Air Magick - Broomsticks

Brooms have long been associated with Witches and Witchcraft.  Everyone has seen the images of a Witch flying through a moonlit night on her broomstick.  While most of these stories can probably be traced back to the old days of Witch Hunting and The Burning Times as stories meant to scare children and help people "identify" witches, there are many magical uses for brooms that are very much alive and well for the modern witch.  Broomsticks, also called "besoms", are traditionally used to purify and cleanse a sacred space before ritual.  Sweeping away the negative energy in a circle to help create a sacred and protected place for rituals, and meditation.  They are also commonly used for energetic cleansing of a home, sweeping away any negativity that may have gathered in your house.  Broomsticks are also associated with dreaming and Astral travel, which is probably how they became associated with "flying".

The broom can be used for cleaning, decoration, magick, and ritual. It is suggested that you have more than one broom for your home; one for the daily cleaning and sweeping, and one or more others for rituals or magick. (Though the first, for cleaning, can also be magickal, it is not the same one you would use during ritual, but both can be used for sweeping away negative energy.)

The broom is commonly seen as the symbol of the female witch and represents her vehicle for traveling into dreamtime, astral travel, and her power over her realm - the Home and Hearth. Since it is mainly used in purification and blessing, the broom is commonly associated with the element of water; thus is also used in all types of spells including love, dreams, astral travel, and psychic workings. Yet others see the broom as associated with the element of Air and align it more with masculine energy because of it's phallic appearance.

Generally the most common use for a broom or "besom" is to ritualistically cleanse and area for magick. In many Wiccan traditions (though not limited to such), a ritual is begun by gently sweeping the area (the circle) before the altar is set up - sweeping away any negative astral energy. For more, see the *Broom Purification of Space Before Ritual * post

It is customary for a witch to name her broom - thus imbuing it with personal energy by respecting it as an intimate familiar. If you have a permanent altar, the customary placement for your magickal broom's "Home" would be the left side of your altar. (stored bristle side up for luck) If you don't have a permanent altar set up, your broom can be stored behind a door, hanging on a door or wall, under your bed, or wrapped in a cloth and stored in a closet; somewhere that it can be untouched and undisturbed between ritual uses.

Sweeping

The simple act of sweeping can be very magickal. When using a new broom for the first time, you should sweep something into the home, otherwise, you may sweep your luck right out the door.

If you have a fireplace, you should always sweep towards the fireplace. Otherwise, you can sweep in any direction except for towards the door. Some people choose to sweep the room's perimeters in a clockwise circle, beginning at either the East or the West, to enhance the cleansing energy of sweeping. It is also believed that sweeping at night may bring bad luck or prevent good fortune. This belief seems to be based on ancient folklore that says sweeping disturbs the spirits that walk the floors at night time. More on broom folklore can be found in this post- Broomsticks ~ Many Uses and Lore ~

Making or decorating your own Broom

A traditional magickal broom is crafted from a wooden staff (preferably Ash), Birch twigs, and Willow binding. Though other materials can be used such as Straw, Pine Needles, Lemon Balm, Elder Stalks, Mallow Stalks, etc. You may want to decorate the handle with sacred symbols such as a crescent moon, runes, or sigils of protection or cleansing. Feathers, bells, other herbs, or shells, can also be hung from your broom to further empower it for magickal cleansing and blessing purposes. If a broom cannot be made, you can decorate a store-bought one with any of these suggested items, and cleanse it or bless it for your purpose. The following inscription is suggested in the book "The Magical Household" by Cunningham and Harrington;

On one side of the broom, with the words traveling toward the bristles, write "I sweep in Luck, Blessings, and Prosperity." On the other side of the broom, with the words traveling away from the bristles, "I Sweep away Negativity, Evil, and Poverty."

Here is a list of some Lore, Beliefs, and Magickal Uses associated with Broomsticks (Besoms)

•It is considered unlucky to buy a broomstick in the month of August.

•Bringing an old broom into a new house is bad luck. If you are moving, buy a new broom and leave the old broom at the old residence. (this applies to the brooms you clan with, but you can take your magickal brooms or decorative brooms with you... just cleanse them or bless them before using them in your new home.)

•When you first use a new broom, you should first sweep something into the house. This invites luck and fortune into your home. Otherwise, you just may be sweeping away your luck! It is also believed that if you make wish the first time you use a new broom, it will come true.

•If a broom falls from your hands while you sweep, make a wish before you pick it up.

•Sweeping at night is considered unlucky, as it disturbs the spirits who roam the floors as others sleep.

•If a broom falls across a doorway, you will soon go on a journey. Pick it up quickly without stepping over it for a safe journey.

•If a broom falls anywhere else in your home, you can expect company.

•To bring rain, stand outside and swing a broom in the air over your head.

•Place our broom on your front porch during a lightning storm to protect from lightning stikes.

•If you want to get married, jump over a broomstick nine times - you will be exchanging vows within the next year.

•Placing a broom across the top of any doorway in your home allows your departed friends and family to speak to you if they so choose.

•For protection while you sleep, lay a broom beneath you bed. a small broom tucked under your pillow is said to protect against nightmares.

•If you must be away from home for some time, and want to return home to an energetically clean and safe bed, tuck a broom into it, laying the bristles on the pillow.

•Two brooms crossed and hung on a wall or nailed to a door guard the house, as does a broom placed on the ground before the door. A broom standing behind a door (bristles up will guard and protect your home and prevent from unwanted visitors.

*sources*

"To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver Raven Wolf

"Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham

"The Magical Household" by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington

I found this beautiful Sweeping Spell online, but I don't know it's original source or author

This is a Sweeping spell I wrote;

While sweeping Widdershins (counterclockwise) and finishing by sweeping out the door, chant and repeat;

"Sweep, sweep, away from here

Anger, worry, negativity, fear.

Sweep, sweep, sweep away

negativity now kept at bay!"

Then sweeping in from the door and clockwise around the room, chant and repeat;

"Sweep, sweep, welcome in

Love and Health to stay within.

Sweep, sweep, sweep again

Prosperity and Blessings now begin!"

Here is a photo of my hand-made Magickal Broom.  In the next post I am going to show a tutorial on how to make one of your own!

