I am having *so much fun* with Enchanted Jewelry...I've always done this for myself and never dreamed I'd be doing it for the public. When that day comes in the future, and my daughters inherit my jewelry, I'm going to have to keep a notebook of what spells are on which pieces. Won't that make for some slap-happy magickal energy!
In the meantime, these are two new pieces I've added to the shop, complete with two new enchantments, of course..
Mystic Topaz Ring-- double band design-- .925 sterling silver-- cubic zirconia accents--
size 6 petite
Red Tara Spell
Red Tara is a Tibeten goddess of love and wealth. She is also known as "The Mother of Perfected Wisdom", and she takes delight in and is drawn to an open mind and a receptive heart. Tara represents the virtues of success and achievment. She is a tantric deity who will help you develop certain inner qualities and understand deeply 'compassion'. One reason for Tara's popularity is the fact that she became known as a Buddist deity who could be invoked directly by the common people.
And to this ring I've added the Red Tara Spell, invoking this ancient goddess and summoning her power. From this spell, you will draw upon ancient wisdom and gather insight you never dreamed possible.
Enchanted Mystic Topaz Ring
Red Tara Spell
Mystic Topaz Drop Earrings-- .925 silver--
French Hook Design
Jezebel Seduction Spell
These are absolutely gorgeous earrings, the stones are dazzling and come alive in the light. I can tell you, between myself & my girls, you're lucky to have an opportunity to purchase these earrings! I was tempted to hang on to these fabulous stones.
But I decided instead to enchant these earrings with the powerful spirit of the greatest seductress in history...Jezebel. Using herbs and roots in the hoodoo tradition, I empowered these earrings with the quivering enticements of the ancient seductress. These earrings are dripping with Jezebel's sensual charms and feminine magnetism..and now you can possess the sexual mystique that will draw lovers helplessly under your spell.
Enchanted Mystic Topaz Earrings
Jezebel Seduction Spell
To purchase Enchanted Jewelry, or just to see what other magick might be waiting for you, follow this link:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/enchantedje
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
to find magickal items
offered at a special sales price.
December's specials include two items from
Enchanted Jewelry
http://wix.com/LadyAmythyst/witchshollow
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
December 2009 Newsletter!
The most exciting part of this month’s newsletter will be found in
Ghost Hunting 101
“This November my coven sister Mare & I, along with some siblings/partners/friends, went on a ghost hunting adventure armed with an EMF detector, Mare's pendulum, and lot's of enthusiasm. The house we were investigating had been Mare's childhood home, and the interesting thing about this house and the hauntings connected to it is that several families who have lived there have all had similar experiences with the same types of entities. These spirits range from a troubled young man in a bomber jacket, a lonesome little boy, a man who haunts the downstairs dining room, a woman who chills the main floor bathroom, and ghosts who make things go bump in the attic.”
You will find a link to the photos we took on this investigation, along with a narrative of our adventures, just go to the newsletter and scroll down—it’s near the bottom.
Tarot Tips
This month we look at the Aces:
“The Aces herald beginnings, beginnings in love, finance, money ventures, or mental endeavors-- according to cups, wands, pentacles, and swords. Beginnings may be strong and powerful, overwhelmingly passionate, or rife with potholes and points of contention we should be cautious with. Beginnings are always exciting, often unexpected and lead us on a journey through life, which often winds up at the door of our destiny.”
I’ve also listed new tarot spreads that are available at my site, and you can purchase them right off the newsletter. These spreads include:
Directions & Trends
The Pentagram
The Path of Desires
Gypsy’s Magic Spell
Desires & Fears
Partnership & Relationships
The Magick of Herbs
The topic this month is cleansing:
“We're coming to the end of another year, and with this ending it's time to 'clean house' in order to begin the new year with a clear slate. We can use the magick of herbs to cleanse our living space of unwanted negative energies that may be causing conflict between family members, physical illnesses, and other energy disruptions within our physical home, or in our lives, or the lives of family members.”
We’re going to take a look at cleansing with candle magick, broom cleansings, cleansing powders, and cleansing through smoke.
I’ve posted photos and narrative of my own candle spell—our house needed good cleaning, and this is how I did it.
Wytchy Wares
The featured item this month is Enchanted Jewelry.
‘Enchanted Jewelry’ is just that, jewelry that has had spells and enchantments placed upon it.
I’ve recently posted a variety of items—rings, necklaces, and earrings—and there will be new items added daily/weekly.
You’ll find more info in the newsletter.
Creations by Isabella
We’re continuing this month with the theme of ‘cleansing’, and you’ll find Purification Candles the featured item this month.
You’ll also find more info in the newsletter.
Coven of Bristolwicks
There is one position open in the coven. You’ll find a brief description of our coven, as well as a link for an application if you think we’re the group for you. If you’d like more information, or if you have any questions, email me:
witch_of_endore@yahoo.com
You'll find this newsletter at the following url:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/monthlynews
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
Enchantments still available include:
High Priestess Spell of Power
Spell of Prosperity
Third Eye Spell
Enchantments that have already sold are-- St. John's Protection Spell, and Spell of Reconciliation.
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/enchantedje
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
You'll find a new handfasting box up and waiting at the following url-- I love the chalice that goes with this one...silver, with an engraved Celtic Triquetta. Click Here to view the other beautiful items included with this special ritual box.
At Enchanted Jewelry you'll find a couple magickal pieces up and available, just waiting for the right person, imbued with magickal spells to add power for the priestess and to hone and sharpen your psychic abilities. Click Here to follow the magick.
May the magick find you...
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
Psychic ability is not something that's looked upon with favor, belief, or respect in our modern culture. Shame. It's a gift, and it should be used as such to the benefit of anyone it can reach in moments of crisis. I have heard of one psychic who was arrested and spent a couple days in jail because she came forward with information that the authorities claimed 'only someone connected to the crime could know'. Incidents like this don't give gifted psychics much impetus to come forward.
