Herbal Dressing, Sigils, and Symbols

This week we will be discussing what goes on the outside (or in) your candle. These items paired with color meanings will only solidify your intent.

First we have herbal dressing. This is rather a quick one since it's pretty easy. You check up on the correspondences of herbs, plants, and resins, then find the ones that pair best with your intent. I find that both store bought and the "all naturally grown" work the same. I haven't had one do better or worse in any of my spells. So, yes, you can run into your local grocery store and pick up what they have on the shelf. Organic is also a personal choice. I've been on a budget and bought from the dollar tree before. Now, you work it into the candle two different ways, or both if you want to. You can either slightly melt the wax and pour some of it out (best done with jars), add your herbs, and then add the wax back. Just don't over fill it and don't use too many herbs either as it can start a fire. The second way is to rub an oil on to the candle and then roll the candle in the herbal mixture. Of course with this, the herbs are best stuck on if they're ground and the candle works best if it's not in a jar. Burn with care! Never leave the room with it going, and don't burn an herbal candle for longer than an hour or two. Safety is always first.

Sigils:
You can you use either pre-designed sigils like Runes, or make your own.  There are HUNDREDS of sigils that are passed down through different pagan religions, so don't feel ashamed by using them. I often use Old Germanic and Alchemy sigils. The only time I really make my own is if I can't find one that sticks out or I'm doing something very personal.

If you would like to know how to make your own sigils, follow this quick tutorial. (I'll make a video and link so it's easier to understand for others.)

Let's say your intent is to get a down payment for a house. To get this down payment you need some overtime and you need to budget your money better. This is a rather complex and very specific situation and you're unlikely to find your ancestors talking about down payments and over time. So write out your intent.

I will receive over time and budget my money to save for a house down payment.

                Go through and remove any and all repetitive letters.

I w l  rec  v  o    t m  and bu g    y          s    f     h          p      .
           
                 Now bring them together and stare.

iwlrecvotmandbugysfhp

                    There's a lot here so let's remove the vowels.

wlrcvtmndbgsfhp

                     Still quite a bit, but you can make this work! Obviously a lot of these letters can be combined to form the other letters, v is in w, a b is a p and a d, l also go into the b and d, n, into m, etc so remove those easily combined.

wrmdgsf

        I removed h,because if you extend the handle of the m, it's an h with an extra hump. All of a sudden, we have a very workable few. You could even go as far to remove the w, since upside down its an m.

From here, arrange them in a pattern that speaks to you. Watch the video for clarity on this part and the like letters.

Now, on to symbols. I separated this from the sigils, because symbols are different. To me I think of symbols as a heart, star, dollar signs, happy faces, anything that's more of a picture meant to represent something obvious. Using the same example above, you can even just simplify the entire process by drawing a piggy bank with a dollar symbol in it and both of those inside a house. Much less personal, but easy and effective.

All of these can be used together in a very powerful combination that allow you to focus and direct your intent better than just thinking about it while a candle burns. By using all of these it's almost like a permanent and unwavering intent, even if your mind wonders, like mine always does. I hope this helps you on your journey through candle magick. Always post any questions and concerns you may have.

Candle Magick Course Directory

  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame - Rune Chart image from Norse Mythology for Smart People - Video and other images are my property.

Charming the Plow

This is likely not a pagan holiday you know much about, but its the one I, personally, celebrate this time of year alongside Oimelc/Disting. (We'll discuss that one next week.)

Charming the Plow is basically just what it sounds like: thanking the Gods and Goddess for last years' harvest and praying for this coming harvest. Now, the time when this is celebrated varies not only from year to year, but also from country to country. Over here in America, I won't celebrate it with those over in Germany or Sweden and that's because the ground may not be ready to plow at the same time. When you celebrate this particular holiday, it's when you first break ground to plant your crops.

I, practicing also kitchen witchery, will be planting my early spring herbs around this time. However, since I also live in a desert, I'll be doing this a little differently than what I write.

The normal way to celebrate is to bake a cake or bread using last years' grain. Before planting anything, you dig a hole using a shovel or plow that you cleansed and blessed and break off some of the bread and place it in the ground. According to the Old English Christian text, Aecerbot, you also dig a hole in all four corners Though from doing some research, it's where you're going to plow the rows. So you can either dig a hole if you're not planting rows, like myself, or you can use your blessed plow, make the rows, and then continue with the bread. I also read that some return the actual grains. Raise your horn filled with water and toast the Gods then pour the remaining water onto the bread symbolizing coming rains. Bury it and pray.

While many celebrate both Gods and Goddesses, I choose to celebrate just the Goddesses of  harvest and fertility. This is the way I incorporate Oimelc, which I perceive as an older Mother's Day. When I pray, cleanse, and even bake I make small declarations to my patron Goddess, Freyja. However, she is not the normal Goddess for this holiday even though she is the All-Mother. Most people and scholars will say that the cake offerings are mainly given to Nerthus and Gefjon.

