Giveaway! Featured Favorites Friday: Pillow Runes

Deity Diva Imbolg Goddess

I know I don't typically talk much about my daughter, mostly because I don't want her to hate me when she grows up and reads my blog, but I do have one.  She's amazingly cute, a tad precocious and claims Thor and the Goddess as hers.  Don't ask her to name her Goddess, though, because she'll tell you a different one every time.   Quite a while ago I was searching for something to be just as loved by her as the Thor Super Hero Squad figurine but that represented the Goddess.  Of course I searched around etsy and I found a lovely woman willing to trade for a beautiful purple stuffed Goddess doll, and it was a HUGE hit!

Elder Futhark Pillow Rune Set - Samhain

Today I'd like to introduce you all to this lovely crafter, Dana of By Land Sky and Sea.  Read a bit more about her below and then enter to win your very own set of Elder Futhark Pillow Runes by using the Rafflecopter form below.  You can also find her on facebook and her blog.

Q: What got you into your work here on etsy?

A: After the birth of my daughter in 2010 I was a stay at home mother until she turned 18 months. I was looking for a way to earn some extra income and came across Etsy through a mutual friend of my husband and I from high school. I haven't sold a whole lot since opening up last year, but the sales I have made mean a lot. It really is an incredible feeling to make something by hand that someone else feels is worth enough to buy.

Custom Handfasting Cord

Q: Which piece in your shop has the most meaning for you and/or is your favorite to make?

A: The answer to both of these is the same. It would definitely have to be any handfasting cord that I make, whether premade or custom. My husband and I were married in handfasting ceremony in 2010 and it's a tradition I fell in love with while researching ideas for ours. I love the meaning and symbolism behind it and whenever someone requests a custom order each one is always unique in their own way, from the color combination to beads and/or charms they wish to add.

Trick or Treat Halloween Bag

Q: Which is your favorite holiday and why?

A: This one is hard because it's a tie between Halloween and Christmas. I love the buildup to each, the decorations, the lights... Deciding on a costume every year for Halloween was fun and then running around the neighborhood collecting candy from everyone. With Christmas there is just this feeling of warmth and happiness that I wish we could all feel every day of the rest of the year. Because of this I am definitely one of those people who gets depressed after the holidays are over - though the sales on all the decorations for the next year help. lol

Deity Diva Yule/Christmas Goddess

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?

A: My mom was a huge crafter growing up so I got the crafty streak from her. I'm also inspired by other people and things I see around me. I'm always looking for things to make, but in my own way, with my own mark on it. And from paganism - finding useful, inexpensive ways to make things people need or want to celebrate their faith with.

Q: What inspired you to make the leap into children's items?

A: I was making some ornaments one afternoon and my daughter who is almost two kept picking them up to play with them and I realized, I have made nothing for her to play with. I can sew and crochet and craft but I have nothing for her yet. That's when I decided to not only make stuff for her but stuff to sell as well for children. Especially for those who are pagan and have children that they are raising pagan and want to include them more in rituals, etc. or just want them to have a symbol of their own.

13 Goddess WK13: Chinese Goddess Nü-gua

 Today I offer a spell to the Chinese Matchmaker Goddess, Nü-gua.  I know we could all use a bit more love in our lives.  And for the record, yes, I too now have Fiddler on the Roof stuck in my head :)

Lover in the Garden Vintage Bamboo Plate from Tear Drop Curio

Nu-gua – Love and Romance Candle Spell

ReadingsByKat.etsy.com

This work is best done during the time of the full or waxing moon.  Prepare your work area by setting up any tools you may use in addition to the red candle.  While setting up your area, CONCENTRATE on the purpose of your work. Envision what it is.

Hold the dressed and blessed spell candle and focus on positive energy moving into the candle.  Prior to lighting the candle, say (either aloud, or to yourself):

Nu-gua, match-maker Goddess, Lady of Love, help me be open to Love

I embrace all opportunities to find and enjoy love and romance

As the light of this flame grows, let me see opportunities around me.

As the flame of the candle dissipates with time – Opportunities I will find

If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is burner out.  Bury any leftover wax in the earth as close to your home as possible.

Re-Kindle the Romance Spell Candle

Featured Favorites Friday: Lugh Time

As the wheel of the year truns those of us in the northen hemisphere have recently celebrated the first of the harvest festivals, sometimes called Lammas and other times celebrated as Lughnassah.  Today I am sharing with you some beautiful artisan crafted items that celebrate the Celtic God Lugh.