I have for years honed my divination skills, particularly tarot, by doing private readings-- just for my eyes-- on missing person cases. I did this until a case in Florida a few years ago involving a 10 year old girl. The information I got was so clear and so shattering-- she was still alive at the time I did the reading and shockingly close to her own home-- and I knew this, and I couldn't tell anyone. And if I had told anyone, they would've thought that I was some crackpot. Other images and disturbing information were revealed to me as well, and it turned out to be one of the most accurate readings I've ever done on a case like this. It gave me such a helpless feeling, and the case became so personal-- I'm a mother with children of my own-- that I decided to stop doing these readings.
Until this year.
There just seems to be an explosive wave of abductions and murders lately of children. It rankles the soul and shakes my faith in human nature. I feel like anyone who can should do something-- anything-- to help find these victims, or the perpetrators-- to keep them from committing these crimes again.
Will I hand over my readings and information to authorities for their benefit and scrutiny? I don't know. Someday I hope I have enough confidence in myself, and in our legal system, to do so. There's going to have to be a huge adjustment in attitude in our society where psychism and clairvoyance are concerned. Yes, we can 'get it wrong' sometimes...but what about all those times we are right?
(reposted from one of my other sites)
© Amythyst Raine 2009
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
I've received two pieces of anonymous correspondence in the mail at my home within the last few days. I can't say that the content was threatening or anything of that nature, but 'puzzling' would probably be a good description. The first piece was an obviously photo-copied version of an essay entitled, "I Am Pagan". Well...okay, now I know you're pagan, even though I have no idea who you are. The second correspondence was a copy of an excerpt from Ly De Angeles's book, "Witchcraft: Theory & Practice", which I have quoted on my website. This time the anonymous mailer did sign a first name-- which I will not reproduce here-- which is very androgynous and could apply to either male or female.
I must say that I would prefer anyone mailing correspondence to my home to not only include their full name, but a return address as well. Even if you mean well-- and quite frankly, with the anonymity and the lack of explanation, I don't really know what your intentions are-- it is still creepy to receive anonymous mail. If you are trying to make a noble point about Paganism, your message is being lost in your methods.
And if you think I should remember you by a first name, think again. Between my websites and social networks, I have contact with literally thousands of people-- some I become familiar with, some I become good friends with, some I love dearly, but others remain an enigma.
And, oh yes, one more thing. You misspelled my name.
It's A-M-Y-T-H-Y-S-T
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
Enchanted Jewelry
I will be offering a new item at my online shops—Enchanted Jewelry. This is jewelry that’s had a magickal spell cast upon it for a specific purpose. I’ve debated for some time about offering magickal jewelry containing specific energies. For years I have blessed and cast spells upon special pieces of my own jewelry, and that of my girls, always with great success and sometimes a surprise here and there.
I’ll be posting more information, along with the first pieces, when everything is ready.
Right now, I’m waiting on the moon…
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
I decided to work with oils this time, and I've just completed this original oil painting for The Oak Witch box. The Oak Witch carries with her the essence of the Crone, which is in perfect rythym for this season...with Samhain (Halloween) comes the celebration of this third and most intriguing phase of the Goddess.
Included with this box are the following items:
1 small bag of incense
1 small bag of stones
4 small taper candles & holder
The book: "Best Friends" by Hulton Getty
2 small bottles of magickal oils:
"Make Him Love Me"
&
"Money Flow"
You'll find this item on my Cauldron Magick page, at the following url:
http://cauldronmagick.yolasite.com
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
Also, I posted photos from our hike through Oak Trail in Hormel Park this autumn. We had a blast, and even found a teepee-like shelter that someone had built.
You're invited.
The Magick of Herbs
We all use mundane lotions, oils, concoctions, and potions from the department store without a second thought. But have you ever wondered what you can do magickally to enhance your appearance, revitalize your skin, and give off the essence of youth and timelessness.
Well, this month, you'll find out.
Spells of the Month
We continue along with our beauty theme and actually put into practice all those herbs listed for this purpose. My favorite spell is 'Snow Queen Water'.
Wytchy Wares
It's time to order magickal oils, potions, and powders; and I have several varieties available at my online shop, along with a brief paragraph about each that will tell you just what they are for and how to use them.
You can follow the link.
Creations by Isabella
The beautiful skull mirror that she created is still available, though it may not be for long. You can follow the link to her page.
Tarot Tips
The card of the month is : Four of Cups
I've also posted an actual online reading, with permission from one of my tarot clients. There are new spreads available, and you can follow the links provided for more information.
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/monthlynews
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
We're counting down, by the hour now, to Saturday and Samhain. If I wasn't such a 'hit n' miss' housekeeper the rest of the time, it might not take us so long to get ready for a party! I'll be baking pies today-- pumpkin, apple, and cherry. We have to finish up the back porch, getting the tables ready to lay out ouija boards, pendulums, candles, and runes. Outdoor decorations will be finished up tomorrow, since we're expecting a windy day today, and the garage needs to be swept out so we can set up a long buffet table, just in case this drizzly rain continues. We're all on an adrenalin rush at our house.
Below you'll find correspondences for this fabulous holiday, courtesy of Crystal Forest-- if you thought I had time to correlate all this material now, you'd be mistaken. You'll find a link to her site below, and she has compiled *so much* wonderful information, bless her soul.