As you can see, the knowledge on this holy day is pretty sparse, so the best thing to do would be to research into Nerthus and Gefjon to see how people normally honored them and also to read, read, read. In the end, this can be as simple or extravagant as you like going into even blessing the cattle or farm animals, if you have any. Since we are planning to have chickens soon, I'll likely kill one and add its blood to the hole, then cook it and have it for dinner to complete our ritual. That is definitely a bit of my own take since this is usually the time where you'll start to see chicks and more eggs and I also have it tie into my Freyja worship (eggs). This is also a very easy holiday to bring your kids into. What child doesn't want to dig in the dirt and make mud? Or eat cake?! We usually keep the kids away from any animals we offer and they only know that we're cooking, but my kids are very young, the oldest being five. So I'll let that part be up to the parents because some kids are very sensitive up into adulthood.

Here is some wonderful information on Plow Songs and Plow Plays, though they only date as far back as the 1500's. I'll likely put up a blog with some rewritten for more of a Pagan tune if I find the time.


© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame - Image is from Hex Magazine 

The Hierophant - 5 -

The Hierophant - 5 -

New religion or way of thinking, being a teacher or taught, conformity, following the rules, being part of a group

Rigid, abuse of position, cults or false worship, restriction, rebellion, losing yourself and/or control

The Hierophant, or the High Priest, usually means a new way of thinking or living, either religiously or in a philosophical way. Maybe you've recently learned something new, taken an eye opening class, developed a new interest, or joined a new religion. Whatever it is, it will change your life and for the better. It's opening you up a side of yourself you didn't know before and is filling a void you once had. In the above image you see a large pile of books next to an elderly man. This symbolizes understanding and a well learned individual; usually a teacher or someone in a position of influence. This is also amplified with the young children at his feet and him in a chair. It could mean that you are the one influencing, or that you are being led. In traditional decks, this would normally be a Pope figure equipped with a cross and religious robes, but some decks have abandoned this view as it can relate to any instances where someone is a leader and there are followers. When you pull this card it could also mean that you're a rule follower, you don't step outside of the box because the confines of the box have always worked and suited you. Instead of looking for a new approach or thought, you would simply change yourself to make it work, or someone in your life is this way and it's best to just follow. There is a time meant to stay in line and a time to forge your own path. It can also mean that you need such structure in your life and that the boring trappings of such will only make your life easier. Or you could be out of touch with your religious side and need to find something that speaks to your on a spiritual level. 

Reversed

You are being stifled by conformity and it's making you lose control and your own self by being forced to follow the rules. You should be questioning status quo or you're feeling as if you need to rebel and break free. You've been following the crowd for so long that you forgot yourself and are now waking up wondering if any of this is even what's best for you. This traditionally means you are the child in this situation, or someone who is being led, and you're rebelling or stepping away from the group. You can be criticized for this choice, but that's fine, you don't believe in the religion or the rules/teachings are hurting you more than helping. Leaving it behind and finding a new way will be healing and beneficial. However, this could also indicate you or another person are running things with an iron fist. It's your way or the high way, and any outside idea or opinion is flat out wrong. This can be a rigid idealism or way to go about things and its poisoning your flock. There is also the chance that you've fallen into the wrong crowd and are being led astray, lied to, and are starting to become a hive mind, like a cult. Or there could be a possibility of a closing of schools, groups, religious organizations, or workplace. 

Planet

Venus

Element

Earth

Herbs

Lemon, sweet pea, gardenia, lavender, violet

Crystals

Jade, topaz

Timing

Hidden timing, or waiting to be revealed.

Special Card Combinations to Look For

The High Priestess : The knowledge you are learning is going to transform you or your life

Justice : The knowledge you are learning should be shared and will transform the lives of others.

Lovers : You're surrendering to a higher cause for love

Chariot : You're letting fate lead you

The Devil : You're own desires are in control

The Tower : Something is disrupting the flow of your home life

Six of Pentacles : deals with receiving or giving to charity and it will deal with surrendering of some type

Five of Wands : Turning your passion into an income

Five of Swords : Joining some kind of a group that take you away from friends and family

Five of Cups : Loss of self-respect 

Five of Pentacles : Self-pity 

Journey through all of the Cards here

text © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Candle Magick - Anointing Oils

Anointing oils come in two forms: infusions and essentials.

