The Tools of Ritual
Throughout October at AzureGreen, all of those little items you add to your spells and rituals to add to your ceremonies, spells, and magical rituals are on sale. It seemed only fitting that we take a look at the tools of ritual craft that you might commonly find upon Wiccan, Pagan, and other magical altars.
The Athame- The ritual knife of the ceremonial magician or witch, the Athame can also be a sword or similar bladed object, and can even be found made of wood or bone. Frequently it is personalized with engraving, decorations, painted symbols, or similar such design. A symbol often associated with the male half of magic, it is typically used to direct energy, perhaps most commonly within the casting of a circle. It is also sometimes used to "cut" energetic bonds. Schools of thought differ as to whether it can be used to physically cut. Some practitioners use it for everything, believing the familiarity with the athame improves its function within ritual magic. Others leave it pure, and never use it to cut a thing within the physical realm.
The Bell- Bells can be found within spiritual practice throughout the world. Within Wiccan practice they are often used to invoke the divine, calling the attention of spirits or Goddess or God to whom you pray. Within some practices, the high notes of a bell might also be used to disperse energy, and chase away spirits and unwanted energies when it is clattered.
The Chalice - The chalice is often viewed as a symbol of the female half of divinity and magic. Most frequently, it represents the Goddess and her motherhood. It is sometimes used as well to imbibe ceremonial drink during your ritual practice, or in offerings of wine and other such liquids to the spirits or deities you revere.
The Censoror the Offering Bowl: Many altars include a censor, or incense burner, that is used to burn incense in offering to spirits and the Gods, or to use the smoke in part of your magical practice. Another common addition for such offering and practice is an Altar Bowl. This can be used for a simple vessel to hold your ritual items as you are working your magic, or as a vessel to hold your sacred offering to the spirits and the Gods.
The Pentacle - Pentacle altar patens are common upon a range of magical altars. As ancient symbols of mysticism and magic, they are often used to help focus one's will and energy, in symbolic seals used to help bind energy to a purpose, and in seeking protection while working your magic. Many regard it as an important symbol of faith, and an equally important part of any ritual magic.
The Wand - The wand can be found throughout ancient lore, and is often described in the practice of old magical processes. Coming in a variety of different woods, metals, and mineral combinations, they are often sought after in specific materials for the value those materials offer to one's magical craft. In general, they can be used to direct, amplify, and focus a spell caster's will and energy. In some practices, it can also be used for divination, in place of the athame, or to even take the oath of summoned spirits.
Many practices also include a host of other items that are traditional to ceremonial and ritual magic, such as the Besom, the Cauldron, taper or Jar candles, and similar such items. Indeed, we could speak of hundreds of items and their purpose within ritual magic! For more ideas, more ritual tools, and their traditional uses, check out the items offered at www.AzureGreen.net
The Art of the Tarot
The Tarot is a time honored divination tool used by people throughout the world to find answers to the problems within their life as well as to find deeper spiritual meaning within themselves and the world around them. The cards are drawn from the Tarot deck in order to provide insights to the question posed to it, or the Teller who uses the deck. Sometimes this can be as simple as laying out a single card, and exploring the meaning that single card provides. At other times, as many as 24 cards (or more) may be laid out in an elaborate spread to examine the problem or question in a great deal of depth. Sound complicated? Let's examine a simple three card spread to see how easy it can be!
Traditionally, the three card spread is laid out in a spread with the first card placed on the left, the second in the middle, and the third on the right.
- The first card generally represents the past. This is often used to describe the details of past events that have had an influence on the situation. The teller explores the symbolism of the card, and what it means, and often now seeing how events of the past truly exerted themselves upon the present matter.
- The second card explores the current situation in detail. It cuts to the truth of the matter, revealing the present situation in an honest light that is often shrouded to us, from our everyday point of view.
- The third card indicates a possible outcome, or the future, if things continue as they are. This provides you with deeper insight into the way the subconscious steers us, and perhaps reveals more about the potential of the present situation than we might otherwise realize without performing a reading.
Perhaps you know what led to the present situation though, and are looking for advice as to how to move forward? Similarly, you can lay three cards with the first card being the present situation, and the second card being the potential outcome if things remain as they are. The third card in this spread becomes the card that offers insights and advice as to how you may continue one with the situation. In some cases you may even wait to lay this third card until you understand both the present and the possible future, drawing it when you need to know how to achieve a different end, or how to best deal with the circumstances of the future.
Not looking for a reading that explores the past, present, and future of a situation? Perhaps you are looking between two or three choices, and need to better understand each before you move forward with a decision? Lay the spread of three cards. Each represents a choice that rests before you, or possibly a balance or compromise between them. Explore each card calmly and with depth, examining its symbolism and what it tells you to discover the clear truth of the matter and perhaps aid you in deciding how you should move forward.
It's as easy as three cards. But the possibilities are endless, and numerous other spreads are practiced and known, and you can certainly create your own!