Activities and Rituals:
End of summer, honoring of the dead,scrying, divination, last harvest, meat harvest
Incense:
Copal, sandalwood, mastic resin, benzoin, sweetgrass, wormwood, mugwort, sage, myrrh or patchouli
Tools:
besom, cauldron, tarot, obsidian ball, pendulum, runes, oghams, Ouija boards, black cauldron or bowl filled with black ink or water, or magick mirror
Ideas and Activities:
Leave milk and honey for the fae folk
Make resolutions, write them on a small piece of parchment, and burn in a candle flame, preferably a black votive candle within a cauldron on the altar.
Wear costumes that reflect what you hope or wish for in the upcoming year.
Carve a jack-o-lantern and place a candle in it.
Choose and enthrone a Winter Queen and King the counterparts of the May Queen and
King
Make masks and costumes representing the different aspects of the God and Goddess and wear them to ritual or used to decorate your altar or temple area
Have each covener bring a carved pumpkin and carry it, lit, above their head in procession to your ritual site in memory of all those who perished during the burning times or your own dearly departed.
Symbolically extinguish the "hearthfire" of your home and then re-light it from the Samhain Sabbat Fire or cauldron.
Read or act out the "Descent of Inanna" or the story of Demeter and Persephone.
During ritual invite departed friends and family into the circle and tell them of all that had happened in your life since their departure. You may wish to set a place for them at your dinner table and use this time to contact them. This is a good time to talk to them of any unresolved issues that you may have had with them and to let them go.
Slice an apple on the altar displaying the star within and say, "this is the fruit of life- which is death " and then slice a pomegranate and display the seeds saying, " this is the fruit of death- which is life."
Enjoy the trick or treating of the season.
Drink apple cider spiced with cinnamon to honor the dead. *see recipe section*
Bury an apple or pomegranate in the garden for spirits passing by on their way to being reborn.
Leave food outside as an offering to the dead
Do divination for the next year using whatever form of divination appeals to you.
Set out a mute or dumb supper.
Make a besom, or witches broom. *see instructions in craft section*
Make a witches ladder for protection or as an expression of what you hope to manifest in the year ahead. *see craft section*
Find a magick wand of oak, holly, ash, rowan, birch, hazel, elm, Hawthorne or willow.
Let this be the traditional time that you make candles for the coming year, infusing them
with color, power, herbs, and scent depending on the magickal purpose.
At Samhain, witches once gave one another acorns as gifts. During the Burning Times,
giving someone an acorn was a secret means of telling that person you were a witch.
Acorns are fruits of the oak, one of the most sacred trees to the ancient Celts. They are symbols of protection, fertility, growth, values, and friendship. Perhaps you would like to continue this tradition and give acorns as gifts this season. You might like to paint them gold as a God symbol and decoration.
Have a New Year's Party-it is, after all, the Celtic New Year!
Look at old family photo albums or scrapbooks. Try to tell stories about each person in the pictures
Honor the dead, remember those you loved who have passed on-perhaps by putting their pictures or something they gave you on your altar during your ritual.
Carve faces in apples and pumpkins
Mix up some hot mugwort tea
Make a pumpkin pie *see recipe section*
Dry meat or make jerky-this is the traditional meat harvest- *see recipe section*
Samhain Oil and Incense:
Protection Oil
1 dram olive oil
1 dram Patchouli oil
1 tsp. broken pieces of Mandrake Root
1 dram Cinnamon Oil
3 heaping tsp. coarse sea salt ground very fine
1 dram Myrrh Oil
In a clean metal bowl, mix the olive oil, sea salt, and mandrake root. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Transfer the mixture to a clean sterilized jar. Using a dropper, add the essential oils. Swirl the essential oils into the base oil/salt/mandrake mixture, don't stir. Gently rotate the oil clockwise. Store the oil away from heat, light and moisture in an airtight glass bottle.
Samhain Incense
#1
Nettle
Calendula
patchouli leaves
myrrh
Bay Leaf
Oak Leaf
Tarragon
2 drops Cinnamon Oil
Sage
Place ingredients in a bowl . The Cinnamon Oil is a resin used to bond the ingredients and retain scent. Burn in a safe dish or other burner on an instant light charcoal briquette.
#2
1 Part Powdered Allspice
1 Part Ground Black Pepper
2 Parts Clove Powder
1 Part Myrrh (small resin chunks)
12 Parts lightly crushed Rose Petals
from paganpath.com
#3
1 Part crushed Mugwort Leaves
1 Part Frankincense Tears (small resin chunks)
1 Part Myrrh Resin (small chunks)
2 Parts crushed Rosemary Leaves
from paganpath.com
Stones/Gems:
Black obsidian, jasper, carnelian, onyx, smoky quartz, jet, bloodstone
Colors:
Black, orange, red
Symbols & Decorations:
apples, autumn flowers, acorns, bat, black cat, bones, corn stalks, colored leaves, crows, death/dying, divination and the tools associated with it, ghosts, gourds, Indian corn, jack-o-lantern, nuts , oak leaves, pomegranates, pumpkins, scarecrows, scythes, waning moon
Foods:
apples, apple dishes, cider, meat (traditionally this is the meat harvest) especially pork, mulled cider with spices, nuts-representing resurrection and rebirth, nuts, pomegranates, potatoes, pumpkins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, squash.
Deities:
Anubis, Arianrhod, Astarte, Baba Yaga Beansidhe (Banshee), Belili, Bran, Cailleach Beara, Cernunnos, Cerridwen, Crone , Dark Lord & Lady, Demeter, Hathor, Hecate, Hel, Horned God, Inanna, Ishtar, Isis, Kali, Kore, Lakshmi, Lilith, the Morrigan, Nephthys, Odin, Osiris, Oya, Persephone, Pomona, Rhiannon, Tlazoteotl
Herbs and Flowers:
almond, apple leaf , autumn joy sedum, bay leaf, calendula, Cinnamon, Cloves cosmos, garlic, ginger , hazelnut, hemlock cones, mandrake root, marigold, mums, mugwort (to aid in divination), mullein seeds , nettle, passionflower, pine needles, pumpkin seeds, rosemary (for remembrance of our ancestors), rue, sage, sunflower petals and seeds, tarragon, wild ginseng, wormwood
Animals:
stag, cat, bat, owl, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion, heron, crow, robin.
