☽ Witchcraft ☾ Discussions - Temple Illuminatus2024-03-28T17:01:37Zhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/group/witchcraft/forum?feed=yes&xn_auth=noMagical Properties of Stones and Crystalstag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-18:6363372:Topic:36254342022-06-18T04:28:45.500ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Magical Properties of Stones and Crystals<br></br></strong> <span><a href="http://www.bardwood.com/stones.htm">www.bardwood.com/stones.htm</a></span></p>
<p>This essay on stones is a work in progress and will be updated from time to time as my own studies of metaphysical mineralogy continue and as I work with the stones in the wand shop. It is by no means exhaustive or even expert but is intended to help wand customers consider stones for their wands. Listed are the stones we tend to…</p>
<p><strong>Magical Properties of Stones and Crystals<br/></strong> <span><a href="http://www.bardwood.com/stones.htm">www.bardwood.com/stones.htm</a></span></p>
<p>This essay on stones is a work in progress and will be updated from time to time as my own studies of metaphysical mineralogy continue and as I work with the stones in the wand shop. It is by no means exhaustive or even expert but is intended to help wand customers consider stones for their wands. Listed are the stones we tend to have in stock. Others can often be sought-out from vendors. Precious stones are not used in our wands because they are very expensive and difficult to set well in wood. The following brief descriptions are adapted from Conway, Melody, and other sources.</p>
<p>Some of the massive stones (as distinct from crystals) can be found cut and polished into points. They are sometimes made into massage wands, which are usually a bit too large for use as a wand point. The principal crystals used as points are Amethyst, Quartz in its varieties, and Citrine. If you are interested in a point of some other mineral, inquire about availability and I will have a look around.</p>
<p>The photographs provided are <em>examples only</em> and have been swiped from all over the internet, primarily our suppliers. Copyright infringement complaints should be addressed to Mr. Death Bredon Mephistopheles, Esq. in our legal department.</p>
<p><strong>Agate</strong></p>
<p>A type of quartz known as chalcedony with banded patterns of color. Almost any color can be found but often a dark brown with white or reddish bands is found. There are many varieties (see following). To agate has been attributed powers of protection, victory, attracting love, promoting fertility in crops, turning away lightning or evil spirits, finding buried treasure, curing insomnia, and giving pleasant dreams. Agate is said to reverse the energy flow of any chakra, thus removing blockages and illness. It gives strength to the mind and body, increases balance, and is useful when sudden bursts of energy are needed. It has been said to be useful in promoting marital fidelity and also in strengthening sight, analytical abilities, and perception.</p>
<p><strong>Moss Agate</strong></p>
<p>Dark green in color. The Greek Orpheus said that to wear moss agate was to receive divine favor. To it is attributed powers of eloquence and persuasion, fertility, and eternal life. It is associated with Taurus and Venus, and also Gemini. Moss agate is one of the most powerful healing stones. It protects and enhances the aura and aids in opening the "third eye." Useful for meditation, scrying, astral travel, and speaking with spirit guides. Well-suited for spells of wealth, happiness, long life, and finding friends.</p>
<p><strong>Tree Agate</strong></p>
<p>This variety of agate is usually white with black, brown, red or green branchlike inclusions. It is a particularly druidic variety of agate because of its association with trees. An idea reservoir stone for a wand intended for use in green magic related to agriculture, horticulture, arboriculture, or the preservation of the natural world. Forest magic and enchantments associated with the wilderness and its qualities find a powerful aid in tree agate.</p>
<p><strong>Amber</strong></p>
<p>Not a mineral, but fossilized tree sap, Amber is not readily employed in our wands because it is hard to find in round shapes and is very fragile. A good substitute, from the standpoint of appearance is Honey Calcite (see Calcite below). Amber is, however, widely used in jewelry and highly prized for its connection to the ancient primeval forests. Famously, insects from the Jurassic and earlier ages have been preserved in amber from the trees of that far-gone epoch.</p>
<p><strong>Amethyst</strong></p>
<p>Purple or lilac in color and translucent, amethyst is traditionally given the power to avert intoxication. It is said to protect against evil sorcery and bring success and good luck. A powerful healing crystal, it calms mental disorders, purifies the blood, and balances all chakras. It is associated with the third eye, clairvoyance, prescience, and the ability to cut through illusions. Amethyst is especially suited to wandwork focused on spells of transmutation and transformation.</p>
<p><strong>Aventurine</strong></p>
<p>A dark Green type of quartz, sometimes called Indian Jade, it is a fortuitous stone used to release anxieties and inspire positive attitudes, good health, and independence. Linked strongly to Elemental Earth, it gives balance and calm. It is protective and can bring good luck in gambling, and enhances creative visualization, writing, art, and music. Attracts prosperity and love, and unexpected adventures or incidents.</p>
<p><strong>Bloodstone</strong></p>
<p>Green stone with red flecks like blood, this is another form of chalcedony, an opaque green jasper. Its old name was Heliotrope, signifying the turning of the sun. It is said to link the root and heart chakras, stimulating kundalini. It guards one against deceptions and preserves health. It creates prosperity and abundance and strengthens self-confidence. Also can lengthen life, give fame, and invisibility, remove obstacles, control spirits, cause storms, and help in court cases. In healing, it can purify the blood, remove toxins, and renew friendships or love.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Calcite</strong></p>
<p>A soft stone, easily scratched, but lustrous in green, pink, blue, and many other colors, including the beautiful amber "Honey" calcite. The famous Carrara marble of Italy is composed of calcite. It helps clear negative energies from the environment and the body intensifies clarity and attracts love. Calcite helps soothe and calm the nerves, permitting one to focus one's attention more clearly. This makes it a particularly desirable stone for use in wand reservoirs.</p>
<p><strong>Carnelian</strong></p>
<p>An orange or reddish form of chalcedony, related to sard, bloodstone, and moss agate. Traditionally used to protect against the "evil eye," carnelian is said to fulfill all desires. It speeds all manifestations, revitalizes and aligns the physical and spiritual bodies, strengthens concentration, increases the sense of self-worth, brings career success, and balances creative and organizational abilities.</p>
<p><strong>Citrine Points</strong></p>
<p>The clear, pale yellow variety of quartz which can be used in rounded forms for reservoir stones and in crystal form as wand points. The points, as shown at left, are usually white and golden yellow. A highly solar stone, ruled by the constellation Scorpio, it is used as a talisman against intoxication, evil thoughts, overindulgence, snakes, plagues, and epidemics. It is useful for aligning one's ego with one's Higher Self, and for giving clarity of thought. Citrine has the power to strengthen one's ability to deal with difficult karma and opens channels of intuition. It may increase one's motivation and creative energy. Finally, it is a good stone for spells of prosperity. Usually, citrine points are in their natural state and irregular in shape. Occasionally, I can find one that has been cut and polished.</p>
<p><strong>Clear Citrine</strong></p>
<p>At left is clear natural citrine which I use from time to time in the reservoirs of wands. It is more transparent than quartz crystal and more brilliant. When subjected to heat, citrine turns more golden in color, but the natural, untreated stone is clear. Natural citrine points can also be found. It is said to transmute all negative energies rather than absorb them.</p>
<p> <strong>Fluorite</strong></p>
<p>More soft and breakable than quartz, translucent with brownish, golden, green, purple, or bluish stripes, fluorite is connected to Pisces and Capricorn, and grounds excess energy, mental, emotional, or nervous. A powerful healing stone for all chakras, and good for cleansing the aura, fluorite also aids communication with fairies and nature spirits. It enhances the understanding of abstract concepts, meditation, and study in general. It is an all-purpose amplifier of etheric energies.</p>
<p><strong>Hematite</strong></p>
<p>A dark iron-gray stone with a metallic luster exhibits a blood-red color when powdered. Sacred to Mars, hematite has been worn to gain favorable hearings or judgments, to win petitions before those in authority, and to protect warriors. Associated with Aries and Aquarius, it energizes the etheric body and gives optimism, will, and courage. It repels negativity and gives strength to the physical and astral bodies.</p>
<p><strong>Jade</strong></p>
<p>Best known as apple green, jade can also be white, pink, yellow, black, gray, or brown. There are actually two different kinds of stone called jade: jadeite and nephrite. Associated with Aries, Gemini, and Libra, jade strengthens the heart, kidneys, and immune system. It increases fertility, balances emotions, dispels negativity, and gives courage and wisdom. Green jade is famous for producing vivid and accurate dreams.</p>
<p><strong>Jasper</strong></p>
<p>A variety of chalcedony that is massive and fine-grained, it may take many colors, but is often red. When combined with hematite, it is called Jaspillite. Bloodstone is a variety of jasper. Good for weather working, especially bringing rain, and for curing snakebite. Healing for stomach ailments, jasper balances all chakras, stabilizes energy, protects from negativity, drives away evil spirits, hallucinations, and nightmares, and is generally a grounding stone. It builds up steady energy for long periods of time.</p>
<p><strong>Lapis Lazuli</strong></p>
<p>Not a single mineral but a magical combination of dark blue Lazurite, Hauynite, Sodalite, Diopside, white streaks of calcite, and specks of gold pyrite. Sacred to the Egyptian goddess Isis and associated with the throat chakra, it is useful for removing painful memories from the astral body or aura. Lapis lazuli is ruled by the planet Jupiter and is a stone of good fortune. It helps release tension and anxiety, increases mental clarity, creativity, and clairvoyance, helps overcome depression, and aids communication with spirit guides.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Malachite</strong></p>
<p>Relatively soft, dark green stone with swirls and stripes of lighter green, malachite's color comes from copper. Reputed to confer the ability to understand animal languages, it is also valued as a protective stone, revitalizing to the body and mind. It repels evil spirits, inspires tolerance and flexibility, opens communication, and stabilizes energy. It is an excellent stone for creating through magical manifestation, strengthening intuition and the power of transformation. Malachite acts as a psychic mirror, amplifying the energy one projects into it and drawing one into other worlds in meditation.</p>
<p><strong>Moonstone</strong></p>
<p>Known for its luminescent sheen, moonstones are used in jewelry and range in color quite a bit. They can be milky white or pale pinkish in color. Aside from obvious associations with the Moon and the many deities which have been the personification of Earth's moon, it is particularly associated with the goddess Omulan or Rhianna, in the Elvish pantheon. According to the wise ones at <a href="http://www.crystalcreekproducts.com.au/crystalshop/tumblers.html">Crystalshop.com</a> in Australia, moonstone is "balancing, introspective, reflective and lunar. The energy relates to 'new beginnings. A stone of hoping and wishing that allows one to absorb that which is needed from the universe. A stone of feeling, emotion. Travel protection."</p>
<p><strong>Onyx</strong></p>
<p>A type of chalcedony similar to agate, except that it has straight rather than curved bands of color. Sacred to Saturn and Earth, onyx balances male and female polarities give spiritual inspiration, and helps face past life problems and transformational challenges. It protects against black magic, and evil spirits, and aids communication with spirits.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Black or White Onyx</strong></p>
<p>When most people think of onyx, they think of the pure black variety often seen in jewelry. Black (pictured here) deflects negative energy. White onyx expands the imagination. According to the folks at <a href="http://www.crystalcreekproducts.com.au/crystalshop/tumblers.html">Crystalshop.com</a>, black onyx "can be used to banish grief, to enhance self-control, to stimulate the power of wise decision-making, and to encourage happiness and good fortune. It helps one to absorb, from the universe, those energies which are needed." Black onyx looks very similar to jet and to obsidian.</p>
<p><strong>Quartz Crystal</strong></p>
<p>Perhaps the most generally powerful magical amplifier, quartz crystals are the most common stones for wand points. When rounded, however, they also make excellent reservoir stones. In fact, amethyst, rose quartz, citrine, and aventurine all belong to the quartz family, but the so-called Rock Crystal is colorless and transparent. It generates an electric charge when heated or placed under strain. Crystal balls are, of course, used for scrying, and ceremonial magicians have long used quartz points on their wands as magical amplifiers and aids to concentration. Ruled by the Moon, quartz crystal is excellent for meditation and communication with spirit guides, telepathy, clairvoyance, and visualization. For more on Quartz crystal in all its varieties see the <a href="http://www.jewellery-art.co.uk/quartz.html">Jewelry Art website.</a></p>
<p><strong>Rose Quartz</strong></p>
<p>Pink quartz is called the "love stone" and aids in healing emotions. It aids in the development of compassion and love and reduces stress and anxiety. Enhances creativity and self-confidence through connection to the True Self. Connected specifically to the heart chakra, though by some linked also to the crown chakra and the pure celestial love accessible there. Excellent for healing emotional wounds. An ideal reservoir stone for a wand that will primarily be used for love spells and healing.</p>
<p><strong>Smoky Quartz</strong></p>