Visual Magic
We look at images every day that cheer us up and make us laugh, leave us in tears, or otherwise tug at our heart strings. From there, we might share the image with a friend or tell those we know about that which we saw… But rarely do we consider it further than this. And even more rarely do we consider that these images that stir us, sometimes touching us at our very core, could ever be part of the magic and spirituality that we otherwise actively participate in. But then what is at the heart of a spell? Will, intention, focus, emotion, desire, and many other such variables, all mingled with the energy that unites it all and allows it to manifest. And if an image is capable of making you smile in a way that cheers you up, even a little, for the rest of that day has not that image altered your mood, focus, desire, and even your energy? Is the creation of such an image then not the working of magic?
While it's certainly debatable, it is worth considering. Many of the icons, tools, and possess a great deal of symbolism. What's more, their appearance often impacts the way we think of them and the way we use them within our magic. For example the very image of a pentagram can instill a sense of mysticism and magic, while the runes of the Elder Futhark certainly convey a sense of authority and power when they are just written. What then can be said of the amusing words written across a bumper sticker? Or perhaps a fridge magnet, featuring the image of the Om symbol alongside a mantra for peace? The items themselves perhaps make them seem more trivial, but their ability to make us laugh and or help us reach a state of serenity is no less magical.
Try it for yourself. Maybe you purchased it just because it made you smile, or maybe you just liked the message. On it is a picture of Kwan Yin sitting in the Lotus position, with the word compassion beneath. Even when you're in a hurry every morning you catch a glimpse of it when you walk by your friend, leaving the impression of Kwan Yin sitting with a serene smile with the soothingly colored lettering of the word compassion. That impression will linger, coming to mind during your day - a subtle, subconscious thought that often reminds you to seek the serenity of Kwan Yin, and to live compassionately, and otherwise offer the subtle changes in your energy and mood that come with the repetition of such a mantra.
Whether you see this as a spell, subtle suggestion, or the combination of the both… In the end, if an expression makes our day shine a little brighter than that's magic enough.
The Magic of the Earth
Used for thousands of years in magical practice, crystals, gems, and stones have long been known to possess a variety of magical attributes that make them an excellent addition to our spells and spiritual endeavors. From aiding us in meditation and helping us acquire psychic awareness to protecting us from evil spirits and even working to empower curses themselves, crystals and precious stones offer a full range of properties that can aid us throughout daily life. Placed in mojo bags and charm bags, carried in your wallet… Even placed within the change drawer of your business's cash register! Stones are an intricate aspect of our spiritual paths steeped in rich tradition. Here's a bit more on some of the specific crystals and stones we carry: (Click to view our available selection of tumbled stones)
Amethyst
Amethyst, a beautiful stone known for its deep purple coloring that can change slightly depending on your point of view and the quality of the light, has long been treasured within its magical practices. As a protective stone, it is said to help keep away nightmares and other such troubles to your sleep. Similarly, it is said to help encourage pleasant dreams and can be used to help encourage prophetic dreams. In healing, Amethyst is traditionally a stone of peace. As a stone associated with the mind, it can help soothe, calm, and otherwise help rid those who use it of stress, fear, and other such negativity. Some also hold that it can be quite useful in empowering psychic ability, and use it to enhance meditation, divination magic, and all manner of mental powers.
Black Onyx
A beautiful, black stone, Black Onyx has a rich magical tradition ranging from malignant uses to protective magic. In spells and rituals intended to be beneficial, black onyx is sometimes added or worn to help in all manner of conflicts, and is especially good at helping to work against negative energy (curses, hexes, etc. as well) that are specifically intended to work against the wearer. Alternately, Black Onyx can be used in curses as well. It is said to help spread terror and nightmares if so invoked, and is sometimes used to sew disharmony between lovers.
Bloodstone
A rich, green stone that is frequently flecked with red spots that can also appear somewhat pinkish, Bloodstone has been documented in its magical use for thousands of years, for myriad spiritual purposes. In healing practices, bloodstone is often used to calm fears, eliminate anger. Physically it is believed by some to aid in treating blood related illnesses, and in the ancient days was sometimes carried by ancient warriors to avoid wounds. Some practitioners also explore its use in spells of money drawing and other money magic, where it is said to help attract wealth in abundance; it is sometimes placed in wallets, mojo bags, and even cash drawers for this purpose. In more esoteric magical practice, bloodstone is said to help empower all spells and magical endeavors, and to aid in avoiding undesired attention.
Carnelian
Carnelian is a stone that appears in swirling red tones varying from deep reds to swirling pinks and often mingle layers of these colors within a single stone. Like many of the stones used today within our magical practice, it has seen use within ritual magic and in the creation of charms and amulets and all manner of magical devices for thousands of years. In healing practice, it is said to help instill confidence and banish depression and doubt, making it quite useful for the timid or those with low self esteem. It is also said to help promote peace and harmony, making it useful in healing rifts of emotion. Protectively, Carnelian has also been historically utilized to guard against those trying to read your thoughts, even as it is believed to help strengthen your own astral visions, making it sometimes valued in divination craft.
