Wicca Survey Closes at Noon!

Don't worry! There is still plenty of time to take my 10 question survey on Wicca. The survey will be closing at noon on Monday, December 3rd so that I can compile the results to prepare for my YouTube videos where I will discuss topics related to the questions. Click here to take the survey.

Visit my YouTube and subscribe to be alerted when my videos are posted!

Talk to you soon!

Are you Wiccan? I need a few minutes of your time...

Do you identify as Wiccan? If so, I need your help.

In preparation for a video that I'm going to be recording in the next couple of weeks, I'm asking for people to take part in a ten question survey. The identities of anyone taking the survey is confidential and it will cost you nothing to participate.

I am asking questions about specific terms and the requirements of being and identifying as Wiccan. Please consider sharing it on your own blogs and Facebooks as well. The more answers I receive translates to a clearer picture of how people feel.

Participate!

7 Day Oracle Challenge - Review

I feel so thankful to have been able to participate in this challenge. I have taken each card and applied it to myself and my current situation which is a profound way to bring about understanding and personal growth. I have met some amazing people on this journey and I am thankful for the inspiration and energy they brought into my life.

Below you will find the final video, as well as the discussion of Labradorite which I selected for the final card in the challenge. Take a look! Also, please forgive my mispronunciation of "Citrine," I didn't even notice that I had done it until reviewing the video. Such is life, my friend. ;)

Day 7 - "God of Air"

I couldn't have been more pleased with the final card in our series, mostly because it alludes to both spirituality and communication. This card is urging us to embrace our true selves and go forward in our expression of spirituality. Now that a balance between the physical and spiritual has been reclaimed, we are actually receiving permission and acknowledgement to embrace all that our spirituality has to offer us. Talk about a profound message!

Tomorrow I will be posting one final video for this series. It is going to be a follow up and I will suggest which crystal or gem I suggest working with for this card. Additionally I will lead us on an overall look at all seven cards and how they fit together. It is important to not only look at the individual message but also what the general consensus of the cards has been. As always, leave questions or comments below and I will respond as quickly as possible.

Day 6 - Clear Quartz

Click image to purchase product

It seemed only fitting to select Clear Quartz as the crystal for the "Sorcerer" card, especially since it was featured in the illustration. Clear Quartz is a powerful amplifier of energy and is a great healer.

Whenever you require the effects of any stone but don't have it, use Clear Quartz. It is a great to hold during meditation. There is no better crystal to utilize for spiritual power because this one attuned to our specific energetic frequency. 

Day 6 - "Sorcerer"

Day 6 has arrived, ladies and gents. I had a lot of fun with today's video and now that I have learned the art of using YouTube and Blogger with my iPad, I have even embedded the video for you at the end of this post. I'm all about saving clicks or, in my case, taps. Today's card is "Sorcerer" which kind of brings us full circle. Don't worry, I'll explain why I feel that way after I show you the incredible artwork of the card.

Representing "The Magician" in a traditional tarot deck, this is our first glimpse into the Major Arcana during the 7 Day Oracle Challenge. Lisa Hunt's illustrations make this card seem full of life and I am positive that she was the perfect illustrator to capture the essence of what D.J. Conway and Sirona Knight imagined into creation.

This card tells us that we are "using out inherent gifts and talents of communication" which takes us back to Day 2's message of communication. We are also told that we are successfully bridging the "multidimensional nature of the human adventure and intentionally walk in both worlds - the magician's world of spiritual power and the tangible world of 'reality.' "

Does anyone else find it incredible that Day 3's card, "The Quest," was informing us of an imbalance between our spiritual and physical responsibilities only for us to receive confirmation that we have  corrected that only 3 days later? The Sorcerer is a young man embracing his power and connection with both the elements and the animal kingdom. I am blown away by how we've come full circle and while it's true that there are still a few questions in my mind, I'm intrigued to see how tomorrow's card fits.

Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment either here on on YouTube. As promised, here is the video of Day 6.

Day 5 - A Selection of Crystals and Gemstones

When contemplating which gemstones and crystals to use for yesterday's "Sorrow" card, I was confronted with the idea that its meaning could represent a variety of different things. It could suggest emotional conflict just as easily as it could represent the end of a business relationship. Therefore, I took a look at which crystals and gems are the most readily available and have the most ability to be used for multiple purposes. In fact, most crystals and gems have multiple uses which make it easy to begin collecting and using them in your daily life.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Amethyst - One of the most common specimens, Amethyst has been used since Ancient times as both a talisman and a sign of royalty. Amethyst has the ability to both calm and soothe while transforming murky energy into positive energy. It is usually associated with the Brow or Third Eye Chakra.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Rose Quartz - Typically associated with the Heart Chakra for its ability to purify. It helps us open to receiving love and heals our darker emotions that come about from anger, resentment, and hurt. Another readily available stone, you can wear it as jewelry or use it in a gem elixir.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Smoky Quartz - Neutralizes negative vibrations and helps to ground and center those who meditate with it. Smoky Quartz is a great addition to crystal grids because of its energetic properties. Resonates with the Base Chakra.

Copyright - Green Earth Stones

Selenite - One of my new personal favorites, Selenite carries a high vibration and powerfully disperses and stabilizes negative emotions. It is frequently purchased in wand form for cleaning the aura, though I have also seen it in pyramids and towers. It can be easily placed in a room or around the house.

Kathryn from Green Earth Stones, an online Etsy store, was kind enough to allow me to use the images above. All of the photos you see are from actual items she is selling in her store and clicking on them will take you to the listing for that item. Clicking on the banner above will take you to her main page. I will not receive any money or store credit for any sales that come about through my blog.

I have ordered from Kathryn and she sells high quality crystals at reasonable prices. I have never been disappointed with a product that I purchased from her and I recommend Green Earth Stones. Please let her know that I sent you. 

20 Random Facts

I made a quick video so that you all could get to know me a little better. I hope that you enjoy it and I'd love to see some video reviews!

