Kiki's Cauldron

Love Spell Substitutions: Practical Solutions for Love On Valentine’s Day

2012-02-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

Having worked in the magickal community as a healer, diviner, and teacher, I have been approached dozens of times about love spells. There have been numerous instances where I've had to work with customers who come into the metaphysical shop, looking for the right ingredients to concoct a magickal spell. They want love, immediately, sometimes from a specific person. They want the perfect man to just drop in their laps, without putting in the effort to meet people or to make themselves available. What I mean to say is: spell work is not an easy, quick solution to your problems.

In this article I am going to ask you to put your magick in your pocket and consider different approaches to drawing more love, joy and happiness into your life. The mundane way. These are simply candid nuggets of wisdom, suggestions, food for thought, and recounts from my own experiences with clients. Even if you consider yourself a seasoned witch, I believe the advice below could be wonderful things to consider before rushing off to the magick shop to buy out their selection of red candles and rose incense. Sometimes, all you need is a little faith and confidence. Have faith in yourself; believe that you can feel love for yourself and others, and that others will show love in return. So, let's take a look at possible ways to draw love in without the assistance of love spells.

CONTINUE READING AT WITCHVOX

The Mystic's Britain (part two)

2011-10-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Part II: Further Outskirts of England and Beyond into the Celtic Nations

Cornwall
Here’s the good thing about Cornwall: here you can see castles, hill forts, and learn about pixie lore. The bad thing, however, is that Cornwall is a bit of a hike from places like London and Avebury. Located on the furthest southwest corner of Britain, Cornwall has breathtaking coastal towns as well as lush wooded areas. Its history combines the mystique of Celtic culture and the excitement of pirates (who doesn’t love a Druidic/Pirate mash-up?). Stone circles, castles, sheep, more sheep, pirates and tea are just a few of the joys that can be savored while visiting Cornwall. One of the hotspots to visit is Tintagel – here you will find the ruins of Tintagel Castle, which according to Arthurian tales is the scene where Merlin used sorcery and shapeshifting and King Arthur was born. During the time of Roman occupation in Britain, Tintagel was most likely a Celtic Chieftain stronghold turned monastery, and was probably a place where people were allowed to keep their Celtic ways. What remains on the site now are the ruins of a Norman castle, which are a stunning site indeed. The ruins of the castle face the Atlantic coast, and the local village has quaint stops for tea and scones. Not far from the ruins is Merlin’s Cave, another supposed residence of Merlin’s while Arthur was at Tintagel. For information on Tintagel and the surrounding areas, you can visit: http://visitboscastleandtintagel.com. I also highly recommend reading through the different sites on http://www.historic-cornwall.org.uk, which shows love and devotion to chronologically ordered archeological sites in Cornwall (Neolithic to Medieval). Not only does it show you where the sites are located, but shares a detailed history and descriptive information about each site. Amongst my favorites are Men-an-tol and the stone circle “Nine Maidens,” both located near Penzance. Men-an-tol has quite a history to it, having the reputation for curing illness, fortune telling, and generating nature spirits. But what is most striking about men-an-tol is that it is a large round stone with a large round hole right through the middle of it. One can almost imagine using it as a window to the Otherworld, or a telescope into etheric presences in the skies.

Cardiff and Caerleon, Wales
If you were to drive due west from Avebury for about an hour, you would arrive in Wales, where I believe you would encounter some of the finest natural settings in the UK; nay, in the European Continent. Bright green hills, the lush, beautiful forests of the Brecon Beacons to the South, and the white-capped Snowdonian Mountains to the North, are all just part of the viewing pleasure in Wales. It is a wonderful, mystical landscape where people interested in everything from camping, to golf, to faerie folklore and Arthurian legend can find themselves fascinated and entertained. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, has plenty of things to offer – not to mention, it is a great point to get to other travel locations in Wales. Cardiff has a stunning, ancient castle, rightly named Cardiff Castle, with walls dating back to Roman occupation. Cardiff truly is a gem in Wales as it effortlessly combines a historical past of castles and chivalry with all the amenities and progression of a modern city. Not to mention, the thought that Jack from Torchwood may pass you on the street is enough to have you visiting for at least a week. Only thirty minutes north from Cardiff is the town of Caerleon. Here is an area commonly associated with Arthurian legend—as medieval scholar and writer Geoffrey of Monmouth sites it as the location where King Arthur sets up Camelot. Although no evidence exists to support the idea that Arthur truly held court here, the Roman ruins have often been said to resemble the Round Table.

Carreg Cennen, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Before moving northwards through Wales, a stop at the Brecon Beacons is a must. On the west corner of Brecon Beacons sits an admirable castle from the 12th or 13th century: Carreg Cennen. Called haunting, fantastical, and mystical by visitors, Carreg Cennen is said to look like a residence of the fey. However, according to legends, it was actually where King Uriens and his son Owain of Arthurian legend resided. The location is easy to reach by car or train; and one bed and breakfast named Ty Cefn Tregib offers Mongolian Yurts for accommodation. Their website is: http://www.tregib.co.uk. If you are looking for something a little more western, try the Cawdor Arms Hotel up the from Tregib. While at Brecon Beacons, there are plenty of trails to visit as well as many ancient sites on which you can explore and get lost on for weeks.

Gwynedd and the Snowdonian Mountains

Gwynedd is the northwest region of Wales and embraces a majority of the Snowdonian Mountains as well as touches the Irish Sea. Gwynned is a massive area to cover, but is worthy of time and exploration, as the Snowdonian Mountain Range is a beautiful landscape where it’s easy to get lost in fantastical thoughts. Well, it’s actually just easy to get lost there in general. But what a place to get lost, and in a location where a good majority of the population speak Welsh language as well! Mountains, and lakes, and beaches, pixies and poets – these are just some of the bounties of Gwynned. And here, we also come full circle from the Buffy remarks in the introduction as there is a beach in Gwynedd called “Hell’s Mouth.” Hillfort Dinas Emrys and Lake Llyn Dinas are located near the town of Beddgelert, and here we find a scene connected with Arthurian Legend. In Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain, he tells a tale of the King Vortigern summoning Merlin to his castle at Dinas Emrys, where two sleeping dragons slept underneath the fortification. Archaeological evidence does show that the fort dates back to about 400AD. If you are looking for an undertaking in the Snowdonian Mountains, consider staying at Tremeifion Vegetarian Hotel – a small and beautiful bed and breakfast serving vegetarian and vegan dishes from food harvested in their own organic garden and orchard. They’re only a drive away from the path that will lead you to the summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in all of Wales. Or, for those seeking inspiration, you can travel south of Snowdon to Cader Idris, another mountain peak in the Snowdonian Mountains. In past traditions, bards would sleep at Cader Idris, hoping to become inspired by it. And, today, it is believed that anyone who sleeps on the slopes of Cader Idris alone will wake up either a poet or a madman. It’s a risk I’m willing to take, as this place is also said to be the residence of faeries. Additionally, Gwyn ap Nudd from the Welsh tales in the Mabinogion used this region as his hunting grounds and stumbled upon an entrance to the Otherworld here. A nicely written blog on Snowdonian travel can be found at http://www.visitsnowdonia.wordpress.com.

York
In the absolute opposite direction of Cornwall and Wales is the wonderful northern town of York. York has an extensive, ancient, and diverse history, and having been home to Romans and Vikings, this beautiful town offers many ancient and medieval sites to visit. Located in the northeastern region of England, a train ride to York from Manchester presents a stunning view of the green Yorkshire Dales. Seeing the Yorkshire Dales is a lovely and peaceful experience – a landscape of rolling hills of various shades of green dotted with the white poofs of sheep herds, it is unlike anything in America. I also believe that this is where you can breathe in the sweetest and freshest air in all of England. `York City Wall runs through the city and remains from Roman builders, while the Roman Tower reveals the remnants of a Roman fort. Jorvik Viking Centre is on the archaeological site of the 10th century Viking settlement in York and offers year-round exhibits on Viking life in York. They host the annual Viking Festival, where fans of the Scandinavian explorers/pillagers come to enjoy a week of reenactment, archery, storytelling, traditional costume and activities for children and adults alike. Well worth visiting are the preserved medieval streets called The Shambles, which won Most Picturesque Street in Britain in 2010. There are also nightly ghost tours where participants walk around to York’s most reputable haunts. Although it is not the epicenter of party life, the pubs and historical buildings are simply stunning and have Yorkshire Dale charm. Tea and scones with clotted cream are served at every tea shop; and if you’ve ever wanted to brave tasting blood sausage, it is an easy find in York.

Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall

The old wall once believed to have kept the wild Picts out of civilized Roman society, Hadrian’s Wall is Britain’s longest monument and spans the length of more than 70 miles across the northern regions of England. Not only is it a spectacular sight, it also offers a glimpse into the masterful building skills of the Roman Empire which once ruled the land of Britain over 2000 years ago. Too busy to take off three months to hike the whole lot of the Appalachians but still want to have bragging rights for having succeeded completing lengthy jaunt? If you are an adventurer, there is a walking path that follows the entire span of the wall, only taking between five to seven days depending on your hiking/distant walking experience. Known as Hadrian’s Wall Path, you can walk through urban areas, over bogs, and close to the entire wall from coast to coast for 80 miles. Along the way there are over a dozen Roman ruins; though the ones of Housesteads are considered to be the best preserved, while Vindelanda has a classic for with the highest and most scenic points on the wall. Another grand stop along the wall is the town of Hexham, a town which was awarded Country Life’s Best Market Town in 2005. While there, visit the Hexham Abbey which was built over an Anglo-Saxon crypt. North of Hadrian’s wall lays the great spans of Northumberland National Park, once land to Celtic nations, and now a place of preserved nature and archaeological beauty. In the northern region of Northumberland National Park lies another hillfort, similar to the fort in South Cadbury, known as Yeavering Bell. Here, Anglo Saxons and kings of Northumbria presided, and prior to that, Neolithic people had a temple, Bronze Age communities buried their dead. Although described as having a “stark” landscape, one has to again extend imagination and see that the earth holds many stories and mysteries in this old land. Also dotting the Northumbrian landscape are various rock carvings dating from Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. The common motif for the carvings is spiral in design, showing a reverence for the cyclical nature of life in regions that exhibit extraordinary beauty in nature. For more information on the rock art locations, you can visit http://www.rockart.ncl.ac.uk. For more information on visiting Hadrian’s Wall, go to http://www.hadrians-wall.org, or for information on Northumberland National State park, go to http://www.northumberlandnationalstatepark.org.

Orkney, Scotland

If you thought York and Hadrian’s Wall were a hike north, the archipelago of Orkney in the North Sea, Scotland is so far north, you’ll feel like you’ve left Europe altogether. Since it is so far away, one would think that the only people who visit include academic scholars, Viking aficionados, and pagan nomads who may potentially have gotten on the wrong ferry. But in reality, the Orkney Islands are a very popular tourist location, and although a bit of a trek from London or Edinburgh, the sites and activities available there are distinctive only to the Orkney Islands. And, in all reality, it is an easy and brief flight from most British airports to the main island in Orkney on the budget airline FlyBe. A place for the adventurous, a place for the nomad and the hermit alike, a place for those who have a passion for Viking history and monolithic stone circles, iron age hill mounds and stunning coastal towns, the Orkney Islands is a true treasure of the north. I have always found that the Orkney Islands a place that truly satisfies the desire and dream for an actual Avalonian location. The journey alone could have been considered a shamanic trial for ancient peoples, who would have had to travel to it by boat as well as deal with difficult weather in the northern regions of Scotland. Additionally, the immense number of sacred sites on the islands, combined with the fact that both ancient Celts and Scandinavians resided here, truly exhibit the culmination of a mystical and magical past. Kirkland is the central city in Orkney, and from there, four fascinating ancient monuments can easily be reached: Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness.

Maeshowe has been called the Egypt of the north and an architectural achievement of prehistoric peoples in Scotland. It is a chambered cairn that is dated to approximately 2700 BCE, and appears as a large, grassy mound. No bodies were found in here, but Vikings did indeed break into Maeshowe 3000 years after its creation, leaving behind so much graffiti on the walls that it is the largest collection of runic inscriptions outside of Scandinavia. For the visitor with the ability to interpret the runes, you may blush at the language that these Vikings left behind, or get a good chuckle depending on your sense of humor. The entrance to Maeshowe is low and long, leading into a rounder, open room that then has three side chambers. One can be creative and liken the four chambers to those of the heart, while others enjoy focusing on the incredible brilliance of the arrangement of the opening to the chamber. Each winter solstice, the light of the sun is aligned with the entrance of Maeshowe, thus illuminating the back wall of the main chamber. It is as though the constructors of Maeshowe were able to recreate a shamanic birthing process, and like the birth of the Sun King on the Winter Solstice, those who exit the womb-like chamber can liken the experience to that of rebirth as well. Pretty deep. The Ring of Brodgar is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles. Coincidentally (or maybe not so coincidentally), the Brodgar Ring is the same exact size as Avebury’s two inner rings. Although only 24 stones of the original 60 remain, the Ring of Brodgar exhibits cryptic runic inscriptions known as twig runes, which still are up to interpretation by scholars. Legend has it that the Ring of Brodgar was known as the “Temple of the Sun,” while the Standing Stones of Stenness were known as the “Temple of the Moon.” Skara Brae is a large, stone built Neolithic settlement, which was occupied between 3180 BCE and 2500 BCE. Due to its proximity to the ocean, time covered it with coastal sand, leading the eight dwellings of Skara Brae some of the best preserved relics of a faraway past. Archaeological finds include pottery, bone pins, and even fungi which were most likely used for medicine. Some have even reported seeing ghostly balls of light, or will’o’wisps appear at Skara Brae. Fortunately, these four sites all happen to be in close proximity to each other, and renting a vehicle out of Kirkland will get you to the sites in less than thirty minutes.
Since this article has focused on visiting castles, how about staying in one while in the Orkney Islands? Balfour Castle is in Shapinsay, and they will even arrange a helicopter for your travels to the tiny island that the castle sits on: http://www.balfourmembers.com/. A very insightful website chock full of information about Orkney is: http://www.orkneyjar.com/index.html. It is a wonderful place to feel inspired by the tales, legend and culture of an island that has had inhabitants for thousands and thousands of years. For further assistance with traveling to the Orkney Islands, visit: http://www.visitorkney.com/.

Although I find some sort of twisted pleasure in recommending you to take a ferry to the far northern Islands of Orkney and the snowy peaks of the Snowdonian Mountains, I hope you consider making the effort to see some of the places I’ve recalled here. Most of these places are just a simple excursion from major cities in Britain and can be a pleasurable and short journey. I feel these places are some of the most intriguing and fulfilling for your mystical journey through the wonderful land of Britain. My hope is that you are inspired to ramble further, to dig deeper, and to be willing to take that journey on the back of a sheep truck to see a specific spiral stone carving or sleep in a bed and breakfast that purportedly sits on a ley line. Whether or not you can make it to all the locations is up to you: each location offers such a magnificent sense of magic and myth, that my hope is you return from your voyages feeling like you’ve gone on a pilgrimage, similar to the ones those who would’ve visited Avalon for.

The Mystic's Britain (part one)

2011-10-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

As a Medievalist and former resident of England, there is nothing more enjoyable than being able to share memories of travels throughout Britain. Below I have compiled a list of places I recommend traveling to within Britain, all of which are associated with what I studied through my Master’s Degree: Arthurian Legend. But, additionally, these locations are personal places I love for their mystical qualities and their supernatural ambiance. I have divided this article into two parts since it is fairly lengthy. Part one will cover "fairly central England" while part two will cover "the outskirts" of Britain and Celtic Nations. If you wish to learn more about Arthurian Legend, there are still two classes left in my Arthurian Workshop Series at the Goddess and the Moon. And, if you have any locations or stories you would like to share, please do so in the comments section. I hope you enjoy the humor, the images, and the tips for a truly unique travel experience in one of my favorite places in the world!

The nice thing about visiting Britain is that there is a sense of familiarity there. Beyond speaking the same language (although one could argue barely in some locations), the commodities and customs are much like Americans. Both of our countries rule the world with celebrities and musicians, and actor Anthony Head links us diplomatically through his acting skills in the American Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the British Merlin television series. And, although I expose my love for fantasy by citing Buffy and Merlin, I believe Mr. Head embodies all that we love about Britain. He is fantastical, sings songs by the Who, understands the joy of California as well as the culture of the Welsh castle. He comes off as serious and a bit uptight, yet is cheeky enough to play Frankenfurter in Rocky Horror Picture Show and the Prime Minister in Little Britain. So, when experiencing doubt about whether or not you can easily assimilate into the life of Britain, think, “What would Anthony Head do?”

Simply put: Britain is one of my favorite places in the universe. Where else can you stuff yourself silly at a noon-time breakfast with strange meats and then wash it down with a warm pint of beer? And, where else could you enjoy this late breakfast in a bar that is older than any building in America? Where else would they name their most credible transportation “The Tube”? This is the land that gave us Absolutely Fabulous, The Young Ones, Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, all of Brit Pop, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, wine gummies, fried fish in newspaper, Boots Pharmacy, and eccentric looking sterling coins. But, more than anything else, Britain has given us a vast array of fantastical legends—everything from the intriguing pre-Christian faery tales associated with the Druids and Celts, to Arthurian legend, to paranormal oddities. Every town you go in will have its own unique legends of magical hill mounds, or ley lines, or paranormal activity dating back as far to the time of Roman and Saxon rule. So, keeping in the theme with the fantastic mystique and legends that fill Britain, I have picked some towns and cities that I believe exemplify the history and lore of the land (and that probably serve warm beer).

Part I: Fairly Central England
London
London is a great starting point for a trip, as London Heathrow is a hub for transatlantic flights. Flights usually arrive into London during the morning hours from the US, so you will be on a red eye the evening prior. While foggy London Towne has many different activities to keep you occupied for weeks, I will suggest a couple which would go along well with the fantastical theme of this trip. Many claim that the Tower of London is one of the most haunted locations in all of the UK. With sightings of inhabitants from another time and age, the likelihood of getting spooked at the tower is probably. Additionally, ravens perch in the yards of the Tower, watching over its safely and happily ignoring on-looking tourists. Beside the spooky and enchanting, Tower of London has some great things to see while you are there. The Yeoman Warders will (hesitantly) pose with you for the cheesiest of tourist photos, and if you have heavy metal on your iPod, be sure to turn it on while viewing the impress weapons collection in the Fortress. If you like a little bling in your life, the Crown Jewels are on display. And, if you are easily amused, you will enjoy the conveyor belt that takes you past the encased jewels. And, if you are anything like me, you’ll take a couple trips on it for a personal chuckle. The British Museum is also a wonderful place to spend a day. The massive museum holds artifacts from antiquity to modernism. My personal favorite is the Sutton Hoo collection. The Sutton Hoo room highlights the finds of a Saxon settler’s ship burial. Treasures include his incredible mask, weapons, and jewelry. And, if you are a fan of Celtic and Norse myth, runic relics and cauldrons abound are held within the same area of the Sutton Hoo exhibit. Finally, be sure to visit the deer headdress from Star Carr in Yorkshire, as it is an incredible treasure, exhibiting the shamanic and magical culture of the early Mesolithic inhabitants of Northern England.

Although you will not find the Leaky Cauldron at Charring Cross, it seems that this neighborhood convincingly inspired JK Rowling’s descriptions of Diagon Alley. Dotted with bookstores and lined with cobblestone streets, the sense of mystery and magic will inspire you in this historical neighborhood of London. Treadwell’s certainly has one of the most captivating of esoteric book collections, including rare and collectible books from authors such as A.E. White. Additionally, they have tarot readings and events on all topics that surely have grazed the works of Harry Potter. To see Treadwell’s collection, visit http://www.treadwells-london.com. Another shop worth mentioning is The Atlantis Bookshop, an old haunt of Gerald Gardner’s. Located in Camden Town, you can learn more about their collection and history at http://www.theatlantisbookshop.com.

Warwick Castle
Even though this place is a little on the touristy side, it still offers one of the best castle experiences in all of England. Warwick has a rich history, beginning around the 11th century when William the Conqueror established a stockade at the site. To this day, you can still visit this portion of the castle – though merely ruins, the stones and hill mound contain stories that changed the history of England. During Medieval times, the castle began to take shape into what we now see when we visit – timber was replaced with stone, towers and dungeons were constructed. The castle was inhabited through the Victorian Era, and touring the castle allows you to visit different periods of time. There are rooms set up as it was during medieval times, an impressive hall of arms, a Tutor dining hall, and a creepy dungeon complete with chambers that’ll make the hair rise on your arm.ms Warwick Castle has a reputation for being haunted, and was even featured in the melodrama, er, paranormal show Most Haunted. The heaviest presence is most certainly in the dungeons, where an eerie and heavy feeling is commonly felt by its visitors. Many will say that in recent years, conversely, the tours in the dungeon take way from its genuinely paranormal ambiance and turned it into a production complete with screaming children. However, one can escape from the horror of misbehaving minors into the vast grounds and gardens of the castle, which offer a splendid view of the land around the castle and also feature pretty and proud peacocks casually strolling the yard. Warwick castle is northwest of London, and could be reached via train in less than two hours. If you wanted to make a connection in Birmingham, the train station in Birmingham drops you off in one of the best shopping centers in England: the Bull Ring. It’s just something to keep on the backburner, if you are interested in shopping at chic Euro-shops which also reside on the Champs Elysees. The webpage for Warwick Castle is http://www.warwick-castle.com, which is worth checking out to read about their events. They had a Merlin event last May, which I was about to pawn my boyfriend’s guitars off for the funds for a quick red eye to Birmingham.

Avebury

Avebury is located in the southwest area of England near Swindon. Though Swindon is not much to be inspired by, its neighboring Wiltshire Village of Avebury is a must see. When you see the stone circle of Avebury, a sense of peace and mysticism takes over you. Perhaps it’s the fact that the sites here were created over 3500 years ago, or that it’s the modern day druids performing peaceful rituals on site for the equinoxes, or perhaps its Silbury Hill looming in the distance that brings out a feeling of stepping backwards into a time of rural and natural enchantment. Either way, Avebury stone circle is the largest in Britain; and unlike its cousin Stonehenge, you can still move around the circle freely. If you felt like hugging one of the monolithic stones, you are able to. If you can find a volunteer at the site, they would be happy to share stories, history, and legends about the area with sincere enthusiasm. Best of all, you can stay at Manor Farm, a bed and breakfast within the circle or drink at Red Lion Inn within the circle. Imagine coming home from your holiday being able to say you had a pint within a stone circle? Only a walk away from the stone circle is Silbury Hill, an enchanting hill mound that still baffles archeologists to this day. A small distance further is West Kennett Long Barrow, a stone chamber. For all information related to Avalon, please visit: http://www.avebury-web.co.uk. For information on Manor Farm, you can visit: http://www.manorfarmavebury.com.

Bath
The Roman Baths of the appropriately named town Bath are a time machine view into the public bathing customs of Rome and the worship of mythological heroes and gods. The springs within the Roman Baths are still generating warm water, and temples and courtyards honor the goddess Minerva. After experiencing the Roman Empire, you can experience a literary empire at the Jane Austen Center. After honoring the goddess of British Literature (this lady deserves a shrine for creating Mr. Darcy), enjoy a proper English tea time at the museum’s tea room. There is a wonderful website to visit on Bath at http://www.bathsbloggers.blogspot.com which has some incredible inside accounts of life at the Roman Baths.

Glastonbury
New Age hippies of America have Sedona; New Age hippies of England have Glastonbury. Ley lines, faeries, crystals, and a place where Arthurian legend flourish, Glastonbury tends to be a shamanic pilgrimage for New Agers. There are three sites of great significance worth checking out in Glastonbury: the Tor, the Abbey, and the Chalice Well. Glastonbury Tor is located atop the 500 foot high Glastonbury Hill, which is speculated by some to have been the location of the Isle of Avalon, the land of legend in Arthurian tales. Avalon was a mystical island where priestesses learned their magical craft and Arthur took haven in after his final battle. It is said that the priestesses took him to Avalon where they could heal him; and there he waits, until he is ready to return as king again. Archeologists have suggested that at one time floods from marshes in surround lands of Glastonbury would have risen around the hill, giving it the appearance of an island in the mist. Many enjoy the hike up the hill, and see it as a shamanic experience in itself due to the spiral path towards the summit. At the top of the hill are the remains of a Norman stronghold –turned monastery. According to Welsh legend, Gwyn, lord of the Underworld, would use the Tor as the entranceway to his otherworldly kingdom. Glastonbury Abbey is the final resting place of “King Arthur” and “Queen Guinevere,” and although archeologists have ruled this out as credible due to dating of their gravestones. However, if you totally geek out over anything associated with King Arthur, a feeling of giddiness will overwhelm you while exploring the ruins of the Abbey and seeing the stones with inscriptions for England’s legendary royal couple. Chalice Well contains the remnants of a natural spring that one ran between Glastonbury Hill and Chalice Hill (a lesser hill in Glastonbury). Many legends center around the well, but the most famous is the one about Joseph of Arimathea hiding the Holy Grail within the well. The well itself is within a peaceful garden, and many enjoy its calm and quiet atmosphere. For those who wish to bring home water from the well, there is a station where you can take as much water as you’d like. Beyond the major tourist sites of Glastonbury, there are plenty of new age shops, yoga centers, retreats and holistic healing services throughout the town to satisfy all of your crystal and tarot needs. To read a wonderful, nerdy article on the magical aspects of Glastonbury, please see http://www.britannia.com/history/glastonb1.html, which is a phenomenal article by my favorite Arthurian scholar and enthusiast, Geoffrey Ashe.

South Cadbury Hill
Please recognize that even though it seems I am listing a mere hill as a location, there is so much more to this location than presently meets the eye. This location has seen the presence of civilization dating back to 3500BC. Bracelets, rings, and pottery excavated from the site also suggest that earlier inhabitants used South Cadbury as a place for religious ritual. By examining archeological evidence, it is apparent that it was a place of significant political importance during the “Arthurian Age,” when timber and cobblestone roads were used to build up the fort. More curious, the people who occupied this fort followed the Celtic ways of masonry, as opposed to the Roman, showing a devotion to their own land’s building style, courageously during a time of Roman dominance in the land. Perhaps a patriotic chieftain of Britain resided here? Or, a wealthy political leader of the Celts? No one is truly sure, but many speculate this as a place where Camelot may have resided. Those who visit, yes even muggles, say that there is a heightened energy at the site. Some envision that within the surrounding forests are spirits of knights riding on horseback or that one could witness faeries sing as etheric balls of light playfully float through the air. In one documentary, Geoffrey Ashe said of South Cadbury noted that there was a feeling that something mysterious presided in the surrounding forests. In June 1995, a witness said he saw an armored knight on horse disappear around a corner. Some say this occurs every June 20th, when a door opens every seven years within the hills, so Arthur and his company can leave Camelot to feed their horses. Coincidentally, the date of June 20th is synonymous with Midsummer, a time when legends say that the veil between our world and the world of fairies is said to be open. Certainly not a tourist attraction, nor a place where much meets the eye, it is here where visitors must connect with an invisible yet very present Otherworldly Britain: one of Camelot, faery tales and hidden secrets from ancient civilizations. For more information from Geoffrey Ashe on Cadbury, please read: http://www.britannia.com/history/arthur/cadcast.html.