Citrine
With a translucent, golden quality Citrine is a crystal much praised for its beauty. Within spiritual practice, it is also rather unique in that it is one of very few varieties of crystal that will not ever absorb or hold negative energy, resulting in a crystal that doesn't need to be cleansed of negative influences. This natural quality also makes it popular in protective magic, where it can help neutralize negative energies that might be part of curses, hexes, and similar evil spells. It is also said to help encourage psychic awareness in those who wear it or keep it close at hand, and to help remove fear and nightmares.
Emerald
Perhaps best known or pictured as a translucent gem glittering within expensive pieces of jewelry, tumbled emerald stones are frequently opaque with other mineral deposits swirling within them. In magical practice, emeralds are highly honored and valued for a wide range of uses within spells. Perhaps most commonly, emeralds are believed to aid in love spells and spells of money drawing. Wear it close after blessing it in your love spells to help attract your future love. In money magic, it is perhaps most noted for helping to improve business spells, and for magic intended to improve public perception of your business. Emerald is also highly valued as a stone of the conscious mind as well as a stone of the subconscious, making it particularly potent in exploring all magic involving psychic properties. It is also treasured as a protective stone, where it has been used to protect those who wear it for centuries.
Garnet
A stone frequently known for being "fiery" red, Garnet tends to display rich violet tones in truth, and can be found in a wide spectrum of colors from an almost deep violet to more crimson tones, often depending on the light and setting. In magical practice, Garnet is known to help tap into extra energy and otherwise enhance physical and spiritual reserves for strength and vigor. It is also quite popular in use through protection magic, where it has been used to ward off everything from accidents to demons and a variety of more worldly dangers.
Green Aventurine
As the name implies, Green Aventurine is known for its rich green tones, which can vary from deep, true greens to more translucent colorings that almost appear as though they would be glow-in-the-dark. Within spiritual practices they are often added to charms, jewelry, or otherwise carried to help increase the wearer's spiritual perception. They are also sometimes used by scholars and artists to help improve intelligence or imagination. Most commonly however, green aventurine is a stone put to use in spells of luck, or in games of chance specifically, where they are said to help the wearer tipped the scales of luck in his or her favor. It is also similarly used in spells of money drawing, helping to bring prosperity to the user.
Hematite
Sometimes magnetic, hematite is a stone that possesses a coloring and luster that somewhat resembles the glossy grey of a pencil's graphite. It is heavy and solid, and sometimes used in the creation of jewelry due to its metallic luster and coloring. In magical practice it is perhaps most commonly praised for its ability to help the user ground out excessive energies, both negative and positive, helping those who wear or carry it to find balance. Hematite can sometimes also be used in divination magic as a device for scrying.
Jasper
A common stone utilized among the ancient peoples of the world on nearly all continents, Jasper is found in a wide variety of colors and qualities. Each is typically attributed with its own spiritual properties, with just about all forms having been used magically for thousands of years. In more general terms, Jasper is typically worn to improve self restraint, particularly in the case of potentially dangerous desires or whims. As a protective stone, it is also said to be of potent use in warding off both physical and nonphysical threats. It is also occasionally used to attract luck to those who carry it.
Moonstone
Coming in shades of blue, white, or pink typically, Moonstone (as indicated by its very name) is traditionally associated with the moon within magical practice. This often leaves many of its uses corresponding with the moon's phases, with the passage of the moon's cycle often viewed as directly linked to the power of moonstone in your magic. Gently protective and nourishing, Moonstone is often associated with sleep, where it is said to help attain peaceful rest, or even gardening where it is said to help bring vigor to those plants it is buried near. Much like the moon, Moonstone also offers a host of other mystical properties that would be impossible to detail in brief. These range from help in acquiring a job, to divination practices, to helping to maintain youthful vim.
Prasiolite
Prasiolite is often a variety of amethyst that has been heated in a fashion that leaves it turning a translucent green. Interestingly, this often results in a perceived change in mystical qualities as well. In magical practice it is commonly used to provide courage and originality, and help strengthen willpower. Some have also found it to be quite useful when used in prophecy and divination. In crystal healing practice, one will often find Prasiolite to be useful in healing a wide range of physical ailments from a spiritual level.
Clear Quartz
Highly valued by the ancients within magic, quartz crystal has been viewed in the past to be petrified water or ice and as such is often connected with the element of water. In Native American practice it was even used in the tips of wands, and wrapped in buckskin when not in use. Clear quartz is believed to help stimulate psychic activity, seek trances, and otherwise aid within divination. Some also use them to help store, direct, and cleanse spiritual energies within magical practice. Though they are often considered to need frequent cleansing, their ability to amplify and aid in spells and magical practice leaves them highly valued.
Rose Quartz
With a soft, rosy pink coloring that makes it easily distinguished from other crystals and forms of quartz, Rose quartz is valued for many of the same energetic properties that its cousin, clear quartz, is said to possess. But there's a twist. Rose quartz is said to be particularly potent when dealing with energies involving love and emotion. It can be worn as part of love spells and similar magical rituals to help bring love into your life, or attract a partner, and can otherwise help promote peace and happiness by helping to heal emotional traumas and other similar mental and spiritual wounds.
