Practical Magic Blog Party

Welcome to the Practical Magic Blog Party here on 'I Heart the Goddess' and hosted by the lovely Anna over at 'Frosted Petunias'. Many thanks to our hostess for bringing us all together to share in our love of a magical movie! And pop over to the 'Practical Magic Blog Party' blog to find your way around all the lovely bloggers out there who are sharing with us today.

One of the many things I took away with me from the movie was the use of candles. They seemed to be in every room in one way or another, bringing their sultry light to the scene. For me candles conjure up magick, mystery, and a sense of wonder and enlightment. They light the darkness and warm our hearts and minds to the possibilities rising from the smoke.

And so my party post is all about candles and the infinite uses they have in our lives, both mundane and magickal.

Candles in the Mundane World

Candles have been in use for thousands of years, yet little is known about their origin. There is no historical record of the first candles, however clay candle holders dating from the 4th century BC have been found in Eygpt. The earliest people credited with developing the "wicked" candle are the ancient Romans, before 3,000 BC. They used rolled papyrus and dipped it repeatedly in melted tallow (cattle or sheep fat) or beeswax.

Early Chinese candles are said to have been molded in paper tubes, using rolled rice paper for the wick, and wax from an indigenous insect that was combined with seeds. In Japan, candles were made of wax extracted from tree nuts, while in India, candle wax was made by boiling the fruit of the cinnamon tree. The first known candle in America dates to the 1st century AD. Native Americans burned oily fish(candlefish) wedged into a forked stick. Early missionaries in the southwestern United States boiled the bark of the Cerio tree and skimmed the wax.

In the middle ages most western cultures relied primarily on candles made from animal fat(tallow). A major improvement came when beeswax candles were introduced in Europe. Unlike animal-based tallow, beeswax burned pure and cleanly, without producing a smoky flame. It also emitted a pleasant, sweet smell rather than the foul, bitter odor of tallow. Beeswax candles were widely used for church ceremonies, but because they were expensive, few individuals other than the wealthy could afford them in their home. Tallow candles were the common household candle for Europeans, and by the 13th century, candlemaking had become a guild craft in England and France. The candlemakers(chandlers) went from house to house making candles from the kitchen fats saved for that purpose, or made and sold their own candles from small candle shops.

In America colonial women discovered that boiling the grayish-green berries of bayberry bushes produced a sweet-smelling wax that burned cleanly. However, extracting the wax from the berries was extremely tedious. As a result, the popularity of bayberry candles soon diminished. The growth of the whaling industry in the late 18th century brought the first major change in candlemaking since the Middle Ages,when spermaceti, a wax obtained by crystallizing sperm whale oil, became available in quantity. Like beeswax, the spermaceti wax did not elict a repugnant odor when burned, and produced a significantly brighter light. It also was harder than either tallow or beeswax, so it wouldn't soften or bend in the summer. A pure spermaceti candle is the measure for candlepower. Candlepower is a common term for describing light output. It is based on a measurement of the light produced by a pure spermaceti candle weighing one sixth of a pound, burning at a rate of 120 grams per hour.

During the 19th century most of the major contemporary candlemaking developements occurred. In the 1820s, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract steric acid from animal fatty acids. This led to the development of stearin wax which was hard, durable and burned cleanly. Stearin candles remain popular in Europe today. In 1834, inventor Joseph Morgan helped to further the modern-day candle industry by developing a machine that allowed for continuous production of molded candles by using a cylinder with a movable piston to eject candles as they solidified. With the introduction of mechanized production, candles became an easily affordable commodity for the masses. Paraffin wax was introduced in the 1850s, after chemists learned how to efficiently separate the naturally-occurring waxy subtance from petroleum and refine it. Odorless and bluish-white in color, paraffin was a boon to candlemaking because it burned cleanly, consistently and was more economical to produce than any other candle fuel.

Candles in Magick

Candle magick is probably one of the simplest forms of magick to perform. All that is needed is a candle and some matches (Witches prefer matches to lighters because sulphur - once known as brimstone - has been believed since the Middle Ages to possess the power of purification). Candle magick can also be seen to be complete within itself as the body of the candle is made up from the elements of Earth and Water. Fire is added by lighting the candle and Spirit is represented by the wick, as the wick is where the potential of the candle lies and will be unfolded with. With the candle lit, the flame of your intent will burn.