Kiki's Cauldron Workshop Series: Mabon to Imbolc

2011-09-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, I am happy to announce that I will be teaching weekly classes at the Goddess and the Moon this fall and beyond! Classes are Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30/8:00 (specific dates are listed below).Each class is $10 per person. For the person who purchases four classes, they get the fifth one for free. Becoming a student automatically allows you to become a part of the curriculum blog as well as the private group on facebook, where you will be able to follow classes, receive additional notes, and also post homework or whatever you wish.

Tish and the staff of the Goddess and the Moon have been very gracious to allow me the opportunity to teach in their magickal space, and I look forward to meeting new friends and students! This semester begins at Mabon and goes through until Imbolc. We hope you will consider joining us!

Mabon: September 22ndFor each sabbat class, we will learn about what is celebrated on that particular sabbat, and how you can celebrate. Learn about traditions, altar decorations, food for feasts, magickal correspondences, and the legends of each sabbat. Each class will inspire you to cherish the pagan holidays of the Wheel of the Year. Followed by ritual with Tish.

The Mystical Arthur -- a three class series
Class 1. The Stories: September 29thSo much drama, so little time! In the first course, we will learn about the history and stories of Arthurian legend. When did the first stories of Arthur appear? Who are the key players in Arthurian legend? What are some of the continuing themes through various stories in Arthurian legend? And, most importantly: why is Arthurian legend still a classic a millennium after it's work started to appear?
Class 2. The Magickal Leaders: October 6thIn the second class, we will discuss the magickal sorcerers of Arthurian legend and the impact of their magick within the stories. How does Merlin's council impact the fate of Arthur? Is it the role of Lady of the Lake that allows Arthur to rise to power? And how does Morgan le Fay shapeshift in the legends? And, why is the Green Knight such a cheeky hippie?
Class 3. The Magickal Locations:October 13thFinally, in the third class, we will look at locations in Britain, Ireland, and France associated with Arthurian legend. Learn about the lore of Stonehenge, the significance of Mont St. Michel, the truth about Cadbury Hill Fort (no, not just a landing point for chocolate), and the Otherworldly Isle of Avalon.Although these are introductory courses, reading material will be identified and suggested for further immersion in the topic.

Spirit Communication and the Paranormal Investigation: October 20thEver wonder what it is like to be the medium for a paranormal investigation team? In this class, Kiki will share stories from her paranormal investigations and how she assists on her team, Volunteer State Paranormal Research. We will also learn some of the first steps for connecting with the Otherside, as well as the do's and don'ts for paranormal investigations. Please visit www.vsparanormal.com for more information on the team Kiki is a part of.

Samhain: October 27thFor each Sabbat class, we will learn about what is celebrated on that particular sabbat, and how you can celebrate. Learn about traditions, altar decorations, food for feasts, magickal correspondences, and the legends of each Sabbat. Each class will inspire you to cherish the pagan holidays of the Wheel of the Year. Followed by ritual with Tish

Money Magick: Developing Prosperity during High Strangeness and an Unstable Economy: November 3In this class, we examine ways to both mentally and metaphysically manifest prosperity in our lives. Learn mantras and methods to work on daily to allow the flow of abundance in your life. Learn about different magickal methods for drawing prosperity into your life.

Kiki's Top 13 Herbs for Magick: November 10In this workshop we will examine Kiki's 13 favorite herbs to work with in magick. These are excellent herbs that can be used for a variety of magickal uses -- from the lovely and peaceful lavender to the psychic-infused energy of mugwort, this class will study the methods for cultivating and utilizing these herbs in daily magick. Additionally, where applicable, we will examine the holistic properties of these herbs. Please note: these will also be herbs that are easy to obtain and/or grow in your own garden.

Kiki's Top 13 Oils for Magick: November 17thIn this workshop we will examine Kiki's 13 favorite oils for magick. For this workshop, we will be learning about 13 oils that are available specifically in essential form. We will look at both the magickal and holistic uses for each of these oils and how to use them safely. Kiki will also demonstrate how she puts together an oil blend.

Tarot Spreads: December 1A class simply for the pleasure of trying out new tarot spreads. Whether looking for a spread for prosperity or love; for personal reflection or for humor, we'll cover as much as possible. This class is for those who have prior knowledge and study in the cards, though Kiki will gladly assist with interpretations and answer any and all questions to the best of her ability. The class will conclude with exchanging readings with a newly learned spread. For additional guidance on reading tarot, Kiki suggests Renata's classes on the tarot at Goddess and Moon and Joy Horn's Tarot Lights meet up at Center of Symmetry.

You're Gonna Read My What?! Strange forms of Divination: December 8thA class that examines some of the lesser known methods of divination. Learn how ancient civilizations read phophesies in the clouds, in smoke, in eggs, and in entrails! Explore the meanings of tea leaves, bones, and wax droppings! The future is looking bright, albeit, perhaps a little messy. The class will conclude with a little divination exercise.

Earth, Air, Fire Water: An examination of the Elements: December 15thLearn about the four elements that Wiccans and witches commonly work with during magick and ritual. In this class, we will examine the correspondences and energies of each of the four elements. This class will include methods for connecting with each of the elements, a fun personality quiz, and conclude with a short meditation for connecting with each of the elements.

Yule: December 22ndFor each sabbat class, we will learn about what is celebrated on that particular sabbat, and how you can celebrate. Learn about traditions, altar decorations, food for feasts, magickal correspondences, and the legends of each sabbat. Each class will inspire you to cherish the pagan holidays of the Wheel of the Year. Followed by ritual with Tish

Creative Magick in Poetry -- a three class series
Class 1. Reading other people's poetry matters: January 5For this class, you are asked to bring a poem by someone else that you love. You can even bring in the lyrics of a Tom Waits song if you wish. In this class, we will learn to feel inspiration from other poets as well as learn from their unique rhythms, rhymes, empty spaces, creative use of punctuation, etc. We will conclude the class by writing a poem in honor of our favorites.
Class 2. Magickal prompts:January 12For this class, you are asked to bring a magickal object from your home. It can be anything: a staff, a tarot card, a crystal, a faery figurine. Whatever it is, please be sure you bring something that you do not mind others touching. From this object, we will create magick through poetry and words. We may also come up with some incantations that would even wow the Halliwell sisters from Charmed!
Class 3. Revision matters:January 19Critique time! For this class, you are asked to bring the poetry that you have worked on for the two prior classes. We will share with each other what poetry we have written, and offer sound and useful advice that goes beyond our mothers telling us, "That is a very good poem, sweetie." We will also learn the fun and joy of putting together a chapbook, which can be much like a witch's book of shadows.

January 26th: Open Notebook ClassWhat do you want to talk about? Divination? Green Witchcraft? Potion crafting? Buffyology (the study of Buffy the Vampire Slater)? During this class we ask for you to bring your notebooks, your favorite books, or a “show and tell.” This is a FREE CLASS were we can share what we’ve learned, exchange information, and ask questions.

Imbolc: February 2ndFor each sabbat class, we will learn about what is celebrated on that particular sabbat, and how you can celebrate. Learn about traditions, altar decorations, food for feasts, magickal correspondences, and the legends of each sabbat. Each class will inspire you to cherish the pagan holidays of the Wheel of the Year. Followed by ritual with Tish.

The Goddess and the Moon is located at: 603 8th Avenue South in Nashville.

Best of Nashville: Vote for Moonlight Festival!

2011-09-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

As some of you may already know, I have been asking my friends to help Lance and me in the Best of Nashville polls this fall. Each year, Nashville Scene allows folks to vote on their favorite Nashville restaurants, services, arts, and media.

I am asking for your support by voting for the following categories:
>>> Best Local Event/Festival: Moonlight Festival
>>> Best Singer/Songwriter: Lance Whalen
>>> Best Massage: Center of Symmetry

Lance is my incredibly talented boyfriend, who has devoted his time and work to his passion for music. I would love for you to support him through a vote for him as the best singer/songwriter. His website is: http://www.lancewhalen.com.

If you are not sure what else to vote for, Lance and I have compiled a list of our favorite things in Nashville. Although we did not fill each category, this list will give you more than enough to work with the 20 minimum for submitting the ballot. These are places that Lance and I frequent, support, have enjoyed, and in many cases, we know the people who work with these businesses/events personally. These are people who are creative and have also supported Lance and I as well with our endeavors.

Thank you again for taking the time to read this - and VOTE MOONLIGHT FESTIVAL AS BEST FESTIVAL/EVENT IN NASHVILLE!!!

Go to the following link to begin voting: http://ww2.nashvillescene.com/promotions/bestof/2

All the best and many blessings,
Kiki

Food and Drink:
> Best Bar that makes you feel like you're not in Nashville: McNamara's Irish Pub
> Best Bloody Mary: 3 Crow
> Best Breakfast: Noshville
> Best Coffee Shop: Ugly Mugs
> Best Dive Bar: Dino's
> Best Farmer's Market: East Nashville Farmer's Market
> Best Food Truck: The Grilled Cheeserie
> Best Grocery Store: Turnip Truck
> Best Hot Dog: Weenie Wagon
> Best Indian Food: Sitar
> Best Italian Food: Coco's Italian Market
> Best Late-Night Eats: Cafe Coco
> Best Local Hang: Red Door
> Best Martini: Mad Donna's
> Best Neighborhood Bar: Foo Bar OR Family Wash
> Best Thai Food: Thai Phooket
> Best Vegetarian: Wild Cow

Arts & Entertainment:
> Best After Hours Hang: Cafe Coco
> Best Concert: Grinderman
> Best Country artist : Dierks Bently
> Best Free Fun: Shelby Bottoms
> Best Honky Tonk: Robert's western world
> Best Band: Korean is Asian
> Best Local Event/Festival: Moonlight Festival
> Best Place to Shoot Pool: Goldrush OR Melrose
> Best Place to Dance: 12th and Porter
> Best Singer/Songwriter: Lance Whalen
> Best Open Mic: Cafe Coco
> Best Writer's Night: Willhagan's

Media:
> Best FM Station: WRVU
> Best Local Blog: Nashville for Free

Home
>Best Builder/Developer: Hammer Down Construction
>Best Neighborhood: East Nashville

Health and Wellness:
> Best Hair Salon: Studio BBC
> Best Hairdresser: Brandy Marlin
> Best Fitness Studio: Studio Goddess
> Best Massage: Center of Symmetry
> Best Yoga Studio: Kali Yuga Yoga OR Yoga Harmony

Goods & Services
> Best Hardware store - Cumberland Hardware
> Best Local Bookstore: McKay's
> Best Local pet store: The Aquatic Critter
> Best Non Profit: Exile International
> Best Tattoo Shop: Kustom Thrills OR Black 13
> Best Veterinarian: Dr. Lutz

Other:
> Best Category We Forgot: Best Psychic Readings OR Best Paranormal Team: VSPR
> Best Local Nursery: Gardens of Babylon
> Best Place to Take Out of Towners: Parthenon

High Priestess

2011-07-31T10:48:00.001-07:00

The night is your blanket. Adorned with gems, you rest, contemplating in meditation. Lady: the night is yours alone. You guard this universe and whisper its secrets gently to those who are willing to listen. You are the guide for my altar, the blue glow at the tip of an athame: Dancing devotion the rhythm and cycle of life pour from you. The crescent moon rests with you: you are its keeper. Lady: you are the element of water, the one who pulls tides. Shining in your shawls, the stars chime like bells reciting the song of the universe.

Kiki's Cauldron Etsy Contest

2011-06-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

What better way to brighten the day than with a giveway contest?! This one is for folks on Etsy. Here is the link to my etsy shop.

There are two prizes being given away: one person will win a bottle of Litha Oil. Another person will win a bottle of Priestess Oil. I will draw the winners on June 19th (my big 3-0 b-day) at 5pm. Here is how to get entered into the drawing:

***If you add me to your circle and favorite my shop, you will get one entry.
***If you create a treasury with one of my items in it, you will get three entries.
***If you do both, you will get five entries.

All you have to do is send me a message on etsy, on this blog, on facebook or by email to let me know what you have done. Please send a link to the treasury if you have created one.

Best of luck and THANK YOU to all participants!

Manifest Destiny Tarot Spread

2011-05-28T09:28:00.001-07:00

I have always had trouble reading cards for myself. I don't think I'm alone on this- I've heard other readers, from beginner to professional, say that they have felt uncomfortable interpreting the cards for themselves. Although I don't think it applies to everyone, I do feel this spread is a lot of fun for practice, inspiration, and application. It is an easy spread to try on yourself, especially if you find self-readings a challenge. If you try it, please feel free to share your results and feelings about it. I also believe you can read it for other people as well, though I haven't tried it yet.

MANIFEST DESTINY SPREAD

First, begin by going through your deck of cards, and pulling 13 cards you are drawn to. These are ones you may like the interpretation of or perhaps the image resonates with you.

Once you've picked your 13 cards, turn them upside down so you cannot see the card. Mix them around in front of you and pull the cards for the following positions:

1 ***** 3 ***** 5 ***** 7

2 ***** 4 ***** 6 ***** 8

***** 9 ***** 10 *****

Card 1: Where you are currently with spirituality & advice concerning spirituality
Card 2: Future events and manifestations of spirituality

Card 3: Where you are currently with finances & advice concerning finances
Card 4: Future events and manifestations of finances

Card 5: Where you are currently with love & advice concerning love
Card 6: Future events and manifestations of love

Card 7: Where you are currently with issues of health & advice concerning health
Card 8: Future events and manifestations of health

Card 9: A card about yourself
Card 10: A card about someone important in your life

Remaining cards: Things you can let go of currently

This spread is meant to create a feeling of inspiration and hope. It should allow you to see what is going well, and where you can enhance these areas in your life. Again, if you happen to try this for yourself or for someone else, please let me know how it turns out!

PUF STUFF: Menu of Goodies at PUF

2011-05-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Here’s a little post of the goodies I’ll be bringing to the Pagan Unity Festival:

Kiki’s Cauldron Oils:
*2012 Shifting Blend*
With December 21, 2012 right around the corner, ring in the age of Pisces with this blend of Sandalwood, Dragon’s Blood, and Myrrh. Whether you expect shifting into a higher consciousness, polar shifts, greeting the Pleadians, or strange weather, this spicy blend is sure to be a hit on 2012’s winter solstice. With properties for spirituality and protection, its an incredible blend for enhancing the New Age.

*Come and See Me*
A blend that just screams "I'm humming with loving and romantic energies!" Worn to attract the opposite sex. Contains patchouli and cinnamon essential oils.

*Dessert de Paris*
A decadent and luscious blend of almond, tonka, coconut, and vanilla oils that will make you feel like you are indulging in a delicious dessert from a café in the Marais. With spiritual connections to communication and the moon, use this scent for romance and inspiration.

*Divination Oil*
A sweet and spicy blend of sandalwood, vanilla, orange, cinnamon and anise oils. An excellent blend for deep meditation awakening psychic abilities for divination work. Anoint while doing divination, use in an oil burner, or anoint on purple candles, crystals, and divination tools.

*Dreamcatcher Blend*
An enchanting and relaxing blend that will help you sleep and dream easy. Contains lavender, jasmine, chamomile and sage oils to help with prophetic dreams and rest.

*Earth Essence*
Feel like a sprite in the forest! This is an earthy blend that will remind you of the forest after a fresh rainfall. Excellent for working with the element of earth and animals. Contains fir needle, patchouli, honeysuckle and oakmoss oils.

*Faerie Flower Garden*
A floral scent that will remind you of a sunny garden at Midsummer. These are wild flower fragrances said to attract faeries. Anoint silver coins, or blend with rosemary and carry in a sachet. Even better: wear to feel like a faerie of the forest! Contains lilac, lily of the valley, oakmoss, and calendula petal.

*Fast Money*
A great blend for anointing on green candles and dollar bills. Great when gambling, great for the register at your business, great for your wallet. And yes, Anna Riva, you can use it for bingo, too. Contains patchouli, cedarwood, vetivert, and ginger oils. Also contains-gathered “Thunder Water” (rain that fell during a thunderstorm) to give the oil and electrifying result!

*Healing Blend*
Bring that spring back into your step with this comforting blend of cedarwood, fir needle, lavender, and sandalwood oils. This blend will bring healing energies into your life. Anoint on blue candles and wear for healing energies.

*Kiki’s Paradise Blend*
Drift into paradise with this exotic blend of orange, heliotrope, coconut and gardenia oils. The perfect balance of sun energies for protection and vitality and moon energies for gentleness and psychic abilities. Kiki's favorite blend to wear while working as an intuitive reader.

*Litha Oil*
A sweet, floral blend of frangipani, rose and lilac to have you boppin’ and hoppin’ around the forest like a faerie on Midsummer!

*Love Oil*
Looking to bring love and romance into your life? Anoint on pink or red candles, or wear to feel loving energies through the day. Smells wonderful in an oil burner! Contains vanilla, frangipani, ylang ylang, and rose oils.

*Peace & Tranquility*
For feeling calm, serenity, and peace. This highly floral scent can be worn, anointed on crystals and candles, or uses on an oil burner. Contains gardenia, chamomile, lily of the valley, and lavender oils.

*Priestess Blend*
A beautiful, exotic blend for the lady who wants to call on the inner priestess. Excellent for working with the element of water, intuition, and the Goddess. Contains sandalwood, gardenia, tonka, and benzoin oils.

*Protection*
A blend to help you feel secure, grounded, and protected. Anoint on black candles or wear to feel white light energy all around you. Contains dragon's blood, rose, and lime oils.

*Prosperity*
A blend for attracting abundance and prosperity into your life. Excellent for prosperity and money magick. Contains honeysuckle, oakmoss, vetiver, fir needle, patchouli and basil oils. Anoint on green candles or a green crystal to draw energies of abundance and prosperity to you.

*Psychic & Intuition*
Feeling like you need to jumpstart your sixth sense? This oil blend will do just that. A stirring blend that will open up your third eye and assist in your psychic abilities. Wear, anoint on purple candles, or use in an oil burner. Contains heliotrope, peppermint, and lemongrass oils.

*Sexy Kitten Oil*
Meow! Down kitty! This fragrance incorporates oils associated with love, lust, and sensuality. Wear this aphrodisiac blend to turn heads, feel sexy and beautiful. Contains ylang ylang, cinnamon, ginger, coconut, vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, and fragipani.

*Stinkin’ Rich Potion*
It’s not just a clever name! This oil is infused with honeysuckles picked fresh on Beltane, and although it sounds sweet and yummy, it’s scent is a little strong! However, it is blended with vetivert, patchouli and chamomile oils for an excellent potion that brings money and success.

*Temple Blend*
A limited edition oil blend for all of your spiritual needs. Contains myrrh, sandalwood, amber, and dragon’s blood oils for raising spiritual vibrations. Perfect for meditation and magick. Smells wonderful as a perfume, can be burned in an oil burner, or anointed on tools and crystals.

*Tonka Tonka Burnin’ Love*
A sensual blend of tonka bean and dragon’s blood oils, this potion will enhance romance and love. It smells delicious!

I’m having a special PUF discount on my oils!!!
Two dram bottles are $5.00
Four dram bottles are $10.00

INTRODUCING TAROT TEAS:
Teas that connect with the Tarot!!
On hand at PUF:
Magician Tea: Contains yerba mate, lemongrass, and almond
Lovers Tea: Contains hibiscus, rose hips, damiana
Hermit Tea: Contains Asaam black tea, peppermint, and pineapple sage
Moon Tea: Contains jasmine green tea, mugwort, calendula, dandelion leaf, lemon balm, and catnip
Sun Tea: Contains rooibos, orange peel, pineapple, and coconut

Also available at PUF
*Faery Attracting Sachets
*Beginner Rune Kits
*Herbal Incenses
*15 minute and 30 minute tarot readings

I am sharing a booth with Transcendent Treasures this year - so please come by and speak with Joy about the opportunity to include Transcendent Treasures at your upcoming parties.

Joy will have some amazing products with her as well!
*Smudge Kits
*Homemade smudge wands with turkey and peacock feathers
*Bathsalts

Please visit http://www.paganunityfestival.org for more information. There are special tickets just for folks who want to visit Merchant Row!

Okay folks, I am so busy getting ready for PUF that I'm on a mad dash to finish up last minute things. Until tomorrow!
Blessings,
Kiki

Classes I'm teaching at PUF

2011-05-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

While I battle a fierce cold, I am also preparing to teach two classes at the Pagan Unity Festival at Montgomery Bell Park. If you plan on going, I hope you consider visiting my classes!

Thursday, May 19th, 1:15 to 2:45
EIGHT EXTRAORDINARY DAYS
An exploration of the Witches' Sabbats. In this workshop, we will learn about the Eight Sabbats, or holidays, that many Pagans, Witches and Wiccans observe throughout the year. Starting with Samhain and cycling through the Wheel of the Year, learn about the different dates, traditions, folklore and magick behind the Witches' Sabbats.

Saturday, May 21st, 10:30 to 11:45
THE WEE FOLK: A JOURNEY TO THE FAERIE REALM
During the warmer months our attention is drawn to the blossoming flowers, growing gardens, and green trees. It is within this setting that our magick and reverie can be directed towards the Faerie realm. In this workshop, learn about some of the mythology and legend connected with the Faerie. Learn about the many diverse types of faerie, modern day accounts of interactions with faeries, and some magickal practices to connect with the kind Wee Folk.

For more information on the Pagan Unity Festival, please go to their website at:
http://www.paganunityfestival.org

I hope that you can join us for an amazing, magickal event at PUF this year!
Blessings, Kiki

Please visit Volunteer State Paranormal Research's website to read one of my articles!

2011-03-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

I have a new article, and it is on the website for the paranormal group I investigate with.

The link for Volunteer State Paranormal Research's website is:
How I became a Psychic Medium: Personal Stories from the Otherside.

Thanks for reading, and thanks to VSPR for posting my article!

My Hiatus

2011-02-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

As some may have noticed, I have not been updating my blog very often. I just wanted to explain why briefly. I have begun a full time job and have found that my opportunity to write has become a little more limited. As a result, I spend most of my free writing time committed to revising and editing my book. For a very long time I have hoped to complete a book of my magickal studies and experiences, and now I am at a point where I have to manifest that dream. The book's first draft is complete, and chapter by chapter, I am now going through to add more information and personality. It is a long process, and when I manage to find extra time, I will post on this blog. I do indeed have some posts planned in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned. In the meantime, please stay in touch with me through Facebook. If you have a blog you would like me read on a regular basis, send me a link and I will read the RSS feed every morning over coffee! In the meantime, I am visualizing successful outcomes for everyone and a peaceful early springtime.
Many blessings,
Kiki

Snow Magick

2011-01-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

With snow falling in many regions of the United States at the moment, I thought I would take the opportunity to examine the magick of snow. A fresh snowfall sparks excitement and imagination in most of us. Think about how happy you were as a child to have a snow day when you could go outside to sled or build a snowman. Or, even as “older children,” we find comfort indoors admiring the transformation of the natural landscape as the white covers the trees and fields. As long as you are safe and comfortable at home, or even outside enjoying the crisp cool air and white scenery, my hope is that you can enjoy the beauty and symbolism of our wintery weather.

Snow and the color correspondence of white
One of the first things we envision when we think of snowfall is the blanket of white outdoors. White has been considered the color of purity, innocence, spiritual awareness and hope. Oftentimes, we envision white light surrounding us when we want to feel protection or comfort. The color white in magick has been used for clarity, purification, happiness, truth, hope, and reverence of the Maiden Goddess. The white blanket outdoors evokes feelings of cleansing and energy. Snow thus seems to embody the energy of transformation, renewal, purification, potential, spirituality and joy.

Snow Altar
What better way to spend a snow day than to decorate your altar in reverence for the winter wonderland? Dress your altar in a white cloth and decorate with paper snowflakes, white glitter, white candles, white roses, jasmine flowers, pine cones or winter figurines. White crystals make an incredible addition to the altar all offer energy that we can use to feel spiritual and protected. In Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, & Metal Magic, Scott Cunningham suggests that white crystals are associated with moon, thus lending energy to those who wish to work with psychic abilities, sleep and dream magick. Some common white crystals to work with include howlite, white calcite, moonstone, selenite, and quartz.

Snow Water
Collect snow in a jar and combine with a small dash of sea salt. Allow it to melt on your altar or by your fireplace. Then, you can use this water for purification rituals or transformation magick. You can even save the snow water for the summer time when the days are hot and balmy, and you need a splash of cooling winter energy.

Magickal Snow Figures
For those of you who do not mind braving the cold temperatures, you can make “magickal snow figures” outdoors in the snow. In the similar fashion of the snow man, create shapes and symbols with (or in) the snow to cater to spells you wish to bring into your life. Create the shape of a sun for warmth or healing, a heart for love, or a dollar sign for money. As you do this, say to yourself, “As this shape takes hold, may all my dreams unfold.”

Snowfall Incense for Purification
Combine equal parts Gum Arabic, White Copal and Benzoin. This makes a simple resin incense that is white in color and can be burned for purification and spiritual awareness.

The mythology of Holda
One Goddess who enjoys the snowfall is Holda, who was a part of Germanic mythology. She commonly appears in stories from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, where she is known as Holda or Frua Holda (Lady Holda). She is the Goddess of the winter season, though more specifically is associated with the end of December and beginning of January. A goddess of spinning, witches, and wild hunts, Holda is said to create snow by shaking her feather blankets. Also connected to generosity and prosperity, her gold coins are said to fall from her cape. Visit Diana Paxson’s article on Holda to see how she honors the goddess of snow.

Snowball Cookies
For those who like the warmth of the kitchen, here is an easy recipe for sugary cookies to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate!

1/2 cup powdered sugar 
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1 cup butter, softened 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
2 1/4 cups flour
 1/2 cup chopped pecans
 Additional powdered sugar for topping

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fully mixed. Add flour with salt to creamed mixture, blend throughly. Add nuts and mix well. Chill dough for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 400F. Shape into 1-inch balls and bake 8-10 minutes. Do not brown. Cool, then roll in powdered sugar. (This recipe comes from ChristmasCookies.com).

Bibliography
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, & Metal Magic. St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn, 2002.
Dugan, Ellen. Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal, and Practical Magick. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewelyn Publications, 2007.
Fox, Selena. “Riding with Holda.” Beliefnet. http://www.beliefnet.com. (Accessed 1/12/2011).
Holland, Eileen. The Spellcaster’s Reference: Magickal Timing for the Wheel of the Year. Weiser Books: San Francisco, California, 2009.
Motz, Lotte. “The Winter Goddess: Percht, Holda, and Related Figures.” Folklore 95 (1984): 151-166. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1260199. (Accessed 1/12/2011).
Paxson, Diana L. “Holda” Hrafnar. http://www.hrafnar.org/goddesses/holda.html. (Accessed 1/12/2011).
Simmons, Robert & Naisha Ahsian. The Book of Stones. East Montpelier, Vermont: Heaven and Earth Publishing, 2005.

Yule’s Bright Feeling of Hope

2010-12-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

Yule is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Even though it is in the coldest time of the year, it is a time of joy and warmth. There is a light of hope, even in this darkest time of the year, as the length of days will now grow longer, and the nights will grow shorter. In legend, the Goddess gives birth on this holiday to the God, who is represented as the Sun King. His rebirth into the Wheel of the Year brings us hope and promise of brighter times ahead. Yule is a time to contemplate rebirth and reincarnation, for what dies in the cold half of the year is reborn again in the warm half. Yule is also an excellent time to begin planning for the harvest of the next season; therefore, it is a time to ponder what changes you would like to make in your life and the seeds of hope you would like to garden in the next year. It is also a time to be thankful of friends, family and all loved ones. Many of the traditions of Yule are the same as the traditions of Christmas. Pagans who celebrate Yule sing carols, decorate Yule trees, build ginger bread houses, create Yule logs, hang up mistletoe and exchange gifts.

