Wednesday Whatever – Dream Images, Houses & Rooms

A House

Dream houses are a perfect example of the way dreams speak the language of the symbol rather than the language of the literal. Unless you are involved in some form of home construction that is weighing heavily on your mind, that house that you dream about isn't really a house. Dreams about a  house often refer to various aspects of the Self. The upstairs represents your conscious mind and the lower floors and cellar your hidden self.

When trying to analyze the house in your dream, consider also how the house is kept and the condition of it. Decayed dirty or crumbling buildings probably indicate that your self-image has suffered. They may indicate feelings of exhaustion or health issues which need addressing. They most certainly point to a need to pay more attention to the physical body. Houses that are falling apart may indicate emotional stress. Similarly, dilapidated houses may indicate old, outdated modes of being. If you recognize the need for a psychological spring clean then get to work straight away. Get your hair done, buy a new outfit and treat yourself to a few activities that make you feel good about yourself.

A new house may indicate moving on, of shifting ways of being. As a symbol, a new house may indicate radical transformation. However, despite the stress of change, this symbol is overwhelmingly positive. Another common dream is that of finding a new room in our current house. The rooms in the house relate to facets of your personality, and may symbolize different times. Dreams of unknown room are dreams of aspects of ourselves which are coming up from the unconscious. They can be dreams of new creativity, especially if the room is furnished. If the room is unused, this can point to an aspect of yourself which you've not recognized or aren't utilizing. Alternately, your parental/childhood home, your hometown, or a home that you previously lived in, may symbolize your childhood feelings or indicate your own desires for building a family. To dream that you cannot find your way home, indicates that you have lost faith and belief in yourself. It may also signify a major transition in your life.

Ask yourself what personal associations the buildings & rooms of your dream have for you, as they symbolize a larger aspect of your Self, and the aspects of Self which make the whole. Each room is said to symbolize a different aspect of your Self; for example:

An attic points to hidden memories or repressed thoughts that are being revealed. It also symbolize your mind, spirituality, and your spiritual development & progress. The attic is the last thing built. Consider the details of the dream and try to figure out what your unconscious is trying to tell you. Being an upper room, it indicates you have lofty aspirations that you may have much difficulty with. Fear not, you should reach your goals with persistence, after an extended period of time. It also represents secret or hidden thoughts or memories, and/or the discovery of knowledge that is special and is being unveiled. If you're playing in the attic, it may indicate a time of contemplation. Look at other symbols in the attic of your dream, and try to evaluate what they mean. To see a cluttered attic, is a sign to organize your mind and thoughts. Perhaps you need to rid yourself of the past and let go of the past emotions that are holding you back. Also pay attention to the feeling you experience in your dream...is it pensive, enlightening or what, exactly? All these things are clues for you.

A bathroom would symbolize something in your life that isn't quite working or that has served its purpose - now it's time to move on. To dream that you are in the bathroom, relates to your instinctual urges. You may be experiencing some burdens/feelings you need to "relieve yourself" of - purification and self-renewal, both emotionally and psychologically. A public restroom with no stalls, signifies your frustrations about getting enough privacy. It may also indicate that you are having difficulties letting go of old emotions. a bathroom meant for the opposite sex, then it suggests that you are overstepping your boundaries. You have crossed the line in some situation. To dream that you can not find the bathroom, signifies that you are have difficulties in releasing and expressing your emotions. A messy bathroom may suggest an area of your life that requires attention or cleansing - it is difficult to be carefree and happy when old issues keep bringing you down. The image of a bath or bathroom tends to occur particularly before decisive turning-points in the dreamer's life.

The kitchen is the heart of the house. For most families, the kitchen is a place of warmth and nourishment (emotional as well as physical). A place of transformation where you can change parts of your nature. It also links with how well you provide for yourself or neglect your body’s needs. This room symbolizes the need or act of supplying nourishment or food for the body, mind, and soul...whatever is currently "cooking" or developing in your life. It may also be symbolic of the nurturing mother or the way that you are caring for your loved ones. Alternatively the kitchen, represents a transformation. Consider the atmosphere and physical surroundings of the kitchen. If it is lavish, modern and/or attractive and well kept, it predicts good news or happy social events; if it was messy, run down or bare, it indicates that your health may be a bit under par and a medical checkup might be in order. If the food is plentiful, you have what you need. If the cupboard is bare, time to go shopping for new nourishment, and you need to figure out what is needed for that "shopping list." It may also forewarns that you will be met with some depressing news.

A dining room is similar to the kitchen, but has more to do with immediate needs for supplying & utilizing nourishment, and less with the preparation or taking stock of those needs. It represents your quest for knowledge and understanding, and is symbolic of your needs and appetites, including sexual ones. You may be reaching an important decision in your life. Soiled napkins placed on the dining table indicate that you may have some major marital or relationship problems that may be 'soiling' your home life.

To dream that you are in the living room, represents the image that you portray to others and the way which you go about your life. It is representative of your basic beliefs about yourself and who you are as well as symbolizing your daily interactions with others. Often you will have other people appearing in your dreams in this room. Remember, they represent aspects of yourself, and not themselves. Pay attention to how it is organized, furnished and how much space you have there. If the living room is crowded, it means you cannot relax and be yourself there.Do you hear the steady tick-tock of a grandfather clock as you sit in a living room? That could mean that you are comfortable with how life is going, with the things you are experiencing.

Normally, dreaming of the bedroom symbolizes pretty much everything that goes on in the bedroom: things which are private, which can mean things we want kept private, things that are done in private, that which is hidden. It may also refer to sex and sexuality. Bedrooms symbolize the unconscious mind aspect of your self - you lie in the bed you made for yourself by your past choices and actions. It can symbolize rest, dreams, and sometimes sexuality issues in your life. This room may also indicate a need to contact those inner feelings and emotions that will lead to a better understanding of who you really are.

The upstairs symbolizes your spiritual awareness aspect of self, or the Higher Self that holds all the keys or knowledge to this life's role you are acting out, and always has your higher good looked after, no matter how it might seem otherwise. To dream that you are walking up a flight of stairs, indicates that you are achieving a higher level of understanding. You are making progress into your spiritual/emotional/material journey. To dream that you are walking down a flight of stairs, suggests that you are going into your unconscious. It also refers to  setbacks that you will experience in your lie

The appearance of the basement is an indication of your unconscious state of mind and level of satisfaction. It is something which is typically underground, or 'beneath the surface' - the basement is built first. In this capacity, the basement may serve as an apt symbol of the subconscious and its inner workings. It may also symbol something that's at the 'base' of things or that which is at the heart of a matter. To dream that the basement is in disarray and messy, signifies some confusion in which you need to sort out. It may also represent your perceived faults and shortcomings. This is usually the part of ourselves that makes us feel "torn" between knowing we should do one thing, and inexplicably ending up doing the opposite. Old belief patterns & fears have to be corrected, if that is the case. Tackle & overcome it, and you will feel much more peaceful about your life. Conversely, a basement can also be seen as a place of refuge or retreat.