Wind Magick - Dust on The Wind

Dust, Powder & Ashes on The Wind

Have you ever wondered what to do with the ashes left over from burning herbs and incense after a spell, ritual, or smudging?  A very simple way to boost the power of your magickal working and dispose of those ashes is to place them on a plate or a shallow dish, take them outside and hold them up where the wind will catch them and carry them away.  Say a simple prayer or blessing to ask the Air the carry the remnants of your spell away on the winds to be purified and blessed.  If it's not windy, you can use your breath to blow the ashes out of the plate or out of your palm.  Or, you can simply leave the plate outdoors and wait for the winds to rise and carry the ashes away in their own time.

Setting a mix of crushed herbs outside for the winds to blow away can be a spell or blessing ritual within itself.  Choose herbs based on the type of energy you wish to add to your spell.... and dry them and crush them.  Stir them in a clockwise direction with your dominant hand and feel the energy of your desire flowing into the mixture, visualize light flowing from above you, into the crown of your head, down your arm and into the mixture of herbs and spices, then take the mixture outside and release it to the wind.  Let go of your worries about how and when things will happen, and just trust that the winds will carry your desire to the right person or place to set things in motion.

Cascarilla Powder can be added to any of these blends of spices, herbs, or ashes to help carry the energy of the herbs to the Astral Realm.  Cascarilla Powder is made of Egg Shells.  Legend has it that Witches used to travel through the air in egg shells, and Cascarilla Powder is a very simple yet old ingredient for powders that are said to promote Astral Travel.  Simply save your egg shells, place them on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven at 350 degrees (F) for 10 minutes until they are lightly browned.  Wait until they cool and crush them into a fine powder, stirring clockwise and asking for/ visualizing blessings of Astral Travel being contained in the eggshell powder.  Mix some cascarilla powder with any of your ashes or blends of powder and release it to the winds as described above.

Wind Magick - Easy Wind Sock Craft!

Wind Sock Craft

You can make a simple yet beautiful "Wind Sock" to hang in your garden or on your front porch.  Watching it sway and blow in the wind will help you be more aware of the wind and breezes, or the sometimes subtle presence of Sylphs and Wind Sprites or other Air Elementals.  It can be a beautiful addition to your garden or porch, and also an aid in simple wind awareness meditation.

You need;

Construction paper or colored cardstock (scrapbook) paper.
Optional markers and stickers to decorate the paper however you want.
A Stapler and staples
Yarn or string
Streamer Paper (the long ribbons of crate paper used for decorating for parties)

Step 1:  Decorate the paper however you want.  I drew a simple cloud and swirls to represent the four winds, and decorated with stickers of birds, butterflies, fairies and flowers.

Step 2: Roll the paper and use the stapler to fasten it together into a cylinder shape.

Step 3: use a hole punch and put four holes around the top of the cylinder.  Tie the yarn or string into each hole (equal lengths) to make the part you will hang the wind sock up with.

 Step Four: Cut equal lengths of the streamer paper for the "tails" of the wind sock.  Use the stapler to attach the lengths of streamer paper to the bottom portion of the wind sock.

Step 5: Hang your wind sock in your garden or wherever you want and watch it blow in the breeze!

Wind Sock Magick

You can also bless or enchant your wind socks for magickal purposes.  I made a smaller one and decorated it with Air Element Symbols.  I will keep this one inside and hang it over my altar when I am doing Air Element type spells or rituals, when the moon is in an Air Sign, or when I am doing Air Element meditations.  I can open a window or turn on an indoor fan to help it move and bring wind energy inside my home.  You can make different variations for indoor wind socks if you want... get creative and you can make some fro home protection, creativity, fresh air, blessed communication, whatever purpose you desire and hang them inside of windows or where they might move or dance from the air of room fans, vents, ceiling fans, etc.

Wind Sock Wish Spell

Make a wind sock and use it in this simple Wishing spell.  Go back to step 1 of creating your wind sock.  After you have decorated your wind sock, preferably with Air element representations, turn the paper over.  On the side that will be the inside of the cylinder, write your wish.  Be specific because the Air Elementals tend to be very literal.  Write your wishes, take a few deep breaths and visualize those wishes coming true.  Continue with the other steps of making the wind sock.  Then take your wind sock outside and say this prayer as you hang it up;

"Elementals of the Air,
Hear my wish - it is clear!

God and Goddess Blessed Be;

The Wind shall carry my wishes to Thee!

Wind that blows set my wishes free

to return threefold to me!
As I will, so it shall be

An it harm none, So Mote It Be!"

Spend some time sitting and watching your wind sock blow in the breeze.  Visualize the wind blowing through the center of your wind sock, where your wish is written, and taking your wish and carrying it away on the breeze to be granted.  Thank the Air Elementals for helping to carry your wish out to the Divine Spirit.  Every time you see your wind sock blowing in the wind, trust that your wish is in the process of coming true and will be apparent to you soon.

Wind Chime Magick

WIND CHIME MAGICK

As a continuation of our study of the Air Element and the Winds, I thought I would share with you some info and ideas about using Wind chimes for Magick.

Hanging wind chimes around your home and garden is considered very good Feng-Shui, as the sounds of the chimes help clear the energy of negative vibrations and attract positive energy to your home environment.  You can bless and enchant a set of wind chimes to hang outside and transform the energy of the wind into whatever you need!  Look for a set of wind chimes that has a pleasing sound to you, place it on your Air Element Altar, light a few candles and visualize and/or meditate on your desire.  You can bless your set of wind chimes for home protection, communication, clear-thinking, good luck, prosperity, or to invite faeries and sylphs to your home and garden.  If you can find a set of wind chimes with birds, butterflies, dragonflies, or fairies, this can be even better for inviting air-element types of energies (renewal, spring, fresh beginnings, clear thinking and communication, music, divination, etc) but any set of wind chimes will do.  The ringing of the bells from the chimes is a music created by the movement of the winds... which can clear, purify, and transform the energy in and around your home with it's gentle frequency and vibration.  Below are a few ideas for spells and blessings for wind chimes around your home:

Wind Chime Spell for Home Blessing
Here is a Wind Chime spell by Ellen Dugan from the book "Elements of Witchcraft".  Say this prayer as you hang your wind chimes outside after you have blessed them and empowered them with your intentions for home protection and good luck;

"Magickal wind chimes, now be for me

a charm for good luck and prosperity.