The time around the Winter Solstice has been historically important to many cultural tribes around the world. Saturnalia was celebrated in Ancient Rome, where the birth of the sun was celebrated with lavish and decadent public festivals. Romans also exchanged presents at this time. Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish tribes. The word Yule comes from the Icelandic word “jol” and the Old English world “geol,” both meaning “wheel” or “yoke.” For Northern Tribes, Freya would be honored with the sacrifice of one of her sacred animals, the boar, and food would be left out for Odin. At this time of year, Odin would be known as “Jolnir,” the Lord of Yule, who would give gifts to people in the countryside. Santa Claus seems to be to be derived from Odin, the All-Father of Germanic tribes and Northern mythology. It also seems interesting that reindeer and elves are important aspects of the Northern faiths as well. Mistletoe was collected by Druids for fertility rites. It is also sacred to the Norse god Thor. Holly and Ivy protected the house from evil spirits. The bold green of these plants symbolized that life could sustain and exist, even in the darkest parts of the year. The Arthurian Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight opens with a Yule-tide celebration at Arthur’s court of Camelot. While celebrating, a strange creature crashes their party: he is described as a giant knight, who is handsome and strong, yet has an unusual characteristic: he is completely green. Tomorrow’s blog entry will examine Sir Gawain a little more closely.

In the meantime, I hope that you enjoy the Winter Solstice this year. Many will be awake and anticipating the Lunar Eclipse during the early hours of the 21st this year. For those fortunate enough to see the full lunar eclipse, this unique Winter Solstice will become an event that represents the miraculous, loving and hopeful consciousness of the season.

Yule Correspondences
-Celebrated on the Winter Solstice (December 20 – 23). For this year, the solstice is on December 21, 2010.
-Colors of Yule: red, green, blue, silver, and gold
-Incense: bayberry, cinnamon, frankincense, pine
-Herbs: bay leaves, cinnamon, garlic, nutmeg, clove, holly, mistletoe, oak, sage
-Stones of Yule: ruby, bloodstone, garnet, emerald, diamond
-Food: dried fruits, roasted pigs, beer and wine, nuts, vegetable casseroles, comfort food
-Altar Decorations: yule log, mistletoe and holly
-Pear Tree Divination: “It is said that if a girl goes out on the evening of the 24th of December and walks backwards to a pear tree, then backwards around it nine times, she will see a vision of her future husband."
-Sage Leaf Divination: “Pick twelve sage leaves and throw them to the wind. A shadowy image of the one you will marry is said to then appear.”
-Altar Decorations: mistletoe and holly
-Activities: creating a Yule log, singing, exchanging gifts, decorating a Yule tree, hanging up mistletoe, spending time with family and loved ones

Bibliography
O’Gaea, Ashleen. Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Samhain to Ostara. New Page Books: Franklin, New Jersey: 2004.
Morrison, Dorothy. Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth. Llewellyn Publications: St. Paul, Minnesota: 2004.
Ruickbie, L.P. The Winter Sabbat. The Witchcraft Information Centre & Archive: 2002. www.witchology.com

Cranberry and Cool Weather Kitchen Magick

2010-11-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

For many, cranberries become a part of the meal between Samhain and Yule. Prior Samhain, fresh cranberries are harvested from northern bogs and available for many autumn dishes. At Thanksgiving, stuffing is sweetened with a heaping spoonful of delicious cranberry chutney. And at Yule, many enjoy the fragrant smell of cranberry cooking in dessert dishes or in its perfume smell by the hearth with cranberry-scented candles. The cranberry’s deep red color is admirable, exotic, and comforting. It’s unique tale of growth in bog and harvest in water, it’s lavish mythical lore, and even its long list of health benefits make it a berry worthy of examining for magickal qualities.

Cranberry Growth

Cranberries are one of only three berries native to North America (the other two being the blueberry and concord grape). They grow on low-level vines and flourish in bogs (that is to say: they need acidic peat soil and fresh water to grow). Cranberries are also a berry of the north, commonly growing in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada. A smaller variety of the cranberry also grows in Scandinavia. Oftentimes when we see commercials on television with cranberry gardeners knee-high in cranberry-filled water, we assume that the cranberries actually grow in water. However, this is an image of a specific farming technique known as “water harvesting.” In this process, the cranberry vine-filled bogs are flooded with water. Special farming equipment known as watering reels turn and stir the water in the flooded bogs, loosening the berries from the vine. Because the cranberries contain pockets of air inside them, they float to the surface, which then makes it easy to corral and harvest. Cranberries can also be harvested the old fashion way. “Dry harvesting” is the simple method of plucking the berry from the dry vines during the fall.

The Cranberry in History, Lore and Mythology
The bog is the home of the cranberry, but was also sacrificial stomping ground of ancient societies in Northern Europe. Consider all of the archeological findings that have been discovered in bogs from Denmark Scotland, England, Sweden, and Northern Germany: daggers, swords, shields, spears, javelins, drinking vessels, sickles, y-shaped dowsing rods and jewelry have all be recovered from bogs. Also recovered from a bog was the famous Gundestrup Cauldron, a silver cauldron of Celtic origin, which had mythological narratives on it. Even more shockingly, excellently preserved human bodies, who appear to have been victims of sacrifice, have been discovered in bog. It appears that to ancient society, the watery bog was a place of significant importance, where sacrifices and treasures were willingly deposited. Some researchers and academics have suggested that the bog deposits were offerings for protection, or rituals to bring fertility to the land and well-being to the land’s inhabitants. One cannot avoid the idea of a spooky, dank bog on a cold dark night either. Perhaps it is the fact that the unstable, marshy territory could lead to hazardous falls and injuries. Legend has it that the murky, watery parts of a bog were bottomless, so to step in one meant imminent doom. Hans Christian Andersen shared many stories of the bog, most of which involved witches, elves and fairies. And in English and Welsh folklore, Will-o-the-wisps are said to be glowing lights that would float above the bog. Some believed that they were benevolent fairy or nature spirits that acted as guides to lost travelers; on the other hand, some saw the Will-’o-the-Wisps as ill spirited fairies, dark elves or spirits connected to the devil.

It’s also interesting to note that the cranberry has a special place in the hearts of the Finnish and students and admirers of ancient Lapland mythology. The Kalevala, epic legend of Finland, and reputed inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, is a compiled collection of Finnish oral stories that have been sung by Lapland bards for centuries. In the final passage, or "Rune", of the Kalevala, we hear of the tale of a virgin Goddess’ encounter with the cranberry. Described as a beautiful maiden, Marjatta is a Goddess who is chaste, yet connected with her Northland home. While roaming the forests, she hears the singing of the cranberry, who begs her to eat him. Because of her maidenhood, she couldn’t pluck the berry, but instead used a charm to have the berry rise from the vine and into her mouth. After she ate the berry, she was impregnated. (*See end note). When her family found out of her pregnancy, they did not believe her story of the cranberry and was shunned. Similar to the story of Christ’s birth, Marjatta gave birth to her sun in a stable in a forest. The heroic god of the Kalevala, Väinämöinen, is summoned to decide the destiny of the baby. When it is told that the child’s father is a cranberry, Väinämöinen sentences the baby to banishment in the forest and seals his death. However, when the baby pleads for his life by pointing out Väinämöinen’s unfair judgement, he is saved. Väinämöinen also recognizes that the son of the cranberry would grow to be his successor: a royal king and mighty ruler.

Some of the American history and lore of cranberries is fascinating as well. Native Americans were very familiar with the cranberry, and used it graciously as food, medicine, and dye. They used the berry to flavor meats, in a poultice to heal wounds and lower inflamation, and as a dye to make deep burgundy rugs. When Dutch and German settlers came to America, they named the berry “Crane Berry.” This name was inspired by the berry’s pink spring blossoms, which were said to resemble the head and bill of a Sandhill Crane.

The Cranberry’s Astounding Health Benefits
There are so many health benefits for cranberries that after seeing how they can help your general health, you may consider keeping cranberry juice, tea or supplements in stock in your kitchen. Cranberries are very effective in the healing and relief of urinary tract infections. Cranberries are chock-full of antioxidants, which could mean that cranberries could have anti-aging qualities. The juice is said to prevent peptic ulcers, while eating the berry is said to cut back dental plaque. Recent research has suggested that cranberry can reduce the development of kidney stones and the risk of cancer and heart disease. Cranberries contain no cholesterol, trace amounts of fat and minimal sodium. They have a hearty amount of Vitamin C and fiber, and historically were taken to sea by mariners who wished to fight scurvy.

Cranberry Recipes
There are countless recipes for cranberries available. If you have not indulged in the tart, yet sweet taste of cranberries, autumn and winter are the seasons to incorporate them into your meals, as they will usually be in stock between September and December. Two websites I highly recommend for recipes are the recipes available at Cape Cod Cranberry Grower’s Association and my favorite kitchen magazine: Cook’s Illustrated. Cranberries can be frozen, so they can last in the freezer for a long period of time. And, they are a “Prepper” and “Homesteader” friendly food, as they can be purchased canned, or be made into a preserve. Keep in mind as well: cranberries were used as a form of barter amongst Native American tribes!

Cranberry’s Magickal Components
Oftentimes, the cranberry’s beautiful red color has associated it with the planet Mars, and as a result, its magickal correspondences are similar to that of Mars. Because of this, cranberry can be used for protection, positive energy, courage, passion, determination, goals, and action. Consider having Cranberry Sauce as part of a protective meal, or drinking cranberry juice or tea while doing magick for anything associated with Mars.

If color is considered as a way of marking the cranberry’s magickal associations, it would be foolish to not highlight the deep, sensual and erotic red color as corresponding to love and lust magick. If you are cooking a meal for a loved one, consider incorporating cranberry into the meal. There is actually cranberry wine available, which creators of homemade wines and meads would find easy to brew (see How to Make Cranberry Wine for details). In Magick Potions: How to Prepare and Use Homemade Incense, Oils, Aphrodisiacs and Much More, Gerina Dunwich supplies a recipe for “Lovers’ Meditation Blend.” In the context of her book, she suggests using this while working with the Lovers Tarot Card. You may also want to sip this tea while performing love magick. Simply add two teaspoons cherry juice to 1 cup hot cranberry tea. Stir it with a cinnamon stick clockwise. There is something incredibly comforting and warming about Cranberry, so to show your love and appreciation for your family and friends, consider adding Cranberry sauce or chutney to a dinner. It will bring a feeling of peace, comfort, warmth, good health and love to those who enjoy it.

Tale of Marjatta reminds us of the nutritional value of the cranberry- so fertile and powerful is the cranberry, that it is the vehicle for immaculate conception. Since it is tied to immaculate conception, and the birth of a child who will replace the old King, it can be linked to rejuvenation, reincarnation, and the themes of Yule and Christmas. Cranberry also has clear links to fertility magick in this context. Spell work aside, the nutritional benefits of the cranberry are worthy enough to be incorporated into a routine diet, as it will aid in overall health and well being.

Finally, it is important to not forget the magick of the bog, the motherland of cranberry. Here, we see cranberry’s tie to the supernatural, mystical, and ancient. In a place where humans and precious objects were sacrificed, there was much value put on the mystical powers of the bog. It is a place where the protection of people and armies, the fertility of land and nature, and the well being of those who visit it, could be determined and sought after through ritual and sacrifice. Perhaps you will include a bowl of cranberries next to your pomegranate on your Samhain altar to show thanks to the supernatural powers of the bog. Or simply, while cooking cranberries during the colder season or enjoying its fragrance in an oil or a candle, you can reflect on the mystical, protective, and fertile powers of the deep red berry.

*Please note: Many translators cannot agree on which berry Marjatta actually enjoys in The Kalevala. Translations include cranberry, bilberry, lingonberry, blackberry and strawberry. The original Finnish word used was “punapuola,” which is indeed a variety of cranberry, though smaller and sweeter than the one grown in Northern America.

Bibliography
Bonser, Wilfrid. “The Magic Birth ‘Motif’ in The Kalevala.” Man 18 (1918): 20-22. http:// www.jstor.org/stable/2787792.
Chamberlain, A.F. “Notes on the History, Customs, and Beliefs of the Mississagua Indians.” The Journal of American Folklore 1.2 (1888): 150-160. http://www.jstor.org/stable/533821.
“Cranberry Benefits and Information.” NutraSanus. http://www.nutrasansu.com/cranberry.html.
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen. Llewellyn Publications: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2003.
Dunwich, Gerina. Magick Potions: How To Prepare and Use Homemade Incense, Oil, Aphrodisiacs and More. Citadel Press Books: New York, 1998.
Glob, P.V. Trans. Rupert Bruce-Mitford. The Bog People: Iron-Age Man Preserved. New York Review Books: New York, 1969.
“History of Cranberries.” Cape Cod Cranberry Association. http://www.cranberries.org.
Holland, Eileen. The Spellcaster’s Reference: Magickal Timing for the Wheel of the Year. Weiser Books: San Francisco, 2009.
Kelly, Eaomonn P. “Secrets of the Bog Bodies: The Enigma of the Iron Age Explained.”
Archaeology Ireland 20.1: 26-30 (2006). http://www.jstor.org/stable/20559121.
Meredith, Dianne. “Hazards in the Bog- Real and Imagined.” Geographical Review 92.3: 319-332 (2002). http://www.jstor.org/stable/4140913.
The Kalevala. Compiled by Elias Lönnrot. Trans. John John Marin Crawford. Project Guttenberg. 31 May 2002. http://www.gutenberg.org/.
“Where do Cranberries Grow?” Ocean Spray Food Service. http://www.oceansprayfoodservice.com.

The image of Marjatta is taken from: http://www.ateneum.fi/kalevalataidettakouluille/marjatta.html

Crystal Correspondences for the Chakras

2010-11-23T12:37:00.000-08:00

Many people find comfort in the subtle, yet miraculous properties and energies of crystals. There is comfort and peace that comes when going looking at the diverse colors and shapes that are available in crystals. Some people feel drawn to a warm yellow crystal like citrine, while others are drawn to the majestic blue of lapis lazuli. Whether you are looking to dispel negativity or attract good fortune, there are a countless and diverse range of stones and crystals that can aid in spiritual balance and awareness. A common theme in new age and alternative healing deals with the balancing and alignment of the seven chakras, which is said to bring harmony, energy and well being to the body, soul and aura. This article will describe seven crystals which correspond with each of the seven chakras.

Root Chakra and Bloodstone: The Root Chakra corresponds with physical needs, human survival, grounding, survival and all things material. The benefits of a stimulated Root Chakra include: stability, vitality, and grounding.

Bloodstone has been used for centuries as a healing stone. It was one believed by ancient armies that the bloodstone could to halt bleeding, and as a result, often carried by soldiers. Bloodstone can instill determination and courage into the person who bears it. It increased endurance and brings balance to the body through its grounding nature. Additionally, it is said to strengthen blood and help the body to overcome blood weakness (such as anemia). Bloodstone is an excellent stone to wear for competitions or business meetings, as it aids in success, victory, and courage. It is said to attract wealth if carried in a purse, pocket, or cash register. Other stones to consider for the Root Chakra: Smokey Quartz, Hematite, Garnet, Ruby

Sacral Chakra and Carnelian: The Sacral Chakra corresponds with pleasure, sexuality, change, and motion. The benefits of a stimulated Sacral Chakra include: receptivity to pleasure, a connection with nature, joy and purification.

Carnelian is said to help alleviate depression and in play enhance lust, desire and playfulness. It is an excellent stone to wear for public speeches, as it helps in communication, self-confidence and courage. If worn, this warming stone is said to bring energy to the body, and especially useful for love and sexual energy. Carnelian assists in overcoming procrastination, taking action, and manifesting goals and dreams. Other stones to consider the Sacral Chakra: Rutilated Quartz, Moonstone, Red Coral

Solar Plexus and Citrine: The Solar Plexus corresponds with transformation, creativity, self-esteem, will power, and energy. The benefits of a stimulated Solar Plexus Chakra include creativity, confidence, happiness, energy, and knowledge.

The brightness of citrine is said to fill dark areas with light and happiness. It promotes new ideas, creativity, and psychic awareness. Citrine cleanses and energizes all the chakras by bring balance to the body and instilling confidence and motivation. It is an excellent stone for empaths to wear, as it also protects from psychic attack and nightmares. Other stones to consider for the Solar Plexus Chakra: Sunstone, Yellow Calcite, Malachite, Amber, Topaz

Heart Charka and Green Jade: The Heart Chakra corresponds with compassion, love, forgiveness, breath, balance, unity and healing. The benefits of a stimulated Heart Chakra include balance, compassion, love, and joie de vivre.

Green Jade is a love-attracting stone, and a hopeful stone. Sacred to Ancient China, jade was used in weather magic and to ward off illness. An old tradition involved the exchange of jade butterflies between engaged couples to ensure happiness and longevity. It is soothing and healing, and said to help alleviate health troubles. Green Jade is said to strengthen the heart, kidneys and immune system. As a symbol of peace, reflection, and serenity, jade halts depression and produces lucid dreams. Put a piece of jade in the garden to help improve the health of the plants. Jade can be worn or even placed on the third eye to bring wisdom.
Other stones to consider for the Heart Chakra: Rose Quartz, Watermelon Tourmaline, Aventurine, Emerald

Throat Chakra and Turquoise: The Throat Chakra corresponds with expression, vibration, mantras, creativity and communication. The benefits of a stimulated Throat Chakra include speech skills, self-expression, telepathy and open communication.

Turquoise was sacred to Native American Tribes. It was believed the stone was a bridge between earth and heaven. Turquoise is said to relax mood swings and panic attacks. It allows the soul to express itself and is a symbol of sincerity, kindness, and empathy. Turquoise is used for love magic, and can be given to a loved one. Wearing turquoise can attract new friends, strengthen health, and aid in feeling empathy. Also said to attract good fortune, you can hold a piece of turquoise in your right hand and speak wishes into it while looking directly at it. Other stones to consider for the Throat Chakra: Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Celestite, Aquamarine

Third Eye Chakra and Lapis Lazuli: The Third Eye Chakra corresponds with intuition, dreams, psychic abilities and meditation. The benefits of a stimulated Third Eye Chakra include clear insight, strong intuition, lucid dreams, and powerful meditation.

Lapis Lazuli is actually comprised of several different crystals: blue lazurite, hauynite, sodalite, diopsite, white calcite and gold pyrite. This stunning deep blue stone has healing properties and can improve your mood by holding it. As a stone working with the Third Eye, Lapis Lazuli can help with a connection to spirituality, listening, psychic abilities, strengthening intuition, mediation and mental clarity. It can be placed around blue and purple candles for a healing spell. As a spiritual stone that helps alleviate depression, lapis lazuli is also believe to remove painful memories form the aura and astral body. Other stones to consider for the Third Eye Chakra: Fluorite, Azurite, Amethyst

Crown Chakra and Amethyst: The Crown Chakra corresponds with spirituality, wisdom, transcendence and divinity. The benefits of a stimulated Crown Chakra include a connection to divinity, ability to obtain knowledge, thoughtfulness, and wisdom.

Amethyst is a stone of peace and tranquility, and can be used in for spiritual protection and purification. It is also said to help with meditation, and is excellent to have with you while doing spiritual work. Likewise, it is said to promote psychic ability, and is an excellent crystal to keep with your divination sets or to use while connecting with spirit guides. Carrying amethyst can help curbing bad habits. It is said to help alleviate insomnia when put under a pillow or by the bedside. Amethyst is a fond stone many enjoy to carry, as it brings a feeling of emotional balance, zen, and a feeling of connection with divinity. Other stones to consider for the Crown Chakra: Herkimer Diamond, Diamond, Crystal Quartz

Bibliography:
Conway, D.J. Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones and their Magical Properties. The Crossing Press: Berkley, California, 1999.
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, & Metal Magic. Llewellyn Publishing: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2002.
Hall, Judy. The Encyclopedia of Crystals. Fall Winds Press: Beverly, Massachusetts, 2006.
Judith, Anodea. Wheels of Life, 2nd ed. Llewellyn Publishing: Woodbury, Minnesota, 2009.
Mercier, Patricia. Chakras: Balance Your Body’s Energy for Health and Harmony. Sterling Publishing: New York, 2000.
Simmons, Robert & Naisha Ahsian. The Book of Stones. Heaven and Earth Publishing: East Montpelier, Vermont, 2005.
Simpson, Liz. The Book of Chakra Healing. Sterling Publishing: New York, 1999.
Whichello Brown, Denise. Beginner’s Guide to Crystals. Sterling Publishing: New York, 2002.

Comfort Foods for a Cozy Fall Day

2010-11-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Once we reach November and the weather starts to cool down, many folks start to crave warm, filling and comforting foods. These are some great recipes I thought I would share with you that are delicious and very easy to make. They all make a good amount of food- whatever isn’t eaten in the first round will make wonderful leftovers. If you would like to share a recipe, please do so in the comments!

Creamy Rice Pudding
This recipe comes from my incredibly talented Great Aunt Florence, who has a book of recipes that my entire family cherishes. This rice pudding is so good, you won’t be able to stop yourself from a second (and possibly third) helping.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup Water
1/3 cup Rice
4 cups Hot Milk
1/2 cup Sugar
2 Eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon for topping

1. Cook water and rice until the water is absorbed. Add the hot milk and cook slowly until rice is tender, but not mushy.
2. Add sugar and heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. Add a little of the hot mixture to the eggs and mix well. Add eggs to the rest of the hot mixture and mix well. Return to the heat.
4. Cook, stirring constantly, until pudding thickens. Remove from heat.
5. Add butter and stir until melted. Return to heat and stir until creamy.
6. Remove from heat (for the final time!) and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour pudding into dessert dishes and sprinkle with cinnamon. Chill pudding before serving.

Macaroni and Cheese (low fat variety)
This recipe comes from Cook’s Country (I can’t locate the issue number). This is a reduced-fat macaroni and cheese variety that you can’t feel too guilty about indulging in. When I've made this, I have done so with gluten free bread crumbs and flour, which taste fine in this recipe as well.

Bread Crumbs Topping:
1/3 cup Bread Crumbs
1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted

Macaroni and Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Reduced-Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound Elbow Macaroni
1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
1 1/2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Powdered Mustard
2 1/2 cups Skim Milk

1. For the topping: Toss bread crumbs with butter in small bowl until mixed. Set aside.
2. For the Macaroni and Cheese: In food processor or blender, process cheddar, parmesan and ricotta until no large pieces of cheese remain. Transfer to bowl and set aside.
3. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat broiler. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt and macaroni and cook until tender. Drain macaroni and leave in colander.
4. In an empty Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add flour and mustard powder and cook, whisking to combine ingredients, until mixture is smooth. Whisking constantly, slowly add milk and bring to a full boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking frequently, until mixture becomes slightly thicker than heavy cream (about 2 to 4 minutes). Remove pan from heat. Whisk in cheese mixture and 1/2 teaspoon salt until cheese is melted. Add pasta and cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat, until mixture is steaming (about 2 to 3 minutes).
5. Transfer mixture to broiler safe 8-inch-square baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Broil until crumbs are deep golden brown.

Simply Yummy Pasta and Meatsauce Dish
This recipe came from Sun Crow, one of my friends on facebook. Many thanks to her for letting me share this on my blog!

Ingredients
2 pounds of 97% fat free ground beef
1 package spaghetti
1 jar of Prego or other great spaghetti mix( I prefer the one with as many veggies in it as possible)
1 large sweet onion chopped
Mc Cormick's Salt Free all purpose herb seasoning
Chopped mushrooms (optional)
1 can of diced tomatoes

1. Brown the meat and cook the onion in separate pots
2. Add a handsome amount of herbs ( I put in at least a tablespoonful). Add the cooked onion. Add the Prego (or other) sauce to cover the meat but not make it too juicy. Add the mushrooms and the can of diced tomato.
3. Stir well and simmer until the liquid is almost gone then cover at low until ready to eat.
4. Make the spaghetti and you are in business! Add salad and garlic bread and you have quite a feast. Serves at least 6-8 or more folks.

Kiki's Dreamy Crystal Sachet

2010-11-17T21:24:00.000-08:00

Some nights dreams come easily, while other nights pass with little imagery to recollect during the morning. As someone who has always enjoyed a good dream (who doesn't?), I have found a great combination of crystals for a sachet that has brought me many nights of fascinating and insightful dreams. As a matter of fact, I often will hold the sachet before I go to bed and concentrate on a question I have in mind. Oftentimes, I wake up in the morning feeling I’ve gained insight into that question from my dreams.

Here’s what you will need to piece one together:
*Purple Sachet/Small Pouch
*Selenite
*Amethyst
*Apatite
*Citrine
*Sea Salt
*Spring Water
*Large glass bowl
*Dream oil blend (Or combine equal parts sandalwood and jasmine oil)
Please note: you can get any size crystals you want. While some people prefer big chunks of raw crystal, my sachet has pieces of smaller tumbled stone. This, by the way, cuts back the price considerably.

Time to do this: Day and Eve of a Full Moon. You can “turn it up a notch” by trying this exercise at the full moons nearest Beltane, Midsummer, or Samhain.
1. Combine a couple spoonfuls of sea salt with the spring water in your large glass bowl. Place the crystals into the bowl, and let the crystals soak in the sunlight.
2. During the evening of the full moon, remove the crystals from the water. Dry them off, and then anoint them with dream oil. Let the crystals sit under the light of the full moon for the entire night.
3. The following day, place them into the small pouch, and leave it by your bedside.
Once you are in bed, hold the pouch and concentrate on what you wish to dream about. Feel the warming in your hands, and envision a silvery white light surrounding you.

Here's a strange side note I'd like to mention. My boyfriend and I have gone gluten free in our diets. After a couple of weeks of not eating gluten, we both started to notice having more vivid dreams. According to my boyfriend, cutting gluten out can have an effect on how one dreams. In other words, he suggests: cut the gluten and gain the vivid, long, comforting dreams. I was trying to find any resources to confirm this, but found nothing. Has anyone else ever heard of this before? Or, have you cut gluten out of your diet and noticed a change in your dreaming pattern?

Many blessings and sweet dreams!
Kiki

A little off topic... Kiki's Top 10 favorite Led Zeppelin songs

2010-11-05T11:28:00.001-07:00

As I sit in a coffee shop, catching up on work while I wait for internet to arrive back at my house, I am stuck listening to Radiohead. Don't get me wrong- I grew up with Radiohead and have many fond memories of my first encounters with OK Computer and Kid A. However, it's not the kind of music that inspires me. On the contrary, it kind of makes me feel a little sulky. If only this coffee shop could play something high energy, full of magick, and mythology. So, what band fits that bill? Led Zeppelin- there's a band I can rock to.

Not only does Jimmy Page have a fondness for all things related to the occult, Led Zeppelin's lyrics are brimming with Norse mythology and Tolkien lore. I could write another blog entry just about Led Zeppelin IV's artwork, which was inspired by the Rider Waite Hermit (although I would also compare the front cover's image to be inspired by Ten of Wands). As a matter of fact, I may revisit Led Zeppelin art and its associations with Tarot. Either way, this entry is my homage to one of my all time favorite bands. I'm taking a detour from my common posts to share with you my favorite Led Zeppelin songs.

10. The Song Remains The Same (Houses of the Holy): Incredible introduction to a flawless album. I associate this song with my travels through the Yorkshire Dales, where I listened to Houses of the Holy exclusively. There is something about Houses of the Holy that makes for the perfect soundtrack to the rolling green hills and ancient feeling of the northern areas of England. However, this is a standout track for me.