Day 5 - "Sorrow"

If you watched me draw this card in my YouTube video, you likely saw my surprise at drawing it. Although the last few messages haven't been entirely butterflies and rainbows, I didn't expect to see anything with this type of message. For those that aren't aware, this card suggests a time of emotional upset is at hand. It is representative of separations and the ending of relationships.

At first I couldn't imagine what this card would have to offer us. I think, after contemplating it for a few hours, that it might have something to do with the upcoming end of the challenge itself. We'll have to take a look at tomorrow's card to see where that takes us and only then may we be able to discern exactly what this card is trying to tell us. I am honestly stumped.

Comments? Please!

Day 4 - Carnelian

After learning the meaning of the "Warrior of Fire" card, I immediately thought of Carnelian. This gemstone carries a lot of energy and is one of my favorites for helping me tap into the creative energies around me. I love writing stories and poetry and this stone is typically used in a creativity-related crystal grid.

This is one gemstone that I suggest everyone that is interested in crystal healing or Pagan practices have in their collection. It is readily available and usually affordable, though I have seen some palm stones upwards of $20 because of the coloring and size.

Day 4 - Warrior of Fire

Click to find out more!

Day 3 - Hematite

Yesterday's card told us that we needed to stop paying so much attention to our spiritual pursuits and ignoring the physical responsibilities around us. It doesn't mean that we're ignoring bills and sleeping instead of going to work but it does suggest that an imbalance is occurring. Any of the grounding stones would work for this purpose but there's one that sticks out in my mind.

Hematite occurs in a dark red color on many natural crystal points. Only when it is tumbled does it transform (as if by alchemy) into the shiny metallic stone which you see to the left of this post. Hematite is a powerful grounding stone and using it works to stabilize your mind, body, and soul connection.

I felt this stone was a perfect fit. Crystal grids is an option but the market has been inundated with hematite rings, beads, pendants and bracelets which make wearing it as jewelry so easy. Try meditating with it to remain focused, especially during trance work.

Day 3 - "The Quest"

The days are going by fast with this challenge! I don't know about the rest of you but I've been having a blast. Be sure to visit my YouTube channel if you haven't already watched the video for today's card pull. Otherwise, let me introduce you to the 8 of Water AKA "The Quest."

According to the Shapeshifter Tarot companion book, this card indicates a time for us to stop and take a look at our motives and the state of our lives. Usually it suggests that we have slipped in the balance between spiritual and physical matters and offers us an opportunity to resolve the imbalance in our lives.

So let's take a moment to review. Day 1 gave us the message of abundance and day two was about communication. Where does this third card fit in? Be sure to check out my video for Day 4 my thoughts on the subject.

Day 2 - Blue Lace Agate

Yesterday's "Passage" speaks to us about communication. There are dozens of gemstones and crystals aligned with the Throat Chakra and are thus great for increasing our ability to communicate. My go to crystal for this Chakra is Blue Lace Agate and I knew that this stone would fit in perfectly.

Image from http://www.crystalconceptsinc.com/crystals.html

Judy Hall's "101 Power Crystals" states that "Blue Lace Agate dramatically changes your ability to communicate and to speak your truth." 

This gemstone can be used in crystal grids and mojo bags, or just by carrying a tumbled piece in your pocket. Wearing this stone as a pendant is perfect because of it's potential proximity to your Throat Chakra. With a Mohs hardness of 7 it is a perfect stone to use to create a gem elixir.

Do you have a crystal or gemstone that you use to aid in communication? Please leave a comment to let me know what it is.

Day 2 - Passage

The card we received today takes us in a little bit of a different direction than where I thought we were headed. That's the benefit of doing something like this. We learn that our expectations aren't always correct and we are shown the way to a new opportunity for enlightenment. What a gift!

The guidebook lists the keywords for this card as "evolution, travel, intuition, and communication."

I find it very interesting that there was discussion of communication and abundance in yesterday's prophecy and today we get a repeat of communication with the mention of travel and evolution. Hopefully tomorrow's card will show us a little more information so that we can see the connections. To learn more about this card visit my YouTube channel.

If you have a suggestion of a gem or crystal that you think fits with this prophecy, feel free to leave a comment either below or on YouTube. Check back tomorrow for my thoughts.

Day 1 = Citrine!

My choice for which crystal to use for abundance and prosperity work was simple given the numerous associations that are out there. Both of the books on crystals that I have mention Citrine as the abundance stone. Judy Hall's "The Crystal Bible" sums this up perfectly. "This dynamic stone teaches how to manifest and attracts wealth and prosperity, success, and all good things."

Check out more here!

Challenge - Day 1: Abundance

To those of you that have not yet seen my video for the 7-Day Oracle Challenge that I'm taking part in, click the YouTube link above and you will be taken directly to my videos.




The first card was "Wealth."

According to the Shapeshifter Tarot guide book, drawing this card "represents a time for investing in property, a house, or starting a new business. Through communication and organization, it becomes the optimum time to manifest abundance into your life. Material prosperity, lineage, and family honor, as well as good investment gain, riches, or inheritance may come to the seeker in the near future." This card typically corresponds with the Ten of Pentacles in standard tarot decks.

Based on the insight that the card brings to the seeker's life, what crystal(s) would be good for the seeker to meditate with as a way of helping the abundant energy into his or her life? I have an answer. Check out my video for day 2 for the answer and why I think it is a perfect fit!

Also, if you'd like to check out the perspective from another person doing the challenge, I suggest ValkyrieDivine's channel as a great starting off point.

7-Day Oracle Challenge - Day 1 is on YouTube!

Watch!

I have uploaded two videos to celebrate the start of my call to Hibiscus Moon's 7-Day Oracle Challenge. The first video briefly shows my method of cleansing my tarot cards. The second video is the start of my uploads for the challenge.

Enjoy!

Answering the call - YouTube and Hibiscus Moon

I have been wanting to begin posting videos on YouTube for quite some time now. Usually I would find a video on the same topic I wanted to speak about and felt like another video wasn't necessary because of the eloquent and informative videos by countless people that had already beat me to the punch. So I have been subscribing and watching videos whenever I have a free moment for the past year instead.