Work:
sex magick, release of bad habits, banishing, fairy magick, divination of any kind, candle magick, astral projection, past life work, dark moon mysteries, mirror spells (reflection), casting protection , inner work, propitiation, clearing obstacles, uncrossing, inspiration, workings of transition or culmination, manifesting transformation,creative visualization, contacting those who have departed this plane
You can thank Crystal Forest for this fantastic list of correspondences and ideas, and you'll find more wonderful things at her site:
http://crystalforest3.homestead.com/Samh
Happy Samhain,
from our house to yours
Lady Amythyst Raine
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
I've just added six new tarot spreads at my site:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/tarotreadin
These are unique and interesting spreads that I think will make for some great readings. They are also very reasonably priced-- we may want to know what the future has in store for us, but we don't have to go broke to find out.
For more detailed views of these spreads, you can pop onto this page:
http://cauldronmagick.yolasite.com/tarot-s
I looove this image-- when my baby Salem grows up, this is what he will look like.
Have a glorious day, everyone.
Blessings,
Lady Amythyst Raine
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
You can purchase The Horoscope Spread at my website. Copy/paste the following url in your browser, please don't click on it:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/tarotreadin
Blessed Be,
Lady Amythyst
Tarot Reading
10-11-09
Horoscope Spread
October ‘09
Ace/wands 2/swords Ace/swords
The Aces are cards of beginnings, and you were given two of them for this month. The Ace of wands often heralds new beginnings in business ventures, partnerships that have some connection to money and finances, or those ventures that you are especially passionate about—be it business or personal…The wands are associated with the element of fire. Fire equals passion, heat, and tremendous energy. Although these ventures have potential for success, caution is still needed to avoid pitfalls or storms.
The two of swords is a card of decision, and this card generally emphasizes the fact that you must have all the necessary information before you can make an informed decision. The two of swords also implies in many readings that the querent (you) may be having a difficult time making a decision about a subject at hand. In any case, you’ve come to a crossroads and any further progression will not take place until you choose which direction you’re going to go.
The Ace of swords deals primarily with mental endeavors—writing, composing, school, studies, etc. Again, the Aces are beginnings. This card speaks of pursuing those ventures that you’ve kept tucked away in the dark recesses of your mind.
The cards seem to tell us that this month will be a month of decisions for you, and the choices you make now will determine the path you will find yourself on a few months down the road. Choose carefully.
November ‘09
6/wands Temperance ® 10/wands ®
The six of wands is a card of victory, accomplishment, and accolades. Whatever your decisions in the previous month, you seem to have blossomed and reached a pinnacle of success. This can be a big open in-your-face success that the world can see, or it can mean that deep within you have the quiet feeling “this is where I’m suppose to be, and this is what I’m suppose to be doing”.
Temperance is a card of balance. When this card comes up reversed, it often points to an imbalance somewhere in your life. This imbalance may be something big, or it may be something small that you might even view as insignificant. In either case, stop and take a closer look. Any imbalance will throw the foundation off kilter. It’s wisest to have all aspects of our lives on an even keel. The types of things that often come up can mean something as simple as concentrating too much in one area, work for example, and not enough in other areas of your life. This card tells us that balance in all things insures a greater chance of success.
The ten of wands is a card that denotes hard work and burdens. In its reversed state it implies a lessening of the load—a lightening of those burdens. This month you may well find that things begin to get easier near the end of November.
The month of November will be a successful month for you, in many respects, but you will still have to take stock of your life and restore balance to all aspects. Upon doing this, you will notice that life’s burdens are lighter.
December ‘09
4/pentacles ® 4/swords ® 4/wands ®
The four of pentacles is generally a card of the miser. This card tells us to watch our spending, stick to our budget, don’t spend frivolously. In this reading, however, the four of pentacles is reversed. The figure on this card is having quite a time hanging onto his coins, and you probably will have quite a time hanging onto yours as well. At this time of year, spending takes on new significance.
The four of swords in its reversed state implies that it may be time to lift your head from your work and join in the festivities around you. This card often tells us that the time for solitude and introspection is not this time. Be aware of the merriment planned by friends, family, and co-workers. Now is the time to join in. There will be time in the future to withdraw once more inside oneself and meditate and think. On very rare occasions-- very rare, indeed—this card may point to the possibility of surgery or hospitalization.
The four of wands is a card of cornerstones and foundations. It is also a card that often heralds celebrations—weddings, graduations, and parties. When it comes up reversed, it’s often telling us that there will be a postponement or cancellation of such planned events. The reversed four of wands also suggest that our own foundation may not be as stable as we think. It’s time for a reassessment of various areas of your life. Are you standing strong? No cracks or fissures in the foundation? Is your base strong? If not, it’s time to determine where you need strengthening and where your strong points are.
January ‘10
8/swords The Hierophant King/cups
The eight of swords is a card that often comes up when someone is feeling trapped. The figure on this card, usually a woman, is blindfolded and bound. She’s encircled by eight standing swords. This card is an illusion, although the person it represents often doesn’t realize this. As trapped a you may feel by a particular situation or character, all you have to do is open your eyes to see the way out. Once in a while, this card comes up in my readings when a querent is inadvertently keeping himself or herself trapped by their own decisions or inability to act in a situation.
The Hierophant is a card that reeks of conventionality. It represents the morality of the masses, religious institutions, and sometimes our own conscience. For the month of January you may find yourself faced with a moral dilemma or question. Whatever the choice you make, it should feel right to You.