As the chimes ring out, a spell they'll weave,

all dread and negativity now must leave!

By the power of the sylphs and faeries,

as I do will it, so now it shall be."

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Spell to Attract a Wind Sprite
This is a spell to attract a Wind Sprite to visit your home and garden, from the book "The Fairy Bible" by Teresa Moorey.

"Wind Sprites are the carefree gypsies of fairyland.  Storm-riders, whisperers, and mischief-makers, they bring the balm of the fragrant breeze and the rousing blast of the tempest.  They teach that all is light and changeable, yet they also bring clarity and sharpness of mind.  You may invite Wind Sprites into your life, but do not attempt to bind them to you -- that would destroy the gifts they bring.  You will need wind chimes and a length of ribbon.  Wind chimes of bamboo will invite a gentle, thoughtful sprite who will encourage reflection.  Crystal chimes will attract a highly evolved sprite to help you achieve greater detachment.  Metal chimes will attract a creative sprite who will help you achieve change.  Choose a windy day and hang your wind chimes securely in a tree or near a window.  Close your eyes and visualize the gifts you would like to receive from your sprite.  Feel the breeze blow on your face and say;

Wind-Sprite flying light and high,

I call to you, draw nigh, draw nigh

My chimes a home for you shall be,

Ever welcome, ever free

Listen for your chimes to ring to alert you that your sprite has arrived.  Welcome the sprite by tying the ribbon to the upper string of the chimes, being careful not to restrict their swaying and ringing.  Thank your sprite for being present.  Whenever you feel the need  of the gifts of the wind-sprites, stir the chimes with your hand or sit near them and listen to them blowing in the breeze, let them refresh your spirit and mind with their breeze and music."

My wind chimes hanging over my fairy garden.  I added yellow ribbon, yellow feathers,  & painted on some runes

another shot of my chimes above my fairy garden.  Runes & air element symbols painted on it, feathers attached, and a fairy door charm hanging from the ribbon.

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Wind Chime Spell for Bringing Good News to Your Door

From "Magical Spells For Your Home" by Ann-Marie Gallagher.  For this spell, you will bless your Wind Chimes at your altar, calling upon Athena - Goddess of Communication and then hang them outside your front door.   You will need three feathers, some yellow ribbon, lavender oil and a yellow candle.

Put some lavender scented essential oil in an oil burner with some water, light a yellow candle and say;

Athena, Goddess of Communication, 

Empower and bless my spell

to bring good news to my door,

with the swiftness of a bird in flight, 

Good fortune to ensure.

Using one length of ribbon, tie the first feather securely to any thread of the wind chime and say;

Happy news, find your way

to my home, begin today!

Tie the second feather to another thread of the chime with ribbon and say;

Bright music, sacred sound

Evil here is never found

Tie the third feather to another thread of the chime with ribbon and say;

Lucky Breeze, happy din

Summon light to flow within

Hang your wind chime over your front door or on your front porch near the door where breeze or wind will frequently stir it to action.
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Air Blessing Protection Wind Chimes

I found this spell at Pebble's Spiritual Cave, as well as different variations on the spell using the same prayer on a couple other websites as well.  Find, make, or buy a new set of wind chimes.  Before you hang them up, charge them and empower them with protection using the following spell.  Place the chimes on your altar and see them in their still and motionless state.  Wave your projective hand or wand over them, visualizing bright white light flowing into the chimes until they are glowing with power.  Say;

"Wind Chimes,

Spell Rhymes,

Spell Chimes,

Wind Rhymes,

Air Primes,

Spell Chimes,

Nine times Nine"

Hold them up in front of you and blow on them or sway them to activate the ringing and activate the spell.  Hang them outside and visualize the sounds reflecting the white light around them, driving away negativity and attracting positive energy.

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Wind Chimes for Good Dreams
I found a set of wind chimes made with dream-catchers.  I bought them to hang outside my children's bedroom window and I wrote this blessing prayer to empower the chimes and dream-catchers to help my children sleep soundly and keep away the bad dreams, and keep them safe at night.

All through the night,

help us sleep tight.

Chimes that ring,

sweet dreams now bring.

Winds that stir,

bring blessings here.

Good Dreams through the night,

until Morning's Light!

The beautiful dream catcher wind chimes I found!

Lesson 3 Craft Activity - Pinwheels

Create a Spinning Pinwheel to remind you of your intimate connection to Air Energy through breathing!  A pinwheel is simple enough to create, here are a couple different websites with instructions on how to make one;

http://www.leslietryon.com/3dcolorcutout/makepinw/makepinwheel.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pinwheel

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/includes/content/curiousgeorge/pdfs/cc_pinwheel_bw.pdf

Decorate your Pinwheel in yellow and sky blue colors, and if you want, decorate it with stickers or draw symbols on it that represent Air Energy.

You can meditate with your pinwheel, take a deep breath and then blow strongly through your mouth to make the pinwheel spin.  Watch it spin and contemplate your relationship with Air and what you have read in this week's previous posts on meditation and breathing.  Think about how your breath has the power to move the pinwheel... something outside of you.  Your breath sets things in motion inside of you, circulating from your lungs, to your bloodstream, to your heart, and throughout your whole body.  Your breath (your life-force) also creates chain reactions in life around you.  Think about how your words, thoughts, actions, and even your presence on the planet has an effect on things around you as you blow your breath on your pinwheel and watch it spin.

Pinwheel Wishing Spell

Use the Power and Magick of your own breath and your intimate connection with Air Energy for this simple spell.  Create your wishing pinwheel and decorate with Air Colors or symbols, as suggested above.  

Meditate on your own breathing for a few minutes, feeling your connection with Air Energy.  If you wish, use one of the Air Meditations shared here earlier, Breath Meditation or Journey for Air.

Spend a few minutes of your meditation thinking about your wish.  Visualize it as if it has already come true.  Visualize how you will feel, how you will act, and what your life will be like when you have what you desire.  (If it is a waning moon period, you may want to wish for what you need removed from your life; while if it is a waxing moon period you may want to wish for what you need to come into your life.)  This spell will be particularly powerful if what you wish for aligns with Air Energy - communications, clear thinking, passing an exam, learning, divination, confidence, and removing obstacles or mental blocks.  Try not to worry about how your dream will come to pass, just hold the happy feeling  of your wish coming true as you meditate and let it fill you with each inhalation.

Speak your wish out loud, and then blow on your pinwheel to make it spin.  Then say this prayer, pausing between each verse to again blow on and spin your pinwheel while envisioning your wish coming true.

"I call upon my Sacred Breath,

the very cycle of Life and Death

With each breath my wish I know;

to the Winds my Wish I blow

I send my wish with Trust and Love,

Winds now carry it to Spirit above!

Air I send my wish to Thee,

As I Will, so mote it be!"

Thank the Air for giving you life, and breathe in with gratitude, knowing that you will find that which you seek.  Keep your pinwheel on your Altar or in a place you will see it often.  Make it spin with your breath whenever you want to, remembering to feel hopeful and grateful and visualizing your wish coming true.  You will receive inspiration or opportunities to help it come to pass! 

Meditation Spell Guide

If you feel you need to give your meditation an extra boost, or would like to ask for help meditating in a ritual or spell, here are some basic magickal correspondences dealing with meditation.

Colors; Blue, White, Silver, Indigo, Purple, Violet, Yellow

Astrology; Aquarius, Pisces

Planets; Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

Day of the Week: Saturdays or Wednesdays

Element: Air

Plants & Herbs;
Basil, Bay Laurel, Benzoin, Copal, Frankincense, Gardenia, Jasmine, Lavender, Mugwort, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Sage, Witchgrass, Wormwood

Crystals & Gemstones;
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Topaz, Calcite, Citrine, Herkimer Diamond, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Mica, Moonstone, Obsidian, Onyx, Peridot, Quartz, Rose Quartz, Sapphire, Selenite, Sodalite,Topaz, Turquoise, Ulexite

Additional Tools;
Bell, Chimes, Tibetan Singing Bowl, Meditation Pillow, a Meditation Table or Altar


If you are having trouble with meditation; whether it be finding the time to meditate, or being able to still your mind long enough to relax, look at this list and see what you can put together to encourage and enhance your meditation practice.  The more ritualistic you make your meditation time, with the continuous practice and repetition of the same ritual each time, you will begin to settle more quickly and easily into a meditative state. You will also have made more of a commitment to practice meditation and there fore will find more time, or time will present itself to you.

For example, using the list and suggestions above, I would make a small meditation table in my bedroom or another private area... even a bathroom!  Place a few of the above mentioned crystals on it, along with an Air Element representation of my choice.  I would place my bell or Tibetan Singing Bowl on this table, and an incense burner or essential oil diffuser.... and choose from the above listed plants and herbs for a scent for my incense or oil.  I may find a candle in one of the colors listed above, anoint it with essential oil from one of the plants listed above and bless it with my intention to meditate more often or for longer periods of time.  I might choose to carve symbols that represent the astrological signs or planets listed above into the sides of my candle.  Once I have my area set up, I begin each meditation the same way.  I make note of what order I do things in and remember to do them in the same order each time I sit down to meditate... this repetition creates ritual.
For example, I might do a few simple stretches and drink some water.  Roll my neck and shoulders gently and stretch my back and legs to prepare for sitting.  Then I light my candle, and say a simple prayer to God/Goddess/Angels/Spirit Guides to protect me and help me during my meditation.  Next I light the incense or oil burner and simply breathe the aroma for a minute, enjoying it.  Then I would sit myself in the position I am going to meditate in, ring my bell one time to signal the beginning of my meditation, and then begin.

This is just one example of how you may use the list above to help you in meditation.  There are so many possibilities with the things listed above, from the blends of incense you might make, a mojo bag to hold while you meditate, crystals to use on a meditation mala necklace, symbols and colors to create a mandala for meditation.... come up with whatever works best for you and use it to enhance your meditation practice!

Craft; Make an Air Element Witches' Ladder

My Air Element Witches' Ladder

Supplies;
Yarn; 3 different colors, about a yard of each.  I chose yellow, white, and light blue for Air Element colors
Feathers; 9.  You may want each feather to be a different color, or choose all one color for your Ladder.
Beads; 9 beads, one to attach with each feather.
Some thread or thin beading wire to put thru each bead and wrap around each feather.
9 small strips of paper.
pen.

Directions:
To begin, write 9 different aspects of Air Energy on your strips of paper.  Look at the list of Air Correspondences and what types of magick are done with Air energy for some ideas.  For example; Communication, Learning, Divination, Music, New Beginnings, Spring, Clear thinking, clean air, etc.  Set these papers aside with the feathers.

Take each of your beads and string some of the beading wire or thread through them, so they are ready when you need them.

Take the 3 strands of yarn and tie them together at the top.  I attached a butterfly pendant to the top of mine for hanging it up, and for further representation of the Air Element.

You may want to take some time meditating on the Air Element and your breath before you begin.  If possible, play some soothing music with the sound of wind, wind chimes, and bells while you create your Witches' Ladder.

Begin braiding the 3 strands of yarn.  Braid about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches, then stop.  Attach the bead.  Take one of the feathers, and one of the strips of paper.  Look at what is written on the paper, then wrap it tightly around the base of the feather.  Use the thread from the bead and wrap it tightly around the feather and paper, and wrap the yarn around it as well, stating out loud the energy and purpose of this feather .... "For clear communication", or "for Air energy of Divination", etc.  Braid another inch in the yarn and then repeat the process of attaching a bead, wrapping the word around the feather, attaching the feather, and stating it's purpose out loud.  Repeat until you have all 9 feathers and beads attached, then tie off the ladder in a final knot, saying, "The Energy of Air is stored here for my use, whenever I shall need it.  Thank you, Air for blessing my Ladder.  My intentions are pure and my spell is done, So Mote It Be."

There are a few ways you can use your Air Element Witches' Ladder.
You can hang it up on an Eastern wall or window of your home to invite Air Energy into your home.
You can hang it above your Altar as a permanent Air representation.
You can use it during Air Energy magick or Rituals by simply holding it, draping it around your shoulders, or wrapping it around your wrist... even wrapping it around your wand or Athame or wrapping it around the base of a candle you want to charge with Air Energy.

For Meditation;
You can use it as a meditation tool, simply holding it at the first bead/feather and breathing in and out three steady inhales and exhales, then move to the next bead/feather and repeat three steady inhales and exhales.  This meditation will be a good way to count and track your breathing, and you will automatically be more connected to Air Energy when you are finished.  It would be a perfect meditation to do before doing any type of Air Magic, or before doing anything that will involve communication (before a speech or job interview), before divination practices (to open the pathways of communication with your spirit guides and Higher Self), etc.

Full Moon Spell to Heal The Earth

Air Element Study, Lesson Two

Air Pollution and what we Can Do About It.

A Full Moon Spell to Gaia for Healing of the Earth

For this spell, you may choose different candle colors, herbs, and incesne based on the type of Environmental Healing you want to do.  (Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Earth Pollution)  You may choose to do this healing based on the astrological sign of the Full Moon.  For example, the upcoming Full Moon will be Wednesday/Thursday April 24th and 25th, and it will be in Libra, an Air Sign.  So I would choose correspondences to go with Air Healing.  For my full list of correspondences for Environmental healing please read this post.

Gather your herbs, incense, two candles, crystals of your choice, and a cauldron or offering bowl.

Open the circle, and meditate for awhile on your intent.  When you are ready, place the herbs you chose in the offering bowl, arrange the crystals around it.  Set one candle behind it.  Light the candle and incense.  Place both hands, palm down on the altar and chant;

"Mother Gaia, Goddess of the Earth, 
I give you honor,
for without your care and being
I would have no home.
Earth Mother, hear my words.
I have need of your Divine Presence."

Light the second candle from the flame of the first, and carry it to the East.

"Awake, Earth Mother!
Your winds are heavy and foul!
Sweep them clean again!"

Carry the candle to the South

"Awake, Earth Mother!
Your children need your cleansing rays of light.
Our atmosphere is in trouble!"

Carry the candle to the West.

"Awake, Earth Mother! 
The plants and animals and humans are in danger.
Protect your children!"

Carry the candle to the North.

"Awake, Earth Mother!
The planet itself is sick.
Do not destroy us in order to restore balance.
Rather inspire us to all work together as healers of our world.
Come again to your children, Gaia!"

Place the candle on the altar.  Stand with upraised arms

"Awaken our minds and souls, Gaia!
Teach all humans to respect their home.
Teach us responsibility, 
whether it be of chemicals or population,
Awaken us all to the needs of our Earth!"

Thank Gaia for her presense, and extinguish the candles.  Put the herbs outside as an offering to the Earth.  Or, if you wish, leave the candles lit while you do another spell or say more prayers for healing of the Air (or Earth, or Water, whatever the focus of your spell.)  Make sure you follow through by doing your part to help heal the Earth!

Read Here for another prayer to heal the skies.
Read Here for a Meditation on Healing the Earth on Pollution (You could do this meditation at either the beginning or end of your spell)
If you have chosen a couple simple ways that you want to help reduce air pollution, whether you are making changes in your lifestyle or it is something you have already begun doing, here is a simple blessing prayer to dedicate your activity to the greater good of healing The Air.

A Spell For Balance

Air Element Studies, Lesson Two

Air Pollution and What We Can Do about it.

A Spell For Balance

by Starhawk, from "The Earth Path"

"When you are faced with a choice to do something small in service of the Earth that requires some sacrifice [or change] on your part, stop first, breathe and ground and say;

"I offer up this (walk, bus ride, effort of recycling, creation of a compost pile, money spent on an energy saving light bulb... etc.) to the greater balance and healing of the Earth.  Let this small act be like a ripple that grows into a wide circle as it moves outward, leading to greater change.  With every breath in as I (walk, ride, compost, enjoy the light...etc), I will remember my gratitude to the ancestors for the miracle gift of air.  With every breath out I will renew my love and commitment to the balance"."

If you haven't yet, choose something you can do to help prevent and clean up air pollution.  Make a commitment to do it, say this prayer, and remember to breathe in and out slowly and feel gratitude, respect, balance, and intention every time you do whatever it is you have chosen.  No matter how small it seems, it is an act to restore balance and show your love for the Earth and respect to your Ancestors.

This is one small thing I have done so far.  I bought a second trash can for my kitchen, and I labeled it so my kids know to use it for items that can be recycled.  This helps them remember to sort the recyclables from the regular trash, which means we should be recycling a little bit more every week!  I am going to say the above prayer every time I empty this trash bin into our Recycling Collection bin that the city provides for us.  

Environmental Healing Spell Guide

Air Element Study, Lesson Two

Air Pollution and what we can do to help.

If you are wanting to create your own spell or ritual for Healing of The Earth, here are some correspondences you might want to keep in mind.  Creating your own spell is easy and fun, and I think sometimes a spell created on our own can be more powerful because we put our own energy into coming up with it.

Environmental Healing Spell Correspondences

Colors; (Colors can be used for candles you use, paper your write on, color of pen you use for writing your prayer, ribbons or string/cord you use, or fabric to make a sachet.)
For Earth Healing; Green, Brown, Black
For Air Healing; Yellow, White, or Sky Blue
For Water Healing: Blue or Sea-Green

Plants;  (Used in the form of incense, essential oils, or dried herbs you use in any other way)
Acorn, Apple, Basil, Copal, Elm, Frankincense, Lavender, Maple, Myrrh, Pine, Rose, Sage, Sandalwood, Tobacco, Willow, Yarrow

Crystals and Gemstones;
Amber, Bloodstone, Calcite, Carnelian, Copper, Garnet, Jasper, Obsidian, Petrified Wood, Quartz

Astrological Signs (For timing of your spell, or for writing / carving a sigil representing the sign's power into your candle or paper, etc)
For Earth Healing; Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
For Air Healing; Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
For Water Healing; Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Day of the Week (not necessary, but might add a boost to your spell if you can do it on the day of the week related to it's element.)
For Earth Healing; Saturday, Thursday
For Air Healing; Wednesday, Sunday
For Water Healing; Monday

Element/Direction/Elementals.  All directions may be summoned for your circle, as all elements are connected.  But you can pay special attention in calling these elements or directions depending on what kind of environmental healing you are doing.
Earth Healing; Earth/North/Gnomes
Air Healing; Air/East/Sylphs
Water Healing; Water/West/Sprites or Mermaids

Tarot Cards; (Some people like to place Tarot Cards on their Altar to represent the magick they are working)
Earth Healing; The Empress, The World or Ace of Pentacles
Air Healing; The Sun, The Lovers, Ace of Swords (or Ace of Wands depending on your deck's correspondences)
Water Healing: The Star, Temperance, or Ace of Cups

For a list of Archangels, Gods & Goddesses, and Elementals you can call on for Environmental work and Earth Healing, read this post.

Air Element Study; Lesson 2 - Air Purification (Household Magick)

Air Element Study: Lesson 2

Air Purification (Household Magick)

Here are some methods for purifying the Air within your home! 

Fresh Air Spell

by Ember

"This spell is to create a room-cleansing mist to cleanse a space of negative energy and create a positive atmosphere.  Make a "tea bag" by adding equal parts rosemary and sage to a piece of cheesecloth.  Tie the bag and toss it into water that is just at the brink of boiling.  Allow this infusion to steep until it's partially cooled.  Remove the cheesecloth bag and pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle.  Add a few drops of peppermint and orange essential oil, a sprig of dill, and a pinch of sea salt.  Place the bottle on your altar or table and allow it to cool completely.  If you wish, make a circle of quartz crystals around it and focus your intent on specific issues you wish to manifest.  Spray the mixture into the air of any room you would like to freshen with positive energy."

Note from Tarot Mom; To make this spell into a more Air Energy type of spell, place it on your Air Altar before use, light your Air Element Candle, place the Ace of Swords next the the bottle with the crystals, and say a prayer asking the water mixture to be blessed with the energy of fresh Air; and focus your intent on creating positive space that allows clear thinking, learning, and communication.  For an extra Air Energy boost, ring a bell as you spray the room.

Air Purifying Household Plants

Some wonderful plants to keep around your home, they will suck up large amounts of carbon dioxide and other toxities in the air and put out nice big bursts of Oxygen purifying the air. 

1. Bamboo Palm According to NASA, it removes formaldehyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

2. Snake Plant Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde.

3. Areca Palm One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.

4. Spider Plant Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldehyde from the air.

5. Peace Lily Peace lilies could be called the clean all. They're often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they're known for removing mold spores. Also know to remove formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Gerbera Daisy Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they're known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night. So make great bedroom plants.

~ From "Wicca Teachings" on FaceBook

Himalayan Salt Lamps

Scientific studies have shown that rock salt lamps can increase the negative ion count by up to 300% and excessive negative ions are essential for a positive mood and high energy. When warmed by the globe the rock salt generates a stream of negative ions which improves the air quality.

They remove odors from the air naturally, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Televisions, radios, computers, microwaves, transmitters all produce positive ions. Placing a Rock Salt Lamp nearby produces the negative ions required for good health. Using one at work will help to make you feel more energized. 

Working under bright artificial light can make you feel tired, however the negative ions created by your lamp, balance this energy making you fell rejuvenated and energized.

Also beneficial for people effected by arthritis, asthma, stress, insomnia, aches, fatigue, tiredness, migraines, headaches, hormonal imbalance, attention deficit disorder and poor concentration.

It is safe and beneficial to leave your lamp on at all times.

Care of your lamp:

To clean your lamp just wipe gently with a damp cloth. Do not use a soaking cloth as this will begin to dissolve it. 

If you live in a humid area place your lamp in a plastic bag when it is turned off so it will not absorb the moisture in the air.

FlyLady - Pagan Style; Shine Your Sink!

For those of you who don't know what FlyLady is, it's an inspirational website designed to help you clean and de-clutter your home and your life. It helps you create routines that work for you, your lifestyle & your family to help housekeeping become stress-free and something you just do naturally and daily rather than something you put off until the last minute and then stress about when you have company coming over.

I have felt for awhile now that many aspects of the FlyLady program can be applied in spiritual ways to those who consider themselves, Neo-Pagans, Kitchen Witches, Hearth Witches, Green Witches, etc.  I will be going over some FlyLady basics here in my blog and writing about how they can be seen as a spiritual thing; not just a house-cleaning and organizing thing!  If you missed it, check out my post called "FlyLady - Pagan Style; Welcome Letter"

When you start with FlyLady, there are 31 days of "Baby Steps" to help you slowly start to integrate small changes into your daily routines.  It's about developing habits and changing your mind-set to a positive one!

BabyStep Day 1;
SHINE YOUR SINK!

Read FlyLady's Day 1 letter here; Day One- Shine Your Sink! 

My favorite part of this letter is where she says; "The voices that you hear in your head keep telling you that you are behind and you have to get it all done now. We are going to quiet those negative voices that are beating you up constantly and replace them with a loving, gentle voice that tells you that you are not behind and you can do this one BabyStep at a time!"

You may look around your house and think there are areas that need more work than my kitchen sink!  The desk is covered with paperwork, the closets are overflowing, The kid's rooms look like a tornado hit.  It's okay.  We are going to listen to FlyLady and start with one small task for today.  We are going to shine that kitchen sink!  Then for the rest of the day, we are going to keep it shining!  Before you go to bed, make sure it is shining again!  Even if you do nothing else today, and the rest of your house is messy, you will LOVE waking up to a shiny sink!  Trust me!

Here is FlyLady's "Lesson" on How To Shine Your Sink! Check it out!

Keeping your sink shining is going to be your first habit with FlyLady.  Even when I fall way off the bandwagon and my whole house is a mess, I know exactly where to start to feel better... the kitchen sink!  Once my sink is shining I usually feel the motivation start to flow again, and it's easier to keep going and start work on other areas of my home.  Energetically, this makes sense, because all sinks and drains in our home represent and reflect "energy flow" both in and out of our homes.  If the sink is blocked with dishes, clogged with dirt, or just plain grimy, how does this effect the flow of energy in and out of our homes?
In Feng-shui, the Kitchen is associated with both Health and Prosperity, as well as being the "Heart" of the home.  So, as you clean your sink it can be great to visualize this task as a moment you take to care for the "Heart" of your home.  Open the flow of energy... let the good pour in and the bad drain away!  You can easily make the process of shining your sink into a Home Blessing Ritual!  Smudge with some sage, pour salt water down the drain, visualize and pray for the energy flow of your home to become open and cleansed.  Here is a great article called "Clearing Your Sink and Magickally Sealing It." by Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom.... I love her ideas and I have incorporated her suggestions with my monthly sink-clearing ritual, as well as just simply visualizing and praying while I shine my sink each night before bed!

So now you have read FlyLady's First Babystep and how to Shine your Sink in a spiritual, magickal mindset!  Off you go.... shine your sink and let yourself feel proud of this small but important task!

Before you go, take a moment to watch this short meditation & affirmation video.  Remember... FLY means Finally Loving Yourself; so these baby steps are meant not only to help you organize your home but also to help you learn how to love yourself more fully and completely!  Watch this video and then go Shine Your Sink, and do it as an act of self-love!

 

Also, HAPPY NEW YEAR!  
Isn't this a great Ritual to start off your New Year?  And a great start to building new habits & routines! 

12 Days of Yule; Day 4, Gratitude & New Moon

This is what I posted yesterday at Journal Yourself Awake;

At http://paganwiccan.about.com there is a list of 12 Days of Yule Devotionals and I think they are wonderful! I will share them here, along with my own thoughts on how you can journal on the Daily Devotions. I will also share some other Winter Holidays, traditions, and Lore to consider, which you can also choose to journal or blog about if you wish!

December 13, 2012 - Day 4

Day 4 ; Counting Your Blessings;
Yule should be a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it can be stressful. This is a season to take a moment and be thankful for the blessings you have, and to take a moment to remember those less fortunate.

"I am grateful for that which I have.
I am not sorrowful for that which I do not.
I have more than others, less than some,
but regardless, I am blessed with
what is mine."

By Patti Wigington; http://paganwiccan.about.com

My Journaling / Blogging suggestion;

Make another gratitude list! List people, things, and events that you are thankful for! Writing a Gratitude list is always a feel-good thing to do, it will lift your spirits and help banish stresses and worries to just spend a few minutes thinking about all you have to be grateful for! Try to spend a full 5 minutes adding things to your list! Keep writing even if the things you write seem trivial... just keep the gratitude flowing for as long as you can!

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Today, Dec. 13, 2012 - is also the New Moon! This goes quite well with our gratitude journaling for the day... it is always good to start the New Moon energy flowing with some gratitude! Yesterday we wrote about some of the dark times we have gone through and the negativity we want to release. Today, focus on those positive aspects of what you have learned. I always like to think of the New Moon as a fresh start. I can wipe the slate clean, and start the new cycle however I want!

My Journaling/ Blogging suggestion;

Write about your strengths, and how you have improved your life over the past year, and make a "wish list" of wishes and goals for the coming year. What do you want to experience more of in the future? Write it down, but fully claim it! Don't just say "I want to experience more love.".... fully claim it and write "I fully welcome more love into my life now!"

Also, for a wonderful "New Moon in Sagittarius" Meditation and visualization, check this page out;

http://www.crystalwind.ca/astrology/new-moon-energy-series/2401-meditation-for-the-new-moon-in-sagittarius.html

 

I didn't have time to write here last night, but here are some of my own thoughts from yesterday's New Moon and Yule meditation;

Part 1 - Gratitude;
I am thankful for-

My job, having a job that understands that as a mother of 3 children things come up and I can't always work the hours I am scheduled for.  I am also thankful that my job is both close to my home and close to my children's school, and I can easily walk to either place after work.  My co-workers are some of the best people I know and I am happy to be surrounded by such loving, hard working, generous people on a daily basis!
My husband's job.  He has been laid off for a few months, but this week he started work again!  Money is still tight as we now try to catch up, but I am so grateful that he has the opportunity to work, and that we can finally breathe a little easier, knowing that a paycheck will be coming again soon!  And I am grateful that my husband is a hard working man, committed to doing hard work to provide for his family!
My parents - who have helped us both financially and with emotional support and love during our time of need!
My friends... my Friends who are physically close to me, and my online, long-distance friends who offer me so much support! I am thankful for all we have learned from each other, and for the bond we share!
My children... three amazing little souls who share their life with me!  I can't even begin to explain all the ways they have blessed my life... it would take more than one blog post to even go into that!!

 

Part 2 - New Moon
For my New Moon ritual I took the pieces of paper that I had written down things I want to attract into my life on.  During the Dark Moon ritual I had written down the things I want to be removed from my life, and burned them.  Since nature does not allow a vacuum, I wrote an equal number of positives to replace the negatives that I released. 
I drew a hot bath, added Sage (for Wisdom), Lavender (for peace), Salt (for purification), and milk (for nurturing and Moon Mother energy) and I soaked in the bath and meditated.  For me, the bath is my favorite place to meditate and do spell work!  I took each piece of paper, one at a time, held it in my hand and visualized myself receiving a gift from The Goddess and God.  I unwrapped each gift in my mind, and inside of it was what I had written on the paper (example; Good Health).  I then dropped the paper into the bath water and visualized myself immersed in the Gift.  I saw it, felt it, revelled in it.  Then I would pick another piece of paper, receive another "gift" and continue with the visualization process.  It was a very beautiful and simple ritual and left me feeling very blessed and ready to begin this new moon cycle. 

Calling on The Fates or Norns to aid in Divination

Honoring the Fates

Connecting with The Fates, also known as the Moerae, can be very helpful when you are doing any type of divination or dream work, or just wanting a clearer glimpse at your life to help you make better choices.  Since The Fates weave each person's "Life Thread", they can help you look into your life through dreams, meditation, or divination.
You can also look at any Three Card tarot reading in terms of the Three Sisters known as the Fates or The Norns... Past, Present, and Future.  Before drawing your three tarot cards, call upon each sister by name... Clotho (Past), Lachesis (Present), and Atropos (Future) and see what each card, or each sister, reveals to you.  If you wish, you can call upon the Nordic Norns for your tarot reading in a similar fashion;   They are Urd (The Past), Verthandi or Verdandi (the Present), and Skuld (the Future). 

The Dark of The Moon is a good time for Divination and Dream work.  The night before the New Moon, it is the night of No moon... the darkest night of the cycle.  In this time we experience a long period of darkness, and the night is not even illuminated by the moon... we can delve deep into the psyche and the inner, secret realms of the Night.  The Fates in Greek Mythology are the daughters of Nyx (Goddess of Night), so the dark moon is a perfect time to call upon them to help you see things more clearly.  Ask them to assist you in your tarot readings, rune readings, or to show you answers or clues in your dreams during this dark night.  Here in this blog post I have included some information on The Fates, along with a beautiful ritual for honoring them.

The following information is from the book, "Moon Magick" by D.J. Conway and you may find it helpful in connecting with the Fates, The Norns, or The Wyrd Sisters before you try to attempt any ritual invoking them. 

THE FATES & THE NORNS-

The Greek Fates and Nordic Norns are very similar. It may be that these Goddesses all came from pre-Aryan cultures in the Far East, before these cultural groups migrated to their respective areas to settle. Although there is no record of sacrifices to The Norns, the Nordic clans held them in awe and high regard. In Greece and Rome, the Fates were taken very seriously. They were given sacrifices of honey and flowers. Well into Medieval times three rings were used in special rituals to invoke the Fates. The three gunas, or colored threads (white, red, and black), of India were said to run through every life as ordained by the Fates. Ovid, Theocritus, and others wrote of the same colored life-threads in Greek literature.

 * The Fates

The Greek Fates ("portions, shares") were also called the Moerae or Moirai and became known as the Parcae during the Middle Ages. These three serious daughter of Nyx (Night), were Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Clotho spun the life-thread, Lachesis measured it, assigned the destiny, and added a portion of luck. Brooding Atropos with her shears cuts the thread at any time without warning. Not even Zeus would go against a decree by the Fates. The Goddess Nemesis was the only one who could influence Atropos to let the thread spin into a longer length. They were often accompanied by the Keres (Dogs of Hades) who were three beings with sharp teeth and robed in red. Although this trio was feared, the beings were also invoked at weddings for a happy union.

* The Norns

In many aspects, the Nordic Norns were quite similar. This trio of fate Goddesses live at the Well of Urd near one of the roots of the World Tree Yggdrasil. They are Urd (The Past), Verthandi or Verdandi (the Present), and Skuld (the Future).   The Norn Urd (Fate) was defined as "that which is becoming"; Verthandi (Necessity) as "That which is"; Skuld (Being) as "That which should become".  Predestination and predetermination were were unknown to the Norse.  They believed that what each person did influenced his/her future. 

The Norns were almost as important as the Aesir themselves.  In fact, these Goddesses were said to weave the destinies of men, gods, giants, dwarfs, and every other living being.  Each day the Norse Gods held their counsil at this Well in the presence of the Norns.  The fact that the water from the Well of Urd turned everything white may tie these deities to the three phases of the Moon. Certain records also speak of the helpers of the Norns, who were the Disir; in some writings these were called elves. The Hamingjes were like guardian angels to the humans. There were elf-maids who cared for unborn babies. The decrees of Urd were carried out by the Giptes. Other Disir oversaw certain families or clans. There were even supernatural women , not Valkyries, who brought the souls of the dead to Hel's realm. 

It is rare for a person to know exactly where their future is going, including all the sidetracks that invariably go on.  It is difficult to even get a clear glimpse of the broader picture.  Learning to work with the Norns and The Fates and Listen to their advice is important to avoid major pitfalls.  If they point out coming problems, and we manage to change our direction to avoid them, we have taken responsibility in the molding of our future.  If the problems revealed by the Norns seem to stay in our path regardless of our efforts, then we must work through them, learning the necessary lessons.

 * The English knew of the Norns by the name of the Weird Sisters. The Anglo-Saxons called them Wyrd; in Old High German Wurd. These Wyrd Sisters are quite likely descendants of the Greek Moerae or Fates.

RITUAL:

 This is from the book "Moon Magick" by D.J. Conway. It is suggested for the Dark Moon that falls in December. I am not copying word for word except for the ritual and the info on the fates... I have done this ritual before and have added my own notes and thoughts.

* You will need; * 3 long cords (thick string or ribbon) - one white, one black, and one red
Your altar set up however you want for the Winter season and whatever candles or incense you find fitting.
You may choose to have three candles, one of red, one of black, and one of red, also, to represent the three sisters (The Fates/The Norns) or three candles of any color you wish... however you want to set it up is fine.

 * The Ritual;

 Call upon The Fates. You can call upon the Greek Fates (Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos) or the Nordic Norns (Urd, Verthandi, and Skuld), or call on them as The Wyrd Sisters as they are known in English traditions.

* Take the three cords and braid them together. If you wish, make this long enough to be tied around your waist and in the future use the braided cord as part of your ritual garment, (or something to be kept on your altar at all times) As you braid, repeat this chant; *

 "Over, under, threads of Fate.

As in my life, so in all things.

Weaving the pattern, soon or late,

I see the result that action brings."

 (You may also choose to chant the names of the Fates between each repetition of the above chant.) When you finish braiding the cord, knot both ends and kiss the braid. Wrap it around your waist or drape it over your shoulders (or wrap it around your wrists and lift your hands upward) Visualize the Fates of Norns before you, lift your hands to them and chant;

"A new year dawns, the threads weave on,

to ultimately reveal my destiny.

Oh Fates of Life, I ask your aid

To clear my path and set me free.

Let old things die and blow away.

Let new come in to prosper me.

Oh Fates of Life I ask your aid,

To clear my life and set me free."

Sleep with the braided cords under your pillow and pay attention to your dreams.  And be prepared to do whatever is necessary and proper to straighten out your life and make your path smoother.

You may also choose to use the braid to wrap around your deck of tarot cards, or to wear around your wrist, shoulders, or waist whenever you do divination of any form, to help you connect with The Fates or The Norns during future readings.