Infusions are oils that you make yourself or buy from a seller (such as myself). You use a carrier oil, usually olive or grape, and measure out what amount of oil you plan on making; ie, 8 ounces or 10 ml. 
Infusions are shelf stable for up to a year when stored correctly, so if it's something you use a lot of, you can make a large batch, or you can make many little batches throughout the year. Place this oil into a mason jar or other well sealed glass. Glass doesn't allow air to flow through easily like plastic, so they last longer. 
Make sure the glass is large enough to hold  the herbs and the oil, so it'll need to be larger than what you plan on making. The amount of herbs you use it usually 1/4-1/2 the amount of oil. So if you're making rose oil, you can use 1 ounce of rose petals and 4 ounces of oil because roses are more fragrant naturally. Though, you can make it as fragrant as you like. If you're using dried herbs, spices, or plants, you'll need to use 2 ounces of dried for every 4 ounces of oil. This is because they have lost a good bit of their fragrance. 
Once you have mixed the oil and herbs, place it on your altar and ask the Gods to bless it in the way you normally consecrate your items.
Let it sit on your altar for 7 days. Some herbs can be consecrated in the sun and/or moon depending on its purpose. You can always pull out the oils at a later date and charge/cleanse them on your altar, in the moon, or sun throughout the year.
After the 7 days, take a piece of cheese cloth and strain out the herbs. You can place it over the current jar, and then pour the new infused oil into another jar. If you do not remove the herbs, the infusion will rot over time.
When using an infusion, you can add herbs to the portion you plan on rubbing onto a candle, sachet, or other magickal working.
The upside to infusions is that they are made with a specific purpose, by your hands or another's who understands and works magick, and they're cheap. They're also very vast and virtually unlimited in what kinds you can make. The downside is the time that's put into them.

Essential oils are a concentrated oil extracted from the plant itself. You can make your own using a distillery or purchase them made from a store. They will need to be cleansed and blessed before usage because they were made by other people and have passed through several hands. The upside to the essential oils is that the work is already done. The downside is that you're limited to what you can use and they're usually quite expensive for a large quantity. You can also use these oils to make incense. Make sure the essential oils are safe to burn. Most carrier oils will be fine in the small quantities

you're using.

You'll hear how some people will only use one and not the other, but I think it's more from lack of know how than it is from just a preference. If you wish to know how to make oils, I will be including a video later on with both oil and water infusions. You can also always search youtube for wonderful tips.

What you use them for

You can use anointing oils for many things. They're perfect for candle magick because you can rub it on the candle and then roll the candle in the herbs you're using for the spell. It'll stick and won't cause the candle to burn oddly. You can also use them to anoint other magickal items like herb sachets, voodoo dolls, your crystals for cleansings, and even use make them for your patron God/dess.  Another use for oils are ritual baths and potions. I would strongly suggest you make sure the essential oils are safe to use because some, like lemon, can irritate the skin. Infused oils won't, however, they can cause coloration of fabrics if you use it day to day for things like protection, beauty, etc. Each oil has it ups and downs, so make sure to properly study which is best for your current situation. Having both around is very useful.

When you use them for candles, you rub it on your fingers and start from the center of the candle. You first rub up to the wick on all sides, and then down to the bottom; the entire time praying or thinking of the intent of the oil. The same technique can be used when cleansing or consecrating your other magickal tools. For your patron oil, I would suggest a small 10-30 ml bottle. You can add a crystal piece, herbs, dye, etc to this oil. Change it out every new moon and rededicate it. Or if they have a specific day of the week, use that at the beginning of each month if you like. Use this oil anytime you are asking them for help or insight, or whenever you just want to feel closer to your God/dess. You can also use this oil to dedicate any tools or items to your God/dess. With ritual baths, simply add a few drops. A little will go a long way and too much can cause an accident. The oils will make both you and your tub slippery, so BE CAREFUL. Wipe down the tub with a dry towel after the bath. If you're planning on wearing it, you can add a couple of dabs to your chakra points or where you can smell it. I like to add lavender to my forehead before dreaming for dream magicks, and rose to my cheeks, behind my ears, or my wrists for glamour. (Just a couple of examples.) You can use the infusions on your lips and face since they aren't irritant and they're food safe.

Candle Magick Course Directory

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

The Emperor - 4 -

The Emperor - 4 -

Fatherhood, analytical, systematic, authority, leader, your boss, a promotion

Control freak, a weak or cruel man, abusive physically, emotionally, or with power, lawlessness

This stoic man sits in his throne with keys and the elemental pyramids carved into the metal. He is the symbol of balance, order, neatness, and law itself. His hands folded over his stomach gives chance that he is not so hard, but is willing to listen if you have a good enough reason for your actions. This could be you, being in control or being given control in the form of a birth or promotion/new position at work. Maybe you're about to become the sole head of a household, but it's nothing you can't handle because you're built on confidence and authority. You are the provider and protector of your loved ones. You've experienced it all and have the answers to pass down the generational line. This card is one that signifies sticking it out until the end and working hard to attain your goals, so it could easily be said that your ideas and efforts will manifest monetary gain and accomplishments. It could also mean that you should let your emotions take a back seat and allow your mind to make all the decisions because this can affirm your confidence, self control, and focus, but be ready to impress!

Reversed

This could indicate an abuse of power. Someone is dominating in the wrong way or overly rigid. It's his way or the highway. This could be you, your father, partner, or a boss, but it's almost always a man who is insecure and feels the only way to make a name or have respect is by throwing his weight around. This card can also mean you yourself is feeling powerless. Don't rebel from the status quo, though. No pickets are necessary. Instead, get in touch with the Emperor side of yourself and try to handle this situation logically, not emotionally. Maybe you need to leave a bad relationship, cut the cord, or start a new job. Why not get a little creative and start your own company? When discussing work, it could mean that you need more flexibility or independence; somewhere you can let your creative side out. Personally, this could be talking about you're inability to handle authority, be saying to end your ambition, or warn about a lack of self-control. End the chaos and find some order. When talking about relationships, this could signify abuse or a partner making you unhappy by being overbearing and possessive. This is becoming toxic and you need to either find your footing in the relationship and take back some control, or leave before things get dangerous. These are signs of a bad relationship brewing and it's eating at your freedoms and possibly your very self.

