grounding. </li>
<li>Black absorbs negativity.</li>
<li>White is the color of completeness. It is also a great reveal-er of hidden dirt.</li>
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These ideas are guidelines. Every magical action you take is imbued by your intention alone. Symbols are merely mnemonic devices. If a takes or direction or color means something to you that it doesn't mean to me, go with your interpretation. Experiment, mix, and conjure exactly what you need as you clean. You are the source of the magic in your life!</div>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-81150682177000806552013-08-26T14:08:00.000-07:002013-08-26T14:08:53.923-07:00Part 2- Getting mentally prepared to Tame the Beast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I've mentioned, I don't like housework. I tend to view it as some diabolical torture devised to make me miserable, and that makes getting the house clean and organized tough. Before I get cleaning, I have to get in the right frame of mind. This is the most important part of housekeeping for me.<br />
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For starters, I have to set up my attitude. Before getting out of bed on cleaning day, I tell myself that I have lots of energy, that I want to have a clean space. I remind myself that house cleaning burns calories, and that I love how the place feels after a good cleaning. Tell yourself that you are capable, and then prove it. It makes for better future cleanings, too.<br />
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Do you have issues with housework? I do. Spend some time reflecting on why you hate housework. If there are emotional issues like relationships with other people or feelings on inadequacy, take some time (but not on cleaning day) to work through them. There are books, c.d.'s, mp3's and websites devoted to dealing with these issues (I will post a list of my favorites in a couple of weeks when I wrap up this series). Examining your emotional ties to things and ideas also makes it easier to get rid of clutter. Once you understand that some stuff really does tie us down, it gets easier to break those bonds and move forward. Throwing away an object isn't throwing away a person, relationship or memory, unless you chose to use it that way. Clearing our space makes us mentally and emotionally clearer, which make housework an important part of changing our lives.<br />
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I get comfy- worn out jeans, a shirt I don't mind getting stained or damaged (I've ruined lots of black tees cleaning the bathroom. Did you know toothpaste is a bleaching agent?), sneakers (with my shoe inserts) and a hair in a ponytail. I have an apron with huge pockets that I like to wear for certain tasks, as it keeps my shirt dry and tools handy. Heather has been known to start by putting on her stilettos (she dances all the time, so this makes perfect sense). Whatever works for you. If you aren't going anywhere for the day, you might also think about using your cleaning time to try out that pore clearing face mask or deep condition your hair. If you're going to be wearing gloves for a while, it might be a good time to put on some hand lotion. I like multitasking, and after I spend hours cleaning, I want a shower, so it's good timing for me to double up on these types of tasks.<br />
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Start with some fuel. Have a cup of coffee, tea or whatever to get the juices flowing. Eat something (I forget this then drink too much caffeine and regret it later). Remind yourself that your body needs nourishment to be effective. In our house, we also tend to have snacks that can be grabbed and consumed on the run for cleaning days, along with cold beverages (a case of Corona in the fridge keeps my husband working for hours longer than without). I drink tons of caffeine when I clean, but that's because I like to feel like a crazy person while I clean (vibrating is fun, at least until the crash).<br />
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Set the mood. Music is a must for cleaning around here. My husband listens to trance and house music while he cleans. I like bouncy music I can sing along with. My mp3 player is my best friend while I'm cleaning or organizing. Not only can I use it to keep me focused, it also blocks out the kids bickering and the neighbors' noise. Sometimes, I'll listen to affirmations, guided meditations or even binaural tones if I need a clear head and few thoughts (Remember the <a href="http://cauldronkeepersspells.blogspot.com/2012/01/moving-meditations.html">moving meditations post</a>?). Colin likes incense to help set the cleaning mood; I prefer to spritz some essential oil and water after the cleaning is done. Open the winds, turn on the fans, get things moving if that helps your energy level.<br />
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Start with something small, but visible. The bathroom gets cleaned first often. It's small, and generally can be cleaned top to bottom in about half an hour. Seeing the results so effectively keeps me motivated, and it gives me someplace to take a breather later (close the door and nobody knows what you're doing in there, and they aren't likely to ask, either).<br />
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I like to have a reward in mind. If you finish your chores for the day, what's the reward (besides having a clean space)? A nap, a movie, ice cream, a new book, a trip the beach, a lazy day, and a long soak in the tub are all things I use to reward myself. I also set boundaries; there is a point at which you need to stop and re-evaluate your situation. If four o'clock on Sunday is approaching and I can see that things aren't going to get done, I wrap up what I'm doing and stop for the night. This is important if you have school age kids or a job that need to be prepared for Monday mornings. Know your limits and avoid burning out, which only reinforces negative thoughts about cleaning.<br />
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These are simply my suggestions and experiences with the psychology of cleaning. They might work for you, and they might not. If they don't work, I encourage you to keep trying things until you find what works for you. If you have some brilliant observation,a great tip, or even a funny story about getting in the mindset to clean, please share.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-42820647441706097142013-08-19T05:30:00.000-07:002013-08-19T05:30:04.628-07:00T.T.H.M Part 1- The Practical<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Cleaning, like most parts of our behavior, is learned. Some of us were formally instructed in how to clean a house, and the rest of us had to figure it out on our own. There are many schools of thought about how best to keep house, and by and large, it's something very personal.<br />