Revisiting old houses from childhood or earlier times: This points to issues that probably are resurfacing in your current life, and need to be looked at, analyzed, and healed so you can move forward and not look back. If you find yourself repeating the same old tired mistakes, or dealing with the same old tired fears, chances are you will have this dream.

A hallway symbolizes self exploration and the beginning of a path that you are taking in life - that you have reached an area that is necessary to journey through in order to get to the other side. Corridors, hallways and passages with doors and rooms along them characterize free choices and options arranged in your own mind. It may be a narrow path that has to be traversed with care and awareness. If you have that "closed in, claustrophobic feeling" then you need to expand your awareness/ open your mind to more possibilities for completing this phase of your journey. Hallways signal spiritual enlightenment, emotional growth physical prowess, new opportunities and mental passages in your life. It may also represent your ability to share and get along with others. Consider the activity that is taking place in the hall and the people that were there.

A porch represents your personality, your social self, your facade and how you portray yourself to others. Consider the condition and size of the porch. In particular to dream of an enclosed porch, suggests of your tendency to distance yourself from others and your desires for privacy. To dream of an opened porch, signifies your outgoing nature and welcoming attitude. It could also symbolize a metaphor of being undecided, such as the saying, "I'm still on the porch on that decision." It could be symbolic of additional areas of yourself, which can be seen by your neighbors (other people) but perhaps not yourself..? Porches are indicative of your being contemplative, or uncommitted or withdrawn. Occasionally, it can be something entirely different such as being on the threshold of a new sense or an extension of self.

To see a roof in your dream, symbolizes a barrier between two states of consciousness. It represents a protection of your consciousness, mentality, and beliefs. The dream is an overview of how you see yourself and who you think you are. A roof is the last part finished when a house is built, so it may denote you need to look at a “last step” or “finishing touch,” or that you are approaching this phase in something. To dream that you are on a roof, symbolizes boundless success. If you fall off the roof, then it suggests that you do not have a firm grip and solid foundation on your advanced position. If you are re-roofing in your dream, then it suggests that you need to raise your goals. You need to set your sights higher. To dream that the roof is leaking, indicates new information may be trying to get into your conscious awareness, causing distractions and annoyances. It may also indicate that new information will slowly dawn on you. Something is finally getting through to you. Alternatively, perhaps someone is imposing and intruding their thoughts and opinions on you. These could be unwanted influences in your life. A hole in the roof would suggest something that has attacked your sense of security. To dream that the roof is falling in, indicates that you high ideals are crashing down on you. Perhaps you are unable to live up to your own high expectations. To hear hail beating on your roof or windows shows you will be having some trying times very soon. To see icicles forming is an ill omen and portends that you have troubles or problems that will shortly manifest themselves. Those icicles seen to be melting off the roof of your home means your marital problems will end.

Sources:

Mimi.hu
Dream Moods
Bella Online
Mystical Blaze
Brilliant Dreams

 

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from `this blog.

Tuesday Try A New Taste - Dandelions

Dandelions – they’re everywhere these days! Largely considered a weed by homeowners, this much maligned plant has remarkable nutritional value and is safe for consumption from root to flower. Dandelions can be gathered and cooked like any other green, such as turnip for a tasty, healthy addition to meals. Medicinally effective both internally and externally for a variety of ailments. Dandelions can be used for salads, wine, teas, as a remedy for many things. They are associated with divination, wishes, and calling spirits. A tea of the roots was drunk for heartburn by the Pillager Ojibwas. Mohegans drank a tea of the leaves for a tonic. Magically, they can be sewn tightly in a red flannel bag and worn around the neck to make wishes come true.

Pretty good for a “damned ole weed,” huh..? :) For today’s Try A New Taste, I present a couple of recipes made using dandelions…

Dandelion Salad
Found at Mountain Breeze

Ingredients:

• 4 c chopped dandelion leaves
• 3 Strips of bacon
• 3 Eggs, hard boiled

Dressing:

• 2 Tbsp Sugar
• 1½ Tbsp Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/4 c Vinegar
• 2 c Water

Wash, drain, and cut up tender dandelion leaves. Brown bacon; remove drippings and crumble

For dressing, mix together flour and salt. Add the egg, vinegar & water, stirring until blended. Add to the bacon drippings in the pan and cook until thickened. Cool slightly and pour over the dandelion leaves, mixing lightly. Garnish with hard-boiled eggs & bacon pieces. Serve immediately.

Dandelion Jelly
Found at Mountain Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1 qt dandelion flowers
• 1 qt water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 box Sure-Jell
• 4½ c. sugar

Cook the flowers & water together for three minutes, then strain & put the juice aside. Follow the directions on the Sure-Jell box, using the dandelion water you had put aside. Bring to a boil then add 4½ cups sugar & lemon-juice.

Dandelion Greens with Sausage
Found at Mountain Breeze

Ingredients:

• 1 gal dandelions greens
• 1 lb smoked sausage
• 3 small potatoes, cut & diced
• 2 Tbsp rice
• 4 Tbsp vinegar
• 1 to 1½ qt water
• 1 tsp salt

Wash & cut the dandelion greens and put in the bottom of a medium sized pot. Cut the sausage into pieces and add. Put more dandelion greens on top of the sausage, then put the potatoes on top of this layer of greens. Sprinkle rice over the potatoes. Boil 40 min* adding vinegar before serving.

*if starts to boil dry, add more water

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from `this blog.

Monday Make A – May Pole &/or Mosaic Flower Pot

Both of these were found on The Goddess Within – A Pagan Place For Women

Make Your Own May Pole

You can make your own small tabletop version of the May Pole, this apparently ancient pagan agricultural symbol around which much festivity and dancing ensues. Most agricultural cultures seem to have similar institutions.

Needed:

• Paper Towel Roll
• Paint
• Cardboard
• Ribbon or streamers
• Tape
• Scissors
• Flowers (optional)

Paint the paper towel roll a bright color and let it dry. Tape one end of the painted roll onto a small piece of cardboard so it stands up straight. Wrap colorful ribbon around the roll and secure with tape. Cut lengths of ribbon or streamer to hang on the outside of your May Pole. The ribbon pieces should be just a little longer than the roll. Going around the roll, tape one end of each ribbon length to the inside top edge of the roll. If you like, decorate the top of your May Pole with flowers.

Hand Mosaiced Flower Pots

You will need...