I love the idea of these Magical Melts from Moonlit Herbals.  What a creative way to combine multiple magical components together in a way that can be used without an open flame.

Her Light of Lugh Magical Melts are scented with Satsuma Oranges, Cassis and Pineapple and contain soy wax, organic herbs and flowers, glitter, crystals and the highest quality essential, essence and fragrance oils.

This gives me an idea to set up a long-lasting spell or altar, honoring Lugh and the Light to last all day, bringing blessings and strength to my home.

 You can also find this shop on facebook.

This beautiful hand-crafted Altar Tile featuring Lugh's shield was made by one of my favorite etsy sellers, Paula of The Whimsical Pixie.  The detail is amazing and I love the grain accents along the edges.

This piece honors Lugh as a sovereign protector and warrior. For Paula, his shield represents ability and versatility, attributes that have helped us survive long winters for century's.

This tile would be a beautiful seasonal accent for not just an altar but a home as well.

The Whimsical Pixie can also be found on facebook.

This hand-sculpted pendant depicting the Spear of Lugh crafted by Caeruleus Lady of Hooded Crow Crafts just jumped right off the page at me.  The detail is amazing and as the paint is metallic it will shine as it moves.

There are many myths surrounding the Spear of Lugh including one that tells the spear head had to be kept in a pot of water or it would ignite and cause fire around it.  This pendant surely brings to light that same fiery and powerful essence.

The talented artisans at Hooded Crow Craft would be happy to work with anyone to create a beautiful and meaningful pendant to honor their own gods.  Such work makes my hear joyful.

Follow along with the goings on of the shop at their blog.

Mickie Muller is one of my favorite artists when it comes to laying the might and majesty of the Gods onto canvas and paper.  I am familiar with her main shop offering various items with her artwork on them but I have just found out that she is also the creator of a Celtic Ogham Divination Oracle called Voice of the Trees.  This is SO cool.  No really... SO COOL!

In her Voice of the Trees shop you can find prints, mugs, tarot bags, mirrors and home decor with the deep and meaningful images representing the Trees of the Ogham.

Today I chose to share with you a beautiful wall candle sconce depicting Lugh for the card of Ash.  This card represents transformation and action, breaking inertia and taking care of business.  I wish all of us the power of this card in the months ahead!

You can also find Mickie at her blog and her art website.

Have a great Friday everyone!

13 Goddess WK12: Australian or Polynesian

Getting posts written and scheduled.  Today I bring you my 12th goddess, a spell to Pele the Hawaiian Goddess of fire and passion.

Pele Original Art Print by Serena Grey of Birds Become Fishes

 Pele – Motivate Me Candle Spell

ReadingsByKat.etsy.com

This spell is best performed mid-day, when the sun is at its highest point, preferably on a Sunday.  The bright and fiery energy of the Sun helps call to mind the fiery power of Pele and her volcano.

On a piece of tissue paper write out, preferably in three words, what you need motivation for.  What are you asking Pele to help light the fire for?  What do you need to complete?  What are you close to finishing but need an extra push?  Focus on the power or Lady Pele as you write.

Use a pin to carve into a red spell candle; let the heat and energy of the volcano move through you.  Consider carving a tribal sun and/or personal symbols that will add power and intention.  Take another moment to focus yoru energy on the candle, yoru petition and the spell to be performed.  Light the candle, burn the petition paper in the candle flame and say (aloud or to yourself): 

Lady Pele, your fire destroys and yet renews
Let this candle light that which is within me.
As the volcano burns and creates
Let this flame heat my passions and move me forward.

If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth as close to your home as possible.

13 Goddess WK11: African Goddess Yemaja

Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to report that my back is doing much better thanks to long weeks of physical therapy.  I can now sit at my computer for more than ten minuets at a time and I am pleased to announce that Blog Posts are Back!

Today I bring you a spell invoking Yemaja, the African Yourba Goddess of mothers, children, the rivers and the sea.  Yemaja has traveled the world and resides in every place that slaves once lived.

Yemaya Body Soap Gel by MaidenMotherCrone

Yemaja – Baby Blessing Candle Spell

ReadingsByKat.etsy.com

This spell is best performed during the night of the Full Moon. Spells to bring energy in are done at this time because the energy of the moon helps move things into your life.

Use a pin to carve a river into the candle holding in your mind the life giving and protective properties of the flowing waters governed by Lady Yemaja.  You can add other symbols or words to increase the directedness and power of the spell.