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I hate housework. Hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it! I've always felt this way, which is what led my parents to rather creatively punish me as a teenager by removing my bedroom door until I cleaned my room. Given the choice between cleaning and doing almost anything else, I'll choose anything else until the mess becomes so overwhelming that I break down and cry. <br />
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To make life easier, I've learned a few things about cleaning.<br />
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<li>Look before you leap. No really, look at what needs cleaned and determine what needs to be done and what order it should be done. Now is also a good time to gather your tools. Determine where things will be set aside for transport to other locations, and figure out what pattern you will use.</li>
<li>A pattern is your friend. During an archaeology internship, I received a valuable piece of advice in regards to dealing with large tasks that might get interrupted: have a pattern and stick to it. The recommend pattern is one you are familiar with, in fact, you're using it right now: top to bottom, left to right. Having a pattern, especially a familiar one, helps you keep track of where you've been and where you still need to go. It minimizes backtracking and prevents you from missing one spot.</li>
<li>Learn about what makes dreaded tasks more bearable for you. A attitude adjustment can go a long way to making your cleaning less traumatic.</li>
<li>When de-cluttering, go with your gut. If an object makes you feel bad, makes you dread dealing with it, it should probably go. </li>
<li>Make reasonable goals. I have a problem with this one. I decide things like "The house will get cleaned this weekend", and then I get mad when it can't be done. Pick an area or two that can be dealt with in the allotted time. Unless you are very efficient, or already have a very neat space, cleaning your entire house in one weekend likely won't happen.</li>
<li>Set limits to cleaning. If you get overwhelmed by cleaning, it might be helpful to set aside some rest times and reward yourself with a break here and there.</li>
<li>Start with a small area. I have learned that I do more cleaning if I focus on small areas at a time. Start with one counter int he kitchen or one drawer that needs organizing, then move on after you've finished with a sense of accomplishment.</li>
<li>Figure out if you work better alone or with a partner. My husband and I don't go about task in the same way, and working together gets frustrating quickly. If we have separate tasks, the fighting is kept to a minimum.</li>
<li>Make a list of what needs to get done, and prioritize it. For us easily distracted types, this helps us remember that alphabetizing the recipe cards, while very organized, is not a necessary task when the oven needs cleaned. It helps my kids remember that color coordinating Legos doesn't get the bed made.</li>
<li>Picture perfect is optional. Not all of us have the time, space, or desire for a picture perfect space. Some of us have too much stuff and not enough space to be Zen. That's okay. Rather than beating ourselves up over it, we're better off figuring out how to live with what wee have and embracing a little imperfection. Some of my glassware and kitchen linens are stored in plain sight. The pots and pans are cheerfully stashed under the microwave where they are easy to get to , easy to put away, and happily lending a splash of color to the kitchen. Measuring cups hang on the wall. The spices now have a home on the counter. Tidy doesn't mean hidden. Pretty and clean are not mutually inclusive, and somethings can live out in view of the world. </li>
<li>Maintenance is key to having a clean house. Set up a chore rotation to keep things neat. Delegate housekeeping tasks to all members of the household, and always watch for a better, more efficient, or more enjoyable way to do things.</li>
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How you clean depends a lot o personal preference, the type of space you're in and time available. Don't be afraid to try new ideas, because sometimes something small may be the perfect answer to getting your mess under control.We all have our little survival strategies, and I'd love it if you shared yours. </div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-83017467753107035242013-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:002013-08-13T11:23:06.281-07:00Taming the Housework Monster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This summer has been full of cleaning, not just for me, but for our lovely Heather Creates. It's not over yet, but there are some lessons learned, some resources to share and a lot to think about. Cleaning and organizing your space isn't just a mundane act; it's a magical one. It is full of symbolic acts, opportunities to change our thinking and our behavior, and it's a good place to start when overhauling large parts of your life. It's also a monster of a topic to organize into a single blog post, so I'm starting a series.<br />
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Part one of our "Taming the Housework Monster" series will be basic cleaning tips. Believe it or not, cleaning is not an intuitive task, and not everyone received instruction on this important, yet boring, topic. For some of us (not me, because my mom made us clean from an early age), learning how to get started is crucial. I have a few basic, adaptable tips to make cleaning more efficient. The next segment will cover the mental preparations to cleaning. Not everyone gets up and gets to work cleaning and de-cluttering and organizing without some motivation. Some of us (especially me), need some psyching up to get to work. </div>
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Segment three will be magical. A few of my favorite magical, yet practical, cleaning tips will be featured here. The fourth installment will focus on greener cleaning. Over the years, I have done away with most of my chemical cleaners. This summer, I went even further and made some reusable cleaning tools. The last two segments will be a resource guide and an etsy treasury to get you inspired to be green, to be magical, and to get things clean and organized.<br />
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I hope you are all excited to see this series. It's really been a summer's worth of work, and a few of my accomplishments are things I'm really proud of, like my Swiffer Wet Jet hack and my pads for it. I'm also finding some spiritual and psychological value in dealing with the clutter in my home. The energy is changing, and hopefully soon, I won't hate this apartment quite the way I have. As always, feel free to share your stories, tips, and spells. If I get enough of them, I'll make a special post just to share those. Watch for these posts to be out once a week, probably on Wednesdays. Cheers!</div>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-42074604685866783472013-08-01T10:29:00.001-07:002013-08-01T10:29:45.864-07:00Harvest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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May your harvest be plentiful! Happy Lughnasadh!<br />