9. What Is and What Should Never Be (II): The perfect combination of mellow, sexy, gritty, bluesy, and heavy all wrapped into a psychadelic classic.

8. Immigrant Song (III): I feel like I’ve come from the land of the ice and stone when I hear this. Plant sings amazing lyrics, which awakens the Northern gods which reside in Valhalla.

7. Kashmir (Physical Graffiti): Dear Mr. Page and Mr. Plant, thank you for visiting Morocco and taking loads of narcotics. You made a nice song about it and were kind enough to add a symphony to it. Love, Kiki. PS: I wish I had a time machine to go back to 1970 and see you live at the Yale Bowl.

6. Custard Pie (Physical Graffit): This song is sexpot rock heaven. Raw and fantastic.

5. Traveling Riverside Blues (BBC Sessions): One word for you: Classic. Dirty blues, slide guitar, complete with the filthy lyrics from Lemon.

4. Going to California (IV): Every time I hear this song, I’m transported into a happy universe and away from the troubles and stresses of my day. For the three and a half minutes of this song, I am able to envision myself peacefully resting in a sunny vineyard somewhere in California. Very sentimental and dreamy.

3. The Battle of Evermore (IV): Someone told me that all chicks love this song. Fair enough: I’m a chick and I love this song. It’s gorgeous, features the mandolin, and has lyrics about Avalon. Beautiful and romantic.

2. Ramble On (II): Note to rockers: making reference to Gollum (or anything Tolkien for that matter) in a song makes for a rock classic. Not to mention, Page’s guitar licks surmount mostly everything else the 70s had to offer. Bless them for every bit of this song: the soft drumming, the heady bass, and the storyline about moving along.

1. No Quarter (Houses of the Holy): The haunting organ sets the ambiance of dreary travels and the occult. Plant sings, “Winds of Thor are blowing cold,” musing on Norse mythology. I’m fairly sure this is the most essential Led Zeppelin track, surpassing Stairway to Heaven as the one of the most epic songs they’ve written. I remember hearing this for the first time when I was younger: maybe about 12 or 13, and how I’d walk through the woods listening to this, wishing I was at the Boleskine House. If I could consume this song, I would. It’s perfect.

Honorable Mentions: The Ocean, Houses of the Holy, All of My Love, Trampled Under Foot, Over the Hills and Far Away, When the Levee Breaks, Thank You, Moby Dick, That’s The Way, In The Light, The Wanton Song and Whole Lotta Love…

So, my question to you: What is your favorite Led Zeppelin song? Thanks again to everyone who stops by, leaves comments, and reads my posts. Your support makes me glow and shine- writing is a tough craft to succeed at, and readers make it all worth it. So thank you!

I would also like to mention that I received "A Clucking Great Blog" award from Moonshine over at The Diary of a Witch. I will be posting my top ten blogs shortly as well, but just wanted to say thank you for thinking of me! Many blessings, Kiki

Day of the Dead Hot Chocolate

2010-11-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Day of the Dead and Samhain to everyone. Here is a sweet and creamy treat to warm you up and satiate your sweet tooth.

1 can (13.5 oz.) of light Coconut Milk
2 1/2 cups of Milk
3/4 cup of melted Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate Chips
4 tbs. Sugar
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extra
1/8 tsp. Allspice
1/8 tsp. Cayenne (or 1/4 tsp. if you like it spicy)

Bring the ingredients to a boil and blend well with a whisk.
Add a shot of tequila if this batch is for adults!

Inspired by "Chocolate de Mexicanos" from Edain McCoy's Sabbats: A Witch's Approach to Living the Old Ways.

Happy Samhain! How about a Giveaway!

2010-10-26T13:47:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

In celebration of Samhain, I'm offering a little giveaway on my blog for readers! Here are the rules to be a part of the giveaway:
1. Please become a follower of my blog. You can do so by clicking on the "follow" box in the right hand box of this blog!
2. Please leave a comment with this blog entry, letting me know that you've become a follower.
3. If you want me to contact you via email, please leave an email in the comment as well. Otherwise, I will post a comment on your blog page about winning. I will also post the winner in the comment section of this blog entry as well.

I will draw the winner on Thursday evening. I will send the package out priority mail once I receive your address.

Here's what will be in the giveaway:

*Samhain Oil* A delicious blend to celebrate autumn, the harvests, and Samhain. The oil has an exotic and spicy smell, with cinnamon, patchouli, coconut, and pomegranate oils.

*Psychic Loose Leaf Tea* One of my favorite blends of loose herbs. It contains jasmine green tea, mugwort, calendula, and dandelion leaf. Have as a tea while doing divination or before sleep for psychic dreams, or use to cleanse divination tools.

*Psychic Incense* A fantastic blend of cinnamon, mugwort, dandelion leaf, jasmine and more. It smells wonderful because of jasmine and lilac oils. It is great for burning on charcoal in a cauldron, or brewing in an oil burner with water, or holding in a purple sachet with amethyst.

*Psychic Indigo Soap* A yummy handsoap with jasmine oil!

*Haunted House Spread Tarot Reading* This is a great spread for Halloween! It's insightful and fun. You can read the description in the blog entry below. I will draw these cards on November 1st, so it'll be done when the veil between our world and the Otherside are thin. This reading will be sent to you via email.

I will also have a smaller giveaway exclusively on my facebook page on Wednesday. Then, I will have another small giveaway on my Twitter page on Thursday. If you'd like to be a part of those as well you are more than welcome to.
Click here for my facebook profile and become my friend!
Click here for my twitter profile and please follow me!

Good luck to everyone!
Many blessings,
Kiki

Samhain Tarot Reading #2: Samhain Otherworld Divination

2010-10-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is a highly spiritual, beautiful spread that I recommend trying on Halloween Eve or November 1st for aligning with the Otherworldly energy of Samhain. This reading examines how to develop love, prosperity, and spirituality over the next year. It will also explore messages from departed ancestors, the faerie realm and spirit guides. Finally, the reading will look at what you can expect over the coming year.

---------12--------

10----------------11

7--------8---------9

4--------5---------6

2------------------3

---------1----------

1. Current Situation
2. Dreams and Desires
3. Hidden Influences

4. How to develop prosperity in the next year
5. How to develop love in the next year
6. How to develop spirituality in the next year

7. Message from your ancestors
8. Message from faerie realm
9. Message from your spirit guide

10. Events by the next full moon
11. Events by the next three months
12. Events by the next Samhain

I am also offering this reading on etsy, if you wish to have a reading done for you on Samhain eve!

Please let me know if you try this for yourself, and how it comes out! Many blessings, Kiki

Samhain Tarot Reading #1: The Haunted House Spread

2010-10-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

Let’s get into the Halloween spirit with this fun and insightful reading. This reading walks you through the metaphorical (and metaphysical) rooms of a haunted house. I highly recommend this reading in exchange for the Celtic Cross spread if you are a fan of Halloween and Samhain, as it allows you to better understand your current situation. Please note: this spread was created by Lunea Weatherstone. She has a magnificent website called At Brigid’s Forge. Her inspiration came from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, another wonderful website. I recommend you visit both, and their links are in the side bar as well.

The layout of the cards is as follows:

---------------9----------------

---------------4----------------

--------2------8------3---------

6--------------1---------------7

---------------5----------------

1. Forbidding Foyer: What has been trying to enter your life (for good for for ill) that you have been trying to ward off?

2. The Perilous Parlor: What aspect of yourself do you need to spend more time getting to know?

3. The Lurid Library: What lore or study is calling to expand your esoteric knowledge?

4. The Atrocious Attic: What neglected treasure should you dust off and use now?

5. The chilling cellar: What should be stored away and allowed to ripen for future use?

6. The Ghastly Garden: What needs to be weeded out?

7. The Twisted Oak: What needs to sink roots and deepend?

8. The Long Hallway: Gaze down the hall to see the future.

9. Spirits Abound: Message from the Otherworld.

Cat Manor: © Copyright 2010 by Lewis Barrett Lehrman for The Haunted Studio

Just a side note: I am offering this reading at my etsy page if anyone is interested! Many blessings, Kiki

The Fantastic Toad

2010-10-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

With Halloween and Samhain around the corner, the image of the witch is all around us. Whether she’s posing sweetly in a vintage card or in displayed as a crone in a store’s window, she usually is in the company of her familiars: the cat and the toad. Even though today’s society has embraced the sweet and precious kitty, the same cannot be said for the fantastic toad. During Medieval Times, the toad was said to be a demon in disguise. In England, they were a symbol of misfortune, and the fear of getting warts from touching a toad prevailed. Because of these misconceptions, sadly, our society has been turned off to the proud nature of the toad. However, if we look at the toad’s many faces, perhaps we can learn to embrace his charm and magick.

Toad’s Connection to Earth, Fortune and Fertility
The toad’s closeness to the soil and nature truly makes him a cherished child of Mother Earth. In ancient Mexican cultures, he was a symbol of Earth. He is one of the animals you want to have in your garden. This amphibian thrives on bugs that would normally do damage to crops and flowers. His song varies from species to species, yet its soothing voice lets us know that nature is blossoming. His presence, surprisingly, has historically been a symbol of fortune and fertility.

In parts of Central Europe, it was believe that toads were guardians of great treasures. Therefore, to treat a toad kindly could potentially mean being rewarded with a gift from his hoard. In Estonia, it was believed that house spirits or faeries took the form of a toad. As a result, they were well respected as signs of good fortune and wealth. Feng Shui pays tribute to the Chinese legend of the three-legged toad of the moon in the form of figurines which are said to bring money and prosperity. Tin miners in Cornwall believed the sight of the toad while mining signaled a lucky strike.

Toads were a symbol of luck in love and fertility as well. Perhaps this is in part due to the many eggs it releases and the toad’s birth and metamorphosis in water. One folk medicine remedy suggested that the blood of a toad was a powerful aphrodisiac. In Scotland, it was believed to be good luck if a toad crossed a bride’s path. Votives and offerings in the shape of toads would be left in central European churches by the Mother Mary for smooth pregnancy and conception.

Toad’s Connection to Witches
It was during the Burning Times that the confessions and legends of toads began to intermingle with the world of the witch. In one confession, a witch said that she gathered toads to bring with her for Sabbat celebration. Oddly, she dressed them in small black or scarlet colored velvet robes, fashioning some with bells. Another sorcerer confessed that his toad familiar gave him the ability to be invisible, transport to different places, and shape-shift into the form of any animal.

The toad’s appeal in magick is most likely in part to its natural toxic secretions, called Bufotenine, which comes from glands behind their ears. This poison was said to be used in potions, flying ointments, and in alchemy. Specifically, the skin of the toad was used in flying ointments, and in alchemy toads were considered to symbols the dark side of nature. Toads even received a small role in Macbeth, where they were an ingredient in the witches’ “charmed pot.” Furthermore, many shamanic cultures revered the secretions of the toad for hallucinogenic experiences.

Toad’s Connection to the Otherworld
In ancient Germanic regions, it was unlucky to kill toads because it was believed that human souls resided in them. The belief that human souls were inside the toad progressed into the idea that toads were actually sinners who passed over and were undergoing penance. As a result, toads were to be treated with sympathy and pity. One story from Godfrey-Leland claims that one toad would crawl to the altar of “Saint Michael in Schwatz” on the evenings before festivals to pray and weep.

Toads even served as guardians for those who passed over. In Lithuania, there are grave markers in the shape of toads. Toad’s magick also assisted in divination and amulets. In Ancient Egypt, small amulets of toads where a symbol of creation, birth, and rebirth. One object from the Late Dynasty of Egypt is most fascinating- it is a magic rod with small figurines of toads, frogs, and turtles, who were believed to be helpers to the Sun God. The object was used as part of a burial to guarantee rebirth and triumph over evil forces. In Natural History, Pliny explains that the bones of a toad had the ability to soothe quarrels and acts as an aphrodisiac. This could be the foundation for the lore of the “toad stone,” the precious stones in the toad’s head that could bring great happiness and detect poison. Many an amulets are in the shape of toads, with the wish of drawing their magick and good fortune into the wearer’s life.

The Toad as an Animal Totem
Welcoming the toad into your life will bring grounding energy. He represents strength, pride, and nature. If you are looking for a way to connect the element of earth and water, as an amphibian, the toad is able to traverse and master both of these. Much like the frog, the toad also expresses the ability to transform, as he does through his life. He can help gain the ability to see people and nature through keen observation as well as turn inwards for a deeper understanding of the self. More than anything, it is the toad’s quiet pride and patience that allows it to prosper and bring luck and magick into the lives of those he touches.

A Toad Stone Alternative
On Samhain, you can perform a small spell to create your own toad stone. This gentle approach to creating a toad stone does not involve the harm of any animals, although you will need to get your hands dirty in the soil. You will need a piece of moss agate, a green candle, and vetiver oil. On the morning before Samhain, bring the moss agate to a place where you know toads reside. This could be in your garden, by a local pond, or if you are fortunate enough to have a toad as a pet, in your toad’s tank. If you do not believe you have toads in your neighborhood, simply find a natural place in your garden or yard where you can place a figurine of a toad. Or, find a small pot and fill it with soil from outdoors, bring it indoors and place it by an image or figurine of a toad. Take the clean stone (don’t anoint with oils- this could harm the toad) and bury it in the soil at this location. Recite the following incantation:
Precious toad, spirit of the Earth:
I ask you to bless this stone,
so I may have fortune and love in my life.
And in return, I will revere you this Samhain eve.

On Samhain eve, anoint the green candle with vetiver oil, and light it in reverence to the toad spirit. Take a moment to envision the toad, giving thanks to its presence in your life. If there is a specific magick you would like from the toad stone, weather it be for fertility, prosperity, divination, transformation, love, luck, or self examination, envision yourself receiving the magick’s end result. The following morning, retrieve the stone and carry it with you to bring good luck and fortune into your life. If you wish to bring the good fortune of the toad into your life, consider getting (or creating) a toad house in your garden. This way, you can enjoy the presence of the toad as a familiar in your life.

Bibliography
Andrews, Ted. Animal Speak. Llwellyn Publications: St. Paul, MN, 2004.
Arnold, Dorethea. “An Egyptian Bestiary.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin. Vol. 52, No. 4, Spring 1995. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3269051. (accessed 10/14/2010).
Conway, D.J. Animal Magick. Llewellyn Publications: St. Paul, MN, 1995.
Godrey-Leland, Charles. Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling. Sacred Texts: http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/gsft/index.htm.
Harper, Clive. “The Witches’ Flying-Ointment.” Folklore. Vol. 88, No. 1, 1977. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1259606. (accessed 10/14/2010).
Kieckhefer, Richard. Magic in the Middle Ages. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 2000.
Luttichau, Chris. Animal Spirit Guides. Cico Books: New York, 2009.
Morgan, Adrian. Toads and Toadstools: The Natural History, Folklore, and Culture Oddities of a Strange Association. Celestial Arts Publishing: Berkeley, CA, 1995.
Murrell, Deborah. Superstitions. Amber Books: London, 2008.
Powell, Shantell. Toads, Magic, and Witchcraft. http://www.shanmonster.com/witch/familiar/toad.html. (accessed 10/13/2010).
Summers, Montague. History of Witchcraft and Demonology. Kessinger Publishing, 2003.

(Our toad Grumps brewing some "Essence of Toad")

Let's Swap Blog and Etsy Links!

2010-10-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I've just updated blogpage, and have a list of links on the right hand side. I would love to include your blog link on the page- that way I can also keep up with what you are writing.

If you are willing, would you please post your website, blog, or etsy page below? If you're on blogspot, I'll follow you. And, if you are on etsy, I'll add you to my favorites.

Thanks so much and many blessings,
Kiki

Six Herbs to have in your Holistic Medicine Cabinet

2010-10-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

With the season of sniffles coming upon us, you can take comfort in knowing that there are a number of herbs that can help alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs, and the flu. Here are six herbs to keep handy in case you are feeling a little under the weather.

Chamomile

Everyone’s herbal favorite, chamomile tea has a soothing effect, which makes it an excellent aid for restful sleep and soothing aches and menstruation cramps. This tea has actually been used since Roman times to help bring comfort during PMS and menstruation. It calms a nervous stomach, relaxes anxiety, and eases insomnia. Regular cups of chamomile tea are said to even relieve symptoms of colitis and Crohn’s disease. Try it as a simple tea or take 30 to 40 drops of chamomile tincture daily to relieve these symptoms.

*Also try: Combine lavender and chamomile in a tea to relieve headaches and promote relaxation.

Yarrow

Yarrow has been revered as an all-purpose herb, with tales of Achilles using yarrow on the wounded soldiers of the Trojan War. Yarrow is a blood-purifier and can clean toxins out of the body. It fights infections in the stomach and intestines, and can help soothe digestion problems. Use yarrow tea while fighting fevers and colds, as it breaks fevers and coughs, and fights infections. Topically in an infused lotion, yarrow can be used on small cuts and abrasions.

*Also try: Soak a bandage in cool yarrow and calendula tea. Wrap around a wound for fast healing. When you have the chills, try a hot tea with yarrow, ginger and cinnamon to help the body warm up.

Marshmallow

Marshmallow is mucilagenous, which means it has a very “slippery” quality to it. Because of this, it soothes sore throats, calms dry coughs, eases stomach ulcers and acid reflux, and can help the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. A marshmallow root tea is excellent in relieving sore throats and coughing.

*Also try: Combine marshmallow, slippery elm, and licorice for an excellent tea to combat throat irritation and coughing. They are common ingredients in a “Throat Coat” tea.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet contains two asprin-like compounds: salicylic aldehyde and methyl salicylate. Because of this, meadowsweet can be used to ease minor pains, stiff joints, headaches, fevers, and colds. It also contains useful minerals: calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphur. Meadowsweet also soothes the stomach, working as an antacid to combat heartburn and acid reflux. Take 30 to 40 drops of the tonic a couple times a day to help alleviate these symptoms, or combine in a tea with the other four ingredients in this article for flu and cold relief.

*Also try: When meadowsweet is used in lotion and oils, it can give great relief to muscle and joint pain.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm has a sweet taste, lowers fevers, and has anti-viral qualities. When ill, drink hot lemon balm tea to help “sweat out” toxins and bacteria in the body and lower fevers. It can also help as a tonic to clean the bladder and kidneys. As a natural antihistamine, take lemon balm regularly to help combat allergies. The fragrance of its essential oil is also said to lift spirits and ease depression. Likewise, a tea of lemon balm can help ease mild depression, insomnia and anxiety.

*Also try: A combination of lemon balm, peppermint, and chamomile makes a great cup of evening tea, as it will aid in dinner’s digestion and help calm you for a good night’s sleep.

Elderberry and Elderflower

While many are familiar with the preventative qualities of Echinacea, elderberries and elderflowers are also used to prevent infections. Elderberries contain vitamin C and antioxidants, and in syrup or extract form (available at most health food stores) it can be used to help in speeding recovery from illness. Elderberry can also be taken in juice form, which can also help in the relief of colds, flu, and sinus infections. Elderflowers can help reduce symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Elderflower infusions can be used as a mild astringent on the skin, and can still be commonly found in skin and eye lotions.

*Also try: A combination of elderflowers and yarrow in a hot tea with honey can help reduce a low fever and relieve flu-like symptoms. If trying to prevent an on-coming illness, or recover quickly from illness, take elderberry syrup and sea buckthorn supplements. A combination of elderflowers and nettle in a tea can help alleviate itchy eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and other symptoms associated with allergies. Elderberries and elderflowers can also be made into a wine.

Bibliography:
Chevallier, Andrew. Herbal Remedies. Metro Books: New York, 2007.
Farmer-Knowles, Helen. The Healing Plants Bible. Strerling Books: New York, 2010.
Smith, Ed. Therapeutic Herb Manual. Self Published: Williams, Oregon, 1999.

Nashville Pagan Pride Day!

2010-09-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hello folks,

Just a quick message to let you know that I'll be participating at this year's Pagan Pride Day in Nashville. If you are in the Nashville area, please come out for this amazing all-day event!

WHEN: October 2, 2010 from 11 am to 6 pm.

WHERE: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville,1808 Woodmont Blvdn Nashville, TN, 37215

They will have classes all day. I will be teaching a class on divination at 2:00 and would love to have you come out for the free hour lecture!

I will also have a booth at the event, where I'll be selling some yummy Kiki's Cauldron oils, soaps, rune kits, and more. Need a tarot reading? I'll be offering those as well at a great price: 20 minutes for $25 or 10 minutes for $15. Can't beat that!

Hope to see you there and many blessings,
Kiki

Mabon Correspondences and Recipes

2010-09-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Date: Autumnal Equinox (This year: September 22, 2010)
Colors: Bronze, Gold, Orange, Red, Rust, Yellow
Herbs: Cedar, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cypress, Honeysuckle, Marigold, Red Sandalwood, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Thistle, Yarrow
Incense: Benzoin, Myrrh
Crystals: Amber, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire, Yellow Agate
Altar Decorations: Acorns, Apples, Corn Dollies, Cornucopia, Fall Leaves, Pine Cones, Pomegranate
Foods: Apples, Breads, Carrots, Corn, Grapes, Nuts, Onions, Potatoes, Squash
Magick: Abundance Spells, Psychic and Intellect Enhancement, Spiritual Meditation, Wand Consecration
Deities: Demeter, Gaia, Inanna, Mabon, Persephone, Thor

Recipes for Mabon

Mulled Apple Cider by Kristin Madden from Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Whole Allspice
1 tsp. Whole Cloves
1/4 tsp. Salt
Dash of Nutmeg
3 Cinnamon Sticks
2 quarts Apple Cider

Pour the Apple Cider and ingredients into a pot. If you would like, use a small culinary bag for steeping the herbs. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Strain out herbs or remove culinary bag before serving.

Squash Casserole from Kiki’s Aunt Florence
1 1/2 lbs. Zucchini (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
1 1/2 lbs. Yellow Squash (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
1 Onion, chopped fine
2 Carrots, sliced
1 stick of margarine (or butter)
1 (8 oz) package Bread Stuffing Mix
1 cup Sour Cream
1 can Cream of Mushroom (or Cream of Chicken)
1/4 cup of shredded cheese (optional)
12 Crackers (Ritz would be fine)

1. Place squash, onion and carrots in saucepan and cover with water. Cook until tender. Do not over-cook. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt stick of margarine. Put 1/4 of melted butter aside. Add Bread Stuffing Mix to remaining melted butter. Mix well, then add Sour Cream and Cream of Mushroom. Fold into vegetables.
3. Place ingredients into casserole dish or 9”x13” dish. Mix crackers (and cheese if you wish) with 1/4 of melted butter stick and sprinkle on the top of casserole.
4. Bake in oven at 350 degrees fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Kiki’s Homemade Succotash
2 cups Baby Lima Beans (frozen variety thawed are fine)
2 cups Corn (canned corn or fresh)
2 oz. Salt Pork
1/2 cup Water
3/4 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Sugar
Dash of Pepper
1/2 cup Light Cream
1 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour

1. Combine beans, salt pork, water, salt, sugar and pepper in pot. Cover and simmer until the means are tender, then stir in the corn.
2. Cover and simmer until all veggies are tender.
3. Remove the salt pork.
4. Blend flour and cream slowly into the vegetable mixture.
5. Cook and stir until it is bubbly.

Works Cited
Crowley, Vivianne. The Magickal Life. Penguin Press: New York, 2004.
Dunwich, Gerina. Everyday Wicca: Magickal Spells Throughout the Year. Citadel Press: New York, 1997.
Madden, Kristin. Mabon: Celebrating the Autumn Equinox. Llewellyn Publications: Woodbury, MN, 2002.
O’Gae, Ashleen. Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon. New Page Books: Franklin Lakes, NJ, 2005.
Zell-Ravenheart, “Summer’s End.” Llewellyn’s Sabbats Almanac: Samhain 2009 to Mabon 2010. Llewellyn Publications: Woodbury, MN, 2009.

Please visit The Lunar Gazette to read more about the celebration of Mabon and the Autumn Equinox.

September Studies: Symbols and Correspondences for the Student

2010-09-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

It’s September, that time of year when students are packing books in their bags, sharpening their pencils, and studying a whole new set of classes. The energy of learning and knowledge is in the air right now, and there are plenty of magickal notions and potions you can keep in mind to stay spiritually focused on your study! This entry will showcase some correspondences and symbols associated with study. Below each correspondence is a suggestion for ways to enhance studying-energy. They were some things that I actually used while writing my dissertation. Best of luck this semester!

SYMBOLS
Mercury:
The planet of communication, words, education, thought, travel, and inspiration, Mercury helps us express ourselves and process information.
Ansuz-Rune:

Associated with Odin, and translated as “mouth” in the Old English Runic Poem, this rune is useful to those who use communication and speech. It is an excellent academic rune for both students and teachers.
*Try drawing these symbols on notebooks, within notes, or have the images on your computer desktop.

TAROT
The Magician & Page of Swords:

The Magician is the master of creation, manifestation and communication. And, the Page of Swords is a student of research, ideas, and speech.
*Frame a copy of the Magician card at your desk, or use a picture of the Magician or Page of Swords as a bookmark (or an actual card if you are so inclined).

CRYSTALS
Citrine, Orange Calcite, Tangerine Quartz, Crystal Quartz, Honey Calcite, Tiger’s Eye, Topaz, Fluorite, Emerald
*Carry a piece of emerald with you to a test for extra concentration and success!
*Place a piece of orange calcite on your computer while typing and essay.
*Leave a piece of fluorite with your books, in your backpack, or in your locker for mental abilities.
*Bring a piece of tiger’s eye or citrine to art class for divine inspiration and creativity.

HERBS & INCENSE
Horehound, Vesta Powder, Dragon’s Blood resin, Bay Leaf, Celery Seed, Lily of the Valley, Lotus, Pansy, Rue, Sandalwood, Spearmint
*Rub blank paper (or a computer keyboard) with bay leaf to bring inspiration while writing papers, stories, or poetry.
*Burn Dragon’s Blood resin with a tiny pinch of vesta powder to stop ‘writer’s block’ and procrastination.
*Carry a sachet of spearmint and lily of the valley to keep energized and motivated to study.

COLOR
Yellow

*Light a yellow candle while studying. Carve the Mercury or Ansuz-rune into the candle, and anoint with Lily of the Valley oil if you would like!

Why the hiatus?!?!

2010-09-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

As some of you may have noticed, my blog has been very quiet recently. Over the summer, I had the challenging duty of completing the dissertation for my Master’s Degree. This was one of the toughest things for me to do, as I struggled with the degree and the classes all throughout the entire process. I found that the lack of support I got from my school made it very difficult to get motivated.

Yet, bit by bit, I pieced together my report, and sent that sucker away last night. It felt like I was shedding skin- there was this huge chunk of my life, something that created a great deal of stress, and with the click of a button, it was emailed off to my advisors. And with that, it was all over.

The experience very much reminded me of a special passage from the Poetic Edda, one of my all time favorite books. In the Havamal, or ‘The Sayings of the High One,’ Odin (the All-Father) hangs himself to Yggdrasil, which is the tree of knowledge. He does so willingly, in search of wisdom that could only come from a shamanic experience. Ultimately, he comes away from the self-sacrifice with the wisdom of the runes:

I know that I hung on a windy tree
nine long nights,
wounded with a spear, dedicated to Odin,
myself to myself,
on that tree of which no man knows where its roots run.

No bread did they give me nor a drink from a horn,
downwards I peered;
I took up the runes, screaming I took them,
then I fell back from there.

Nine might spells I learnt from the famous son
of Bolthor, Bestla’s father,
and I got a drink of precious mead,
poured from Odrerir.