Hold the candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into the candle.  Using silver (if possible) or blue ink, write the name of the child and words that describe how their life should be (i.e. loved, strong, protected, treasured) out a petition paper.  Light the candle, burn the petition paper in the candle flame and say (aloud or to yourself): 

O Yemaja, mother and protectors, guardian of the waters and life;

Guard (Child’s name) against harm and illness.

Watch over him/her with every step he/she takes.

Let your life giving waters always flow through them.

If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and offer it to a stream near your home or bury it in the earth as close to your home as possible.

13 Goddess WK10: Sumerian Goddess Inanna

Today I bring you a spell to Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of sexual love and war.  Remember we are all part of the divine and we all carry the power and beauty of the Earth within us.  This spell was inspired by a fantastic witchy friend who helps to remind me "I AM the Beauty of the Earth!"

Inanna Hand-painted Drum by AncientPowersLive

Inanna - Beauty of the Earth Candle Spell

ReadingsByKat.etsy.com

This spell is best performed during the waxing or full Moon.  The waxing energy of this moon phase helps bring things in to your life.

Use a pin to carve the eight pointed star of Inanna and your name or personal symbol into the candle; keeping your intention in your mind.  Hold the candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into it.  Using blue ink, write out a petition paper. Include things like motivation to grow, confidence, increase of positive thoughts, courage within the self, and faith.  You can add runes or your own symbols to increase the power of your intention.  Light the candle saying:

Inanna, Star Goddess, Lady of power and beauty

As the light of this flame grows let confidence grow within me.

Inanna, walk with me, keep my will and magic strong

As I hold the divine within my self, I AM the Beauty of the Earth

Burn the piece of paper with your written words on it and place the ashes into a bowl.  If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth near your home.

Beauty of the Earth spell kit

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PS: This goddess drum is from an amazing etsy.com artist who has been notified.  If you are so inclined, please click through and check out her other wares.

PPS: Enter to win a full set of printable BOS pages from a pagan-run small business here.  

PPPS: Enter to win a Tarot Tips Sheet just for spreading the word about a Pagan Publisher here. 

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13 Goddess WK09: Mayan Goddess Ixchel

Ixchel is identified as the goddess of medicine and midwifery.  She calls us to open ourselves up as a channel for divine healing energy.  Interestingly she is typically found to be portrayed as the grandmother aspect of the Moon.

Mayan Moon Goddess by TigerHouseArt

This work is best done during the time of the full or waxing moon.   

Prepare your work area by setting up any tools you may use in addition to your spell candle. While setting up your area, CONCENTRATE on the purpose of your work. Envision what it is.

Use a pin to carve a moon into a white or light blue candle.  Use your intuition to draw the phase of the moon that comes to mind.

Hold the candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into the candle.  Using silver (if possible) or blue ink, write out a petition paper.  In your own words state your intent for this spell. Include things like protection, safety, freedom from illness, strength to the immune system ect.  Light the candle, burn the petition paper in the candle flame and say (either aloud or to yourself): 

Lady Ixchel, I ask for guidance from the divine.

Help me to bring health to me and mine.

If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth as close to your home as possible.

Health and Healing Candle Spell

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PS: This goddess print is from an amazing etsy.com artist who has been notified.  If you are so inclined, please click through and check out his other wares.

PPS: Enter to win a full set of printable BOS pages from a pagan-run small business here.  

PPPS: Enter to win a Tarot Tips Sheet just for spreading the word about a Pagan Publisher here. 

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Sunday Intentional: Creating a Ritual

Today is a fun day in that I get to play with the 'big witches'.  Sometimes it feels like I got invited to the grown-up's table :)  But not only do I get to hang with the Witches today, I'm actually running ritual so why not share the process on here with my lovely readers?  I believe that creating ritual is like any other creative process and each person will do it a little differently but that we can all gain insight by seeing how others do it.  Here's me.  Please remember all of these steps are simply how things are done today in the world according to Kat.

The first step of any ritual is intention.  I was chatting with the High Priestess I borrow on a semi monthly basis and expressed my new Sacred Space epiphany, that I'm doing all of this backwards.  The more I thought about how disjointed my magical training is the more I'd like other young people to be able to avoid it.  So the intention for today's working is: Allow the younger seekers to find guidance.  Intention crafting is almost as difficult a process as ritual craft; it should be short and sweet but directed and to the point but making sure to include all the important elements.  The seven words of my intention went through many incarnations, changing even as I write this.

