The Lucky Dragon

新年快樂

Happy New Year!

And happy new moon.

Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year. And last night was a new moon. So tonight we celebrated.

We had eleven in our circle tonight. We honored the Goddess Fortuna and we made good luck bags.

Fortuna is the Latin goddess of luck and fate. In her honor we made these bags to carry for luck.

Each bag contains…

Ivy- Representative of the element of Earth and the color Green

Earth= health, wealth, prosperity, employment and fertility

Green= love, fertility, abundance, money, prosperity, luck, resurrection, rebirth, jealousy, teaching, learning, changing attitudes, environmental issues and peace.

Cinnamon- Cinnamon can be used to make charms to draw love, happiness, and money.

Cloves- Cloves bring good luck and prosperity. Cloves keep good friends close and stops malicious gossip.

All Spice- Allspice can be added to sachets to aid in attracting money and/or luck.

Clear Quartz- Clear quartz is a stone of manifestation. Hold the crystal with intent and focus. The crystal will remember and permeate any environment it is placed.

Whole Nutmeg- A whole nutmeg seed can be carried to bring luck during all games of chance from cards to Bingo to roulette. Nutmeg can also be carried as a charm to encourage a favorable decision in court cases and success in other legal matters. Nutmeg carried will also help to ensure good luck while traveling.

Once that was finished, a new member of our group, who is also my daughter, offered a seeker oath, binding her to learn for at least one year. If she has not committed after that she can part ways with the craft or choose to seek again. It is her choice. No one is forced into the craft. Not even my kid. Besides, she is 17 and does tae kwon do, she could probably take me if I tried to force her. And as a gift, she was given a red journal to use as she sees fit. It has dragons on it.

And since it was Lunar New Year, an Asian celebration, I made beef and broccoli and rice as well as egg drop soup.

Thank you all for coming. May the lady Fortuna follow you where ever you go.

Blessed be.

The Sun Will Come Out

Another new moon is upon us. And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, we celebrated Thanksgiving again. It was a great night I cooked a turkey and family and some friends came over. We celebrated. My daughter made a pumpkin pie from scratch. From an actual pumpkin.

I made gifts for all of our guests.

Orange pomanders!

A pomander is just a ball of fragrance.

I got the idea from the book “The Magical Year” by Danu Forest. You should check it out.

Anyway, orange is the color of summertime, of fun. Just what we need at this time of year. It is an active color with warm energy. It is an excellent color for a kitchen or dining room since it stimulates appetite and conversation. Just when we needed for a dinner party. Orange invokes balance, memory, sharing, and kindness. Again, just what we needed. And to make it all awesome, orange is awesome on Tuesday and is great for the number 2.

I studded the orange with cloves.

Cloves are awesome. They are a dried flower bud from a tropical evergreen. It stimulates circulation. And is an anesthetic and antibacterial. It is masculine and associated with the fire element. Cloves bring good luck and prosperity, to keep good friends close and to stop malicious gossip.

So to combine the two was awesome and it smelled amazing. I tied them with a fabulous ribbon and wrapped them in sparkly boxes.

And FYI… They keep moths out of the closet.

Blessed Be!

Royal Jewels

Purple has long been considered the color of royalty. For years it was sought out by monarchs to symbolize their wealth and power. Purple symbolizes the soul, the Divine, mystery. It can also be the symbol of serenity and faith. In lighter shades it can bring equilibrium and awakening. It can help to alleviate mental or nervous problems (along with the advice of trained medical professionals) or help in spiritual healing. Too much purple can lead to negative thoughts, tiredness or depression. (If you feel depressed and have suicidal thoughts, contact someone immediately. Suicide Hotline- 1-800-273-8255)

Quartz that has been used for its magick properties since probably its discovery. On a cellular level our bodies and quartz crystal are made of the same minerals. The repeating chemical structure of the atoms that make up crystals are said to invest them with a kind of memory: a power to hold energy. Quartz crystals are naturally receptive to vibrations as they transmit, reflect and store light, and receive energy. The crystal will remember and permeate any environment it is placed.

Amethyst is purple quartz, from the Greek word Amethysos, which means “not intoxicated. So the Greek story goes…

The Wine God Baccus was very angry over being insulted by the Goddess Artemis (Roman Diana), the Goddess of the Hunt. So he vowed vengeance on the next mortal he sees. And for vengeance he plans to have two very large, ferocious tigers devour said mortal. The very next person he sees is the maiden Amethyst who is on her way to worship at the shrine of Artemis. When the tigers sprung out at her she called to Artemis for help. Artemis turned her into white crystal so she would be protected from the tigers and preserve her beauty. Baccus, who the felt guilty over his actions, poured his wine over the crystals as an offering, turning them forever purple. This stone is often associated with Artemis or Diana. The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst prevented drunkenness and they decorated drinking cups with them.