The King of cups may represent an actual person, a man of course, a man who tends to be a quiet dreamer, often a more mature version of the Knight of cups. He tends to be gentle, is often psychic or at least highly intuitive, and is usually easy going. The downside to his character is that he often lacks ambition and has a tendency to be lazy. I feel that this man may play a major part in this month’s cards.
February ‘10
3/wands Judgment Wheel of Fortune
The three of wands is generally viewed as a positive card. This card traditionally heralds successful business ventures and partnerships. It often comes up when job opportunities are positive, and it can often predict a waiting period. Not everything in life happens instantly, very few things do actually. This card tells us to be patient, but not inactive in our efforts to achieve what we desire. Once in a rare while, this card discloses an affair, or an unexpected third party popping up in a situation.
Judgment…this card often comes up when we are being judged, fairly or unfairly, or when we are being judgmental towards someone around us. This card has also come up in readings when my clients are being too hard on themselves. Sometimes we humans tend to push ourselves in the eternal quest for perfectionism. This card may be telling you to relax a bit; you can’t do everything all at once for everyone. Once in a while, you must put yourself first.
The Wheel of Fortune usually announces a change of luck; a shift in the subtle nuance of life, light where it was dark, vision where there was blindness. This card often tells us that now is a good time to take chances, accept challenges, aspire to that which you’ve always dreamed of.
March ‘10
Queen/swords 4/cups ® Knight/wands ®
The Queen of swords may be an actual person showcased for this month, or she may be aspects of your own personality, which can be brought to the forefront. This Queen tends to be very intelligent, often a professional. She is no man’s fool, and you are better off having her as a friend rather than a foe, for she can be a formidable one. In a tight situation, she is the one you want in your corner. Her character is the kind that will defend to the death the principle of the matter. This Queen’s aura is that of a solitary woman. This may be so, or it can be that her personality overshadows any partner she may have. The Queen of swords often represents the single or divorced woman.
The four of cups shoves into our face that which we’ve been trying to avoid. Sine this cup is reversed, you may find that whatever this is, it’s not as bad as you thought it would be, but that’s not to say that it won’t be unpleasant. The month of March may find you facing something that you’ve put off for a long time.
The Knight of wands is often a messenger. His message may not be as sharp and brutal as the Knight of swords often is; yet this Knight pulls no punches. He may bring you a message or information that you might not like hearing, yet you must not dismiss it. This Knight does not usually give you more than you can handle.
April ‘10
7/pentacles Justice 6/cups
The seven of pentacles generally indicates that we are saving our money, working on new employment endeavors, or having some sort of issues with our wages—often positive issues, such as raises and bonuses, etc. This card tells us that you are carefully minding your pennies and are doing a darn good job of it.
The card of Justice in my readings can sometimes refer to an issue involving the legal system—it has heralded everything from a parking ticket to child custody cases. This card also speaks of balance, fairness, honesty, and fortitude within our daily lives. There may be an issue around you on which you need to spread more light, so as to make a fair and informed decision.
The six of cups is a card that often brings up someone from our past. Sometime this card indicates that someone we haven’t seen in a long, long time is suddenly going to step back into our lives.
(As a side-note: Is a gold striped tabby cat significant to you?)
The cards for April seem to speak of well-rounded financial decisions and situations. These cards also suggest that someone from your past may wish to step back into your life, and you re going to have to make the decision—fair or not—whether you want to reestablish contact.
May ‘10
8/wands 3/cups The Star
The eight of wands tells me that this month is going to go fast, activities are going to abound. You’re going to be preoccupied with group activities and a somewhat hectic schedule. Things are going to be moving right along, and it’s wise to try and stay grounded and well rested. Don’t be afraid to turn down a social engagement now and then for some quiet down time. You’ll need it.
The three of cups may very well herald celebrations for the month of May—weddings, receptions, graduations, anniversaries. There will be a reason to celebrate, and you certainly will. Be careful about tipping too much bubbly at these events. It’s to your advantage to maintain clear thinking.
The Star, even reversed, retains its positive aura. As a side note—this card tells me that something may occur now that will not come into final fruition until next autumn. The pace seems to keep up for May, both hands are busy; you may begin to wonder if you’re coming or going. A germ of an idea takes root…listen to it, allow it to expand, and grow. Something good/unexpected/profitable may come from it.
June ‘10
The Devil The Lovers The Hanging Man
The Devil is the card of addictions. In my readings this has meant the usual and run the gamut—alcohol, drugs, food…chocolate! It has also meant addictions to negative patterns in our lives, to people who may not be good for us, and addictions to destructive behavior. At any rate, this tricky character is going to ensnare you this month and it’s better if you are aware of it; it will make it that much easier for you to resist, to break the chains this card carries, to find a new sense of freedom within yourself.
The Lovers…romance may rear its head this month. Because of your own intuitive nature, this may not come as a complete surprise. And because of the previous card, look carefully at this suitor with as keen and clear a view as you can muster.
The Hanging Man is a card that I have very seldom had come up in any of my readings. First—don’t sacrifice yourself, your dreams, and your ambitions for the sake of this man—unless you can look objectively at the situation and KNOW that you are being objective! Second—choices that you make this month will determine how bound up in future circumstances you will be. If personal freedom is important to you—choose carefully.
July ‘10
7/wands The Hermit ® 2/pentacles ®
July may find you a bit on the defensive side, or called upon to defend yourself, possibly against a group as opposed to an individual. You may feel that your back is against the wall and there’s nothing you can do…but look again. There is an opening, a way out of this situation. You just have to remain calm and think clearly.
The Hermit…In the month of July you will suddenly have more quiet time, more solitude. Embrace it. We all need these periods to gather our thoughts, restore our equilibrium, and ground ourselves. Because this card is reversed, I feel this period of quiet and solitude will either be brief, or will come about unexpectedly. Within this period, you may be awed at the revelations you discover in this time of stillness.