• mosaic tiles purchased from hobby store OR
• colorful plates carefully broken into mosaic-sized pieces
• 4 oz. bottle of tile Adhesive (purchased from hobby store)
• 8 oz. jar premixed grout (purchased from hobby store)
• Tile nippers (purchased from hobby store)
• Plastic Grout Spreading Tool (purchased from hobby store)
• Grout Sponge (purchased from hobby store)

Directions:
Dab a little glue on each of the four corners of each tile and carefully place tile on rim of flowerpot. Center the tile along the rim, a little below the top edge.  Continue gluing down the tiles until the rim is covered. The last tile may need to be nipped to fit. Continue gluing tiles onto the base of the pot so that they fit neatly together and the colors are evenly distributed. Continue working until the whole pot is covered in an attractive "crazy quilt" design. While the adhesive is still wet, tiles can be shifted with a craft stick until you are satisfied with the positioning. The adhesive will begin to dry within 5 to 7 minutes. Do not attempt to reposition the tile after the adhesive begins to set. The adhesive dries clear and can be peeled off, so don't worry if you get a little on the visible side of the tile. Make sure to keep your hands clean and free of adhesive while applying tile. Wash hands as needed. Allow the tiles to dry for at least 12 hours (overnight is better).

Grouting
Fill a container with water and have handy plenty of paper towels. Run strips of masking tape along the inner sides of the pot to keep off the grout. Using a plastic Grout Spreader Tool, scoop out grout and spread it over the tiles and into the 'crevices' between the tiles. Work the grout into the crevices until it becomes smooth and level with the tile surface. The best way to do this is by spreading the grout in one direction and then spreading it in the opposite direction. When you have finished applying grout, wait about 15 minutes for it to harden slightly. Dampen Grout Sponge with cool water and squeeze it. The sponge should be damp, but not soaking wet. Gently wipe the dampened sponge across the tile surface, removing excess grout from all surfaces. Wash out the sponge periodically while cleaning tile, as it really soaks up the grout. Allow to dry overnight. Gently loosen any remaining excess grout from tile with a wooden craft stick. Gently polish tiles with a paper towel or cloth. For extra shiny tiles, polish with a small amount of vegetable or olive oil. Give your pot as a gift or plant in it yourself!

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from `this blog.

Friday Form A Circle – Beltane Fertility Ritual To Have a Child

Fertility A Child Born To Us
This ritual requires both parents participation

Materials Needed:

• a small apple shaped bowl
• A starfish
• Soil from Mother Earth
• Milk (preferably fresh, unprocessed.. but store bought will do if you can't obtain fresh milk)
• A seed (any kind)
• Wooden Matches
• A pink candle if you wish for a girl, a light blue candle if you wish for a boy

Cast your circle and invite Goddess to join you.
The woman say aloud: (add each thing to the apple as you speak it)

To the image of the sacred apple I add the following:
A starfish from the waters of life
Soil from Mother Earth
Milk to symbolize the nectar of a mother's breast
A seed for growth, new life and fertility
(light a match and touch it to the contents)
A flame for the fire that burns within and the spark of creation

Place the pink/blue candle in your cauldron, as you light it say aloud:

Within my cauldron I light this (pink/blue) candle
To represent the Maiden, the Mother, the Crone
And the (daughter/son) of my heart.
Goddess, I ask of thee
Grant to us fertility
Sperm join egg and blessed it be
(man's name)'s babe to be born from me
With harm to none
New love to many
So mote it be

Allow the candle to burn, gaze into the flame and visualize yourself holding your child in your arms as long as possible. If the candle goes out, the man should relight it, if not, allow it to continue burning on its own. When you are ready, have the man take the apple bowl & matches in his hands. Open a doorway in your circle and proceed outside. Both the man and woman should kneel in a private place on the property as the woman digs a small hole into the ground. The man then says aloud: (as he places the contents of the apple into the hole)

Goddess please join us here in this place
From the image of the sacred apple,
I place the following within Mother Earth:
A starfish from the waters of life
Soil returning to Mother Earth
Milk to symbolize the nectar of a mother's breast – May it also feed the land
A seed for growth, new life and fertility
(he lights a match and places it in the hole)
A flame for the fire that burns within and the spark of creation
Within the cauldron burns this (pink/blue) candle
To represent the Maiden, the Mother, the Crone and the (daughter/son) of my heart.
Goddess, I ask of thee
Grant to us fertility
Sperm join egg and blessed it be
(woman's name)'s babe to be fathered by me
With harm to none
New love to many So mote it be

(the man then replaces the removed soil to refill the hole)

He should now thank Goddess. Return to your circle, both of you again giving thanks to the Goddess. Allow the candle to burn out. Close the circle and make love.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from `this blog.

Thursday This is Your Spell – Has Been Interrupted for Beltane Associations

Beltane Associations
Unknown source

Herbs: Honeysuckle, St. John's Wort, Hawthorn, All flowers
Incense: Frankincense, Lilac, Rose
Colors: Green, Soft pink, Blue and Yellow
Decorations: Maypole, Strings of beads or flowers, Ribbons, Spring flowers
Foods: Dairy, Oatmeal Cakes, Cherries, Strawberries, Wine Punches, Green Salads

Tools and Ritual Components:

Incense – Frankincense, Rose and Bluebells make a lovely scent to appease the Fey and bring trust and purification to your gathering.
Ritual Soap - Thyme and Rose for balance and beauty, and to tempt the faerie folk into joining your celebration.
Anointing Oil - Lily of the Valley, a traditional May Day flower.
Ritual Cup - Woodruff Wine to banish negativity, or Red Clover Tea, a Victorian favorite for spring.
Altar Decorations - Ivy, Rose, and Hawthorn adorn the altar, while fresh Marigold petals form the outer circle. Garnet is a symbol of union and may be placed central to the altar for fidelity, and friendship.
Clothing - Crown yourself with a wreath of Ivy. Wear bright, lively colors, especially the green of the forest to honor life and vitality.
Cakes - By May, strawberries have come into season. Why not enjoy them with Victorian popovers and a little cream? It's one way of thanking the Earth for her bounty. Candied Violets are also a traditional Victorian treat for this holiday.