Amethyst was added to ancient European helmets in order to keep a cool head in battle. They believed it would bring good fortune in war or on the hunt. It is said to drive out evil spirits and inspire intellect. It was used to protect crops from locusts and as protection from snakebites as well as cures for stomach aches, insect bites and to beautify skin. It is even said that eagles, the birds of gods, used amethyst in its nest to protect its young from harm. Ancient Egyptians used it as protection during travels.

Amethyst is considered the stone of St. Valentine and a symbol of faithful love. (My engagement ring has an amethyst stone in it.) It is the Gem of Fire, once more valuable than diamonds. It spews with the energy of fire, passion, creativity and spirituality, but with the logic of temperance and sobriety. It has a sobering and cleansing effect and can aid with loss and grief. It is also the common birthstone associated with February.

It is the Stone of Friendship, a symbol of trust and piety. It is thought to put the wearer in a chaste state of mind. The Catholic Church calls it the “Bishop’s Stone” and it is worn by Bishops and Cardinals going back centuries to keep their minds pure and protect them from evil. Buddhists use it for prayer beads (Mala). Catholics have made Rosaries from it. Moses described amethyst as a symbol of the Spirit of God. It is found on the breastplates he was instructed by God to have made, the third stone in the third row. (Exodus 39:12) It is also used in the Bible as the 12th stone set into the foundations of New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:20) The Russian Empress Catherine the Great loved it so much that she sent thousands of miners in search of it.

A new moon is upon us tonight, the night before Samhain. It’s a witchy night.

And why, you might ask, have I just filled your brain with all of this wonderful information about amethyst?

Because it called to me.

I have been learning to read runes. I have always been more of a tarot card kind of witch, but runes are smaller and there are less of them. I was introduced to them this summer and have been studying them since. I finally decided I was in need of my own set. And when presented with options, amethyst runes said “Pick Me!”

And I did.

And since they were not always mine, tonight, under a new moon, I said a prayer and lit a candle over them. I feel they will need to sit there until the full moon comes. Then they will be mine to use in divination.

For blessed are those who never stop learning.

The Eye of Jasper

A new moon is here. And it was a pretty awesome day. I did have to work, but it wasn’t so bad.

Recently I got a new necklace made of beads of green jasper. I really like it and have been wearing it a lot. If you don’t want to put yourself out there by wearing a pentagram around your neck, you can wear something simple as a beaded necklace. (Or you can wear it under your clothing as it is better closer to your person. I wear mine where ever. I have several with pentagrams and moons and goddesses.)

Green Jasper is a very nice earth stone. Green is the rarest form of jasper. More common colors include red, yellow, brown and grey.

Green jasper is the ultimate and most reliable stone for rain bringing. I live in the desert so I can always use that. Besides, I love the sound of rain. I use a rain sounds soundtrack when I meditate, study or to help me sleep.

It is also a sleep stone. It can be a talisman for those coping with paranoia or who are overwhelmed by nightmares. It can ward off negative energies, bring reassurances and restore inner calm. (Although if you are having problems sleeping or are coping with paranoia, please see a qualified health professional.)

Jasper can drive away evil spirits, ghosts, harmful fantasies and evil witchcraft. (Although, no witchcraft should be evil.) It can be protective against venomous creatures or protect you from drowning. (So does common sense. Stay away from venomous creatures and large bodies of water if you do not know how to swim.)

Jasper can provide good health; make one amiable and brave, and even ward off sorrow. It is said to heal fever and edema, as well as diseases of the stomach, lungs and chest. It can increase fertility and aid women through pregnancy and childbirth. (Again, with the aid of a qualified medical professional.)

Jasper can balance obsessive tendencies and restore harmony to the emotional body. Because of those qualities it is used to aid with addictions, such as smoking or alcoholism. (Again, seek a qualified medical professional if you are seeking help.)

Green jasper is associated with Persephone, Greek Goddess of Spring and Re-Birth; Gaia, the Greek Earth Mother Goddess; Bona Dea, the Roman Goddess of Earth and Fertility; Callisto, the Greek Moon Goddess, Chirakan-Ixmucane, the Mayan Creator Goddess; and Clota, Goddess of the River Clyde.

With all of those amazing qualities, it is no wonder I enjoy wearing it so much. I hope you to have found something that is special to you.

Blessed be.

What's That Smell?

It's a fabulous new moon tonight. Who is ready for a great new month? I know I am.

Lavender is my favorite incense. The calming effect is amazing. It’s also a great herb to grow in the garden. I grow it in my garden. Lavender is a member of the mint family. I actually grow it next to mint. It smells really good.

Lavender is an antiseptic and it is anti-inflammatory. Use it with chamomile to help you sleep.

Lavender is relaxing and uplifting. It sharpens minds and encourages and strengthens true love. It can also encourage fertility.

Lavender is associated with the element of air. It is masculine in action. It is also associated with the zodiac sign Virgo and the planet Mercury.

And if you are looking for something to deter moths and fleas, look no further.

Like I said, it is my favorite. I light it so often it really is my signature scent. My house always smells like lavender.

It is also a really great color.

Purples, like lavender, can speak to the soul, invoke the divine and create mystery. They bring about serenity and faith. Lighter shades can bring equilibrium and awakening. It is great for spiritual healing.