One of the people that I enjoy watching is Hibiscus Moon, known around YouTube as "phanie12." She is a resource on all things crystal and gem which I have an affinity for, so her videos often get me thinking. Some of you may have watched her 7 Day Crystal Oracle Reading Series. It was both interesting and informative, full of great thoughts to meditate on. Now she's passing the torch and challenging others to do the same. I'm signing up!

I don't have any crystal oracle cards so my process is going to be slightly different. Check out my channel tomorrow to see how this process is going to go and watch me get started. We're going to have 7 days of excitement and fun! I hope you'll join me!

---

Click to read HM's challenge.

I'm baaaaaaack!

Wow. I feel like it's been ages since I've posted anything on here. Life threw a couple of wrenches (or an entire toolbox) into my life and caused a few disruptions but I'm all the better for it, it seems. Please accept my apologies for just vanishing.

I have a lot of great things planned and I'm excited to get to it. First things first. My Etsy shop will be back up and running in the next few days with redesigned products and a better variety for all those that are interested.

I'm also looking to get my foot into the Pagan community on YouTube which should prove to be fun and exciting. See you soon, peeps!

My Logo!

Hey peeps. I just wanted to do a quick post with my logo in honor of my first sale on Etsy! WAHOO!

Enrollment Closes July 30th!

Have you enrolled yet? I have, and I think it is going to be a fun and exciting class. I can't wait to learn about the science and metaphysics behind crystal healing and develop my own practice that much further. Hurry and sign up now because enrollment will be closing on June 30th. Hibiscus Moon has already said that the prices will be going up the next go around so why not sign up now and save money?

Hibiscus Moon offers a one time payment or a divided four month payment plan through PayPal, one of the World's safest consumer organizations that ensures the protection of every person that uses it. I hope to get to know each and every one of you through the course!

With All of These Life Changes I Feel Like I'm Living on a Möbius Strip

Merry Meet once again, everyone.

Sorry for my continued delay in posting. I do have a couple of projects in mind that I would like to get jump started but I have found that life has been getting in the way. I am happy to report that I am finally a full time worker again which hadn't been the case for almost two years. The job market in my area is full of temporary positions or low-level positions but if you want something that pays well and has advancement opportunities you will be looking for a while.

Now that I'm working for a non-profit I am getting into the swing of things. Waking up at 7 am and going to bed by 11 every night has been a challenge for this night owl but I think I am finally settling into a routine. Stay tuned for new creations on my Etsy shop and some fantastic new posts that will get you people thinking in new corners that you never thought you'd go to.

Until next time, peeps.

Certified Crystal Healing classes - June 14th!

That's right, dear readers. Hibiscus Moon, aka Phanie12, is getting ready to open up enrollment for her master class. Enrollment begins June 14th with classes starting on July 1st. You could become a Certified Crystal Healer in as little as 10 weeks!

She offers a one time payment or an affordable four month payment plan and will teach you everything you need to know to use crystals not only in your own life, but also to help others. Maybe you're looking for a part time job doing something that you love? Click the link above to check out her Certified Crystal Healing class as well as other on-demand options available right now ranging from using crystals to create sacred space to developing and using crystal grids to empower your life.

I promise that you won't regret it!

Watermelon Tourmaline - Say what?

I have recently discovered a new gemstone that seems to be a new favorite for working with the heart chakra. Tourmaline is a trigonal specimen that tends to form in long, slick columns (thank you, Wikipedia!) that can be almost any color, if not a variety. Most special is Watermelon Tourmaline Because of its rarity as opposed to other forms of this gemstone. Most of the clear slices of Watermelon Tourmaline can be in the $95-$200 range which makes this a semi-precious stone with a hefty price tag. One look at this specimen will have you either loving it or hating it.

I fall into the latter category. Typically Rose Quartz is associated with the Heart Chakra so you might be asking yourself why you would want to spend so much money for a gemstone when an affordable alternative exists. The answer for me tends to fall into the "it's pretty and I want to touch it" category. If you have the will of an adult good for you, I still seem to be floating between the kid in a candy store and the randy teenager that must touch categories. Oh yeah, I went there! ;)

Watermelon Tourmaline is said to activate the Heart Chakra and bring loving energies as well as a sense of peace and calm. While it is true that this may be one of those specimens made for individuals with a higher disposable income, a few cheap sources do exist for small, dime sized pieces. I encourage you to do your research and find some if you are looking for an alternative to Rose Quartz. You could also try jade or green aventurine.

TipToeChick's Weedy Wednesday: Lavender

I love me some TipToeChick. Her YouTube videos have changed the Pagan community for the better in my opinion, along with making all of us wish we could find enough Patron bottles to store our magical* herbs in. She is back after a little absence and she began her first "Weedy Wednesday" vlog with one of my favorite herbs: Lavender.

TipToeChick covers using this herb for depression, incense, and even cooking. Check out this series and catch up on previous videos.

Mountain Rose Herbs = Awesome!

I received my order from Mountain Rose Herbs today. Opening the box was like Christmas day, which as a Pagan, may not seem like much. But it was fantastic!

I ordered some Makko powder, Lavender powder, and Hibiscus powder. I also stocked up on some charcoal rounds because I needed them and it saved me going to the health food store where I would have spent a ton of money on other things. I also purchased three different sizes of tins to put my concoctions in. New items are going to be coming soon! Check my Etsy shop for updates by clicking on the Etsy tab above.

Business Success Crystal Grid

I finally established and energized my business crystal grid. My hope is that it will help inspire success for Miach Rhys and allow me to receive some of the abundant blessings the universe has to offer. I settled on Citrine, Carnelian, and Green Aventurine. There is also a little black tourmaline to remove any negativity from my path and all of this energy is coming together and being channeled through an Ametrine generator.

Please excuse the poor lighting. The grid is inside a cabinet to keep little hands away.

Besides having traces of Citrine to tie that element together, I also love Ametrie and felt that I should use it as a reflection of me and my business. It is featured in my Miach Rhys Banner, after all. Then I included one of my new business cards to help focus the energy of the grid further. I am so happy with it and will be spending some time each day feeding the grid by meditating on my desire. I am also going to amp up my marketing and product development to help out on the mundane front.