Then I began to quicken and be wise,
and to grow and to prosper;
one word found another word for me,
one deed found another deed for me.

(Verses 138-141)
Taken from The Poetic Edda

For me, the commitment to a project I early on felt very little value for was incredibly difficult. But, something pushed me to finish the dissertation. I sacrificed myself to myself: taking away time from the job, friends, and writing that I so loved to do. And when it was all done, I fell back, amazed at what I’d produced. Much like Odin, persevering through the difficulty and responsibility of taking in more knowledge and wisdom was hard. But, now that I’ve reached the other end I feel liberated, wiser, and inspired.

Thanks so much for reading!
Many blessings,
Kiki

My oils and incense blends are now on etsy!

2010-06-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
The shop I work at has just put some of my handmade products online through Etsy. These are products I love to create, and I am happy that we will now be able to extend our clientele to the entire United States.

I am re-posting a give-away that I am conducting on facebook. It's to support our Etsy site as well as promote our new fanpage on facebook. You can read about the offer below, and please visit Symmetry's Facebook Fan Page to be part of this drawing!

Thanks so much for the support, and many blessings,
Kiki

Launching an etsy is something Center of Symmetry has wanted to do for a while because we have such FABULOUS HIGH QUALITY products. To help spread the word about our new online shop, we would like to offer you a chance to win a wonderful gift basket!

If you play along, you are in the running for the following items:
*A set of three "Passion" candles
*Kiki's personal beginner rune kit, complete with her instructions & interpretations.
*Healing Soap with peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass oils
*Kiki's Garden "Dessert de Paris" oil
*Kiki's Garden "Faerie Flower Garden" oil
*Creamy Earl Grey loose leaf tea by Tea for Two
*Honeysuckle herbs
*Yarrow herbs
*Patchouli herbs
*Three-card tarot reading with Kiki via email
*"Lost pages" from Kiki's Book of Shadows, which will contain some of her favorite herb lore and oil recipes

Pretty sweet, don't you think?
So, how can you get in on the drawing?

*You can get 1 entry drawing for suggesting 10 people to the Symmetry fan page.
*You can get 5 entries for "hearting" our shop on etsy.
*You can get 5 entries for leaving a review about a Kiki's Garden oil or Tea for Two product on the Symmetry fan page.
*You can get 20 entries for making an online purchase on our etsy page at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/centerofsymmetry

Extra rules:
1. You can go for as many entries as you'd like. You can invite 40 people, leave a review, and make an online purchase. Do whatever you would like.
2. Please leave a comment on this discussion thread to let us know what you've done. We're working on the honor/karma system, so please be honest.
3. The drawing will be done on July 26th at noon. So you have a month to take part in this.
4. The winner will be announced on the Symmetry fan page, and a personal message will be sent to the winner.

Best of luck to everyone. We can't thank you enough for the support.

Crystal Sachet Divination

2010-06-23T15:34:00.001-07:00

I came up with this little divination idea before a class a couple weeks ago. All you need to do to try this is get one of each of the stones used below. Put them all into a small bag or sachet. When you have a question, or need guidance, close your eyes, and pull out a stone. I've put my own interpretations below, but feel free to make your own. Which stones would you add to the sachet? What would your interpretations be?

Clear Quartz: Now is a time to study and do research. How do you clear your mind? What needs cleansing in your life?

Amethyst: Listen to your intuition. When do you feel the most connected with divinity?

Lapis Lazuli: Pay attention to your dreams. Meditate to find the solutions. How do you find inner peace?

Turquoise: Express yourself - engage in conversation. Are you honest to yourself? To others?

Malachite: Follow your heart to find happiness. What makes you feel good? Pay attention for messages of finance.

Citrine: What inspires you? Make sure to laugh. What are you happy about?

Carnelian: Do what makes you most excited. How are you creative? Pay attention for messages of romance.

Tiger’s Eye: Always remember to stay grounded and connect with the Earth. Do some physical activity. How do you stay energized?

Hematite: How is a time for transformation. How do you react to change? Now is a good time to re-arrange priorities.

It feels great to have some time to write on the blog. I've been busy in the best of ways, and hope that you are all doing very well. Happy belated-Solstice, and many blessings for an abundant summer!

Moonlight Festival on April 30th!

2010-04-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Center of Symmetry presents: Moonlight Festival
April 30th- 7 p.m. to 11 p.m
You are invited to our metaphysical fair with local vendors, workshops, entertainment and intuitive readings. Be sure to mark April 30th on your calendar for the Moonlight Festival at Center of Symmetry! From 7 to 11 in the evening, we cordially invite you to join us for this fantastic night that features a diverse range of local talent. The Moonlight Festival is at Center of Symmetry, located at 212 Louise Avenue in Nashville, next door to Café Coco. There is no entry fee for the event or workshops, though we suggest you call ahead to reserve time for readings and a seat for the workshops. Please call (615) 321-4040 or email kikiscauldron@gmail.com for details.

Featuring local metaphysical vendors
A Few Figs Studio - Metalsmithed Jewelry

Jeanie of A Few Figs Studio will be bringing handcrafted metalsmithed jewelry with her. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and you can visit A Few Figs Studio's website.

Rain’s Obsessive Stitchery

Rain has wonderful embroidered tarot bags, altar cloths, towels, t-shirts, lace jewelry, silk scarves, hand-painted eggs, buttons, keychains and bookmarks. They are all very unique and detailed items! You can visit Rain's Obsessive Stitchery Website.

Diana Davidson

Diana’s photography is absolutely spiritual, beautiful, and honest. Her prints capture images of nature, people, and animals. Visit Diana's photography to see more of her photography.

Faerywatchers Natureworks

Wendy’s products are whimsical and fun. She will be bringing fairy miniatures and fairy doors, captured fairy wing necklaces, Pagan and Wiccan necklaces, bottled baby dragon teeth, and miniature fairy mounds. Visit Faerywatchers Natureworks to see more of her products.

Jaime Lynn Blends - Jaime has delicious-smelling herbal sachets for all of your magickal needs!

Catch Your Dreams by Bobbie - Dream Catchers.
Bobbie creates dreamcatchers out of grapevines, and decorates them with glass, bone, shells, beads, feathers and crystals.

Cyndis Outrageous Artful Jewelry

Fun, bold jewelry, including rings and bracelets. Cyndi will also be bring all natural bath salts! You can visit Outrageous Artful Jewelry for more information.

Featuring free workshops
Donya’s Introduction to Reiki: 7:00 to 7:30
Donya has been studying Reiki for over 15 years, and is a level 4 Reiki Master. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. Join Donya as she introduces reiki techniques.

Joy Horn’s Tarot Workshop: 7:45 to 8:15
Joy Horn teaches bi-weekly classes at Center of Symmetry on tarot. She will be teaching a workshop that examines the tarot more closely. Visit Tarot Light's Meet-UP to learn more about what Joy teaches.

Suzie Kerr Wright’s Astrology: More Than Just Your Horoscope: 8:30 to 9:00
What can Astrology do for you? What can you learn about a person from their chart? If you've ever considered having a consultation with a professional Astrologer but were not sure what you might learn from it, this is a great opportunity to find out! Suzie Kerr Wright, Dr. Metaphsyics/Reiki Master/Tarot Interpreter has been immersed in Astrology and Tarot for over 25 years. Her weekly Blog Talk show has an international following and her client list ranges from business professionals to celebrities. Find out more about Susie at Susie's website

Randy Handley’s Street Corner Ching: 9:15 to 9:45

The Street Corner Ching presents the ancient Chinese source of wisdom, the I Ching, in terms a modern westerner can easily understand. Now, with just three coins, paper and pen, and this book, you can draw on this fascinating and uncannily insightful divination tool to examine life, the universe and… pretty much everything! Author Randy Handley, also a professional musician and songwriter, is a long-time student of world spirituality. He worked with the I Ching for more than thirty years until he realized that he had translated and re-interpreted much of its wisdom and most of its essential fortune-telling aspects into "plain English." With the blessing of the ancient oracle, Handley shares his Street Corner Ching with you.

Kiki Dombrowski’s Intuition Workout: 10:00 to 10:30
Embrace the gut feeling! This workshop will offer techniques for you to get in touch with your powerful inner-intuition.

Featuring musicians
Adam Burrows & Lance Whalen
*Show begins at 9:00 in Center of Symmetry’s library.*

Ohio-to-Nashville immigrant Adam Burrows is a singer/songwriter who plays modern folk and folk-rock music. Adam’s unique finger-picking guitar style provides a complex but relaxing background for his stories about love, loss, life and redemption. Listen to Adam’s music at Adam's website.

Raised in Lexington, Kentucky, and now resettled in Nashville, Tennessee, Lance Whalen has the essence of an artist in his energy and performance. With a musical style that could be described as “Americana-Noir,” Lance’s songs are gentle, sometimes sad, always romantic songs remind one to slow down and appreciate the beauty of love and life. Listen to Lance’s music at Lance's website.
Long time friends, Adam and Lance play off of each other well on stage, offering honest songs, unique stories, and inspiring, original music.

Center of Symmetry will be offering tarot, Astrology and oracle readings: 20 minutes for $25! We will also be introducing aura photography!

SAVE THE FROGS DAY IS APRIL 30th!
Both Kiki and Lance are passionate about frogs and toads, and wish to support their well-being in the world. In an effort to raise awareness of the plight of amphibians, the scientific community has declared Friday April 30th, 2010 the 2nd Annual 'Save The Frogs Day'. On this day we encourage the appreciation and celebration of amphibians by people from all walks of life.

To celebrate Save the Frogs Day at the Moonlight Festival, Kiki and Lance will be donating part of their proceeds to Save The Frogs. We will also have a raffle on hand with MANY AMAZING GOODIES! What can you expect in the raffle? A tarot deck, a rune kit, Kiki’s Caudlron’s most popular Earth Essence oil, Kiki’s Cauldron’s Prosperity Soap, crystals, Lance Whalen’s Civil Twilight CD, candles, a gift certificate to Café Coco, and much more! The cost per ticket for the raffle is $2.00, and all proceeds will be donated to Save The Frogs.
Lance and Kiki's African Bullfrog Picklejuice says "Thank you for helping my friends and family!"

Healing starts at home, not in Washington DC

2010-03-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

Admittedly, I am a little concerned about what changes could happen (although I am no political scholar). I don't like to be all gloom and doom, so here are some of my positive ideas to focus on in regards to healing. These are suggestions that I work on every day, and I have found helped me the greatest. Perhaps we can all embrace these ideas, as opposed to butting head politically, being cynical, and being down-right negative.

Healing begins internally. Detox regularly, recognize when your body needs rest and relaxation from stress, drink lots of water, eat local and organic, drink herbal teas, and take vitamins. Take walks in nature, breathe in fresh air, and swim or dance if you can. Learn about holistic remedies, healthy foods, and exercise- prevention is the key word.

Recognize the changes in the world around us spiritually. Ask yourself: how spiritually comfortable am I? Meditation, silence, positive intention, and compassion will bring high vibrations into your life. Learn spiritual knowledge that resonates in your soul and makes you feel good. Meet with like-minded individuals and share your dreams, your intuitions and your spiritual experiences. Every morning before you get out of bed contemplate three things you are excited about experiencing and manifesting during the day. Whatever you intend, make sure that it makes you feel happy, enlightened, compassionate, and inspired. I believe having these emotions go through you daily benefit your health in powerful ways.

Recognize the changes in the world around us physically. Ask yourself: how self-sufficient is my homestead? Consider planting your own food, having first aid items and vitamins available, and feel good in knowing you can take care of yourself. Growing a garden, creating a small pond on your property, building a compost pile, and planting flowers native to your region give back to the Earth, who graces us with the opportunity to live in relative comfort and luxury. Feel the liberty of being self-sufficient, even in small steps. Just think: if you grow a small garden you can feed your family and neighbors. These growing remedies heal yourself through compassion and giving, your family through nutrients and healing, and the world around us through taking care of our local environment.

Recognize your own liberty and freedom as a soulful human being. Be proud of your ability to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Each one of you has a gift, and that gift can comfort and nurture your life and the lives of those around you, regardless of government policies. Embrace your skills as a care-giver, a builder, a teacher, and a healer.

Many blessings,
Kiki

Kiki's Cauldron Workshop Series Ostara through Litha

2010-03-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the next cycle of classes I will be holding at Center of Symmetry in Nashville. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or send an email to kikiscauldron@gmail.com

Thursday, March 18th: Ostara Celebration:
Ostara is the holiday celebrated on the Spring Equinox by Wiccans and some Pagans. In this workshop, students will learn about the traditions of Ostara and how it is celebrated. We will conclude the class with an Ostara Egg Hunt in the Center of Symmetry!

Thursday, March 25th: Tarot Cards for Beginners:
This is a course to help you put down the tarot interpretation books and pick up the cards and start reading! This workshop will go over the basic beginning steps for reading the tarot cards. The students will become acquainted with their decks, learn tricks for helping with remember the meanings of cards, learn two spreads, and end the night with giving a reading to a partner. Please come with a tarot deck, or feel free to browse the tarot decks the shop has in stock!

Monday, March 29th: Full Moon Meet-up:
Full Moon Meet-Ups are an opportunity to share your spirituality and magickal experiences with like-minded individuals. We give time to talk about interesting stories in the news, what books we are reading, what we have done that is spiritual since the last moon, and the upcoming Sabbat. These meet-ups also offer a discussion pertaining to the moon of the month. March: Chaste Moon. It is a time of newness, with spring in the air. We will discuss how we bring success and inspiration into our lives, and what magick we intend to include in the spring months.

Thursday, April 1st: Magickal Garden:
With spring finally blooming, it is time to plan and expand our gardens. This workshop will give suggestions of herbs to plant in the garden, how they are used magickally, and how to tend to them. The workshop will also offer suggestions how to make your garden a magickal and spiritual haven for you and nature.

Thursday, April 8th: Prosperity Spell Workshop:
A hands-on workshop where the student will learn how to make a crystal sachet, a magickal incense, and a candle spell for prosperity. The student will also gain information on various magickal properties, symbols and elements to keep abundance and prosperity in his or her life. We will also be creating a small spell for money. Materials for the class are available for purchase at Center of Symmetry.

Thursday, April 15th: Open Notebook: Free gathering on Feng Shui:
Here by request of current students, we now have a scheduled evening to share our notes on Feng Shui. Just in time for spring cleaning, this free course is an opportunity to gather and share information on how to bring Chi, balance, and wellness into your household.

Thursday, April 22nd: Witchin’ in the Kitchen:
Back by popular demand! Feel like being a magickal person in the favorite room of the house? This workshop will show you how to make the magickal best out of everyday items from the kitchen. We will explore the many uses of common kitchen herbs, magickal recipes, and how to make the kitchen a sacred space. The class will conclude with the creation of a special kitchen witch tool! Materials for the class will be available for purchase at the Center of Symmetry.

Wednesday, April 28th: Full Moon Meet-Up:
April: Wind Moon. For the April moon, we will be discussing our connections with animals, both in the physical and spiritual sense. We will also discuss our gardens, and how we bring life into our yards.

Thursday, April 29th: Beltane Celebration:
Beltane is an invigorating, passionate holiday celebrated on May 1st. In this workshop, students will learn about the traditions of Beltane and how it is celebrated. Since Beltane is said to be an excellent time to practice divination, we will perform some traditional divinations associated with Beltane.

Thursday, May 6th: Exploring the Faerie World:
An insightful, fantastic and fun exploration into the world of Faerie. Learn about the different folklore and legend of faeries as well as the various types of faeries. We will also learn about different magick and techniques for welcoming good faerie energy into your home and garden!

Thursday, May 20th: Intermediate Tarot Reading:
This course will expand on what was covered in “Tarot Cards for Beginners.” Here, we will look more closely at the interpretations of the minor arcana, as well as look at some deeper interpretations of the major arcana. We will also compile the personality traits that go along with the court cards. You are more than welcome to join this class if you have completed the “Tarot Card for Beginners” workshop. Please come with a tarot deck, or feel free to browse the tarot decks the shop has in stock!

Thursday, May 27th: Full Moon Meet-Up:
Full Moon Meet-Ups are an opportunity to share your spirituality and magickal experiences with like-minded individuals. We give time to talk about interesting stories in the news, what books we are reading, what we have done that is spiritual since the last moon, and the upcoming Sabbat. These meet-ups also offer a discussion pertaining to the moon of the month. May: Flower Moon. We will talk about how we enjoy our time outside, and what we intend to do in the outdoors to feel connected with nature.

Thursday, June 3rd: Divination Workshop:
There have been thousands of techniques used over time to divine the future. This workshop will examine some common ways to divine, including: tea leaves, psychometry, pendulums, and scrying. Students will be able to practice these divination techniques, and also receive suggestions and exercises for enhancing psychic abilities.

Thursday, June 10th: Working with Spirit Animals:
Every person has a group of spirit animals who will guide, teach and follow them through different points in their lives. This workshop will explore the power and influence animal spirits can have in your life. There will be a guided meditation to help people work with an animal totem, followed by a discussion and Q & A session.

Thursday, June 17th: Litha Celebration:
For the summer solstice, we celebrate the life, abundance, and energy of nature. In this workshop, students will learn about the traditions of Litha and how it is celebrated.

Thursday, June 24th: Creating a Zen Magickal Garden:
A new and magickal twist on a Zen garden can make for a fun, spiritual and enlightening creative project! Join us, and learn how to put together a personal zen garden to meet your magickal needs-- items will be on hand to put together a zen garden for love, abundance, peace, or psychic powers. Materials for the class are available for purchase at Center of Symmetry.

Saturday, June 26th: Full Moon Meet-Up:
Full Moon Meet-Ups are an opportunity to share your spirituality and magickal experiences with like-minded individuals. We give time to talk about interesting stories in the news, what books we are reading, what we have done that is spiritual since the last moon, and the upcoming Sabbat. These meet-ups also offer a discussion pertaining to the moon of the month. June: Strong Sun Moon. With gardens in full blast, we are asking that everyone come with a fruit, herb, or vegetable from their personal garden to share with everyone. The Choctaw considered this moon to be connected to tornadoes and thunderstorms, so we will discuss the energy and magick of weather.

Workshops are between one hour and two hours long.
All workshops and meet-ups begin at 6:30 p.m.
*One workshop is $15.
*Sign up for two workshops for $25.
*Full Moon Meet-ups are free.

Hope you can join us! I am available for private lessons as well.
Many blessings,
Kiki

Looking for Metaphysical Craftsmen and Craftswomen in the Nashville Region!

2010-03-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I am excited to announce that Center of Symmetry will be hosting a Metaphysical Fair on April 30th! It is called the Moonlight Festival, and will be featuring local metaphysical-themed goods and intuitive readings. There will be entertainment, refreshments, and deals in Symmetry on intuitive readings. The event is on a April 30th, begins at 7:00 and goes to 11:00, and will be a wonderful opportunity to meet spiritually-minded and creative people in the Nashville community!

I am in the process of planning, and in search of regional artists and craftspeople who are interested in showcasing their items at Center of Symmetry for the Moonlight Festival. We are looking for people who make holistic, metaphysical, spiritual products and crafts. We have limited table space, so if you are interested, please send me information on what you sell, and any links or photos where I can find out more about your products.

Thank you so much for any help you can give me-- we are really excited about putting this event together, and hope that you will let us know about your own metaphysical and magickal creations!

Many blessings,
Kiki

Everyone Loves a Little Survey

2010-03-21T22:00:00.001-07:00

While reading blogs over the weekend, I came across a fun pagan survey at Em's Blog. I thought I would post my answers, so you can get to know a little more about me. I'd love to hear your answers, too--feel free to repost it on your blog or leave a comment in my blog.

Name: Kiki
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Birth month: June
Siblings: One sister and one brother.
Children: Not yet!
Pets: 14 frogs and 2 toads.
Where do you currently live? Nashville, Tennessee
Where have you lived in the past ten years? I have lived in Connecticut, Nottingham, and Paris.
Where would you like to move to in the next ten years? Anywhere rural and warm.
Tattoos/piercings: Three tattoos: A runic symbol, a peacock feather, and an owl. My nose and ears are pierced.
Favorite Foods: I am addicted to sushi, the East Nashville “I Dream of Weenie” hot dog truck, cheese, and berries. Yum. I’ll eat anything- as long as it is organic.
Favorite exercise: Dancing.
Outdoor activities: Going for walks in the woods and gardening.
Favorite vacation spot: I would say that it is a tie between Spain (Costa Durada & Barcelona) and Italy (Rome). And, let us not forget Disney World!
Next vacation: Not so sure at the moment. It could be Portland, Maine, New Orleans or Florida.
Animal totems: Wolf, Dolphin, Turtle, Frogs & Toads, Owl, and Peacock. Oh- and sometimes this wild black jaguar, who just visits me in dreams.
Solitary or coven: Solitary, though I am fortunate to teach other Pagans and meet frequently with many like-minded followers of the Pagan path.
In the broom closet? It depends on who you ask!
Favorite Pagan Holiday: Either Samhain or Litha
Deities: Inanna, Nerthus, and Cernunnos.
Elements: I connect with Earth and Water the most.
Do you preform rituals? I do, but not very often.
Do you perform spellwork? Very often!
Favorite altar item? I love my athame!
Do you read tarot? Why, yes! I am a professional tarot card reader- working at Center of Symmetry as an intuitive tarot reader.
Do you read runes? I love runes, and like to throw runes often.
Favorite Crystals: Fluorite, Tiger’s Eye, Amethyst, and Lapis Lazuli.
Favorite Herbs: As a mega-herb-user, it’s hard for me to decide. Magickally, I like patchouli, mugwort, calendula, honeysuckle, and jasmine. Holistically, I like calendula, lavender, marshmallow root, echinacea, lemon balm, and chamomile.
Sacred Places you need to see: I am very fortunate to have visited Avebury Stone Circle. I would like to see Mont Saint Michael in northern France and all of Ireland!
Have you ever seen a ghost? Yes- as a clairvoyant/medium I see them more often than I can count!
Which pagan books would you recommend? Always Power of the Witch by Laurie Cabot. Beyond that, I always suggest digging into older mythological texts, such as The Mabinogion, Edda, the Tain, and the Lays of Marie de France. Also: Ask and it is Given by Esther and Abraham Hicks
Spiritual Advice? If you ask the universe for something, and intend its positive presence in your life, have faith and it will be given to you.

Eggs on Ostara

2010-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Many blessings on a lovely Ostara!

A celebration of the spring equinox wouldn’t be complete without eggs. You can eat them, hide them, paint them, and even make spells with them. Eggs have a special history, and are what I call “Nature’s Power Bar.” Before Snickers and PowerBars had a corner on the energy snack market, the egg was a revered treat chock full of nutrients. However, on Ostara, we examine the deeper meaning of the egg. The egg is a symbol of birth, rebirth, the soul and fertility. The notion of "infinite potential" is contemplated in the idea of the “Cosmic Egg.” Many cultures, both ancient and present, see the egg as an enchanting vessel of life, abundance, and possibilites. If you are interested in learning even more about the folklore of the egg, visit The Incredible Magickal Egg.

Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess Ostara is named after, has her own legend concerning a beautiful egg and an especially crafty rabbit. One of Eostre’s finest devotees was a small hare who wished to give a gift to the goddess of spring, but wasn’t sure what he could offer her. One day, while looking for food, he came across a fancy, fresh egg. Although he craved that delightful egg as a snack for himself, he decided it would be a wonderful present for Eostre. However, to make it a sacred offering for her, he decided to decorate it. He painted the egg bright colors and drew symbols and designs on the egg. When the it was complete, he offered it to Eostre. Eostre was so delighted by the hare’s egg, that she decided to that it would be a tradition that all children would receive decorated eggs at the Spring Equinox.

Magickal Eggs
And so, today we can paint and decorate eggs for Ostara. Below are some ideas for embracing that charming little egg on the Spring Equinox:

-Make natural dyes to paint your egg. Mix three cups of water with two cups of the plant, and let the plant cook on a low boil until it is a deep color. Strain out the plant, and return the dye mixture to a simmer. Add a pinch of salt, a two tablespoons of vinegar, and two tablespoons of cream of tartar.
*Yellow dye can be made from carrot, tumeric, and marigold.
*Green dye can be made from spinach.
*Blue dye can be made from blueberries and red cabbage.
*Red dye can be made from raspberries.
Consider a goal you wish to make during the year. Is it to bring love into your life? Paint the eggs red or pink, and decorate with symbols of love. Is it to bring more money into your life? Paint the eggs green, and decorate with symbols of prosperity. Is it to have good health? Paint the eggs blue or green, and decorate with symbols of health. Try drawing runes or words in Theban, along with shapes and designs.

-To bring growth to your garden, paint an egg brown and green, and green, and mark it with symbols of growth and fertility. Plant it into your garden, and walk clockwise around the garden, saying “Egg of the Goddess, giver of all things, grow my garden abundant this spring. Strong and sacred this place must be, springing forth its bounty, so blessed be.”

-For protection and prosperity in your household: Pierce a hole in the top of an egg and drain out the contents of the egg. Fill the egg with cinquefoil, and leave it in your house.

-For money and prosperity: Paint the outside of a raw egg green, and draw symbols of prosperity on it. Pierce a hole in the top and bottom of the egg and drain out the contents of the egg. Gently draw a ribbon through the egg, and tie it to the branch of a tree in your yard.

-How about a little divination with your breakfast? Oomancy is the art of divining from eggs. There are many different methods, however, here are three variations you can try out:
*Break the egg into a glass of water, and read the shapes made by the white part of the egg.
*Break the egg and separate the white from the yolk. Discard the yolk. Pour the egg into a bowl filled with water, and set it aside for a day. After a day, the white should have clotted, and you study the shapes and symbols to divine. I’ve never tried this one, by the way! I wonder if it is stinky.
*Break the egg over hot water, separating the white from the yolk. Pour the white into the hot water, and interpret the shapes of the cooked white eggs.

-A magickal egg hunt: Fill eggs with small magickal amulets, charms, crystals, bags of seeds, herbs, small vials of oil, or incense. With it, include a small fortune or inspirational quote.

Ostara and Planting Spiritual Seeds
Ostara is traditionally a time to begin gardening, both in the physical and spiritual sense. In the spiritual sense, Ostara seeds represent the dreams and goals you wish to see blossom and grow over the coming lighter months of the year. However you plan to celebrate Ostara, I hope you enjoy the beautiful regeneration of spring!

Many blessings,
Kiki

Bibliography
Bradley, Kris. “Pagan 101: Correspondences for Ostara.” Examiner. Domestic Witchery Examiner: March 10, 2010. http://www.examiner.com.
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid’s Herbal For Sacred Earth Year. Rochester, Vermont: Destiny Books, 1995.
McCoy, Edain. Ostara: Customs, Spells & Rituals for the Rites of Spring. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2002.
Nerbetski, Judith. “The Incredible Magickal Egg” http://everythingakasha.homestead.com/files/Egg.htm
O’Gaea, Ashleen. Celebrating the Seasons of Life: Samhain to Ostara. Franklin, NJ: New Page Publications, 2004.

Love is in the air! Kiki's Cauldron Give-Away

2010-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

With Spring just around the corner, I thought that now would be a great opportunity to do a wonderful give-away. This package features Kiki’s Cauldron goodies from Center of Symmetry, as well as a delicious tea from Nashville’s “Tea for Two.” The theme of the package is love, and all the items will bring loving energies into your life.