Planet

Mars

Element

Fire

Herbs

Carnation, ginger, mugwort, bay, loral, thistle

Crystals

Ruby, Sapphire

Special Card Combinations to Look For

Temperance : Great Self-control

The Chariot : Rewarded with a promotion or leadership role after hard work

The Devil : Abuse of power (either by you or someone close to you) and crisis is coming to them.

The High Priestess : Love interest out of your league or a roadblock to happiness

The Empress : Balance, Someone who is your equal

Four of Wands : Establishing structures to make life better

Four of Swords : Patience and Virtue

Four of Cups : Sacrifice

Four of Pentacles : Closed-mindedness

Journey through all of the Cards here

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Christmas As We Know It Today

In the last three weeks we discussed three specific pagan religions and their Yule traditions. Today, we're going to explain why these three and what they have done to create the Christmas of current times.

The first sect we showcased was the Old Germanic/Norse religions. This one has had the MOST pull in what shaped Christmas. From the tree, to the decor, to even the foods, they were beyond the true main source of the celebration. The giant Yule log that was once burned for 12 consecutive days has become a common french cake. The lore of gift giving evolved from the gnomes and great hunt with obvious sights into the reindeer who carry Santa, the horse Sleipnir who Odin rode on and the number 9 being a very religious number to even the Norse. (8 reindeer and 1 Santa). We also know that Odin bestowed gifts according to some accounts, but only to those who deserved it. (Nice and naughty list). The gnomes, Tomte, were originally the gift receivers and pranksters of poorly behaved children and adults (the new elf on the shelf), and later were described as gnomes who would go door to door giving gifts. The wreaths and garland... the list is nearly boundless.

In the post about the Holly King, I briefly described as being the image of Santa. Before Coca-cola turned Santa in the jolly man in a red suit, he actually looked almost exactly as the Holly King of lore. He was usually depicted as wearing a long thick robe in the colors of blue of green and always wore a crown of holly. They also made the gathering of holly a tradition though the ages. We can even go as far as to thank the early Celts for the very day the Christian's use for the birth of Jesus because the Oak King (the Sun King) was born on Yule.









Saturnalia has other very deep connections to the current holiday. They celebrated it joyously, while the other two saw it as a time to be solemn and look back at the year. The Romans instead partied and caroled happily as they feasted welcoming in the new year. The act of gift-giving is mostly associated with this sect and we can also thank them for our vast and varying amount of advent calenders.

So why are we talking about this? We should all understand and give thanks to these Pagan traditions that have been allowed to survive the ages and overrule of Christianity. What you may not know is how controversial all of this was the Christians in the beginning and how even their own churches and sect rebelled against the entire celebration because its not only mentioned in the Bible to NOT practice these very traditions, like a setting up and decorating a tree, but the birth of Jesus was NOT ever recorded. We can see and understand both their fallacy in attempting to warp these pagan holidays while condemning them in the same breath and understand that their desperation to overcome these "barbaric" peoples by bending to their celebrations and incorporating them to make the transition into the Abrahamic religions easier. However, it is through these common day practices that our ancestors and Gods have survived and have allowed such a powerful resurgence of the old ways.  We can still honor them, just as the Christians do today.







© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame
The images are not mine, and I do not own the rights to them. They have their own copyrights are only being used for imagery. They are still owned by their original owners credit will be given as they're claimed. 

The Empress - 3 -

The Empress - 3 -

Motherhood, love, elegance, beauty, harmony, abundance, nurturing, successful 

Laziness, stagnation, wasted effort, problem within the home or relationship

Depicted here is a pregnant woman on silk sheets. Completely relaxing in luxury, beautiful and still powerful. On the pillow at her feet is the symbol of Venus, the feminine rune, because she is the ultimate female, full bellied and lovely. Her crown connects her to the mystical realm of fae and magick, which is where she gathers her power she's holding in her hand. She is still dangerous, so don't underestimate her even in such a fragile state. When you draw her, she is telling to to embrace for womanhood, or feminine side. Get sensual using all of your senses and don't worry about spoiling yourself. Take a day to dote on yourself and reconnect with who you are or find new ways to creatively express yourself. Find a new band, write something, draw, sing, or create a dance that lets it all out or just find a new hobby to love. This could also indicate a pregnancy if its accompanied by the Ace or Page of Cups or the Four of Wands. If the Ace of Wands shows up, then it could mean just the birth of a new idea, life path, or something equally changing. If you're already a mother or father, it could be pushing you to open communication with your children on a deeper level; become more nurturing, a better guide through life, or just grow closer to your kids. If you're planning a trip or have some time off, maybe you need to reconnect to the Mother Earth. With other earthy cards, you could use some time camping, hiking, or just spending a little while outdoors. 