Do you have any experience with crystal grids? Leave a comment!

Review: Hibiscus Moon's Gem Elixir eKit

If you are a frequent visitor to Pagan and Wiccan channels of YouTube then you may have heard of Hibiscus Moon under the screen name of Phanie12. She describes herself as "an author, workshop creatrix, teacher, mystical goddess & crystal junkie who LOVES teaching about crystals." I just like to think of her as a genius.
After being curious about her crystal classes and Crystal Healing Certification Program I pointed my browser to her website and Facebook page. Hibiscus Moon provides incredible learning opportunities on a variety of crystal subjects through both her website and YouTube and it becomes evident that she enjoys every bit of it. How can a guy like me not be swept in by that?

My mind was filled with information about crystals and these things called crystal and gem elixirs. I was able to use the wondrous Google to expand my knowledge on the subject but I knew deep down that I wouldn't have a complete picture of what a gem elixir was until I bought the Gem Elixir eKit. I am so very thankful that I did and I am prepared to share why. By the end you'll want the eKit too.

The eKit doesn't contain chapters and to be honest the thought of not having a table of contents kind of threw me at first. I wondered how someone could fill an ebook with so much information and not have any way to organize the information so that it could be easily found. Then I began to explore through the sections and less than half-way in I realized that a table of contents wasn't necessary. The information was organized in such a way that the topic on one page led or evolved to the information on the subsequent pages.

It wasn't an ebook full of chapters with information on dozens of topics jumbled together. I quickly learned that this was an ebook full of an evolving guide about the subject and the steps involved for planning, developing and using these incredible elixirs. Filled with color photos and more than eight videos on how to make these elixirs, this eKit is more than just a text guide on the process. This kit gets you in to the nitty-gritty so that anyone invested in this process can see how it is done and learn by watching what someone has achieved through their own trial and error. What a treat!

Another treat is the MP3 meditation that can be used to help charge and activate your elixirs to your specific needs. Think of it like focusing on the intent of the elixir and using your own natural energy to carry the purpose into the elixir. Featuring Binaural Beat technology, this MP3 helps listeners using headphones more easily enter an alpha brainwave state which makes the programming that much easier. Best of all, it is easy to listen to and relaxing.
My favorite section had to be the different methods used to amp up crystal and gem elixirs. They can be potent on their own thanks to the vibrational resonance of the crystals, sure, but why not add a little oomph if you can?

There were a handful of easy ways to jumpstart the energy of an elixir giving it far more power and because of that, a greater healing effect for those that use them. On a side note I was also thrilled for an opportunity to purchase a large bottle of vodka because I've been told that I have a baby face. Even as I climb up in years I always get carded for alcohol and since I'm not much of a drinker I always enjoy having people think I'm younger than I am whenever I can. The vodka, in case your wondering, is a way to stabilize the energy so that it can be stored for a much longer period of time. See, I wasn't just bringing up vodka for the heck of it!

Hibiscus Moon is a talented writer and is able to easily deliver information in a way that makes a person forget about the actual learning process and just enjoy the fun in it all. I am excited to try out her recipe for her coveted Negativity Neutralizer Spray and hope to have the final shipment of the needed items within the next few days to get started. I greatly encourage you to check out Hibiscus Moon and everything she has to offer. You will not regret it, I promise.

Elixirs

I had so much fun making Gem Elixirs. It is such an easy process and they really seem to have energy. Just tasting the water that they were sitting in shows that there is something to this. If you would like to purchase one of my specially made Elixirs then go to my Etsy shop.

Or you could just make your own! Hibiscus Moon has a fantastic eKit available that teaches you everything you need to know and gives you recipes? She has compiled a fun and informative guide complete with an MP3 meditation file to allow you to charge your elixirs with as much energy as possible. Click on the badge to learn more.

My vials after making sure that they were sterilized.

The finished product. Don't they look awesome?!

Gem Elixir F-U-N!

Hello faithful readers. Blessings to you and yours.
Tonight/this morning I am creating some exciting gem elixirs in accordance with the eKit that I purchased from Hibiscus Moon (see my post previous to this one). I am happy to share this with all of you and will be making a video or two for my YouTube channel. Fun, fun times my new Internet friends.

Stay tuned!

Hibiscus Moon's Gem Elixir Kit

If you are a youtuber you most likely know her as phanie12 AKA Hibiscus Moon AKA The Crystal Goddess. I am going to be recording a video review of her Gem Elixir eKit within the next couple of days. Stay tuned!

Candy, Death, and the great land of Ireland

I just got back from an out of state road trip. Someone in my family passed away after a long illness so I went to attend a funeral and give some support to the rest of my family still in mourning. Death, as Pagans, is a very interesting subject. It is a wondrous thing that calls to each and every one of us and yet we all get closer to that day with a growing amount of trepidation and fear. Death is a natural part of life. The Circle of Life, according to our friends at Disney. No, I really don't have any friends at Disney (call me!).

I stumbled upon sour cherry candies at a dollar store that are kind of like jelly beans but different all at the same time. Then we looked into the genealogy of an adopted ancestor that our family shares and found out some interesting details. First, let me say that adoption must be the hardest thing for many parents to do in order to allow their children to have a better life/future/sense of worth/whatever. But it is really annoying when descendants are trying to do genealogy and hit dead ends because adoption records are sealed. How aggregating!

Anyway, I found out that my great great grandmother and grandfather were born in Ireland. I think this is cool because I have always felt drawn to Ireland and it is part of the reason for my Celtic pantheon leaning. I just thought I would share as I prepare to get some much needed sleep. Peace out!

Etsy is Live!

My Etsy shop is now open for business. I currently only have a couple of incense offerings but I am looking to expand further. I am also researching other packaging options as I seek to expand. This is such an exciting venture to me. I have always wanted to own my own metaphysical store and this will be the first step to making it a reality.