This gift package will be given away to one lucky winner:

*Love Blend herbs- a lovely blend that can be used as an incense, simmering potpourri, or in a sachet.
*Rose Petals
*Lavender
*Kiki’s famous Sexy Kitten Oil Blend
*Kiki’s Love Oil Blend
*Divine Bath Soak
*Red spell candles and candle holder
*Tea for Two’s Sweetheart Tea, a delicious rooibos tea with sweet little hearts in the mix!

To be eligible, leave a comment on this blog with your name and email. You’re email will be put onto the Center of Symmetry email list. Also, because I am such a book-worm, share with me what book you are reading!

My charming boyfriend will draw the winner two weeks from now, and I will announce the winner on this post and in my facebook. Good luck to everyone who participates!

Many blessings,
Kiki

Some of my favorite paranormal sites on the internet

2010-03-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share with everyone some of my favorite internet sources for news on all things paranormal. I hope you enjoy the list, and if you have any more to share, please let me know!

Professor Hex Every afternoon I go onto Professor Hex for highlights on paranormal news. It’s a great source, and you will find yourself going back daily.

Cabinet of Wonders Another great site for information on strange and unusual news, ranging from unique encounters with ghosts to unusual photographs.

Cryptomundo Be sure to stop by Cryptomundo to catch up on the world of cryptozoology and Loren Coleman.

The Paranormalist Absolutely fantastic articles on paranormal subjects, written by the kind and talented John Carlson. Mr. Carlson does a great job responding to your posts, so you will feel like it is a truly interactive experience.

Esoteric Archives For the history-lovers, this site contains many exotic and bizarre grimoires and texts on esoteric topics. It’s chock-full of amazing, century-old texts on occultism and esotericism.

Coast to Coast AM You’ve gotta love George Noory, and his paranormal radio show, which airs from Los Angeles nightly at 10 p.m. pacific time. I have a-many memories of listening to the AM radio early in the morning, stunned by the tales his intriguing guests share with him.

Daily Grail This is another site I like to visit daily, as it is a resource for daily news in all things paranormal. There are plenty of articles on UFO sightings, as well as innovations in science.

MUFON Mutual U.F.O. Network is an amazing group where people go to report UFO sightings. On this page, you can search through thousands and thousands of reports on UFO sightings. If you are as curious as I am, use their search engine to see what reports have been made in your home state. You can also become a MUFON member here, and learn how to become an investigator for them.

Fortean Times A power house of strange and paranormal stories. There is a daily round up of weird news and feature articles well worth taking a look at.

Mysterious Universe Podcast I really enjoy listening to this podcast, which airs weekly. They read paranormal stories, give their input, and will occasionally have guest interviews.

The Paranormal Report with Clayton Morris and Jim Harold Podcast A fun little weekly 30-minute video featuring video clips and photographs from paranormal news in the week. Jim Harold, the host of the Paranormal Podcast, and Clayton Morris, Fox News correspondent, love to give their insight into some of the odd videos that pop up on youtube.

Love Spells

2010-02-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

After having a fun and fantastic workshop on love spells this Thursday, I am posting two love spells as follow-up for the class. I hope you enjoy them, whether or not you attended! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Love Spell for Self-Love
This is a sachet spell. You will need:
Lemon Verbena
Jasmine
Vervain
Lavender
Rose Quartz
Carnelian
Bloodstone

While mixing all these ingredients, imagine an aura of pink light around you. Imagine the ingredients glowing pink, and let them warm up in your hands.
Make a list of things you love about yourself. Also include any goals for improvement you would like to create in the next three months.
Place the herbs, crystals, and list into the sachet.
Use the following incantation: “May this sachet bring to me empowered love and sensuality. Energies of love true and strong that surround and heal me day and night long. May I feel self-love and give love equally- And it harm none- So mote it be!”

Valentine Spell Bottle for Couples
This spell bottle is wonderful to keep by the bedside for loving energies in the bedroom.
I recommend that the couple piece together the ingredients, and each person take part in putting the spell together.
You will need:
Rose Quartz
Carnelian
Garnet
1 ring
Pink Peppercorns
Damiana
Catnip
Dragon’s Blood Resin

Anoint crystals and ring with a small amount of gardenia or jasmine oil.
Use the following incantation: “Goddess bless this bottled love spell with love that is strong and well. May you bring love full of passion and lust, a love that is stable, patient, and based on trust. Thank you, Goddess for this love- may it forever blossom, may it forever grow strong.”

Kiki's Cauldron has your herbs! In stock now at Center of Symmetry!

2010-02-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

They are finally here, folks: organic herbs for your magickal, holistic, and aromatic needs! We are fully stocked at the Center of Symmetry in Nashville! Below is the list of herbs we have available. What are your favorite herbs to work with and how do you use herbs?

BUCKTHORN:
Used for protection, wishes, and legal matters. Protects a home if placed near doors and windows. Buckthorn is used to bring good luck to legal matters. Ruled by Saturn, Buckthorn is a purifying herb and helps with domestic matters.

CALENDULA:
Used for psychic abilities, prophetic dreams, protection, and legal matters. In incense they can be used for divination and the concentration of divination tools. In tea it is used to enhance psychic abilities, intuition, and meditation. It can also be used in love magick. Add to bath water to help win the admiration of everyone you meet.

CHAMOMILE:
Used for love, meditation, and prosperity. Chamomile brings the power of the sun to magick work, and is used in love potions, money spells, and sprinkled around the house for protection. As incense it is calming and assists in psychic powers. Use in tea and baths to relieve stress and attract loving energies.

EUCALYPTUS:
Used for healing, protection, and purification. It’s fragrance in tea and baths is energizing and helps to heal the body and mind. Use in healing or protective sachets, potions, simmering potpourris, and incense blends.

GALANGAL ROOT:
Used for protection, lust, health, money, and psychic powers. Galangal clearly has been used for a variety of magickal needs. If it is carried it is said to bring good luck, good health, and aid in psychic development. It is sprinkled around the house to promote lust. It is excellent in money sachets and bottles, as it is said to give extra power to prosperity spells.

GINGER POWDER:
Used for love, lust, money, and courage. Put in love and lust sachets, spell bottles, and potions. In simmering potpourri and incense, it promotes courage, confidence, abundance, and magickal energy.

HONEYSUCKLE:
Used for healing, money, protection, psychic awareness, and spirituality. The flowers are said to attract money and excellent for prosperity spells. Place in a vase in the home or around green candles to attract money. Lightly crush the flowers and rub on the third eye, or on an amethyst and carry for enhanced psychic abilities . Ruled by Jupiter, honeysuckle also enhances spirituality.

LAVENDER:
Used for happiness, health, and love. Use in love spell sachets, bottles, simmering potpourris and potions, and in purifying incense. It’s fragrance in a soaking bath is calming and healing. Scatter around the home to attract loving and peaceful energies.

JASMINE:
Used for love, spirituality, psychic abilities, peace, dreams, gardening, and astral projection. When used in love spells, it attracts spiritual love. It is associated with the moon, and said to promote peace and spirituality. Surround Jasmine around a red candle for love spells, or place in love spell bottles and sachets. It is said that burning jasmine before bed can bring prophetic dreams.

MUGWORT:
Used for healing, protection, psychic powers, and prophetic dreams. In a tea or sachet, mugwort helps with divination and inspiration. Use in incenses for psychic powers. It is especially useful for scrying divination.

MULLEIN:
Mullein is used as a protective herb, and is worn in safety amulets. It is associated with the element of fire, and can be burned in incense to bring in the magickal energies of the element of fire. Carry to instill courage, and line doors and windows in your home for protection.

PATCHOULI:
Used for love, money, and riches. It has strong powers for love magick--especially in amulets and bath soaks. Use in spell bottles, incenses, simmering potpourris, and amulets for prosperity and abundance. Draw energies of prosperity into your life by sprinkling patchouli around green candles or in a green sachet for your wallet or purse.

PEPPERMINT POWDER:
Used for healing, love, money, protection, and purification. Add to healing incenses and charms, and feel calm when the fragrance is inhaled. The green powder adds a glow of abundance to incense blends, simmering potpourris, and sachets.

RED SANDALWOOD:
Used for spirituality, healing, protection, purification, and astral projection. Its bold red color has the glow of creativity, confidence, and as an incense it raises a high spiritual vibration. Burn alone, or add to a spiritual or creative incense blend.

ROSEMARY:
Used for healing, love, lust, and purification. It also stimulates creativity and concentration. Add to purification, love, and protection incenses and sachets. Rosemary increases loyalty in love spells. Use in teas to increase intellectual powers and clear the mind. As an incense, it can be used to enhance sacredness.

ROSE PETALS & BUDS:
Used for love, luck, protection, and psychic powers. Burn in a love incense or place in a love sachet. Rose is wonderful in a loving bath soak and for scattering to draw loving energies. In the home, rose brings high spiritual vibrations, love, and calmness.

THYME:
Used for purification, healing, psychic abilities, love, courage, health, and clairvoyance. Thyme in a dream pillow eases nightmares. It is also said to ease depression, and is burned or simmered to attract good health. Wear, or add in incense for clairvoyant rituals, or to purify magickal space. It is also said to attract faeries when carried.

VERVAIN:
A sacred herb of purification and used for love spells. It brings energies of love and protection when carried. It is used in a ritual bath or scattered to bring peace. It can be used in personal safety amulets and to attract wealth. It is an herb of poets, bards, and singers, and has energies of inspiration.

WHITE OAK BARK:
Used for protection, health, money, healing, potency, fetility, and luck. Oak brings fertility to ideas, projects and harvest magick. Oak has powerful protective powers, and is sacred to Brighid and Dadga. Carrying oak in sachet or spell bottle is said to bring good luck or healing. Surround white oak around a blue candle for healing magick. As a tea, white oak bark may be useful in fighting inflammation and aid in kidney function.

WHITE SAGE:
Commonly used in a smudge stick, white sage is an one-herb incense used for purification and spirituality. White Sage is commonly burned to clear spaces of stagnant energy and create a sacred space. It can also be used for spirituality, promoting healing, meditation, animal magick, shamanic work, and manifesting wishes.

WORMWOOD:
Having a reputation for its power, wormwood is not to be used by the beginner herbalist. It is not to be ingested or inhaled. It is used for clairvoyant and psychic abilities. Wormwood is associated with Samhain and can adorn black candles. Combine with mugwort and amethyst in a sachet for strong psychic abilities.

YARROW:
An all-purpose botanical used for courage, love, and psychic powers. It is a common herb in love spells, and included in wedding decorations. Yarrow can also be used in spells to attract friendship. It is also useful for divination incenses and sachets. Infused in tea, yarrow is said to improve psychic powers. When held in the hand, yarrow is said to help stop fear and heighten courage.

Imbolc Blessings

2010-02-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful workshop last Thursday, we came away feeling more enlightened and inspired about Imbolc. As a follow-up to the workshop, I would like to share some of my notes from the workshop.

Imbolc Correspondences:
*Colors: White, Red, Yellow
*Stones: Rutilated Quartz, Snow Quartz, Sunstone, Fire Agate, Moss Agate, and Opalite
*Plants: Snowdrop, Birch Tree, Rowan Tree
*Animals: lambs and sheep, cows, goats, winter birds
*Incense: Dragon’s Blood, Frankincense, Red Sandalwood
*Herbs: Angelica, Basil, Bay, Blackberry, Coltsfoot, Heather, Lavender, Myrrh
*Food: lemon, blackberry, dairy foods: cheese, milk, cream, eggs
*Altar Decorations: white candles, white ribbons, red candles, silver candles, silver bowls, melted snow

Imbolc Incense from Scott Cunningham’s Incense, Oils & Brews
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Dragon’s Blood
1/2 part Red Sandalwood
1 part Cinnamon
a few drops Red Wine

Activities
*Spring Cleaning! Imbolc reveres the coming of spring, and as a tradition, it is a common time to clean the home and sweep out old energy. Smudge your house with sage, then burn an incense that welcomes in spirituality, abundance, and inspiration.
*Practice “Quiet Time”: Turn off the phone, computer, and lights. Light candles around the house and burn incense if you want. Take an hour of time without distractions of modern like to enjoy the flicker of the candle flames around you. Perhaps you can take this time to think and enjoy a cup of tea, daydream about the accomplishments you wish to make during the year, or make a list of goals you would like to complete.
*Crafting and Creative Projects: Brigid is all about inspiration, and now is an great time to try out different creative projects. Consider writing poetry, working on your book of shadows, making a Brigid’s Cross, or cooking a special recipe for the day. Below are some of my personal recipes for magickal crafts.

Tranquil Peace of Mind Sachet
You will need:
*Vanilla Beans
*Lavender
*Honeysuckle
*Sodalite
*Crystal Quartz
*Opalite
*Blue Sachet
1. Mix herbs with crystal. While doing this, visualize the end result. Mix for a while, until they feel warm. Why? This is a sign that your energy is in the herbs and crystal. Place the mixture into the bag.
2. Hold the sachet. Close your eyes, envision a white light around you. Now, envision the color that corresponds with your magickal intent surrounding you. Take a moment to visualize the end results you wish to receive.
3. Say the following incantation: "Peace, tranquility, and all things calm, flow through this sachet true and strong. Bring vibrations of balance and peace, and it harm none, so mote it be!"

Divine Bath Soak
The following recipe is for a bath soak, which you can put into your bath for soothing, healing, protective, loving and purifying powers. It is highly fragrant, and will relax you after a long day, make you feel better if you are feeling ill or sad, or can be used to raise purifying and protective energies around you.

I recommend getting a large muslin bag to put this mixture into, otherwise, you will have to clean up herbs in your bathtub after you are done with your bath! Muslin bags can be purchased at any grocery store, and will allow the mixture to steep and dissolve into the bath water--it’ll be much like a large tea bag!

You will need:
*Rosemary. Rosemary has protective and healing qualities, and its fragrance is excellent for lifting energy. Use 3 parts.
*Lavender. Lavender has loving and healing qualities, and its fragrance calms and soothes stressed energy. Use 3 parts.
*Rosebuds and Petals. Rose has loving and protective qualities, and is commonly associated with love and the Goddess Venus. Use 4 parts.
*Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus has healing and soothing qualities, and its fragrance is uplifting and energizing. Use 2 parts.
*Lemon Verbeena. Lemon Verbeena has loving and purifying qualities. It has a citrus fragrance, which is excellent for raising spirits and happiness. Use 2 parts.

Mix all of these herbs and salts together thoroughly. Then, place into the muslin bag. When drawing the bath and resting in the bath, leave the muslin bag in the warm water so the fragrances and energies of the herbs can be released into the water. Add two cups of epsom salt to the bath to really heighten the feeling of relaxation.

I will be sure to add more later, but I have more writing projects to tend to today! Many blessings to you on Imbolc, and please stay in touch.

The Bright One: highlight on Brigid this Imbolc

2010-02-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Brigid, gold-red woman,
Brigid, flame and honeycomb,
Brigid, sun of womanhood,
Brigid, lead me home.

You are a branch in blossom.
You are a sheltering dome.
You are my bright precious freedom.
Brigid, lead me home.
-From The Goddess Path by Patrica Monaghan

The Celtic Goddess Brigid is honored on Imbolc. Brigid is the Celtic Goddess of fire. Her name means “bright one,” and she is one of the most worshiped goddesses in Celtic culture. Brigid appears as a triple goddess: she is goddess of inspiration and poetry; goddess of healing and fertility; goddess of smithcraft and metalwork. Her magickal upbringing gives her a brightness, divinity, and the powers of prophecy.

She is the daughter of Dagda, the tribal chief of the Tuatha de Danaan and “good-god” of magick and abundance, thus making her an immortal member of the magickal founding troop of Ireland. Brigid was born in a druid’s household, and raised on the milk of Otherworldly cows. She was invoked by women giving birth, and worshipped on Imbolc, as she is a symbol of abundance and fertility. In myth, she had the ability to fill a lake with milk from her cows, which she milked three times a day. She taught the magick of fire and the art of metalworking to smith crafters. For poets, bards, and singers, she whispered divine inspiration. Worshipped on Imbolc, Brigid gives us the promise of a new spring, and inspires us to prepare for abundance and success in the coming warm months.

You can call upon her to help give you inspiration for creative work as well as give you strength and energy. She is often called to help with healing, and called for comfort during times of grieving. At Imbolc, you can show reverence to her by placing her symbols on an altar. The following are suggested decorations for Brigid:

*White candles surrounded by lavender.
*Metal-crafted objects, or smith crafting tools.
*A cauldron with burning incense (dragon’s blood resin and red sandalwood are excellent for Imbolc)
*A glass of milk.
*Pure water in a silver bowl.
*Blackberry, which was sacred to Brigid, and can be used to attract wealth and healing.
*Brigid's Cross
*Brigid Corn Dolly

In her honor, take a moment to shut off all the lights in your house. Turn off your cell phone, computer, and television. Illuminate your home with white candles, and sit in peace and quiet for a moment, thanking Brigid for light, inspiration, health, and abundance. Consider writing an invocation or poem in her honor, and enjoy the growing warmth and light of the year. Many blessings to you on Imbolc.

Bibliography
Green, Miranda. Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend. London: Thames and Hudson, 1992.
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid’s Herbal For the Sacred Wheel of the Year. Rochester, Vermont: Destiny Books, 1995.
Monaghan, Patricia. The Goddess Path: Myths, Invocations, and Rituals. St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 1999.
*This article is also posted at The Lunar Gazette, a wonderful online resource for articles on magick, spirituality, paganism, and witchcraft. Please feel free to visit and subscribe to: http://www.thelunargazette.blogspot.com*

Coming Soon! Kiki's Cauldron Oil Blends

2010-01-21T12:15:00.001-08:00

I am so excited about putting this altogether! I would love to know which one you are most attracted to?

Coming Soon! Kiki’s Cauldron Oil Blends: for your spiritual, magickal, and aromatic needs. Exclusively at Center of Symmetry in Nashville, TN.

Oil blends are wonderful for multiple purposes. The most common uses of oil blends are for wearing on the skin and anointing candles. Some blends are also used for anointing tools, amulets, and crystals. To really get a full blast of the wonderful fragrances, try simmering the oil on an oil burner. You can also mix these blends with herbs for an herbal sachet or incense blend.

*Anointing Oil*
Use for rituals, ritual and altar tools, and for anointing candles and the self for rituals. A general anointing oil for all purposes.

*Astral Travel*
Looking for that leg-up during astral projection? This oil blend aids in giving you that free feeling, all while making you feel comfortable and secure.

*Come and See Me*
A blend that just screams ‘I’m humming with loving and romantic energies!’ Worn to attract the opposite sex.

*Divination Oil*
This is a fantastic blend to wear while working on your divination. Anoint on your divination tools, wear when reading tarot cards, or just when you need to feel a little more intuitive.

*Dude Oil*
Strong enough even for your hippie boyfriend. An earthy blend to replace any inklings for Old Spice and invoke Irish Spring landscapes, and maybe even remind you of grandpa.

*Earth Essence*
An earthy blend that will remind you of the forest after a fresh rainfall. Excellent for working with the element of earth and animals.

*Energy and health*
Need that extra spring in your step? This oil blend will put rose in your cheeks and make you feel brighter on those duller days. A good dose of zing to get you over your snooze button addiction.

*Fast Money*
A great blend for anointing on green candles and dollar bills. Great when gambling, great for the register at your business, great for your wallet. And, yes Ana, you can use it for bingo, too.

*Friendship Oil*
Need some friendly energies into your life? This oil blend will help boost your social life, and attract friendly and positive energies around you. You’ll want to give hugs and be hugged.

*Goddess Oil*
To connect you with the powers of the moon, fertility, psychic abilities, and dreams. Excellent for esbat work and Goddess magick.

*Happy Camper Blend*
No need for a blue mood, Picasso! This perky and happy blend of oils will bring energies of happiness, joy, and love into your life.

*Healing*
For bringing healing energies into your life. Anoint on blue candles and wear for healing energies.

*Kiki’s Yummy Paradise Blend*
Drift into paradise with this exotic blend of orange, heliotrope, coconut, and gardenia. The perfect balance of sun energies for protection and energy and moon energies for gentleness and psychic abilities. Kiki’s favorite blend to wear while working as an intuitive reader. What she describes as “a delicious dessert on a shamanic journey.”

*Love*
Looking to bring love and romance into your life? Anoint on pink or red candles, or wear to feel loving energies through the day.

*Love au Natural*
A blend for loving energies. Made with jojoba oil and essential oils only.

*Lucky-Ducky Good Luck Blend*
Need a little extra luck at work? Or at an interview? Or out on a date? This blend of oils helps attract good luck and fortune into your life.

*Masterpiece*
This potent blend will draw out the creativity and inspiration in you. Sniff out of the box with this scent for success in creative projects. It’s like muse in a bottle.

*Om Blend*
The perfect blend for meditation. This mellow blend has fragrances that will leave you feeling zen, spiritual, and enlightened.

*Peace and Tranquility*
For feeling calm, serenity, and peace. Wear this blend and you’ll be singing “Sailing” by Christopher Cross, and feeling mellow and tranquil.

*Power Oil*
Need to take the bull by the horns? This scent will give you courage, make you feel like you are the center of the universe.

*Priestess*
A beautiful, floral blend for the lady who wants to call on the inner priestess. Excellent for working with the element of water and the Goddess.

*Prosperity*
A blend for attracting abundance and prosperity into your life. Excellent for prosperity and money magick.

*Prosperity au Natural*
A blend for prosperity, money, and abundance. Made with jojoba oil and essential oils only.

*Protection*
A blend to help you feel secure, grounded, and protected.

*Psychic and Intuitive*
Feeling like you need to jumpstart your sixth sense? This oil blend will do just that. A soothing blend that will open up your third eye and assist in your psychic abilities.

*Purification*
A fantastic blend to purify yourself, candles, tools, and crystals.

*Sexy Kitten*
Meow! Down kitty! This fragrance incorporates oils associated with love, lust, and sensuality. Wear this aphrodisiac blend to turn heads, feel sexy and beautiful.

*Spirituality*
A purifying, mystical blend for all of your spiritual needs. Feel a connection to the divine with this blend.

*Sweet Dreams*
A blend to help you rest easy, sleep better, and have sweet and peaceful dreams.

*Troll Repellent*
Ever feel like the sketchiest people are bugging you? Have a boss that resembles a troll more than a person? This banishing blend keeps negative energies out and away from you and your well-being.

Kiki’s Cauldron blends are made of essential oils and cosmetic grade (safe for your skin) fragrant oils. Carrier, or base oils are used in these oils. Kiki’s Cauldron uses a safe, non-toxic, non-harmful, gentle, odorless, and long-lasting carrier oil base called Dipropylene Glycol (DPG). If you would like, Kiki can also make you a custom blend using jojoba oil. As with any product, please test to make sure that your skin and nose agree with the oil!

Time to bring warmth into your life

2010-01-19T11:42:00.001-08:00

Tonight's workshop at Center of Symmetry is called "Sunlight Workshop," where we will learn how to combat stress and depression during the darker half of the year. With January weather dipping below freezing, blizzards, and chilling winds, now is an excellent time to welcome the element of fire into your life. By working closely with the element, you will find there is more brightness, creativity, passion, and (yes!) warmth in your life.

Magickal Correspondences of the Element of Fire

* Rules: creativity, passion, inspiration, sexuality, energy, blood, temper, candle magick, hearth magick, motivation, purification, enthusiasm, inspiration, metalwork, willpower, courage, spirit, leadership, vitality, protection.
* Setting: deserts, bonfires, volcanoes. Think Hawaii, Egypt, and Uluru (Ayers Rock).
* Color: Red, orange, gold
* Time: noon
* Season: Fall (or Summer)
* Zodiac: Sagittarius, Aries, Leo
* Tarot Sign: Wands
* Altar Tools: Wand (though some may associate this with air in the East), Candle, burning charcoal (usually in a cauldron)
* Fire Elemental Oil: 3 drops Ginger, 2 drops Rosemary, 1 drop Clove, 1 drop Petitgrain
* Oils: Bay, Cedarwood, Dragon’s Blood, Frankincense, Lime, Orange, Peppermint, Rosemary, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Juniper
* Fire Elemental Incense: 3 parts Frankincense, 2 parts Dragon’s Blood, 1 part Red Sandalwood, 1 pinch Saffron, a few drops Musk oil
* Herbs, Plants, and Resins: Almond, Allspice, Basil, Bay, Cacti, Carnation, Cedarwood, Chili, Cinnamon, Clove, Copal, Curry, Dragon’s Blood, Frankincense, Galangal, Garlic, Heliotrope, Lime, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Peppers, Red Poppy, Red Sandalwood, Rosemary, Saffron.
* Crystals: fire opal, pyrite, sunstone, garnet, red jasper, obsidian, flint.
* Faeries: salamander (also dragons and phoenixes)
* Animals: salamander, lizard, snake, lion, horse, cricket, scorpion, praying mantis, bee, shark, hawk, camel, dragon fly.
* Goddesses: Pele, Frejya, Vesta, Hestia, Brigid
* Gods: Vulcan, Horus, Ra, Agni, Hephaestus

Hearth Magick or a “Fire Altar”
If you have a hearth, now is an excellent time to use it not only for fires, but also for magickal decorations. If you do not have a hearth to do this on, consider setting up an altar in your home specifically for the element of fire. Decorate the table with a red cloth, and consider the following ideas for decorations:

* Place animal figurines and crystals on the hearth associated with the element of fire.
* Burn red candles anointed with fire oil, or oils associated with the element of fire.
* Hang pictures of warm climates, bonfires, and the sun.
* Place a bowl with peppers or citrus fruits in it.
* Burn incense in a cauldron over a burning charcoal briquette.
* Display a scrying mirror.

Heat meditation
This meditation will help relax you as well as make you feel warmer. Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths until you feel relaxed, heavy, and calm. Or, use whichever method you prefer to get yourself into a deeper state of meditation.

Using your mind’s eye, imagine yourself walking through the desert. The sand below you is sparkling gold and the sun above is glowing a vibrant red. Walk along at a comfortable pace, enjoying the brilliant energy around you. As you walk along, the sun is setting and the sky is turning bright pinks and oranges. Imagine the rays of the sun shining on you, entering your skin, and warming your body as the sun’s energy flows through your blood. While you continue to walk, you see a hawk in the sky. It is crying out, as though it is speaking directly to you. You decide to follow the hawk, who then leads you over a small hill. Once you pass over this hill, you see an oasis in front of you. You see palm trees and the glowing of a bonfire. You walk to the oasis, then to the bonfire, where you rest sit down to rest. Imagine staring into the fire: see the flames glowing red, orange, and yellow. Recognize the smell of the burning wood, and hear the wood crackling in the heat. Hold your hands out towards the fire, and feel its warmth penetrate your body. Realize that your body is feeling comfortable, warm, and relaxed. Around you glows a white and yellow aura of energy, warmth, and brilliance.

Even when you are done with this meditation, remember that you can carry the glowing warmth of the fire and desert with you wherever you go.

Bibliography
Cunningham, Scott. Earth, Air, Fire & Water: Techniques of Natural Magic. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewlyn Publications, 2006.
Cunningham, Scott. Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewelyn Publications, 2002.
Cunningham, Scott. The Complete Encyclopedia of Incense, Oils, and Brews. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llewlyn Publications,
Holland, Eileen. The Wicca Handbook. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc.: 2000.

Tips for enhancing the atmosphere and mind for divination

2010-01-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

We had a great divination workshop last Thursday night, and I thought I would share with you some of the things I do to make a fantastic atmosphere for exceptional divination. Opening yourself to the intuition inside of you could be a fantastic tool in making decisions, learning more about yourself, and counseling others in a spiritually fulfilling way.