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-27091578781119368132013-07-10T16:44:00.002-07:002014-10-07T12:05:44.689-07:00Inventing an excuse to celebrate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Heather spent last weekend with me, and as usual, it was fun. We spread mischief where we went, but somehow missed making mischief we had planned. We stayed up all night talking, had an adventure (getting pixie led is somewhat less fun than it sounds), and enjoyed the bounty of the season.<br />
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Sunday, her last day before returning home, we pulled out the china and silver and threw an impromptu party. A trip to the farmer's market meant that I bought imperfect, thorny and lush smelling roses from an elderly farmer who has the best garlic in the spring, a variety of flowers from his wife's garden, and tomatoes of many colors and sizes. Another booth provided peasant bread and herbed focaccia that makes the best base for bruschetta (which was both fabulous and gorgeous with purple, red, gold and green tomatoes). A salad with strawberries and bright nasturtiums, and some cheese, wine and hummus, we were set.<br />
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We laughed and ate and drank and toasted. Celebrations don't have to be confined to holidays noted on the calendar. Some of the best are spur of the moment, for little or no reason (like to toast Mercury in his retrograde motion). Pull out the good dishes, make something special for a meal, open a bottle of wine, invite a friend over, and celebrate! It's good for the soul and it helps to energize your home and your heart.</div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-87480960235151046862013-06-25T12:47:00.002-07:002013-06-25T12:47:44.195-07:00A little Discworld humor plus a life lesson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I was looking for something funny and witch-like to paint on rack for my kitchen tools, and I cam e a cross a few gems. Not only did it make me choke on my soda (and nearly ruin my tablet when I came close to spraying the poor, innocent device with all that fizzy, sticky goodness), it's a good lesson about magic. Without work and knowledge, it's all pointless.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Witches are naturally nosy,” said Miss Tick, standing up. “Well, I must go. I hope we shall meet again. I will give you some free advice, though.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Will it cost me anything?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“What? I just said it was free!” said Miss Tick.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Yes, but my father said that free advice often turns out to be expensive,” said Tiffany.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Miss Tick sniffed. “You could say this advice is priceless,” she said, “Are you listening?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Yes,” said Tiffany.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Good. Now...if you trust in yourself...”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Yes?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“...and believe in your dreams...”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Yes?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“...and follow your star...” Miss Tick went on.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Yes?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“...you’ll still be beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren’t so lazy. Goodbye.” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1654.Terry_Pratchett" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Terry Pratchett</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/62580" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">The Wee Free Men</a></i></div>
Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-64202928032608131012013-06-21T11:08:00.000-07:002013-06-21T11:08:02.510-07:00Happy Solstice!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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May your Midsummer be full of magic, celebration and blessings, and may the shortening days bring a bountiful harvest.</center>
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Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11389700895287842823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1872643290775755083.post-72298302633193584292013-06-05T15:30:00.000-07:002013-06-05T15:30:07.450-07:00Hag stones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Holed stones, at lest the ones that bear holes due to nature, have long been considered magical in Europe. They are also called hag stones, holey stones, serpent stones, fairy stones, and many other names. They aren't easy to find in most areas, as only a few types of stones exposed to the right processes of erosion will form holes. If you are fortunate enough to live near a beach with the right type of shale or sandstone, you can likely comb the beaches for one. If not, there are a few places online where you can order them. I happened to be on the right sort of beach recently, and so I picked up a couple.<br />
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Some folklore attributes protective powers to these stones (such as warding off the Evil Eye), and others claim that they can cure illness (a few very large ones in Wales and Cornwall are reputed to be able to cure illness if the sick person is passed through the hole at the right time on the right day). These are also said to be able to reveal things such as witches and faeries. They are also said to ease child-birthing and prevent the theft of livestock (you could thread one onto your pet's collar). <br />
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Part of their magic is certainly due to the mysterious way in which they form. Most stones weather the beach by becoming smooth and polished. These not only have the smooth feel of sand scrubbed stone, but they also have inexplicable holes (likely formed form small burrowing shellfish and barnacles, but still amazing and magical). Look through the hole, and your perspective shifts: a tiny portion of the landscape comes into clear focus. Details are revealed when we lose the bigger picture, and this is magic at it's simplest.<br />
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A witch's tool box is often full of roots and leaves and flowers. Crystals and other shiny, sparkling stones are well known magical tools, but sometimes the most powerful objects are the ones that have little shine. Hag stones, seemingly ordinary stones bearing a hole through them, are among these. If you are lucky enough to find one, thank the spirits for it, tuck it in you pocket, and use it to focus your energy. Tie to a string and wear it as an amulet or keep it with your special magical gear to help you slip from this world to the other.<br />
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