And Now For the Magick...

What better post to make on Friday, the 13th? 

But one about magick. 

When we went looking for our new home, it was mid-summer and the real estate market was in prime 'sales' season. Houses were not lasting long on the market. Anywhere. We knew we would have to act quickly when we found a place we liked. We didn't want to live in town nor out on the eastern plains. So to the mountains we went. We looked at a lot of places. But we kept gravitating back to Cripple Creek. 

The Painted Lady

We made an offer on a cute, newly remodeled home built in the early 1900's. But someone else had put in a bid at the same time. They got the house. So back to looking we went. This time we decided on a house only a block from the first one. We wondered why no one had snatched it up. It had been on the market for 5 months. It had been remodeled in 2000 and was nice inside and out. There was a fenced yard, nice flower beds, and needed next to no work done on it.  We decided The Painted Lady had been waiting for us.  

Viola a.k.a. Johnny Jump Up

Upon closer inspection of the yard around our new home, I discovered an abundance of violas. They were growing everywhere! Violas belong to the Violet family. And I have found that the homes we have lived in where 'magick' was afoot, there were always violets or violas growing. Interestingly, Violets are associated with death and rebirth. Very much like what we were going through - a symbolic death and rebirth. A new life in a new home.

Violets

And herbs were growing wherever they had a mind to grow. The flower beds, the parking area in back, even surviving the constant nibbling in the front flower beds (outside the fence). I have yarrow, comfrey, horseradish, chives, mint, and probably several others I haven't discovered as yet.  And by the old fashioned mailbox near the bottom of the steps is a very large clump of white sage. 

Fox across the street

Animals are frequent visitors. The first night we were in our new home, Hubby went out to the truck after dark to get something when he was run over by a very robust raccoon. And when I say, "Run Over", I mean literally. Hubby had turned to close the door of the truck when a raccoon ran into his leg. Thinking it was a dog or cat, Hubby reached down to pet it and turned his flashlight on the animal, only to be quite surprised to see the nocturnal wanderer. Deer have come to my back fence to partake of the trees and bushes I had in pots. A fox sits across the street almost every evening, staring at our dogs in the yard.

Almost like a faery tale, but this time there are no trolls or ogres. 

Next week, I will post about the enchantment of the area and how our house got her name. 

Physics & Magic ~ Vibration & You

Many factors can effect the rate at which your body vibrates; the music you listen to, the food you eat, the television shows you watch, the people you associate with.

If you find you are 'down in the dumps', perhaps a change is needed. Listen to music that makes you feel good - music can do wonderful things in helping cleanse the chakras. Start watching the 'fuel' you are putting into your 'energy tank' - highly processed food and GMO food does very little to raise a person's vibration. Limit the amount of time you spend with the people who are 'downers'. These types of people seldom keep a positive attitude, let alone a higher vibrational level. In fact they can drain you of your energy.
Remember, you will attract the very things which vibrate at the same level as yourself. Take a close look at what is in your life. If you are seeing areas in which you could improve, take action! Begin by writing down what you wish to see manifest in your life. Then let the Universe know. Believe in these positive changes with every ounce of your being. Feel those positive changes with your emotions (this is of utmost importance!). The changes will appear but in a time frame which the Universe feels is best for you.

Vibration can help or hinder your growth as a person. It is all up to you!

Magic and Physics ~ Vibration & Frequency

painting by Jenny Dixon

We're back to Vibration today. 

I found this article, Click Here! , that speaks of Vibration and its use in Magic. 