The next part of ritual is purification but that's not the difficult part.  Now that I have the intention I want to discover what the main magic of the ritual will be.  This is typically the part where energy is raised within the sacred space, built up and then released with the intention.  There are various ways of raising energy, like movement, song, intoning, circling, etc.  I think today I'm feeling the noise makers.  We will raise the energy by using hand-held percussive instruments, starting at a very love volume and slow pulse.  As the energy gets added we will increase the speed and volume of the percussive noise until it feels wild and ecstatic and then we will released in intention.  I think when I get there I will crowd source a bit and see what everyone's comfortable with.

Now that the intention and main magic are decided I can work on the other parts or the structure.  Basics include purification, which I think we will most likely do with burning incense and salt water.  I like using these two methods because they bring together all four elements.  If we're feeling cheeky I may just run a quick purification by fire visual, but that may be dangerous, depending on who's house one is in.

Next up is grounding, which I have no desire to lead and don't feel I should need to at the grown-ups play-date, but sometimes a lead grounding exercise is really good for getting all the participant's minds in the same ritual and sacred place.  If we do feel like grounding together I will probably run a quick and dirty water cycle visualization, as I dislike the tree method a lot and the water cycle has the connections to above and below that is so necessary to good grounding.  I believe that all elements can be used to purify and all can be used to ground in, I just haven't figured them all out yet; this will be it's own SI post some other day.

So the participants and space are ready for the ritual to begin, now what?  Set up the sacred space.  This is one of those things that every tradition and sometimes every witch does just a little bit differently.  The three elements of setting up sacred space include casting a circle, inviting the elemental energies and inviting divine presence but not necessarily all of those steps and not necessarily in that order.  Today I will probably cast the circle then invite the elemental energies and then the divine presence.

The point of this stage of the ritual is to separate the space we are in from the mundane world physically and fairly temporally, hence the line "a space out of time and a time out of space"; a circle takes the space between the worlds.  They also serve to filter the energies.  For instance, I always envision my circle as a giant semi-permeable membrane that allows in the energy that is necessary and not detrimental to the working and also allows our energy to flow out as necessary.  I will probably bring my 'travel wand' to cast this circle, teehee.  I've decided to use song to call in the elements called 'I Am' © 1997 by Christian Williamson and you can listen to it here.  I think I will ask Hermes to join us as a God of travel and communication and Athena to be welcome as a Goddess of wisdom.

Once all the magic is done it's very important to say thanks you and good bye.  As I once told my five year old, Gods are kinda like grown-ups and you have to be polite.  I will thank the divine for their time and hail and farewell them, then do the same for the elemental energies, then I will (probably not use the wand to) open the circle and hugs will ensue.

Now that this is all written out, I feel better.  Have a lovely Sunday everyone!

13 Goddess WK08: Roman Goddess Vesta

Vesta is the Roman goddess of the hearth, home and family.  She calls us to focus on making our home a place of wonder, safety and hospitality and she will help us to protect it.

Vesta Spirit Doll by Griselda of AwesomeArt

Vestia House Blessing Candle Spell

ReadingsByKat.etsy.com

This spell is best performed during the night of the Full Moon. Spells to bring energy in are done at this time because the energy of the moon helps move things into your life.

Use a pin to carve the ELHAZ the rune of protection and confident warding away of destruction and harm into the candle.  You can add other symbols or words to increase the directedness and power of the spell.

Hold the candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into the candle.  Using silver (if possible) or blue ink, write three words that you would most like to see reflected in your home (i.e. love, strong, protected, safe, shelter) out a petition paper.  Light the candle, burn the petition paper in the candle flame and say (aloud or to yourself): 

O gracious Lady Vesta, Keeper and Protector of hearth-fire, be Welcome
I ask that you bless this place, protect this place and help me achieve my goals for this home.

If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth as close to your home as possible.

New Home Candle Spell

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PS: This goddess spirit doll is from an amazing etsy.com artist who has been notified.  If you are so inclined, please click through and check out her other wares.

PPS: Enter to win one handmade item up to $15 in value from a pagan-run small business here. 

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13 Goddess WK07: Hindu Goddess Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of prosperity, light, fertility, wisdom and courage and is believed to protect those who follow her from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows.  She asks us to have faith and remember that the future is bright.  Sometimes we need to clear our hearts of fear as it is a block to visualizing and manifesting the light.

Lakshmi Artwork by Sue Halstenberg

Lakshmi Cleansing Candle Spell

ReadingsByKat.etsy.com

This spell is best performed during the waning Moon towards the last quarter. Cleansing spells are done at this time because the energy of the moon helps move things out of your life.