Candle magick has been used for centuries for magick and ritual. Candles are lit at the Sabbats and Esbats and is a practice that is used in many different religions, cultures and traditions. Candles invoke the divine, they create a sense of ceremony and they are fascinating to look at. Candles can be purchased anywhere, by anyone, without anyone blinking an eye or suspecting magick and witchcraft!

The flickering flame of a candle can help you to focus on your wishes, making your heart's desire come true. Try using candles the next time you want to make something happen in your life!

Unwittingly, you probably performed your first act of candle magick when you blew out the candles on your birthday cake whilst making a wish. This tradition is based on the three principles of magick; concentration, will power and visualization. You concentrated on the candles, blew them out with all your might and visualized your wish coming true - absolute magick!

Choosing a Candle

1. Choose a plain candle of uniform shape. Having unusual or large candles can be distracting and is therefore not suitable for magickal use.

2. Candles used for magick should always be virgin (unused) at the start of the ritual. Using secondhand candles or other materials in magick can have disastrous results as they might have picked up vibrations from previous use, even if it was just on a dinner table.

3. If at all possible, making your own candles for magickal use will increase the magickal potency of the candle many times. It is very easy to make your own candles. Simply heat the wax until it liquifies and then pour it into a mould which is threaded with a wick. The wax is left to cool after which the mold is removed. Essential oils and colors can be added to the wax for extra effect.

4. Charge your candle before using it in ritual. This can be done by annointing it with oils associated with the ritual or magick you intend on performing or by simply touching it and charging it with your own energy. Whilst charging the candle, visualize the north and south poles - rub the oil into the candle starting at the center and rubbing down towards south; then starting at the center again, rub up towards north.

Below are some charts for astral color, candle color and days of the week correspondences.

Candles in Ritual

In Wicca and related forms of neo-paganism, the candle is frequently used on the altar to represent the presence of the God and Goddess, and in the four corners of a ritual circle to represent the presence of the four elements being Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. When used in this manner, lighting and extinguishing the candle marks the opening and closing of the ritual.

Candle Magick for Mabon

I thought it would be nice to include a Mabon ritual here for those whole celebrate this Sabbatt.

You'll need:
- An unscented candle in a harvest color such as yellow, orange, or brown.
- Your choice of Money Oil or essential oil of cinnamon, orange, or ginger.
- Something to inscribe the candle with such as a pencil, stylus, or athame.
- A pinch of dried basil, sage or dill.

If you normally cast a circle or invoke Deity, do so now. Using the pencil, stylus or athame inscribe your intent upon the candle. For example, if you need money to pay the bills, carve that on the candle. If you just want extra fun money, write that on the candle too. If you're not sure how much you need, you can use symbols of money such as the dollar sign ($) or a runic symbol. In traditional runes, Fehu is the sign of wealth, prosperity and financial gain. And since I'm into runes, I've included the Fehu symbol here.

Once you've completed the inscription, anoint the candle with the Money Oil. If you don't have Money Oil, use another essential oil that brings prosperity; cinnamon, orange or ginger are all good to use. Focus your intent into the candle, drawing abundance to you. Rub a small amount of the dried basil, sage or dill (all herbs connected with money) into the oil. As you do, clearly visualize how you will be using the money that comes your way. Will you use it to pay off debt? Buy a new car? Take a class for personal growth?

Light the candle and meditate on the flame. Continue focusing on your intent and imagine it building, first as a small spark, and then growing into a large ball of light. Maintain this image as long as you can, and then release it into the candle flame. Make sure the candle is in a safe place so as not to be a fire hazard (a bowl of sand is perfect for this) and allow the candle to burn out on its own.

NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED!

I hope you enjoyed visiting today and remember to keep the 'magick' lit in your life.

Magical Protection

I'm currently reading a book called 'Reclaim the Power of the Witch - Making Magic Make Sense' by Monte Plaisance. It is an incredible book filled with all kinds of information including the normal stuff you'd find in a book like this, but it also covers information that I hadn't read before or that was maybe slightly glossed over in other books. One of those topics is protection.

Monte states that, next to the athame, the witch's bottle is one of the most important items to be made and it should be done as early in your practice as possible. The witch's bottle is used for protection against another witch's or magician's magick. Also, never let anyone know that you're making the bottle or the reason for doing so.