<p>Grayish brown quartz which aids in discrimination aids meditation by grounding and centering. It breaks up blocks and negativity, strengthens dream awareness, and aids contact with nature spirits. Very dark smoky quartz, called morion or cairngorm, is connected to the root chakra and helps transform dreams into reality. It is often a much more powerful magical stone than clear quartz.</p>
<p><strong>Rutilated Quartz</strong></p>
<p>Clear quartz contains thin threads of gold or titanium or asbestos, sometimes called "Venus hair" or "Thetis hair" stones. The rutile’s are said to augment the transmission power and energy of the quartz. Associated with Gemini and Taurus, it enhances life energy, increases clairvoyance, transmutes negative energy, aids in communication with one's Higher Self, and increases the efficacy of magick. It is especially enchanting when light falls through the rutile needles in the stone.</p>
<p><strong>Tourmalinated Quartz</strong></p>
<p>Clear quartz with inclusions of black tourmaline, it is considered to have doubled the power of clear crystal. Sometimes associated with Libra, it balances all extremes and is a powerful grounding and protective stone. Tourmaline is a stone considered to be an aid to seership among shamans. It attracts inspiration and diminishes fear.</p>
<p><strong>Rhodonite</strong></p>
<p>A pink or rose stone with thin veins or patches of gray or black, it is a good stress-reducer, calming the mind, and enhancing energy levels of both body and mind. It has the property of deterring unwanted interruptions on the physical or astral planes. Aids in keeping one's temper and reaching one's maximum potential. Quoting the dear wise folks at <a href="http://www.crystalcreekproducts.com.au/crystalshop/tumblers.html">Crystalshop.com</a> again, Rhodonite "activates and energizes the heart chakra and conveys the resonance of unconditional love to the physical plane. Dispels anxiety and promotes coherence, observational abilities, and attention to detail."</p>
<p><strong>Serpentine</strong></p>
<p>Striking green stone with light and dark hues and white or black speckles, relatively soft, associated with Scorpio, serpentine increases wisdom and self-restraint. It is said to protect against venom and has many of the same properties as green jade (see above). It is used to clear the channel of kundalini in the chakras in the Hindu tantric mysticism. I've recently discovered a striped type of serpentine from China. Very lovely and evocative of the layers of reality expressed in the chakras.</p>
<p><strong>Tiger's-Eye</strong></p>
<p>A variety of chalcedony or quartz with silky chatoyancy, yellow and golden-brown stripes. Associates with Capricorn and Leo, the tiger's-eye is a powerfully protective stone, balancing emotions, and giving clear insight. It grounds and centers the user and strengthens the magical will. It also brings good luck and aids in seeing the truth. Especially good for protection against the Dark Arts.</p>
<p><strong>Turquoise</strong></p>
<p>A massive stone, not a crystal, turquoise varies in color. Sky blue, or greenish-blue and sacred to the Egyptian goddess Hathor, it is a powerful stone for weather working, protection, and prosperity. It has the power to build bridges between worlds, and is a stone of knowledge and seeking, highly prized among the Navaho of the American southwest. It is sacred also to the Elvish androgyne God Lir and so powerful for protection in astral travel and in communication, particularly articulation and expression of emotions, creativity, and intuition.</p> Elemental Magicktag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-18:6363372:Topic:36254322022-06-18T04:19:20.509ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Elemental Magick <br></br></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Fire</strong> rules: Healing and matters of the heart</p>
<p><strong>Water</strong> rules: Serenity, comfort and courage</p>
<p><strong>Earth</strong> rules: Prosperity, patience and Stamina</p>
<p><strong>Air</strong> rules: Guidance, communication and far-seeing</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Elemental Gods also work with and/or against each other.</p>
<p>Many people make the error of believing that the Elemental Gods can be bound to…</p>
<p><strong>Elemental Magick <br/></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Fire</strong> rules: Healing and matters of the heart</p>
<p><strong>Water</strong> rules: Serenity, comfort and courage</p>
<p><strong>Earth</strong> rules: Prosperity, patience and Stamina</p>
<p><strong>Air</strong> rules: Guidance, communication and far-seeing</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Elemental Gods also work with and/or against each other.</p>
<p>Many people make the error of believing that the Elemental Gods can be bound to their circle. This mistake can seriously impact your magickal strength and even affect your physical health. When you "Invoke" or invite the Guardians and ask their protection, you are addressing the most aggressive aspect of each to your defense. If you ever assume that they do so by your will rather than by their own choice, you run the risk of receiving a summary reminder of your true place in the scheme of things. You need them…while they do not need you. As is true of all advanced spirits, though, they nurture and protect by their own natures.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Invite them into your daily life, consult them frequently and seek their wisdom and guidance. There is much wisdom to be learned from them, and they are willing and delightful friends and teachers. As the masters of this realm, their insights, viewpoints and responses are much more immediate and practical than those of the Spirit Gods who exist apart from physical life. Earning the friendship of the Elementals is a wonderful enhancement of life here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I honor, obey and serve my Spirit Gods, but I also never forget that I am their daughter. The Elementals are my pals. I can tease, flirt, play and be silly with them is a fashion that I would never treat with my Spiritual Gods. The Spirit Gods have a rich sense of humor, but the Elementals truly grasp slapstick and teasing. If my God flipped my hair over my face, I would stop to ponder the deeper meaning of the gesture. When Air does it, I give Wind a raspberry and we both laugh. I know that Air is simply relishing being truly noticed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>How do you build a friendship with each Material God?</p>
<p>First, stop thinking of them as forces that you control. A force has no emotion, will or awareness. Focus on each Element; build a vision of a fully rounded Spiritual being with negative and positive aspects and specific abilities and weaknesses:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Fire</strong> is an artist, passionate and emotional.</p>
<p>Ask fire to paint for you….and then gaze deep into the embers. Allow yourself to wander the secret halls of Fire's white-hot heart. Dance with the salamander-sparks and become aware of how often Fire touches you in response…a hot breeze that moves your hair and strokes your skin. Remember that Fire is sensual in nature and has a great love for elegance. Approach Fire smoothly and gracefully.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Water</strong> is elegant but wants none of Fire's passionate haste.</p>
<p>Water is slow, precise, controlled and patient. Water is always smoothing, comforting and consoling. Water is the keeper of memory and secrets. Seek naturally flowing water, salt or sweet, and let your feet soak. Notice how water is always stroking and massaging, and is constantly murmuring all the secrets it holds safe. Allow your spirit to drift and flow. Compassionate yet reserved, Audrey Hepburn was a water child.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Earth</strong> is both stoical and impatient.</p>
<p>Firm and strong, Earth is fiercely protective. Earth is also easily offended and can bear a grudge. Earth is a specialist in slapstick humor, not always nice. Earth is a wonderful ally though…faithful, supportive, responsive, opinionated and confident. Earth is also impossible to speed along or to stop once it gets moving. If Earth decides to champion your cause nothing can block you from your goal. John Wayne is a child of Earth.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Air</strong> is the trickiest of the Material Gods.</p>
<p>Because of Its nature, Air is easily distracted, hyper-active and often silly. Air will do tricks to get your attention, tease you to distraction and rush to your aid. <br/> Air is the "Inner Child" of the Elementals. To know Air you must befriend each of the Cardinal Winds….who have very distinct personalities. <br/> North wind is serious, focused and always on the job. <br/> East Wind is in a rush but never minds running an errand in need. <br/> South Wind is friendly but moves at its own pace, never rushing. <br/> West Wind is a flirt and a tease, quick, easily distracted and fun. <br/> West Wind is NOT the aspect to trust a message or task to ….because it will wander off to play…but is the perfect choice for a call to get someone's attention quickly.</p>
<p>Each of the Material Gods is anxious to have your attention, recognition and love. Each of them desires the courtesy and respect deserving them, and the rewards of developing a true friendship with them are really impossible to describe.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Earth and Water balance and support each other</p>
<p>Earth and Air oppose each other<br/> Fire and Water control each other</p>
<p>Air and Water assist each other</p>
<p>Fire and Air complement each other</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>FIRE</strong>: South <Angels: Arial, Michael></p>
<p>Red, Gold, Crimson, Orange and White</p>
<p>Energy and Spirit the sense of Sight</p>
<p>Noon/Summer</p>
<p>The Wand and the Censor</p>
<p>Fire Opal</p>
<p>Garlic, Hibiscus, Mustard, Onion, Nettle, Peppers, Red Poppies</p>
<p>The flowering almond tree</p>
<p>Positives: Passionate response and fierce defense</p>
<p>Negatives: Distracted, changeable</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>WATER:</strong> West <Angels: Raphael, Gabriel></p>
<p>Blues, Grays, Deep Purples, Sea Greens</p>
<p>Emotions the sense of Taste</p>
<p>Twilight/Autumn</p>
<p>The Chalice Aquamarine</p>
<p>Myrrh, Ferns, Lotus, Moss, Rushes, Seaweeds, Water Lilies</p>
<p>The Willow Tree</p>
<p>Positives: Calming, comforting, has secret knowledge, Brave</p>
<p>Negatives: Sly, Vindictive, Gossipy, Bravado</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>EARTH:</strong> North <Angels: Auriel, Uriel></p>
<p>Black, Brown, Greenland White</p>
<p>The body, Material matters The Sense of Touch</p>
<p>Midnight/Winter Pentacle and Salts</p>
<p>Clear Quartz Crystal</p>
<p>Comfrey, Ivy, all Grains, Corn</p>
<p>The Oak Tree</p>
<p>Positives: Steadfast, enduring, protective</p>
<p>Negatives: Stubborn, Opinionated, And Vindictive</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>AIR:</strong> East <Angels: Michael, Raphael></p>
<p>Pale colors, White and Violet</p>
<p>The Mind, Knowledge, Speech The Sense of Sound</p>
<p>Dawn/Spring Sword or Athame</p>
<p>Topaz</p>
<p>Frankincense, Pansy, primrose, Vervain, Violets, Yarrow</p>
<p>The</p>
<p>Positives: Wise, witty, friendly and supportive</p>
<p>Negatives: Excessive, changeable, and easily bored</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Elemental Meditations:</strong></p>
<p>Relax and focus on your controlled slow breathing. Sit comfortably but upright so that your spine is straight and your ribcage can fully expand....let your hands rest naturally on your thighs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>FIRE</strong></p>
<p>Within yourself feel the swift heat of flame...</p>
<p>Let the passion, warmth and laughter of fire flood your spirit. Allow Fire to refresh your childlike delight and wonder, your curiosity and your intensity.</p>
<p>"Gracious dancer, cosmic artist… burn away the things that weigh me down and fill me with intense desire, hunger for new knowledge and greater understanding.</p>
<p>Flame of passion, wise and swift, ever-changing...renew my passions, guide my spirit that it may soar as your sparks fly ever upward, spiraling through eternity and full of life, laughter, love, joy and warmth."</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>WATER</p>
<p>Within yourself focus on the soft rush of flowing waters....Allow water to bathe your spirit, comforting your inner self and rinsing away all of the angry, resentful, envious, hurt and sad feelings. Where these energies occupied your spirit, let water bring you feelings of love, support, comfort, understanding and compassion.</p>
<p>"Water of life whose own rhythms keep my body alive, grant me your attention. Share with me your wisdom, understanding and gentle peace. Fill me with your wild spirit also, that I may wear down all opposition, slowly but completely as I reach for my dreams and goals. Teach me your ways, oh Ocean Mother...your adaptability and the ease with which you gain your way. Make me as supple as you are, that I may float along this life path by moving ever forward...abandoning the driftwood of sorrows and angers and flowing freely with the rhythm of the Universe and the Creators."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>EARTH</p>
<p>Within yourself feel the slow steady strength of Earth....Allow Earth to fill your spirit, strengthening and supporting your inner self and rinsing away all of the fearful, confused, petty, hurt and judgmental feelings. Where these energies occupied yours spirit, let Earth bring you wisdom, tolerance, patience, strength and, thoughtfulness.</p>
<p>"Father Mountains who stand guard over my</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Spirit, grant me your patient strength and steadfast loyalty. Mother Earth who guides all lives, guide my steps that may follow the path of the spirit. Grant me your hidden passion that I may always act out of love and intent… your deep-rooted balance that I may always act in strength of Will… your wisdom that I may always know WHY I respond as I do.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>AIR</p>
<p>Within yourself I feel the soft rush of blowing air… Allow air to bathe your spirit, soothing and shaping your inner self and rinsing away all of the angry, resentful, envious, hurt, and sad feelings. Where these energies occupied your spirit, allow the air to bring you new wisdom, tolerance, insight, understand and awareness.</p>
<p>Sky Father, grant me your insight and wisdom, your clear vision, and freedom from all bonds to the material. A brow here, teasing a smile from another there, whispering words of comfort and joy as I move through this life.</p>
<p>Wind brother’s guide and teach my spirit to soar as your eagles do. Let my consciousness stream as do your winds blow free and clear and ever-moving… cooling</p> Elemental Correspondence’stag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-18:6363372:Topic:36254302022-06-18T04:00:40.352ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Elemental Correspondence’s</strong></p>