* Nine Woods Used in The Belfire *

Birch - (Attributes: Protection of children, purification, creativity) Add to the fire to represent the Goddess or female principle.
Oak - (Attributes: All positive purposes, magic for men, fidelity) Add to the fire symbolizing the God or male principle.
Rowan, or mountain ash - (Attributes: Divination, healing, astral work, protection) Add to the fire as the Tree of Life. .
Willow - (Attributes: - Romantic love, healing, protection, fertility, magic for women) Sacred to Hecate, add willow to the fire as a celebration of death.
Hawthorn - (Attributes: Fertility, peace, prosperity, binding) As Tree of Purification and a Sacred faeries tree, add hawthorn to the Belfire for purity.
Hazel - (Attributes: Manifestation, spirit contact, protection, fertility) As Tree of wisdom, add hazel to the fire to gain wisdom.
Apple - (Attributes: Fertility. Tree of love) Add apple wood to the fire for the magic of love.
Vine - (Attributes: Faerie work, Joy, Exhilaration, Wrath, Rebirth) This is the Tree of joy so add vine to the fire for joy.
Fir - (Attributes: Strength, life and immortality, rejuvenation) As the Tree of Immortality, add fir to your Beltane fire for rebirth.

Sources:

A Victorian Grimoire by Patricia Telesco

Celtic Myth and Magick by Edain McCoy (link to the book online)

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Wednesday Whatever – Dreams, Continued

Falling

Falling dreams are another theme that is quite common in the world of dreams. Contrary to popular myth, you will not actually die if you do not wake up before your hit the ground during a fall. As with most common dream themes, falling is an indication of insecurities, instabilities, and anxieties. You are feeling over-whelmed and out of control in some situation in your waking life. Dreams that start off with flight but end with crashing to earth usually indicate a loss of control or fear of failure. Ironically, these dreams may also point to a fear of success.

They may reflect the way you feel in your relationship or in your work environment. You have lost your foothold and can not hang on or keep up with the hustle and bustle of daily life. When you fall, there is nothing that you can hold on to. You more or less are forced toward this downward motion without any control. This loss of control may parallel a waking situation in your life. Falling dreams also often reflect a sense of failure or inferiority in some circumstance or situation. It may be the fear of failing in your job/school, loss of status, or failure in love. You feel shameful and lack a sense of pride. You are unable to keep up with the status quo or that you don't measure up.  According to Freudian theory, dreams of falling indicate that you are contemplating giving into a sexual urge or impulse. (go figger – Freud blaming sex..? lol) The implication being you may be lacking in indiscretion.

Falling dreams typically occur during the first stage of sleep. When falling asleep, a healthy person may experience an alarming jerk that brings him suddenly wide awake, often with the vivid impression of a frightening dream, e.g., one involving a fall. Sometimes when we have these falling dreams, we feel our whole body jerk or twitch and we awaken from this jerk. It is thought that this jerking action is part of an arousal mechanism that allows the sleeper to awaken and become quickly alert and responsive to possible threats in the environment. Many people, asking their physicians about these jerks, get some such explanation as, "It's your muscles relaxing suddenly as you unwind." This explanation sometimes helps, but it makes no scientific sense. The fact is, medical science knows little about the phenomenon. Falling dreams that occur shortly after sleep can occasionally be blamed on more mundane causes -  shifting from an upright to prone position may cause a drop in blood pressure which the dreaming mind then translates into a falling sensation.

According to biblical interpretations, dreams about falling have a negative overtone and suggest that man is acting and walking according to his own way of thinking and not those of the Lord.

Taking An Exam or Test

To dream that you are taking an exam indicates that you are being put to the test or being scrutinized in some way. Such dreams highlight your feelings of being anxious and agitated. You may find that you cannot answer any of the questions on the test or that the test is in some foreign language. Is time running out and you find that you can not complete the exam in the allowed time? Or are you late to the exam? Does your pencil keep breaking during the exam? Such factors contribute to you failing this test.

These dreams usually have to do with your self-esteem and confidence or your lack of. You are worried that you are not making the grade and measuring up to other people's expectations of you. You may also experience the fear of not being accepted, not being prepared, or not being good enough. You feel nervous, insecure and tend to believe the worst about yourself. These dreams also suggest that you may feel unprepared for a challenge. For example, maybe you feel you have been put under too much strain in a new job recently or you feel like you’re losing control over your relationships with others. Perhaps you are not ready and feel unprepared to move onto a new stage in your life.

Rarely, are these dreams about the content of the test, but rather the process and how you are feeling during the exam taking process. Generally, you feel distressed and frustrated. These feelings may parallel how you are feeling in a particular challenge or situation in your waking like. The effect of such test and exam dreams is not pleasant. Test dreams leave a person with a thought that he / she would not able to accomplish anything in their life. They are left frustrated and disappointed. Exam dreams can lead to low self-esteem and insecurity in the life of the individual.

Dreams of this nature are also an indication that you are being judged and this dream is a signal for you to examine an aspect of yourself that you may have been neglecting and need to pay attention to. You may harbor some guilt because of your neglect in preparation for a school exam, meeting, business project, or some challenge. Most of the time people who have such dreams are unlikely to fail a test in real life. This dream goes back to their fear and anxiety that they may not meet other's standards of them. They are afraid to let others down. What you should try to do is to make a link between the dream and the current situation you are in. If you are able to find that missing link then you can find ways to sort it out. Stress could also be one such missing link example. You need to gather yourself up and take on the challenge that life has posed before you. Always try to put in your best and leave no room for regrets.

Next, we’ll look at some more specific symbols that appear in dreams and what they might mean. Some dreams leave a general impression, while others burn their specifics into your mind, there to stay for the rest of eternity (or until CRS* kicks in…)

Sources:

Dream Moods
Bella Online
So You Had A Dream
Time Magazine

*Can’t Remember Shit

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Tuesday Try A New Taste – Beltane Sweet Treats!

Hot Pentacle Cakes
From : ( link now defunct

Ingredients:

• 1 c. whole milk
• 1 cube butter, melted
• 3 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/3 c. raw sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1/3 c. pine nuts
• 1/2 c. raisins
• 1 small can crushed pineapple, very well-drained
• 3/4 c. chopped Turkish "dried" apricots (these are the very soft ones)

Preheat oven to 375. Beat milk and butter together with fork. Mix dry ingredients, add the milk and butter mix and the fruits and fennel seeds. Drop in about 1/4 cup “globs” onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some room to spread, smoothing the tops as best you can (a wet hand works). Bake ‘til done, about 25 minutes (you may want to reduce the oven to 325 about halfway through). Cool and serve plain as "Soul Cakes" or decorate by piping pentacles on the buns with yellow frosting. (You could also bake this as a cake, in a star-shaped pan; in my experience, those tend to burn a little on the points, but if you're *very* careful about oven temperature......)

 

Strawberry Crisp
from: : ( Link now defunct

Ingredients:

• 1 c Uncooked Oatmeal
• 1 c All purpose Flour
• 1 c Brown Sugar
• 1/4 c Chopped Walnuts
• 1/2 c Butter or margarine
• 1/2 c Sugar
• 3 c Sliced fresh or frozen Strawberry

Mix together oatmeal, flour and brown sugar. Add nuts. Cut in butter or margarine until crumbly. In another bowl, mix strawberries and white sugar together. Grease an 8" square pan. Spread half the crumb mixture on bottom. Cover with strawberries. Spread remaining crumb mixture over top. Bake at 350 deg F for 45 minutes. Serve warm or cold with whipped cream or topping.