How to Make a Witch's Bottle

You'll need:

• an empty 6 oz jar with a lid
• a red cloth cut into the shape of a heart
• some of your own hair clippings
• some of your own nail clippings
• 13 iron nails
• 13 black-headed pins
• 1 cup of sea salt

1. Place all the items on your altar and take a few moments to meditate on the task at hand. You are performing a rite of protection for your magical safety.
2. Take the hair and nail clippings and place them into the jar saying: "Here do I present myself."
3. Take the 13 iron nails and place them into the jar saying: "Here are my swords of protection".
4. Take the salt and pour it into the jar saying: "Here is salt to purify me and keep me clean and safe".
5. Take the red heart-shaped cloth - hold it high and say: "Here is the heart of any who wish me harm".
6. Stick all of the 13 black-headed pins into the cloth heart and say: "Let any who wish me harm or any who wish me ill feel the pain of their own heart's hate, rebounded by this witch's will".
7. Place the pin-studded heart into the jar.
8. Next, fill the jar with your own urine. As Monte himself says "I know this sounds rather disgusting, but urine is a very powerful liquid condenser. If you look at your own primal instincts, urinating on something is symbolic of saying how worthless you think it is. This is in effect what you are doing. You are stating, symbolically, that you know any spell that is cast against you is a useless and worthless gesture, and this is the frame of mind you should take while performing this act." Note: If you just can't get past using urine, then it is perfectly acceptable to use wine, apple cider vinegar or blessed salt water.
9. When the jar is filled, or at least halfway so, screw the cap on and paint a protective pentagram in red on the top of the lid. Take the jar out on the night of the new moon and bury it somewhere near your home. As you are burying the jar say: "Blessed Mother of the Darkened Moon, I pray that you grant me this boon. A bottle of protection do I bury here, to protect me from those both far and near. May any curse or magick spell placed on me be dispelled. Rebounded on the sender be. In accordance with the Law of Three".
10. Now cover the jar with dirt and seal the dig by tracing an upright triangle in the soil. Stand up, turn, and walk away without looking back. Once the bottle is buried, it should never be dug up again. To do so would be to release all of the negativity that is has absorbed for you. If another person digs up the bottle, it will have no effect, as the bottle is designed to absorb negativity aimed directly to you. This energy is tied to you and you alone, and cannot affect another person.

If at some point you move, do NOT dig up the bottle and take it with you. The bottle will continue to work for you. However, it is a good idea to make another bottle and bury it at the new location. If at some point you feel you are under attack, it could be that your witch's bottle has broken. In this case, simply make another bottle.

Another way to protect yourself from attack, in this case psychic attack, is to have a protection bath. Begin by preparing for the bath by cleaning out your tub with one capful of ammonia to a gallon of water and scrubbing the tub down. Ammonia is used because it has the magical quality of removing unwanted energy, both good and bad, from an object or dwelling. Be sure to rinse well.

Next fill the tub with water, as cold as you can stand it (between 65 to 70 degrees). To this add three tablespoons of sea salt and one tablespoon of baking soda. Using your athame, place the tip into the water and say: "I exorcise thee O'Creature of Water. Let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth hence from, and let all good enter herein. In the names of the Great Mother and Father Gods do I purify, bless, and invoke thee." Trace an invoking pentagram on the surface of the water using your wand or index finger of your power hand. The water is now purified and charged to neutralize and cleanse your aura.

You'll need:

• Frankincense
• Dragon's Blood
• Myrrh
• Salt

Use about one teaspoon of each herb placed into a mesh tea bag/ball available from the grocery store. Bring a pint or more of water to a boil and then turn off the heat. Place the herbs into the water, cover, and let steep for about five minutes. Place one cup of the bath tea into your bath water. Kneel in the water, which should come up to your waist, and with a small bucket or large cup begin to scoop up the water and pour it over your head and body. Make very certain that you are complete doused with the water.

While you are pouring the bath water over you, you must visualize yourself as being cleansed and empowered. It is also very important to chant a rhythmic chant stating the purpose of the bath while dousing yourself ~ "A wall of fire around me is twined, Protection and safety now are mine." For the best effect, say the chant and then pour the water over you. Repeat this for several minutes. When done, step out of the bath and dry yourself with a clean white towel.