<p>Astral Projection <br></br> Color - Yellow, Blue <br></br> <br></br> Herb - Dittany of Crete, Mugwort, Poplar <br></br> Stone - Quartz Crystal <br></br> <br></br> Banishing <br></br> Color - Black <br></br> <br></br> Herb - Basil, Yarrow <br></br> Stone - Salt <br></br> <br></br> Beauty <br></br> Color - White <br></br> <br></br> Herb - Avocado, Catnip, Flax, Ginseng, Maidenhair, Yerba Santa <br></br> Stone - Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Tiger's Eye <br></br> <br></br> Business Success <br></br> Color - Green, Violet…</p>
<p><strong>Elemental Correspondence’s</strong></p>
<p>Astral Projection <br/> Color - Yellow, Blue <br/> <br/> Herb - Dittany of Crete, Mugwort, Poplar <br/> Stone - Quartz Crystal <br/> <br/> Banishing <br/> Color - Black <br/> <br/> Herb - Basil, Yarrow <br/> Stone - Salt <br/> <br/> Beauty <br/> Color - White <br/> <br/> Herb - Avocado, Catnip, Flax, Ginseng, Maidenhair, Yerba Santa <br/> Stone - Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Tiger's Eye <br/> <br/> Business Success <br/> Color - Green, Violet <br/> <br/> Herb - Benzoin, Bladderwrack, Dock, Vetivert<br/> Stone - Bloodstone <br/> <br/> Centering <br/> <br/> Color - Yellow <br/> Herb - Vervain <br/> <br/> Stone - Calcite, Herkimer Diamond <br/> Chastity <br/> <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - Cactus, Camphor, Coconut, Cucumber, Fleabane, Hawthorne, Lavender,<br/> Pineapple, Sweet pea, Vervain, Witch Hazel <br/> <br/> Stone - Jasper <br/> Childbirth <br/> <br/> Color - Blue, Red <br/> Herb - Corn <br/> <br/> Stone - Geodes <br/> Courage</p>
<p><br/> <br/> Color - Red <br/> Herb - Borage, Black Cohosh, Columbine, Masterwort, Mullein, Poke, Ragweed,<br/> Sweet pea, Tea, Thyme, Tonka, Wahoo, Yarrow <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Bloodstone, Herkimer Diamond, Tiger's Eye <br/> Dead <br/> <br/> Color - Black <br/> Herb - Yew <br/> <br/> Stone - Fossils <br/> Dieting <br/> <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - Basil <br/> <br/> Stone – Moonstone<br/> Divination <br/> <br/> Color - Yellow <br/> Herb - Broom, Camphor, Cherry, Dandelion, Fig, Goldenrod, Ground Ivy,<br/> Hibiscus, Meadowsweet, Orange, Orris, Pomegranate <br/> <br/> Stone - Hematite, Moonstone, Tiger's Eye <br/> Dreams <br/> <br/> Color - Yellow <br/> Herb - Mistletoe <br/> Stone - Amethyst <br/> <br/> Employment <br/> Color - Green <br/> <br/> Herb - Devil's Shoestring, Lucky Hand, Pecan <br/> Stone - Tiger's Eye <br/> <br/> Exorcism <br/> Color - Black <br/> <br/> Herb - Angelica, Arbutus, Asafetida, Avens, Basil, Beans, Birch, Boneset,<br/> Buckthorn, Clove, Clover, Cumin, Devil's Bit, Dragon's Blood, Elder, Fern,<br/> Fleabane, Frankincense, Fumitory, Garlic, Heliotrope, Horehound, Horseradish<br/> Juniper, Leek, Lilac, Mallow, Mint, Mistletoe, Mullein, Myrrh, Nettle,<br/> Onion, Peach, Peony, Pepper Pine, Rosemary, Rue, Sagebrush, Sandalwood, Sloe<br/> Snapdragon, Tamarisk, Thistle, Witch Grass, Yarrow</p>
<p><br/> <br/> Stone - Bloodstone, Jasper <br/> Fertility <br/> <br/> Color - Green <br/> Herb - Agaric, Banana, Bistort, Bodhi, Carrot, Cuckoo-Flower, Cucumber,<br/> Cyclamen, Daffodil, Dock, Fig, Geranium, Grape, Hawthorn, Hazel, Horsetail,<br/> Mandrake, Mistletoe, Mustard, Myrtle, Nuts, Oak, Olive, Date Palm, Patchouli<br/> Peach, Pine, Pomegranate, Poppy, Rice, Sunflower, Wheat <br/> <br/> Stone - Geodes <br/> Fidelity <br/> <br/> Color - Pink <br/> Herb - Chickweed, Chili Pepper, Clover, Cumin, Elder, Licorice, Magnolia,<br/> Nutmeg, Rhubarb, Rye, Scullcap, Spikenard, Giant Vetch, Yerba Mate <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Herkimer Diamonds <br/> Friendship <br/> <br/> Color - Pink <br/> Herb - Lemon, Love Seed, Passion Flower, Sweet pea <br/> <br/> Stone - Aventurine <br/> Gambling <br/> <br/> Color - Green <br/> Herb - Angelica, Chamomile, Devil's Shoestring <br/> <br/> Stone - Aventurine, Tigers Eye <br/> Gardening <br/> <br/> Color - Green <br/> Herb - Apples <br/> <br/> Stone - Herkimer Diamond, Jasper <br/> Grounding <br/> <br/> Color - Yellow <br/> Herb - Vervain <br/> <br/> Stone - Hematite, Moonstone, Salt, <br/> Happiness <br/> <br/> Color - Blue, Pink <br/> Herb - Catnip, Celandine, Cyclamen, Hawthorn, High John the Conqueror,<br/> Hyacinth, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Morning Glory<br/> Purslane, Quince, Saffron, St. John's Wort, Witch Grass <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Aventurine, Herkimer Diamond <br/> Healing/Health <br/> <br/> Color - Green, Violet, Brown, Blue <br/> Herb - Adder's Tongue, Allspice, Amaranth, Angelica, Balm of Lemon, Balm of<br/> Gilead, Barley, Bay, Bittersweet, Blackberry, Bracken, Burdock, Calamus,<br/> Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Citron, Cowslip, Cucumber, Dock, Elder,<br/> Eucalyptus, Fennel, Figwort, Flax, Gardenia, Garlic, Ginseng, Goat's Rue,<br/> Golden Seal, Groundsel, Heliotrope, Hemp, Henna, Hops, Horehound, Horse<br/> Chestnut, Ivy, Job's Tears, Life Everlasting, Lime, Mesquite, Mint, Mugwort,<br/> Myrrh, Nettle, Oak, Olive, Onion, Peppermint, Pepper Tree, Persimmon, Pine,<br/> Plantain, Potato, Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Rue, Saffron, Sandalwood, Spearmint<br/> Thistle, Thyme, It, Tobacco, Vervain, Violet, Wild Plum, Willow,<br/> Wintergreen, Wood Sorrel, Yerba Santa <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Calcite, carnelian, Quartz Crystal<br/> Hematite, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Tiger's Eye <br/> <br/> Invisibility <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - Amaranth, Chicory, Edelweiss, fern, Heliotrope, mistletoe, poppy,<br/> Wolf's Bane <br/> <br/> Stone - Bloodstone, Tigers Eye <br/> Legal Matters <br/> <br/> Color - Green, Brown <br/> Herb - Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Celandine, Hickory marigold, Skunk<br/> Cabbage <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Bloodstone <br/> Longevity Color - Green <br/> <br/> Herb - Cypress, Lavender, Lemon, Life-Everlasting, Maple, Peach, Sage, Tansy<br/> Stone - Fossils, Jasper <br/> <br/> Love <br/> Color - Red, Pink <br/> Herb - Adam and Eve, Aloe, Apple, Apricot, Aster, Avens, Avocado, Bachelor's<br/> Buttons, Balm of Lemon, Balm of Gilead, Barley, Basil, Beans, Bedstraw, Beet<br/> Betony, Bleeding Heart, Bloodroot, Brazil Nut, Caper, Cardamom, Catnip,<br/> Chamomile, Cherry, Chestnut, Chickweed, Chili Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove,<br/> Clover, Cohosh, Coltsfoot, Columbine, Copal, Coriander, Crocus, Cubeb,<br/> Cuckoo-Flower, Daffodil, Daisy, Damiana, Devil's Bit, Dill, Dogbane, Dragon<br/> s Blood, Dutchman's Breeches, Elecampane, Elm, Endive, Eryngo, Fig, Fuzzy<br/> Weed, Gardenia, Gentian, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Grains of Paradise, Hemp<br/> Hibiscus, High John the Conqueror, Houseleek, Hyacinth, Indian Paint Brush,<br/> Jasmine, Joe-Pye Weed, Juniper, Kava-Kava, Lad's Mantle, Lavender, Leek,<br/> Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Licorice, Lime, Linden, Liverwort, Lobelia, Lotus,<br/> Lovage, Love Seed, Maidenhair, Male Fern, Mallow, Mandrake, Maple, Marjoram,<br/> Mastic, Meadow Rue, Meadowsweet, Mimosa, Mistletoe, Moonwort, Myrtle, Nuts,<br/> Oleander, Orange, Orchid, Pansy, Papaya, Pea, Peach, Pear, Peppermint,<br/> Periwinkle, Pimento, Plum, Plumeria, Poppy, Prickly Ash, Primrose, Purslane,<br/> Quassia, Quince, Raspberry, Rose, Rosemary, Rue, Rye, Saffron, Sarsaparilla,<br/> Skullcap, Senna, Snakeroot, Southernwood, Spearmint, Spiderwort, Strawberry,<br/> Sugar Cane, Sumbul, Tamarind, Thyme, Tomato, Tonka, Tormentil, Trillium,<br/> Tulip, Valerian, Vanilla, Venus Flytrap, Vervain, Vetivert, Violet, Willow,<br/> Witch grass, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yerba Mate, Yohimbe <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Calcite, Jasper, Lepidolite, Moonstone <br/> Luck <br/> <br/> Color - Green, Orange <br/> Herb - Allspice, Aloe, Bamboo, Banyan, Be-Still, Bluebell, Cabbage, Calamus,<br/> China Berry, Cinchona, Cotton, Daffodil, Devil's Bit, Fern, Grains of<br/> Paradise, Hazel, Heather, Holly, Houseleek, Huckleberry, Irish Moss, Job's<br/> Tears, Linden, Lucky Hand, Male Fern, Moss, Nutmeg, Oak, Orange, Persimmon,<br/> Pineapple, Pomegranate, Poppy, Purslane, Rose, Snakeroot, Star Anise, Straw,<br/> Strawberry, Sumbul, Vetivert, Violet, Wood Rose <br/> <br/> Stone - Aventurine, Lepidolite, Tiger's Eye <br/> Magickal Power <br/> <br/> Color - Violet <br/> Herb - Cinnamon, Club Moss <br/> <br/> Stone - Bloodstone, Crystal Quartz <br/> Meditation <br/> <br/> Color - Blue <br/> Herb - Bodhi, Gotu Kola <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Geodes <br/> Mental Powers Color - Yellow <br/> <br/> Herb - Caraway, Celery, Eyebright, Grape, Horehound, Lily of the Valley <br/> Stone - Aventurine, Herkimer Diamond <br/> <br/> Money, Wealth, Prosperity, Riches <br/> Color - Green <br/> Herb - Alfalfa, Allspice, Almond, Basil, Bergamot, Blackberry, Bladderwrack,<br/> Blue Flag, Bryony, Bromeliad, Buckwheat, Calamus, Camellia, Cascara Sagrada,<br/> Cashew, Cedar, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Clove, Clover, Comfrey,<br/> Cowslip, Dill, Dock, Elder, Fenugreek, Fern, Flax, Fumitory, Galangal,<br/> Ginger, Goldenrod, Golden Seal, Gorse, Grapes of Paradise, Grape, Heliotrope<br/> High John the Conqueror, Honesty, Honeysuckle, Horse Chestnut, Irish Moss,<br/> Jasmine, Lucky Hand, Mandrake, Maple, Marjoram, May Apple, Mint, Moonwort,<br/> Moss, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Oak, Oats, Onion, Orange, Oregon Grape, Patchouli, Pea<br/> Periwinkle, Pine, Pineapple, Pipsissewa, Pomegranate, Poplar, Poppy,<br/> Rattlesnake Root, Rice, Snapdragon, Sassafras, Seamae, Snakeroot, Squill,<br/> Tea, Tonka, Trillium, Vervain <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Aventurine, Bloodstone, Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper,<br/> Salt, Tiger's Eye <br/> <br/> Nightmares, Banishing <br/> Color - Black <br/> <br/> Herb - Betony, Cedar <br/> Stone - Lepidolite <br/> <br/> Peace <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - Dulse, Eryngo, Gardenia, Lavender, Loosestrife, Meadowsweet, Morning<br/> Glory, Myrtle, Olive, Passion Flower, Pennyroyal, Skullcap, Vervain, Violet <br/> <br/> Stone - Amethyst, Aventurine, Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Jasper, Lepidolite <br/> Physical Energy <br/> <br/> Color - Red <br/> Herb - Carnation <br/> <br/> Stone - Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Tiger's Eye <br/> Physical Strength <br/> <br/> Color - Red <br/> Herb - Carnation <br/> <br/> Stone - Bloodstone, Herkimer Diamond <br/> Protection <br/> <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - Acacia, African Violet, Agrimony, Ague Root, Aloe, Althea, Alyssum,<br/> Amaranth, Anemone, Angelica, Anise, Arbutus, Asafetida, Ash, Balm Of Gilead,<br/> Bamboo, Barley, Basil, Bay, Bean, Betony, Birch, Bittersweet, Blackberry,<br/> Bladderwrack, Bloodroot, Blueberry, Bodhi, Boneset, Bryony, Bromeliad, Broom<br/> Buckthorn, Burdock, Cactus, Calamus, Caraway, Cohosh, Cotton, Cumin, Curry,<br/> Cyclamen, Cypress, Datura, Devil's Bit, Devil's Shoestring, Dill, Dogwood,<br/> Dragon's Blood, Ebony, Elder, Elecampane, Eucalyptus, Euphoria, Fennel, Fern<br/> Feverwort, Figwort, Flax, Fleabane, Foxglove, Frankincense, Galangal,<br/> Garlic, Geranium, Ginseng, Gorse, Gourd, Grain, Grass, Hazel, Heather, Holly<br/> Honeysuckle, Horehound, Houseleek, Hyacinth, Hyssop, Irish Moss, Ivy,<br/> Juniper, Kava Kava, Lady's Slipper, Larch, Larkspur, Lavender, Leek, Lettuce<br/> Lilac, Lily, Lime, Linden, <br/> <br/> Liquidambar, Loosestrife, Lotus, Lucky Hand, Mallow, Mandrake, Marigold,<br/> Masterwort, Meadow Rue, Mimosa, Mint, Mistletoe, Molluka, Mugwort, Mulberry,<br/> Mullein, Mustard, Myrrh, Nettle, Norfolk Island Pine, Oak, Olive, Onion,<br/> Orris, Papaya, Papyrus, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Peony, Pepper, Peppertree,<br/> Periwinkle, Pilot Weed, Pimpernel, Pine, Plantain, Plum, Primrose, Purslane,<br/> Quince, Radish, Ragwort, Raspberry, Rattlesnake Root, Rhubarb, Rice, Roots,<br/> Rose, Rosemary, Rowan, Sage, St. Johns Wort, Sandalwood, Sloe, Snapdragon,<br/> Southernwood, Spanish Moss, Squill, Tamarisk, Thistle, Ti, Toadflax, Tomato,<br/> Tormentil, Tulip, Valerian, Venus Flytrap, Vervain, Violet, Wax Plant,<br/> Willow, Wintergreen, Witch Hazel, Wolf's Bane, Woodruff, Wormwood, Yerba<br/> Santa, Yucca <br/> <br/> Stone - Aventurine, Calcite, Crystal Quartz, Fossils, Herkimer Diamond,<br/> Jasper, Lepidolite, Moonstone, Salt, Tigers Eye, <br/> <br/> Psychism <br/> Color - Yellow <br/> Herb - Acacia, Althea, Bay, Bladderwrack, Borage, Buchu, Celery, Cinnamon,<br/> Citron, Elecampane, Eyebright, Flax, Galangal, Grass, Honeysuckle,<br/> Lemongrass, Mace, Marigold, Mastic, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rose, Rowan,<br/> Saffron, Star Anise, Stillengia, Sumbul, Thyme, Uva Ursa, Wormwood, Yarrow,<br/> Yerba Santa Stone - Amethyst, Crystal Quartz <br/> <br/> Purification <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - Alkanet, Anise, Arable, Asafetida, Avens, Bay, Benzoin, Betony,<br/> Bloodwort, Broom, Cedar, Chamomile, Coconut, Copal, Euphorbia, Fennel,<br/> Horseradish, Hyssop, Iris, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Verbena, Mimosa, Parsley,<br/> Peppermint, Pepper Tree, Rosemary, Sagebrush, Shallot, Thistle, Thyme,<br/> Tobacco, Turmeric, Valerian, Vervain, Yucca <br/> <br/> Stone - Calcite, salt <br/> Reconciliation <br/> <br/> Color - Orange <br/> Herb - Beans <br/> <br/> Stone - Calcite, Herkimer Diamond <br/> Sexual Energy <br/> <br/> Color - Red <br/> Herb - Banana, Beans, Caper, Cohosh, Dragon's Blood, Oak, Olive <br/> <br/> Stone - Herkimer Diamond, Jasper <br/> Sleep</p>
<p>Color - Blue <br/> Herb - Agrimony, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, Datura, Elder, Hops, Lavender,<br/> Lettuce, Linden, Passion Flower, Peppermint, Purslane, Rosemary, Thyme,<br/> Valerian, Vervain <br/> <br/> Stone - Moonstone, <br/> Spirituality <br/> <br/> Color - White <br/> Herb - African violet, Aloe, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Gardenia, Myrrh,<br/> Sandalwood <br/> <br/> Stone - Calcite, Herkimer Diamond, Lepidolite <br/> Success <br/> <br/> Color - Green <br/> Herb - Cinnamon, Clover, Ginger, High John the Conqueror, Rowan, Wahoo,<br/> Winter's bark <br/> <br/> Stone - Aventurine <br/> Travel <br/> <br/> Color - Brown <br/> Herb - Mint <br/> <br/> Stone - Herkimer Diamond <br/> Wisdom <br/> <br/> Color - Yellow <br/> Herb - Bodhi, Iris, Peach, Sage, Sunflower <br/> Stone - Jasper</p> Energy Imprints and Constructstag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-05:6363372:Topic:36252622022-06-05T02:56:27.514ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Energy Imprints and Constructs</strong></p>
<p>It is important to understand that our energy is not static. It doesn't just glow around us like some kind of painted halo. Our energy is engaged in a constant exchange with the energy of the world around us. Our auras are more like a candle flame than you might imagine.</p>