Combine the color with the scent to relieve stress and anxiety.

Relax.

Blessed be.

I Don’t Wear Lipstick… But If I Did, It Would Be Red

Why does wearing red lipstick make women feel so powerful?

Red has always been my color. Being a redhead to begin with sort of drew me to it. But there has always been something.

Red inspires passion. It is inspiration itself. The color brings about creativity. It is power. It is protection. It gives you energy, vitality, power and courage. But be careful, red can bring out the aggression and the impulsiveness too. Too much can bring on anxiety, stress and agitation.

Stop signs and warning signs are red, so they get your attention.

Red can boost your body metabolism. Add to your vibrancy and passion. Add red candles to your rituals to give a boost to your confidence or your love life. Some red in the bedroom couldn’t hurt either.

So go on ladies, rock that red lipstick. 

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”- Gwyneth Paltrow

An Evening Prayer

Thank you all for coming out tonight. I finally had a night off that we could be together.

Tonight we discussed our own unique interpretations of God and what they mean to us. We also explored the way others find their own paths. I appreciated everyone’s involvement.

We asked for blessing to come upon us. We covered our table in purple cloth to bring serenity. We honored a small piece of the Earth, tonight in the form of a rock from Yosemite along with lavender to calm and strengthen our souls. We lit a candle of white to bring to purify our home as well as our souls.

Finally, we finished with about 30 minutes of meditation.

It was a pretty successful night. I feel calmer and happier already.

I know it was short and simple, but sometimes that is just enough.

Thank you again.

Until next time…

A New Moon and A Constant Companion

I had to work today. Another price I pay for being a modern witch. But I am now sitting in my sanctuary, and contemplating my day. Enjoy this, the first new moon of the year.

Today I am using Rosemary and Mint oils in my aromatherapy. The smell is divine. Rosemary in magick goes back forever. Also called the Dew of the Sea it is said that it was draped around the Goddess Aphrodite when she arose from the sea. Also, it is said that the Virgin Mary spread her blue cloak over a rosemary bush, turning the flowers from white to blue. (Generally Rosemary has green leaves with flowers of white, pink, purple or blue.) You can use rosemary in love spells or at weddings. It has also been used in remembrance at funerals and memorial services.

Mint is another healing herb. Using it as I am in aromatherapy, it can help with nausea and is a smell associated with hospitality. Mint can also help with stomach aches. Spray a little mint oil around to keep away wasps, hornets, ants and roaches.

I keep a fountain near my work space. Simple rock waterfall. The sound is very soothing. Gibby, my familiar is directly under my feet. His fluff keeps my toes warm.

And that is what I would like to discuss today.

Animal familiars.

The concept of animal familiars goes back throughout the history of witchcraft. It was said that demons possessed small animals and were doing the bidding of their masters.

That is not what I mean.

Others have believed that fairies inhabit the bodies of small animals and help their human companions in life.

Perhaps.

I am talking about animals with whom you share a special connection. An animal you share an emotional and psychic bond. There are pets. And there are those special pets. You know the ones. Animals whose souls exist on your same plane of being.

Maybe they came to you unexpectedly. Maybe you went looking for them. You just know.

We have two in our house. One is mine. One is my daughters.

And just an FYI… We actually have a lot more than 2 pets. We currently have 3 dogs, two cats, 2 guinea pigs, a turtle and a fish.

But today we are only talking about familiars.

Like Gibby.

Right now he is looking at me because I put my foot on him.

There is just something about him. He is mine and I am his. No one else will do for him. I once went away for a few weeks for training and he moped around the whole time.

I swear he can understand me. I have never been able to teach a dog that many tricks. In such a short time. I have had dogs before, but Gibby is special.

My mom bought him for me on a whim. I was working at a pet store at the time. The other girls who worked there had these little stupid pocket dogs that they gushed over. Also, the owner of the store was a creepy old hag who thought teenagers were so cool. I just wanted to do my job and go home. I didn’t care about the teens. But the owner kept telling me I didn’t fit in. (Big surprise. I showed up on time and did what I was supposed to and didn’t waste time.) My mom was worried I would get fired and thought if I had a stupid little pocket dog, I might be able to have something in common with my teenaged coworkers. (FYI… didn’t work. That woman was a horrible person. Karma will get her.)

Gibs is not stupid. Nor is he worth gushing over. My grandpa named him Gibson after the baseball player Kirk Gibson. We call him Gibby. Or Gibs. He knows when he is being spoken to.

My oldest daughter has a familiar of her own, a cat named Muffins.

There is something about that cat. She is where ever my daughter is. She has the whole house to roam in and mostly is in my daughter’s bedroom. Sometimes I think that cat can read minds.

We had gone to the shelter to look for a cat. Our cat. It was missing. And Muffins picked us. I don’t even know how she did it. Carolynn told me that this cat picked us and we needed to take her home. She was serious about it. And so we got Muffins.

What are your thoughts? Do you have an animal familiar?

Is it as cute as ours?