Use a pin to carve your name or personal symbol into the candle; keeping your intention in your minds.  Hold the candle between the palms of your hands and direct all of your energy into the candle.  Visualize a beautiful many armed goddess of light standing with you, reminding you that the future is full of brightness.  Light the candle saying:

Lakshimi, Goddess of light and manifestation

Help me to clear my heart of and fear

I release this astral slime
And all darkness which is not mine
I let go of all that may have harmed.
Negativity released; I am charmed

If possible, focus and meditate on your desires until the candle is almost burned out.  Combine the ashes and left over wax together and bury it in the earth at a cross-roads if possible.

Psychic Cleansing Candle Spell

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PS: This goddess image is from an amazing etsy.com artist who has been notified.  If you are so inclined, please click through and check out her other wares.

PPS: Enter to win one handmade item up to $15 in value from a pagan-run small business here. 

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Pagan Blog Project WK15: H is for Humor

Again I tip my hat in appreciation of google's auto fill feature as it has enabled me to pick a topic for this week, though I had to ignore the first option of holidays for this week at least.

Pagan Humor, otherwise known as the jokes only a little over 0.2% of those in the US get.

First I would like to direct you all over to the Pagan Humor Library.  Which has many pages like the two shared below.

The Safe Witch Kit (which actually has some great ideas, lol)

Want to be a Witch, yet don't want dangerous items in your home? We've assembled this comprehensive kit to meet the beginning Witch's needs, without compromising safety.

logo © 2000 Faerie K.

Includes: 1 Rubber Athame. Painted black handle, silver blade. Very flexible. You can swing this about in Circle with no fears about hurting anyone!
Exclusive! The incredible Collapse-a-Wand! Hand-wrought of authentic wood-grained expanded foam, with a special adhesive patch for attaching the Power Stone of your choice (see below).
2 Battery-operated Candles (1 black, 1 white). No more concerns about flowing gowns catching fire.
1 package Glade Stick-ems. Fresh, floral scent, without the concerns of burning incense. No messy ash to clean up!
1 shaker Mrs. Dash. Get all the flavor and zip of salt, without the sodium!
1 Quality Fold-a-Cauldron. Easy-to-assemble, genuine simulated cast iron corrugated material. Complete instructions.
1 Fabric Rainbow Disk. No sharp corners to be concerned about. The perfect centerpiece for your own Altar. No worries of offending anyone, as could happen with those misunderstood pentagrams.
3 Assorted colors soft vinyl "Power Stones." Focus the energy of crystals. Perfect for attaching to your Collapse-a-Wand!(Choking hazard. Not recommended for children under 3 years of age)
1 Booklet, "How to Be One with the White Light, Because There Is No Dark Side, Luke" subtitled: "The Absolutely, Completely Comprehensive Guide to Everything Possible that a Witch Needs to Know to cast Any Spell at All"
BONUS! Order now, and we'll send you our exclusive Fill In The Blanks Book of Light! All the spells you'll ever need, and YOU fill in the names and dates! Quality softcover binding.
All packaged attractively in a lovely carry-case, which unfolds to become your altar cloth.
Rush out and get yours today!

-- by René Friberg, aka RaeVynn Sands

And the ever popular Light Bulb Jokes

How many Chaos magicians does it take?
They don't need to--they are used to working in the dark.
How many Solitaries does it take to change a light bulb?
Who cares!
How many Witches does it take to change a light bulb?
Depends on what you want to change it into.

And now I direct you to some damn funny products!

CernunnosT-Shirt by Vermorlian

Zen Drud Button by PaganChick

Taste Religion T-Shirt by Youniquepagan

PS: All product images are from amazing etsy.com sellers who have been notified.  If you are so inclined, please click through and check out their wares.

PPS: Enter to win one handmade item up to $15 in value from a pagan-run small business here.

Blessed Resurrection Sunday (Intentional)

For those who celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I wish you the most blessed of days.

Jesus, son of Joseph, joins an illustrious group of Gods and Goddesses that meet their end and rise again.  A true mystery of each of these deities that grants power and understanding to their followers.

Jesus Christ Welcomes Us Home by ChristianFineArt

Persephone went to the underworld and returned again, bringing spring, growth and hope.

Despair of Persephone by UnseeliEnchantments

Osiris was dismembered and yet his body was searched out by Isis and resurrected with a forever place in the underworld.

Osiris Wall Plaque by KnightsCourt

Inanna also descended into the underworld, was stripped of much of her accoutrements and took power as she returned to the living gods.

Inanna Hand Drum by AncientPowersLive

Odin was tied to the World Tree and died for the wisdom of the nine worlds.

Odin by MizzDraconia

Blessings to all who seek the mysteries.