<p>Like the flame, they constantly radiate energy outward, and that energy is dispersed into the world around them. For the candle, there must be some kind of fuel,…</p>
<p><strong>Energy Imprints and Constructs</strong></p>
<p>It is important to understand that our energy is not static. It doesn't just glow around us like some kind of painted halo. Our energy is engaged in a constant exchange with the energy of the world around us. Our auras are more like a candle flame than you might imagine.</p>
<p>Like the flame, they constantly radiate energy outward, and that energy is dispersed into the world around them. For the candle, there must be some kind of fuel, such as paraffin, to sustain combustion. However, the flame would not burn without additionally taking in a vital component from the atmosphere surrounding it: oxygen.</p>
<p>Through this interaction, there is a constant exchange going on that feeds the candle flame even as it sends its heat and light out into the world. So it is with us, a constant and dynamic exchange. We are sustained by the energy naturally generated by our bodies, yet even as we are constantly radiating energy outward, so too are we taking energy in to continue the cycle.<br/> <br/> A candle flame warms the air around it with its shed energy. We affect the world around us with our energy radiation as well. Spent energy constantly disperses from us, being shed in the process of our burning. This energy drifts off of us, settling like psychic dust in the subtle world.</p>
<p>This trace of our passing will linger for some time until the energy is picked up by one of the currents of the subtle reality. Once it gets caught in one of the flows, the lost material is moved and agitated, reduced to a neutral state again, and eventually recycled into the greater whole.</p>
<p>However, it can also drift into stagnant places and in that case, the energy simply adds to the energy already built up there, helping to create a very rank and oppressive atmosphere. As no currents move through places like this in order to clean them out, the energy will remain there until someone cleanses it or something comes by to consume it or until it is consciously stripped away.<br/> <br/> Not all of the energy that we leave in the world around us is simply cast-off detritus (loose material). Some of the energy fingerprints we leave on objects and places are imprints that we very actively put there. By attaching special significance to certain places or things, we actually invest some of our energy into that location or object. Whether we are conscious of the process or not, the more attention and emotion we focus on something, the deeper an impression that we leave upon it.</p>
<p>Think of it like this<strong>:</strong> a candle lit in an empty room will burn regardless of whether anything is there to receive its warmth and its light. However, a flame can also be used to warm someone's hands, or it can be used more directly on an object, to burn a mark into it. How close something is to the flame and how long it is exposed to its energy determines how deeply it will be burned.</p>
<p>Some objects we merely scorch with our personal energy, but some things we practically brand with our individual signatures. A Memory Ghost Let us say that your grandmother has passed away. You've inherited her house and a good portion of her personal effects. Sad, but a little excited to be gifted with such tangible memories of her, you move in. You have one of her rings resized so you can wear it as a constant reminder of what she meant to you in life.</p>
<p>You are very happy in your new home, but after a few weeks, you start noticing things that seem a little strange. For instance, every time you walk past the kitchen, it seems like you can see your grandmother standing over the stove.</p>
<p>You catch the image just out of the corner of your eye, and of course, when you look directly at it, there's nothing there. But it seems like her presence lingers in the kitchen, even when you can't actually see her. You also get a strong sense of her radiating from her favorite rocking chair. This is so strong that you unconsciously leave the rocking chair empty, almost as if you're expecting her to sit down in it at any moment. And sometimes, when you're sleeping, you wake up all of a sudden, and it seems like your grandmother is hovering over you, watchful and protecting. You can't see anything in the darkness of your room, but the sense of her presence is almost palpable.<br/> <br/> Now, you don't get the feeling that your grandmother means you any harm, but the strength of the impressions has got you a little spooked. You hardly intended to be sharing your new home with a ghost. Feeling a little out of your water, you decide to do a little research.</p>
<p>You check out a few books on the subject and learn that ghosts often linger due to unfinished business. Furthermore, they often appear to family members that they need to communicate with. You experimentally try talking to your grandmother, assuring her that you love her and, although she is terribly missed, she really needs to move on.</p>
<p>Yet this is like talking into a phone that has no one on the other end. There is no response, and you do not even get a sense that the spirit is listening to you. The impressions of her presence continue, but always in the same places, and no matter how hard you try to communicate, she never responds.</p>
<p>In this case, it is very likely that there is no ghost and your grandmother has already moved on. The feelings and impressions that you're picking up on in the house are simply lingering echoes of your grandmother's energy.</p>
<p>In the kitchen, for instance, she was always cooking, and a special way she expressed her love for her family was through her desserts and her food. It follows that a great deal of her energy was invested in the kitchen, and this energy residue is strongest near the stove. The rocking chair was somewhere she sat when she needed to think and ponder the direction her life was going, so of course, a lot of her energy still lingers here as well.</p>
<p>And whenever you wake up at night with the feeling of your grandmother's presence nearby you, the ring of hers that you now wear is sitting on your nightstand. If you really think about it, you realize that the impression of her presence is actually coming from the ring itself, a piece of jewelry that she always wore, for as long as you can remember.<br/> <br/> We leave little echoes of ourselves in the places and objects that are important to us. Sometimes, we are half-conscious of this. For example, if we want a close friend to have a reminder of us, we often give them some piece of jewelry or some little object that was very precious to us. We usually even give it with the words, "Keep this close; it will remind you of me."</p>
<p>The reminder is not simply in the gesture of giving the gift. We could just as easily go to the store and pick out something expensive. But some of the most precious gifts we give to others are things that we've had with us for a while, things that we've attached a great deal of sentimental value to. Why? Because our energy is all over these things. When we give this to someone, we are giving them a piece of ourselves, and that energy, unique to us, will radiate out of the object, constantly reminding our loved ones of what it feels like to have us near.</p>
<p><strong>Emotional Imprints</strong><br/> it is possible for us to leave traces of our energy on objects or places without having that energy resonate with our personal presence. Strong emotions can very easily imprint themselves on the world around us.</p>
<p>Homes, workplaces, and even hotel rooms can develop a distinct build-up of emotional residues. These residues linger in the subtle reality, affecting everyone who comes into contact with them on a deep and unspoken level. <br/></p>
<p><strong>Emotional residues</strong>, like our psychic dust, build up over time. Unlike psychic dust, however, emotional residues can linger for quite a while. Since we tend to associate places with the emotions we've experienced in them, we have a habit of experiencing the same feelings in the same places over and over again. The pre-existing energy of the place only encourages this, and so it creates a self-perpetuating cycle of emotion.<br/> <br/> For example, a teenager almost always retreats to her room for sanctuary from the "unfair" world. Whenever this young person has a bad day at school or has an argument with her parents, she takes all her hurt feelings with her to her private space. Now, her original intention is to simply find someplace that is separate and away from those things that seem to always be hurting her. And yet by constantly taking these bad feelings into her personal space, she imprints the negativity on the very walls. Over time this builds up, and it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle of negative emotions.</p>
<p>Given the tumultuous energy of a teen, this cycle can get pretty intense. Before too long, her room has become a kind of emotional pit, where anyone walking in can just feel the angst and anger dripping off the walls. A little bit of this negativity rubs off onto anyone exposed to it, inspiring similar emotions which then feed back into the pre-existing residue.</p>
<p>Like breeds like where emotional residues are concerned, and every time the lingering impression inspires that self-same emotion in a person, that person's emotional energy feeds back into the residue, strengthening it. So, whenever her parents come up to her room to comfort her, they find themselves instead inspired by a confrontation. They wind up yelling and arguing even more, unaware that a large part of their feelings is being influenced by the general feeling of negativity radiating from her room. In such an atmosphere, it's almost impossible not to react to the ambient emotion.<br/> <br/> Negative emotions often leave the strongest lingering impressions, but not all emotional residues inspire bad feelings in people. We can invest in objects with very positive impressions as well. Consider that favorite teddy bear you had as a child. You carried that thing with you everywhere, and for you, it was the ultimate talisman of safety and security in an unpredictable world. When you went to bed at night, you knew beyond any kind of doubt, that that bear would protect you from all the monsters under your bed. You lavished love and attention upon it, so much so that it almost seemed to take on a personality of its own.<br/> <br/> Once you outgrew the need for the teddy bear, you still kept it around, and eventually, it was given to a very special child in your adult life. And the very first time that child held the teddy bear, he could feel the comfort and safety radiating off of it.</p>
<p>Each time he took it to bed with him; he knew just by the feel of the bear that he would be safe. And his own feelings of comfort and security fed back into the bear, perpetuating the emotional impression. <br/> <br/> Someday, at a much later time, the bear might end up in an antique shop, and the person who picks it up will immediately sense the love it was given.</p>
<p>The impression of childhood trust and comfort breathes almost tangibly from the worn cloth of the toy. All of us have handled toys like that, little childhood talismans that seem to have taken on a life of their own. As children, our energy is unguarded and pure. We focus that energy on things without any kind of hesitation or reserve. And so the lingering impressions of childhood emotion are some of the strongest we can encounter.</p>
<p><strong>Energy Constructs</strong><br/> There have been movies made about dolls invested with enough energy that they achieve a weird kind of life. Usually, this is the stuff of horror films and nightmares, but let's look back at the teddy bear example for a moment. Think about all the energy that a child puts into a toy like that. The child names the toy and makes up stories about it. The toy becomes in his mind a special friend, almost more real to him than the kid who lives down the street. How much innocent energy does it take to invest the toy with some kind of actual personality? Is there such a thing as a created spirit? <br/> <br/> It is possible for enough energy to be invested into a residue that it takes on a life of its own. This process is very rare, but it can still happen unintentionally. More common, although still far and few between, are intentionally created energy constructs. These are sometimes called elementals by witches and magickal workers. Another term for them is "astral construct," because they exist entirely in the non-physical realm.<br/> <br/> What is the difference between an energy construct and the impression of your grandmother lingering in the house? First and foremost, the construct is something that had no existence separate from the energy which makes it up. Your grandmother was a living person, unique and vital and very physically real. After her passing, a great deal of her energy lingered in her living space and on those objects precious to her. When you "saw" your grandmother in the house, it was an impression only, even though your mind interpreted it as her actual presence. A second spirit was not born out of the lingering energies she left behind. These were just echoes of her. <br/> <br/> An energy construct, on the other hand, is created purely out of energy. It has no real existence in the physical world prior to or after its creation. It can be tied to a particular physical object or even a place, but this serves as a focus only. The real existence of the construct is in the subtle realm. Such constructs are born of a continuous build-up of focused energy - either the energy of strong emotion or the equally potent energy of a person's intentionally directed will. <br/> <br/> Intentional constructs can be invested with a limited amount of sentience - kind of like a spiritual program that dictates certain actions they should perform. Unintentionally created constructs usually play out a limited set of actions inspired by whatever created them in the first place.</p>
<p>Thus, a construct that has developed in a home where there was constant anger and fighting will simply roam around, inspiring the same sort of feelings in others and feeding off of the energy those emotions produce.</p>
<p>The significant difference between a simple residue and a construct at this point is the independence it has achieved. The construct can move from place to place in the subtle reality much like any other spirit, while a residue is usually tied to the place where it was created until it is worn away or removed.</p>