Reversed

This card could meant that you're denying yourself by relying too much on other's opinions or emotional or material needs. You're feeling confused about a current relationship and have lost sight of the direction its going. You're not having a chance to be heard or to properly express yourself. You need to find someone, a friend or close family member, to share these feelings you've bottle up with. You're doubting yourself and your feelings and you should probably take a day or so to work things out with yourself. If you don't love you, then how will someone else be able to so properly?  Are you having problems conceiving? This card could mean infertility, or even an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy. It could also be an indicator that YOU are being overly protective or mothering your partner and it's putting a strain on everything. Step back and let them make some decisions. Generally speaking, you could just be missing something in your life and so you're more disconnected with yourself, having a creative block or just denying yourself better treatment. In the worst meaning, it could indicate depression or simply a negative mood looming over your head due to being overburdened. Try to relieve your stress before moving forward. Take a warm bubble bath, listen to soothing music, get out of the house and turn off your phone. After feeling looser, then you can follow your inner self and realign. 

Planet

Venus

Element

Earth

Herbs

Hazel, mistletoe, olive, sunflower, daffodil

Crystals

Peridot, turquoise 

Special Card Combinations to Look For

Emperor : The reading is focused on your father or lover

Devil : Oblivious to the hurt you're causing someone 

Death : A relationship is coming to an end because of something you caused or did, or seem to be the cause of. It may have been unintentional or simply unnoticed as a wrong-doing.

Hermit : A Widow or old maid, lack of social skills to create long-lasting friends or love will leave you alone in life. You cannot get by just on looks.

Three of Wands : Material Success
Three of Swords : Alienation due to your own obliviousness

Three of Cups : Nurturing relationships if you ignore your own selfish-ness and concentrate on other's needs

Three of Pentacles : Teamwork, remember that you didn't get where you are on your own

Journey through all of the Cards here

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

A Simple Candle Spell How To

In this video I explain how to use bay leaves and petition papers. It's something any and everyone can do and is cheap enough to do on a show string budget.

Candle Magick Course Directory

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Saturnalia - The Roman Winter Holiday

Saturn - The God

The Agricultural God of Seed and Sow was usually depicted with bound ankles, though during this celebration, the cloths were removed as a way to allow him to wonder around. On the first day, they would sacrifice a young pig in his temple as well. The idea was that he was actually a god of mischief and chaos, hence the changing of order, and to honor this specifically each household would choose a King of Misrule.

Celebrations-

Unlike other traditions, the Romans treated it more like a long party. It started about the 17th and lasted an entire seven days, ending on the day of the Solstice. They had both large public right as well as household celebrations. A very interested tradition was a week of freedom to their slaves where they would don a red hat  and colorful clothes and could act as insubordinate as they wanted to their owners and others. The slaves could even be treated to having a meal they prepared served to them by their owners. This particular event kept everyone in order, but allowed for a pleasurable time. This also applied to other levels of society, where it allowed every man and woman to be equal. Businesses and courts would close the entire week and  gave way to extravagant banquets, heavy drinking and gambling in public. They would deck the hall with their local greenery and even decorate tree with baubles. Some would go caroling house to house, though they were usually naked. It was warmer this time of year than other places, hopefully.

Fertility Rituals -

In Rome, some of the more common rituals were for the land owner and his wife to out and have sex in the middle of each field. It could be an all day affair if you had a lot of land, but it was almost guaranteed that your crops would grow. They would also offer tributes to the Goddess Flora for fertile lands and wombs.




© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame
I do not own the image and it may be subject to it's own copyright. 

The High Priestess - 2 -

The High Priestess - 2 -

Listen to your gut, Inner self, Mystery, Wisdom, Deeper Knowledge

Closed off, Lack of intuition, Gossip, Secrets, Disconnect with femininity 

She stands symbolizes truth, serenity, and understanding. There is something off about her though. she withholds a kind of intuitive knowledge that is meant to be taught, but not used to control, the true depth of reality depicted between Solomon's Temple pillars. She is the gateway to that mystery we ask for in the cards, her crystal ball the mirror into a higher knowledge we so elude with the Goddess symbol front and center. She is that spiritual enlightenment, divine knowledge, and wisdom. The gears on the pillars pull back the curtain, the veil of awareness, to allow entry to those who are worthy. She is there to teach you that you should listen to your inner voice and pay attention to your dreams. What areas of you life need more attention or fixing? Take time to meditate or just to relax in a quite place and let the answer come to you. Your inner self already has the answers, to open up to them. For males and females it could also mean to get more in touch with their feminine side, feel your emotions or you may fail. You're denying your more emotional and intuitive side.