The two of pentacles is often interpreted as a card of balance. This often has to do with money (pentacles), but not necessarily. This card can point out balances or imbalances in many areas of our life. Because the two of pentacles came up reversed, it tells us that the issue here is imbalance. Take the time of solitude The Hermit brings you this month to focus on your life and restore necessary balance.
August ‘10
The Fool ® 8/pentacles 5/cups ®
The Fool represents journeys. A journey we’re about to undertake, a path we must explore, a new direction we’re headed. These journeys may be literal travels and trips, or inward journeys of the mind and heart.
Note—Don’t jump through hoops to please people that may never be pleased no matter what you do, or people who are just not worth the effort.
Back to journeys…If this card is showing us a literal trip or vacation, don’t be surprised if you get off to a slow start, if the trip is delayed or postponed, of if you experience complications with tickets, reservations, etc. This card is, after all, reversed.
The eight of pentacles involves your employment. It’s sometimes shows us a period of opportunities and can often herald new job responsibilities or a period of training, school courses related to work etc. You will find yourself immersed this month in your work, and even though this period may be intense, it will also be absorbing.
Note—Grandmother Spider, considered an ancient wise woman by Native Americans and a version of the Wiccan Crone, may weave her web of magick around you at this time. Listen and learn from her.
The five of cups is a card of sorrow and mourning. Reversed, it may mean that this period of mourning will be brief and you will come through it all the stronger. This card has come up in my readings to herald the loss of not only a loved one, but also pets, opportunities, material items, and spiritual graces. Remember that all is not lost, there is always a new day. Perseverance is within all of us, we’ve only to reach deep for it and raise our head to the sky and the future.
September ‘10
Queen/cups 10/pentacles The Chariot
The Queen of cups may represent an individual highlighted in this month, or she may represent aspects of your own personality. This Queen is highly intuitive, gentle, usually quiet and introspective. She has strong maternal instincts. An interesting side note—She is associated with the element of Water and her strengths and strong points are dreams emotions, those ethereal subjects of the astral plane, paranormal activities, and divination. The word most descriptive of this Queen is…Mother.
The ten of pentacles is a card dealing almost exclusively with money, and most generally family money, such as an inheritance. Since the card is upright, I don’t foresee problems arising with it. At any rate, in this month, you may unexpectedly be the recipient of some funds from a source that may be close to or connected to your family.
The Chariot…I’ve always viewed this as a rather strange enigmatic card. They say that it can mean anything from actual travel opportunities to a new vehicle, which, I’m sorry to say, it has yet to ever mean in any of my readings. This card is generally pointing out the fact that a direction must be chosen, and in choosing correctly, you will go far. This card also represents extraordinary balance—ying/yang, male/female, strength/weakness, light/dark, ad infinitum. Carry yourself upon this Chariot in confidence. Remember that life is an eternal learning experience, and that all we absorb, we take with us.
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
The following is an overview of my website:
The Witch’s Corner
Follow the url to enter this magickal realm:
The Triple Goddess
The Maiden
The maiden is overflowing with all of the possibilities of the future. Within her are the seeds of what will be. She is the fresh dawn of a new day. She is strength and tenacity and power. She is unbridled enthusiasm and wonder and hope.
The Mother
The mother is ripe fruit hanging pregnant from the vine. She is the foundation, the nurturer, the protectress. She is fortified with strength and placid with the calmness of a sunny day. She is who we turn to for stability and reassurance.
The Crone
It is the crone we seek in the darkening twilight. We find comfort in her quiet presence and yet we are challenged by her intuitive knowledge and aware of the dark shadows she casts…forcing us to seek the light and answers.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
Reconnect with the Goddess:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/thegoddess.h
Divination
Divination brings to mind the stereotype of the gypsy woman ensconced in her tent, peering intently into her crystal ball—and that may very well be an accurate picture somewhere in the world. I grew up in my grandmother’s house, surrounded by books on astrology, numerology, handwriting analysis, dream interpretation, etc. The world of divination is a natural one for me.
But divination in this modern time of neo-paganism has come a long way baby.
Tarot cards of all kinds abound and fill the shelves at not only new-age and metaphysical shops, but also at the mainstream bookstores such as Borders, Barnes & Noble, Hastings, etc.
Crystals, crystal balls, runes, quija boards are as popular now as they were in times past—more so, perhaps. I like to think of this day and age as the “New Renaissance” for the occult world.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
At the url below you will find information on all forms of divination with links to pertinent sites, tales of my own personal psychic experiences, interviews with Allison Dubois and Patricia Arquette—the actress who plays Allison in the television show “Medium”, and more:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/divination.h
Spells & Potions
This is the “meat” of witchcraft, the most fascinating (and sometimes fear inducing) aspect of The Craft for many people. To most of the mundane world the idea that anyone would have the power and the ability to create change using occult means is awe inspiring and often intimidating. The Christian influence in our culture and on our society has taken such natural power away from the multitudes, deeming it “evil”, “sinful”, and even dangerous.
To those of us practiced and gifted in the use of “the black arts”, it carries none of those negative labels. It is awe inspiring, but in an uplifting and promising way. It empowers those who cultivate its secrets and those who learn to use it wisely. It opens doors of dimensions undreamed of; it embraces the forces of nature in all her glory; it wreaks of a time before recorded history…it calls to those of us with the spirit of the Olde Ones, those of us who wish to practice the Olde Religion, those of us who wish to return to these ancient times and reclaim that which is our birthright.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
Follow the url to my online Book of Shadows:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/spellspotio
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/spellspotio
Herbs
This is the magickal medicine cabinet of the witch, and especially the Green Witch. Those who practice the olde ways have known since time immemorial of the powers contained in the molecules of “the green”. Herbs have been used since ancient times—and still are used today—for their medicinal and healing powers. But the Witch knows that these gentle and lovely plants contain other powers as well…magickal powers to be used and tapped into for spells and potions and rituals and cleansing.