<p>The construct also actively seeks out the kind of energy that will perpetuate its existence, whereas a residue does this only passively. Finally, a construct will instinctively avoid anything that might harm it or bring about the end of its existence. This indicates at least a limited amount of sentience, a fact which is just a little unsettling, considering this created spirit developed from nothing more than a build-up of cast-off human emotion.</p> Protective Shielding and Groundingtag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-05:6363372:Topic:36252602022-06-05T02:49:36.485ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Grounding and Centering Exercise</strong></p>
<p>Grounding and Centering will form a strong, solid, stable foundation, both for shielding yourself and for using magical energy. Properly Grounded, you will be better able to draw on both your own energy and energy from the world around you. This will enable you to manifest more effectively, not only during your Protection Spell, but in any other spell or ritual you perform.</p>
<ul>
<li>Picture yourself standing or lying in a…</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Grounding and Centering Exercise</strong></p>
<p>Grounding and Centering will form a strong, solid, stable foundation, both for shielding yourself and for using magical energy. Properly Grounded, you will be better able to draw on both your own energy and energy from the world around you. This will enable you to manifest more effectively, not only during your Protection Spell, but in any other spell or ritual you perform.</p>
<ul>
<li>Picture yourself standing or lying in a beautiful, green forest. Engage all of your senses:<ul>
<li>See the tall pines and oaks around you</li>
<li>smell the moss, soil, and loam beneath you</li>
<li>Feel the dappled sunlight filtering down through the trees to touch your face with warmth</li>
<li>Breathe in the fresh air and feel the life all around you</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Now imagine yourself becoming a part of the forest. Your feet, legs, and arms begin to grow roots and seek the soil below. Feel your roots pushing through the leaves and moss on the surface, down into the dark, rich soil of Mother Earth.</li>
<li>Feel your roots getting bigger and stronger as they dig deeper to be nourished by the rich earth and draw strength from it.<ul>
<li>Push your roots down as far as they can go</li>
<li>Grab onto rocks and boulders far beneath the surface</li>
<li>Take a strong hold on the earth with your roots</li>
<li>Know that you are as solid as the rock, stable as the oaks and pines, yet as flexible as the willow that dances in the wind.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Feel the earth's energy coursing up through your roots into your legs, through your hips, abdomen, and chest to your hands and head. The energy fills every crevice of your body. This energy has always been there; now you know how to find it easily.<ul>
<li>You have found balance</li>
<li>Draw energy from the earth to find new strength</li>
<li>Feel how well rooted and connected to the earth you have become.</li>
<li>You are balanced and strong.</li>
<li>Nothing outside you can disturb these roots or your strength.</li>
<li>You are as steadfast as a mountain.</li>
<li>Take a moment and feel how strong you truly are.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When you are ready, open your eyes and return to the world around your physical body, knowing that you are now Grounded and Centered. Remember: nothing and no one can change this but you.<ul>
<li>You will probably lose this grounding fairly quickly the first few times. Keep trying, and you will soon be able to maintain your grounding for weeks at a time.</li>
<li>As you become more adept at grounding, you will find you can leave off more of the imagery in emergency situations. I often use a "quick grounding", just visualizing the roots growing into the Earth. This will keep you steady until you can do the full meditation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><br/> <strong>Shielding Protection Spell</strong></p>
<p>Shielding is the actual "protection" part of the Ground, Center, Shield Protection Spell. Bear in mind that shielding without grounding will allow negative energy to "cling" to the shield. You have to ground the energy so that it cannot harm you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> Begin by Grounding and Centering as you did above.</p>
<ul>
<li>Begin drawing energy into your body. Let it begin to build in your Chi or abdominal area. This is where your energy and strength begin to build.</li>
<li>Form a ball of pure light, energy, and strength at the core of your body.<ul>
<li>Slowly let the ball expand, with your Chi at its center</li>
<li>As the ball expands, begin to see it as a bubble or hollow sphere with you on the inside</li>
<li>Let the energy from the earth flow through you and into the shield as it expands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Let the sphere penetrate the ground beneath you, and cover the air above and to all sides of you. You are protected in the center of this bubble. The bubble is incredibly strong. Your roots should either be growing <em>through</em> or <em>from</em> the shield.</li>
<li>The energy and strength you felt when you were grounded and centered can now be used as an inexhaustible source of power for your shield. You can keep your shield up as long as you like without much effort. You are protected and safe.<ul>
<li>If your shields grow from your shield, visualize the unwanted energies flowing around the shield and down through the roots into the Earth.</li>
<li>If your roots grow through the shield, you must allow the energies of your shield to constantly flow:<ul>
<li>Energies should flow around the shield and down the <em>outside</em> of the roots.</li>
<li>The roots should disperse the negative energy <em>outward</em> from the <em>lower edges</em> of the roots into the Earth</li>
<li>Positive energy should flow up from the earth into the <em>tip</em> of the root, <em>away</em> from where the negative energy is being dispersed</li>
<li>The positive energy will rise up into your body to replace the energies you are putting into your shield</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Make your shield personal.<ul>
<li>Make the bubble any material or color you want.</li>
<li>Your shield can be as thick or thin as you desire.</li>
<li>It can be solid like a wall, or it can constantly flow like water.</li>
<li>With practice, when you feel the need to raise your shields, you will be able to do so almost instantly.</li>
<li>Your shield should seldom be static. A well-balanced shield will be in constant motion, taking negativity to your roots and guiding it into the earth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p> </p> Shield Spelltag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-05:6363372:Topic:36251572022-06-05T02:43:08.942ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Shield Spell:</span></b></p>
<p>This spell will help to "clear away any lingering negative energies" and "form a shield of protection around your home".</p>
<p>It is a good idea to thoroughly cleanse yourself by smudging with Sage before performing this spell.</p>
<p>It is best worked on a Full Moon...</p>
<p> Take a handful of Sage leaves and burn on a charcoal block. Whilst the leaves are burning, say:</p>
<p>"All negativity now disperses.</p>
<p>May…</p>
<p><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Shield Spell:</span></b></p>
<p>This spell will help to "clear away any lingering negative energies" and "form a shield of protection around your home".</p>
<p>It is a good idea to thoroughly cleanse yourself by smudging with Sage before performing this spell.</p>
<p>It is best worked on a Full Moon...</p>
<p> Take a handful of Sage leaves and burn on a charcoal block. Whilst the leaves are burning, say:</p>
<p>"All negativity now disperses.</p>
<p>May this house be cleansed...free of all bad forces...thoughts and energies.</p>
<p>May it remain so."</p>
<p> <u>Light a candle at the center of a flat surface. Take four obsidian arrowhead</u>s.</p>
<p><u>Place an arrowhead to the North of the candle ~ pointing to the North and say</u>:<br/> "I place an arrow to the North and ask that all bad forces may be buried in the Earth".</p>
<p> <u>Place an arrowhead at the East of the candle, pointing East, and say</u>:<br/> "I place an arrow to the East and ask that all negativity may be blown away by the wind".</p>
<p> <u>Place an arrowhead to the South of the candle, pointing South, and say</u>:<br/> "I place an arrow to the South and ask that all ill-feeling may be burnt up by flame".</p>
<p> <u>Place an arrowhead to the West of the candle, pointing West, and say</u>:<br/> "I place an arrow to the West and ask that all harmful intent may be washed away by water".</p>
<p> V<u>isualize all negative energies leaving your home. No new ones may enter</u>.</p>
<p><u>Picture a shield of light growing around your house. Nothing negative is able to penetrate it: <br/></u> Say:<br/> "A shield I place around this house and ask that nothing negative may enter.<br/> Let the shield remain in place all the days and all the nights until the next Moon is full".</p>
<p>Burn a protection incense and say:<br/> "I now burn this incense.<br/> Let the smoke strengthen the shield.<br/> Let the smoke empower the arrows.<br/> Let nothing harmful enter.<br/> I thank the powers and the elements,<br/> This spell is now complete."</p> Aromatherapytag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-06-05:6363372:Topic:36249972022-06-05T02:33:55.952ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p>Aromatherapy</p>
<p>Is the practice of using volatile plant oils, called essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.</p>
<p>It is the fastest-growing complementary medicine and for good reason.</p>
<p> Not only is it relaxing but researchers and medical professionals recognize its therapeutic value.</p>
<p>In this part of our aromatherapy study, we are going to cover its typical uses next week we will cover its magickal uses.</p>
<p> Aromatherapy is a HUGE subject and there…</p>
<p>Aromatherapy</p>
<p>Is the practice of using volatile plant oils, called essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.</p>
<p>It is the fastest-growing complementary medicine and for good reason.</p>
<p> Not only is it relaxing but researchers and medical professionals recognize its therapeutic value.</p>
<p>In this part of our aromatherapy study, we are going to cover its typical uses next week we will cover its magickal uses.</p>
<p> Aromatherapy is a HUGE subject and there is no way we can cover it fully in one or two classes.</p>
<p>I suggest that you make a private study of this subject as its healing and psychological benefits will be very useful both in your magickal life and in your home.</p>
<p> Aromatherapy works in three ways; first, the smell has an effect by changing brain wave patterns. The method of delivery can also be beneficial, especially when given as a massage.</p>
<p> But the main benefits come through absorption by the skin of the essential oils.</p>
<p>The molecules are very small and easily penetrate; this has been proved by finding traces of essential oils in the bloodstream and urine.</p>
<p> When these molecules hit the nerve receptors, they set off a reaction that results in brain activity and has been observed in CT and MRI scans.</p>
<p> Essential oils which are the pure "essence" of a plant have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. There are many essential oils. Absolutes and hydrosols are also commonly utilized in aromatherapy.</p>
<p> The term "essential oil" is often used as a blanket term to also include hydrosols and absolutes.</p>
<p>An aromatherapy glossary is on the Luna Goddess resource site.</p>
<p>It is important to note that perfume oils are also known as fragrance oils or "fragrances" are different from essential oils.</p>
<p> Perfume oils and fragrances contain unnatural chemicals and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Unfortunately, many companies improperly use the term aromatherapy on products that contain unnatural and perfume oils, so it's important to look at the ingredient label when seeking true aromatherapy products.</p>
<p><strong>The Benefit of an "Aroma"</strong></p>
<p> Essential oils that are inhaled into the lungs are believed to offer both psychological and physical benefits; not only does the aroma of the natural essential oil stimulate the brain to trigger a reaction, but the natural constituents (naturally occurring chemicals) of the essential oil is drawn into the lungs and can also supply physical benefit.</p>
<p>If not done correctly and safely, however, the use of essential oils can also have severe consequences.</p>
<p> <strong>The Benefit of Physical Application</strong></p>
<p> Oils that are applied to the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream.</p>
<p>The components of the various oils are believed to aid in a variety of health, beauty, and hygiene conditions. Since essential oils are so powerful and concentrated, they should never be applied to the skin in their undiluted form. To apply essential oils to the skin, "carrier oils" which are pure vegetable oils are used to dilute the essential oils and "carry" them to the skin.</p>
<p>Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and grapeseed oil.</p>
<p>Also listed on the resource site is a list of different carrier oils.</p>
<p><strong>Other Benefits</strong></p>
<p> Essential Oils can supply other benefits as well. Some oils, for instance, act as a natural repellent and pesticide. You may use "citronella" candles during the summer to keep mosquitoes away.</p>
<p>Citronella essential oil is the ingredient in the candles that provides this benefit.</p>
<p>Ginger oil is an essential oil so it has to be blended with a carrier oil before using it ginger is a good essential oil but is strong Essential Oil Blends</p>
<p> Essential oils may be blended together to provide an especially pleasing aroma. Oils can be blended together to also provide a specific therapeutic action.</p>
<p><em>A synergistic essential oil blend</em> of the correct oils in proper proportions is considered to be greater in total benefit than the oils working independently. Learning to blend takes skill and a good nose! But please practice...it is a great hobby to learn!</p>
<p><strong>What are Essential Oils?</strong></p>
<p> Essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant.</p>
<p>Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange, and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color, and Yarrow oil is blue!</p>
<p> Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits.</p>
<p> These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.</p>
<p>Essential oils are often used by diluting them with a carrier oil (sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil) and then applying this blend to the skin for absorption.</p>
<p> Careful inhalation of the oils can also provide therapeutic benefits as the oil molecules enter the lungs and are absorbed into the bloodstream.</p>
<p> Essential Oils are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles. Essential oils can vary greatly in quality and price. Various factors that can affect the quality and price of the oil include the rarity of the plant, the country, and conditions in that the plant was grown, the quality standards of the distiller, and how much oil is produced by the plant.</p>