 

Jam Filled Lemon Tarts
from link now defunct :(

Ingredients:

• 1-3 oz package softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
• 1 cup flour
• Tasty jam: rhubarb ginger, apricot, cherry, etc.

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and lemon. Mix in flour. Gather dough into two balls, chill one hour. Roll out dough, cutting 2" disks out with cutter. Spoon 1/4" of jam into center of disc. Gather edges into three equally spaced corners - like a tricorn hat - and roll points over slightly, pinching shut. Bake at 375 degrees until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Faery Sugar
From Moonmuses

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fine white sugar
• 1 Tbsp Vanilla extract (the good stuff, not  the imitation)
• 1/8 tsp red food coloring
• Glass container

Lay sugar on wax paper & sprinkle on the Vanilla. Stir into the sugar till all mixed in. Next sprinkle on the red food coloring and incorporate in till sugar turns Faery pink. Save in glass container, you have labeled 'Faery Sugar' You can now use this special treat in Faery cookies, cakes and offerings to the Fae. You can even eat some yourself!

~ Barbara Morris 2001

Candied Violets
From Moonmuses

Ingredients:

• An egg white
• Violet flowers and leaves
• Fine or crystal Sugar
• Small paint Brushes

Wash the violets and leaves, and let dry. Separate the egg. Put yolk away for other use. Dip small brush in egg whites and paint petals front and back. Sprinkle sugar on the violets covering them completely. Put the violets on waxed paper to dry. You can do the leaves in the same manner. Use as garnish on ice cream, cakes and offering to the wee ones.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Monday Make A - May Pole Candles

May Pole Candles
Author Unknown
Found at Hearth & Home Witchery

You will need:

• Lots of pretty ribbons
• Tall white or green pillar candle
• Silver or brass "Craft Bells"
• Candle holder (stand)

Cut lengths of ribbon around 18 inches each, in pretty Springtime colors. (pastels) Tie a craft bell to each end of ribbon (a tooth pick helps this process). Tie ribbons starting at 3/4 way down the pillar candle, knot three times don't tie bows, you need lots of length on the ribbons. Tie as many as you like snaking your way up the candle, but leave at least 1/4 candle bare. Place in a candle stand that will raise the candle about 6 - 8 inches, so the ribbons can "drape" Swirl the bundle of ribbons so they face East, ready to greet the dawn. Light candle and cheer the Spring time blessings to come.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Spoutwood Fairie Festival!!!

I’m pretty sure Anne, over at The Gods Are Bored has many, many more readers than I do, but on the off chance someone from here has never been there, I am going to go ahead and put this up for her…It’s a safe bet I won’t be able to make it – there’s a lot of distance between Indiana & Pennsylvania, and nowheres near enough money even close to my bank account to finance such a trip as much as I really, really, REALLY need a vacation….aw well, such is life…no point whining – Goddess knows that won’t fill my bank account!

 

The 18th annual May Day Fairie Festival will be a feast for the senses! A sensory overload is more like it! Once you walk through the gate:Your ears will be moved by glorious sounds of all types: drumming…harps…flutes… guitar …beautiful singing…the giggling of children…laughter…happy conversation…gasps of wonder…birds twittering and chirping…Wondrous aromas will fill your nose: exotic incense…fresh farm air…delicious diverse foods…fragrant herbs and spices…floral scents released by fresh spring flowers…Let your eyes be treated to: amazingly creative costuming…the lush verdant nature of the trees in Spring bloom…colorful flags and banners… flowers bobbing in the sunshine…swirling dancers performing for your enjoyment…smiles…sparkly trinkets…a rainbow of colors…Treat your body: feel the lush grass beneath your feet…caress a soft alpaca…move your body to the beat of the drums…indulge in a bellylaugh…try a yoga pose in Natureplace…let a breeze soothe your soul… Once again, the Festival will celebrate the ripening of Spring with:

• ·Maypole Dancing
• ·Lively Music
• ·Parades and Processions
• ·Coronation of the Royal Court
• ·Artisan Marketplace
• ·Hands-On Crafts
• ·Fairie and Gnome Village Tours
• ·Bubbles and Fairie Dust
• ·Spirited Dancing
• ·Storytelling
• ·Fairie and Nature Spirit Workshops
• ·Fairie Tea Parties
• ·Diverse Food Vendors
• ·Drum Circles
• ·And Much More!

When: May 1st, 2nd and 3rd 2009

Where: Spoutwood Farm Center 4255 Pierceville Rd Glen Rock PA 17327 717-235-6610 www.spoutwood. org

Admission: May 1st: Children 12 and under are FREE Adults: $15 May 2nd and 3rd: Adults: $15 Children 12 and under: $5 Children 2 and under FREE Three Day Adult Pass available at gate for $30.

Volunteers who sign up for and complete a two hours shift will get their admission refunded. Parking: $5 per car in lots on Pierceville Rd Handicapped parking available at entrance (first come, first served).

About Spoutwood Farm: Nestled in the rolling landscape of York County is Spoutwood Farm - a family owned farm and part of the Community Supported Agriculture program, supports more than 100 families with organically grown food throughout the year. Spoutwood Farm supports sustainable living practices and offers workshops and classes in streamside ecology, mead making, medicinal herbalism and more.

Spoutwood is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. 

Anne also says: This is a “viral” campaign to promote the May Day Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm! Please pass this information along to everyone in your email list, post to your blog, send to any organization newsletter you belong to, anywhere it would be appropriate, anywhere LOTS of people will see it! We want to “infect” everyone with the joy and whimsy of the fairies ;) If you come to the festival, look for the Leader of the Mountain Tribe. That's me. I want to meet you! Extra jelly rocks to anyone who says they read "The Gods Are Bored!"

Friday Form A Circle – Beltane Ritual

Beltane Ritual
Adapted from a Ritual found at
Lady Bridgte’s Wiccan Ways 
Original written by Lady Bridget and Lady Therese 1997

Cleanse area with besom.
Cast the circle in your usual manner.
Cleanse and bless the participants in your usual manner.

(Please note – I have set up the circle with the associations I use. If you feel differently, if you follow generally accepted principles, you would then want to rearrange the directional/elemental associations to suit your belief system). Also, it seems a good place to note that I work with dragons whenever possible, and when I perform ritual, I call dragons for protection. Again, if this is not your path, and you aren’t familiar with dragon, you should probably replace the invocation of the dragons with whatever protective beings you work with regularly.