Reversed

You're ignoring your inner voice. Switch it back on and take time to meditate. It may take longer to come to you because you're out of practice. Stop trying to solve your problem and take a time out. Again, she already has the answer and is trying to reach out to you to tell you. You could also be very reliant on the opinions of others and need to learn that in the long run they don't matter. Your opinion and feelings are what make you, not the ever changing people in your life. Find what makes you unique, yourself, and embrace it.

Another meaning is that you're learning occult on a superficial level or just to be popular. It could also indicate gossip, hidden agenda, or issues under the surface. Demand the truth and don't allow others to keep secrets from you. 

Planet

Moon

Element

Water

Herbs

Acacia, Lemongrass, Sandalwood

Crystals

Moonstone, Rose Quartz

Special Card Combinations to Look For

Heavy Wands : Stay focused on your creative work. You're a natural.

Heavy Swords : Don't react to an argument or anything that is said against you. Stay quite, calm, and reserved, then talk it out.

Heavy Cups : (or cups near the priestess) You should cool your emotions; get all the facts first.

Heavy Pentacle : You have good money making idea. Don't let others tell you otherwise.

Heavy Two's : (or a two is near) You're acting selfishly and are imbalanced. 



Journey through all of the Cards here



© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Types of Candles



Candle magic can also depend on the type of candle used. Throughout this post refer back to the Color Correspondence post to match up these situations to better suit your needs. The more exact your spell the better the outcome.


Double Action Candles :

These are always one color on top of another, half and half. In these ones, black removes the bad out of that situation, and the other color attracts it. Always use different sigils on each half to enhance this affect by consecrating the candle for the specific work.


Red - marriage problems, divorce clearing, moving past a broken heart, removing damaging personal habits before starting a new relationship.


Green - changing irresponsible financial patterns, money worries, picking yourself back up after bankruptcy, living without alimony, monetary lawsuits, job concerns


White - All purpose, bad habits, breaking hexes


Blue - Emotional pain, physical healing,


Purple - Psychic attacks


There are also road opener candles that are orange in the bottom and the other color on top. Orange is the color to overcome, so every other color is to overcome obstacles in that particular situation.



Figure Candles :

These are vast and almost impossible to list, but here are some of the most common


Seven Knob Wishing Candle - burned for seven days, for seven different wishes, or for seven-fold strength on the same wish. Each knob can be a different color, or any combination of colors that fit your need.


Bride and Groom - these are for couple magics, again almost any color can be used. You can also substitute two people candles and wrap a cord or ribbon around them to signify unity.


Lovers - new relationship, repairing relationships, etc. You can also use two people candles facing towards each other


Divorce Candle - Always black, this is the exact opposite of the Bride and Groom and depicts the couple facing away. You can also use two separate people candles spaced apart.


Male and Female - Used for work on a specific person, can be color combinations, or singular for any given purpose, but the magic is done on them.


Penis and Vagina Candle - These relate to sexual behaviors to stop cheating or to seduce a lover. You can even affect the person's performance.


Religious Symbol Candles - all things spiritual.


Master Hand Candle - these are used to either gain control over a situation or to bless another spell or situation.


Eye in Pyramid Candle - burned for money spells


Seven Day Candles - Large pillar or glass encased candles used to draw out a spell so that the effect is longer lasting. These can be used the same as the Seven Knob Candle, or can be sectioned out into any amount of sections necessary.


Heart Candles - For love or emotional spells


Votive candles - These are more for offerings or petitions.


Angles - For angelic work and petitions.


You can pretty much find a candle in any shape and use it for some kind of an intention, from trees and pine comes for Yule pumpkins for Samhain or animals figures for spiritual guides, the list is literally endless.

Common Sense Candle Magick
Candle Magick Course Directory



  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

The Holly King's Season - A Celtic History

A Celtic History

Before Coca-Cola created the Jolly Old Man in a Red Suit, there was a more pagan-esque picture of an elder man with a beard usually in green or blue garb with holly in his hair. This older Claus is the Holly King, the God of the Waning year. 

His given name is Arawn. He comes from Annwn, also called the Otherworld in Welsh Mythology. Arawn is a very prominent King in this world from leading men into battles over stolen dogs, deer, and birds, to a voyage by King Arthur into Annwn to rescue a prisoner and take a cauldron. However, for this particular post, we will concentrate on his roll in Yule and his battle with the Oak King, his twin.

Arawn, the Holly King, and Hafgan, the Oak King are forever engaged in this battle of darkness over light, but it is well understood that both are necessary. The darkness brings an end to life, but also brings us closer. We have it well documented that more babies are born in the winter months than summer, so it's quite possible they also saw this trend. At the time of Midsummer, the Holly King would wake from his great rest and start to gain strength, thus leading to the death of the Oak King at Samhain. A rather common and interesting theme seen in one particular faith. Much like Jesus, the "Sun" of God, the Sun God, The Oak King, also was born at Yule and then rose from his death at Ostra. 

We also see yet another reference to a Wild Hunt, but in the Celtic tradition it is more a force of good to chase away the evil than it is anything to do with ancestors or death. A very striking difference from the Germanic Tribes. It does, however, still involve wolves, but more wolf like hunting hounds being lead by the great Holly King in a crown of antlers. 