<p> Essential oils can often be purchased as blends of several essential oils.</p>
<p> The advantage if it is a blend of pure essential oils is that you can save from having to buy every essential oil individually. The disadvantage is that you have no control over the blend by not mixing it yourself nor can you reliably mix the blend with other oils.</p>
<p><strong>What are Fragrance Oils?</strong></p>
<p> Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are different from perfume oils or fragrance oils.</p>
<p>Where essential oils are derived from the true plants, perfume and fragrance oils are artificially created fragrances, contain artificial substances, or are diluted with carrier oils and do not offer the caliber of therapeutic benefits that essential oils offer.</p>
<p> <strong>Carrier Oils</strong></p>
<p> Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before applying to the skin. They do not have to be expensive you can use olive oil or groundnut from your kitchen or you can buy others that have their own moisturizing qualities for the skin.</p>
<p> They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.</p>
<p>Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant.</p>
<p>Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.</p>
<p> Examples of carrier oils are sweet almonds, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avocado, peanuts, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut, and wheat germ.</p>
<p>Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy because mineral oil is not a natural product.</p>
<p>It is also said that mineral oil can prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.</p>
<p> Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go rancid. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural</p>
<p>vitamin E added. Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative. And will prevent your blends going off</p>
<p><strong>Essential Oil Safety Information</strong></p>
<p> Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids that can be harmful if not used carefully. Implementing aromatherapy into your lifestyle should not cause paranoia or undue worry. By treating essential oils as medicines and following the steps outlined below, you will be well on your way to safely enjoying the many benefits that aromatherapy can offer.</p>
<p> These safety guidelines are not a complete safety reference for the proper use of essential oils.</p>
<p>When in doubt, consult your physician and/or a qualified and trained aromatherapy practitioner. Or research the oils being used on a good aromatherapy website.</p>
<p>Essential oils should never be used undiluted on the skin.</p>
<p> There are instances when experienced aromatherapy users and practitioners make exceptions to this precaution, but only once significant essential oil knowledge is gained should you ever attempt to apply undiluted oil on the skin.</p>
<p>Lavender and tea tree are listed by a large number of aromatherapy sources as being oils that can be used undiluted.</p>
<p> Undiluted use of lavender and tea tree, however, should only be done on rare occurrences as severe sensitivity still could occur in some individuals. Patch test all new oil blends as a matter of course. Again, the safest rule of thumb is to never use any essential oil undiluted.</p>
<p>Some oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions in some individuals.</p>
<p> When using new oil for the first time, do a skin patch on a small area of skin. Place a small amount of the diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow or behind an ear and wait 24 hours to see if there is any form of reaction.</p>
<p> Even if a particular essential oil is not known to cause irritation, this step should not be ignored.</p>
<p>Even if an oil does not irritate you, it still can irritate someone else. It is important that you always keep that in mind. Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or by those with asthma, epilepsy, or other health conditions. <u>Less is More</u>.</p>
<p> When using essential oils, use the smallest number of essential oils that will get the job done.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If one drop will get the job done, for example, don't use two drops. Not all essential oils are suitable for use in aromatherapy. Wormwood, pennyroyal, onion, camphor, horseradish, wintergreen, rue, bitter almond, and sassafras are some of the essential oils that should only be used by qualified aromatherapy practitioners, if ever at all.</p>
<p> Never let children use essential oils without the presence of an adult knowledgeable about their use. Most essential oils smell wonderful and many essential oils such as citrus oils can smell like they are safe to drink. Keep your essential oils away from children. Treat the oils like medicines that are poison in unknowing hands. Essential oils should not be taken internally.</p>
<p> Essential oils are flammable. Please keep them out of the way of fire hazards.</p>
<p>Citrus oils react with the sun and cause photosensitivity and pigmentation of the skin. Avoid using these oils when going out into the sun.</p>
<p> <strong>Storing Your Oils</strong></p>
<p> Essential Oils and absolutes are usually sold for individual use in very small bottles.</p>
<p>They are commonly sold in 5ml, 10ml, and 15ml (1/2 ounce) sizes.</p>
<p>For more expensive oils, it is common to find them sold in sizes starting at 2ml and 1 dram sizes.</p>
<p>Although essential oils do not become rancid, they can deteriorate and lose their therapeutic benefit over time.</p>
<p> Such as the citrus oils will oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties.</p>
<p>Not all oils lose their value. Some oils such as patchouli and sandalwood can improve.</p>
<p>To avoid deterioration and protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties, your oils should be ideally kept in amber or cobalt blue bottles.</p>
<p> Dark glass such as amber or cobalt helps to keep out sunlight which can hasten deterioration. Be leery of purchasing any oils sold in clear glass bottles.</p>
<p>The only exception to this is tea tree oil which is not affected by the sun and is often sold in clear bottles. <u>Run if you find an essential oil sold in a plastic bottle.</u></p>
<p> When purchasing oils, be skeptical of oils that are bottled in clear glass or have a rubber dropper incorporated into its screw-top cap.</p>
<p> Droppers with rubber bulbs should not be kept with the essential oil bottle as the highly concentrated oil can turn the rubber bulb into the gum.</p>
<p> Most essential oils are sold in bottles that contain an "orifice reducer." An orifice reducer is a small, usually clear insert inside the bottle opening that acts as a dropper.</p>
<p>You simply tip the bottle and you can dispense the oil drop by drop.</p>
<p><strong>Blending Oils</strong></p>
<p> Although you can use essential oils singly, aroma therapists like to blend two three, or more oils to make a closer match to the person's physical and mental needs. Blends should be pleasant for the person to use, reject those that are disliked by the person or include those that bring back pleasant memories.</p>
<p> Also, fragrances that are liked and disliked can be a very personal choice. <u>Each aroma-therapy oil has a smell that is called a note.</u></p>
<p>Every fragrance can be separated (some essential oils cross over two notes) into three categories, <strong><u>Base, medium, and high notes.</u></strong></p>
<p><u>A good blend is made up of these three notes.</u></p>
<p><strong><u>Top notes</u></strong> are light, crisp, and sharp, citrus oils fall into this group. They also wear off more quickly as they are more volatile than medium or base notes. So use a base note to anchor the blend.</p>
<p><strong><u>Middle notes</u></strong> are more muted and evaporate less easily; lavender and juniper are good examples of middle notes.</p>
<p><strong> <u>Base notes</u></strong> have a long-lasting smell and include ylang-ylang and sandalwood.</p>
<p>Using oils from only one group of notes will not produce a balanced and effective blend.</p>
<p> <strong>Rules for Blending</strong></p>
<p>The room in which you work should be well ventilated and odor-free so you don't get overcome by scents. Protect furniture and tabletops. Essential oils are volatile and can burn wood tops!</p>
<p> Don't try working for more than fifteen minutes at a time because your nose will become confused. Beware hygiene and contamination of your oils and equipment.</p>
<p> Label your blends straight away. You will NOT remember what was in it or which blend is which</p>
<p><u>Keep notes!</u> If you find a really good blend but then can't remember the recipe you will kick yourself!</p>
<p> Blends take up to 24 to fuse, so check the next day to make sure it still smells as you want it to be.</p>
<p>Because you use different concentrations of oils depending on the type of application it is a good idea to know the percentages of oils depending on these applications.</p>
<p>We will calculate in drops for small quantities of 5ml/10ml bottles and ml's for 50ml+ bottles.</p>
<p> It may be a good idea to find a conversion into fl oz because I mainly use metric measurements.</p>
<p>Use less rather than more until you know what you are doing</p>
<p> If you are blending your essential oil into another carrier base like lotion or shower gel the quantity of oil required will be the same as if you were using a vegetable carrier oil.</p>
<p> The percentages below are for an adult of average build and weight, with no specific health problems. If making a blend for a child, elderly or frail person, or someone on medication or with sensitive skin use half the amounts and patch test behind the ear or in the crook of the elbow or knee.</p>
<p> Some essential oils are ok to use during pregnancy but some are not. If in doubt DO NOT USE!</p>
<p>Some essential oils like peppermint, Vetivert, and jasmine have a very strong odor and you may find that using half the number of other oils is better.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Less can sometimes mean more.</p>
<p>For 5ml carrier oil</p>
<p>1-2 drops for the face that is total drops not per oil</p>
<p>2-3 drops of massage oil</p>
<p>5 drops for specific problems</p>
<p>10 drops bath blend.</p>
<p>For 15ml carrier oil</p>
<p>3-6 drops for the face</p>
<p>6-9 drops of massage oil</p>
<p>15 drops for specific problems</p>
<p>30 drops bath blend</p>
<p>For 50ml carrier oil</p>
<p>10-20 drops for the face or 0.5-1mls for the face</p>
<p>20-30 drops of massage oil or 1-1.5mls</p>
<p>50 drops specific problems or 2.5mls</p>
<p>100 drops bath blend 5mls bath blend</p>
<p>Going through individual essential oils could take forever. But please research for yourself. I suggest that if you want to learn aromatherapy properly take a course or buy a few books.</p>
<p><strong>Tips for Beginners</strong></p>
<p>DON'T: Don't buy perfume oils thinking they are the same thing as essential oils. Perfume oils do not offer the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.</p>
<p>DON'T: Don't buy essential oils with rubber glass dropper tops. Essential oils are very concentrated and will turn the rubber into a gum thus ruining the oil.</p>
<p>DO: Read as much as you can on Aromatherapy. It is very easy to get started with Aromatherapy, but there are safety issues that you need to be aware of.</p>
<p>DO: Be selective about where you purchase your essential oils. The quality of essential oils varies widely from company to company. Additionally, some companies may falsely claim that their oils are undiluted or pure when they aren't.</p>
<p>DO: It is also helpful to note the country of origin for the oil. best essential oil sellers will readily supply the botanical names and country of origin for the oils that they sell. When comparing one company's oils with another is, also pay attention to if either company's oils are organic, wild-crafted, or ethically farmed.</p>
<p>DO: Store your oils in dark glass (amber or cobalt blue) and in a cool, dark place. I have two wooden hinged boxes where I store some of my oils.</p>
<p>DO: Pay special attention to all safety information on all essential oils that you use. This is even more important if you have any medical condition or are pregnant.</p>
<p>Look on the resource site for info on different oils</p>
<p> <strong><em>Here is a list of oils to keep at hand</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Lavender,</strong> has so many uses</p>
<p>Lavender - Lavandula Augustifolia ... fresh, sweet, floral aroma. It can be used on cuts, wounds, or burns. It Soothes, calms, and is excellent to use for stress and nervous tension. It is also good as an anti-inflammatory.<br/> <strong>Calendula officianalis</strong> Known for millennia for its skin healing benefits, until just recently the only way to experience the herbal soothing of Calendula was to infuse the dried blossoms in olive oil.</p>
<p><strong>Chamomile</strong> - Anthemis Nobilis ... a fruity fragrance ... calms the mind and helps with insomnia. Chamomile can help to soothe anxiety, tension, anger, and fear. Helps ease pre-menstrual tension, soothes blisters, and burns, and inflames wounds.</p>
<p><strong>Eucalyptus</strong> - Eucalyptus Globulus ...a clear, sharp aroma. Helps clear the head, aids concentration, and strengthens the nervous system. Antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, and decongestants, help relieve pain and inflammation.</p>
<p><strong>Neroli</strong> - A beautiful floral fragrance ... Said to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. Helps give a feeling of peace. Useful to use if suffering from insomnia when depression is the cause. It helps with headaches, neuralgia, and vertigo.</p>
<p><strong>Rosemary</strong> - Rosmarinus officinalis ... a strong, refreshing fragrance ... helps to clear the head and aid memory. Good for lethargy. Rosemary a help with rheumatic pains and tired muscles.</p>
<p><strong>Sandalwood</strong> - Amyris Balsamfera ... helps to bring peace. Good for dry, itchy skin when blended with a base oil. An antiseptic and good to use in steam inhalations to ease bronchial coughs.</p>
<p><strong>Tea Tree</strong> - Melaleuca Alternifolia ... Used mainly to help all kinds of infections and has antiseptic properties. Healing, anti-fungal, antiviral ... can be applied to athlete's foot, warts, and acne.</p>
<div class="entry-tags">Views: 10</div> The Three Philosophical Principlestag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-01-02:6363372:Topic:36078562022-01-02T00:56:37.585ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><a href="http://www.organic-unity.com/top-menu/the-three-philosophical-principles/"><strong>The Three Philosophical Principles</strong></a> <strong>of Alchemy<br></br></strong> <a href="http://www.organic-unity.com/top-menu/the-three-philosophical-principles/">http://www.organic-unity.com/top-menu/the-three-philosophical-principles/</a></p>