Invoke Dragons

East - Earth

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the East, keepers of the powers of earth. Guarding the womb of the Earth Mother, dark protectors of the new seed. The shelter of the stag and the new born fawn. Carpet of fallen leaves be our bed. The soil that is the flesh, the mountain that is the breast, and the earth that is the bone of the world. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

South - Fire

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the South, the powers of fire. Keepers of the spark of lust which leads to all Creation, the Sacred Fire of Life. Guarding the Flame of power, burning bright, giving guidance in the night. Love is the inner spark, the light that burns without flicker, the amber glow within. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

West - Water

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the West, Keepers of the powers of water. The tides of the ocean, where all life began, the rivers and streams that feed and nourish the earth. When we thirst, let your tears fall upon us as gentle rain. Thou art guardian to the dark sea from which all life comes, and unto which all life returns. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

North - Air

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the North, Keepers of the powers of air. Guardians of the gentle breezes that soften winter's chill and the cleansing force of the gale winds. Oh, ye of the South Wind, place of storms and breath of life. In the coolness of the breeze we hear your sighs, and in the rushing of the wind. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

(At this time the dragons have been called in and we now prepare to call upon the Gods and Goddesses. We have called upon a Goddess and God from each direction for this ritual.)

IInvoking the Goddesses and Gods

(face east)

Oh Father Gods of death and hunting, Cernunnos, Ra, and Herne. Even as you dwell within the temple of death, so you dwell within the Secret Seed, seed of the grain, seed of the flesh, hidden of the earth. For you are He who is the gatekeeper at the end of time, we hear the thunder of your hooves upon the shore. You are He whom all must face at the appointed hour, yet you are not to be feared, for you are father, brother, lover and son. We ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face south)

Oh Warrior Gods of protection and virility, Osiris, Llew, Pan. Oh laughing God of the greenwood, with your pipes and cloven hooves, shepherd of creatures free and wild. Beyond the doorway of time and out into the night, in search of mystery and the wonder of light. Crackling with energy under our skin, red lion roaring, pulses racing, we are open - Come in! Join us, if for but a moment, to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face west)

Oh, Goddesses of all beginnings, Cybele, Astarte, Yameya, Isis, be among us now in your aspect as Maiden of the Forest and Sea. The fair one who brings joy and new life to break the winter's stillness and silence. Oh virgin child of sunrise, wild mistress of the hunt, Artemis of the mountains, and Aphrodite of the oceans, we ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face north)

Oh Goddesses of nurturing and fulfillment, Bridget, Demeter, Cerridwen, Diana. In full knowledge of the seed that you bear, we await your life, your freedom, and your light, as part of all light that flows eternally. You, the mirror of the whole kindred, of star, of stone, and of greenwood tree. Turn life's great wheel and make us ever better from life to life to life. We ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(At this time it is appropriate if you wish to do a maypole dance to go ahead to this section on erecting the pole and doing the dance. If the dance is to be done at another time, then go straight on to the lighting of the Bel fires.)

High Priestess - Before we begin this glorious age old dance of the maypole, it is customary to bless and consecrate both the pole, which is the representation of the God's regenerative life force, the phallus, and the earth, which represents the fertility of the Goddess, the vagina.

Consecrating the Earth

(dig the hole now if it is not already there.)
(pour a libation of oil or wine into the hole)

High Priestess: Earth Mother, may this offering prepare you to receive this symbol of your consort, our Lord.

Consecrating the Pole

(the men bring the pole in, marching in a rhythmic manner, two steps forward, and rock one step back, as is usual in a courtship! It is also appropriate for them to grunt. They turn the pole over to the High Priest)

High Priest: Blessed be this tree, vehicle of our Lord, which shall soon enter our Mother the Earth.

(at this time all ladies come forward and rub the oil all over the pole, chanting is appropriate, as are other more suggestive sounds! Each person then comes forward and ties a ribbon to the end of the pole, the color of the ribbon should have significance to the person. The pole is then erected into the earth, with as much flourish and noises as is deemed appropriate to those present.)

High Priestess: This is a time for joy and a time for sharing. The richness of the soil accepts the seed, and now is the time that seeds should be spilled. Togetherness brings joy and abundance fills the Earth. Let us celebrate the planting of abundance. All of you friends look upon the pole, seeing in your mind's eye the pure life force rising through it from the earth, blossoming overhead, and cascading down through us...flowing out from us to the Lady's world beyond...Look...and see Life!

(start the music, and dance the maypole! For directions, see the intro file)

(can now light the Bel fires)

High Priest- Now, as in ages past, it is the pleasure of the Lord who longs for the touch of His Lady, to light the Bel fire, as a signal to all, that this is the season of Beltane! Tis spring now, and the time for all of field and forest to be fertile!

(he lights the fire, and the High Priestess comes up to him holding a long green scarf)

High Priestess - Now, as in ages past, it is the pleasure of the Lady to arouse the passions of the Lord, to cause the sap in the trees to rise, to cause the very breath of the earth to sigh in anticipation!
(she teases him with the scarf)
Come, my Lord, and let us be together once again!

(she drops the scarf at his feet and quickly walks or runs away, not too fast. The HP picks up the scarf and follows her, she does not allow him to catch her too quickly, and if possible, other young ladies block his way. Finally after traversing the circle at least 3 times, he catches her and they kiss.)

(the HPS then hands the scarf to another young lady, who goes around the circle till she sees a man she likes, and drops the scarf at his feet, he then chases her in the same manner. This can go on as long as wanted.)

(Can do the Great Rite now, or after jumping the fire.)

High Priest - The Bel fires are a symbol also of purifying energy, and also the energy of the fertility of this season.

"Nine woods in the Bel fire go
Burn them fast and burn them slow"
Oak for the God
Birch for the Goddess
Fir for birth
Willow for death
Rowan for magic
Apple for love
Grapevine for joy
Hazel for wisdom
And Hawthorne for purity and for the May.

(at this time dance the spiral dance, chant, sing, and jump the fire.)

(can do the Great Rite now, if not done after the scarf chase.)

Thank The Gods & Goddesses

(face east)

Great Gods of Death and Hunting, Cernunnos, Ra, and Herne. Grant us the promise of renewal, that through death we are reborn. You reign supreme within your lands. Give us fair woodlands and green fields, blossoming orchards and ripening fruits. Your seed that is sown in spring will become the flower of the harvest. As Nature flourishes, so also do we. All upon the Earth is at one with the Divine Union, the fruit of magic. As you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed Be.