Because we are made up of atoms and atoms are always in motion, we are made up of Energy in Motion or Vibrational Energy. In fact everything in this existence is made of Vibrational Energy.  The frequency we vibrate at will determine many things in our life. It will determine how we interact with other people, it determines how we interact with machines, it also determines what is attracted to us. 
Have you ever met someone who really seemed to 'mesh' with you? You both may not have the same opinions or likes, yet you get along with this other person quite well. Why? The vibrational frequencies of the two people will compliment each other. Imagine two different songs being played at the same time. And both songs are complimentary to the other. When a person encounters someone with an uncomplimentary vibrational frequency, then discord will arise.
Some people are able to match their vibration with those of machines. These people are able to fix machines with ease. People who can match their vibration with that of plants have green thumbs. And so on.
When a person can raise their vibration to a higher frequency, then positive things happen to that person. But how does one go about raising their vibration? By letting your higher emotions take over. Let love, joy, happiness, gratitude rule your thoughts. When doom and gloom invade the mental facility, then dark energy is what you will attract. Like attracts like! Just remember though, nothing happens over night. Once you begin living with the higher frequency emotions, it may take a bit for the Universe or Source Energy to clear out all the gloom and doom from your life in order to make room for the good stuff.
People need to learn to let go of those negative thoughts. There is no room for grudges, resentment, jealousies, or any other emotion that causes a person to feel mad, sad, or gloomy. And while bad and disconcerting things will always occur in a person's life, it is these obstacles that help a person to grow into a better person.

Some interesting tidbits -
DNA strands communicate with each other at a frequency of 7.83Hz The heartbeat of the planet (aka Schumann Resonance*) is said to be roughly 7.83 Hz. Coincidence?
*Schumann Resonance - Here!  And Here!

Nikola Tesla discovered Schumann Resonance (1800s) long before Prof. W.O. Schumann discovered them in 1952.  Tesla made that discovery when he was living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My current home town. Coincidence?

"If you want to find the secrets of the Universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration." Nikola Tesla

"What we have called matter is energy, whose vibration has been so lowered as to be perceptible to the senses. There is no matter." Albert Einstein

next week - how to use vibrational energy to your advantage

Monday Musings ~ The Apple

Today's card is The Apple.

The Apple card speaks of choices. It tells of not being able to live in too many places at one time. The card also speaks of not being able to develop a talent when one's energy are split. This card goes along with the old adage, "Too many irons in the fire and can't keep them all hot." This has happened to me more than once. I find myself often taking on too much so that it takes twice as long to get anything done.

Some hard decisions are waiting to be made. And I feel the Universe is saying that now is an auspicious time to make those decisions.

Magic and Physics ~ String Theory

String Theory.

There is no easy way to explain this.  But, I'll try with this - 

Imagine there are numerous strings all side by side. These strings are stretched so that they all vibrate at different frequencies.  We are unable to see, much less interact with the other dimensions (or strings) because our own vibration or frequency is different than the others. If we can raise our own vibration then we can get a glimpse into one or more of these other dimensions. 

What if what we perceive as ghosts, is actually a glimpse into another one of these dimensions? Perhaps the two different planes of vibration are actually touching or perhaps so close that the beings in each of the dimensions can see and interact with each other. Maybe Fairies or Elementals are beings from another plane of existence. One which we only get glimpses into from time to time. Any number of imperceptible beings could be explained in this manner.

People who are able to see these ethereal beings usually have some sort of psychic ability. They are able to raise their frequency to a level which enables them to see through the veil.

Next week I'll write more about multi-dimensions and consciousness.

Read more about Dimensions here! 

And here!

 And here!

***I found it rather intriguing that the cards from my Monday Musing dealt with this very subject. And I wrote this post last week! The Universe works in mysterious ways.***

Monday Musings ~ Insistance

My prompt for the Monday Musings have been the Celtic Tree Oracle cards. I will pull a card every Sunday and then ponder its message.

I always shuffle the cards quite well.
Well...Yesterday I shuffled the cards, pulled one out, and behold, it was The Beech card. The same card I drew two weeks ago. My first thought was that maybe I hadn't shuffled real well. So I inserted the card back into the deck and reshuffled - not once but three times! Once again I drew a card. It was The Beech. So I sat quiet for a couple minutes, placed the drawn card back into the deck and reshuffled. This next time I drew The Sea - last Monday's card. Hhhhmmmm....
I know a person isn't supposed to keep pulling cards till they get the one they want. And that wasn't the purpose of me re-drawing the cards. I guess, I wanted to see if the Universe had any other message for me besides the same one I had been receiving for the last two weeks.

So one last time I reshuffled and pulled a card. This time I pulled Heather.

The Heather card also represents Mistletoe. The two combine to guide the person into closer contact with the world of spirit and the resulting healing this pathway can lead to. Mistletoe is also called 'all heal' by the ancients and many modern medicines contain its derivatives. Heather is considered a gateway between the Spirit World and the Fertile Earth.
It's interesting that all three of these cards are dealing with hidden knowledge - whether it be knowledge that is hidden deep within ourselves or knowledge that is hidden away and we must search for it in various writings or in the knowledge of others. These cards also speak of accessing this knowledge through a journey to lands which can only be reached by crossing through a veil.
A little back story - The reason I have been using the Celtic Tree Oracle deck is because it is the only oracle card deck I have. But also because it contains the Ogham runes or alphabet. I have been researching the relationship of the written Ogham language and languages of other civilizations. Because there is ancient Ogham writing in Colorado and researching it has led me down a rabbit hole so deep, I ended up in Mesopotamia.
The Universe is wanting me to take that next step and realize what is beyond that closed curtain. But how?

The Physics of Magic ~Living in the NOW!

For those of you out there who might still have doubts about Manifesting, I would like to provide you with a couple of interesting articles about manifesting reality.

When Imagination Creates Reality

Spirit Science and Metaphysics: Proof that Consciousness Creates Reality

There have been purported cases of people's thought forms taking human shape. These thought forms are called Tulpas. The current Slender Man meme is thought to be a Tulpa.

So watch what you think!

And how do you keep those negative, worrying thoughts at bay? Live in the NOW!

When a person worries, they are letting unrealized thoughts intrude into their current consciousness. Those worries can manifest.

How does a person live in the Now? When the gloomy shadow of worry and day to day living begin to creep towards the sunshine of the mind, take a deep breath and feel all that is around you. Feel it with ALL your senses. The Now is precious - it is time which you can never recoup so spend it wisely.

Make time for meditation. Spend at least 5 minutes (preferably 10 or 15) doing absolutely nothing. Do small acts of kindness or generosity. Smile. Express gratitude.

Living in the Now is also called Living Deliberately.

A wise woman once told me, 'If you don't like a situation, then change it. Every person has the ability to change that which bothers them.' If something is bothering you, take action to change it. 

If worries about the health of a loved one are nagging at you, then every time a worry creeps up, push it aside with a positive affirmation - send love, light, and healing energy to the person. Remember the little girl I wrote about in this post? Click Here! She replaced her worries with positive affirmations which manifested.

Need a little help manifesting? Try utilizing what I will call add-ons. These can be herbs, crystals, candles, scents, drawings, colors, etc. These are items which have been used for many a year by those who would be called Witches. (yes, I am proud of that moniker!)

These items help a person focus their energy towards the task at hand. And the energies of the items used will combine with your own. Remember though, The Universe provides what you ask for, it just may not be in the form you thought it would take. So keep an open mind!

Does anyone have any questions, comments, or suggestions on further installments?

Monday Musings ~ The Sea

Today's Musings have to do with the Celtic Tree Oracle card, The Sea.

This card tells me there is hidden knowledge which can be accessed when the Moon and Sea are full. This is inherited knowledge. A knowing as old as my ancestors. The Sea also represents the link between the here and the places I may need to go on my spiritual journey. 

I think about the Ocean from time to time. And it has been intruding on my thoughts of late. I love the feel of the salt spray on the face and the crashing of the waves upon the shore. Water is a sacred element. It can be so influenced by its surroundings. Water can hold thought and feeling.

I need to go deep within to access the knowledge of the ancestors. Something I have known I needed to do for quite some time. 

* * *

Ocean is more ancient than the mountains, and freighted with the memories and the dreams of Time.

H. P. Lovecraft

The Physics of Magic ~ Visualization, Manifesting and Collective Thought

painting by Jenny Dixon

When working magic, we are taught that intent - the aim or purpose - of the spell is very important. That we should keep our 'intent', our purpose in working the magic, at the forefront of our mind the whole time we are actually doing the magic or spell.

 Visualization is almost as important as intent. What you see in your mind's eye (third eye) is as important as your intent. We need to clearly 'see' what we hope to achieve with the magic (spell) that we are putting our energy into. This is how the energy you are working with is able to bring about change. 

If the energy wave anticipated you seeing a lamp next to the chair it is because you were quite clear and comfortable with the fact that it would be there. You visualized or saw in your 'mind's eye' the lamp next to the chair. 

When visualizing, a person need not get too detailed or too specific. One of the main reasons a spell or magical working fails is because the person either failed to properly visualize the end result or too much information or too many details were given.  Say you wish to work a spell to increase your monthly salary. If you simply see yourself being richer or say that you wish to be richer, then the Universe may not understand that you are referring to money or you may get money but it may take months or years down the road to manifest. But if you 'see' yourself going to the bank on payday and making a large monetary deposit or request more money to be able to make your bills, then the Universe has a better idea of what you are trying to manifest. 

Let the Universe know what your need is but let the Universe deliver in its own way. We will go back to the money spell - when working on that manifestation, don't tell the Universe how to manifest the money but just let it be known that you are in need of money for (fill in the blank).

It is best to meditate (something I am currently working on improving) prior to any sort of magic. Then explain what you are trying to achieve. I do this out loud as it sometimes helps to clear any lingering cobwebs about the request. Then I will play out a narrative in my head while I am actually physically casting the spell. I then replay this narrative in my head on a daily basis. Sometimes several times a day. I will even replay the narrative during meditation sessions. This reinforces with the Universe the manifesting. If you choose to use other items in your spell, then keep your intent and visualization front and foremost in your mind while you are gathering or preparing the items. 

You visualizing what you want to manifest tells the energy particles, the energy wave, what to become. Love, a very powerful emotion, can add a great deal of power to any magical working. There is truth in the old adage, All You Need is Love. Love is amazing and can cause miracles to happen. The emotion of Love will raise a person's vibration to a higher frequency so that you are closer to the creative Source. I wrote about a good example in last week's post. The love that the people of southern Louisiana felt for each other and for their land was so strong that when they all prayed together a vast and immediate change occurred to a powerful hurricane. Yes, there is definitely a better ability to bring about positive changes if more people think the same thing.

We, as Light and Energy Beings, can bring about positive changes to mankind and to the planet if we would only visualize them with the love that is in our hearts.

Monday Musings ~ The Beech

Today's post is part of a blog collective put together by Aine at Bones and Sky. The participants are listed in the right sidebar of her blog. Feel free to join in! At the beginning of every week we are to post about a dream, coincidence, spiritual awakening or other ethereal occurrence. 

When I read Aine's post last Monday, I found the idea of sharing dreams, intuitive insights intriguing. More often than not I have found in reading blogs or perusing the internet, that many people have similar thoughts or experiences at very nearly the same time. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences. The Universe works in many strange ways and sometimes we are shown this commonality to reinforce a point. 

I didn't know where to start with this post, so as a prompt, I drew a card from the Celtic Tree Oracle card deck. I drew the Beech. 

THE CELTIC TREE ORACLE 

by Liz and Colin Murray

As the wisdom and beauty of the past and tastes and ideas change or are discarded, the thirst for knowledge of the questioning spirit will always continue. You will often need to turn to the past and its works in order to rediscover lost wisdom and to find a firm basis on which to construct further ideas and interpretations. If a writer or craftsman has felt the urge or commitment to express his feeling in a tangible way, you too have an obligation to observe this work and further it in your own time.

The Beech's elements are air and earth. She is related to meditation, ancient wisdom and the power of the written word. The Beech tells us to pay heed to the knowledge which can be found in books. The Beech is thought of as The Mother of the Woods. The Irish god Ogma, a Tuatha de Danaan, is credited with creating the Ogham language and wrote it first on a slab of Beech. And lastly, the Beech encourages the crossing of thresholds. She reminds us to confront that which is challenging us because it is only through experiencing the unknown can we expand our knowledge.

I had to ponder on this card for a bit to fully understand its meanings. Much of what it told me pertained to a writing project I have been researching - that I was on the right track. But in reading about the Beech, I realized that I was being reminded that I needed to address an issue. I have never been good at meditating and have been trying to work on becoming better. But I have found it hard to find good instruction on the subject. I know I need to fully grasp the ability to meditate in order to progress further in my studies of energy and ancient wisdom. 

My interpretations of the Beech also tell me that it is important to pass on the information and knowledge we possess. To write down the wonders and thoughts and workings and dreams of our lives for those who have yet to come.

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.

Ralph W. Sockman

The Physics of Magic ~ Love, Prayer & Manifesting

painting by Jenny Dixon

Last week I wrote about Subtle Energy Fields, Universal Energy, and changing our reality with our thoughts (manifesting). I wrote about how our thoughts can tap into the Universal Energy and interact with the Subtle Energy field and create or change our reality. I also wrote how everything in our world is made up of energy - and because we are made up of energy, we are always in motion or vibrating.

Thoughts and words have power. We often hear quotes and sayings about 'watch your words' or 'watch what you say' or 'don't give that thought a breathe of life'. There's truth in all of those sayings. Different words and thoughts have different vibrations. The stronger the emotion behind the word or thought, the stronger the likelihood that the word or thought will become real.
In 2002, we lived in Louisiana. Our house was about 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. On October 1st, a hurricane developed in the Atlantic. It was named Lili. By the time Lili entered into the Gulf of Mexico on Oct. 2nd, it had strengthened to a category 4  hurricane with wind speeds between 130mph -156mph. That kind of wind velocity can blow over a house with ease. Southern Louisiana is very religious - mainly Catholic. So when Hurricane Lili strengthened, the people of southern Louisiana prayed. They prayed that the hurricane would spare them from a vicious onslaught of destruction. By the time Hurricane Lili made its way to shore, it had weakened to a category 1. There was still extensive damage, but the majority was to power poles and trees.  What caused such rapid weakening? At the time, meteorologists were a bit baffled by the sudden decrease in strength - reports now say that cooler water, drier air and vertical wind sheers combined to sap the energy from the storm - but could that combination really 'deflate it' so rapidly as in a matter of a few hours? Maybe. But I know several thousand, if not million, people who will say otherwise. Did the combined energy of the prayers of these thousand(s) people 'take the wind out of Hurricane Lili's sails' ? I say "Yes!" 

Prayers are no more than positive affirmations, positive thoughts that are sent out into the Cosmos to connect with the Universal Energy source. Each and every religion has their own way of 'praying' - it doesn't matter if it is in a church praying to a god, or in the woods speaking with a spirit of nature, or imbuing a candle with positive affirmations and letting those thoughts out to reach a beloved deity as the candle burns - they are all performing the same act. Trying to manifest a change in reality by connecting with a higher and more powerful force.

 A young girl was depressed because her parents were unemployed. The family had been living with the grandparents. The girl's parents had been looking for work for quite some time but the economy was bad and jobs were few and far between. Her parents needed jobs so that the family could move into a place of their own. The little girl was told to say every morning and every time a dark hopeless thought came into her head, 'My parents will find good jobs which will allow us to move into our home.' The little girl said this every morning, every night and every time a dark depressing thought came into her head. And within two weeks, her father had a job and within a month they had their own place to live.
The little girl not only spoke these words but she truly believed in them. The love she felt for her parents and her sibling was evident in the way she spoke the words, the way in which she let the Universe know her need and in the trust she placed in the Universe to fulfill her need. Her Intent was clear, strong and filled with Love.

The Intent which gives the word or thought or phrase life is everything! Words which are spoken with love or thoughts which come from a place of love have more power than those which are casually cast about.  This is why it is so very important to choose your words wisely not only when speaking but also when manifesting. Love causes everything it touches to vibrate at a higher frequency thus bringing it closer to the Source or Universal Energy field. Which in turn assists in the manifestation of the thought. The vibrational energy of not only the person but the words will combine to give the plea/prayer/spell strength and reality. Witches will combine herbs, colors, words in a spell to be bring about change. They are utilizing the combined strength of the items to connect with Universal Energy. When we are able to tap into the Universal Energy, we also connect with the Subtle Energy Field and cause atoms to manifest into reality.

Next week, I'll write about Visualization and Manifesting as well as Personal Energy or Chi. And as always, I welcome comments, questions and suggestions.

The Physics of Magic ~ Quantum Physics Basics

I am no scientist. Especially a Quantum Physics Scientist! 
I am going to try and explain Quantum Physics, Quantum Mechanics, and Quantum Everything Else as simply as I can and as I understand it. 
Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below!

Everything is made up of atoms. From Us to water to soil to the chair you're sitting in. These atoms are made up of smaller particles called protons, electrons, neutrons [we'll call them t(r)ons]. But the atoms still have empty space in them despite the "t(r)ons". In fact atoms are 99% empty space.  (discovered by Lord Rutherford in 1913)  But, this empty space is not really empty. Scientists think that the empty space in an atom is filled with an electrical field or as I like to call it, a Subtle Energy Field. 

We also know that atoms are always moving. Always vibrating. But different things will vibrate at different rates or frequencies. Thus everything we know is made up of Energy in Motion or Vibrational Energy.

Atoms are made of neutrons, protons, electrons. But what are those 't(r)ons' made of? Smaller particles called fermions & bosons.  And fermions & bosons are made up of quarks & leptons. In Quantum Theory (I use the term loosely) fermions & bosons combine to make protons & neutrons which make up everything on our planet. What causes the fermions & bosons to become the the item or thing that it needs to be? What source or energy tells fermions & bosons to materialize in a specific shape? The 'God Particle' or Higgs Boson. This is an energy field which permeates our world, our universe. This energy field connects us all. I like to call this energy field Universal Energy. 

In 1801, Scientist Thomas Young developed an experiment that showed that subatomic particles [t(r)ons] are waves of energy except when they are observed or measured, then they are particles. A particle, simply by being observed or interacted with, can change from an energy wave to matter. AND that particle can some how know what the observer is expecting to see. Thus, by a person's sheer thought, an energy wave can manifest into being.

It is also through thoughts that a person can access the Universal Energy Field which connects everything and bring about changes. Dr. William A. Tiller has spent many years experimenting with the abilities of human intentions. He and his team have been able to change the pH of water over great distances by only the use of human thought and intentions. Dr. Tiller proposes that there are two levels of reality. The first is the world we experience with our five senses. The other occurs within the 'empty' area around atoms. This second reality is the area where our thoughts tap into Universal Energy, interact with the Subtle Energy Field and changes are made to our physical reality (manifesting).

Hopefully, I haven't lost you. We had to get some basic Quantum information out of the way before we could get into the good stuff!  Next week I'm going to write about first hand experiences of Thoughts changing reality, Love, Prayer (really?) and other manifesting. 

The Physics of Magic ~ Foreword

Magic. It can be defined as the power or ability to influence events by using a mysterious or supernatural force.

Magic has always fascinated me. My very first spell made me want to know how it worked. What made it happen? What was the unseen force which worked that which was bidden? 

I wondered why the spells worked sometimes but not all the time. Why would there be such a difference if the spell had been done exactly the same every time - same time of day, same moon phase, same spell components? What part did plants, color, candles, knots, or even the moon play in this mystical working?

I searched and read and ask questions. I ran up against brick walls, dead ends, and "Really? Magic is all rubbish!". But I continued searching. I began to explore other mysteries - Ley Lines, Ancient Monuments, Beliefs and Practices of Ancient or Indigenous People - hoping I would find a morsel somewhere that might take me down the path to further enlightenment.

My break through came one day when Hubby and I were talking about Gomez. Yes, my Gomez, the Intrepid Blogger. Gomez had an uncanny way of knowing when Hubby and I were getting frisky. How did Gomez know? It didn't matter if we were ever so quiet, behind closed doors, or even outside of the house, Gomez would find us. I knew that Cats, other animals as well, were intuitive and were able to 'tune-in' to their owners. But what was it that enabled these animals to 'tune-in' like they did?

Then I read an article about vibrations and frequency.  Something in this article resonated (*giggle* get it?) with me. At last I felt like I was on the right track.

***This series will be published every Tuesday***

Welcoming a New Year!

A new month and a new year is staring at me from the calendar on the wall. January 2015.  I have yet to pencil in the already growing number of commitments, appointments, and deadlines. I think I'll just put them in my day-timer and keep the calendar clean. It looks better that way.

This month finds me now a contributing writer for the Imramma magazine. Click here! I'm excited about this new journey. I will be writing a column from the Crone's perspective. Funny. I never really thought of myself as a Crone. I never really wanted to think of myself as a Crone. But we all reach that point sooner or later. And I have to say, it's not too bad. I now get senior discounts, though if I was carded, I probably wouldn't but graying hair does have it's advantages. And I have reached an age where I don't really care how people take something I say nor do I care what people think of me. If you know me, then you know my quirks and love me for them anyway. **wink-wink** 
So expect some "Cronish" sorts of posts here every so often.

This new month also brings about a minor make-over here at The CCC. I freshened my pages section (still a bit of a work-in-progress) along with dusting off the sidebars. I also plan on starting a new series about "The Physics of Magic" - where science meets the esoteric. I feel that understanding the 'how' might help with the actual process. Knowledge should be shared. Not kept hidden away in a dark broom closet.

So hang on folks! We should have some fun this year!

Santa and Magick Mushrooms

We all know about Santa Claus and his flying reindeer. But where did the story really start?

One theory has their origins in the hallucinogenic or "magic" mushrooms which grow in the Siberian and Arctic regions of the World.

Santa is likened to the traveling Shamans of the Northern Regions, who brought bags of 'magic' mushrooms as presents around to the villages at the time of the Winter Solstice. 

This Mushroom is Amanita Muscaria. It is commonly found in the Northern or Boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This toadstool can be poisonous and is most definitely psychoactive. It can be found in forests growing under trees, most commonly pine trees. The Shamans of the Tribes found in the Northern Regions used the Amanita Muscaria as a way to commune with the Spirits and it was considered a sacred substance.

The theory goes on to say that reindeer commonly grazed on the fungi. So did the Native Siberian Tribesman who probably had hallucinations of the reindeer flying.

Bringing a pine tree indoors at the time of the Winter Solstice and decorating it in red and white along with placing presents under the tree are all symbols of the Amanita Muscaria.

image source

While images of Santa and red topped mushrooms have been around through the ages, many historians doubt this theory. Perhaps they need a bit of "Holiday Cheer"!

To Read More, Click Here!

There's a Little Witch

Florissant Grange

In September, I attended a class about home remedies using native plants and things found in the kitchen. The instructor was Mari  Marques, a certified herbalist. Mari is also known as The Thymekeeper .  She attended school in Boulder and practiced for many years to obtain the knowledge she has about herbs, oils, tinctures, and native plants. And her mental encyclopedia is quite vast. I am hoping she'll have more classes as time goes by. I would love to soak up some of the knowledge she is so willing to share.

She made cough syrup during the class and kept up a constant dialogue about herbs and their uses while she was cooking the concoction. I could see in my mind's eye how this very scenario may have occurred so many times throughout history - a Wise Woman teaching her pupils the ways of healing.

As I glanced around the room of the old Grange, I saw an assortment of people taking notes and absorbing the knowledge that was being given. And I was reminded of a saying from one my favorite movies (and probably one of yours as well!), 
Practical Magic. 

There's a Little Witch in All of Us.


Cough Syrup
**This is meant for information purposes only**

Hibiscus Flowers  - 1/4cp (vitamin C source)

Anise Seed - 3/10 oz (healing to lungs)

Cramp Bark - 3/10 oz (anti-spasmodic)

Ellacampane - 3/10oz. (anti-spasmodic)

Wild Cherry Bark - 3/10oz (reduces fever)

Grindelia - 1 1/2oz (helps relieve phlegm build-up)

Osha Root tincture - 1 oz (all purpose healing agent, promotes sweating & expectoration, antiviral)

Echinacea tincture - 1/2oz

Honey - same amount as water used to boil bark/root/seed mix

Marshmallow Root Powder - 1 TBLSPN (relieves sore throat, good for mouth ulcers)

Brandy - non-flavored 1/4cp (used for a preservative)

1. Steep Hibiscus flowers & 1/2oz Osha Root tincture in 1 1/2cp boiling water. Let steep while making the rest of the syrup.

2. Place Anise seed, Cramp bark, Ellacampane (root), Wild Cherry Bark, & Grindelia in pan. Cover with 2 cps water. Bring to rolling boil, reduce heat and simmer for approx. 15min - 20 min. Strain through a cofee filter or very fine wire mesh strainer. 

3. Add Osha Root tincture (1/2oz), Echinacea Tincture. Stir well. Whisk in Marshmallow Root powder until dissolved. Measure amount of liquid. Add equal part Honey.

4. Strain Hibiscus flowers through coffee filter or strainer. Add Hibiscus flower water to honey mixture. Stir well.

5. Add brandy. stir.

Store in bottles or jars in refrig. until needed.

Friday the 13th and other Magick

Happy Friday the 13th Y'all!

What better day to speak of magick and mystery. 
And the world is filled with both.
I often ponder the road that has led to this chapter of my Life and the coincidences and synchronicities (are they really coincidences & synchronicities?) that have occurred.

I have found that Life strives to give us the tools or experiences we will need for the future. We just need to pay attention and learn the lessons. If we don't, we will be forced to experience those lessons a second (or even third) time. We may not always know what the lesson is until a later stage in our life, at which time it all seems to become clear.

A recurring theme in my Life is living close to a prominent mountain. The times I have lived close to a large mountain have been times of enlightenment for me. These residences have also involved large quantities of quartz. And we all know what kind of a transmitter and amplifier quartz is.

I am amazed at how much our 'new hometown area' feels like home. From the moment we moved here, there has been a joyous feel to the air - as if we were being welcomed home. And every day that I gaze upon that gorgeous mountain, I feel a thrill - like I'm greeting an old friend.

Many say that Pikes Peak is magickal, mystical. Some say that there is a portal, a worm hole on the Mountain. Maybe. Others say that unexplained things happen when in the shadow of the Mountain. Can't say for sure. But I do know, that for me, living here is truly a magickal experience.

Don't forget to enter my September Give-Away!

Click Here to Enter!

September Giveaway ~ Crystals

September is a magickal month - cooler temperatures and lengthening shadows mark the beginning of Autumn. The trees begin to adorn themselves with glorious colors in celebration of the season. Leaves will be dancing in the street to a rhythm and beat orchestrated by the wind.

First color of Autumn found on August 26th

And in celebration of this enchanting time, I am hosting a GiVeAwAy! 
Hubby and I recently went to a gem and mineral show in nearby Woodland Park. 

Pikes Peak is the tall mountain seen in background on far right

It was a beautiful day set against the gorgeous backdrop of Pikes Peak and its surrounding foothills. There were many treasures to be seen and I found some wonderful items there. And I would like to share a few with three lucky readers. 
I am giving away a Quartz crystal cluster, a Citrine crystal, and a Smoky Quartz crystal.
***the pictures here don't do the crystal specimens justice - I will try to get better pictures very soon!***

A Quartz crystal cluster

A Citrine crystal

A Smoky Quartz "window" 
this is a smoky quartz rock which has had a slice cut off one side & the cut side polished to a high gloss. The dark shadow that appears in the picture is the reflection of trees in the window.

All people who enter must  (1) leave a comment below stating which rock you would like. I will try my best to accommodate the winners with their chosen specimen.  (2) All entrants must be a Follower of this Blog.  (3) Giveaway limited to American and Canadian followers (my apologies to everyone else)

August Blue Moon 

And here's a glimpse of what you have to look forward to this month - a few more Random Roadtrips, some history and tidbits about Pikes Peak, and ramblings about various things like energy, ley lines, trees, and well, whatever may pop into my head.

The three winners will be announced on September 21st. So stay tuned! And Good Luck!