<p>The three philosophical principles of alchemy are considered the working units of this system. It is the holy trinity of the universe. They are…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.organic-unity.com/top-menu/the-three-philosophical-principles/"><strong>The Three Philosophical Principles</strong></a> <strong>of Alchemy<br/></strong> <a href="http://www.organic-unity.com/top-menu/the-three-philosophical-principles/">http://www.organic-unity.com/top-menu/the-three-philosophical-principles/</a></p>
<p>The three philosophical principles of alchemy are considered the working units of this system. It is the holy trinity of the universe. They are <em>primary organic functions</em> that exist within all of manifest creation- be it material or non-material. Understanding these principles assist in understanding the underlying patterns behind all things. Our minds are under their influence, as well as our physical bodies and emotional states. The planets. The plants. The minerals. The animals. Spirits and non-physical beings are composed of the principles. The fact that all of existence contains these primary organic functions is what makes them universal.</p>
<p>All things contain various concentrations of each of the principles. While there are many energetic factors going into all manifestations (elements, planets, astrological archetypes etc.), the three principles are the easiest to recognize as they are simple, non-specific, and observable. They are non-specific in the sense that there are only three to observe, and determine which is the most prominent, as compared to a planetary perspective where there are 7 (or 10) to decipher.</p>
<p>Majority of traditional cultures, cosmologies, and systems of medicines contain some form of the three principles. In the Ayurvedic tradition it is vata, pitta, and kapha. In astrology, it is mutable, cardinal, and fixed. In the western alchemical tradition, it is mercury, sulfur, and salt. In molecular science it is the proton, neutron, and electron. These are all the exact same things, just seen though different cultural perspectives and expressed in different languages.</p>
<p>When one begins to see and <em>experience</em> these three principles, the entire world begins to transform. Seeing the inter-relatedness of all things unfolds, and patterns begin to emerge from the previously chaotic and random sequences of events and experiences. A certain magic is reinstated onto the world. The three principles are a <em>universal language</em> that nature speaks to us and relays qualitative information. We are able to tap into a higher order of the way things truly are.</p>
<p>When studying the three universal principles from the western alchemical tradition, it is important to remember that what is being spoken of is not <em>chemical</em> mercury, sulfur, and salt, but <em>philosophical</em> mercury, sulfur and salt. While these principles have their reflections in the chemicals they are named after, they have much broader application than mere chemistry.</p>
<p>They are most useful in the study of botanical anatomy, that is, the inherent qualities and characteristics of a plant, as well as our own anatomy.</p>
<p>Another way to perceive these principles is through their elemental mothers. Each principle is a harmony of two elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water). By understanding their elemental parents, their qualities of their being is able to be understood on a deeper level.</p>
<p>To get the most holistic understanding of the three universal principles, it is helpful to study their nature from the different systems that use them. In the Organic Unity paradigm, we work mostly with the western alchemical tradition, Ayurveda, and Astrology. Each system allows insights into the principles that the others may fail to notice and thus broadens the perspective.</p>
<p><strong><u>Sulfur</u></strong></p>
<p>Sulfur is a harmony of the Air and Fire elements. In that way, it is moveable, penetrating, hot, and diffusive. Within the human body, the Sulfur principle is reflected as our soul. The soul under this definition is our own unique expression of the life force. It is our individuality, our true essential nature, our essence. It is the flame of our awareness. The correlation with Air is that our soul is not limited to our body, it has the ability to leave the body through astral projection, dream travel, and visionary journeying.</p>
<p>This can be better understood when looking at the Sulfur principle within plants, which is reflected in its volatile (essential) oils. The <em>essential</em> oil of a plant is a reflection of its essence. It is that plant’s unique flavor. When one smells an essential oil of Frankincense for example, you are connecting with that plant’s unique identity; there is no other smell on the face of the planet that smells like it. It is the dynamic expression of the life force within that particular plant. Like Fire and Air, the essential oils of a plant volatilize very easily (they disperse through the air) and they are often very heating and intense.</p>
<p>Chemical Sulfur, as most people know, smells very strong and tends to permeate the surrounding space and penetrate sharply (think rotten eggs). It ignites very easily, and puts out a very hot, bright flame.</p>
<p><strong><u>Mercury</u></strong></p>
<p>The Mercury principle is composed of the Water and Air elements, and as such, is a mediator between the volatile or etheric elements, and the fixed elements. In traditional Greek mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods, and was in constant movement between the above and the below. Within the human body, Mercury is the spirit, or the animating life force.</p>
<p>Whereas Sulfur is the soul, or the consciousness of the individual, Mercury is the life force that move through the soul and gives it life. As the mediator, it is the vehicle that brings the soul down into the physical world.</p>
<p>Within the botanical kingdom, Mercury is reflected in the alcohol and water-soluble constituents of the plant, called secondary metabolites in pharmacognosy. If you take any plant on the face of the planet and ferment it, which in alchemy is considered a death (it putrefies or rots), you yield ethyl alcohol. You put a plant through a sort of death experience, and what is released is alcohol, which is the <em>same</em> in every plant. The spirit is released. This is why alcohol is commonly called spirits. So, the spirit of the plant is the alcohol and water components of the plant. This is highly Mercurial in nature because alcohol tends to extract more volatile (Air) constituents (resins, essential oils) and water tends to extract more fixed (Water) constituents (polysaccharides, glycosides, alkaloids). Thus, the spirit, or Mercury of a plant brings together or harmonizes the two sides of the spectrum of botanical constituents.</p>
<p>Chemical Mercury is an interesting substance. It is the only liquid metal and is highly moveable, changeable, and volatile- turns to vapor (Air) very quickly. It is somehow solid, yet liquid at the same time, and also moves into a gas.</p>
<p><strong><u>Salt</u></strong></p>
<p>So, we have the soul (Sulfur) and the spirit (Mercury), and finally we come to salt- the crystallization, the manifestation, the vehicle through which the subtler principles work through. Each principle progressed through various levels of density, with salt being the densest. It is composed of the Water and Earth elements.</p>
<p>Salt in the human is reflected as the physical body, and is thus very, very complex. Infinitely complex. Millions of chemical reactions occurring each second, most of which we know nothing about. The human body is one of the most beautiful mysteries we may ever come to know, a microcosm of the universe. It is the anchor for our soul and spirit, the temple in which they reside.</p>
<p>In botanical kingdom, the Salt principle is reflected in the mineral matrix of the plant. These are obtained through certain extraction methods using the Fire and Water elements to crystallize pure mineral salts. As with the human, these minerals are the vehicle through which the Sulfur (essential oil) and the Mercury (alcohol/water solubles) principles work through.</p>
<p>As far as botanical extracts go, it is these three principles that are primarily worked with their preparation. Each principle of a plant is separated and purified, and then the three are reunited. This is the principle behind spagyrics- to separate and recombine.</p>
<p>Most conventional herbal tinctures contain only the Mercury and Sulfur components of a plant. They macerate the herb in an alcohol and water menstruum for a period of time, filter the liquid material out and compost or throw away the solid plant material. Thus, majority of tinctures are missing 1/3 of a plant’s constituents, the mineral body through which the other constituents work through. It is disembodied medicine.</p>
<p>This is not to say that herbal tinctures do not work, they absolutely work and have provided an amazing service to the world by providing a natural means to palliate symptoms and heal their bodies. But in a sense, they are not able to work as well on our physical bodies as they could because they themselves are missing their physical bodies. The addition of the Salt principle to a tincture greatly enhances its effectiveness and potency and thus lower doses are often needed.</p> Herbs to Help with Visionstag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-01-02:6363372:Topic:36081152022-01-02T00:52:42.683ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Herbs to Help with Visions</strong></p>
<p>I have listed different herbs that are good for visions, astral travel and psychism as well as some recipes that may help you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Use with caution!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Angelica root</p>
<p>Ash leaves</p>
<p>Camphor (for prophetic dreams)</p>
<p>Cinnamon</p>
<p>Damiana Leaf</p>
<p>Dandelion</p>
<p>Frankincense</p>
<p>Mace</p>
<p>Mandrake root</p>
<p>Mistletoe</p>
<p>Mugwort</p>
<p>Raspberry leaves</p>
<p>Star…</p>
<p><strong>Herbs to Help with Visions</strong></p>
<p>I have listed different herbs that are good for visions, astral travel and psychism as well as some recipes that may help you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Use with caution!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Angelica root</p>
<p>Ash leaves</p>
<p>Camphor (for prophetic dreams)</p>
<p>Cinnamon</p>
<p>Damiana Leaf</p>
<p>Dandelion</p>
<p>Frankincense</p>
<p>Mace</p>
<p>Mandrake root</p>
<p>Mistletoe</p>
<p>Mugwort</p>
<p>Raspberry leaves</p>
<p>Star Annise</p>
<p>Thyme</p>
<p>Yarrow</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>Astral Travel powder</u></p>
<p>2 parts sandalwood</p>
<p>1 part mugwort</p>
<p>1 part cinnamon</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>Astral Travel Oil</u></p>
<p><br/> <u>Ingredients</u></p>
<p> 5 drops Sandalwood <br/> 1 drop Ylang-ylang <br/> 1 drop Cinnamon <br/> 1/8 cup of base oil</p>
<p><u>Procedure</u></p>
<p> Add these to the base oil as usual & mix. <br/> Anoint the stomach, wrists, back of the neck & forehead. <br/> Lie down & visualize yourself astrally projecting.</p>
<p><strong> <u>Teas</u></strong></p>
<p> <u>Kava Kava</u><br/> Ruled by the planet Saturn and the element of Water, the root of this plant has been used in Polynesian magickal practices for centuries. To make an infusion, place the root in a small pot or cauldron. Pour one cup of boiled water over the root. Cover with a lid and let steep until cools, then place it in the refrigerator and keep it there overnight. A word of caution: Do not drink kava kava infusions in large amounts or<br/> for extended period of time because kidney damage may result!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>Mugwort</u><br/> Ruled but the planet Venus and the element of Earth, this is a popular herb of magick among Witches. It has been associated with psychic workings since olden times and possesses a strong feminine vibration, making it especially powerful for women. Mugwort infusions, sweetened with a bit of honey, are traditionally drunk prior to scrying rituals and other forms of divination and psychic work. Many Witches even use them for washing their crystal balls, magick mirrors and other tools of scrying.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>Yarrow</u><br/> Ruled by the planet Venus and the element of Water, infusion made from the flowers of this highly magickal plant should be drunk by the light of a purple-colored candle if you seek to awaken or strengthen your clairvoyant powers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>Dandelion</u><br/> Ruled by the planet Jupiter and the element of Air, the root of the dandelion is said to promote psychic powers when it is dried, roasted and ground (in the same manner as coffee) and then made into a tea like brew and drunk beneath the rays of the full moon.</p>
<p>*****</p>
<p><u>A Witch's Brew for Clairvoyance</u></p>
<p>Into a cauldron of boiling water, add a handful each of shredded laurel leaves, cinquefoil, and mugwort (three herbs that have long been associated with the arts of divination and prophecy.) Cover with a lid, and boil for 13 minutes. Lift the lid of the cauldron and deeply inhale the vapors of the bubbling brew three times. Repeat this for three minutes, and if you have allowed yourself to properly enter a psychic state, you may begin to receive prophetic visions, either in the form of pictures or symbols, or perhaps in a combination of the two.<br/> When used prior to sleeping, this brew may help to induce dreams of a prophetic nature. Write down your dreams upon waking and study them for hidden meanings and messages. Recurring dream symbols are highly significant.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <u>ASTRAL TRAVEL INCENSE</u></p>
<p>3 Parts Sandalwood<br/> 3 Parts Benzoin<br/> 1 part Mugwort<br/> 1 Part Dittany of Crete</p>
<p>Burn a small amount in the room to aid projecting the astral body. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>SIGHT INCENSE</u></p>
<p>2 Parts Gum Mastic<br/> 2 Parts Juniper<br/> 1 Part Sandalwood<br/> 1 Part Cinnamon<br/> 1 Part Calamus<br/> few drops Ambergris Oil<br/> few drops Patchouly Oil</p>
<p>Mix, empower and burn to promote psychic awareness. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> <u>VISION INCENSE</u></p>
<p>3 parts Cinquefoil<br/> 3 Parts Chicory Root<br/> 1 Part Clove</p>
<p>Burn small amounts prior to psychic workings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><u>VISION INCENSE 2</u></p>
<p>3 Parts Frankincense<br/> 1 Part Bay<br/> 1/2 part Damiana</p>
<p>Burn small amounts prior to psychic workings. <br/> </p>
<p><u> WITCHES' SIGHT INCENSE</u></p>
<p>1 part Gum mastic<br/> 1 part Juniper<br/> 1 part Patchouli<br/> 1 part Sandalwood<br/> 1 part Cinnamon<br/> few drops Musk oil<br/> few drops Ambergris oil</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p> Heathenrytag:templeilluminatus.ning.com,2022-01-02:6363372:Topic:36079392022-01-02T00:48:16.415ZMystic Wolfhttps://templeilluminatus.ning.com/profile/DonPerndergast