Setting the mood
Whichever technique you like to practice for divination, I always believe that creating a “magickal atmosphere” helps bring great energy and success into a reading.
*Anointed Candles: Anoint a candle with a psychic-friendly oil. Consider which color candles you would like to use. The color purple represents psychic abilities. Black is protective. White is protective and purifying.
*Sea Salt: Many create a “protective boundary” around where they are doing divination. This is a common practice during rituals, magick work, clairvoyant, and medium sessions. Think of the sea salt as a way to welcome in energies you’d like to work with, while keeping out the energies that’d may make you feel drained.
*Decorate with crystals: Crystals contain vibrations and energies that can be used to assist in different situations. Surround yourself with crystals that have vibrations connected to psychic abilities. More will be said about which crystals to look for later on in this entry.
*Burning Incense: Some love it, some leave it, but either way, incense is a great way to cleanse, purify, and protect an area. If you prefer not burning herbs and resins, consider getting an oil burner where you can simmer oils, or water and herbs. It is a much more gentle fragrance than incense.

Getting yourself prepared
The best advice I could give to you is to do a quick meditation before and after you practice divination. This meditation will quiet your mind, relax you, and give you the opportunity to protect yourself, ground yourself, and work on visualization.
*Before divination: Protection meditation. Seat yourself comfortably, with both feet on the ground, and close your eyes. Breathe slowly: in through your nose, then out through your mouth. With your mind’s eye, visualize a bright white light surrounding your. Envision this bright white light creating a shield around you.
*Invitation meditation: Once you visualize the white light surrounding you. Visualize pulling a warm, thick velvet cloak over your shoulders. This cloak can be the color that most comforts you, or that you associate with psychic abilities. I visualize a deep purple with silver stars on it. Say to yourself, “I welcome love and light into my circle of divination. May my intuition be strong and true.”
*After divination: Grounding meditation. While you are seated be sure that your feet are firmly on the ground. Close your eyes, and envision the white light around you expanding, and rooting into the ground. Imagine this energy pushing into the ground, and connecting you with the energy of the earth. If you wish, slowly bend down, and place your palms on the ground as well.

Herbs for your sixth sense
Herbs can be utilized in numerous ways for psychic abilities. Whether you are conjuring up an herbal blend for simmering in water, placing in a sachet, surrounding a candle, or burning as an incense, these herbs can help awaken the sixth sense in you.
*Bay
*Calendula
*Camphor
*Cinnamon
*Clove
*Honeysuckle
*Jasmine
*Lemongrass
*Lilac
*Mugwort
*Nutmeg
*Peppermint
*Orange
*Orris Root
*Rose
*Star Anise
*Thyme
*Yarrow

Crystals Galore
Surrounding yourself with crystals, whether they be in your pocket, with your divination tools, or decorating your home, can help enhance positive vibrations and energies. Consider hanging onto the following herbs while working with psychic powers and divination.
*Amethyst
*Aquamarine
*Citrine
*Crystal Quartz
*Lapis Lazuli
*Moonstone
*Selenite
*Sugalite

Oils for psychic abilities
You can make an oil blend, potion, or simply use one of these oils to enhance psychic abilities. These oils can be worn, simmered in an oil burner, used on divination tools and crystals, and anointed on candles. As with any product, make sure you know how your skin (and nose) reacts to the oil before wearing it!
*Anise
*Camphor
*Cinnamon
*Heliotrope
*Jasmine
*Lemongrass
*Lilac
*Nutmeg
*Peppermint
*Sandalwood
*Yarrow

Medium Potion:
Use this potion to assist with awakening psychic abilities.
*First, find a nice, clean bottle to create the potion in. You can find unique bottles at antique shops or a craft stores. Make sure that the cap can seal the bottle shut tightly.
*Fill the bottle 3/4 full with a “base” carrier oil. Some people use mineral oil, or if you’d prefer, you can try coconut, sweet almond, or jojoba oils as the base.
*Use the following essential oils:
6 drops sandalwood
6 drops myrrh
4 drops peppermint
4 drops honeysuckle
3 drops jasmine
*Use the following herbs:
A pinch of mugwort
A pinch of calendula
One nutmeg
One star anise
*If you would like, include a small piece of amethyst.

Practice makes perfect
*This exercise comes from Ellen Dugan’s book: Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal and Practical Magick. You will need the aces from a traditional deck of cards. Place the aces face down in front of you. Putting your hands over the cards, feel to see which one is the ace of spaces. You can also try closing your eyes and “seeing” the black color and shape of the space. See if you pick it, and keep trying! Try it with the other suits, if you would prefer!

*Try out psychometry! This can be a lot of fun to try out with a trusted friend, and a great way to practice working with your psychic abilities. All you have to do is find an object that has been held, carried or worn by someone for a long time. Jewelry, watches, photographs, articles of clothing, even car keys will work. Metals, especially silver, are said to be the best objects for psychometry, as they are conductors of energy. Hold the object and describe the first feelings you get or visions you see.

*Keep records. Whether writing in your journal, or simply keeping small notes on a calendar, be sure to record the divination techniques you are practicing. You may also want to keep record of any dreams, hunches, or visions you have. Perhaps you keep seeing a flock of crows outside the house, or have a good feeling about someone you just met. See how things follow up!

Final Note 
While working with divination can be exciting and exotic, it is important to remember that divination doesn’t only awe us with its ability to help predict future events, it is a tool for spiritual development. Learning how to tap into your intuition and pay attention to the gentle messages the universe sends you will not only aid in your spiritual evolution, but inspire you to lead a more enchanting lifestyle.

Bibliography
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, & Metal Magic. St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn, 2002.
Cunningham, Scott. The Complete Book of Incense, Oils, and Brews. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llwellyn, 2009.
Dugan, Ellen. Natural Witchery: Intuitive, Personal and Practical Magick. Woodbury, Minnesota: Llwellyn, 2007.
Simmons, Robert & Naisha Ahsian. The Book of Stones. East Montpelier, Vermont: Heaven and Earth Publishing, 2005.

Scrying and Divination Workshop this Thursday at the Center of Symmetry

2010-01-10T16:10:00.001-08:00

This week on Thursday, January 14th, I will be hosting a Divination Workshop at the Center of Symmetry in Nashville. The workshop begins at 6:30 p.m., and I believe it is going to be an exciting, fun, and insightful workshop. We will be going over various methods of divination, which will include pendulums, psychometry, scrying, and tea leaves. I thought that this week I would leave up a little passage on some beginning scrying techniques.

Scrying is the ancient art of gazing as a mean of divination. By gazing into a reflective surface, it is believed visions will appear that can help predict the future and raise awareness about important event.s By gazing into a crystal ball, a dark glass mirror, or candle flame, your vision will begin to shift. With a little practice and patience, you may be able to pick up images.

Set up for scrying in a room that is dark and quiet. Place your scrying mirror or crystal ball on a level surface that where you will feel comfortable staring into for a while. Light two candles on each side of the mirror. You may wish to burn a divination incense, or where a spiritual perfume. Close your eyes and imagine a white light around you for protection and purification.

When beginning your scrying session, remember that it can take a few minutes before you feel relaxed and comfortable. Take deep breaths, and stare into the scrying surface. Try to “unfocus” your eyes, and gaze into the scrying mirror. Many people say they see mists, or they have images or sounds that come into their mind’s eye while scrying.

Are you seeing colors in the scrying surface?

* White means favorable omens.
* Red can indicate a passionate love affair. However, it can also be a warning of impending danger.
* Green predicts prosperity and abundance.
* Blue indicates a time of peace and tranquility
* Purple indicates spiritual focus and psychic abilities.

Thanks again to everyone who keeps up with my blog! If you are in the Nashville area, I would love for you to come out on Thursday evening and join us for this fantastic workshop. If you can't make it at that time, do not worry! I am available for private teaching sessions as well. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

Many blessings,
Kiki

Frog Dream Window by Mary Johnson

CD and Magick Give-Away

2010-01-03T13:00:00.001-08:00

Hello All,

The very talented Lance Whalen has just released his new album, Civil Twilight. It's a beautiful, romantic, honest album that I would love to share with you because I really believe you will like it.

So, I am offering a little contest to my readers.

All you have to do is visit Lance's website, sign up on his mailing list, and leave me a comment on this blog about which song you like the best. You can listen to his songs on his webpage under "music."

On January 18th, Lance will do a drawing for a winner. The winner will win a signed copy of his new album, along with a couple of Kiki's Cauldron goodies. You will get a small bag of prosperity incense, psychic tea, and a bath soak.

Best of luck to everyone who plays along, and we thank you so much for the support.

Many blessings,
Kiki

Synapse Trap / Lance Whalen Breathe Easy Music Video from yesisaidyes.com on Vimeo.

A greeting and exciting updates!

2009-12-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Plenty of fun things are happening for Kiki's Cauldron, and I want to welcome my readers to join in all the fun!

I am doing readings in person at the Center of Symmetry in Nashville still. I am available for both intuitive tarot readings and clairvoyant readings. Both are unique, inspiring, and spiritual experiences. If you have never gotten a reading before and are in the Nashville area, I urge you to try one out. Tarot readings can give you a lot of hope, guidance, and information. My readings can be anywhere from 15 minutes long to one hour long, so don't feel obligated to any given amount of time.

I will also begin doing readings via email and skype, so be on the lookout for more information on that. I am very excited about the prospect of expanding my clientelle to people all across the world.

Kiki's Cauldron also has ongoing workshops at the Center of Symmetry, which are being held each Thursday night beginning in January. You can read about each of the workshops on this blog, and use this site as a way to gain more information from each class. We have also expanded the workshop series to include "Full Moon Meet-ups," which are free meetups for networking witches and Wiccans in the Nashville area. Since this is a new addition to my lineup, I am open to any discussion, and just looking forward to offering an opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together!

I also offer herbs and incenses at the Center of Symmetry. By mid-January, this will be expanded to include oil blends for both magickal and cosmetic needs. These oils will also be available on etsy, so I will keep you posted once they become available.

Finally! I am now part of the Examiner online-journal team. You can read my articles at: Kiki's Bio for Examiner. I urge you to "Subscribe" to me, as I will be writing articles more frequently, time-permitting.

Thank you so much for keeping up with me. I appreciate all the support and love I receive from both the Nashville community and the online community.

Brightest blessings,
~Kiki~

Witchin' in the Kitchen Workshop Review

2009-12-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

I wanted to thank those who came out to today's workshop, titled "Witchin' in the Kitchen." It was so much fun to go over the magickal activities one can do in the kitchen to make it a sacred spot in the home!

First off, I wanted to share a few websites where there are some fantastic recipes.

Zedral Z writes for The Lunar Gazette, and has two FANTASTIC kitchen witch blogs:
Recipes from the Kitchen Witch is fantastic, and has recently been updated with a "Prosperity Bread." The other blog, equally as fantastic, is Witchin' in the Kitchen, and has a magickal and mythological twist to it.

Here are a couple other sites with magickally-minded recipes:
A Kitchen Witch Book of Shadows
Kitchen Witch
Aurora Lights Circle

If anyone who reads this has any other suggestions, we would love for you to share! Recipes can be so fantastic, and with Yule around the corner, I would love to collect some new holiday recipes!

Many Blessings,
~Kiki~

Kiki's Cauldron Workshop Series for January to March Announcement!

2009-12-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about these upcoming workshops! If you are in the Nashville area, these courses take place at the Center of Symmetery, which is located at 212 Louise Avenue. If you have any questions feel free to leave me a comment or send me an email at kikiscauldron@gmail.com. Brightest blessings to everyone, and I hope to see you all at the workshops!

Thursday 1/7: Working with Your Animal Spirit:
Every person has a group of animal spirits who will guide, teach and follow them through different points in their lives. This workshop will explore the power and influence animal spirits can have in your life. There will be a guided meditation to help people work with an animal totem, followed by a discussion and Q & A session.

Thursday 1/14: Divination Workshop:
There have been thousands of techniques used over time to divine the future. This workshop will examine some common ways to divine, including: tea leaves, psychometry, pendulums, and scrying. Students will be able to practice these divination techniques, and also receive suggestions and exercises for enhancing psychic abilities.

Thursday 1/21: Sunlight Workshop:
It is so cold out, and it’s time to feel some summer sun and brightness! While in the colder and darker months, it is easy to feel drained and depressed. Come to this workshop to learn techniques to help you fight stress and depression. There will be a guided meditation to help you feel sunlight and happiness, and the crafting of a small healing bag to carry with you for peace and joy.

Thursday 1/28: Imbolc Celebration:
Imbolc is one of the greater Sabbats celebrated by Wiccans and some Pagans. We find ourselves in one of the colder times of the year, yet we look forward to the warmth and light of spring. This workshop will include information on the meaning of Imbolc, and how it is celebrated. Since Imbolc is about purification and cleansing, we will be creating a candle to light for purification and cleansing.

Saturday 1/30: Full Moon Meet-up:
Full Moon meet-ups are for open-minded Wiccan practitioners and witches to gather and share their ideas and spirituality with each other. This event is free, and we will begin by meeting each other and sharing how we celebrate the Pagan tradition in an open-ended forum. These meet-ups also offer a discussion pertaining to the moon of the month. January: The Wolf Moon. It is a cold and dark season, and a time of beginnings and endings. We will be gathering to talk about what spiritual activities we do to stay happy, feel blessed, and stay productive indoors.

Thursday 2/4: Arthurian Legend and Avalon:
Learn about the legends of King Arthur, and the players in his court. This workshop will discuss the magick and lore in Arthurian Legend and the landscapes which are associated with King Arthur with special emphasis on Avalon, the magickal isle where faeries and Arthur is still said to reside. The workshop will include a guided meditation to the realm of Avalon.

Thursday 2/11: Love Spell Workshop:
With Valentine’s day arriving, this workshop is the perfect magickal addition to the holiday of romance. Learn love spells for those who are single, and special magick to share with a partner. All materials for this workshop are available for purchase at the Center of Symmetry.

Thursday 2/18: Rune Workshop:
Learn the history of runes, and how they are used today for guidance, magick, and divination. We will be creating a set of runes, and the materials needed for this are available for purchase at the Center.

Thursday 2/25: Magickal Herbs:
Herbs have energies and abilities to create abundance, heal, and draw loving energies into your life. Through the ages they have been depended on to heal and bring good into your life. This workshop will go over how herbs are used in magick, their common magickal energies, and how you can use them in combination to bring magick into your own life.

Sunday 2/28: Full Moon Meet-up:
Full Moon meet-ups are for open-minded Wiccan practitioners and witches to gather and share their ideas and spirituality with each other. This event is free, and we will begin by meeting each other and sharing how we celebrate the Pagan tradition in an open-ended forum. These meet-ups also offer a discussion pertaining to the moon of the month. February: The Storm Moon. It is still cold outside, yet there is the feeling that soon calmer and warmer weather will be on the way. We will discuss how we face life’s challenges, how we purify our lives, and how we stay concentrated on life’s many projects.

Thursday 3/11: Wiccan Ritual Workshop:
Ever wanted to learn the bits and pieces to a complete Wiccan Ritual? This workshop will help you through the various in’s and out’s of piecing together a Wiccan ritual for magick, esbats, and sabbats as well as what items are commonly used on the ritual altar. Workshop will conclude with a ritual where students will participate in various parts of it. Please bring any ritual items you wish.

Thursday 3/18: Ostara Celebration:
Ostara is the holiday celebrated on the Spring Equinox by Wiccans and some Pagans. In this workshop, students will learn about the traditions of Ostara and how it is celebrated. Since it is a time of rebirth and growth, the students will learn create a charm bag for abundance.

Thursday 3/25: Tarot Card Workshop for Beginners:
A tarot card workshop for beginning tarot card readers. This workshop will go over the basic beginning steps for reading the tarot cards. The students will become acquainted with their decks, learn tricks for helping with readings, do a short meditation on a card of his/her choice, learn two spreads, and end the night with giving a reading to a partner. Please come with a tarot deck, or fee free to browse the tarot decks the shop has in stock!

Tuesday 3/30: Full Moon Meet-up:
Full Moon Meet-up: Full Moon meet-ups are for open-minded Wiccan practitioners and witches to gather and share their ideas and spirituality with each other. This event is free, and we will begin by meeting each other and sharing how we celebrate the Pagan tradition in an open-ended forum. These meet-ups also offer a discussion pertaining to the moon of the month. March: Chaste Moon. It is a time of newness, with spring in the air. We will discuss how we bring success and inspiration into our lives, and what magick we intend to include in the spring months.

Thursday 4/1: Magickal Garden:
At the end of March, we begin to put together ideas for what to put in our gardens. This workshop will give suggestions of herbs to plant in the garden, how they are used magickally, and how to tend to them. The workshop will also offer suggestions as to how to make your garden a magickal and spiritual haven for you and nature.

Workshops are between one hour and two hours long.
All workshops and meet-ups begin at 6:30 p.m, except on Sundays, when they meet at 4:30.
*One workshop is $15.
*Sign up for two workshops for $25
*Full Moon Meet-ups are free.
Please sign up for classes by calling up Center of Symmetry at 615-321-4040.

I am so excited about a new magickal and spiritual blog I started!

2009-11-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

I have just begun a new online zine called "The Lunar Gazette."

Here's our mission statement:
The Lunar Gazette is an online blog/zine with thoughtful articles, creative writing, artwork and magickal crafting. It is a place of open-mindedness and thoughtfulness. We are geared towards Pagan communities, with an emphasis on Wicca and witchcraft. We are curious about spirituality, the supernatural, magick, and how to improve our lives through creativity, thought, and spirituality.

I would love for you to check it out, follow it, promote it, and consider submitting to it. I am also looking for team members, so if you have the spiritual-know-how, and a passion for writing about it, please leave me a comment or email thelunargazette@gmail.com.

Thanks so much for any help you can give me!

Maiden Years Workshop Review

2009-11-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

I wanted to thank Morgan for coming out to my workshop today. In case you are breezing through the blog world, and were curious, I held a workshop at the Center of Symmetry titled "Maiden Years: A Workshop for the Teenage Witch."

I just wanted to write in a couple of notes about some of the things we went over. These are just brief overviews, and I'd love to hear any additions or comments from other readers as well. Remember: there are tons of books on these topics, and they are worth reading to get an insightful and well-rounded look at how Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganism are practiced. Please feel free to visit my "amazon storefront" to the right of the blog. I have compiled many of the books I recommend for students.

Which witch is which? (A few simple definitions)
It is a good question, and a good one to get familiar with.
Pagan: A term that is used today to describe polytheistic religions. It comes from the Latin word "paganus," which means "country dweller." Basically, anyone who follows a belief system that incorporates multiple gods, and often times shamanistic or "magickal" practices, fits under the definition of Pagan.

Witchcraft: The study and practice of magick, which utilizes personal intent and will to work and bend the energies within natural objects such as stones, crystals, herbs, and colors. Witchcraft is not a religion.

Wicca: Wicca is a contemporary Pagan religion with a deep reverence for nature. Common themes include: reverence for the Goddess and the God, reincarnation, magick, and ritual observances of the full moon and eight sabbats from "The Wheel of the Year."

So. All Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan. Wiccans practice witchcraft, although not all people who practice witchcraft consider themselves Wiccans.

Eight Sabbats
There are eight Sabbats: four main and four minor (those that are on equinoxes and solstices). Another way of separating them is by when they occur: four Sabbats fall during the warm and bright half of the year while the other four Sabbats fall during the cold and dark half of the year. Depending on which Sabbat is being celebrated determines which ideas and aspects of life are being focused on. Each of the Sabbats holds certain traditions and celebrations. In addition to these traditions, stories of the phases of the God and the Goddess weave through each of the Sabbats.

I find it very instinctive to want to follow the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. The celebrations held on the Sabbats naturally correspond with the mood of the season. I have compiled information on each holiday from a variety of sources. This is not the end-all information on each Sabbat; however, I believe you will find it thorough and concise. If any Sabbat in particular intrigues you, visit the New Age/Wicca section of your favorite bookstore. More than likely there will be books available on each individual holiday. Best of luck learning more about the Sabbats, and if you wish to learn more about them, my workshop on 11/29/2009 will go over them extensively!

SAMHAIN
Celebrated on November 1st
Colors of Samhain: rusts, bronzes, red, yellow, black and orange
Incense: copal, myrrh
Herbs: mugwort, wormwood, chamomile, valerian, rosemary
Altar Decorations: fall leaves, acorns, pumpkins, apples and pomegranates
Activities: contacting the spirit world, respecting ancestors, divination, bobbing for apples, carving pumpkins, dressing up, collecting candy

YULE
Celebrated on the Winter Solstice (December 20 – 23)
Colors of Yule: red, green, blue, silver and gold
Incense: bayberry, cinnamon, frankincense, pine
Herbs: bay leaves, cinnamon, garlic, nutmeg, clove
Food: dried fruits, roasted pigs, beer and wine, nuts, vegetable casseroles
Altar Decorations: mistletoe and holly
Activities: creating a Yule log, singing, exchanging gifts, decorating a Yule tree, hanging up mistletoe, spending time with family and loved ones

IMBOLC
Celebrated on February 1st
Colors of Imbolc: white, red, black and yellow
Incense: dragon’s blood, frankincense, red sandalwood
Herbs: lavender, heather, fennel
Food: lemon, dairy foods: cheese, milk, cream, eggs
Altar Decorations: white and yellow candles
Activities: cleaning house, smudging house, meditating, writing, clearing out old spells, lighting a fire in the hearthside

OSTARA
Celebrated on the Spring Equinox (March 20 – 23)
Colors of Ostara: light green, yellow, pink, pastels
Incense: violet, honeysuckle, narcissus, gardenia
Herbs: clover, lemongrass, spearmint, mint, sage, witch hazel
Food: lemon, lamb, sweets and chocolates
Altar Decorations: spring flowers, painted eggs
Activities: creating charm bags for growth and health, painting eggs, making floral decorations, exchanging baskets with flowers and candy

BELTANE
Celebrated on May 1st
Colors of Beltane: plum, hunter green, wine color
Incense: rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, peach, musk, vanilla
Herbs: fern, woodruff, rose, chamomile, wormwood
Food: wine, fresh berries
Altar Decorations: a wreath of flowers
Activities: bonfires, making daisy chains and flower wreaths, decorating the May Pole, Faerie magick

LITHA
Celebrated on the Summer Solstice (June 20 – 23)
Colors of Litha: green, gold, red
Incense: rose, lilac, violet, fir, cedar, tangerine, frangipani
Herbs: St. John’s Wort, basil, parsley, mint, lavender, thyme, violet
Food: honey, vanilla, mead, oranges
Altar Decorations: Faery figures, roses and summer flowers
Activities: picnics, going to the beach, gardening, decorating a fir tree, spell work, Faery contact and magick, dream work, divination

LUGHNASADH
Celebrated on August 1st
Colors of Lughnasadh: gold, yellow, black
Incense: frankincense, heather, sandalwood, copal
Herbs: dill, wheat, oats, rye, basil, hazelnuts, sunflowers
Food: blackberries, corn, grapes, loaves of bread
Altar Decorations: shafts of wheat and grain, baskets with cornbread and star cookies
Activities: sports, contests, cleaning, baking homemade breads

MABON
Celebrated on the Autumnal Equinox (September 20 – 23)
Colors of Mabon: red, bronze, orange, yellow, rust
Incense: nutmeg, cloves, spice, sandalwood, myrrh, cedar
Herbs: cinnamon, cloves, cypress, junpier, chives, sage
Altar Decorations: fall fruits and flowers, pine cones
Activities: quiet introspection, rest, relaxation

Update & Asking for your suggestions!

2009-11-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
Sorry for the hiatus, I have been writing on NaNoWriMo, and dedicating all of my writing time to that project. This year I am a "NaNoRebel" since I am not writing a novel, but participating regardless! (I have a huge grin on my face). I am writing a non-fiction collection of the many years of research I have put into magick, Wicca, and the supernatural. It is a guide book for people who wish to find spiritual balance and add magick into their day-to-day lives. I offers activities, workshops, and journalling opportunities through out the book. Most importantly, it is a book rich with information, facts and references. I am very excited about the outcome, so please excuse me in my absence.

There is something, however, that I have been considering for a while now and wanted to see what you all thought.

I am thinking of beginning a blog, or online zine dedicated to magick, Witchcraft, Wicca, and Paganism. I am fairly open minded about the articles I get, as long as they are well referenced, thoughtful, and unique. I am also interested in publishing creative fiction, non-fiction, and poetry on the same topics.

So, I was wondering: would you submit an article to something like this? Would you use blogspot to spotlight this online magazine? What kind of articles would you be drawn to in it?

Thanks for your help and many blessings,
~Kiki

A Very Blessed Samhain To You!

2009-10-31T15:44:00.001-07:00

A very blessed Samhain, indeed!

Here's a psychic quiz to take for the holiday! If you answer 'yes' to the question, record the number of the question. Be sure not to overanalyze. Go with your first instinctive answer. If you initially think the answer is yes, then stick with that.

1. Are you aware of other people’s feelings?
2. Do you ever sense you are part of the universe?
3. Do you often know what other people will say before they say it?
4. While walking outdoors, do you sense that something is watching you?
5. While out in the open country, have you felt that something didn’t want you there?
6. Have you been out in a wild space and felt the place protected you?
7. Do you get butterflies in your stomach when someone is near you?
8. Do you get butterflies in your stomach in a certain location?
9. Do you sense the feeling of the atmosphere in a new place?
10. Do you know the world could be a place of peace and love even though there are wars and famine?
11. Have you ever walked into a place and felt a shiver or a sense of a presence?
12. Do you hear people’s thoughts?
13. Are there people that you don’t like physically near you?
14. Ever encounter a spirit of any kind?
15. Have you woken up and felt a weight on you when nothing physical is near?
16. Do you get a sense of wonder and love just from being alive?
17. Do you have vivid dreams that you feel may happened?
18. Do you look into the eyes of someone who is hurting you and see their pain?
19. At night do you close your eyes and see eyes, faces or human-like creatures?
20. Have you ever felt your body has been on a journey without your moving?

If numbers 1, 3, 7, 8, 12 apply to you, you are an EMPATH.
An Empath has the ability to feel for someone else, read a person’s aura, and sense true emotional needs. If you are an Empath you must learn psychic shielding since you are prone to absorbing other people’s problems.

If numbers 2, 10, 16, 18 apply to you, you are a CHANNLER. A Channler can access information and emotions from a higher source. A Channler has the ability to tap into universal energies. This person is spiritually insightful and is often considered an “old soul.”

If numbers 11, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20 apply to you, you are a MEDIUM. A Medium can channel earthly and angelic spirits and look into other dimensions. This person is aware of unseen presences. These are the type of people who can conduct séances. This is a rare ability.

If numbers 4, 5, 6, 9, 13 apply to you, you are a SHAMAN. A Shaman has a keen awareness of nature. This person can tap into the spirit of the trees and animals. The Shaman is instinctive and has a sharp intuition. The Shaman should consider working with natural healing abilities.

Please post your results in a comment!

Samhain Grimoire for the Medium in You!

2009-10-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Samhain, I am going to post some entries on spirit contact. When the veil between our world and the Otherworld are the thinnest, it is the perfect time for spirit reverence and contact. You will find that you have some great opportunities to integrate the magickal arts of the witch into your spirit work as well. This is the fun part, where you get to mix brews and incenses that will protect you and amplify your psychic abilities.. These are three of my all time favorite medium and spirit contact recipes.