He is also referenced along side Cailleach, or the Queen of Winter, who also has a twin, or double aspect, none other than Brighde. Cailleach goes and frosts the earth and then turns to stone at Bealltainn (Beltane). Though lesser known, she is still a rather interesting character in this epic and has a rich history in the same story.  

© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos

The Magician - 1 -

The Magician - 1-  

Success, Power, Knowledge, Creativity, Bringing to Fruition, Skill, Resourcefulness 

Manipulation, Greed, Untrustworthy, Mental Confusion, Not Using Potential 

The Magician was given the number one because he bridges the gap between the spirit world introduced in the Fool and the now living world. He has finally manifested the change in the physical world he's been studying for and making it real. All of his discipline and practice is paying off. He represents the true magic in the physical and that it's time to start to creating your own in your life. Know what it is you're manifesting and use your very best skills and the connection you still have with the universe to make it happen. Above his head is the eternity symbol and all four elements are present in his work space meaning that each element is at your will. With such a can-do attitude, any desire you seek is attainable and the ability to grab it and make it happen will be given to you if you only look; think creatively. What ever endeavor you wish to start will come about positively. Being sure of your intention is key, though. Make sure you fully understand what it is you're wanting to do. Knowledge is power and this card is all about both. 

Reversed

This man is deceitful and a con, especially if the Devil is present in the spread. He's using his knowledge and resources for wrong doing and negative means.Though charming, it's for all the wrong reasons and he is rarely who he represents himself to be. If the Moon is near, then there is also a self-deceit, or illusion effect that you're under. You could be out of touch with reality and need grounding. You need to turn back to the Fool and reexamine the problem at hand from a fresh point of view. Take a deep breath and make a plan. In another sense you could be letting your talents go to waste or feel your true potential isn't being met and that you are wasting away. Was a dream career? A hobby you love more than your day job? Did you switch paths because of life or other reasons, but still think about that one thing you're ridiculously good at; a natural born talent. Find a way to get back to that path and your life will improve. This also applies spiritually. 

Planet

Mercury

Element

Air

Herbs

Carnation, Rosemary, Vanilla

Crystals

Agate, Sunstone

Special Card Combinations to Look For

The Sun : A great burst of energy to complete your goal. Be wary of self-obsorbtion

The Moon : Your emotions are blinding you to your wants. If you do gain it, it will cost you greatly and may not be worth it in the end.

The Fool : Friends will assist you when the work is evenly distributed and you seem like its a goal based more on fun and experience, than getting ahead of everyone else.

Temperance : Working selfishly to help OTHERS reach their goal.

Three of Wands : Your goals or other life occurrences will come out in your favor. Great blessings are on the way.

Journey through all of the Cards here


© 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos

Color Correspondences

The colors of the candles is a serious discussion when introducing Candle Magick to people. We see this continue on through the colors of stones, fabrics, ink to write with, paper written on, and so much more. The meanings very rarely change, so this can be used a general color chart for all spell work. Please note that in some cases, even the shade can matter. These colors, however, span more than color magick and throughout nearly every kind of spell in a multitude of uses. This post will be sited for many different courses and uses.

Red : Passion, vitality, strength, survival, fertility, courage, sexual potency, mercy, action, danger, war, fire element, conflict, sports, independence, assertiveness, competition, love, attraction anger, Fire element, the South, Aries, Scorpio, Saturn, Bones, Teeth, nails, colon, prostate, rectum, blood

Orange : Self-expression, intellectual matters, overcoming addiction, legal matters/justice, joy, business success, ambition, vitality, fun, action, opportunity, celebration, investments, adaptability, strength, confidence, social skills, Sun, Leo, Sagittarius, pelvis, kidneys, uterus, bladder, lymph, sperm, adrenaline, digestion

Yellow : Pleasure, success, happiness, learning, memory, thought,  concentration, persuasion, inspiration, imagination, solar magick, charm, confidence, air element, travel, flexibility, communication, creativity, clarity, exams or test taking, the East, Mercury, Taurus, Libra, lower back, spine, gall bladder, pancreas, liver, spleen, digestion

Light Green : Youth, new beginnings, new path, starting out, spring time

Dark Green : Prosperity, abundance, money, physical & emotional healing, growth, luck, marriage, tree/plant magick, acceptance, weather, counteract, envy, greed, jealousy, security, material gain, employment, Earth element, the North, Mercury, Cancer, Upper back, spine, shoulders, breasts, heart, lungs, respiratory system, circulatory system

Light Blue : Spirituality, tranquility, peace, protection, healing, patience, calm, understanding, good health

Blue : Communication, will power, focus, forgiveness, good fortune, weight loss, truth, fidelity, patience, domestic harmony, organization, removing bad vibrations, sincerity, astral projection, water element, wisdom, dreams, emotions, sea life, the West, Jupiter, Moon, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Neck, throat, thyroid, lungs, ears, mind

Lavender : Knowledge, intuition, peace, tranquility, healing

Violet : Spirituality, connection to higher self, Goddess, insight, clarity, tension