© Amythyst Raine
Follow the url for a list of herbs and their magickal uses:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/magickalher
The Elements
(Earth, Air, Fire, Water)
FOR ME: Water is the mist of yesterday and today and tomorrow all wrapped up into one magical moment. Water is dreams and visions and questing endlessly to know the unknown. It is divination– searching for answers and listening to the universe for its response. It is the mystical and the elusive…it slips through your fingers leaving you wet and cold and shivering, knowing that you have been touched by the Divine.
FOR ME: Air is the soft breeze on your face that makes you feel touched and not touched. It is thought brought alive and moved through space and time by the Divine. Air is the part of your mind that is clear and sharp and focused and ever changing, never still and never content, but always swept up within another breeze and moved along on the current of time.
FOR ME: Earth is all the treasures buried deep within the soul. It is the material things you long for and were told you shouldn’t have. It is the security of that which is solid and immovable, and it is “manifestation” into the real world of touch and taste and smell and sight.
FOR ME: Fire is that physical passion so burning that it can consume. It is enthusiasm so powerful that it is what drives you to succeed. Fire is that fiery will that doesn’t allow you to give up in the face of adversity. It is what draws lovers together across insurmountable odds and provokes the passion that fights endlessly for justice.
Earth, Air, Fire, and Water…the four elements from which we can draw power to create magick.
© Amythyst Raine 2006
Follow the url for more information on The Elements, including an extensive list of correspondences and a Quarter Call:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/theelements.h
Wheel of the Year
(Pagan Holidays)
The Christian “holidays” all have Pagan roots. This is a fact that was constantly brought up to me years ago by a lady who was my friend and a Jehovah’s Witness. It was her oft repeated reason to me why she didn’t celebrate any of the modern Christianized holidays now.
I am surprised by the number of people who do not know this, and even more surprised at how many refuse to believe it. It just goes to show how completely saturating cultural training can be.
I find the history of our Pagan holidays fascinating and joyful and uplifting. I and my family embrace and celebrate them.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
Follow the url for more information on the Pagan roots of our modern holidays, pagan lore, and rituals for celebration.
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/wheelofthey
Chakras
The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more.
This definition of chakras is taken from:
http://www.sacredcenters.com/chakras.htm
Follow the url for more information on the chakras, extensive correspondences related to the seven chakras, and a link to Ambika Wauters website, “The Institute of Life Energy Medicine”:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/chakras.htm
Rituals
Rituals put a stamp on the passage of time and the progression of our life stages, from a Wiccaning (baby naming) to a death and remembrance ritual, and all those celebrations and milestones in-between. Rituals validate our existence in some implausible elusive way. They bring family and friends together, open doors to the future, and create memories for generations to come.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
Follow the url and you will find rituals for all of life’s passages and links to sites where you can purchase ritual items and clothing:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/rituals.htm
Ghosts/Ghost Hunting
Growing up in my grandmother’s house prepared me for the paranormal occurrences that I would experience in this, my own house. My grandmother’s house was very active and anyone with an ounce of sensitivity to such things was always very aware of it…the feeling of being “watched” when no one else was near you, the hair suddenly standing up on the back of your neck and the sensation that “someone” was standing behind you, unintelligible whisperings in the dark of the night, a blanket being pulled from you by something you couldn’t see, lights going off and on with no explanation—and stove burners doing the same unnerving thing, objects occasionally moving, etc.
Growing up with these occurrences, I thought it was natural—wasn’t everyone’s house like this?
Apparently not, I was to learn as I became older. That enlightenment helped me to appreciate, study, and cope with paranormal activities on a very basic level. It also taught me to conquer any fear.
But witchcraft taught me how to tame these ethereal spirits, how to control them instead of allowing them to control me. Witchcraft taught me it was possible to have dominion over the spirit world.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
Follow the url and enter the paranormal world of ghosts and ghost hunting. You will find a slideshow on ghosts created by me, a list of haunted cemeteries, information on poltergiests, the Bell Witch, TAPS, the “Hauntings Website”; and a section called “Our House”, which reviews our own paranoral occurances that my family and I have experienced.
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/ghostsghost
My Path
I am a solitary eclectic witch. My path consists of hoodoo, Wicca, and green witchcraft. I am neither a “white” nor a “black” witch; I prefer to see myself in shades of gray— nothing else on this earth is completely clear cut, the practice of The Craft isn’t either.
I am a hereditary witch, taking after the traditions of my mother, my sister, and cousins. I am now watching my own daughters grow in this path. I was raised by my grandmother, a woman steeped in the study of the occult, yet probably not realizing the title many in this world would have attributed to her.
I am a legally ordained member of the clergy, yet I avoid the usual titles which smack too closely of Christianity for my taste. I prefer the simple, yet deeply meaningful title of “Lady”.
© Amythyst Raine
Follow the url to learn more about my path, with links to sites on hoodoo, wicca, and green witchcraft. You will also find a “code of ethics”, “rules of conduct”, my explanation of the “kitchen witch”, and my feelings on “Hexing and Cursing”:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/mypath.htm
Photogallery
I’ve opened a window on this page, a window into my private world. I have tried to post images on here that I haven’t posted anywhere else, they are exclusive. I haven’t decided yet whether to continue the Photogallery or relegate it to an archive, but my camera is always ready, and life somehow or other always has something interesting to show me.
© Amythyst Raine 2007
Follow the url and you will find a slide show, as well as personal photos of my home, gardens, family, & ’stuff’.