Please head on over and take a look!
http://miachrhys.etsy.com

Update: Rune Series

Simply put, I have decided to drop the Rune series. I was interested in them in the past and I have a nice bag of Amethyst runes that are rarely used because of my disinterest. When I created this blog I had the intention of discussing things that I enjoyed or found useful. Going with a Rune series seemed an easy way to keep blogging but I came to the realization that if my heart wasn't in it then your hearts wouldn't be in it either.

I have an interest in crystals and herbs and loads of other things. Instead of discussing what I'm not interested in I will be focusing on things that I am. How can I expect to excite a reader if I don't have an interest myself?

I hope all of you understand. There are tons of resources, from books to websites, about Runes and their history. I do encourage you to check them out and see if they're for you. Maybe this will inspire you to do your own blog series about Runes? Maybe? Yes?

Happy Beltane!

That's right folks, those of us in the northern hemisphere are experiencing Beltane!
Grab your buddies and dance the maypole. Just stay away from the Wicker Man if someone ask you to step inside one for a little bit. (:
All jokes aside, have a bonfire and invite some friends over and have a barbeque. Celebrate however you wish as long as you stop long enough to think about the meaning of the day.

Check out TipToeChick's new YouTube video on the subject.

Banner Update

Hello everyone.

I would imagine most of you are sleeping comfortably in your beds right now, having lucid dreams where you get to stick it to your bosses and live out the fantasies that you have always wanted. It's 3:27 AM and I'm just playing with my graphics program on my laptop. My schedule is all mixed up but eventually I'll get back into the swing of things.

I've updated my banner. It is a far improvement from the simple image that was once there and I thoroughly enjoy it. The Celtic Tree of Life was great but it just seemed to be a bit much. I was needing a banner that I could use for my Etsy shop and I thought it would work great for my blog as well once I finished it up. So enjoy!

On a side note, does anyone else thoroughly dislike the United States Postal Service? Why does a package from the East Coast need to go all the way to Kansas and then back here to Missouri? What a waste of two days when I could be charging my crystals in this wonderful rain/thunderstorm we're having right now. Oh well. All good things, right?

Uruz

Uruz is the second in our Rune series and one of my favorites.

Pronunciation: "Oor-ooze"
Meaning: physical or mental strength, fertility
Element: Earth
Polarity: Male

Symbolic not of strength to domineer over others but of inner strength to lead yourself. Uruz also lends itself to standing one's ground and leading a productive and satisfying life.

For more information visit Rune Secrets.

Fehu

Without further delay I bring you, faithful readers, the rune Fehu.

Pronunciation: "Fay-who"
Meaning: wealth, nourishment, reward
Element: Fire, Earth
Polarity: Female

Fehu signals wealth through hard work and can mean wealth in terms of physical or spiritual matters. In ancient times cattle was believed to be a form of wealth and it is because of this that cattle and Fehu are often related to one another. It also has associations to the changing of circumstances and when drawn can signify luck and fresh beginnings.

For more information visit Rune Secrets.

My new venture

That's right, ladies and gents. I am in the process of developing an Etsy shop. As of right now I have plans to feature combustible incense mixtures and gem elixirs. I am hoping to expand to incense pellets and other items in the near future but I have to start somewhere, right? Please visit my Etsy and take a look around. Items should be added within the next few days. Visitors to my blog will receive promotional codes that will not be available anywhere else, so make sure to subscribe to my RSS feed to get great products at unbeatable prices! Blessings to each and every one of you!

The Elder Futhark

According to Wikipedia, The Elder Futhark "is the oldest form of the runic alphabet." It is believed to have originated through Germanic and Scandenavian tribes as was probably carried through the land due (and to other tribes) through heavy migration. Scholars have inferred that this form has led to the subsequent development of other runic alphabets and while the Elder Futhark alone is not responsible for written text, the significance can't be denied.

Study of the runic system is common among Neopagans all over the world. Ogham, a similar Celtic system of writing and divination, is gaining in popularity as Druid orders become more mainstream every day. Browsing on any online shop will likely present a shopper with an option to get a rune set either carved in wood or on tumbled gemstones.

This photograph depicts the locations where runes were discovered prior to the 6th century.

Vast amounts of books have now been written about the subject by both scholars and Pagan authors alike. Information about this system has grown in popularity thanks to similar systems in fictional works by Tolken, and even in the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Runes have a variety of magical applications and are often found etched on altar tiles, wands and other magical tools.

Within the next few weeks I will be featuring more information on each of the runes. This can be used to help students learn about the meanings of each runic symbol. I also plan to discuss casting methods. Meanwhile, please vote in the new poll to the right of the blog posts where I am asking for the preferred divination method. As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to leave a comment.

Absence Makes The Heart...

Never fear, Miach is still here!
Sorry. When I'm away I get extra cheesy. I can't help it.

I am working on quite a few things so stay tuned! I will be back to posting more frequently and we will finally get started on the Rune series that I promised you. In closing, I wanted to leave you all with a little knowledge of my personality. Please take the quiz yourself and share your results with a comment.

Blessings!

You are The Hermit

Prudence, Caution, Deliberation.

The Hermit points to all things hidden, such as knowledge and inspiration,hidden enemies. The illumination is from within, and retirement from participation in current events.

The Hermit is a card of introspection, analysis and, well, virginity. You do not desire to socialize; the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude. You prefer to take the time to think, organize, ruminate, take stock. There may be feelings of frustration and discontent but these feelings eventually lead to enlightenment, illumination, clarity.

The Hermit represents a wise, inspirational person, friend, teacher, therapist. This a person who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious and confusing.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Happy Imbolc!

May Brigid bless each and every one of you as the Young God grows stronger each day!

Busy Times Abound

Greetings everyone.

Sorry for my delay in delving into our up and coming Rune series. I am looking at ways to bring a fresh perspective to these symbols. Do not fret, for I a close!

In the mean time I have been busy preparing for Imbolc and purchasing storage solutions for my growing herbal supply. Photos and possibly a YouTube video to come!

Great Broom Closet Resource

Many of you have probably heard of ABroomandTheMoon on YouTube. She has recording some amazingly informative videos and doesn't shy away from discussing her personal life, which I admire. I pointed my browser to her website and found that she recently posted about the Broom Closet (click to visit).

I advise all of you to check out her website and YouTube channel to get to know who she is. She also gives tarot readings to those that are interested. She will inspire your practice for sure.

Witchvox Turns 15

Happy Birthday to Witchvox, the leading online resource for Wiccans, Pagans, Heathens, and however else you may choose to describe yourself. The website has turned fifteen years old today.

Witchvox was one of the first online resources that offered engaging articles and helped to establish connections when not too many people could be public with their faith. It was also one of the first social networking websites giving people the opportunity to connect with other practitioners in their area, or find stores that offered valuable tools to their faith. Our Community would not be where it is today without Fritz and Wren. Please consider donating $15 or anything you are able in celebration of their anniversary.

I am in no way affiliated with Witchvox or the website's creators.

Preparing to be Outed, EEK!

Somehow your friends and family have discovered you are now on the Pagan path. Maybe your mom searched through your dresser for marijuana and instead found marjoram, lavender, dragon's blood resin and a book on herbalism with a pentacle smack dab on the cover. Take a moment to scream.

Take a deep breath. Now you are faced with two different paths. Honesty or damage control. Not being honest may harm your relationship, but if you aren't ready to discuss something with another person they should not have the right to force you into it. Simply stating that you aren't ready to talk about it but that you will be soon may suffice, but don't be surprised if your conservative Christian parents have the priest over for dinner every week or your roommates stop talking when you walk into the room. Part of dealing with outing is how you handle yourself and believe it, it speaks volumes.

I was outed as Gay and I had two choices. Deny it even though everyone already knew and was accepting, or tell the truth and work on improving myself. I know practicing Wicca and being Gay aren't the same thing, but there are some correlations. The important thing to note is that you are who you are whether people know it or not. Start making a plan today on how you would deal with this should it happen to you.

1. Resources. You may not want to keep a lot of books around that people can find, but a list of online resources that you have emailed to yourself and saved in an email folder can become a great way to educate others when they shake their crosses at you and expect you to fly.
2. A lot of advancement in Paganism becoming more mainstream has led to a lot more people already knowing some things about it. Usually it may not be true or is muddled with misconceptions. Be willing to sit for a while and talk about truth rather than myth.
3. If you know of a local public Pagan group or Pagan Pride Day invite your curious friends to attend meetings or discussion groups with you. You don't want to try to force this way of life on them, but letting them have the option to learn about this path from people that actually practice it is invaluable.
4. Be patient. Sometimes the people that are willing to confront you about things are the ones that would have the most difficulty with it. Sometimes they will surprise you with their understanding.
5. Be yourself and if you can't be yourself, be who you want to be. I'm not saying to pretend that you are Cinderella because you want to be a princess! I mean to be the understanding and caring person you want to be even if you aren't normally. This is a time when people are going to judge you and how you react to being confronted. If you are defensive and combative it leads to the idea that you are hiding dangerous practices and could be in a cult.
6. Let you friends and family care for you, but do not be afraid to keep them from walking all over you. Ask them how they would feel if you told them that they had to be Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim. Do not let others dictate your life, ever.
7. Have faith. All things eventually work out, even after long periods of discomfort and sadness. Happiness is just around the corner if you are willing to let it in.


This concludes the series on the Broom Closet. Please comment to let me know what you thought of the series and if you have any of your own tips for those in the verge of revealing their spirituality to others.

Moving Into the Light

With all this talk about secrecy and surviving the Broom Closet we haven't really touched on how to know if you are ready to leave. Some people think about leaving it for some time before actually beginning to tell family and friends while others suddenly come to a realization and announce it to the world without looking back. Both can be valid ways of getting both feet out of the door, but preparation can certainly make this process a little bit easier. It can also help you formulate elegant answers for those moments when you are confronted with questions.

It can be helpful to first think about why you are wanting to come out to your friends and family. Do you want to live a more honest life? Do you feel that you can't be fully connected with deity until you can give them a name and speak about them in public? Start by thinking about your reasons because this thought process will help you recognize your fears and build a support plan for yourself should important people you care about stop speaking to you and, even worse, spread the news to people that you don't want to tell. It can also be helpful to make a list of those you want to tell and the reasons why you may or may not tell them.

In general terms people tend to tell their closest friends first, moving outward to others like a spiral where you start with the people you tell everything to. You do not need to apologize for not telling them sooner and if they are angry with you try to explain that you have been learning about this path and wanted to keep it private until you felt it was right for you. This stage is where you should already have an idea of basic Wicca and Paganism so that you can explain it to others when you get their questions. The important thing is to tell the truth and be as open as you are comfortable being.

This is the hardest stage of coming out of the broom closet, there is no way around it. The people that thought they knew everything about you may be surprised and feel confused. Others may think it makes complete sense knowing your beliefs about other things, such as social justice, and not think much of it. A lot of your experience is going to depend on how content you are with your choice of a faith, your willingness to explain your beliefs, and your courage to to not accept anything less than acceptance from your friends and family.

The sad reality is that you may lose touch with people because this change for you is too out there for them to accept. People come into our lives and I truly believe that everyone offers us something to learn. When we have learned what we can from them there is no shame in moving on, especially if they refuse to let you be the person you want to be. This can be more difficult of course if you are a minor or living with your parents and friends past the age of eighteen. Do you have a safe place to stay for a few weeks if you are asked to leave your residence? It is a horrible idea, but you may find that you are more able to be yourself.

Here are a list of questions that you can start formulating answers to if think you are ready to share your path with others:

Wicca isn't a valid religion though, right?
Why would you believe in a Goddess instead of the true God?
What about the afterlife and Hell?
Are you seeking attention?
What exactly do you believe?
Do you celebrate Christmas?
Why would you celebrate holidays from another religion?
What does your religion say about gay rights?

Results from Shopping at a Heath Food Store

Who needs a break anyway?
I was so excited about my shopping trip to a couple of my local health food stores that I had to post photos of my purchased items.

I have been wanting to get into herbology and make my own incenses, etc. seriously for a few months now. I had been using herbs purchased online through eBay and a wooden bowl with a large rock to help crush and blend my mixtures. Little did I know that all I needed to do was pay a visit to my health food stores for herbs. I thought I was going to have to buy from larger companies like Mountain Rose Herbs, but no way Jose!

My first items came in nice little packages and were incredibly affordable. I could have filled up a shopping basket and taken home half of the aisle for the same cost as getting them through mail order with added shipping and handling costs. I dodged a bullet for sure!

We begin with Juniper Berries.

I bought a little German Chamomile.

I found some beautiful and aromatic Red Rose Buds.

I also grabbed some Marjoram, which has become one of my favorites.

That was it for my local Natural Grocers. I then made the trip to a local company that has been around for for eons. There I found some beautiful Lavender. I didn't go to Clovers just for the Lavender but considered it a bonus since I wasn't able to find a mortar and pestle.

Yay! I was so happy I was probably obvious to the other cars on the road, but I made it safely to the only other Clovers location in town. There my eyes found the coveted M&P and I knew my trip had been a success.

Even though I had to do a little bit of driving, I was surprised at the affordability of my local offerings which didn't even seem like a possibility before I went exploring. Now I need to check out the Asian markets to see what kind of surprises they have in store. At least they carry one of the most coveted divination tools of all time: the fortune cookie.
PS: Sorry for the large photos. My digital camera is down and I've been relying on my iPod for pictures. I will be saving up to get better photo equipment in the near future!

Taking the Night Off

Yo peeps. No, I mean you, not marshmallow chicks!
I am taking the night off. Check back tomorrow for the next installment of the Broom Closet series. We all need a break and I am going to spend it with my family and free Papa John's pizza. Shameless plug, I know. They aren't paying me for it and I do quite enjoy their pizza.

Hiding Your Treasures From Discovery

Sometimes it can be beneficial to give into the secrecy. If you're in the Broom Closet and don't see yourself leaving any time soon avoid fighting and get smart. The most effective method of hiding things is to hide them in plain sight. You can find objects like clocks and bookshelves with secret compartments and cans that are actually safes. Utilize these items and start thinking outside of the box.

Suitcases are beneficial if you don't have to deal with nosy roommates, siblings and parents. You can layer ritual supplies in between blankets and stash the suitcase under the bed or inside the closet. This time I mean the physical one where clothes and other items are kept. But what should you do if you have a stack of Wiccan books, not to mention your Book of Shadows.

I have my BoS wrapped in a paper bag book cover similar to what high school students commonly do to protect their textbooks. Mine has a drawn triquetra on the front but you could easily omit this if necessary. Then put it on the bookshelf next to other school related books. You can wrap your resource books in the same way.

Large trunks provide storage and many offer a locking mechanism or a place to put your own lock on it for added security. Other options are to use filing cabinets. Most items fit below the hanging folders and if you have a lot of documents in there one file of related study material will easily blend in. You can also use a gym locker for smaller items if you don't mind trekking back and forth to the gym to get some cone incense and willow bark.

The last thing I want to touch on is the altar. With our paraphernalia it can be tricky to obscure it from the curious. Why not install a shelf at the bottom of your closet and cut out boxes so it they can fit over the shelf and hide it? For those do-it-yourself types there are tons of options. Sometimes placing shelving units in places that people wouldn't expect can offer enough secrecy. Sometimes it doesn't work and people snoop into every nook and cranny of your life.

If you have a large back yard that people don't explore through, you have the option of going outside, which would be ideal if you can practice without watchful eyes. Thinking outside of the box can be tricky, but look at craft stores and online for inspiration. Garage sales, thrift shops and flea markets offer modestly affordable furniture and can help you get organized as well as practice with others in the dark. Do you have any other ideas? Leave a comment!

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Finding Ambiguous Items

One of the easiest ways to practice your faith and remain in the Broom Closet is to find and use items that are ambiguous and don't readily give away their true symbology. Many former Catholics, for example, have been known to use images of the Virgin Mary, as well as statues, to represent the Goddess in her guise as maiden and mother. While it may seem odd to use the symbols of another religion, the truth is that people borrow from other practices and faiths quite frequently. My thought is to use whatever works, especially if it fits your budget and still holds spiritual value to you.

The Book of Shadows is arguably one of the most important tools of a Wiccan. The idea is to have a space to write down your magical thoughts and to serve as a record for your practices. A spiral bound notebook, though not as beautiful as an elaborate tome, offers the same writing space and looks more normal on the desk. There are even degrees of notebooks, should a drawing book or leather artists portfolio fit more closely to your personality and taste, that offer concealment of your secrets. No one I know of would bother to flip through a notebook on the coffee table because of the presumed boring material inside, but a pewter pentacle laden leather grimoire would not offer the same.

Selecting tools and decor that don't stand out as Pagan but still mean something to you in a spiritual sense can be a lifesaver for those in the confines of the Broom Closet. Letter openers can serve as athames, umbrellas can serve as a useful staff or wand, and the spare sheet can become a cloak in minutes. Think of it as recycling until you are able to obtain your own space for ritual.

Obviously this degree of concealment isn't usually necessary for those that own their own home, but perhaps you don't want your overtly Christian mother in law threaten to take your kids away because you have a mini altar to Brigid above the fireplace. It sucks. It truly does. But sometimes we have to do what we have to do, and not all of us have an attic or a secret room behind a revolving bookcase. But I bet you must of us would like to.

Finding workable tools are easily found at Target or (gasp!) Wal-Mart. Stores that offer affordable home decorating offerings typically have generic candle holders and book ends, not to mention a fabric and craft section that would allow any crafty Witch to make and decorate their own tools. Shopping around Halloween also provides cauldron-looking bowls and costumes that could be converted to more magical attire. Old pillowcases and placemats can become altar cloths and would be passable as table coverings.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to look to nature for items.

Who among us, Witch or not, hasn't brought home a seashell or an acorn? Pretty leaves serve multiple purposes and offer meaning to us while Mrs. Grumpy Inlaw might think it is just a leaf on a table. In a perfect world we wouldn't have to hide our faith, but sometimes we like to keep our faith to ourselves. Happy item hunting and crafting!

Broom Closet Poll

In honor of the Broom Closet series I have decided to establish a poll on the right side of this page. Please fill it out before the deadline. Your identities will not be revealed, I assure you. I am just curious as to the responses I will receive.

Thank you for your time and honesty!

Secrecy & The Craft

Secrecy is still common within Wicca. Most notably in Covens that require initiation and follow a degree system, oaths of secrecy are expected to be honored by everyone that is exposed to a group's inner workings. In fact, part of the Witch's Pyramid is "to be silent," meaning that keeping quiet about magical rites helps to ensure they come to fruition by not being diminished by other's doubts. One must wonder why in a religion like Wicca there is any public knowledge at all.

Solitaries involved in Wicca were probably not what Gerald Gardner had in mind when he and his most trusted few developed this way of life, but to me it seems a natural progression of his revealing this religion to the masses. With the introduction of solitaries it became more difficult to require pacts of secrecy because they had to know some things in order to practice this way of life effectively. By whatever means inside workings of this belief system eventually became more and more public over time, which accounts for the large increase in practitioners, as well as the hostile views from outsiders.

It is sad that not everyone is able to be open about their faith. The American Constitution proclaims that every American has the right to freely practice their religion without any interference from the Government but we all know that it is more of an ideal than an actual guideline when it comes to lawmakers that believe their religion is the only true way to salvation and eternal happiness. No wonder people hide their faith from those that would laugh and criticize others for how they view the world, let alone physically and verbally cause them harm. The fact that the Broom Closet exists is a result of the world's intolerance, plain and simple.

My point is that it makes sense for a religious practice that contains elements of secrecy to have adherents that choose not to speak openly about their faith. For whatever reason they have keeping their faith private offers them comfort in a world where their silence might also offer them protection from people that would harass and proclaim them as being tricked by evil. The Broom Closet serves a purpose. If it didn't then the term would not exist.

The Broom Closet!

Most cowans, muggles, non-magical folk, etc. hear those words and they think of a tiny area where the mops, brooms, buckets and cleaning supplies our kept. For those of us following a Pagan way of life the term comes with feelings of restriction and being chained down. Far from the physical, like most things we work with, the Broom Closet is more symbolic of the differences we have with others and the secrecy associated with our paths. Difficult to navigate and tricky to find a way out, sometimes the BC might be a little more constraining than we are comfortable with.

Those of you may have guessed this was the topic I wanted to discuss. I am hoping to take this topic and go into places that most people don't really think too much about. We all claim that leaving the Broom Closet is the best for our spirituality but so many of us still remain within its confines. A side goal of this is to lead you to evaluate where you stand with friends and family and whether or not you want to stay the course or make some changes. With more of us than ever being known to the public it may not seem quite so scary to make our faiths known but I am intelligent enough to know it isn't always that simple.

We'll be discussing tips on practicing in secret and selecting ambiguous tools that don't scream WITCH! to our born-again Christian neighbors. I also plan to throw in a few surprises to get you thinking, but I promise to take it easy. As we work through, please post comments and share how your life is similar or different to the topic at hand.

New series coming up soon!

Hello everyone!

I am going to be working on a new series. As of right now it is going to be 5 parts (equal to 5 posts) but elaboration or necessity may stretch it out a bit longer. I just started writing on it today after finalizing my plans. I think everyone will find it enjoyable and full of useful information. You might be wondering what this project is going to be about but I'm not going to tell you. Instead I am going to leave you with a riddle and allow you to figure it out for yourselves!

I am open and closed, full of secrets and other objects scattered about. I am both a physical place and a metaphorical place. Turning, courage and truth are the keys to escape me. What am I?

Comment below if you need a hint or think you have it all figured out!

Oh, the Places You'll Go

For those of you that do not know, there is a festival in the Nevada desert around the end of August each year that has become known as Burning Man. This festival highlights community and artwork in an environment of self-expression and self-reliance. There is also an emphasis of leaving no trace behind, so that it would seem as though they were never there. Talk about Environmentalists!

I was sent a video by a Facebook friend of some of the attendees reciting "Oh, the Places You'll Go." This is one of the last books authored by Dr. Seuss and features an empowering message to the masses. Comment and let me know whether you think the message is valid to today's society!

Orange You Glad to See Me?

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I like the smell of oranges. I like incense. A couple of Internet searches later and I am now a self-proclaimed expert. The process is quite simple.

1. Peel the orange. I like to use a knife and carefully cut the peel from the top to bottom in 1" strips so that they are easy to cut later.

2. Use a serrated or regular spoon to get as much of the orange pulp and white trimmings from the peel. It should look like the orange has large pores. Your goal here is to make it as thin as possible for the drying process.

3. Slice the peel into small strips and place on wax paper, paper towel, or a wax paper lined cookie sheet to go into the oven.

4. Allow peel to dry overnight or by baking at 150 degrees for 10-20 minutes. Adjust time as needed.

It is as simple as that! Once they are dried and will break in half easily you should store them in an airtight container and label accordingly. When you are ready to use them you can pull some out and grind them in a mortar and pestle. Measuring usually takes place when they are in a powder form or ground up enough to your liking.

Correspondences for Orange Peel

You may be wondering what you are going to use this stuff for now that you have plenty of it in your herbal cabinet. Use orange peel to embody the Sun in a mixture and to lift those who are down. Its scent is good for dealing with obsessive thinking and for turning us back to what is important in our lives. Orange peel is nice in Yule celebrations, reminding us of the promise of Sun even in the middle of winter. The scent of orange peels mixes nicely with bay leaves, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, coriander, frankincense, juniper, lemon, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, jasmine, and rose.
Note: When using it with incense you may wish to burn it on a mica plate to allow the oils to properly heat and release the aromatic fragrance, similar to using chunks of resins.