Medium Incense:
Burn this while contacting spirits. It will help your psychic abilities and attract spirits to you. It also has protective properties as well. This is for a small batch. Be sure to crush it finely and mix well!
3 parts Frankincense
3 parts Red Sandalwood
3 parts Mugwort
2 parts Cinnamon
1 part Tobacco (Get the real stuff – don’t use Newport Lights!)
1 Part Lavender
1 part Jasmine
1 part Orris Root Powder
2 crushed Bay Leaves
3 drops Peppermint oil

Medium Potion:
Wear this or anoint candles with this when you are contacting spirits. You may also wish to anoint your dowsing rods or pendulum with it as well.
1/8 cup Mineral Oil base (I use mineral oil because it doesn't spoil!)
6 drops Sandalwood oil
6 drops Myrrh oil
4 drops Peppermint oil
4 drops Jasmine oil
a pinch of Cinnamon
a pinch of Mugwort
1 whole Nutmeg
1 Star Anise
Pinch of Lavender

Medium Sachet:
I carry this with me when I am planning to contact spirits. This sachet was put together in a ritual circle, with the items consecrated with magickal energy. Its herbal ingredients and its crystals have strong psychic properties and are also used for communicating with spirits.
Small black bag or sachet
2 Amethysts
1 White Howlite
1 Citrine
1 Crystal Quartz
1 part Mugwort
1 part Wormwood (caution! not for the beginner herbalist!)
1 part Dandelion
1 part Lavender
A few Star Anise

I hope these are helpful for you!

Questions for you:
How do you plan to celebrate Samhain?
Do you have anything special in your Samhain Grimoire?

Also! If you are in the Nashville area, I am hosting a Samhain Celebration on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 at the Center of Symmetry. I would love for you to join me. We'll be doing psychic exercises, talking about Samhain traditions and magick, and sharing Samhain food recipes! Thank you for reading and please leave a comment if you've read this!

Blessings, Kiki

Tarot Card Exercise

2009-10-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

First I wanted to welcome all the new followers to my blog. I hope I can make this site a place where people can gain information and share their own knowledge. Always feel free to leave comments, questions, and suggestions. I'd love to hear them!

Next on the agenda: I held my Tarot Card Workshop at the Center of Symmetry in Nashville earlier today, and told the students there I would post a tarot card exercise for them to try. I urge all readers to try this one out for fun and practice.

This exercise works with your intuition, and is meant to be a fun exploration into your own intuitive and psychic abilities. It's also very simple. Find a partner to try this with: someone who you are comfortable with, and willing to practice with. Shuffle the tarot cards, and then have your partner shuffle them, asking them to concentrate on a card that represents what is going on in their present life. Once they are done shuffling, put the card FACE down on the table.

Now that the card is down on the table, close your eyes for a moment and open up to what might be on the card. You may feel inclined to physically touch the card, or to use your mind's eye to see if you can see images on the tarot card in front of you. Make note of what you see and what you sense. Do any images come into your mind? Do you hear or smell something? Do you feel a certain way? Try and interpret what you are feeling to your partner for a couple of minutes, then turn the card over. Compare what you said to what card is in front of you.

This is a great exercise to help you feel comfortable with reading the energy and aura around the person who is getting the reading. Learning to let go, and say what you feel will assist in the reading greatly. If you try this, or have any other suggestions, please post a comment. I would love to hear how people respond to this exercise.

Thanks again for reading!
Brightest Blessings,
~Kiki~

Queens and Kings

2009-10-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

When I am doing a reading, I like to put the court cards out in front of the person getting the reading - the four queens for a lady or the four kings for a gentleman. I then ask them to pick the card they are most drawn to, and without fail, they always pick the card that represents their personality and frame of mind at the time of the reading.

With my tarot card workshop coming up this weekend, I have been in research overload, and thought I would share with you some of the personality traits and messages that come along with each of the kings and queens in the tarot. Please -- feel free to add your own thoughts and interpretations of these court cards. I am always looking to expand my descriptions!

Queen of Wands:

The Queen of Wands is energetic and lively, creative, expansive, sensual, honorable, imaginative, dignified, warm, cheerful, motivating, radiant and passionate. She is independent and dynamic, sociable, and is a thrillseeker. She desires (or can expect) success in business, a period of self development, learning to be bold. When I think of the Queen of Wands, I think of Frejya: radiant, beautiful, sensual-- a woman who turns heads. The Queen of Wands is a lady who is creative, and can use her imagination to make herself and other people happy.

Queen of Cups:

The Queen of Cups is sensitive and quiet, artistic, highly intuitive, graceful and stylish. She is loving, giving, generous, and resourceful-- a woman committed and devoted to helping her community, loved ones, and family--her compassion and happiness are contagious. The Queen of Cups is ready for (or desires) success in a creative project, and has prophetic dreams. She need to make time to meditate and get in touch with your feminine side. daydreaming, acknowledging feelings and emotions. Her abilities to be both empathetic and imaginative make her an amazing priestess. She reminds me of Venus, the Goddess of Love.

Queen of Swords:

The Queen of Swords is highly analytical and intelligent, wise, austere, quick-minded and witty. Having learned about life through painful experiences in the past, she is strong willed, and can sometimes come off as cynical or cold. She is possibly a highly educated, and is an excellent problem solver. The Queen of Swords is in a time in her life where she will receive success in literary projects and feel the power and freedom of being independent. Her goal is to become more objective, find mental clarity, and new inner visions of herself. The Queen of Swords is commonly picked by those who are going through difficult transitions, and need warmth and joy added to their daily routine. The Queen of Swords reminds me of Morrighan, Goddess of Battle in Celtic myth: she is a cunning and independent leader, capable of great strategy and mental prowess.

Queen of Pentacles:

The Queen of Pentacles is a nature-loving woman who adores animals, nature, and the domestic realm. She is practical, very perceptive, reliable, organized, and has an eye for aesthetics. She is appreciated by those in her life for being stable, trustworthy and joyful. The Queen of Pentacles can enjoy financial success through a change in career or a promotion in a current career. She could benefit from health or exercise, trying new hobbies, and learning self acceptance. The Queen of Pentacles reminds me of Inanna, Mesopotamian goddess of fertility and agriculture. She is a woman of the land, forever grounded with the element of Earth.

King of Wands:

The King of Wands is friendly, honest, charming, passionate, athletic, courageous, and spiritually aware. He is the center of attention, confident, active, and energetic. Someone with his qualities would make an excellent entertainer or mentor. The King of Wands draws inspiration his active and social life, and is a creative man with original ideas. The King of Wands reminds me of Apollo -- the Greek Sun God of light and poetry. The King of Wands radiates an energy that people are drawn to.

King of Cups:

The King of Cups is a responsible and fair man who isinterested in science, law, and art. He is a graceful and sensitive man with deep appreciation of the arts. He is caring, loving, kind and determined, making him an incredible healer and listener. He is also knowledgeable of about arts, creative and artistic, which makes him an excellent artist. The King of Cups reminds me of King Arthur-- a loving and giving leader who is able to be tactful and diplomatic in his dealings with others.

King of Swords:

The King of Swords is a man of power: he is virtuous, commanding, and a natural leader. He is a rational thinker, and combined with an interest in study and philosophy, he is well read and wise. He is a clear thinker, eloquent speaker, productive, and can come off as emotionally aloof. His intelligent and authoritative manner make him an excellent researcher, lawyer, officer, and excellent advisor.
The King of Swords reminds me of Odin -- the All-Father of knowledge and wisdom in Norse tradition. His ability to take lead with an analytical and thoughtful mind allow him to rise above all others.

King of Pentacles:

The King of Pentacles is patient, understanding, powerful, stable steady. He has a love for nature and working with the earth and is a benefactor who is charitable to others. Since he is so skillful, reputable, innovative, and resourceful, he makes a natural businessman. He also gives off a sense of security and stability. The King of Pentacles reminds me of Cernunnos-- the Celtic Horned God, the man of the forest and the element of Earth. He is a proud man who is not only in touch with nature, but makes it an integral part of his being.

Also - if you are in the Nashville area tomorrow afternoon, please come to my workshop called "Tarot Cards for Beginners," which will be at 4:30 at the Center of Symmetry. Send me a message or post a comment if you have any questions, or would like to add to my list above.

Who do you relate to the most?

Brightest Blessings,
~Kiki~

My Love For Frogs

2009-10-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Who knew it would happen?

I live with my boyfriend in Nashville, and before coming here, he let me know that he had a love for a certain kind of animal. His love was so deep, that he actually had 14 of them living with him at home: that's right. 14 frogs and toads in the house.

I wasn't sure, initially how I would take to living with 14 frogs, but since being here, I have learned to love and adore each of them. They all have distinctive personalities, and are fun to watch and spend time with. One froggie in particular, Picklejuice, is an African Bullfrog, or a Pixie-Frog. She's so hysterical to watch, as she is proud, profound, and bright green. She even has her own twitter. She's also great at staring contests, and sometimes, I like to just watch her for long amounts of time. I find it to be meditative and soothing.

So, from time to time, I may post a little something about frogs and toads on here, since they are such fantastic creatures. Hey, I guess I'm a witch with a toad for a familiar, and not a cat! To my happiness, I took this great quiz at a useful froggie site tonight, and found that Picklejuice and I are frog-mates:

The African bullfrog, or Pixie frog as it is often called (because of it's latin name, not because it's as cute as a fairy!), is one of the largest frogs in South Africa. Usually, they hang out in open grassland, and if there are any to be found, they'll sit around in puddles. When startled, these frogs will blow up like balloons to scare away the intruder! In the dry season, they will burrow into the ground. These guys eat lots and lots of really big bugs, fish, mice, lizards, and even other frogs.

What kind of Frog are you?

Seeing as I am fresh off of a workshop on Animal Totems, I thought I would share with you some of the qualities of frogs and toads. Frogs are linked with both the air and earth elements, making the magickal creatures. People who work with frogs are sensitive to weather, sound, and water. Traditionally, they are symbols of fertility and abundance, and have a way of appearing when auspicious business news is on the horizon. Additionally, they are great totems for singers, since frogs themselves have such lovely voices. Toads represent having great inner strength, and having good luck. They are great animals to have around when it is time to reflect on your own life and draw inner strength to reach for your goals. Not to mention, I do believe frogs and toads have a wonderful and magickal element that make a calm and soothing environment!

What kind of pets do you have? Which animals do you revere and work with? Who are your animal spirits?
Brightest blessings,
~Kiki~

Briefing and Dream

2009-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month for me. I've moved from Paris to Connecticut, from Connecticut to England, and from England to Nashville in the last few years. I'm happy to finally be somewhere where I plan to spend a good amount of time. I was fortunate enough to stumble into Center of Symmetry in Nashville, a week after moving here. They were looking for a tarot card reader, and I gladly took on the position.

I've taken on new and exciting responsibilities at the Center of Symmetry in the meanwhile: for starters, you have probably noticed that my entries have been focused on workshops that I am running at the shop. Each Sunday afternoon I am running a workshop on a magickal and spiritual topic. I think that this blog is a great place for me to give a "sneak peak" into what I cover in the workshop. HOWEVER: I am hoping that over time I expand the blog into something wonderful, resourceful, and spiritual. I am also in the baby phases of beginning a new business of handcrafted magickal items. I will surely post more and more about it as it begins to grow.

Meanwhile, I thought I would talk for a minute about a strange monster who came into my dream last night. I often dream of wolves, and have wolf magick around me continuously. Last night I dreamt about a HORSE-SIZED wolf with purple fur. Does anyone have any ideas what that could possibly mean? The one interpretation I have for it so far is that my teaching and spiritual sides are growing, and the purple is an indication of it's magickal and psychic properties. Do you have any ideas what it could mean? Do you ever dream of strange creatures?

Until we chat, and please follow me!
Brightest blessings,
~Kiki~

Tarot Cards for Beginners Workshop

2009-10-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

With workshops well on their way at the Center of Symmetry, I thought I would post a little something about the next workshop I am doing: Tarot Cards for Beginners. This workshop is aimed at people who are curious about learning the basics of tarot card reading. I suggest that anyone attending should bring their own deck and a journal to take notes in. The class will look at the basics (some of which I preview in this blog entry), do a small meditation on one card from the deck, and practice doing readings on partners at the end of the workshop. Tarot Cards for Beginners is going to be held at the Center of Symmetry on Sunday, October 25th, at 4:30 in the afternoon. Feel free to post any comments, questions or suggestions!

Brightest Blessings,
~Kiki~

Getting Started

How to Find the Right Deck
Always pick the deck you are most drawn to. Perhaps you are shopping for a deck, and there is one that you keep going back to. Maybe you are intrigued by the images or the style of the cards. Whatever it may be, pick the deck that you love looking at the most. You will always enjoy interpreting the stories on each of the cards the most. Also, make sure that it is a style you like as well. For example, if you are a King Arthur fanatic, there are the Arthurian and Avalon decks. Perhaps you are more Zen, in that case, there is the Osho Zen deck. The point is: don’t settle until you find the one that fits your personality the best.

It took me a very long time to find a deck I am 100% happy with. I’ve finally found it – it is the Revelations Tarot by Zachary Wong. I enjoy this deck because the color are bold and mystical and the images are beautifully detailed and magickal. I find that there is a story that goes along with each card, and that all of my clients enjoy the images as well!

Taking Care of Your Cards
Some people will have very elaborate ceremonies for blessing their cards. If you wish to bless your cards, you can do so by consecrating them in a ritual circle. Some people have said you can put the cards under your pillow while you sleep; however, I’ve never done this.
My suggestion is to store the cards in a piece of cloth or a box of your liking. I have an old, beautiful box with a carving of the Hermit on it. I also suggest leaving them in a respectable place – in other words, under your bed is not a good place. I leave my cards on my altar beside crystal quartz pieces. So what is the bottom line? Treat your cards with respect!

Practicing with your Tarot
As the old saying goes: practice makes perfect! Before you attempt reading the cards, I recommend that you become familiar with the card interpretations. One author I have always enjoyed reading is Nancy Shavick. Her books are simple and insightful. In addition to this, her interpretations are neutral in nature. She explains both the positive outcomes and opportunities of each card. You can also read over the booklet which comes with the deck. Additionally, Mary K. Greer has a wonderful and insightful blog on tarot readings and interpretations.
After you are familiar with the cards, hide the guide book. It is a good practice and exercise to read the cards without the book. The interpretations you derive from your own analysis will always be the most accurate. What you feel is the best interpretation of the card. What images just out at you when you look at the card? Do you have any visions, any hunches, hear any advice? Those things will trigger readings based on intuition, not on a dictionary guide. Intuition and ESP will give you the most personal, sensitive and accurate readings. This may take time to become comfortable with, but after practice and time, it’ll be the only way you interpret the cards!
I discuss intuition and ESP again later on, but for now… If you are still iffy about letting go of the guides and dictionaries – I suggest becoming familiar with the symbols in your cards.

Here’s a very basic list of some numerology and elemental symbolism that you can use to help you during readings:

1: Autonomy, possibility thinking, verbal stimulation, independence, courage, learning to assert oneself mentally, openings, talking about emotions more than displaying them, writing, insight from talking, reading and thinking

2: trust, close bonding, emotional affiliation, intimate partnerships, forming bridges by communication, being supportive, gentle, needing encouragement, insight from intimacy and quiet closeness

3: creativity, inspiration, artistic self expression, beauty and imagination, dreams, romance and nature, in the moment, inspiration comes from the arts

4: structured tasks, planned projects, dependable, producing useful outcomes based upon goals and objectives, intense effort, following through on projects, wants results, cut and dry, doesn’t waste time, gains insight while working or planning

5: freedom in motion, sensations, motions, making personal contacts, physical health, bringing love into physical contact, highly kinetic, mood swings, curious, likes new ideas, flexible and adaptable to change, gains insight while moving

6: service to the group: family, home, peers, community; caring and friendship, loving and being loves, helping to nurture others, serving society, counseling, seeks the group, friendly, needs approval, thinks as peers think, gains insight from social service and friends

7: spirituality, deepening connection to the Infinite, self understanding, specialized knowledge through study and investigation, finding the meaning of life through quiet observation and inner reflection, perfectionist, cleanliness is important, reserved about body, private emotionally, gains insight from meditation and study

8: success through power and authority, strong use of will power, rules, negotiation, clear boundaries, strong supervision, finances and profitable outcomes, controlling, not showing feelings opening, insights and money are linked

9: Universal brotherhood and compassion, peace, forgiveness, tying up loose ends, maintaining high ideals in midst of limitations and delays, bringing hope and working for the greater good of totality, highly idealistic, assumes the best about others, compassionate, insights come from service

With a number above 9, you must add the digits together to get a single number.

For example, 11 is 2. (1+1=2). 19 is 1. (1+9=10 then 1+0=1).

Elements
The four symbols of the Tarot deck correspond with the elements. These elements also help gain insight into the interpretation of the cards.

CUPS: Cups correspond with the element of WATER. Water deals with emotions, love, intuition, subconscious and unconscious minds, femininity, oceans, ESP and dreams and sensuality. Water is the season of winter and associated with the colors blue, indigo and white. It rules over the astrological signs of Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio.

PENTACLES: Pentacles correspond with the element of EARTH. Earth deals with sustenance, nature, prosperity, business, and growth. Earth is the season of summer and is associated with the colors green, brown and gold. It rules over the astrological signs of Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo.

SWORDS: Swords correspond with the element of AIR. Air deals with all things mental, intellectual work, knowledge, new beginnings, changed, purification, and abstract thoughts. Air is the season of Spring and associated with the colors white, yellow and lavender. It rules over the astrological signs of Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

WANDS: Wands correspond with the element of FIRE. Fire deals with creativity, passion, energy, movement and motion, and healing. Fire is the season of Fall and is associated with the colors orange and red. It rules over the astrological signs of Sagittarius, Aries and Leo.

Making the best of a Reading

Setting the Mood
Making the right atmosphere for tarot readings makes all of the difference. It puts the reader and the client (or friend) in the right frame of mind. Find a comfortable area and perform the reading on a clean table top. Light candles, decorate the area with crystals. Burn incense (Mr. Cunningham has a great one: 1 part Frankincense, 1 part Sandalwood, 1 part Cinnamon, 1 part Nutmeg) or anoint yourself with a psychic oil. All of this will help bring the right energies to the reading.

Intuition and Psychic Visions.
The key to an excellent reading lies within yourself, not in a book. Rely on the feelings you get. You may want to meditate before reading the cards, or work on using Instant Alpha (see my blog “Trance Happens”) to help you with intuition and psychic visions.

Use visualization techniques. Imagine your fingers glowing indigo and lavender. Feel the psychic energy pouring out of them and onto the cards as you shuffle them. When your client (or friend) is shuffling the cards ask them to concentrate on the cards. I usually tell them to think about any issues they wish to discuss during the reading while they are shuffling. I take this time to close my eyes and take deep, meditative breaths (I use Instant Alpha). This helps me calm down and put me into a trance-like state. Once you get the hang of this, you will find that visions and intuitive information will come to you that will help you during the reading.

Sometimes you will see pictures or visions when you touch the cards. Describe these visions – they tend to be accurate. If you like to work with spirit guides, ask your spirit guides to help you or try to sense the spiritual activity surrounding your client. I’ll often see the animal totems that are around a person, so being familiar with the various energies of animal totems has been useful.

You may hear information as well. Sometimes I hear advice I’d been given in my life and I’ll pass it along during a reading. A couple weeks ago, I was reading the cards for someone who wanted to know what they should do about a co-worker she was angry with. Automatically, I heard my old friend Sebastian advise me, “Just put it on the back burner.” I passed that advice right along to my client, suggesting to her to put it on the back burner so can wait for the right time to consider the situation. You will find that accurate messages will come to you in one fashion or another. These are an important aspect to the readings – so be sure to incorporate them in!

Preliminary Coaching

If you are reading for someone that has never gotten a reading before, introduce the cards with a warm welcome! Explain that you will be looking at the influences of the past, the present and immediate future (you cannot look ten years ahead – I usually say things that pop up in the cards occur within the next few months at most). Answer any questions they may have the best way you can. And, remind them that any outcome cards are not set in stone: if they hear something they are not content with, they can take the lessons from the other cards and make choices to change the direction they are on. Be sure you are supportive and thoughtful!

Honesty is the Best Policy

It is important to keep in mind that (more than often) people come to you for a reading when they have an issue they wish to resolve. Because of this, the Tarot Card reader is a Spiritual Therapist. So if you are reading for someone, be sure to keep it positive.

Don’t become dramatic when you see a card. “Oh gosh! How terrifying!” is not the phrase anyone wants to hear when they are looking for solid advice. If you see a card and/or have a bad feeling about – approach it gently. You will find that as the reading progresses, its presence has a very valuable lesson and fits into the person’s story perfectly.With this positivity in mind, I give you my most important rule: Don’t read reversed readings. First off, there is a complex science as to how to accurately take and draw the cards and put them down in the correct position for a reversed reading. Just explaining it is confusing, so don’t bother with it. Not to mention, haven’t you noticed that most reversed readings are nasty and sad?

If you follow my guide to reading Tarot, there should be a neutral interpretation for each card when you are looking at the picture right-side-up. By neutral, I mean there will be positive and insightful answers as well as opportunities or lessons. If you are basing your interpretations of intuition, you will know what to say. And, when in doubt, say everything you are feeling!

A lot of people will disagree with this method. Before you raise an argument with me – just try it. I think you’ll find the readings to be more enriching and insightful. Not to mention, all anxiety and dread will be lifted from you and the person you are reading for. Honestly: everyone needs some positive advice. Stay compassionate.

Now, this in mind… it is all well and good to be positive, but what every you do: do not lie. Don’t even fib or give a little white lie. Some people will be insistant on wanting to hear a certain answer. But, if you don’t see it in the cards, stand your ground and be honest about the answer you do see.

There was one lady I read for that wanted me to tell her that her ex-boyfriend would come back to her. The cards didn’t show this would happen at all. So, I told her, “He is occupied and living his own life now. It is time for you to do the same.” Though it may have not been what she wanted to hear at the time, perhaps someday she’ll be glad that someone was upfront with her about the issue.

Be Open Minded

Be sure to welcome advice and criticism. Having input through-out the reading is quite handy. Unfortunately, Hollywood has made Tarot Card reading and psychic work look miraculous. In the real world, tarot card readings are best in an intimate environment – not online or over the phone. In the real world, it is okay for you to ask the person you are reading for lots of questions. Go ahead! Let the client know that you would love their input, whether it be to praise your accuracy or to disagree with you.

I hope that this has been a nice, quick guide to help you begin a long journey down the path of tarot card reading! Best of luck with your work!

Please feel free to visit my book store to view my recommended books!

Animal Spirit Workshop This Weekend!

2009-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

“So important are animals to our spiritual lives that we do not merely use animal imagery to embody religious themes; rather, we discover spiritual values through animals.” -Christopher Manes in Other Creations

I am hoping you will join me for a lecture/meditation/discussion on the presence and significance of Animal Spirits, which I will be leading at the Center of Symmetry in Nashville on Sunday, October 18th, at 4:30 in the afternoon. I am looking forward to sharing the information I have collected about various animals, and their spiritual significance.

What is an Animal Spirit?
An animal spirit is a personal spiritual guide which takes the shape of an animal. Each animal has elements, values, lessons, and gifts to share with you and are worth investigating and incorporating into your daily life. Animal Spirits, who are also called Animal Totems, Power Animals, Nature Totems, Spirit Animals, and Animal Guides, have qualities and values which could represent parts of your personality. Likewise, specific animals may be showing up in your life with messages about yourself and your lifestyle. Animals can help in the development of your spirituality, personality, and life. According to Ted Anders in Animal-Wise, “We can use animal imagery to learn about ourselves and to actualize their related archetypal energies.”

How do you find your Animal Spirit?
Many people suggest different ways to connect with your animal spirit. You may even find that your animal spirits reach out to you. Do you ever have dreams about specific animals? Do you ever have encounters with specific animals in your life? Are there specific animals you are fascinated by? These experiences could be signals for you to examine the values, lifestyles, and lessons of specific animal totems.

Many people enjoy meditations where the intention is to contact and interact with an animal spirit (or animal spirits!). My workshop will include a highly visual and enlightening guided meditation which will assist you in contacting and interacting with your animal spirit. This is a meditation anyone can learn to do--whether a novice or expert in meditation, it will go slowly and we will make sure that everyone feels confident and enthusiastic about the meditation before we begin.

Other methods of finding animal spirits include a variety of animal oracle decks. There are many oracle decks available to help with finding spirit animals. My own opinion is that these decks are a way to supplement animal spirit exploration. These decks have a limited number of animals to work with, and many decks are geared towards daily or short-length lessons with animals. To really dig into the world of animal spirits, I recommend meditation, paying attention to animals in nature, and paying attention to the presence of animals in dreams. By no means to I disregard animal oracle decks--as a matter of fact I believe they are fun and offer small doses of guidance and insight.

How do we gather information about each of the animal’s qualities and characteristics?
All cultures, modern and ancient, have myths and believes about animals. Native American culture is most known for its reverence for animals--in stories of creation and life, animals play important roles, having magickal and unique personalities. Native Americans are not the only culture who revere animals for their abilities to teach humans--cultures around the world from India to Scandinavia, to Africa, to the British Isles tell tales of animals interacting with humans. Shamans are magickal and wise people from various cultures who feel a reverence towards nature. Many tales and faiths speak of shamans and magickal people being able to transform into animals, or shapeshift. By shapeshifting into an animal, the shaman is able to take on the qualities and powers of that animal. Native Americans have tales of humans shapeshifting into wolves, in Scandinavian myth Odin transforms into an eagle, and in Celtic myth, Morrigan transforms into a raven at battleside. Clearly, animals play a key factor in stories of life, magick, and spirituality.

Many people also research how the animals survive in nature, and interpret their survival techniques into lessons we can use for ourself. Likewise, examining how the animal looks and behaves in the wild is another way for people to interpret the lessons and traits of animal spirits. Carl Jung wrote many interpretations and suggestions about how animals play roles in our daily lives, and what their behaviors suggestion. Present-day author Ted Andrews has two books which blend the natural qualities of animals with the mythological stories of animals to come up with elements and interpretations for each animal.

Animal Magick
I hope the above information gave you a little insight into the world of Animal Spirits. I invite you to come and join me at my lecture on Sunday, October 18th at Center of Symmetry in Nashville to have a more in-depth examination of animal spirits, go on a guided meditation to work with your animal spirits, and share your experiences with the group (if you would like to!).
Below are a couple of recipes that I use while working with Animal Magick. They are a great companion to animal spirit meditations and earth magick. Enjoy!

Animal Meditation Incense:
1 parts White Sage
1 part Cedar
1 part Pine Needles
1 part Benzoin
1 part Red Sandalwood

Animal Magick Oil:
11 drops pine oil
8 drops cedarwood oil
7 drops vertivert oil
6 drops patchouli oil
5 drops honeysuckle oil
5 drops oakmoss oil
3 drops tea tree oil

Brightest blessings, and I look forward to seeing you at the Center of Symmetry!
~Kiki~

Hello!

2009-10-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you for checking out my blog!

I have started this blog as a way to record the work I am doing for my job at Center of Symmetry in Nashville, where I am a tarot reader, workshop instructor, and "on-site-herbalist" and "in-store witch." I am also beginning a new line of magickal items this month, and super excited about that. So, this blog is a way for me to share the information I have gathered over the many years I have studied spirituality, the supernormal, magick, and Wicca.

Since this is a work in progress, I plan to keep adding more and more to this site. In the meantime, hello and brightest blessings!