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/photogaller
Monthly Newsletters
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/monthlynews
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/newslettera
Follow my raven to the Magick Forest where you can view/sign the guestbook, subscribe to the site, and find links to unimaginable places and incredible people.
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/themagicfor
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
I thought it would be nice to add a chatroom in the public section of Bristolwicks for everyone's use. You can set a time to meet someone here, you can discuss personal or occult topics, and it's just nice to have the option of real time chat with other witches/pagans that may be wandering through Bristolwicks.
Follow the url:
http://covenofbristolwicks.bravehost.com/w
The public pages of Coven of Bristolwicks are under construction & probably will be for some time. I work on it in my spare time, as life allows.
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
October ’09 Newsletter
The October newsletter is my favorite. That could be because this month and the holiday of Samhain, or Halloween, is a big favorite with our family. This newsletter began as a germ of an idea the beginning of September and has continued to grow until its release. I’m not sure if this month’s issue is a newsletter or an online magazine. Definitions are sketchy, but I do know that it was a blast putting it together.
You’ll find a video detailing the history of Halloween—the real history, that is. This holiday has nothing to do with Christianity or with candy and commercialism. The real history of Samhain is much more interesting than any of that.
Tarot Tips
The card of the month is The Moon. It’s one of the most beautiful and contradictory cards in the tarot, and it’s varied and sometimes disturbing meanings make themselves known on an individual basis from client to client and reading to reading.
In this section you’ll also find: Guidelines for live tarot readings, a schedule of my in-house readings at Next Millennium, and the paranormal phenomenon experienced by myself and one of my tarot clients during a recent live reading.
The Magic of Herbs
For the month of October, we’re going to be looking at herbs to facilitate spirit contact. How appropriate for the holiday of Samhain. We’ll find out what we need to call forth those things that go ‘bump’ in the night.
What’s New at Wytchy Wares
There have been some new products added to my shop, as well as new pages. You can check out this section to find out what’s up.
Spells of the Month
This month you’ll find four spells to summon spirits— what else would you expect for October?! Hang on to your pointy black hats and prepare yourselves for some new experiences.
In this section you’ll also find: Green Witchcraft—How does the green Witch incorporate magick into her everyday life?, Black Magick—Do you, or don’t you?
“Witches: An Intimate Portrait”
You will find a link to a video narrated by Angelica Houston. I love it—and for those family members and friends who are not pagan, this will give you a good look at my world.
Favorite Books
I receive an unprecedented number of messages from people seeking knowledge—occult knowledge, spiritual knowledge, magickal knowledge, you name it. I reply to these messages as best I can. I almost always steer these people towards books and self-examination, self-exploration, and personal research.
This list of books covers an extraordinarily wide berth of occult and spiritual topics. If there’s a book listed here with a topic that’s of interest to you, write it down. You can probably find inexpensive copies of these books at amazon.com, or have your local bookstore order a copy for you.
Creations by Isabella
Our Isabella (aka Anne Turrell) has been a busy witch. She’s created oodles of new products for her online shop. She has also created a website page that is a portfolio for her tattoo artistry. You will find a link to that site here.
The Photo Gallery
As usual, I’ve included personal photographs of our home and family. I try to post photos here that are not posted anywhere else. There is a magick about this old place, and I enjoy sharing it with you.
You can view this newsletter at the following url:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/monthlynews
Have a most wonderful October!
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
Photobucket-- Much to my son's satisfaction I've stopped saving to my own computer every single image I run across that I want to keep. I was a computer space hog here at home-- and there are so many of us using this computer. But one of the drawbacks to using an image straight off a public folder at photobucket is that you have no control over the image being moved or deleted.
The music-- I found some pieces by Deuter that I haven't used before. I love this music-- I've got to have my daughter check iTunes for me; I want their CDs. My favorite song of the three I chose for the musicbox is, "Journey Into Light", it's haunting.
There's something about the Elements-- I get goosebumps everytime I read the invocations.
If you want to check out this refurbished freshened page, follow the link below:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/theelements.h
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
Our Isabella has been busy. My favorite piece is the Skull Mirror. These new items and much more can be found at:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/creationsby
Paintings
"Dance"
This is a unique handcrafted, herb filled, one-of-a-kind candle set:
"The Journey of Dreams and Passion"
(The hand-crafted box is included.)
Skull Mirror
Height 12" X Width 9"
Paintings
"Ocean Spirit"
(Each of these paintings is 14"X14" and are sold as a set.)
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
This is a note of caution about the herbal spell candles I sell at my online shop. To view/purchase these candles, click on the link below:
http://ladyamythyst.webs.com/wytchywares.h
1. Burn these candles in a fire safe container. Personally, I use my large cast iron cauldron.
2. Make sure there is nothing flammable within reach of these candles.
3. Never leave a spell candle unattended-- not for a minute. Make this a cardinal rule in your house.
4. If possible, once the herbs have ignited, allow the candle to burn itself out completely. It will release the energy for your spell, as well as a saging smoke from the herbs.
After two or three days of burning as a normal candle, this spell candle suddenly took off...
Within minutes, the herbs ignited, creating an impressive ball of flame. You can feel the magick igniting the air and energy around you as well...
Within minutes, the candle is consumed and begins to smolder and release the wonderful saging smoke of the herbs. The herbs may burn and crackle for quite a while, and as the flames begin to die down, you will see the magickal smoke curling among the remains...
And this is Candle Magick...gotta' love it!
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
To view the September newsletter at The Witch's Corner...
click here
You'll find photos of our gardens, house, n' stuff-- from the 'Wild Corner', to our stone feline sentinels, the meditation bench, and more...
“Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength,
enlighten our minds, own our bodies,
and celebrate our emotions.” -- Starhawk
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lady_amythyst- Lady Amythyst Raine
- The Witch's Corner
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