 

(face south)

Great Gods of protection and virility, Osiris, Llew, Pan. Grant us your determination and bravery. Prince of twilight, pearl grey warrior, with a silver foot, go silently as long as the moon shall rise and the star shall turn. For we are ever a star, to us is given the secret of the Winged Flame. Oh, keeper of the Sacred Forest, as you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed Be.

 

(face west)

Great Goddesses of all beginnings, Cybele, Astarte, Yameya, Isis. Grant that our beginnings be fertile and fruitful. The beauteous Sacred Queen in the full knowledge that times of joy shall return always, as lusty as before. Virgin Queen of the Sea, and of the desert, and rain, and of the deepest untouched forest. As you leave, fill our hearts with your light and love. Blessed Be.

(face north)

Great Goddesses of nurturing and fulfillment, Bridget, Demeter, Cerridwen, Diana. Grant us your patience and guiding wisdom. Both within and without, fill our souls with rebirth, that we may walk a little further, reach a little higher, that we may strive for the far horizon. Thou art the the cauldron of inspiration and the womb of the immortal mother, and as you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed Be.

(We have a simple prayer at this point which states that we have honored the Great Ones, your group can do something similar here, or skip right to dismissing the quarters.)

Dismissing The Dragons

East - Earth

Hail to thee, Dragons of the North, Keepers of the powers of earth. We thank thee for the stability in our lives which grounds us and gives us strength. Rock of life, salt and granite, ever-living, blessed planet, green grass, and leafy tree, vines as trailing hair, may you bring peace back in to the world. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as you depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

South - Fire

Hail to thee, Dragons of the South, Keepers of the powers of fire. We thank thee for the flame of passion, and the cleansing Balefire. Blessed warmth give comfort and brightness and strength. Though these flames of the material world be darkened, they shall ever burn in the worlds beyond. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as ye depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

West - Water

Hail to thee Dragons of the West, Keepers of the powers of water. We thank thee for the life- giving nourishment you have given to Mother Earth and the crops. Soft is the rain that gently falls upon the fields beneath, it patters down so gently that it hardly bends a leaf. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as you depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

North - Air

Hail to thee, Dragons of the North, Keepers of the powers of air. We thank thee for life-giving breath, and the wings of our thoughts, wishes, and dreams. As you blow the staleness of winter away, help us fill our lungs with the freshness of clear skies and clear minds. We bid thee hail and Farewell, as ye depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

Open the circle.

Group Hugs!!

Bibliography

"A Witches Bible Compleat" by Janet and Stewart Farrar
"Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham
"Magickal Rites from the Crystal Well" by Ed Fitch

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Thursday This Is Your Spell – Witches’ Bottles

Witches’ Bottles

There are many legends connected with what are called 'Witches’ Bottles'....basically a Witches’ Bottle is a jar or bottle that is filled with something while being charged by a spell, and then sealed. They are often used to protect  a  house or home, since evil spirits are said to have to stop and count every item in the bottle before they can enter a home. Many things can be used in a bottle of protection ... you can use earth, sand, small pebbles, buttons, pins, crushed glass, threads, acorns, etc etc etc (in fact in one X-files episode the writer obviously used this when Agent Fox Mulder was saved from a vampire when the vampire had to stop and count all Fox's spilled sunflower seeds <LOL>!)

Making A Witches’ Bottle

First select the bottle you want to use. Your bottle maybe clear or tinted. If you're working with a colored bottle, choose a color that suits what you are doing. Tinted bottles are great for spells that use color correspondences. Once you have a bottle, wash it with warm soapy water, or cleanse it in the ocean. After you have washed it, magically cleanse it and bathe it in the light of the full moon. When the bottle is clean it is time to fill it. There are a lot of options when it comes to contents, such as very sharp objects like nails, pins, safety pins, needles, or sand, for protection from unfriendly forces. Filling a bottle with collected  herbs, resins, leaves, roots, and spices can assist you in creating any number of wards, spells, or talismans. Add a base oil or cider vinegar and you have wonderful gifts for your friends, that will not only enhance their magical life but also their cooking! Another option is filling the bottle with a variety of flower petals selected for their healing properties, attributes, or correspondences to planetary or other forces. (You may want to include a bit of alcohol, vinegar, or olive oil to preserve the flowers.)

As you can see, witches’ bottles have unlimited possibilities, are easy to make, and can be adapted to whatever need you may be trying to fill. Protection, love, health, or even just decoration, this is one of the most versatile tools in a witches’ possession. I am including several different possible creations today. Always remember though, make anything you do yours. No spell or recipe is set in stone, nor should it be. The powers in the world are mutable and adaptable as is any good witch, using what’s at hand to work her magic. These are guidelines. That being said, here are a few examples of possible witches’ bottles you can create : )

bb

 

* Kid's Button Bottle *

This is a good craft/spell project for pagan kids. Take an unbreakable jar with a screw on cap - or use a Rubbermaid type container. Have the child place pretty buttons in the bottle all the while saying:

"Button, Button,
Nine times nine,
Protect this house
And room of mine."

When the jar is full it can then be placed near the door to the house, or better yet under the child's bed! (You all know a child or two (or an adult <eg>) that is afraid that eviiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllll clowns live under the bed!)

 

Earth Witches’ Bottle

Using your projective hand as a funnel, pour fresh, clean soil into a long, small, clean, sterile bottle or spice jar. While doing so, charge the earth with protection, while chanting the appropriate rhyme of your own creation. Fill to the top. Cap the bottle. Place this near an entrance such as a door or window.

 

Red Wine Witches’ Bottle

Needed:

• rosemary
• needles & pins
• small glass jar with tight fitting lid or cork stopper
• red wine
• black or red candle (for wax to seal the jar)

Fill the the jar using the rosemary, needles and pins. As you're filling the jar, say these words...

"Pins, needles, rosemary, wine,
In this witch's bottle of mine;
Guard against harm and enmity;
This is my will; so Mote it Be!"

When as full of those items as possible, pour in red wine and shake. Seal with black or red wax. If you own your own house, bury this at the furthest most corner of your property. If you rent, place it in an inconspicuous place.

Herbal Witches’ Cleansing Bottle

Needed:

• large clear bottle
• sand
• dried rosemary
• dried lemon peel
• dried sage
• dry cedar
• black peppercorns
• dried lavender
• dried dill
• dried bay leaves
• dried rowan
• white candle (for wax to seal the jar)

Pour a layer of sand into the bottle, then add the herbs in layers. When the bottle is full, focus cleansing protective energy into the herbs and sand, and see a golden light radiating from the bottle. Visualize the herbs driving away negative influences. Cork and seal the bottle with white wax. Using a permanent marker, draw the Algiz rune

Image from Techno Feng Shui

on one side of the bottle, and on the other side draw a pentagram.