Another form of protection is to use incense.

You'll need:

• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Dragon's Blood

Before you begin blending incense it is important to concentrate on why you are doing it. Focus your attention on the purpose at hand and chant the following: "Herbs of Magick do I mix, for (state purpose, in this case protection) these herbs I fix. An incense of mystic scent I blend, its power to my magick lend."

Magical protection is of the utmost importance when practicing and working in magical ways because when performing ritual, the energy you raise is very attractive to a variety of spirits, and they will come and huddle around, waiting to absorb that energy and thereby gain strength.

In most cases, these spiritual entities have no other intent other than to absorb energy, and in most cases are harmless. However, magical protection should be the first type of magical ritual or spell that you learn. And it's not only spirits that you need to be aware of. If you're an out-of-the-broom closet Wiccan or Witch, you will also need to protect yourself from neighbors, co-workers, friends and in some cases, family members, who may be sending negative thought patterns towards you.

You may want to consider spells or rituals to protect your home, business or place of employment (ie your cubicle), against enemies both open and secret, and to remove the effects of bad gossip.

These are just some of the ways you may want to consider in your practice to protect yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Source: Reclaim the Power of the Witch - Making Magic Make Sense ~ Monte Plaisance

Blog Parties!

It's been a long time since I participated in a blog party, but these ones I just couldn't resist! Who doesn't want to let their hair down and dance and sing like a gypsy amongst like-minded gypsy souls? And I'm always up for some Practical Magic!

So, I cordially invite you to join me on September 10th for the Gypsy Dreams Blog Party and then again on September 24th for the Practical Magic Blog Party . . . it's going to be a magickal month!

Litha/Summer Solstice

Litha is the Sabbatt that is celebrated at the Summer Solstice. The Goddess is in her full pregancy ready to give birth to the God. It is the longest day of the year and it's about celebrating the power of the Sun. The crops are growing heartily and the earth is warm and inviting. It's a time to spend long sunny afternoons enjoying the outdoors and getting back to nature.

I've created my Litha altar with reverence for the God and Goddess, but also with fun and frivolity in mind. Midsummer is a time to let your hair down, swim skyclad (if you're so inclined) and just enjoy 'being'.

Do you see the purple orb in the top right hand corner? Magick at work!

If you're looking for a ritual to celebrate Litha, I've added one to my 'Sabbatts and Esbats Ritual Pages'. It's a simple ritual that can be done in the great outdoors, but one that can also be done inside if required.

Wishing you a Blessed and Happy Litha!

Morning Rituals

I've been suffering with a terrible cold/flu this past week and this morning I'm grateful that it's subsiding and I'm feeling much better. There's nothing like being sick to make you realize, when you're well again, how beautiful mundane life can be.

Keeya eating a carrot on her favorite perch - my shoulder.

As I was taking care of the birds this morning, I realized how grateful I am for each of their little souls. They get me out of bed in the dark mornings of winter, they cheer me, they frustrate me, they make me laugh. They provide such joy and most days, I'm sad to say, I take them for granted. Not this morning. As I was doing up the dishes, I looked around me and was overcome with a sense of wonder. I realized that every morning for the last five years, since we've had the birds, I perform a ritual. One that I go through without even thinking about.

Picasso eating his favorite cookies . . . dipped in water of course.

I get up, I let the dogs out, I feed the dogs. I uncover the birds, letting them out of their cages and I say good morning to each of them. Then I stand in the sunroom with Bijou for awhile, preening her feathers and greeting the morning sun (when it's out that is). When she's ready, I gather up the food dishes and we head into the kitchen, where Bijou's tea is waiting.

Bijou drinking tea from her favorite cup her daddy bought for her.

As she slurps her tea (in the most ladylike fashion) and eats her breakfast, I feed Picasso and Keeya. I chop vegetables and fruits. I fill up the treat tray. I empty, clean and refill water bowls. I yell at the dogs for barking at the front window. And the morning goes on . . .

Bijou rearranging the tupperware cupboard.

This lid doesn't belong here!

Picasso rearranging the floor design.

It's in mornings like this that I appreciate the fact that I don't have to work - that I can stay home, take care of our fur and feather babies, take care of our home and pretty much manage my day in any way that suites me. I am truly blessed and grateful for this mundane life and the magick in the morning ritual.