Sodalite
Deep blue, and imbued with veins of white that almost give the appearance of lightning across a night sky, Sodalite is a beautiful stone often confused with Lapis Lazuli; Lapis Lazuli actually has golden colored flecks of iron pyrite in most cases. In spiritual practice it is a great stone for healing, where it is typically used for soothing emotional distress, such as stress, nervousness, anger, or fear. It is often worn for this purpose, or otherwise pressed gently to the head to help soothe inner strife and turmoil. Some also suggest that it can be used within meditation, helping to explore with wisdom.
Black Tourmaline
Appearing somewhat fibrous, with a visible grain and crystalline structure when it is untumbled, black Tourmaline appears as a glossy black stone when it has been tumbled smooth. Tourmaline is actually somewhat of a new-comer to the spiritual world, and was generally not used by magical practitioners of old. Physically, it is unique as it can be polarized. Otherwise, black tourmaline is popularly used in grounding. In this manner it can be used for healing purposes, helping to find balance in energy flows, as well as in protective magic where it helps to absorb or otherwise negate negativity.
A History of the Magical Journal
The magical journal - or the Grimoire, and more recently the Book of Shadows from various Wiccan traditions - is perhaps the most enduring method through which our magical traditions and knowledge have been passed down through the centuries. Though they it was not written in a book as we now know them, the first written magical incantations came from ancient Mesopotamia, where inscriptions have been found on clay tablets dating all of the way back to the 5th and 4th centuries BC.
Similar methods were employed among a variety of other traditions, including the ancient Egyptians who first discussed health and protection charms and later evolved to more complex magical methods seeking financial success and sexual gratification as their language evolved, and the ancient Hebrew traditions that held that their magical practice was passed down from Moses. The ancient Greeks and Romans traditionally held that books of magic were an invention of the Persians, with even Pliny the Elder discussing that the ancient philosopher Zoroaster had discovered magic, with his work only being written down much later, in the 5th century BC.
As Christianity, Judaism, and Islam became the prominent faiths of the western world throughout the creation of magical books and grimoires did not cease. Indeed, the old pagan ways were often adopted to more acceptable magical methods, with the magic that took advantage of the powers of nature often being viewed as magic that drew upon the natural power of God. Such magical books were often intertwined with books on medicine or healing, with the methods that would evolve into modern medical practice existing side by side with charms and spells intended to heal or otherwise use nature's power. Meanwhile, magic that dealt in otherworldly powers, demons, and spirits were viewed as coming from the evil sources, such as the devil- this included topics such as necromancy, divination, and demonology.
As the Renaissance brought about vast changes in the way that people of the western world thought, renewed interest in magic we see a vigorous increase in interest in Hermeticism, occultists, ceremonial magicians, and the Jewish Kabbalah. It is here that we see the creation of books such as Three Books of Occult Philosophy from Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa that have had such a large impact on western magical traditions emerge. It is here that we begin to see the magical methods that we now utilize so commonly within our ritual firmly depicted in a way that is perhaps most influence modern magical practice. These magicians and sorcerers who dabbled in alchemy, art, and all varieties of science were among the same men who began to define scientific theory and methods. In some cases, they are one and the same. These mingled with the work of the cunning folk, who with the advent of the printing press were more readily able to publish their professional work within folk magic.
More recently, within the 18th and 19th centuries, even as the Enlightenment resulted in men and women of influence denouncing magic in favor of science, rationalism, and other such practice we see many of the other common names that influenced modern tradition. It is here we see the Black Pullet first printed, as well as the first appearance of the 6th and 7th Books of Moses, and Francis Barrett's work "The Magus." We also find the influential printing of the Lemegeton, or Lesser Key of Solomon explored and discussed by the growing magical traditions such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis.
In the modern practice of the 20th century we have also already seen the rise of such popular texts as the Simon Necronomicon, and the introduction of Gerald Gardner's Book of Shadows - the Wiccan interpretation of the traditional grimoire that we see published in many places, such as in Lady Sheba's Book of Shadows, or in the posthumous publication of Scott Cunningham's Book of Shadows. But we also see the grimoiric tradition carried in on in the many, many books of spells and magical methods published today throughout the world. But the history does not stop with those works we know to be published. With the ability to simply go out and purchase a simple note book, or even a magnificent volume bound in leather, many modern magical practitioners continue the tradition. Every time we put to pen our magical methods we give birth to the new history of magical practice. Our works of magical discovery can be passed on to our children, and their children and who knows… Some day our work may well be discovered or written of as having influenced the mystical practices of the generations to come.
The Mysteries and Answers of Herbal Magic
Herbalism is a time honored practice that has been a great influence in the methods and practices of modern medicine, tracing back such well known and popular practices such as the Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in the mythologies, traditions, and lore taught through folk legends and stories. Through this folk lore and tradition we can not only discover the sources and origins of much of modern medication and pharmaceutical practice, but we can also discover and understand the sacred herbs that we use in magic even today.
While in Eastern traditions, herbs are regularly spoken of as aiding in balancing internal and external energies known as Ki, or Chi in Western traditions we see the sacred use of herbs blending in with acts of worship involving divinity. Vervain, for example, has been associated with divine forces for thousands of years. In Ancient Rome we see it known as Juno's Tears, and before this it was given associated with the Egyptian Goddess Isis, as the tears of Isis. The ancients used it for its many healing qualities, including the reduction of fevers and the treatment of various matters involving the skin. To this end, it was said to have been used to staunch the wounds of Jesus when he was removed from the cross and thereafter became sacred among Christians as a holy herb.
In a similar circumstance, we can explore where science meets the lore of an ancient people in an attempt to understand it. In researching the uses and lore of Cat's Claw Root before its sale, we came upon an interesting mythology born of the Ashaninka tribes of Peru. These natives who have long lived within the Amazon Rain Forest value the Cat's Claw Plant, with their healers and shamans attributing the healing properties of the plant to the Good spirits that reside within the plant's claw-like roots. The Ashaninka shaman know how to determine which cat's claw to use because they can see the good spirits hidden within the plant before they collect it. Those without a good spirit within are ignored, and not harvested as they are believed not to possess healing powers. Further, they are not mixed with the harvested root that contains good spirits, because they believe in doing so the healing powers will be lost.
The scientific community, who was also interested in the healing properties of Cat's Claw Root, discovered that there some of these roots actually possess pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs), while others contain tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs). The POAs have been found to be quite useful in improving the immune system, while the TOAs do not aid the cells of the immune system at all. Further, if they are mixed the TOAs cancel out the benefits of the POAs! So in this case, in its own way, science has confirmed the presence of these "Good spirits" that the shaman of the Ashaninka tribes actively seek out for their healing powers.
Perhaps then in exploring the history of herbalism and its rich tapestry of lore we can not only understand the rich history of our spiritual traditions and the birth of science, but work to blend the two in a manner that leaves them far less separate. After all, both seek only to discover the mysteries of the universe in which we blossom and grow. Just as in prehistory the lore of herbs and their properties was our first form of science and medicine, so too can herbalism help blend science and faith in present day.
Pyramid Magick
So we know you've heard about the Pyramid built into our building. But what's it do? What is it for? Why a pyramid? Well, the short of it is that pyramids are known as magical structures both symbolically and in a somewhat more literal sense. But the best introduction I can offer to the magic of pyramids would be a little story one of our long-time customers shared with us about using our pyramid water.
To give you a little bit of back ground, Louise was, in her words, a late bloomer who found her spiritual path in 2000. It was then that she discovered and stepped into the nature based spirituality of being an eclectic witch, and a short time later made the easy (and brave!) choice of starting a business that included her spirituality, Raven and Crone, and fully embraced her spirituality within every aspect of her life.
It was from this background that she recently decided to experiment with cleansing her crystals and tumbled stones, using rather than other varieties of blessed or holy waters and oils. The cleansing process is often considered an important step in preparing ritual items such as these for magical use, as it removes any outside influences that might affect your magic, and generally speaking leaves you with a "blank slate" with which to begin your ritual. Our pyramid water, to explain, is water that has been left within our pyramid to absorb the positive energies drawn to it.
To use the water in this way, she took this ritually charged water and poured half of the bottle she had into a bowl. She then took the fifty or so stones that she had and slowly passed them through the water, allowing the energetic charge within to cleanse each stone or crystal of all outside influences. Naturally, as any of us might consider, Louise figured that when she was done she'd have less water than when she started. After all, some water will cling to the rocks and some to the bowl, and some to her hands as she cleansed the stones, and some might have even spilled. There's always a drop or two that splashes or drips.
As she was finished, she took a funnel and started pouring the water back into the bottle and then found herself quite surprised to have about an ounce of water spill back out on to the counter! The bottle was full again, and more water was spilling out. She couldn't figure out why, but it's one of those little stories about magical practice that can't help but to make you smile, and an interesting insight into the mystery and magic that shrouds the magic of pyramids.
But how does it work? For some, the pyramid is a symbol. The spiritual foundation stones laid one atop another, or the different dimensions that ultimately form an entire being. In more physical terms however, a pyramid is believed to act as a focus for energy, naturally attracting it and directing it to whatever is within. This popular mythology is so widespread that it has even been explored by TV's Mythbusters wherein they tested many of the more wild claims made about pyramids.
In mystical terms however, this translates into pyramids being quite useful in attracting energies for your rituals and spells, and to empower specific items. For example, an Amethyst Pyramid might be used to improve psychic energies, energies intended to help heal the mind, or other mental energies. Similarly, this is how the pyramid built into AzureGreen is used. It is there that we make our Pyramid Water, allowing it to reside within the pyramid to be charged with energy for ritual purposes, and it is also where we allow every package to rest for a little while before being shipped out, charging it with energy that will aid in whatever purpose the items within are used for.
Oils: The Essence of Magic
Oils have been used as offering to the Gods and Goddesses and as a favored addition to spells and rituals for centuries. References to such offerings and use being placed upon altars date back to the Old Testament and the Homeric epic poems. But what exactly makes an oil magical?
Generally speaking, the creation of most oils is impressive and seemingly magical by itself. All oils start with a scent extracted from a plant or resin. This can be as simple as pressing leaves, petals, and stems to physically remove the inner liquid of a plant to something as complex as applying steam or various chemicals to the plant and extracting the plant's liquid scent in this manner. From here, this pure scent is almost always added in small amounts to a base oil.
Base oils vary widely in composition. An example of a common and popular base oil is Almond oil. Without really possessing a strong scent by itself, it quite readily accepts most common scents, allowing one to take the expensive essential oils (as these extracts are traditionally called) and spread them out in a manner that isn't quite as strong or quite as expensive. In the long run, this is usually better for everyone involved with many truly pure essential oils simply being too pungent to be easily used.
Another benefit to this is the creation of customized fragrances. An example of this is our essence oils. These essence oils mingle essential fragrances to create new scents that cannot be created with the traditional means. For example, the various AzureGreen oils that capture elements or Zodiac signs could not ordinarily be created through a distillation process (one cannot capture the oils, resins, or essence of a constellation or divine force!) are generally made in a process that combines essential oils in this manner.
So what does this complex process mean in terms of magic and spirituality? It means that even the most diluted of oils contains a small portion of the original resin, oil, or scent of the plant, sap, or resin involved. This means that oils are a fantastic way to bring an ingredient into your magic if you cannot otherwise access the herb or resin, bringing the special qualities of that particular component into your ritual craft in a reduced way.
Arguably, the very scent of the oil can therefore carry the qualities that you seek within your magic. For this reason many practices involve simply anointing a doorway, candle, or other such object with oil or even sprinkling it around the area to be blessed, cursed, or otherwise affected by your spell. By leaving behind a bit of the oil, the scent and components of the oil brings with it the power of that original plant or resin as well as the magic of your charm or spell.
From a more modern point of view, the scent of the oil also works wonders for achieving the proper frame of mind for visualization, focus, and control of your spell. The very scent of these oils when simply left in the open or when used in an oil diffuser can result in hormonal differences, changing mood and state of mind. The result is a change in personal energies that can then be directed into your spellcraft … or simply a more desirable state of mind as is frequently the goal through aromatherapy.
Whatever your method or reasoning, safe exploration and an understanding of your craft accompanied by an open mind can go quite a long way.
Amulets and Talismans - A magical history
Amulets and Talismans have a rich history within the lore of magic and religion, dating back thousands of years to the Ancients who would often carry or wear symbols and items for their magical powers. In its simplest form, an Amulet (or talisman) is generally considered to be any object that brings good luck or protection to its owner.
Within this definition, any item from gems, statues, coins, drawings, rings, or even your lucky pair of socks could be considered a an Amulet or Talisman. Indeed, it is not unheard of within spiritual and ancient medical practice for an amulet to consist simply of magical Root or Plant that has been created into a bracelet, necklace, or some other form of pendant. A great example of this is the Celtic four leaf clover, which is said to bring good luck.
Spirituality and magic and the intervention of historical influences have generally made the use of Amulets and Talismans a much more complex matter, however, as they began to incorporate the use of words of power, materials of specific value and religious significance.
Within ancient Judaic tradition, the materials and shape of an amulet frequently held little significance if any. Instead what mattered was the word or words that had been inscribed upon the amulet in question. The Tetragramaton is a great example of this, as it invokes the power and protection of God through the four letters of his name "YHWH," which in English is frequently seen spelled as Yaweh. It is not uncommon to now see this coupled with pentagrams and similar symbolism, as Cabalistic tradition has influenced a great deal of modern occult sources.
In other ancient civilizations and traditions we see that the shape an amulet takes is frequently of great importance. This practice was perhaps spread and influenced a great deal within the expanse of the Roman empire. There tokens, such as precious stones, and the magical properties attributed to them from a wide range of cultures, were likely blended with Greco Roman traditions of worship. Among the Romans symbols of the gods and goddesses they revered were not shown as displays of faith, but instead worn to help the individual wearing the talisman gain the attributes and strengths of the god or goddess in question.
The practice of wearing a talisman or amulet as a display of faith did not fully develop until the advent of Christianity, where the practice perhaps originated as a secret means for the subjugated members of the faith to identify one another. One example of this is the "fish," which was created when one Christian would draw a line in the sand before another completed it, to create the symbol for Christ (or so legend holds, anyway). This spread widely as symbols of faith were adopted by other faiths (or reinvented), until the modern day where you will see Pentagrams, Triple Moons, Stars of David, Crosses (Crucifixes), the Star and Crescent, and a wide range of other symbols of faith worn to achieve protection and power from the forces and gods that they represent.
Within the modern day we find all of these elements coming together within the mingled influence of a wide variety of spiritual traditions that have evolved into the traditions of magic that we now know and practice. Geometic shapes, words of power, symbols of faith, Runes, and other such concepts come together to create amulets of wishing, protection, good luck, and any number of other powers and abilities. Practice has further evolved from simply wearing an amulet to investing it with energy to empower it, and perhaps benefit further from this investment, to even burying an amulet used within magical practice to give the energies back to the earth, and give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed. Whatever the method that works for you, it is usually best to keep an open mind as you explore.
Scent, Smoke, and Ash: Scent and Ash within Ritual Craft
Many of us are familiar with the idea of aromatherapy, where specific fragrances can be used to lift our spirits, trigger changes in mood, and help us heal our minds and body. But how does this fit in within our magical practices? It's simple really. The inspiration and change in mood that these scents provide can help us better focus, strengthen our will, and otherwise put is in the proper frame of mind to work a ritual or cast a spell. On a more complex level, these scents harbor within them an energy that we can use to empower our magic.
The scent of Vanilla, for example, has been used throughout history to empower love spells, and create an aphrodisiac affect. Why? Well, on one level this fragrance plays upon our senses, and stimulates hormones within us that can awaken desires. As the scent stirs desires within you, though, you can channel this need and desire into your magic, making your love spell far more powerful and backed by this innate energy.
This is only your internal energy, however. The scent itself, flowing around you and stimulating your senses and filling the room, can be drawn upon. Visualize this scent, this magical energy that has the power to create changes in your mind and body, and will it to flow into your spell and make it even more powerful still. In this way a stick of incense or a resin burning on charcoal can produce powerful results within your spellcraft.
Try it for yourself. Use the ancient scent of sandalwood for protection as you drift within meditation. Use the earthy scent of patchouli to encourage financial growth within your money spells. Use the scent of Frankincense to aid you in purifying your sacred space after your ritual summoning.
So how does the magic of Ash fit in with this? As something is burned, energy is released, but what has been left behind has power in its own right. It has survived the flame, and perhaps taken on the quality of your spell, or has been purified as all that is impure has been melted away.
The ashes of the Frankincense that you used within your purification ritual can be used to empower and draw your circle, helping to ensure that nothing unwanted crosses the line you create. The Sandalwood you burned for protection can be sprinkled at the four corners of your home, helping to discourage the trespass of evil spirits. The ashes of your patchouli incense can be used to dust the coin you place within your mojo bag to empower your money drawing spell.
The possibilities are endless, and do not stop at incense. With pen and ink, put a spell on parchment with all of your focus and intentions, and then burn writing to release the spell. Perhaps even repeat the process, after carefully mixing the ash of the first spell within the ink you will use to write! Or, perhaps when you are finished with your ritual magic you can ritually sweep up the ashes of your incense from your altar, gathering up the remaining energies before burying them, and to give that which was not needed back to the earth in thanks and grounding.
Explore, have fun, and enjoy the growth and knowledge you experience and attain.
Scent, Smoke, and Ash: The Ritual Properties and Magical Powers of Smoke
Powerful tools of divination, purification, blessing, protection, summoning, and many other magical rituals and spells, Scent, Smoke, Ash and Sand are important parts of a variety of spiritual paths and traditions. While at first glance the idea and power behind these materials can seem intangible, mysterious, and perhaps beyond comprehension, let us consider for a moment their purpose within our magick, and the reasons why we perhaps attach power to them. First, we shall take a glimpse at Smoke and the magic it brings into our world.
Smoke, by its very nature, seems to exude magic. Fleeting, and creating new patterns with every little breath of air, it seems a manifestation of the ethereal. This is all too fitting, for in a very real sense smoke (along with heat) is the physical manifestation of the release of energy when an object is burned. For this reason, the smoke of various incenses and herbs--like sage and sandalwood--is used to ritually bathe an area or person, spiritually purifying them of negative energy, curses, evil spirits, and such unpleasant influences. Interestingly, the smoke of various plants has actually been shown to even possess antiseptic qualities, helping to cleanse of odorous bacteria and other such influences. Sacred smoke is also said to help carry prayers to the divine, helping them be heard and take root in the world around you.
Smoke has also been used for divination, with practitioners of various magical and spiritual paths using it to see the future, find answers, or learn about events of the past and present. Similarly, it has also been suggested that smoke can be utilized to aid in seeing spirits, angels, and demons, with their outlines and images appearing within the swirling lines and shapes of smoke's rising tendrils.
Try focusing on the power of smoke within your next ritual, prayer or spell. Imagine it as the released energy of your incense, herbs, or candle flame, empowering your magic to whatever end. Imagine the healing and protective qualities of the smoke filling your sacred space, or offering its blessing. Use it as a focus for your summoning, showing you the image of the spirit, demon, or angel that you call. The possibilities are endless.
The Magick of the Cauldron
Every fairy tale, story of fantasy, or fable seems to portray witches stirring a bubbling, gurgling cauldron full of mysterious and sometimes frightening spell components. Indeed, this image has been popularized throughout such media and classical works of literature, with even Shakespeare incorporating the Cauldron in his play Macbeth.