Set the bottle near your front or back door, and every six months uncap and pour the herbs out into the woods or you compost heap. Thoroughly wash and dry the bottle before filling it with a new round of herbs : )

 

Binding Spell

This spell is for binding a violent or dangerous person from doing harm. Caution: do not bind someone without very good reason. It doesn’t matter if you believe in Karma or Universal Balance or not. Belief doesn’t change reality. Also when considering a spell like this, remember magic isn’t always clean, pretty or nice…

Needed:

• photo of person to be bound

OR

• a piece of white parchment paper with their whole name written on it in black ink or dove's blood ink.
• 18 inches or so of black silken cord or black thick string, like embroidery floss.
• A small glass jar w/cork lid.
• A small white candle
• A small black candle

Light both your candles. Write the name on the paper or take the photograph in hand. Fold the paper or photo into as small a rectangle as possible. Take the cord in hand and begin to wind it around the rectangle, for a total of nine loops,
saying aloud in a clear, strong voice:

I (your name ), bind thee (name of offending person )
from causing harm to (name of victim here),
from exerting control over this person,
from influencing this person.
I bind you from making further plans with this person.
I call upon the angels, Auriel, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
(or any other guides or deities you prefer.)
to assist me in this righteous cause!
As I will,
So mote it be.

Place the paper into the jar. Urinate into the jar & cork. Seal all around the cork with the black candle wax. Let the candles burn themselves out safely. Place this jar in a place where no one will disturb it. Bury it if you must. Some prefer to keep it on their altar and send energy to it regularly.

House Protection Jar

Needed:

• 1 glass jar
• 1/2 to 1 cup salt
• 3 cloves garlic
• 9 bay leaves
• 7 tsp. dried Basil
• 4 tsp. dill seeds
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp anise 
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fennel
• 1 bowl

In the morning, ideally on a bright sunny day, assemble the items. Place all in the bowl and say:

"Salt that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the cloves of garlic:

"Garlic that protects, protect my home and all within."

Crumble the Bay leaves and place in the bowl:

"Bay that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the basil and say:

"Basil that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the dill and say:

"Dill that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the sage and say:

"Sage that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the anise and say:

"Anise that protects, protect my home and all within."

Add the fennel and say:

"Fennel that protects, protect my home and all within."

Mix together the salt and the herbs with your hands, throughout the movement of your hands and fingers lend energy to the potent protective items, visualize your home safe and as a shining secure place. Pour the mixture in the jar and cap tightly, Place it in your home with these words:

"Salt and herbs, nine times nine
Guard now this home of mine"

Inspiration Jar

Purpose: To bring on inspiration. For creativity.
Neede:d

• Mason jar
• Small crystal
• Dried orange peels (two-thirds)
• Dried mint (one-third)
• 2 drops orange essential oil
• 1 drop mint essential oil
• Square piece of black cotton fabric
• Rubber band
• Orange fabric paint or orange acrylic
• Orange ribbon

**Note: The color orange is the color of creative energies. The shading (how dark or light the orange is) that you use will denote the level of creative energies you wish to channel. A dark orange will take you deep into the creative energies while a light orange is less intense.
Moon cycle: No moon cycle is selected for this spell because all phases of the moon hold different levels of creative energies, including the dark moon. If you follow moon phases, choose the cycle that fits your purpose best.

Gather ingredients. With a clean and dry jar before you, place the mint first and then the orange peels inside, filling it up about two-thirds of the way. Add two drops of orange essential oil and one drop mint essential oil. More if you are using a large mason jar. Stir ingredients together. Take the small crystal in your hand and say something such as:

"Creativity come to me
In whispers and dreams
And visions that gleam."

Place the crystal inside the jar with the potpourri. For the lid, cover the opening of the jar with black fabric so that the side of the fabric hangs down over the edges about 2 inches. With a pencil, mark the center top of the fabric. Take the fabric off the jar, lie it flat on a hard surface. Using orange paint, acrylic or fabric paint, paint on a spiral. (for those of you who are like me – can trip over a breeze…while the paint is drying, cover the jar temporarily with a lid so that it doesn't get spilled. )

Associations:

• Spiral: The spiral is a symbol of the dance of life. It shows the continuous cycle of ourselves going inward (within ourselves/our psyche) and then going outward (expressing ourselves).
• Black: The black fabric in this spell is used as an absorption color. Black absorbs all colors, all energies. By placing the orange spiral on this we are signifying just what those energies are that the black is absorbing, all creative energies.

Once the paint is dry, place the fabric on the jar once again. The spiral should now be on the centered top of the jar's mouth. Holding the fabric in place, wrap the rubber band around the sides to hold it in place. Next, tie the orange ribbon overtop of the rubber band. Keep this inspiration jar in your work area, where you can smell it’s inspiring scents - where you do your writing, painting, drawing, or keep it by your bed to bring on inspiring dreams.

Money Jar

Needed:

• paper & pen
• seven dimes
• quart jar with screw-on lid
• bay leaf

Write your need on the paper and drop it into the jar. Take 7 dimes in your dominate hand and place them one by one into the jar. As each one drops, visualize it multiplying into huge amounts and say:

"Toward this wish, the money grows
by leaps and bounds - it overflows.
Coins that jingle, coins that shine
come to me now - you are mine."

Write your name on the bay leaf and drop it into the jar. Screw on the lid and place the jar where you can see it everyday, but where it is not visible to everyone who enters your home. Add a coin or two to the jar each day, and watch as money flows to you from unexpected sources. After you obtain the money you need, remove the paper and bury it outside.

Sacred Salt Jar

This is not only great to have for oneself, but it makes a nice gift to someone special if you happen to know what scents they like or stones they like. Since what you put into it is "yours", it is like giving a part of yourself, too. This mixture is excellent to charge stones in and to "simmer energies". Once it has blended
for a few months, a pinch can be added to rituals, etc., bathwater or as a gift to Mother Earth. You can also make a "starter salt" as a gift for a friend. You can also give of your own sacred salt mixture to a special friend to help blend powers and energies when they make their own  sacred salt mixture : ) 
The mixture should be made and kept in a covered stone or Earthen jar, but can be made and kept in a covered glass jar until you find one that is suitable. There are different schools of thought on what kind of salt to use. Some use rock salt, some Earth salt and some sea salt, some even use normal table salt. Whatever salt you use, make sure that it is "natural" and not iodized.

Blend the salt with chopped or ground herbs, tiny crystals, small stones, nuts seeds,  jewelry, locks of hair, ground incense and a few drops of your favorite oils, anything that you wish. Even rose petals and other flowers. When you have cleansed and charged stones and crystals by sun and Moon, place them in this mixture to store until you wish to use them or give them as gifts.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog