Taking up the Runes

As I’ve mentioned before, my special study group has been studying runes for a little while.  We had been studying Christopher Penczak’s Temple series, but we needed a break and moved onto Northern Mysteries and Magick by Freya Aswynn.  We liked the runes but didn’t love Aswynn, so we decided to stick with the runes and move onto Taking up the Runes by DianaPaxson. 

I’ve had the Paxson book for a while, ever since I decided to do my crazy Norse study year, but this is the first time I’ve ever actually made an attempt to work through it.  A lot of sources talk about using special ritual tools when “taking up the runes”, such as a new rune set or a rune staff or wand.  But I don’t want a new rune set (I like mine a lot – they’re made of blue goldstone!) I already have a Dionysian Fool’s staff, and I don’t want another wand (I have three.) 

I looked all over Etsy and Ebay (two of my favorite places ever) for some runic jewelry or an armband or something runic and beautiful and awesome.  I didn’t find anything that I liked, though, which surprised me!  I was a little disappointed, really, because I wanted something new and special to mark my new runic journey through Paxson’s book, and to use or wear while doing the rituals she suggests in her book.

My friend Tanaria, who is participating in the rune group with us, is a leather-worker and an artisan, and she mentioned that she was going to make herself a runic headband with all of the Elder Futhark inscribed on the band.  I’ve seen her work before (it’s incredible!) so I asked her if I could commission a piece from her.

My super awesome runic headband was ready for our first runic ritual of Taking up the Runes!  Even before I could come in and sit down, my friend was ready for me, excited to show me her handiwork.  She gave the headband to me, and I was thrilled!  It fits my head perfectly, and I can wear it a few different ways, which is awesome.  

The best part is that while runes are traditionally inscribed in red (Tanaria’s own headband has red runes), she did mine in purple.  “Because Amanda!” she said, and I knew exactly what she meant.  While purple isn’t my official “favorite color” (is it?  Maybe.  I don’t know!)  it’s something I tend to wear a lot, and it looks good on me, and also… Dionysus!  Since purple is a color I associate very much with Dionysus, and I’ve had some interesting Odin and Dionysus rune journeys recently, the color was just perfect.

I felt like a Nordic Queen while wearing my headband, and at the end of the night I tucked it away safely into my rune altar box.  It fits perfectly!  I couldn’t be happier.

And for a handcrafted, custom-made, local artist product… this headband was surprisingly affordable!  Buying from Tanaria was 100 times better than ordering something off of Ebay or even Etsy.  So, it was affordable, it was local, I supported a friend, it looks great, it’s functional, it’s custom-made, it was made with love, I look great in it, it fits in my box, it’s appropriate, it’s a fun new ritual tool… and I love it!

Thanks so much, Tanaria!  I can’t thank you enough for your love and artistry.  I look forward to many more runic rituals with you!  Love!

Check out Tanaria's facebook page here!

Check out Tanaria's Etsy page here!  

Pagan Blog Project – week 30 – O#2 – Oracular Spectacular

Pagan Blog Project – week 30 – O#2 – Oracular Spectacular

When it comes to oracles and divinatory methods, people have dozens and dozens of options.  Tarot cards probably come to mind most often, but there are also runes, the ogham, and oracle cards.  You can scry with crystals, water, or fire.  You can watch birds or read tea leaves. 

Many years ago I was surprised to find that some people came up with their own oracular or divinatory methods.  There is indeed power and energy behind something like tarot or tasseomancy, but a self-made oracular system can also tap into those same external and internal energies.

A few years ago I came up with something I call “Oracular Spectacular.”  I started with a large jar decorated with magical symbols and sigils.  Next I printed off lyrics from my favorite songs.  Some of the songs were ones that I had loved for years, and some of them were ones that meant a lot to me at the time of the jar’s creation.  I took my favorite lines from the song (or in some cases, the whole song) and cut them out in words, phrases, or verses.  All of these slips of paper went into the jar (along with a generous splash of glitter for extra magic and ooomph!)

I have a little method and ritual I usually do every time I use Oracular Spectacular.  I shake the jar a pre-decided number of times and I recite a little incantation.  When I first started using this oracular system, I was shocked at the immediate results I received.  But I shouldn’t have been surprised at all.  Picking songs and lyrics that held a particular significance to me, as well as intention, trust of the cosmos, and my own inner mental and emotional situations created an incredibly powerful combination of power.  The Oracle draws from one’s own energy, as well as tapping into the cosmos, and it’s incredibly effective and meaningful.

This system is very easy to use.  You can use it every night, or every morning.  You can use it before an important event, or just when you have the need for some advice or guidance.  There is no limit.  It’s not a lengthy, time consuming process.  There is no set-up, preparation, or clean-up.  Whenever the urge comes to you, you can consult the Oracle, and get your answer.

I would consult Oracular Spectacular with specific questions a lot of the time.  I’d ask my question and draw the Oracle, and if I needed clarification, I’d draw a second.  If it was still confusing or I was dissatisfied with the answer, I’d ask a different question or put the Jar away for a different time.  Some systems let you keep on asking and asking and asking, but this one definitely has its limit.  If you ask too much, the system gets muddled and confusing, and I feel as if the answers lose their honesty.

Or, of course, you could just ask generic questions.  “What should I know about today?  What should I know about this morning?  How will I do on the test?  What should my focus be right now?  What should I know about my relationship with this person?”  There really are no limits on the questions you could ask when consulting an Oracle like this.

After I’ve consulted the oracle I either paste the slip of paper in my book of shadows or my journal, or I put it back in the jar.  It really depends on my intuition at the moment.  Sometimes I know deep down that the Oracle has spoken, and that particular slip of paper needs to not return to the jar.  But sometimes I’ve gotten a strong sense that the Jar wasn’t done with that particular message, and so back into the Oracle it goes.

I used to use this system a lot, but recently I’ve been studying the runes and the Greek Alphabet Oracle, so my attention has been diverted.  It’s hard for me personally to devote much time to too many divination systems and methods.  I tend to focus on two or three (tops!) at a time.

When I have a new favorite song (or remember an old one that has come back to me with new meaning) I add those lyrics to the jar, too.  Repeat songs and lyrics are also okay.  That way the jar is always being refreshed and renewed, and it will never run out of lyrical and oracular options (in theory.) 

I’ve seen lots of self-made oracular and divination systems over the years, and I’d encourage my readers to explore devising their own systems as well.  I still rely heavily on my tarot cards, but there’s no reason why a witch can’t have many tools in her box!  Plus, exploring divination systems can be a lot of fun, and making one of your own can be a good exercise of imagination, as well as an expression of inner will and power.

And of course, if you come up with or already have your own system, share it here!  I’d love to see what all of my cosmic brothers and sisters are coming up with!

Until then, clear skies!

Pagan Blog Project - week 6 - C#1 - Crowns and Circlets

not my favorite style, but don't you just love the stars?

Pagan Blog Project - week 6 - C#2 - Crowns and Circlet

Because of my recent studies of the Queen of Heaven/Earth/The Universe/MOTHER OF US ALL, I've been a little obsessed with the idea of crowns, headdresses, tiaras, and circlets. Why don't we all wear one of these things all the time? They're so great!

They're beautiful! They're elegant! They're classy! They're historical! Why did crowns ever go out of style?

not a crown, but still lovely!

Many goddesses of antiquity are crowned, often with stars, moons, flowers, or horns. Inanna is given a crown to show her sovereignty over civilization. Sometimes it is made from stars, flower petals, horns, moons, or all of the above. Cybele wears something similar, as does Isis and even the Blessed Virgin Mary. Artemis is often depicted with a crescent moon, and Hera wears a queenly tiara.

Some Pagans will wear circles or headdresses in ritual, but I'm a little sad that none of my groups ever do this. (Or if they do it's very rarely.) Maybe it seems a bit archaic or inappropriate or too hierarchical or something?

In traditional covens the High Priestess would often wear a crown or circlet. Maybe modern Pagans are pulling away from this tradition and any associations with more structured coven/circle/etc structure, and because of this have pulled away from the idea of wearing headdresses during ritual? None of my Pagan friends and family are really "traditional" in any sense, so I could really see them rolling their eyes at the idea of wearing a circlet during ritual.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/91880337/star-crown?ref=favs_view_2

But I think a headdress can be a fun addition to a ritual. They really making the participants feel good and pretty and maybe even contribute to the specialness of the energy, further setting the ritual apart from mundane reality and the "time away from time, space away from space" aura of ritual in general.








 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126560083/star-crown?ref=favs_view_5

On Beltane, though, I try to have at least some type of headdress for everyone involved. 

The Maiden gets a crown of flowers, because flowers, like our youth, are fleeting. The Queen gets a crown that is (in theory) passed down from queen to queen (the former maiden becomes the queen.) (To be honest, I've had to buy the Queen's crown a few times. We all have the best intentions, I suppose.) The Crone gets a witch's hat, because regardless of our age, our wisdom is something we carry with us. The Green Man gets a crown made of some type of wild greenery, because that's awesome.

I tried to make this own once. It was a disaster.

Gathering and making these items has really become a special task, and I think everyone really enjoys wearing something extravagant for an already extravagant ritual (isn't Beltane the best?)

Of course I can wear a crown or circlet in the privacy of my own solitary rituals. What's to stop me from being so awesome?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/155807677/bbbl-crystal-rhinestone-headbandbridal?ref=favs_view_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121563220/gold-star-headband-gold-star?ref=favs_view_4

I'm never as crafty as I pretend I am, though. The one time I tried to make a crown for myself out of wire I ended up with a jester's type hat. Now, that ended up being kind of appropriate for the ritual I was hosting, but I really had my heart set on being a majestic Queen, and not a holy Fool. But then again, these things have a way of working themselves out, I suppose...

something seasonal, and it looks good on men, too!

Lana Del Ray, snow queen

Go ahead and put on a crown. Do it for realsies. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125841681/glitter-star-crown-headband-dreamy?ref=favs_view_7

There, don't you feel special?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/172373219/quartz-crystal-hair-comb?ref=favs_view_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/172392585/rainbow-fluorite-hair-comb?ref=favs_view_2

edit - two more of my favorites! (I bought one!)

Nearer

Last night with a sparkler in each hand, I drew huge banishing spirals into the air, thinking about the year that had just passed.

“Out with the old” I whispered, over and over again.

When the time felt right, I reversed my spirals, spinning inward, with the hopes to bring luck and love to me in 2014.

“In with the new!”

As the sparklers began to burn out out I went crazy with my magic, dancing and looping large streaks of burning color into the air.

“Out with the old, in with the new, out with the old, in with the new, out with the old, in with the new!”

When the light finally died, I released my intentions into the cosmos with a cheer. “Happy New Year!” My friends, enjoying their own magical moment of sparklers and nighttime joy, shouted with me. “Happy New Year!”

That was my last bit of magic for 2013, and my first bit of magic for 2014. Not bad for a year of intense ritual experiences and divine revelations… I’m not much of a resolution type person, but I really hope 2014 has just as much magic as 2013, if not more. 13 is a witch’s number, and I’d really say that 2013 was the Year of the Witch for me, but 4 is my number, and I’m really hoping that 2014 is The Year of The Space Witch.

Last night, home and slightly tipsy from champagne, I drew a card from my new deck, gifted to me from a dear witch friend. For this first reading of a brand new deck, Le Tarot des Femmes Erotiques, I drew the seven of pentacles. “Wait for the Moment” it tells me. Whereas 2013 Space Witch would have been annoyed and impatient, 2014 Space Witch is wise and understanding. I recognize the advice to wait wait wait as the current theme in my life.

Wait. The Cosmos have been telling me for months. For years. Wait. Now is not the time.

So I get my seeds and soil ready and I wait and do all the work I can for when the time is right, because I know when the time comes I need to be ready.

Wait.

So I started the day of 2014 with some more magic, making monkey bread and bacon and drinking champagne. (The Space Witch is a classy witch, for sure.) As I roll balls of dough I whisper into the food “Out with the old, in with the new, out with the old, in with the new, out with the old, in with the new!” I add a pinch of nutmeg for divine inspiration, cloves for a spicy kick, and cinnamon for an extra oomph. I can’t wait for this hot, goey, breakfast treat. So of course I take it out of the oven too quickly. The inside is still raw. “Wait!” the Cosmos remind me with my uncooked breakfast.

Oh yeah. Right. Maybe I still have some work to do on this whole patience thing, after all...

And later we get to enjoy pork loin, cabbage, and black eyed peas. I do live in the South, after all, and I can use all the luck I can get, and black eyed peas are lucky indeed. I’ll probably give some to the nature and land spirits later, or to the house wights.

But today isn’t just the New Year. No! It’s the new moon as well! How fortuitous! So I’m thinking about making some incense or oil later today, too. Maybe tonight with the darkness is deep and the night is cold.

The oil will be a mix of lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, cypress, and myrrh. The incense perhaps a bit complicated as I work out the perfect recipe. But I’m hopefully for the magic of this day to carry me through the next year, to capture it into a little jar of scent and energy.

2013 was rough for many people, and 2014 won’t be without its challenges. But aren’t you so excited?

In My Heart

It’s been a long time since I’ve had either the interest or energy to send holiday cards. When I managed the coffee shop I was just too busy and tired and crabby to even consider it. And of course being in school is also a valid excuse to be lazy, right? But this year I decided I’d try to put forth more of an effort to get into the holiday spirit, so I’m sending holiday cards.

I’m already ahead of the game (slightly) because at some point a few years ago my husband and I bought boxes and boxes of cards so we have a lot to use. That means I didn’t have to go shopping for cards, which is great because who has time for that?

I did have to go through my address list (still the same list that we used when we sent out wedding announcements in 2007). So I had to edit the list some, changing some last names because of divorces or marriages, adding some names and addresses as my friends and family continue to grow, and sadly deleting some addresses because I’ve lost touch with a few people or because of deaths over the years

Then I sat down this morning and turned on my “White Christmas” playlist on Pandora (told you I was putting forth extra effort) and I addressed each envelope and added our return address. (Which has prompted me to buy some address labels because this is ridiculous.) Of course I spent too much time matching the perfect cards with the perfect people, paying attention to flashiness, glitter, modesty, religious content, potential political messages, etc.

As I wrote a message in each and every card, I realized that this shouldn’t be a mechanical process. When I write “Hope you all have a magical holiday season and many blessings in the new year”, I really mean that. After all, I’m a minister and a priestess. When I write or wish “blessings”, it’s not just a random word I’m throwing around. I really do wish these people (and others!) blessings for the new year. 2013 was very hard on many people, and I hope 2014 is better. You all could use all the blessings you can get!

 

As a witch, wishing someone Christmas Magic might have the potential to be something special. I’m not really casting spells or charms on my Christmas cards in a traditional sense, but regardless of one’s background and current practices, this holiday season holds special meaning for many people. Even when I was conducting group therapy up at the state psyche hospital, one of the girls said rather dreamily “Christmas is just so magical.” And she is right, I think. It is magical.

Christmas Magic is a special type of magic, so when I write “I hope you have a magical Christmas” perhaps maybe I’m adding just a little bit of magic into the world. Some of my cards are going to family members I haven’t seen in years and years, and others are going to friends I see every day. But that doesn’t mean that they all can’t enjoy some extra magic this holiday season, or that they won’t benefit from some extra blessings in 2014.

So quiet unexpectedly, writing holiday cards became an act of magic and intention for me this morning. I turned on the lights on my tree. I lit some candles. I turned up the Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. I got comfortable with a cozy sweater and I wrote holiday cards, sending out a little bit of magic and a few little blessings to those I love and those I have loved.

Because regardless of one’s practices and beliefs, we could all use a little something something extra this season.