Made of bronze, iron, or even silver, the cauldron was most frequently a simple tool for cooking or industry, providing a vessel in which to boil water and other materials. But why has the cauldron been used so much in modern literature in film to represent the witch? Much of this stems from ancient British and Celtic belief. Specifically, it was viewed as a magical tool of the goddess Cerridwen, with several legends in which she used it to create potions and spells. In Celtic mythology the cauldron was also viewed as a powerful tool of rebirth, where warriors slain in battle could be placed within before they would be returned to life; fighting on, but lacking souls or the ability of speech. In some translations and interpretations of Arthurian legend, the Holy Grail is also referred to as a cauldron, lending to it the powers of immortality and other such mystical traits associated with this Christian mythology
With such rich placement in the literature and lore of the time, how could it not evolve into the iconic symbol we know today? The original folklore and mythology of the cauldron for modern Pagans and Witches has also developed with the passing of time. Today, the cauldron is frequently viewed as the womb of the goddess, and therefore as a powerful symbol of rebirth.
In terms of magical use, a cauldron is a perfect tool when one is casting a spell for change or renewal; as the womb of the goddess, it is the perfect place to inspire rebirth to provide a fresh start, or to simply instill youthful vigor in that which has aged. Burn sage within it to help create a purifying, renewing smoke or place charms, symbolic imagery, or other materials within your cauldron when you want to renew them, or provide this rebirth for somebody else. Going back to the roots of Celtic mythology, it is also a great tool for divination. Fill it with water and gaze into its depths to see shadows of the future, past, or present. Add your favorite oils or herbal components if you wish, to help guide your divination and intuition in the right direction. And the old cliché stands up to the test of time; the cauldron is a great magickal tool, rich in spiritual symbolism and otherwise simply the perfect place to boil, prepare, mix, and otherwise hold the ingredients for your spell or ritual.
Enchanting Your Trinket Box or Herb Cupboard
With our new Featured Item portion of AzureGreen we intend to provide you with a bit more information on some of the newer items that we carry as well as some of the old favorites. In the days to come, we hope to provide interesting insights as to how they might be used in ways beyond what one might first imagine, as well as some of the history and folklore surrounding the product whenever possible.
That being said, we start with a new glimpse at an old item; the simple trinket box, or herb cupboard. Whether it is made of unadorned wood or carved with pentagrams and other magickal symbols, the trinket box is frequently dismissed as a simple storage space. After all, it's just a box with a lid or drawers, what more can it be used for?
But why settle just for storage? The simple chest or cupboard has long been a powerful symbol of treasures, mysteries, and magic. Through relatively simple rituals that can be tailored to your own methods, you can easily transform this, or any storage space you have in your home, into a tool that will help you cleanse, purify, and even charge ritual tools and spell components for whatever purpose. Just imagine the possibilities! A trinket box charged to cleanse your tarot deck whenever you put it away, a chest that will help you cleanse your healing crystals, a wardrobe charged to cleanse your clothing and imbue them with a love spell… The limit is your creativity and imagination.The first step as with most such magick is to begin with a purification ritual to cleanse your storage space and make it ready for your ritual. If you have a favorite method for this feel free to use it, but many people burn sage and incense, or use anointing oils and holy waters to cleanse the area within what can become its own small ritual.
The first step is to decide what you wish your storage space to do. What do you need help with? What would be most helpful for you? Here are a few ideas:
- Protection: Enchant your trinket box with spells of protection, either to protect from outside influences or to keep everything outside safe from what is within!
- Healing: Charge your herb cupboard or trinket box with healing energies, and use it to help empower your crystals, gems, amulets, and other healing tools
- Purification: Empower your trinket box to aid you in purifying your healing crystals, wands, and other ritual tools to save yourself time and keep your magical implements always ready
- Spirit Trap: Use your magical box either as a tool to capture spirits, demons, and other entities you summon, keeping them from harming you or others, or use it to protect your sacred space, trapping these negative entities so that can do no harm until you may safely release them later.
- Spells: Charge your magical cupboard or box with your favorite spells, so that those items placed within will be enchanted with your magic as well! Use it to enchant your favorite shirt with love spells, your wallet with money drawing magic, or whatever else you can think of!
The next step as with most such magick is to begin with a purification ritual to cleanse your storage space and make it ready for your ritual. If you have a favorite method for this feel free to use it, but many people burn sage and incense, or use anointing oils and holy waters to cleanse the area within what can become its own small ritual.
From here, you must decide how you are going to empower, charge, or otherwise enchant your trinket box. If you wish it to cleanse those items placed within, such as your healing crystals, magickal wands, or other such spell, ritual and healing tools, focus on this. If you wish it to charge items to some other affect, keep this intention in mind. Feel free to meditate, wait for an appropriate phase of the moon, and otherwise develop this further. You may wish to put a spell mix of herbs, or crystals charged to help you within the box, carve runes into a hidden (or visible), panel within the box, or simply meditate upon the goal you wish to achieve and focusing this intent and energy upon the trinket box; it can be as simple or elaborate as you feel it needs to be.
And where do you go from here? Well, now it's ready to go! Place the items you want cleansed or charged in the box for as long as need be, reworking this simple, two-step ritual as often as you feel as necessary to change the purpose of your storage space or otherwise keep it working as you desire.