<p><strong>Heathenry <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/subdivisions/heathenry_1.shtml">http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/subdivisions/heathenry_1.shtml</a></strong></p>
<p>Heathenry is a term used to describe the religious practices of two main groups of people, one historical and one modern.</p>
<p>The original Heathens were the pre-Christian North European peoples who lived a thousand and more years ago in the lands around what is now called the North…</p>
<p><strong>Heathenry <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/subdivisions/heathenry_1.shtml">http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/subdivisions/heathenry_1.shtml</a></strong></p>
<p>Heathenry is a term used to describe the religious practices of two main groups of people, one historical and one modern.</p>
<p>The original Heathens were the pre-Christian North European peoples who lived a thousand and more years ago in the lands around what is now called the North Sea. These included the peoples of Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia, Germany and Frisia (Friesland).</p>
<p>Modern Heathen groups around the world are reviving these old practices and call their religion by various names including Asatru, The Northern Tradition, Odinism, Forn Sed, Germanic Pagan Deconstructionism or, simply, Heathenry. In Iceland, which did not convert to Christianity until the 11th Century, Heathenry has once again become an official (nationally recognized) religion.</p>
<p>Heathens work to build healthy relationships with gods and goddesses, ancestors, spirits of the land, and others in their communities, both through holy rites and through their day to day actions.</p>
<p><strong>Sources</strong></p>
<p>There are literary sources that tell us how Heathenry was practiced before the advent of Christianity. The main such sources include medieval Icelandic Eddas and Sagas, Anglo-Saxon poetry, the works of the 8th century English monk Saint Bede, and the Germania by the Roman historian Tacitus.</p>
<p>Although most of these were written in Christian times, they record the religious beliefs and practices of a culture that existed before Christianity came to Northern Europe. Archaeological evidence continues to be discovered which supports this picture of Heathen religion obtained from such classical and medieval literature.</p>
<p>Alongside these historical sources, modern Heathens experience their own, personal, understanding of their religion as lived today, and their own relationship with their gods.</p>
<p><strong>Gods and other beings</strong></p>
<p>Heathenry, like all ancient European pagan religions, is polytheistic and recognizes a large number of gods and other spiritual entities. Although the Heathen gods are best known from Norse Mythology (and often called by Anglicized versions of their Old Norse names) they were honored by many peoples outside of Scandinavia. For example, the god known to early Germanic tribes as Wodhanaz became Odhinn in Old Norse, Woden in Anglo-Saxon and Old Saxon, and Wuotan in Old High German. Some of the most well-known Heathen gods are enshrined in our English days of the week. Tuesday is named after Tiw (Tyr), Wednesday after Woden (Odin), Thursday after Thunor (Thor) and Friday after the goddess Frige (Frigg).</p>
<p>In addition to the better known 'major gods', the names of several dozen local or tribal gods are known through medieval literature, runic inscriptions, and votive stones. Most Heathens choose to actively honor a subset of gods with whom they have developed personal relationships, although offerings are also often made 'to all the gods and goddesses'. Heathens relate to their gods as complex personalities who each have many different attributes and talents. For example, whereas Thor is popularly known outside Heathen circles as the mighty hammer-wielding God of Thunder, in Eddic poetry he is called by names such as Deep Thinker, Man's Well-Wisher, and Consecrator Thor, revealing a gentler side to his nature.</p>
<p>In addition to gods, Heathens recognize and relate to a wide variety of spiritual beings or 'wights'. These include the Norns - who are three female entities who weave the web of wyrd - and the Disir - who are female ancestral spirits attached to a tribe, family, or individual. Heathens also work with 'hidden folk' such as elves, brownies, dwarves and etins (giants and other not so pleasant folk). They interact with the housewights who live in their homes and the landwights who occupy features of the landscape such as streams, mountains, forests or fields. Having a relationship with landwights is an important feature of Heathen religion and outdoor Heathen rituals will not proceed until the permission of landwights is sought and obtained.</p>
<p>Another characteristic of Heathen religion is the respect given to ancestors in general. These may be a person's literal forebears, or may be people now dead who have inspired them in some way.</p>
<p><strong>The Norse gods in history</strong></p>
<p>Carolyne Larrington, Tutor in Medieval English at St John's College, Oxford; Heather O'Donoghue, Vigfusson Rausing, Reader in Ancient Icelandic Literature in the Department of English at Oxford University and John Hines, Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University discuss the role of theology and the gods in the Vikings' daily lives.</p>
<p><strong>Structure</strong></p>
<p>There are no central authorities in Heathenry and no single organization to which all Heathens belong, though there are national and international organizations created to facilitate networking between Heathens. There is no widely recognized priesthood, although sometimes individuals may be recognized as <em>godhis</em> and <em>gydhjas</em> (priests and priestesses) within their own communities.</p>
<p>Many Heathens belong to small groups made up of Heathen friends and family members. These groups are sometimes called 'hearths' or 'kindred’s' and meet for religious rituals in members' homes or in outdoor spaces. Some hearths and kindreds have recognized leaders. Others are entirely egalitarian.</p>
<p><strong>Rites, festivals, and practices</strong></p>
<p><strong>Rites and celebrations</strong></p>
<p>The main rites celebrated in Heathenry are called <em>blot</em> (pronounced 'bloat') and <em>symbel</em> (pronounced 'sumble'). Heathen groups and individuals hold feasts and celebrations based around blot and symbel at rites of passage (such as weddings or baby-namings), seasonal holidays, oath-takings, rites in honor of a particular god or gods, and rites of need (in which gods are asked for help).</p>
<p>A blot was originally the ritual sacrifice of an animal to one or more gods, elves, or ancestors. A feast followed afterwards at which the meat was shared amongst the participants. Blots were held to honor the gods or to gain their favor for specific purposes such as peace, victory, or good sailing weather.</p>
<p>A modern blot centers around the offering of food or drink (often mead) to the gods and tends to be followed by a feast. It may be a simple rite or a more elaborate one depending on the purpose of the blot and the number of participants. In an indoor blot where food is offered, it is common to lay a place for the god, ancestor, or elf at the table. In an outdoor blot offering are often thrown onto a fire.</p>
<p>Symbel is a ritual drinking ceremony in which one or more drinking horns or other vessels are filled with mead (or another appropriate drink) and used for toasting or boasting. It is common for modern Heathens to pass the horn(s) around all those participating after liquid is blessed. The first round of toasts may be to the gods, the second round to wights or ancestors, and the third round may be to whatever else the assembled Heathens wish to toast. There may be many more rounds, or the symbel may stop after a designated number. A separate libation (drink offering) may be given to the gods, landwights or housewights, or some of the contents of the horn may be poured out as an offering to them.</p>
<p>As well as major offerings to the gods or elves, Heathens like to leave gifts for their domestic hidden folk: the wights who live in their garden and house. For this purpose, many Heathens keep a special bowl to leave offerings in the house of cakes and ale, or may leave food or drink on or near a small garden altar.</p>
<p><strong>Festivals</strong></p>
<p>Different Heathen communities and individuals celebrate different cycles of seasonal holidays based on their cultural affiliations, local traditions, and relationships with particular gods. There is no fixed calendar of Heathen festival dates. The three Heathen festivals most commonly celebrated in the UK are Winter Nights - usually celebrated in October or November, Yule - a twelve day festival that begins around the time of the winter solstice, and a festival for the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre in the spring.</p>
<p><strong>Magic and seership</strong></p>
<p>Rune stones</p>
<p>Magic and seership were practiced by some individuals within ancient Heathen cultures, and this is also the case with today's Heathen community.</p>
<p>Some Northern European magical practices being revived by Heathens include the carving of runes onto talismans and the chanting of charms called <em>galdor</em>. Some Heathens are also rediscovering Northern European shamanistic practices known as <em>seidh</em> (pronounced 'sayth'). In a ritual called 'oracular seidh' a seer or seeress answers questions or gives advice to participants. Many modern Heathens also practice runic divination.</p>
<p>Although magic was part of ancient Heathen culture, it did not play a part in the religious rituals of blot and symbel. Therefore, it is not seen as an intrinsic part of the religion. Although all Heathens share a belief in the ability of the gods to enact change in the world, they do not all believe in the ability of magicians to do so.</p>
<p><strong>Ethics, beliefs, and other paths</strong></p>
<p><strong>Wyrd and ethics</strong></p>
<p>One of the central concepts in Heathenry is <em>Wyrd</em>, the force that connects everything in the universe throughout space and time. Heathens believe that all of their actions can have far reaching consequences through the web of Wyrd. They understand that who they are, where they are, and what they are doing today is dependent on actions they and others have taken in the past, and that every choice they make in the present builds upon choices they have previously made.</p>
<p>With an understanding of Wyrd comes a great responsibility. If we know that every action we take (or fail to take) will have implications for our own future choices and for the future choices of others, we have an ethical obligation to think carefully about the possible consequences of everything we do. Thus, one of the principal ethics of Heathenry is that of taking responsibility for one's own actions.</p>
<p>Another Heathen value is fridh (pronounced frith), the maintenance of peace and friendship within a social group. Obligations towards friends, kin and community are taken seriously by Heathens. Like many peoples living far apart in a harsh climate, pre-Christian Heathens put great stress on hospitality, and this is still valued by modern Heathens. A related concept is the giving of gifts, though both gift-giving and hospitality are bounded by reciprocity, a principle that Heathens consider important.</p>
<p>Plain speaking, honesty and forthrightness are also important to Heathens. This may be seen as part of a value system based upon personal honor, which eschews deceit and dishonesty towards members of the social group. Thus, Heathens place great value on the giving of their word, and any form of oath-taking is taken extremely seriously. This often means that Heathens will not sign their name to something unless they can assent to it in both letter and spirit.</p>
<p><strong>After death</strong></p>
<p>Heathenry is focused on right living in the here and now and does not place as great an emphasis on the afterlife as do some other religions. Whereas Valhalla - Odhin's hall - is popularly seen as the Norse equivalent of heaven, this is a misconception. According to the mythology as recorded in the Eddas, Valhalla is only for warriors who die in battle. Moreover, half of these battle-slain warriors go to Freyja's hall and half to Odhin's hall. Those who drown at sea go to the goddess Ran's hall. People who die of natural causes go to the hall of the goddess Hel. Most of today's Heathens see Hel as a neutral place where they will be reunited with their ancestors.</p>
<p>Sources do not enable a complete reconstruction of the pre-Christian Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon views of the soul. One concept, however, which is still retained in folk stories, is that of the <em>fetch</em> or <em>fylgia</em>. The fetch was held to be a part of the person which might be contacted during life, but which would not be physically seen until just before death. The sight of one's fetch was, indeed, a signal of the ending of one's life.</p>
<p>There are a few passages in the sources which are interpreted by some as indicating an ancient Heathen belief in reincarnation, but they are far from compelling. Some modern Heathens believe in the continuation of part of a person through reincarnation, while others do not.</p>
<p><strong>Heathenry and other contemporary Pagan Spiritualties</strong></p>
<p>Heathenry is a living religion based on literary and archaeological sources for the religious practices of a particular pre-Christian culture and extended by the relationships of modern Heathens with their gods. It differs from Wicca and other modern day non-reconstructionist* Pagan paths in a number of ways. Perhaps the primary difference is that Heathens are 'hard polytheists': they honor a large number of individual gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings whom they see as existing independently from humans. And in common with many indigenous religions world-wide, they also honor their ancestors.</p>
<p>Heathens differ from Wiccans and many of the other modern day non-reconstructionist Pagans in many other ways. They reject the concept that all goddesses are aspects of 'The Goddess' and that all gods are aspects of her consort. They also reject the Jungian concept of Gods and Goddesses as archetypes in the unconscious mind. Heathen festivals do not follow the 'Eight-Fold Wheel of the Year' based on solstices and equinoxes. Their rituals do not involve 'casting circles' or 'calling quarters'. Magic is not an essential or central part of Heathenry, and the majority of Heathens do not consider themselves 'witches'. There are no 'degrees of initiation' within Heathen religion and no 'high priests' or 'high priestesses'.</p>
<p>Despite these theological differences, many Heathens are involved in the wider pagan community for social and political reasons.</p>