Indigo : Spiritual guidance, psychic ability, stop gossip/lies, dignity, divination, meditation, ambition, overcome depression, Aquarius

Purple : Wisdom, influence, spiritual power, contact with spirits, drive away evil, change luck, independence, government, break habit, mild banishings, psychic ability, ambition, inner strength, Mercury, Saturn, Capricorn, Jupiter, Gemini, Sagittarius, Face, nervous system, upper respiratory system, bones, eyes, ears, pituitary gland, emotions

Pink : compassion, nurturing, femitinity, friendship, partnership, protection of children, domestic harmony, self-improvement, maturity, honor, virtue, morality, contentment, self love and respect, young romance, affection, Venus, Mars, Muscular System

Brown : House blessing, animal/pet magick, earth magick, concentration, material goods, stability, locating lost objects, earth element, real estate, construction, food, financial crisis, grounding, strength, family issues, Scorpio, Saturn

Copper : Business success, passion, money, fertility, career growth

Gold : Masculine divinity, great fortune, abundance, prosperity, male energy, understanding, divination, fast luck, solar/sun energy, positive attitude, justice, health, attraction, luxury, the day

Silver : Feminine divinity, stability, psychic awareness, intuition, dreams, victory, meditation, communication, moon magick, gambling luck, the Goddess, the night

 Grey : Loneliness, glamour, contemplation, removing negative influence

Black : Grounding, wisdom, learning, protection, safety, reversing, uncrossing, unhexing, repelling black magick, banishing negativity, releasing, shape-shifting, defense, scrying, pride, Saturn, teeth, bones

White : All purpose, unity, purity, cleansing, peace, balance, spirituality, healing, innocence, rain, magick involving young children or childhood, truth, consecration, balancing the aura, truth, Moon, Pisces, Brain, pineal gland, semen


Always refer back to our Common Sense Candle Magick post for proper usage and safety.
Candle Magick Course Directory

  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer The Dame

Yule/Jul - A True History

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A lot of people believe Yule to have come originally from the Celtics, but it actually started with the Old Germanic Tribes (who later become the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons). It's true spelling is Jul pronounced as "Yule". The celebration is dedicated to Odin and has a lot to do with the Wild Hunt lead by Odin which is said to bring war or a great death. This could just be seen as the Wild Hunt brings on the cold, shorter days when many would catch colds and such, but what it truly stands for is much debated.

This particular holiday is very long and can start anywhere from Mid-November and last up to Mid-January, though many texts that I have read personally, have it more around Mid-December and ending around the first week of January. You can read more of this reference in chapter 55 of the Prose Edda.

To celebrate everyone would carry out a sacrifice and bring all the food needed for the celebration to the temple. They would drink ale and sacrifice the animals associated with Jul (horses, cows, goats, and pigs) and collect their blood. They would use special twigs gathered together to sprinkle the blood at the pedestals of the Gods as well as the inside and outside walls. When people would enter the temple, they would also be sprinkled with the blood to receive the blessings and give thanks. They would then light a large fire in the middle of the temple and the chieftain and person preparing the feast would bless the meat from the sacrificed animals and the other foods before cooking. The first toast was always to Odin, followed then by Frejyer and Njoror, then lastly to the king himself. After this they would drink to their fallen loved ones.

“Glorious Maiden Who Knows the Age Cure of the Aesir”,

This holiday is also closely associated with the Sun (of course) and the Poetic Edda also talks about a Sun Goddess being reborn when the Gods are weakened, or dying. The other Gods are waiting for the Maiden to come forth and bring them new life as Sunna who rides a chariot across the sky and runs from the Wolf of darkness. The Winter Solstice is the time of the year where its thought she is finally caught by the wolf and devoured, then the springs buds her anew. Sunna is critical to the way they saw Earth created and the cycle of life itself. She is the first who made man and formed the heavens and other planets. Its possible that she actually is just dying at the end of the year as she gives birth to herself in the beginning of a new year; a common theme throughout many pagan religions. She is also quoted to be the actual seed of Yggdrasill, though her place and person was later replaced in the age of the Vikings. She can still be seen in much of their imagery and the other goddess of the new pantheon. Thor was also depicted as her protector who fought for her resurrection and can still be seen in the essence of the Yule Goat as well as then when they sacrificed the goats for feasting.

The Wild Hunt - Asgardr-Riders

The theme of souls roaming the Earth does not stop at Alfabot (or Samhain for those new Pagans) for the Old Germanic Tribes. It continues on through the passage of winter and is even considered more powerful because of the lack of sunlight. The Riders are souls of dead ancestors who ride killing and maiming those who cross those paths, unless they were met with offerings and well-wishes. These dead could then become helpful or bestow blessings. These souls appear to have become what we now know as gnomes, elves, and other various little people who wreck havoc and create mischief. 

  © 2016, Copyright The Dame and The Devil Business Blog - Writer Shannon Hinojos
I do not own the image and it may be subject to it's own copyright.